Star Garland

I love rusty stars and bells and decided to make my own star garland.

I cut eight 4" stars out of 1/4" plywood on the scroll saw, but if you're not a wood worker find wood or metal star cut outs at the craft store. You could use any kind of cut outs like hearts, angels or crosses. I drilled two little holes in each star and spray painted them with 'Autumn Brown' textured spray paint. Joann's had 60% off this carton of rusty bells so it was around $6 and I might have used half of them.

I cut the brown 24 gauge wire a little over 5' long. Then just start threading the stars and bells onto the wire. The bells have little ties on them and they could be cut off but I left them on there just in case I needed them. I slid one end of the wire through one hole in a star, then the other hole and repeat to secure it. I slid on a bell to the middle of the star and threaded the other end of the wire through the other hole. I slid on a bell about 2" from the star and twisted it. Slide on a star, bell, end of the wire through the other hole and so on. After a while you'll get the hang of it. Fun for kids too.

Since I don't have a mantle I put the garland on a wreath with a burlap bow. You could hang it around a door frame, weave it through pine garland or drape several around your tree. Paint the stars any color: red, green, silver, gold or crackle and use the appropriate color wire. Have fun!