Hanging Around

Make the prettiest of chandelier-hangings with simple deciduous twigs such as apple or pear branches. Select a few branches with gnarled, interesting shapes and bind them together to make a pleasing structure, then hang the finished chandelier in the center of a window, suspended from a length of gold cord. Trim the branches with eye-catching trinkets such as crystal droplets and tiny pearls, all fixed with the finest of gold twine. This project would also look stunning hanging from a ceiling rose or as a wall decoration.

You Will Need:

2-3 tree
branches
fine gold wire
scissors
gold cord
crystal droplets
gold beading wire
small pearls
gilded decorations

Procedure:

Step One: Take the branches and move them around until they form a pretty shape. Bind the branches together at the top with fine gold wire.

Step Two: Attach a length of gold cord to hang the branches.

Step Three: Thread crystal droplets on to gold wire. Make short strings of pearls.

Step Four: Wire the remaining decorations, then twist the wires to make hanging loops. Position the twig chandeliers and hang on the jewels.

* * * Pretty Pots

Miniature topiary will look both eye-catching and charming on a windowsill or collected together on a table, but don’t forget to make the most of their containers. Terra-cotta pots have their own special appeal, but can also be treated to a variety of embellishments, from tassels to tape. Subtle, natural colors are best as they tone with the pots themselves and use small pebbles to conceal the florist‘s foam.

You Will Need:

florist’s dry foam block
sharp knife
3 old terracotta pots
2 straight twigs
glue gun and glue sticks
2 florist’s dry foam balls
fresh foliage, such as box
or privet
selection of pebbles
curtain weight
fine string
string tassels
masking tape
craft knife
self-healing cutting mat
matt varnish
paintbrush

Procedure:

Step One: Cut the florist’s foam blocks in half and cut each block to fit into the pots. Position the foam in the pots. Insert the twigs and then glue them in place, to act as the stems of the trees. Glue the foam balls on top.

Step Two: Cut small pieces of foliage to the required size and insert them at random in the foam balls, to create a casual, carefree effect.

Step Three: Cover the foam in the pots with a layer of small pebbles so that it is completely concealed.

Step Four: Thread the curtain weight on to string and tie it around one of the pots. Decorate the other pots with tassels or designs cut from masking tape with a craft knife. Varnish to make the masking tape secure.