best travel brush set

THE BEST FELT CRAFT IDEAS FOR YOU TO TRY

In this post, I’ve gathered some of the best felt craft ideas to show you just how versatile this material can be and to inspire you to incorporate it into your own craft projects.

Felt is one of my all-time favorite craft materials. It’s soft, affordable, and comes in a wide array of beautiful colors. Not only is it pleasant to work with, but it’s also perfect for beginners. Felt is easy to cut, sew, and shape, making it an ideal fabric for all kinds of creative projects.

While many people associate felt with kids’ crafts, thanks to its accessibility and ease of use, it’s much more than that. Felt is incredibly versatile and can be used for everything from home decor and accessories to holiday decorations and everyday items.

Personally, I’ve used felt to create earrings, necklaces, purses, ornaments, flowers, coasters, wall art, bookmarks, and more. The possibilities are endless, and I’m always excited to try new felt DIYs. It’s a great material because it doesn’t unravel like other fabrics—just cut your shapes, and you’re good to go.

I’ve compiled these felt craft ideas to motivate and inspire you to give felt crafting a try. With so many free templates and tutorials available, you’ll have no trouble crafting whatever your heart desires.

Let’s dive in!

Felt crafts for your home

Felt projects for your home go far beyond simple decorations. This versatile material can be used to create functional and stylish items that not only help organize your space but also add a cozy, personalized touch to your home. From practical solutions to decorative accents, felt can enhance your everyday life and elevate the look of any room.

You can craft felt objects to keep things tidy and organized, like storage baskets, drawer dividers, or even felt-covered boxes. Felt can also be used to make charming holiday decorations, adding a festive flair to your home. Whether it’s a cozy felt pillow, a unique wall hanging, or a creative set of coasters, felt is perfect for making your home both attractive and functional.

The possibilities are endless when it comes to incorporating felt into your home decor and daily life. So, let your creativity flow and transform your living space with these easy and beautiful felt projects!

FELT DECOR

I enjoy making felt decorations because they’re affordable and versatile—perfect for use all year round. And if you’re not ready to display them, you can easily box them up and bring them out again next year, making them a long-lasting addition to your decor.

With felt, you can craft a variety of items:

  • felt wreath by Life on Virginia Street,
  • felt garland by Alice and Lois,
  • felt mobile by Craftiness is not Optional,
  • felt wall art by Us,
  • felt table centerpiece by Gina Michele,
  • felt flower bouquet by Something Turquoise,
  • felt pillow by Domestic Charm,
  • felt vertical garden by Lia Griffith,
  • felt ornament by Fun Thrifty Mom,
  • felt letter board by The Inspired Hive,
  • felt potted plant by Crafty Lumberjacks,
  • felt tree decor by Little House of Four,
  • felt bookend on Anthropologie,
  • felt topiary by Home Perspective CCMcafee,
  • felt wall hanging by Lia Griffith,
  • felt Christmas tree by Imagine our Lives,
  • felt rocks on Instructables,
  • felt banner by Happiness is Homemade,
  • felt lampshade by Apartment Therapy,
  • felt vase on Instructables.

ORGANIZE YOUR HOME WITH FELT OBJECTS

Everyone loves a tidy, organized home, so why not take matters into your own hands and create your own organizational items? Felt is a great material for crafting functional and stylish organizers that will help you keep your space neat and clutter-free.

Here are some ideas for things you can make with felt:

  • felt drawer organizer on Instructables,
  • felt purse organizer by Sew Can She,
  • felt bedside pocket on Etsy,
  • felt mail organizer by The Blush Chronicles,
  • felt framed wall organizer by Love Create Celebrate,
  • felt pinboard by Homes to Love,
  • felt pan liners by This Mama Loves,
  • felt magazine rack by Homedit,
  • felt travel organizer on Etsy,
  • felt car organizer on Geekyget,
  • felt earring organizer by Melly Sews,
  • felt cable organizer by Inspired by Charm,
  • felt pocket wall organizer by Albion Gould,
  • felt roll-up organizer by Curbly.
  • felt box by Lily Ardor
  • felt desktop organizer on Etsy.

FELT EVERYDAY OBJECTS (HOMEWARE)

If you’ve fallen in love with felt like I have, or you’re simply looking to create affordable and fabulous home items that you’ll be proud to show off, these felt homeware projects are perfect for you. They’re quick and easy to make, and you can easily personalize them to match your unique home decor style.

Take a look at these creative felt craft ideas:

  • felt bowl by Herbst Handmade,
  • felt table runner by Life Sew Savory,
  • felt rug on Etsy,
  • felt coaster by Pretty Prudent,
  • felt cushion on Etsy,
  • felt napkin ring by Make and Tell,
  • felt tissue holder by The Crafty Mummy,
  • felt cutlery holder by Woman’s Day
  • felt toilet paper holder on Flickr,
  • felt laundry basket by The Lovely Drawer,
  • felt clock on Instructables,
  • felt placemats on Shabby Creek Cottage,

Felt accessories:

I’ll admit, I always “need” (or more like want) new jewelry, even though my collection is already overflowing. The truth is, I don’t wear all of it. The best part about handmade accessories is that you can customize them to perfectly fit your wardrobe. Plus, there’s a special sense of pride that comes with wearing jewelry you’ve crafted yourself, like those stunning earrings you made with your own hands.

FELT JEWELRY

  • felt earring made by me,
  • felt necklace by Lia Griffith,
  • felt bracelet on Etsy,
  • felt ring on Etsy,
  • felt brooch by Lia Griffith,
  • felt cuff on Etsy.

Felt accessories

  • felt barette on Etsy,
  • felt headband by Lia Griffith,
  • felt crown by Heidi and Finn,
  • felt hair pin by Cutesy Crafts,
  • felt wallet on Etsy,
  • felt handbag on Etsy,
  • felt clutch by Francois et Moi,
  • felt pouch on Etsy,
  • felt tote bag by The Spruce Crafts,
  • felt waist bag on Etsy,
  • felt boutonniere by Green Wedding Shoes,
  • felt belt on Etsy.

Other felt crafts

Hold on, there’s more! Some of these felt craft projects are perfect for both adults and kids (like bookmarks and keychains), but I didn’t want to repeat them here. So, keep an eye out for even more creative ideas that you can enjoy crafting!

FELT CRAFTS FOR ADULTS

  • felt bookmark by Us (Colorful Craft Corner),
  • felt coffee cozie by Practically Functional,
  • felt gift tag by Polka Dot Chair,
  • felt pen holder by I Should Be Mopping The Floor,
  • felt book cover on Instructables,
  • felt keychain by A Khailo Chic Life,
  • felt phone charging station on Etsy,
  • felt earbud case on 30 Minute Crafts,
  • felt pincushion by Bugs and Fishes,
  • felt gift box on Curbly,
  • felt needle holder by Mmm Crafts,
  • felt envelope by Crafty for Home,
  • felt slippers by Lia Griffith,
  • felt pet teepee/cave on Etsy,
  • felt glass case by A Khailo Chic Life,
  • felt hand warmers by All Free Sewing.
  • felt phone case by Poppytalk,
  • felt laptop holder by She’s Got The Notion,
  • felt car air freshener by Momma Told Me,
  • felt document holder on Etsy,

FELT CRAFTS FOR KIDS

  • felt toy by Fairy Fox on Etsy,
  • felt game by Powerful Mothering,
  • felt puppet by Larissa Another Day,
  • felt plushie by Lia Griffith,
  • felt sleep mask by Ginger Urchin,
  • felt quiet book on Etsy,
  • felt animal mask by Flax and Twine,
  • felt board by Andianne,
  • felt pencil holder by Small Friendly,
  • felt baby shoes by Purl Soho,
  • felt costume by Our Life Is Beautiful,
  • felt play food by Shrimp Salad Circus,
  • felt puzzle on Instructables,
  • felt pencil topper by The Inspiration Edit,
  • felt advent calendar by Studio DIY,
  • felt piggy banks by Dream a Little Bigger,
  • felt flags by Oh Happy Day,
  • felt pinwheel by Growing Up Gabel,
  • felt paper clips by Projects With Kids,
  • felt busy bag by A Crafty Living.

As you can see, felt is one of the most versatile crafting materials out there. It’s an ideal choice for beginners, kids, and even advanced crafters, offering endless possibilities to create something beautiful and unique. Whether you’re making simple decorations or intricate accessories, felt makes crafting fun and accessible for everyone.

How to Choose the Best Felt for Your Craft?

There are four main types of felt to choose from:

  • Craft Felt (Synthetic)
  • Wool-Blend Felt (Wool and Synthetic Fibers)
  • 100% Wool Felt (Merino or Other Wool)
  • Eco-Felt (Made from Recycled Materials)

For decorative items such as ornaments or home decor, craft felt is ideal. It’s affordable and works well for projects that won’t be handled often. However, keep in mind that synthetic felt can pill and distort over time with frequent use.

For wearable crafts—such as accessories, bags, or clothing—wool-blend felt or 100% wool felt are better options. These materials are more durable and provide a higher quality finish.

How to Clean and Maintain Your Felt Crafts?

Felt is a delicate fabric, but it can be cleaned with proper care:

  • Handwashing: Use cold water and avoid rubbing the fabric. Instead, gently press it to remove dirt.
  • Machine Washing: If you prefer machine washing, always use a short, gentle cycle with cold water. Never use hot water, as it can shrink and distort the felt.
  • Dusting: To remove dust, gently brush your felt craft with a soft brush or vacuum it with a low-suction setting.
  • Storage: Keep felt items in a dry, cool place, away from direct sunlight and moisture to prevent damage.

Essential Tools for Felt Crafts

To start crafting with felt, you’ll need these basic tools:

  • Felt (choose between soft or stiff; you can also stiffen felt at home)
  • Needles (hand-sewing needles work best)
  • Thread (I prefer using pearl thread or embroidery floss for detail work)
  • If sewing isn’t your thing, fabric glue or a glue gun can be used as an alternative.

How to Personalize Your Felt Crafts

Personalize your felt creations by adding:

  • Embroidery
  • Beads
  • Appliqués
  • Buttons
  • Paint or Fabric Markers

For a deeper dive into crafting with felt, check out my Ultimate Guide on how to work with felt. It includes everything you need to know to create long-lasting and successful projects.

CONCLUSION

Felt is an incredibly versatile and affordable material that opens up endless possibilities for creative crafting. Whether you’re making decorations, accessories, or practical items for your home, felt allows you to personalize and customize your projects with ease. With the right tools and a bit of imagination, you can create beautiful, functional crafts that you’ll be proud to display or use.

So, why not give felt crafting a try? From simple DIYs to more intricate designs, there’s no limit to what you can create. Don’t forget to check out my Ultimate Guide for even more tips and tricks on working with felt.

I’d love to hear what felt projects you’re excited to try—leave a comment below and let me know! Happy crafting!

7 BEST BIRTHDAY NAIL SET IDEAS WITH LASTING QUALITY

Calling all birthday nail enthusiasts with a birthday coming up! Ready to ditch the chip worries and rock a stunning manicure that lasts? Look no further! We’ve curated 7 of the best birthday nail set ideas specifically designed for birthday nails, ensuring both eye-catching designs and long-lasting wear. Get ready to celebrate your special day with fabulous nails that won’t quit!

OUR TOP PICKS

BEST POLISH: ESSIE GEL COUTURE LONGWEAR NAIL POLISH + TOP COAT KIT

If you’re aiming for a gel manicure look without the UV drying light, Essie Gel Couture Longwear Nail Polish is an excellent choice. This polish, which has a thick, non-dripping formula, applies like regular polish and dries to a hard, glossy finish that mimics a professional salon manicure. We wore these nails for over two weeks and experienced minimal chipping, comparable to professional gel manicures. Removal is straightforward with acetone, leaving your nails healthy and undamaged.

While lamp-cured gel polishes dry faster, Essie Gel Couture takes about 15 minutes to fully dry. However, its staying power is impressive, and we loved the vibrant colors and the well-preserved condition of our nails after removal. If you want a gel-like manicure without the need for a UV lamp, this polish is the best option.

  • Shades: 1
  • Dry Time: 15 minutes
  • Lamp Included: No

BEST FOR TRAVEL: LE MINI MACARON LE MAXI DELUXE GEL MANICURE SET

The Le Mini Macaron compact kit is ideal for on-the-go manicures. We gave it top marks for ease of use, drying time, finished appearance, and nail health post-removal. Despite gel kits often being intimidating for beauty newbies, this kit from Le Mini Macaron is user-friendly and fun, even for beginners. The gel lacquer dries quickly with the included LED lamp, leaving nails glossy and hard in just one minute. However, the travel-friendly lamp is small, so you’ll need to dry your thumb separately.

While we loved the quick-drying, glossy finish, the polish began peeling within a few days and was completely gone soon after. Longer-lasting results might be achieved by using a nail-prepper product, applying thinner coats, or drying nails for a longer time. Despite the short staying power, our nails were not damaged, making this kit an excellent travel choice.

  • Shades: 2
  • Dry Time: 1 minute
  • Lamp Included: Yes

BEST VALUE: GELLEN GEL NAIL POLISH KIT

For a more comprehensive option, the Gellen Gel Starter Kit is a great choice. We awarded this kit perfect scores for ease of use and were impressed with the 12 included bottles of polish, various nail embellishments, grooming tools, and UV lamp. The instructions recommend drying each coat for 60 seconds under the light, but we found our nails were still tacky after a minute. Extending the drying time to 90 seconds yielded better results.

Once painted and dried, we loved the appearance of our gel manicures. The colors were vibrant, and the polish dried smooth with a glossy finish. However, the lacquer began to chip around day six and was completely peeled off by day eight, making soak-off removal unnecessary. While we wish the polish lasted longer, this feature-rich kit offers great value.

  • Shades: 12
  • Dry Time: 90 seconds
  • Lamp Included: Yes

BEST FOR BEGINNERS: SALLY HANSEN SALON PRO GEL STARTER KIT

If you’re new to gel nails, Sally Hansen’s beginner-friendly Salon Starter Kit is perfect for you. This kit earned a perfect score for ease of use, thanks to its simple three-step process and lightning-fast drying time. Curing your nails with the included LED lamp takes only about 30 seconds.

Once dried, our nails were smooth, super shiny, and hard without any stickiness. Although the kit comes with only one color, additional bottles can be purchased separately. Despite the promise of up to two weeks of wear, our manicures didn’t last very long. The gel began to peel when we cleaned around the house, even with gloves on. This kit may not be ideal for those who work with their hands, but it’s a great option for anyone looking to try gel nails at home.

  • Shades: 1
  • Dry Time: 30 seconds
  • Lamp Included: Yes

BEST BUDGET: SENSATIONAIL GEL STARTER KIT

Looking for a budget-friendly option? The SensatioNail Gel Starter Kit is a solid choice. The instructions can be a bit confusing, so we recommend reading through them thoroughly before starting. While this kit wasn’t the easiest to use initially, the process should be smoother the second time around. We were pleasantly surprised by how quickly the lacquer dried with the included LED lamp, but for the best results, we suggest applying thinner layers of paint and taking your time.

The brand claims up to two weeks of wear, but we noticed chipping after about a week—slightly longer than regular polish but not as durable as a professional gel manicure. Although this affordable kit comes with only one polish color, you can purchase additional bottles individually to expand your collection.

  • Shades: 1
  • Dry Time: 3 minutes
  • Lamp Included: Yes

BEST FOR NAIL CARE: RED CARPET MANICURE PRO 45 STARTER KIT

If you prioritize skincare, it’s important to care for your nail beds and cuticles too. This comprehensive kit includes everything from cuticle oil to sealing top and base coats, along with cleansers, foil wraps, cuticle pushers, and more. The gel hardened into a shiny gloss on our nails in just 45 seconds and stayed smooth with minimal chipping for nearly two weeks.

We did notice that the brushes were a bit uneven and frayed, making it challenging to cover all the edges perfectly. However, with a steady hand, we applied the glossy shades, confident that our nails and skin were protected. After removing the polish two weeks later, we were pleased to find our nails as strong as ever.

  • Shades: 1
  • Dry Time: 45 seconds
  • Lamp Included: Yes

BEST OVERALL: MOROVAN NAIL KIT

Morovan’s Poly Gel Kit earned perfect scores for drying time, finished look, staying power, ease of removal, and nail integrity post-removal. We only marked it down for ease of use due to a slight learning curve. However, the instructions were thorough and easy to follow, and the illustrated how-to booklet was very helpful.

This set includes everything needed for a professional-level manicure, plus some fun embellishments and extras. It comes with eight polish shades, including six solid opaques and two ombrés. The kit also includes a primer, a dehydrator, a base coat, a top coat, an LED lamp, and various tools for grooming your nails and cuticles.

The most challenging component was the nail extensions, as the kit includes extension gel and shaping foil to help you create your desired length and shape. Once the gel was applied, the drying process was smooth and straightforward.

After two weeks, only two extensions had fallen off, and the stunning color and shine remained. When it was time to remove the polish, the gel came off easily with the help of a scraping tool. If you’re up for the challenge of DIY gel extensions and want a long-lasting manicure, this kit is an excellent choice.

  • Shades: 8
  • Dry Time: 2 minutes
  • Lamp Included: Yes

FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING AN AT-HOME GEL KIT

STAYING POWER

One of the main attractions of at-home gel nails is their promise of professional-level longevity. The products, tools, and formulas should provide similar results to what you’d get at a salon. However, many kits we tried didn’t last more than a week. Various factors can influence this, including improper use of the kits, daily wear and tear on your nails, and not thoroughly removing natural oils from your nails before painting. For best results, carefully read all instructions and follow the manufacturer’s nail care suggestions, and consider wearing reusable gloves when cleaning and doing dishes.

INCLUDED SHADES

While some at-home gel kits come with multiple polish shades, many starter sets only include one or two. However, additional colors are often available for individual purchase, allowing you to gradually expand your collection with shades you’ll actually use. An extra bottle of white nail polish is great for classic French manicures and the trendy “glazed donut” nails.

CURING LAMP

Most kits come with a UV or LED lamp, which is essential for curing and drying gel polish. As celebrity nail artist Elle Gerstein explains, “Gel polish needs a UV light to cure/dry and provides a chip-free manicure that lasts much longer than regular nail polish.” Depending on the lamp’s bulbs and wattage, each coat will take anywhere from 30 seconds to three minutes to cure. Most of our top picks, except for Essie’s Gel Couture Longwear Nail Polish, include an LED/UV lamp.

REMOVAL

Gel manicures typically require soak-off removal. This involves soaking 10 cotton pieces in pure acetone, placing them on your nails, wrapping them in foil, and letting them sit for about 15 minutes. After soaking, the polish usually scrapes off easily. If you prefer not to make multiple trips to the store, consider the Red Carpet Manicure Pro 45 Gel Starter Kit, which includes foil wraps, gel polish remover, and more.

CONCLUSION

So there you have it! With these seven fantastic nail set ideas, you can celebrate your birthday with stunning nails that last. Whether you crave a classic French manicure, a touch of playful glitter, or a bold, eye-catching design, there’s a perfect option for you. So go forth, embrace your beautiful nails, and rock a birthday mani that shines as bright as you do!