By Laura Bray
The tradition of “prosperity hens” comes from India. Typically, garlands, with birds made from old sari material, are strung together with beads and bells. It is believed that, if you hang them in your doorway, they will invite wealth into your home.
Today, I wanted to share my take on the prosperity hens garland, using felt of course! I don’t know if they will really bring me wealth, but I decided it wouldn’t hurt to hang these darling, felt hens on my studio door, just for general cuteness!
Supplies:
- 9″ x 12″ craft cuts of Kunin Classicfelt in Cream, Baby Pink, and Gold
- 12″ x 18″ craft cuts Premiumfelt™ in Lagoon
- Laura Bray’s Prosperity Hen Pattern
- Embroidery floss to match felt colors
- Basic sewing kit
- Stuffing
- Wood beads
- Acrylic paint
- Plastic yarn needle
- Baker’s twine
- Small bell
Instructions to make a Prosperity Hens garland:
1. Using the Prosperity Hens garland, cut out two hen shapes and one wing shape for each bird. I made a garland with seven hens, but you can make as many as you want.
2. Using embroidery floss, stich a decorative flower onto the wing of the hen. (Look at the photo at the top of the post for inspiration. I added some sequins onto some of the wings too!)
3. Using a running stitch, sew the wing onto one of the hen shapes. Pin the second hen shape to the back of the piece with the wing, and attach together by stitching. Don’t forget to stuff the bird a bit to give some dimension.
4. For an added touch, use embroidery floss (or a wired wrapped floss) to add some tail feathers to the bird.
5. Paint designs onto the wood beads with acrylic paint. Allow to dry completely.
6. Cut a length of Baker’s twine that is a few inches longer than all your hens and beads lined up. Tie one end to your bell.
7. Thread the Baker’s twine into a plastic yarn needle and then begin threading your beads and hens onto it. At the end, tie a loop for hanging.
You can now find an expanded color line of Kunin Eco-fi Classicfelt; Eco-fiPlus™ Premiumfelt and ShaggiChic non-wovens fabrics in cut by the yard at your local Walmart; please inquire as to what is available in your area.