I've been appreciating the Christmas wreaths that're decorating peoples front doors in the neighbourhood, or hanging at windows. (Wreaths is the word I want, isn't it? Sounds a bit funeral-like.)
So I decided to make one myself, as you do in those foolish moments ... Actually I'd collected several fir cones while out walking, and envisioned a circular mass of greenery in which nestled glitter encrusted fir cones. It seemed a good use for them.
First things first, what to use for the wreath's base? A cardboard tube doesn't sound very likely but I scrunched it up into a kind-of circle, applying lots of sellotape in the process. Then I covered it in felt before wrapping tinsel around it. Hmm, so much for the idea of greenery.
So I decided to make one myself, as you do in those foolish moments ... Actually I'd collected several fir cones while out walking, and envisioned a circular mass of greenery in which nestled glitter encrusted fir cones. It seemed a good use for them.
First things first, what to use for the wreath's base? A cardboard tube doesn't sound very likely but I scrunched it up into a kind-of circle, applying lots of sellotape in the process. Then I covered it in felt before wrapping tinsel around it. Hmm, so much for the idea of greenery.
I ran out of blue tinsel so used gold tinsel as well. This project is so 'make do and mend'!
I tried tying some fir cones on to this base, but they just looked clumsy and out of place. Instead I add various bits of gold coloured ribbon and bits of red curling ribbon, plus some gold and red tree baubles. Gradually it began to look festive.
I tried tying some fir cones on to this base, but they just looked clumsy and out of place. Instead I add various bits of gold coloured ribbon and bits of red curling ribbon, plus some gold and red tree baubles. Gradually it began to look festive.
The final touch were some 'jingle bells'. These were a thrifty addition as I'd saved them from worn out cat collars, thinking they'd come in useful for maybe making catnip mice one day.
The finished wreath is too small for a front door, but it's hanging at the window, and I'm fairly pleased with the result. It certainly feels better to have made something than simply to have bought it from a shop.
The finished wreath is too small for a front door, but it's hanging at the window, and I'm fairly pleased with the result. It certainly feels better to have made something than simply to have bought it from a shop.