making garlands for the tree

Some time ago, my sister and I started creating a handmade Christmas tree each year. We pretty much start from scratch, choosing a new theme every year. And although as the beginning of December draws near, I do stress about getting it done, it's one of my most favorite traditions. This year, we are doing something we've talked about doing for a long time: Garlands.

We aren't making any ornaments; we're only doing bunches of garland.

Three of them are shown above, and we're actually still working on others. The top one is crochet, and it's really easy. I'll show you how below. The middle one is from a Purl Bee tutorial. And the bottom is just jingle bells strung on ribbon. So simple, but fun and sparkly!



Last week I wrote about playing with sequins, and this is what became of them. Well, that was the plan anyway. I spotted these star sequins and decided that they would be perfect. My crochet skills are severely lacking, but I can make a simple chain, and that's what this is. The only difference is that there are these twinkling stars added in along the way.

Here's what it looks like (the one-handed version, since my other hand was taking pictures!):









Single chain a few inches (I used thin crochet thread and a size 5 hook). Remove the hook and replace it with a smaller one (it needs to be able to fit through the sequins you're using).

Place a sequin on the hook, then pull a loop of thread through the hole. If you do it just right, you can pull it through and make a stitch in the same motion.

Go back to the larger hook, then continue to make a chain for a few inches. I don't count...I just space them however feels right. Some stars are close and some are farther apart.



Even with the switching between crochet hooks, it goes quite quickly, and I thoroughly enjoy working on it. Give it a try! I guarantee that sparkly sequin star garland will make you smile!