The Queen Bee

The Hive ornament exchange is coming soon and I've been busy working on ornaments for two of the groups.  I decided that because I love all things bumble - and of course I'm representing TheHive in this - that I should make hives... what could be more appropriate?

I started with my inspiration piece.  This is part of an old switch plate that I made back in 2003.  The hive is the perfect size and scale for the project that I wanted to create.

I traced it onto cardstock and cut it out.  I probably could have photocopied this using my scanner, but didn't think about it until after I was done.

Using my template, I cut the felt in gold and brown as well as a piece of batting.  Sandwiching the batting between the two felt pieces I began to build my hive.

Using gold DMC floss, separated into 3 strands (you could use 2, I wanted it a bit thicker) I began to sew my way around the edge, carefully tucking my batting in if it tried to stick out.

I don't know the name of the stick, but it's pretty easy.  You simply loop your way around the edge - always coming up through the bottom so the floss wraps around the edge of your felt.

When your needle comes up, pull the thread, leaving a small loop and bring your needle up through it.  That will pull a small piece of your floss across the edge creating a nice seam.

The hardest part of this stitching is keeping the spacing even.  You don't need to make them super close, but you don't want them far apart either.  Mine are probably around 1/8" - 3/16" apart.  

Do this around the entire edge of your ornament.  The batting wil make it puffy and odd shaped - don't worrry!!

Once you've gone all the way around, with your floss to the back, run it up the stitches until you get to your bottom bump - where there is an indent in the side of the hive.  This is where you'll begin a traditional up-down stitch.  

At the little indents, doing an up-down stitch (I know, it's called something else, but we all know the traditional stitch. Go from side to side creating a rounded bottom.  Don't worry if your lines are wavy or crooked. That just gives it more rustic character.

Now you'll need to add the loop so you can hang it.

Taking a piece of your leftover brown felt - cut a strip about 4-5" long and 1/2" wide.  Pull it so that it stretches and is nice and taught.

Attach it to the back of your hive.

**  You could have attached this at the top between the two layers of felt & batting.  I enjoy sitting and doing the stitching and then going back for the loop.  It's just easier in front of the TV for me. ****

Using LaDoll Clay, I created a bumble bee.  This was really simple and easy to use.  

Then created a felt rosette.  I hot glued them both onto my beehive to complete the ornament. 

Now I just have about 6 more of these to finish and I'm all done making ornaments for Group #3.