I’m almost afraid to share what I’m about to share with you because I fear that it may ruin my reputation and make you think less of me.
I made a craft yesterday.
(Hangs head in shame)
It’s true. I didn’t mean to do it. The whole thing just kind of snuck up on me.
It all started last week when I was looking at various homes decorated for Christmas on Pinterest and a few blogs. And then somehow I ended up on a rabbit trail that led me to Edie’s blog and a tutorial she did last year on how to make a pom pom wreath.
And some glimmer of hope and optimism rose in me and I thought to myself, “I CAN MAKE THAT. I CAN MAKE THAT WREATH.”
(Side note: I was on the dance team in high school and we did a pom pom routine to Shake Your Love by Debbie Gibson. And because I am so odd, that memory came to my mind yesterday as I made the pom poms for this wreath and I cannot shake it. Get it? I cannot shake it. Love? Pom poms? Does it even matter at this point?)
I have no desire to write artfully on a chalkboard or replace all my normal dishes with hand painted Santa plates. I don’t want to try to keep fresh boxwood wreaths alive or deck my tree with real pinecones and cranberries. But for some reason I was drawn to that wreath like a moth to a flame.
So yesterday morning I got out to run some errands. I had to go to Target to return a frame I bought in the wrong size and ended up leaving there $100 poorer than when I walked in. Target, you win every time. Then I ran in HEB to pick up a few grocery items I didn’t want to buy at Target, specifically heavy whipping cream because the Market Pantry cream is just subpar. And, finally, I decided to just swing by Michael’s to look at some yarn and possibly a straw wreath because I couldn’t get that stupid pom pom wreath out of my head.
And that’s how I found myself walking up and down the yarn aisle, carefully evaluating the different weight and thickness and colors of various skeins. I was previously unaware that there were so many yarn options. It was a simpler time that I call Sunday afternoon.
But all of a sudden I was full of opinions and thoughts about all the yarn. I finally decided on a thick, homespun yarn because it appeared to be really soft, thick and fluffy. It was also 50% off its regular price. So I grabbed two things of it and then went in search of straw wreaths. There were a few times I nearly just walked out of the store because of all the faux cinnamon and abundance of crafting supplies, but then I spied the straw wreaths, grabbed one and made my way to the front of the store.
Even after I paid for my items and got them home, I wasn’t convinced I’d actually follow through. But then Caroline got home from school and it was a cold, rainy afternoon and so we turned on Elf and I began to make pom poms for my wreath.
I cannot even express how easy it is. Other than to assure you that the fact I was able to do it means you could essentially hand this project over to a group of orangutans at your local zoo and open an Etsy store less than twenty-four hours later.
Just about an hour after I started I had this:
I was so pleased with myself that I wanted to invite the neighbors over to look at it but that might have been overkill. Plus, the whole thing about crafts is you have to play it cool. That’s part of the schtick. “What? This wreath? I just threw that together with some old scraps I had around the house and some duct tape.”
Anyway, I just wanted to share my shame/pride in case you’re looking for a Christmas craft that is beautiful and doesn’t require etching the lyrics to Silent Night on the head of a pin. You can find Edie’s pom pom tutorial by clicking here.
And I’m already thinking I might make a few more of these before winter is over. I know. It’s like I don’t even know who I am.
Also, if you’re interested in seeing a plethora of homes that have been beautifully decorated for Christmas, there are two different Christmas tours of homes that I have been stalking. You can check those out here and here.
At some point I’ll share the rest of my Christmas decorations, but did you not just read about how I made a wreath with my own two hands today?
I have to pace myself.
After reading this I just want to CHEER you on to make more – see that? CHEER!?
Truly it looks really nice. Well done you. You have almost convinced me to try my hand at the pompom wreath making. Almost. I especially love how it’s on that lovely backdrop of a frame. COOL.
Nice job!!!!!!!!!! I am very non-crafty so I totally feel your pride!
Oh my gracious, I lost it when you said that you wanted to invite the neighbors over!! I always giggle when I read through your blog posts. But at that sentence, I was so tickled!! And it’s probably because I totally get it!! I am so un-crafty it’s sad. I bought a wooden letter, some mod podge, and some glitter 2 years ago…and it’s still sitting in my closet! If I made a wreath, I would absolutely call all my friends and neighbors over to see it!!
I feel your accomplishment. Made one with Christmas fabric years ago. My husband loves it. “Its so festive!” Love that you used the chevron ribbon. I too, check out other bloggers Holiday Homes. Happy Festive Day!
can you hear me laughing…the last two sentences had me laughing outloud. thanks for making my mornings happy.
Congratulations – a job well done! I’m impressed!
Right with you on the Shake Your Love pom routine. Ours was just awesome in 1988.
I love the wreath. You nailed it!
I just clicked on the first tour of homes and it was for Nesting Place. It made me feel really bad about myself. We put up a tree (not everything matches but I love looking at the ornaments my son has made over his 4 Christmases) and I hung stockings and put ornaments in the lanterns on the mantel. Other than the wreath on the door that is it as far as decorations go. Now I feel like a Christmas failure. I was considering trying the wreath. I don’t think I have it in my now. Sad day! 🙂
You go, Melanie!! Love the wreath. You’ve got me thinking of making one, but the laziness overtakes me. Our only Christmas decor that we’ve put out thus far is our tree. Good grief, we are the worst.
Very cute! Congratulations! and once again, thank you for starting my day with laughter
Noooooooo!!!!! Now I’m all alone in the vast wilderness of the valley of No Handmand Crafts Are Ever Attempted Land. So very lonely….
It’s like I don’t even know you—oh wait. I don’t. Except for bloggy world! lol
Anyway, that wreath is super cute. My daughter and I have doe head first into the scarf/hat world with the loom things. I bought them last year and so it only made sense to sit on them for a year. That said, I have almost finished my first infinity scarf. I love it!
Love your wreath I may try my hand at it.
Well. I may need a minute.
Okay, I’m back.
You’ve clearly outdone yourself. It’s beautiful and the fact that it’s the work of your own two hands? Priceless. This is one of those projects that doesn’t even make a Baptist girl cuss. Which is always a plus.
I’m so proud of you and I’ve left you a little gift on Twitter to show my undying love.
Amen.
looks great! i have that bunny chalkboard…
I was laughing through the whole post thinking, ‘This looks a little advanced for a non-crafter. This can’t turn out good.’. and then I got to the picture. OMG! That is beautiful. The white is stunning against the black background (is that a chalkboard?) with the gold frame. Have you been sandbagging? :). We may need more crafting confessions in the future.
One of the prettiest things I’ve seen this season!
I love your wreath! Again you are ahead of me – I’ve started a pepperming one but not finished it, and in typical over-kill I need three for my kitchen. I salute you. 🙂
… on my way to Michael’s or “Hob Lob” 🙂 …
Looks great!! The next Martha Stewart. Now I need to try this too.
When I saw the title of this post I thought it was going to be about the Jonas Brothers song “Pom Poms”. You’ve covered a lot of ground in the 5+ years I’ve been reading, but I don’t remember many times you quoted the JB’s.
At any rate.
There will be no stopping you now that you’ve jumped on the crafting train! 😉
(And now I have the JB’s singing “put your pom poms down for me” stuck in my head)
I wanted to invite the neighbors over!!! Ok, I lost it. And only because I am majorily crafty challenged so I knew that feeling oh to well when you actually create something pretty awesome and the whole world should take notice. It may or may not ever happen again.
I am not crafty either but I am so proud of you. I’m seriously considering making one myself now.
I’m a little envious now and slightly motivated. I may have to make a trip to Michaels just to test my lack of skill. Really I’ll be testing how “dummy-proof” that tutorial is, but ’tis the season to give it a shot. Love starting my day off with a giggle….and a craft. 🙂
Thank you for the laugh today. Your wreath looks great!
I am going to have Shake Your Love in my head for the rest of the day. Thanks for that! Awesome wreath! Still don’t think I have the skills and patience to pull that off. I will wait and buy from you on Etsy.
Before I even read your post and only saw your title, I was singing Debbie Gibson. So, thank you for at least mentioning that in your post. See what you did there and liked it! 🙂
You’re making wreaths and I’m making Christmas canvas handprint art. I’m pretty sure we could take over the world if we put our heads together.
I’ve been stalking those decorated blogs since last week and pouring over the details. Makes my decorating look tired and old. I want sweater balls made from recycling white knit sweaters. I want fresh greenery everywhere! I want plaid scarves from the dollar tree for garland! I want a flocked tree!
My favorite ones are Dear Lillie’s, The Lilypad Cottage, and Craftberry Bush. What about yours?
Btw, your wreath turned out fab!
At MOPS in October, we made a burlap wreath. There was lots of weeping, wailing, gnashing of teeth and help from virtually all the other women in the room, but my wreath turned out halfway decently. I never got around to hanging it, so when I started decorating for Christmas, which, let’s call it what it is, setting up a fake trees and hanging stockings, I decided to add some garland to the burlap wreath and hang it. I’m not sure it looks good, but I just don’t have the energy to care. All that to say, I’m so glad to know someone as awesome as you also doesn’t have hand painted decor and chalkboards with Christmas song lyrics hanging everywhere.