Winter bees

Last evening I finally took down the Christmas garland that decorates our banister each year. We love those twinkling, sparkling lights all winter long! I came across these little fellows buzzing among the branches.

I've decided to make my boys a special ornament each Christmas so they will have a collection for their own homes someday. The instructions for these little bees came from the book Wool Pets by Laurie Sharp. I think I will have to check this book out each year until most of the critters featured in it are hanging on our tree (or garland)--they are so cute and clever!

I used wool roving, felting needles, pearl cotton (for the hanger), and little black beads, all from Hobby Lobby, to make the bees. Another great website for wool products is www.thefeltedewe.com.

Josiah (my 3 year old) was thrilled with his little bee. He named it "Crippens Bee". I think that's his way of saying "Christmas bee".