A sweet gal named Amy wrote us on Monday, and asked,
How on earth did you make that sweet garland in your “Christmas” Mantel? I’ve been wanting something similar, and love all the colors. Any tips you could share? Thanks in advance!
And we thought that today was the perfect day to share something small, that brings a lot of warmth and festive fun to a space.
I even took it when I was finished, and draped it in the studio just because… we’re loving the colorful fun!
So without further ado, here’s what we did…
First, gather up some yarn. You won’t need this much, but since they generally sell it in generous proportions, it will probably look about like this. This stash is from our little wreath we made last year, {sourced from the local craft store} and it’s the perfect colorful assortment for all things fall.
We also grabbed some sheets of cheap felt at the local craft store, in coordinating colors. I’ll share both versions today.
• First up, grab a piece of cardboard, and wrap your yarn color of choice around it. This particular piece was around 5.5 inches thick, and it made really large tassels. We also had thick yarn, so this made the larger sizes easier to work with. {This step may look familiar, from our pompom tutorial, here… you could always add that to your garland, as well.}
• Simply wrap it around the cardboard until you’ve reached your satisfactory level of thickness. Remember, it will be both sides combined when you’re finished.
• Loosely thread one piece through at the top of one side, and lightly tie it to hold it in place with your hand while you cut the bottom portion, all the way across. Tada! This will free your thread, and you’ll have a piece to work with. It will look like the photo below:
• Go ahead and tighten your knot in the middle, leaving some thread {This is what you will add your tassel to the garland with} and smooth it out.
• At about 1/4 to 1/3 of the length, tie it together to give it that tassel look. Trim the bottom to even it out.
• Repeat with all. of. the. colors.
• For our felt tassel, we used the same piece of cardboard for the template so it would have a similar length. {Overall cardboard size = 5.5 x 11}
• Cut out a small portion of it in the shape of a mini square to leave a bit of longer piece at the end.
• Cut slits into the remaining portion, and set aside a longer piece to attach in the middle – this will be how you attach your tassel.
• Start at the left, and roll it up to the right, slowly adding hot glue as you go. When you get to the middle, double up on your longer felt piece you sat aside, and add it with glue, so it can serve as ties on the finished piece.
• wrap the longer, final right sided piece all the way around for your finished look and… tada! You have a felt tassel.
Decide on your pattern or order, and add them to a piece of twine for that final garland piece.
Make it long or short… and enjoy!
It adds a little warmth for the upcoming holidays… and we love the bright colors!
Chloe definitely approves.
As always, let us know if you try it! Have an inspired day!
Katie says
This is super cute and looks great draped on your fireplace with the stockings! I just love all the fun bright colors in your house! Enjoy the rest of your week 🙂
tricia says
I will need to try that tassle garland…but maybe in more muted colors to match what I have…thank you…
I have to ask too…did you make that gorgeous memo board in your studio? me want! 🙂
ashley @ the handmade home says
Hey Tricia! Thanks so much! You can read our how to here! ;} and the original reveal here.
tricia says
thank you!
it is absolutely stunning…I work from home and this would be perfect in my office! love. love
Tania // Run To Radiance says
Love it! I have some yarn and random fabrics at home that I want to do this with! 🙂 ’tis the season for tassels!!! Okay, well…it’s always the season for tassels I guess! 🙂
Erika says
I love this! Can’t wait to make one for Christmas. Also, random question. I LOVE the quote on your screensaver by Van Gogh. Did you design this image? Would you be willing to share the jpeg? :-))
ashley @ the handmade home says
Thanks, Erika! I am sure I have it around here somewhere – I’ll have to see! Please remind me if you don’t hear from me in a few days – things have been crazy around here with the loss of our dog + thanksgiving – but I will be glad to get it to you as soon as I can!