Homemade Yarn Trees

MAKE IT FUN

Every year I plan an activity for my niece and nephew. Soon everyone gathers round the table and participates. Glitter is often part of the action. It’s fun and creates memories – they bring out all the things they’ve made together, laugh and talk about the times they spent making them. This year we’re making these gorgeous yarn Christmas trees.

GET CREATIVE

It’s all about the personal interaction rather than the “Martha” moment. Sometimes it’s good to take a break from all the holiday obligations.

Everyone should take the pressure off of themselves. If they don’t have the proper wrapping paper, use newspaper or just use great ribbons. If you don’t have Christmas cards, a New Year’s card will be as welcomed as a Christmas card.

MIX IT UP

Rather than traditional flower arrangements, I love Ikebana – the art of Japanese flower arranging. Begin with a floral tray already prepped with pins. Fill with water and then put a stem on each pin. So easy! You just choose how high and how wide the arrangement will be. And it’s affordable because you don’t need a lot of flowers, yet you get the look of a high-end floral shop. You can even add an over-sized feather or dried hydrangea – things you may already have on hand – to add to the mix and give it your own personal touch.

People should think about what makes them happy rather than what’s on trend.

It’s a WRAP

SIMPLE STEPS TO DESIGN YOUR OWN YARN TREES

STEP 1

Cut cardstock into a triangle with a rounded base.

Step 2

Roll into a cone shape and secure with tape.

Step 3

Using a craft glue gun, add hot glue to cone tip and secure end of yarn at the top.

STEP 4

Wrap yarn tightly around cone until you reach the base of your cone. Secure the end of your yarn at the base with another drop of hot glue.

STEP 5

Attach pom-pom to cone tip with hot glue. And you’re done.