Easy ornament idea: yo-yo Christmas tree

[losabia]

Here's an ornament you can whip up for an exchange or tree or gift decoration:



Materials:

• 4 small scraps of fabric
• embroidery floss or strong thread
• 1 decorative button for the top
• about 10 buttons for the "trunk"

Equipment:

• round things to trace
• pen or pencil
• scissors
• needle big enough to accommodate your floss
  

To Make:
don't let all the steps fool you: I work with young children, so I always break everything down into very simple steps

• Trace four circles of fabric in gradually decreasing sizes. I just searched my cupboards for round things (bowls, glasses, etc.), but they ranged from about 4.25" for the large one to about 1.75" for the small one.
• Follow Heather's tutorial (http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=112640.msg1075515#msg1075515) for making these circles into yo-yos.
• Thread the needle with a 12-14" piece of floss
• Starting AT THE TOP, going downward, thread the decorative button onto the floss...
• then poke straight down through the center of smallest yo-yo from the top
• add two buttons
• poke through the 2nd smallest yo-yo (from the top)
• add two buttons
• poke though the 3rd yo-yo (from the top: I know, you know, but it can't hurt to repeat)
• add two buttons
• poke through the biggest yo-yo
• add either 3-4 buttons or a combo of fat beads and buttons to make a trunk.
• NOW, make a u-turn and go back UP through the bottom buttons
• go back up through the BOTTOM of the last yo-yo
• and the buttons on top of it
• and then up through the bottom of the next yo-yo, etc.
• Repeat until you get to the top decorative button.
• Slide the pieces together along the floss to make sure it isn't loose anywhere.
• tie a knot (a biggie if your button hole is large) and you're done!

I'll try to post pics later tonight. My friend and I are crafting today, and these are sure to be on our list.

[avsceriline]

Wow, losabia! So cute!

I'm always on the lookout for easy to make ornaments, and this is adorable. Thanks for sharing!

[losabia]

You're welcome! It's a great way to use up some of those little scraps. I'd love to see your tree if you decide to make one!

[pandamouse]

Oh Wow! Very cute. Plus, instructions I can follow  . I just need to make some of these, and I promise to post pictures!

[reefundine]

That is so awesome, thank you! I need to make about 20 ornaments this year, and I've done some crochet and felt ones already, so this will be a nice change up!

I hit "this rocks" 

[mareal719]

this is such a great tutorial!