Let’s talk about how to make these basic bushes I used for the Peter Rabbit Play Set. These little bushes are super fast to make and are the perfect way to add a little greenery to your miniature project.
Gather Your Materials
- Wool Felt
- 1″ Wool Felt Ball
- Free Pattern
- Glue Gun
- Scissors
Before you begin crafting your charming miniature felt bush, it’s essential to gather all the necessary materials. Don’t worry; you won’t need any fancy or hard-to-find items. In fact, everything you need is likely already in your craft stash or easily available at your local craft store.
First and foremost, you’ll need green felt sheets.
To join the felt pieces together, you’ll want to have a trusty hot glue gun on hand. This versatile tool will ensure that your bush stays put together throughout the entire crafting process. And of course, don’t forget to stock up on glue sticks to keep the creativity flowing.
Next up, you’ll need a pair of sharp fabric scissors. These will come in handy when cutting out the felt pieces and shaping them into leaf patterns. Make sure your scissors are in good condition to ensure clean cuts and accurate shapes.
Last of all you’ll need a 1 inch wool felt ball for the base of the bush. If you don’t have a felt ball around, you can use a styrofoam ball, or even a length of felt that you roll up into a disc. Anything to give your bush a bit of a base to sit on.
Cutting the Wool Ball
The wool ball is the foundation of our miniature felt bush. When we cut it, we can create a realistic and visually appealing base for our project. Start by holding the wool ball in your hand and simply cut it in half with your scissors. No need to make it perfect. We just want a flat surface to sit on the table and a round one for gluing.
Creating the Leaves
To create the leaves, you’ll need some green felt fabric, scissors, and the free pattern. You’ll notice there are two sizes of leaves on the pattern. In the video I’m using the larger leaves to make a slightly larger bush. The smaller ones are there in case you want something a little smaller.
After deciding on the size you like, cut out 8 leaves from the green wool felt. Remember, nature isn’t perfect so it’s ok if your shapes are slightly off.
Shaping the Leaves
Once your leaves are cut out, place a small circle of glue in the center. Bunch the leaves together to create a little Leaf Bundle. Repeat with all 8 leaves.
Assembling the Felt Bush
To begin, apply a small amount off glue to the base of each leaf. Take care not to use too much glue, as you don’t want it to seep through the felt. Gently press each leaf onto the wool ball, ensuring that they are firmly attached.
As you work, keep in mind the natural growth patterns of a bush. Vary the direction and angle at which you attach the leaves to create a realistic, organic appearance. Remember, nature is rarely perfectly symmetrical, so embrace the imperfections and make your felt bush come alive.
Once all the leaves are securely glued, take a step back and admire your handiwork. Take this moment to make any final adjustments, ensuring that the foliage is evenly distributed and there are no visible gaps.
Displaying Your Miniature Felt Bush
I designed these little bushes to be used for little play sets or doll house set ups, but they really can be put to use just about anywhere. Once they are made, it’s easy to use a little hot glue to stick them in place wherever you need a little greenery.