It is important to me that my home is not only beautiful, but that it has meaning – that it teaches our children. What better place for important lessons than the walls of your own home? So I made this felt tree of life applique for our mural wall to help remind my kids of the importance of Heavenly Father’s plan and his love.

The tree of life has been present in religion, philosophy, and mythology for thousands of years. It also has a very special significance for members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (read more). In the scriptures, the tree of life is a symbol of spiritual nourishment, enduring to the end, and salvation.

The whole thing cost me practically nothing. I made it using some thick canvas for the back, old felt sweaters for the trunk and leaves, and vintage buttons for the fruit. I got the frame at a garage sale. I love homemade felt and seeing it on my wall makes me so happy!

How to Make a Felt Tree of Life Applique

Step One: Make the felt using old wool sweaters. Homemade Felt Tutorial >>

Step Two: Cut out the felt shapes to fit your frame.

Pattern:

Step Three: Hand stitch the felt onto the canvas using a quilting frame. Add the buttons.

Step Four: Stretch your canvas tight against a wooden frame that fits inside your frame. You can always reuse a canvas frame to do this by removing the original canvas before stapling your canvas on.

I am so happy to finally have this applique up. It was easy to do, but it was one of those projects that always got put on the back burner. I’m embarrassed to admit that it took me over three years to finish. For about a six months the quilt frame sat in our front room begging for me to finish it. I hate clutter, so it was driving me batty!