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

Comments

[cathy]

I really like including a peace dove with the decorations on our tree - it's a beautiful symbol. My kids aren't quite up to stitching yet so we made some simple doves like this: http://nurturestore.co.uk/make-a-dove-of-peace-christmas-decoration

[jenna]

This has been such a joy to do with my daughter and her friends. Thank you so much!!

[Barbara]

Excuse me, my English is bad! But I want to thank you for this Peace Dove Ornament. It became my pentecost-decoration. I allways enjoy your ideas!

Greatings from Germany,
Barbara

[cpaig]

Thank you so much for this. It is beautiful, easy to make, and looks great on my tree!

[Nan]

I just discovered your blog - wish I had found it sooner because I could have used your "help" with some gifts! But now I know you're here I'll be checking back often! Merry Christmas! Nan

[autismtymz2]

We love your wonderful blog. Thank you for posting all of these lovely bits of inspiration :)

Peace on Earth

[thehappytomato]

Thank you for sharing this. My daughter and I made these for her teachers today. At 4, she's pretty nimble with the scissors and the needle...she loves your blog, too!

[jj]

Thanks so much for the dove pattern! I made three of them today, and will post photos when I get my camera back. They're really pretty, thanks again.

[Rebekah]

loving the dove ornament. I'll definitely be making one of these : )

[Cindy]

Again, you have given us another activity! Thank you so much for your wonderful daily posts they are ooozing with inspiration and interesting information. We were planning on making some ornaments for teachers as one of our advent activities and I was still on the fence about what to do, not anymore these pretty little doves are perfect!

[anna]

Love the dove--and I'm enjoying the advent calendar too. Great books.

[Moxie]

I just love that you're doing these! They are wonderful books & projects.

[Amber]

Beautiful, beautiful dove. I think we'll make one this weekend... thank you!

[Bernadette]

I'm a reader from the UK. I've been reading your blog for a while but haven't left a comment before.
I absolutely love your advent activities this month. And I love being introduced to so many beautiful new books. Thank you so much for sharing all this fun stuff with us.