Customized Cowboy Boot Ornament Tutorial

I know that Christmas is months away and I am the type of person that hates when stores have any holiday decorations up 6 months before the actual holiday.        However, I have a good excuse. I was asked by a ranch in South Dakota  to make a Christmas ornament(s) to hang on the state Christmas tree in the capitol building. The decorations have to be to the capital by October 1^st. The theme for this years tree is-western family heritage. So I decided to make a cowboy boot with the ranch’s brand on it.  My business partner introduced me to this amazing felt that looks like tooled leather-LOVE IT! Lucky for me when I went to Hobby Lobby it was on sale.

First I looked for a boot pattern, I found one here that I liked.

Then I pinned the cut out pattern onto the felt.

 Cut out 2 pieces. Remember to flip the pattern so that the” tooled leather” is on the correct side for the front and back of the ornament.

I did the same with the brand. I made a free hand pattern. I used the lighter brown for this part.

I placed the boots wrong sides together and top stitched around the edges with my machine. Leaving the the top of the boot open to stuff with batting.

After I filled it I placed a piece of brown ribbon(for the hanger) in the top and sewed it closed. Then I took the brand and glued is securely with fabric glue.  The other ornament I am hand stitching on the brand. This brand was too narrow and I thought the stitching might be distracting.

TA-DA!!

I am making a few other ones in various shapes, belt buckles, stars, etc for presents. I think that stitching in turquoise might be kinda cute too. The possibilities are endless.  Id love to hear from you if you end up making a similar item or have a great idea for this WONDERFUL felt.