Just hope that your neighbors who aren’t crafters don’t think you’ve gone crazy as they see you outside, stooped over in the chilly weather, picking up this, examining that. Hopefully, they are crafters, too, and they understand that you’re just looking around your backyard craft store. The store opens up with the arrival of fall so you can gather sticks, leaves, pine cones, and more. When your neighbors see you collecting your supplies, they’ll come over to ask you about your project. So, inevitably, your crafting afternoon becomes a neighborhood gathering. That’s okay, though; what else are the holidays for?
You and the neighbors get your supplies – the things you’ve collected and a few common items – and each of you can make a different garland. One can be fashioned from regular pine cones. Or, glitter the pine cones, if you prefer. The easiest way to connect the pine cones is to first lay out enough cord for the garland you want. Set the first pine cone on the cord, a few inches from the end. Tie a piece of brown thread around the pine cone and the cord at the same time. Tie a knot to secure. Measure over a few inches and tie on the next pine cone. Continue until the garland is as long as you want.
An acorn garland is really cute around a food table or draped along handrails. Use hot glue to attach them to small-diameter twine. Just put a nice dab of glue on top of the acorn, stick it to the twine, and continue until the garland is the length you desire.
Simple sticks can become rustic decorator garland when you tie them onto twine. Cut sticks to be close to the same size; a sharp kitchen knife works fine. Place two sticks in an “x” shape and tape or tie them together, where they cross. Then, tie each “x” onto the twine. If you tie the sticks together with colored tape, like red, yellow, white, or black, you can create a Native American look for the garland.
With a needle and thread, a handful of leaves becomes a gorgeous, fall garland. Just pierce a stack of leaves at a time, and slide them down the length of the thread, spacing them evenly apart. Hang this garland around banisters, doorways, or tables.
You and the neighbors can each show off your talents and maybe even trade garlands with each other. No, maybe your garland won’t be a one-of-a-kind, but you’ll have made lots of new, crafting friends.
Assorted Fall Garland