cozy yarn wreaths

Unveiling a few more of the presents I made this year...

My friend Linda and I have a newish tradition in which we exchange mostly handmade things for Christmas. I'd been wanting to try making those yarn wreaths that have been making the rounds in the crafting blogosphere, so this seemed like a good time to do it!

I used a small flat styrofoam wreath that I wrapped in cotton batting and white baby alpaca yarn, then adorned it with little flowers I made from felt and from a recycled sweater. I painted a bit of glitter to the bird and hot glued everything down and tied a fat yellow bow with vintage velveteen ribbon at the top. It turned out very sweet and it was pretty easy to figure out and assemble. (It was so fun to do that I also made a second one for our old neighbor!) I quite like the way the alpaca looks in this project, since the fuzzy softness adds to the cozy appeal.

I also made Linda, who is a newlywed, a slightly imperfect house ornament featuring their last name and the year. It's all hand-stitched and embellished with sequins and a gingham ribbon.

I think next year I'm going to have to try to get presents out a little earlier so that I can post them a little earlier. Are people sick of looking at Christmas things yet? I'm rather glad the hustle and bustle is over, but I'm still enjoying going over photographs and memories. But just a couple more post-holiday-themed entries, promise!

Photo #1 courtesy of Linda S.