Portrait Ornaments

Last year I spotted a version of this ornament on a tree at a craft fair. Naturally, I photographed it for future project possibilities. I wanted the students to draw something personal that would be a lovely keepsake to pull out and adorn the tree with for years to come. A portrait seemed perfect. Plus, they'd had lots of practice drawing self portraits earlier in the fall.

First they sketched a portrait in their drawing books and then outlined it with a sharpie. Then they carefully traced over them onto broadcloth with a sharpie. The fabric was folded in half, inside out, and the excess was trimmed off (by me). With the help of support staff and supervision aids (huge thank you), small groups of students worked with an adult to hand stitch their ornaments in preparation of stuffing. They were handed a pre threaded needle and wow, they did they get the hang of things pretty quickly. They had to stop to leave a small opening so the ornament could be turned inside out and filled. The adults helped to tie off the thread but their little hands were perfect for inside outing the fabric. For time's sake, I took them all home to fill, seal and ribbon. The children were very proud of the finished products. Hope you enjoyed opening them as much as we did making them for you.