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This Do Re Mi felt music note tutorial will have you singing the praises of Maker Team member Lucy of @moseycreative. Lucy's background as a music educator and children's choir director inspired a felt craft that, not only beautifies, but can be used to instruct. We hope you'll follow her lead and make some music (notes) of your own!
These no-sew music notes can be cut and glued in an afternoon, all while you whistle a happy tune! Display as a musical garland above your piano or music corner, or create a music staff felt board to teach and practice note names, melodies and rhythms. Use as a gift tag for your child’s music teacher, or fill a classroom with musical decor by letting students create their own with this kid-friendly tutorial.
Skill Level: Kid-Friendly, Beginner
Time: 2 hours, plus 1 hour of drying time
Additional Supplies:
Do Re Mi Music Notes Pattern (click to download)
Do Re Mi Music Notes Cut Template, for electronic cutting machines (click to download)
Staff Placement Diagram (click to download)
Iron
Pressing Cloth
Ruler
Rotary Cutter - optional
Directions:
1. Print and/or trace the Do Re Mi Music Notes Pattern above onto dull side of freezer paper. Iron the shiny side to felt and cut out all pieces.
Alternatively, you can use an electronic cutting machine with the included SVG file.
2. Arrange all felt pieces in a cardboard box to protect work surface from overspray. Use spray stiffener to apply a light coat until wet, holding the bottle 6-8" away. Before spraying your pieces, first test with a felt scrap to ensure a steady flow. Flip each piece over and apply a light coat to the other side. Allow to dry for one hour. To increase stiffness (according to preference), apply additional coats in the same manner.
3. Set iron to medium high, turn off the steam, and use a cotton press cloth to press both sides of each piece.
4. Use Tacky Glue to adhere each note to its background. To ensure notes are musically accurate and facing the correct direction, keep in mind that notes should look either like a “d” or “p” - and NOT a “b” or “q”.
For the grand finale, use clothespins and bakers twine to display a melody garland over your favorite musical spot.
You can also use these felt notes for teaching! Use a ruler and rotary cutter to cut and glue five staff lines according to the Staff Placement Diagram. Felt sticks to felt, so simply place your completed music notes on the staff to teach note names, melodies, and rhythms to your students.
To display your felt board as an instructional tool in your classroom or private teaching studio, try using a metal board and magnets or tack to corkboard.
Enjoy all of your colorful music note possibilities, and remember, “when you know the notes to sing, you can sing most anything!”
Thanks to Lucy for designing and writing this tutorial! You can see more of her work on Instagram @moseycreative and on her website. Stay tuned for more tutorials from the Benzie Design Maker Team!
