Cozy Christmas Decor

The internet (and especially blogs!) are full of holiday decor ideas this time of year.  I’m loving so much of what I’ve seen lately, but two wonderfully simple handmade creations stood out (you know the ones where you’re still thinking about them days after you first saw them)!  I just had to share these with you too. 

Kristi (Life Through the Lens} made a stunning wreath using yarn and Courtney {A Thoughtful Place} created a cozy vase and bowl with a cable knit sweater.  These just say cozy Christmas to me . . . all that’s missing is my cup of hot cocoa!  Here are the tutorials accompanied with their beautiful photos. 

Yarn Ball Wreath

The Supplies:

• Wire Wreath Form {I used a 18in. form}
• Ornaments
• Yarn
• Glue Gun
• Styrofoam Balls (2 1/2 inch, 2 inch, 1 1/2 inch)

Making the Yarn Balls:

Wrap the yarn around the styrofoam ball in various and alternating directions {just like making a real yarn ball} until all of the white sytrofoam is covered.  When you're finished just tuck the end of the sting underneath the yarn to secure it.

Making the Wreath:

There are a couple of  ways to do this.. you can evenly space out your large yarn balls onto your wreath form and glue them one at a time.  And then you can glue your smaller yarn balls and ornaments around your large yarn balls.  I have done this on a few of my wreaths.

Or you can build the wreath one section at a time building upon each section as you go.  I found that this leaves less 'wholes' and hides the wreath wire form from view.  This method works better for me and I like the way it looks.  I added the larger yarn balls and ornaments around the base of the wreath form and then I filled the 'holes' with smaller yarn balls and smaller ornaments.  Securing each by gluing them to one another and to the wreath form.  While gluing the pieces together you'll want to hold them for 15-20 seconds to make sure they are secure before moving on.  I also made sure that I alternated the colors.

I found that holding the wreath upright or hanging it on my door let me have a good look at it and find the places where I needed extra pieces added.

 Cable Knit Sweater Vase & Bowl

And check out what Courtney {A Thoughtful Place} did with a cable knit sweater!   

She explains:   I pulled the cuff down to the bottom {love the way that looks at the base} and simply tucked the remaining sleeve down into the vase. I chose not to glue or secure anything because I know myself and will want to use it on a different vase down the road. I am ALWAYS changing things up!

Ever resourceful, Courtney used the remaining sweater material to create this:

Here’s how she did it:   I pulled the sweater down around the bowl and taped it to the bottom to keep it in place. Then tucked the rest inside the bowl. Placing another dish or bowl inside will hide the extra material and be perfect for fresh fruit.

Thanks for sharing your projects!