Knitting Basket Christmas Tree Ornament

These are one of my favorite handmade ornaments to make at Christmas.  It's not really made from "scraps" so I decided to post it here.

What you need:



~mini wicker baskets
~embroidery floss
~tacky glue
~toothpicks, round
~small red beads that fit over the end of the toothpicks  
~poly-fill of other "stuffing" 
~scissors
~red ribbon, 1/4 inch wide
~foam food tray or piece of styrofoam

1.  Place batting or stuffing into the bottom of the basket.  This will eliminate using more embroidery floss than necessary.

2. Using tacky glue, glue a red bead to the end of two toothpicks and poke the other end of the toothpick into the foam food tray.  Allow to dry.

3. Using the embroidery thread, roll one skein into a small "knitting ball."  Depending on the size of the wicker basket, you may need to use the entire skein of floss.  Add a dab of glue to secure the ball of floss.  Allow to dry.

4. Using scissors, cut the tips of the toothpicks (the portion above the glued on beads).

5. Glue the balls of floss into the basket using tacky glue, arranging them to you preference.  

6. Using glue, place the toothpick knitting needles above the balls of floss, as shown in the photo.  Allow to dry.

7.   Tie a piece of red (or other color) ribbon into the basket handle.

These make fun gifts for anyone who knits or crochets. 

You can also visit our farm store to purchase one.    Click on the "Christmas Ornaments" tab.