Coco and the Little Black Dress, A Kid-Made Ornament

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When I was an art teacher in the classroom, I would love to combine art projects with literacy. It was a great way to get children to connect their creativity in an interdisciplinary way.  So when Melissa from Mamma Miss, announced a ten-day Christmas ornament roundup based on a book, I jumped at the chance to create an easy and sweet project for you. 

Coco and The Little Black Dress

I sincerely love most art disciplines including interior design and fashion.  As a little girl, I would love to create my own unique outfits.  My mom still complains that I would throw my clothes all over my bedroom as a child. When I saw the children’s book, Coco and the Little Black Dress, by Annmarie Van Hearingen at our local library, I fell in love with the idea of sharing Coco’s Cinderella-esque story with my children.  

Coco was a poor little girl who grew up in an orphanage in France. During her stay, she felt abandoned and rejected, yet she worked very hard.  As an early teen, she loved to sew and embroider and eventually became an excellent seamstress. Coco gained notoriety by creating eccentric hats and eventually simple dresses without a corset.  She is most famous for creating “the magic little dress that shows how beautiful a woman is.” Women today, owe homage to Coco and her wonderful sense of style and creativity. If it weren’t for her, we might still be wearing corsets. 

Project

This little black dress ornament project is great for kids ages six and above and it’s one that you will treasure putting on the tree every year.  

Materials

• 2 Pieces of Black Felt 9″x12″
  

• Pickett Giant Circle Inking Template ( or any other circle templates)
  

• Wooden Beads (1″)
  

• 20 Gauge Jewelry Wire
  

• Needle Nose Pliers
  

• Sequins
  

• Thin Paint Markers
  

• Fabric Scissors

First take the 20 gauge wire and cut a ten-inch piece.  Make a tiny loop at the bottom, and put aside.  Next, double layer the felt and lay the inking template on top.  Take your chalk and trace a circle in each of the templates.  Next cut out each circle.  (Younger kids may need help cutting out the circles.  If doubling up the felt is too difficult, then trace on one piece of felt at a time). 

Next, double layer each size circle to form a cylinder.  Take the 20 gauge wire with the loop and add two sequins through the hole.  Finally, let your child thread each circle piece through the wire to create the black dress cylinder shape.  

Lastly, take the wooden bead and draw a whimsical face and hair. Color the face with the white paint marker and color the hair any fun color as well.  Draw in the facial features with a thin permanent marker.  Add the bead to the wire, then cut and make a loop with the needle nose pliers. You can add a dab of hot glue inside the bead to secure the wire, but this is optional.

 If you enjoyed reading this project please comment below.  If you and your little fashionista create this project, send me a photo on my Facebook page.  I’d love to see your creations! 

Check out more kid-made ornaments from 10 Days of Kid Made Christmas, hosted by Mama Miss.

Santa Mouse | Kitchen Counter Chronicles

Little Blue Truck Christmas | My Bright Firefly

How to Catch A Star | Messy Little Monster

The Very Hungry Catepillar’s Christmas 123 | Living Montessori Now

The Polar Express | Little Bins

Angels | Artsy Craftsy Mom

How the Russian Snow Maiden Helped Santa Claus | Planet Smarty Pants

Pinkalicious | Cutting Tiny Bites

Christmas in the New House | Creative World of Varya

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