WINTER WHITE LIGHTS

Someone once said “if you build it, they will come” but they forgot to include “light the way and they will get there faster”. Not to mention, safer. Humm… So, picture this: January, your warm and cozy home softly lit by a row of white lights lining the path welcoming you and your guests inside. Idyllic. Sounds beautiful. And it can be just that. Here is my take on the classic white paper bag luminary for a unique and creative (and of course, simple) way to light the path to your door. Any month, any time of year, any time of day. Light it and they will come. 

This is what you will need-

2 Yards White Felt

Thread

Pins

Pencil

Ruler

Scissors

Sewing Machine, or Needle and Thread

Card Stock

Battery Operated Votive

Two yards of felt will yield about 6 felt bag luminaries, with a little bit left over.

Lay the felt down on a flat work surface, smooth the wrinkles out. Double layered.

Measure and mark a 20” x 14” rectangle.

Cut out the rectangle.

You will have two rectangles.

Fold each rectangle in half, the fold should be on the 14” length. See above.

Pin the side and the bottom together with pins.

Stitch by hand or with a sewing machine down the side then the across the bottom. Secure the beginning and end of all seams by sewing a back stitch.

Lightly press open both seams.

On the card stock, measure a 2” square, and cut it out.

Lay the 2” square in the corner of the bottom and side seam.

Trace around the square leaving a pencil mark on the felt.

Lay the 2” square on the opposite corner and trace a line around the square.

Flip the felt over.

Repeat tracing the square on both corners.

If you turn the felt as shown, you will have tracing lines like above.

With the bottom seam facing you, fold the felt to make a triangle. Press with fingers to flatten. 

Pin the triangle in place, make sure to keep the seam allowances flat.

Stitch across the pencil lines.

Trim off excess.

This is how your “bag” should look now.

Turn right side out.

Gently press with an iron on a low setting sides and bottom to resemble a paper bag. Repeat cutting and sewing steps to make more, if you like.

Add battery LED string lights.

Or add a battery operated votive.

Add a laundry clip. just for fun...

Line these little cuties anywhere your would like to light a path...

Or add a little warm love to a special spot...

If you light it, they will come. Welcome home...