Tutorial - How to Make a Cactus Pincushion

The pebbles at the base are made of felt

Tutorial at The Art Bug Blog

"Materials: Felt - For Cactus, Flower, Base (green for cactus and any color you like for the flower), Floral Scrap Cloth and Ric-rac or lace, Paper Coffee Cup, Cardboard Paper, Pebbles, Scissors, Glue, Synthetic Cotton Filling, Sewing Needle & Thread.  Cut the coffee cup to make a mini pot, I left just about an inch, fill in with some pebbles to give some weight. Add glue and cover with a cardboard paper.  Cover the base with floral cloth and ric-rac. Use felt to cover the top.  Cut 8 shapes like below from green felt".... Read more