Twine Christmas Trees

The holidays are here which means crafters are in overdrive! Dreaming, creating, repurposing, and general overall decorating madness. Trying to avoid the creative urge to scheme, invent easy and beautiful holiday crafts is futile.

So here we go. Take these styrofoam cones for example – with a roll of twine, and some glue you will create awesome Christmas trees.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You’ll need:

• Styrofoam cones
• Hot glue gun
• Twine
• Bases for the trees (optional)

All supplies can generally be found at any craft store – I even found these birch bases at Michaels. If you can’t find twine, you will certainly score some at your local hardware store — that’s where I found mine.

Here’s how you do it:

1. Starting at the base of the cone, hot glue the start of the twine then continue to wrap the twine till you reach the top.
2. Hot glue the twine to the top of the cone.
3. Done!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For a little extra holiday pop, I added wool felt ball garland and tree toppers. However, these trees look amazing on their own. I also found the felt balls at Michaels and simply created the garland by threading the balls together with a sewing needle and red thread.

Happy crafting and happy holidays!

 

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Hurricane Sandy Crafts

As most of you know, the northeast was attacked by Hurricane Sandy this past week.  She wreaked havoc on countless families in numerous states (especially New Jersey & New York) and according to the latest reports, the economic damages will be in the billions.  Thankfully Andrew and I escaped with minor damages compared to our neighboring states.

During the storm, my giant backyard tree was relieved of countless branches and most all of its leaves. You may recall we experienced a similar weather situation last year, at the same time, and I created these Twig Christmas Trees.

While waiting out this year’s storm, I decided to keep busy and created a stick wreath. It’s a super easy project and please don’t wait for a natural disaster to create one just like this.

You’ll need:

• Twigs
• Pruner
• Cardboard
• Twine (optional)
• Hot glue gun
• Ribbon or twine (to hang the wreath)
• Moss (optional)

Here’s how ya do it:

1. Using a sharp utility knife, cut a cardboard disc approximately 6 inches in diameter then cut a hole in the middle.
2. This is optional but I wrapped the disc in twine (see photo below).
3. Then start hot gluing various lengths of twigs to the disc until you have the desired shape.
4. Add twine or ribbon to hang and your done!  I stuck a clump of moss in the center of the wreath but that’s not necessary….I just really like moss.

We are still having high winds in these parts so I decided to keep my wreath indoors for now.

Fortunately, our families at the New Jersey Shore are safe and our sincere thoughts and prayers go out to those still struggling with Sandy’s devastation.

Happy crafting!

Bailing Twine Flowers

My friend Kate made yarn pom poms for a wreath (and her cat Fable) and I thought I’d try the same technique but use bailing twine instead to make flowers. I love bailing twine – it’s inexpensive, a roll of it goes a long way, and I use it in a lot of my projects.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Bailing twine
• Florist wire
• Scissor
• Your fingers

Here’s how ya do it:

1. Loosely wrap twine around four fingers starting with your forefinger to your pinky finger. Wrap the twine around your four fingers about 25 times.
2. Remove the twine from your fingers and twist florist wire in the middle of the flower to bind the center of the flower.
3. Cut the looped ends with a scissor.
4. Now simply fluff up the flower to the perfect shape and cut the flower to the desired size.
5. Done!

I hot glued mine to the ends of twigs but there are countless creative uses for these beauties. Have fun, and happy crafting!

Summer Flowers

 

Recently I created this summer flower arrangement for a dinner organized by Rodale Catering & Events.  The container is a round glass jar, wrapped in hay (yes hay), then tied off with a generous portion of twine.  It is filled will all sorts of locally sourced flowers and ivy from my back yard.  It makes a casual yet elegant impression for any table or outdoor gathering.

Pretty in Pink

Happy Monday and happy birthday Shaina! Actually, her birthday is tomorrow but we celebrated her special day early. This pink creation I arranged for her includes passion roses, gerber daisies, stock, carnations, lilies and eucalyptus. All of the flowers I collected at the local grocery story!

The arrangement is in a square glass container purchased at AC Moore Arts and Crafts.  The vase needed some texture so I placed a wide rubber band around the vase then tucked curly willow between the vase and the rubber band. Then I covered the rubber band with twine.

Easy, unique and she loved it!