Festive Holiday Decorating Ideas

Tie up your holiday trimming with these ideas fresh from the farm.

ROPE THEM IN

TWIST IT, TIE IT AND WELCOME GUESTS HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED

62 ft. of ¹/₂-in.-wide sisal twisted rope

14-in.-wide wire wreath frame

22-gauge floral wire

Choice of decorations such as florals and greenery

Utility knife

Wire cutters

Hot glue gun

DIRECTIONS 

1. Use utility knife to cut four 1-yd. lengths of rope; set rope aside for Step 4. 

2. Place wire wreath frame flat to work. Layer most of the remaining 50 ft. of rope in circular loops on top of frame.

3. With about 6 ft. of rope remaining, create a double hanging loop at top of wreath. Wrap remainder of rope tightly around itself and the wire frame backing. Secure hanging loop to back side with a clove hitch or simple knot. Apply hot glue to end of rope and knot to secure in place and prevent fraying. 

4. In 4 symmetrically placed points on the wreath, wrap 1 of the remaining 1-yd. pieces tightly around the ropes and wire frame. (See photo as a guide.) Secure each wrapped piece in place with a knot on the back side of the wreath. Use hot glue to prevent fraying.

5. Use wire cutters to cut several segments of floral wire. Attach layered strands of rope to wire frame using floral wire segments. Secure in at least 6 places around the back side of the frame, making sure the rope does not sag. 

6. Use hot glue to attach such decorations as silk flowers, mistletoe, or freshly cut evergreen or holly branches. NOTE: This weight of rope is easy to work with, but may sag if not fastened well to a strong wire wreath frame.

GREAT BALES OF GIVING

THESE STRAW GIFTS SAY SOMEONE’S ON THE NICE LIST THIS YEAR.