one of my favorite diy projects that we’ve done all year has to be wintern des’ take on anthropologie’s holiday store windows (above and below). anthropologie is well-known for their amazing store visuals and their holiday 2008 windows certainly didn’t disappoint. des, sam and i visited their 5th avenue store last week and were blown away by the incredible holiday garlands they created using all sorts of interesting materials like ribbon, colored rope, paper chains, nuts, painted wood chunks- and even little tin kitchen molds. we immediately decided these would be a great project to try at home so des decided she would tackle this project- and her final result was fantastic. it’s such a fun spin on traditional garland and really allows you to utilize a wide range of materials- whether they’re pieces you pick up specially for this project or just things you have lying around the house. click here for des’ full instructions or just click “read more” below. thanks, des and thanks to anthropologie’s art department for creating inspirational windows year-round.
diy ornament garland
this project was inspired by the anthropologie store windows on fifth avenue in manhattan. it’s super easy and can be done with just about any holiday ornaments you may have laying around. plus, all of you’re friends will think you’re the coolest, craftiest person because this project looks great no matter what material you use.
you need:
-holiday ornaments, various shapes, sizes and colors
-ribbon, twine, yarn, chain, wire, anything that is string like
-various holiday accouterments, example: jingle bell garland, pinecones, miniature nutcrackers
1. first, attach a piece of ribbon to each of your ornaments, about a foot and a half long (or longer if you prefer).
2. second, once all your ornaments have ribbon, separate them into groups of three or more and arrange them how you’d like them to fall as they hang. tie all ribbons in a knot near about 5 inches from the end.
3. third, with an additional piece of thicker ribbon, ie twine, chain, heavy weight yarn etc, (about two feet in length) tie a knot around the base of the grouping of ribbons and begin wrapping the thicker ribbon upwards. you can make this wrapping as tight, or as loose as you’d like. i found it was easier (and more efficient) to start tight and loosen as I made my way up. when you’ve reached your previously tied knot, tie another, connecting the bunch of ribbons with the wrapping ribbon.
4. fourth, with the additional five inches at the top of the ribbon, fold over and create a loop. tie it to the base ribbon to hold it in place.
5. fifth, hang on the wall, christmas tree, or door knob
6. sixth, say thank you when people admire your handiwork
have fun and happy holidays! –despina
