Pompoms make simple yet classic Christmas tree decorations.
If you fancy something a little more involved, you can make your own woolen pompoms. Depending on their size, you can either string them as a garland or hang them as ornaments.
You will need:
- 2 sheets of light cardboard
- Skein of 8ply wool
- Wool needle
- Scissors
- Compass or drinking glass/jar
How to make:
Place the sheets of cardboard one on top of the other, then use the compass or a small glass or jar to trace circles on the top sheet. Cut the circles out of both sheets together so that you have matching circles, a bit of sticky tape on either side can help keep them steady.
Use the compass, a bottle top or just work freehand to draw a smaller circle in the centre of each large circle. Fold each circle in half to cut out the centre circle, then unfold and smooth flat. You should end up with a pair of cardboard doughnuts, one for each pompom.
Cut a long piece of wool, as long as you can manage without tangling. Pass one end through the centre of a doughnut pair and tie in a knot, thread the other end through a wool needle.
Use the needle to wrap the wool around the doughnut, passing through the centre each time, and working evenly around the circle. When you reach the end of your thread, tie it off, cut another piece and keep working until the whole doughnut is well covered. Tie off the end of the wool and trim any long threads. Cut a 20cm piece of wool for tying off the pompom.
Using the scissors, carefully cut the wool along the edge until you’ve cleared about a centimeter of the cardboard below. Work the scissors between the two bits of card and cut right around the perimeter. Take the piece you cut earlier, and carefully slide it between the two piece of cardboard, wrapping it around the centre twice, then pull tightly and tie in a double knot, leaving one long end to hang the pompom.
Cut the cardboard cuffs from the outer edge to the inner, taking care not to cut any wool, then remove and fluff the pompom into shape.
Words, photographs and styling by Francesca Newby
All props from Prue Trollope www.pruetrollope.com.au
