Advent Day 13: Winter Lights and peace dove ornament

Book: Lights of Winter by Heather Conrad
Activity: Peace Dove Ornament

Lovely illustrations by deForest Walker are the perfect compliment to this well written story about winter traditions around the world. This book really leaves you with the sense of belonging to a world-wide community.

Although I don't own this book, Christmas Around the World, it sounds like a fun interactive pop-up book that I can't wait to get my hands on. I'm sure the kids will like it too ;)

Activity: Peace Dove Ornament

Supplies:
•white or cream colored felt for dove
•shade of green colored felt for olive branch
•embroidery floss to match your felt
•embroidery needle
•poly-fil for stuffing
•3" length of ribbon
•scissors
•template (sorry for the quality of the template - my scanner is acting up and I had to work with a photo)

Step 1: print out template and cut it out

Step 2: using the template, cut out two pieces for the dove's body from white felt and one piece for the olive branch from the green felt

Step 3: fold ribbon in half and insert between the two felt pieces as marked on the pattern and pin in place - make sure it is perpendicular to the dove so it hangs straight

Step 4: start stitching the two dove pieces together using a running stitch, leave an opening at the bottom for stuffing

Step 5: lightly stuff with poly-fil beginning with the tip of the wing, the tail, and the head; finish stitching and knot it off

Step 6: stitch the middle of the olive branch to the tip of the dove's beak with your coordinating floss and you're all done