Wool Felt Joy: Wrapping Up the Holidays and Welcoming the New Year

As the holiday season winds down and we step into a fresh new year, I’ve been reflecting on the warmth and creativity that filled December. For me, that joy came through wool felt ornaments—tiny treasures that carry heartfelt meaning. Handmade pieces have a way of turning simple moments into lasting memories, and this year was no exception.

The Benzie Design Ornament Exchange

One of the highlights of my season was participating in the Benzie Design Ornament Exchange. It’s such a wonderful way to connect with fellow makers and share a bit of handmade magic. The idea is simple: create ornaments for a partner and receive their creations in return—but the results are always extraordinary.

For my recipient, I wanted to design ornaments that felt cozy and whimsical. After taking a peek at their social media, I noticed a love for a pink and mint color palette—such a cheerful combination! I knew right away that I wanted to make a felt ornament and a stocking to match. Each piece was curated with care, using vibrant colors and playful details that reflected their style.

To make the gift extra special, I tucked a matching handmade needle minder (made from cute Poppie Cotton fabric) inside the stocking, along with a few felt pom shapes and some sweet treats. It was such a joy to pull everything together and imagine the smile when she opened the package.

And then came the best part—opening the package from my partner! Her ornaments were stunning, full of detail and heart. I love all the different mediums and delightful details. Both ornaments were charming, and I couldn’t stop admiring the craftsmanship—along with her special wrapping that made the whole experience feel even more magical.

An Assortment of Handmade Cheer

Beyond the exchange, I spent much of December creating wool felt ornaments for family and friends. Each evening, I cozied up in my stitching nest and worked on a fresh batch. From classic holiday motifs to whimsical winter designs, every piece was stitched with love and attention to detail.

These ornaments became more than decorations—they were tokens of thoughtfulness, reminders of the joy that comes from giving something handmade.

If this post has inspired you to create your very own wool felt ornaments, you should definitely give it a try! Wool felt is such a versatile, forgiving, and satisfying material to work with, and there are endless possibilities for shapes, colors, and designs. To help you get started, here are a few links at Benzie Design. Just a heads-up: some of these links are affiliate links, which means if you decide to buy something through them, I’ll earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you. It’s a simple way to support the content I share, and I truly appreciate it!

• Free Project Tutorials
• Wool Blend Felt (high quality, yet more affordable)
• Bellwether 100% Wool Felt
• Cutting Dies (like the tree, mitten, dove, and nutcrackers I used)
• Die Cutting Tutorial and Tips

As I pack away my felt scraps and tidy up my stitching nest, I’m reminded of how much joy these little handmade pieces brought to my holiday season. Each ornament was more than just decoration—it was a way to slow down, savor the moment, and share a bit of love with others. Moving into the new year, I hope to carry that same spirit of creativity and connection forward. Here’s to more making, more sharing, and more moments that feel truly meaningful.

Twinkling Lights and a Warm Heart

✨Merry Christmas, friends!

Today, my heart is full of gratitude and joy as we celebrate this beautiful Christmas Day. Thank you to each and every one of you who continue to join me on my creative journey—your support and readership mean the world. This season reminds us of the warmth of community, the magic of lights, and the simple joy of sharing moments together.

I had the chance to experience two incredible holiday light displays in Kansas City on Christmas Eve:

• Sar Ko Aglow in Lenexa, KS
• Glolathe at Stagecoach Park in Olathe, KS

Both were nothing short of spectacular! Twinkling lights wrapped around trees, glowing pathways, and vibrant colors turned these parks into winter wonderlands. The photos I’ve shared capture just a glimpse of the festive spirit that filled the air.

As we close out the year, I want to send you all cheer, peace, and happiness. May your day be filled with laughter, love, and the sparkle of holiday lights. Here’s to creating beautiful memories and embracing the joy that this season brings.

Thank you for being part of my community—I’m truly grateful for you.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!✨

Holiday Magic in Kansas City: Tinsel & ’Tinis and the Crown Center Lights

Greetings friends! I’m back with another holiday post – and this one is all about our last Saturday outing before Christmas. This past weekend, we headed downtown to Kansas City’s iconic Union Station for Holiday Reflections, and this year (once again) we scored the coveted Tinsel & ’Tinis tickets! These adults-only passes sell out quickly, and it's understandable – it was pure holiday magic.

The evening was filled with festive entertainment: Santa made an appearance, carolers strolled through the halls, live musicians played seasonal favorites, and a DJ kept the energy high. The pop-up cocktail bar was the star of the night, serving up themed, creative holiday craft cocktails. My favorite? The Peppermint Twistini – as delicious as it sounds! Russell Stover sweetened the night with complimentary hot cocoa kits and assorted chocolates, which added an extra cozy touch.

The atmosphere was enchanting. Union Station was decked out in dazzling lights, whimsical animatronics, model trains, and plenty of photo-worthy spots. We wandered through the holiday village, sipping cocktails and soaking in the sights while live music played in the background. It truly felt like stepping into a winter wonderland.

After our Tinsel and 'Tinis adventure, we walked through the skywalk to Crown Center, home to Hallmark’s headquarters, and enjoyed the Hallmark Christmas Experience. Late at night, the holiday market was mostly closed, but the ice skating rink was still open, and we got a spectacular view of the Mayor’s Christmas Tree. All of Crown Center was glowing with festive lights, adding even more magic to the evening.

Tonight, on Christmas Eve, we’ll keep our yearly tradition alive with a late-night reservation at The Cheesecake Factory in the Plaza. For over 100 years, Country Club Plaza has been a historic open-air shopping and dining destination in the heart of Kansas City. Each holiday season, the Plaza transforms into a breathtaking spectacle: 15 blocks of Spanish-inspired architecture illuminated by thousands of jewel-colored lights, highlighting every dome, tower, and window. It’s truly a sight to behold!

After enjoying appetizers and a festive cocktail, we’ll stroll through the Plaza lights and then drive down Ward Parkway and other neighborhoods known for their spectacular displays. It’s the perfect way to wrap up the holiday season in Kansas City.

As we soak in the glow and warmth of Kansas City’s holiday spirit, I’m reminded of how these traditions make the season so special. Whether you’re sipping cocoa by the tree, sharing laughter with loved ones, or simply enjoying the sparkle of twinkling lights, may your Christmas Eve be filled with joy, peace, and a little extra magic. Cheers to a beautiful holiday and a bright New Year ahead!