I like ruffles…A LOT. And my new obsession is burlap.
So, when I saw Ashley Johnston’s tutorial for a ruffle Christmas tree skirt, I knew it was my next d.i.y. project. Here’s my completed skirt:
I’m in love with how it turned out, however, let me shoot straight: this project is not for the faint of heart.
- It’s time-consuming. Although a few bloggers mentioned this only taking two hours, it took me closer to eight! Though, I confess I did have Christmas movies playing the background, which may have slowed me down.
- It’s messy. If you use burlap, your workspace and the area around it will be blanketed in a thin layer of burlap hair. If you are a neat-freak, this is your nightmare.
- Be prepared to endure a few burns from your glue gun. And by a few, I mean that your fingers won’t have much feeling left in them by the end. But I have faith it’s only temporary!
- You may or may not knock over your box of pins four different times, sending pins flying e-v-e-r-y-w-h-e-r-e. (Or maybe that’s just me.)
I felt that it was important to be up front about what you’d be getting into. But if you’re up to the task or just plain curious, here’s the how to:
SUPPLIES:
- 1.5 yards of felt fabric OR your old Christmas tree skirt
- 4 yards total of fabric for your ruffles
- Measuring tape
- Fabric marker or chalk
- Fabric scissors
- Rotary cutter
- Cutting mat
- Acrylic ruler
- Pins, lots of pins!
- Hot glue gun and glue sticks
- Optional: twine and heavy duty needle
Step 1. Create a felt base for your tree skirt. If you already have an old tree skirt you can use as your base, great! But if not, never fear. It’s really easy to create your own using 1.5 yards of felt. I followed some pointers I picked up from this video tutorial on Monkey See. Fold your felt in half, then fold it again to create four squares. At the point where the two folded edges meet, pin down the base of a measuring tape. Then, like a compass, use the measuring tape to mark your fabric from one side across to the other at 24″. (This will create a tree skirt with a 48″ diameter, which is standard size.) The pictures below should help.
Like my socks?
Then, once you’ve cut across your marked lines, do the same, but at 2.5″ to create the center hole of your skirt. Most skirts have 4″ or 5″ opening.
Same concept as cutting a snowflake!
Once you open up the felt, you should have something that looks like this. Don’t forget to cut your slit!
Poinsettia photo-bomb.
Step 2. Cut your fabric strips. I opted for two different types of burlap for this project. Using my rotary cutter, cutting mat, and acrylic ruler, I cut a slew of 3″ strips of fabric. Here’s where the messiness begins. Embrace it!
Step 3. Pre-pin your ruffles. As recommended by Ashley in her tutorial, it really makes a difference to pre-pin your burlap into ruffles ahead of time. Why? I found that it takes longer for the burlap to bond to the felt, so pre-pinning will save your fingers excess burning and a lot of mess down the line. This is a great time to turn on A Charlie Brown Christmas (free on hulu!).
Step 4. Glue gun your ruffles to the felt. This is the part where you start to wonder if there really is a light at the end of the tunnel…because it might take you 45 minutes to complete your first row of ruffles. But remember, the first row will be the longest, and each row after that gets shorter and faster. You can do it!
Tips? When gluing, I made a line of glue for the top edge of my ruffles about 8″ long. Then, I’d gently apply the ruffles. You have more time than you might expect to work with the glue before it sets, so don’t feel the need to press it down and burn off all ten fingers right away. Just wait until it starts to cool, then press firmly. I even started using a pair of scissors to do the pressing when my fingertips needed a break. After each row was completed, I pulled out the pins. At the end of it all, I ended up using about 1 1/4 yards of the white burlap and 2 3/4 yards of the brown burlap, so 4 yards total should have you covered.
Many hours later when I reached the middle, I decided to fold over some brown burlap squares to “seal” it all up.
And then, I used my scissor to trim up some of the fraying edges…but of course, fraying is part of burlap’s charm!
Step 5. Optional: Add twine closures at the slit. These are only really helpful if your skirt is going to lie flat on the ground…however, I didn’t really figure that out until after the fact. Turned out I really didn’t need them, but at least they look cute!
That’s all, folks! Here she is, under our tree, looking mighty ruffly.
All we need now are ornaments!
And gifties!
Oh, and just in case you were wondering what my Halloween costume will be next year, here’s a sneak peek:
And on that cheesy note, farewell, friends!
{I link up at these parties.}
That looks great! If only I had the time. Of course, my cat would probably destroy it in minutes. It looks like it would be fun to a cat.
P.S. My favorite photo is you as a bird.
I guess my cat would like the bird photo, too!
Ha ha! We currently don’t have any pets, but I could see pets having a field day with this particular skirt whether on the ground or on a person!
And I’m glad you appreciated the bird pic. The passersby on the bike path by our house must’ve thought I was off my rocker. (The things I’m willing to do for a laugh.)
Great job Lauren, your persistence and precision pays off! After many frustrating spills with pins, I now keep them in a vinatge melamine bowl – they are easy to grab and return and the bowl is weightier than the box and is less likely to spill. It’s also a way to make an old family relic useful; when I open the drawer that it lives in, I still go awwww, I remember when we used those dishes. Then again a thrift store find would do well too, just make sure it is not breakable
The bowl is a great idea, and I love that yours has personal significance. (I could have definitely used that the past few days!) I actually have the perfect bowl that I used to have on my desk at school with paperclips. It’s stored away in a tupperware downstairs…must find it and give it a second life! Thank for the inspiration, Nancy.
It’s GORGEOUS!!!
Thanks, Katherine! All-caps from you means a whole LOT!
Lauren Lanker. I am a lurker on this blog, but I am very faithful so I am practically a subscriber–I love it here! And I LOVE your tree skirt! We have only a tiny table tree this year, but if we had a full size one, this would be the tree skirt of my dreams.
You are such a welcome addition to the world of blogging tutorials. Takes a true teacher to do it well.
Wish I could pop in and visit you in my sunshiney home state!
Dear, Ellie, it is an HONOR to have you reading my blog. Lurk all you want! And thank you so much for your encouraging words. It has been fun to be able to apply my love of teaching to this humble blog. Next time you’re in FL, let me know. We’d love to have you and your hubby in our home for a spot of tea and round of “guess whose voice this is.”
Merry Christmas!
Awesome job. It looks beautiful! I have been wanting to make one of these but from all white burlap or canvas drop cloth. Maybe after I finish all my homemade gifts I’ll have time to work on it!
Thanks, Kristen. I bet canvas drop cloth would make great ruffles (and a lot less mess!). Just came back from visiting your beautiful blog. Once again…you do amazing work!
Thank you!
Mmmm ruffles!
(I’m a sucker for ruffles.)
Looks stunning! You have the patience of a saint. I saw the pins and I was like Ok let me hire you to make me one.
Ha ha! Alex, you’re too funny. I don’t know if you could pay me enough to do another one…at least not until next year. Then, we’ll talk.
wow, that tree is amazing. is that really ours? you make it look even better than real life!
Aw, shucks. It’s all thanks to your amazing camera!
It really turned out great!
Kenley
Thanks a lot, Kenley! It did turn out to be worth the effort.
This is gorgeous! I’m in need of a new tree skirt. I don’t think I’ll have time this year, but I’ll get working on it so it will be ready for next year. What a great tutorial! Thanks for sharing!
You should have plenty of time then to get it ready for next year!
Glad it inspired you, Brooke!
The finished tree skirt looks fabulous! (and you should totally use it for a Halloween costume next year)
Ha ha! Thanks, Cindy. I’m seriously contemplating the whole Halloween costume thing. Especially since our neighborhood is full of so many different bird species! I’d fit right in….
It came out really lovely!
Thanks, Crystal! That’s very sweet.
It’s absolutely gorgeous!
Sorry – I meant to comment using my proper blog…
I’m glad you did! It afforded me the opportunity to check out your beautiful projects. You take great photos, Barb…and I love your neutral color palette. Will definitely be back!
Oh, the ruffles! Perfection! I just wish I was patient enough to make one. So I will just have to pin it so I can ooh and aah over it instead
Ha ha. Thanks, Robyn. (And I have a lot of those ooh and ahh pins, too…many of them for hairstyles…like yours!)
L-O-V-E I-T !! it’s really pretty!
Why thank you, JoAnn. I appreciate it!
Lauren, this is SO beautiful!! The two shades of burlap were a great idea. I love ruffles, too, and bows, so I like how you used the twine bows to tie the two edges together. You are very patient and I’m glad you were honest about how long it REALLY takes! Hope your fingers have healed from the glue-gun burns. Poor baby!! The tree and its skirt look so festive!
Thanks for the specific feedback, Mama. And no worries – - the fingers have made a full recovery. Might have inherited your “asbestos hands” as you call them.
It turned out beautiful! I’m glad you are straight forward up front… ’cause I don’t think I would have the patience for it. Maybe I could do it with a few less rows? It really did turn out great!
AND I LOVE the bird outfit. Hahah!
You could totally do one…and I think a small one for a mini-tree would be just right.
Thanks for delighting in my bird photo. Gotta embrace the cheese!
Lauren, this tree skirt is exquisite! Very much worth your patience and time =)
Thanks so much for sharing at the linky party,
<3 Christina at I Gotta Create!
Thanks for the encouragement, Christina. I’m really glad I stuck with it through to the end.
Thanks for your honesty in the time involved. I really love your tree skirt but it may be better left to next year to copycat it!
You’re welcome! I felt it was important for folk to know what they’d be getting into – - though it was well worth it. (Love your blog title, by the way.)
This is fantastic. I wish I had to time to make one, but I really don’t see that happening this year. Maybe I can start in January, and by the time Christmas comes around again, I’ll be finish. Thanks for sharing.
I know, I picked the craziest season of the year to take on one of the most time-consuming projects. That’s me to a T!
This is beautiful. I love it. I have a link party called Wednesdays Adorned From Above Blog Hop and would love to have you share this with everyone. It runs from Wednesday through midnight Sunday. Here is the link to the party.
http://www.adornedfromabove.com/2012/12/fabric-covered-can-pen-and-pencil.html
Debi @ Adorned From Above
Thanks, Debi! Will add that to my linky parties.
LOVE! burlap + ruffles + Christmas movies sounds like a dreamy afternoon. I think I’ll be making one of my own. Thanks for the inspiration!
You are so welcome, Tisha! Yes, Christmas movies while crafting is a must! Do share your project with me if you end up trying it. I’d love to see it.
Your ruffles are so even! Beautiful
Thanks, Steph! Not sure I managed that…it was a miracle that it all ended up somewhat even.
Absolutely love this. I wonder if I could get one made before Christmas, it’s so pretty! Thanks for sharing how to make it! =)
Of course! And thanks for your email reply to my question on your blog. I think I WILL try using “box” in the future for sharing docs. on my blog. You rock.
Looks great, I love the colors! Thanks for sharing at The Fun In Functional!
Thanks! I am really getting into neutrals these days…which is sort of a big deal for me, lover of all things bright and bold!
beautiful! just beautiful! you did an amazing job!
Thanks so much, Cassie! That’s very kind.
Hi Kristen,
That picture of you with your tree skirt on your arms is adorable! I needed a tree skirt for a tabletop tree this year but I just copped out and bundled up some burlap underneath it! If I had seen your tutorial, I would have attempted to make one because the ruffles are gorgeous! Well, there is always next year!
Give yourself some credit! I actually really like the bundled up burlap look. Thanks for your comment! Glad you liked my random photo at the end.
Love, love, love it! I’m on a burlap kick myself. And I love your sense of humor! Thanks for sharing your lovely project!
Ha ha! Glad you enjoyed it. As Michael Scott would say, “Gotta keep the troops entertained.”
I love this! You’ve inspired me to make my own! Pinning!
That’s so exciting! Thanks for the pin, and let me know when you finish yours. I’d love to see it in all of its ruffly glory!
Awesomeness, and I love that you were honest about the time it took you. No sew are magic words to me! However even after all that I love that you “wore” the skirt you are one amazing chick! (bird pun…I realize I have gone too far,
)
Bird puns are NEVER too far in my book. Keep ‘em comin’!
LOVE everything about this!! Thanks so much for linking up on Monday! You are featured on my favorite features post: http://www.ishouldbemoppingthefloor.com/2012/12/the-tuesday-ten_11.html
{HUGS},
kristi
Woot woot! That’s awesome news. Thanks, Kristi. I’m delighted to hear that.
Your ruffles look perfect. I have been sitting here wanting to get up and make one…gorgeous!
Thank you so much! That makes me happy to hear that you’re inspired, Holly.
Gorgeous tree skirt. And you’re funny! I love the burlap bird! lol Thanks for sharing @ Submarine Sunday!
T’onna
Thanks, T’onna, for your sweet comment and for taking the time to check it out!
this is ruffle perfection!! and makes a great shawl.
thank you so much for linking up to our party!
I think every girl needs a burlap ruffle shawl, don’t you? (Ha ha.) Thanks for stopping by today, Karah!
We are empty-nester’s, so we only have a small tree, almost primitive style. I am pinning this and will try to make a smallish one instead! I love it! It’s just perfect!
Sharon, I think a smaller skirt would be very do-able in these days before Christmas. Do let me know if you end up making one! I’d love to see pics.
I have such a blast making this with my mom this weekend… I would highly recommend having two people to assist with the cutting of strips. We used the rotary cutter (a life saver) and boards but made it much easier to get exact cuts. If you have a sewing machine, I would highly recommend sewing each layer down. We did and saved a lot of time (I’d say 1-2 hours!) & burnt finger tips. We used a 100% cotton for the layers doing three dark gray layers, three red layers, a few more gray layers and then the middle with red. It looks really rich. I wish I could upload the picture… Thanks for the tutorial. p.s. buy more pins than you think you need
Hooray! Wow, I’m so happy to hear you made one – - and that it was a team effort (crafts with family and friends is always more fun). You offer up some great tips! I’m very impressed that you sewed your layers down; that seemed overwhelming to me, but clearly, it was a time-saver for y’all! And I second the motion about the pins. I had three boxes on hand and that was just enough. Gray and red sound like a luscious color combo. I’m so eager to see your finished skirt. Maybe you could email me a pic? thethinkingcloset {at} gmail {dot} com. Thanks for sharing about your experience, Jean! Merry Christmas!
You are so patient, Lauren! It does sound like this was time consuming, but well worth the effort. Clearly! It’s beautiful. Also, I love the cheese at the end. This blog truly is such a delight! The enjoyment increases on every post!
You are such an encourager. Thanks, dear Lisbeth. I look forward to increasing enjoyment even more when you guest post on my blog…soon and very soon!
I love this tutorial! I like that there is a lot of great images that should be easy to follow, I just wish I had the time to do something like this. p.s. You’re too cute, I love the last image especially the lil’ birdie.
Ha ha. Thanks, Rachel! And I’m glad you enjoyed my burlap bird impression. I’ll do anything to entertain!
Yes, this is a time consuming project, but perhaps could be speeded up and made more fun if done with a buddy?