Yarn Christmas Tree

SUPPLIES & TOOLS:

• Wood hoops in descending sizes
• Yarn (in a variety of colors and thicknesses)
• Scissors
• Hot glue gun
• Hot glue sticks

DIRECTIONS:

1. Separate inner and outer hoops. Use only inner hoop from this point forward.
2. Wrap each hoop with green yarn. Tie the end to secure or use a dab of hot glue.
3. Cut approx 16" strands of green yarn. Attach 4 to the smallest hoop by tying 1 end of the string to the hoop. Tie the 4 together to create the hanger. Tie 4 more strands to the smallest hoop and tie the other end to the second smallest hoop, connecting them. Repeat process until all hoops are tied together in a tree shape.
4. To make a pompom, hold the end of the yarn on your palm using your thumb. With your other hand, start wrapping the yarn around your fingers (you can use 2, 3 or 4 fingers depending on the size of pompom you want). Wrap the yarn around your fingers for a minimum of 40 times (the more wraps, the more dense your pompom will be). Switch yarn colors intermittently for a funky effect. Don't wrap too tightly. You will need to slip the bundle of yarn off your hand eventually.
5. Cut another piece of yarn about a foot long. Turn your hand with the yarn bundle palm down and thread the foot long piece of yarn through your index and middle finger. Turn your palm up and tie a tight knot around the bundle. Make sure it's in the middle of the bundle. Slip the tied bundle off your hand. Tighten the knot even more and turn bundle over and tie a knot on the other side. Cut all the loops in the middle, all the way aroud the bundle. But DON'T cut the two ends of the foot long piece of yarn (you will use those to fasten the pompom onto whatever you want) Cut around the pompom to make all the yarn pieces uniform in length. Rub the pompom between your hands to fluff it up. Tie to tree.
6. To make a tassel, begin wrapping your yarn around an index card or piece of cardboard. Continue wrapping until you have desired amount. Switch yarn colors while wrapping to create a funkier look. End with yarn at the bottom, then cut. Thread a small piece of yarn through the top and loosely tie it. Slide scissors through the bottom and cut through the yarn. Fold out yarn and center the loose tie. Once centered, tie tighter and in a knot. Fold yarn in half and tie tightly with twine or same yarn. Trim up bottom of tassel to even out. Wrap contrasting yarn around the cinched area for an upscale look. Tie to a string hanging from the loop. Attach to hoop.