Yarn Wrapped Ornaments
Hanging Holiday Art!
The Set Up
Start with sturdy cardboard shapes. Stars, trees, circles, candy canes. Keep them bold and uncomplicated so the wrapping feels rhythmic, not fiddly.
Paint sticks are optional but brilliant here. A quick layer of colour underneath means any gaps in the yarn still look great and it helps kids commit to wrapping without worrying about “coverage”.
Cut a small notch in the edge of each shape to anchor the yarn, or tape the starting end on the back.
Add a small finishing tray too. Buttons, beads, sequins, bells. Not lots, just enough. Easier said than done!
Smudge Tip
Pre cut your chosen colours of wool / yarn into manageable lengths. About arm length is perfect because it's long enough to wrap, short enough to avoid tangles (and the inevitable frustration).
The Making
Start wrapping! Around, across, diagonally, back again. This is pattern making without needing to “know” pattern. To change colours, tuck the yarn end under a few wraps on the back and begin again. Tape is fine too, especially for younger kids. This is not a knot competition.
If someone gets stuck in perfection mode, give them one simple nudge: choose a rule for one minute only. Wrap in one direction. Or wrap only in X shapes. Then break the rule and see what happens. Weaving in some buttons and beads is also a gorgeous option.
Once it feels finished, add a hanging loop. Either tie a loop directly around a section of wrapping, or tape a loop to the back and secure it with a final wrap of yarn.
Why We Love It
This one is sneaky. It looks simple, but it’s packed with skills!
It builds hand strength and coordination. It encourages planning and persistence. It gives kids a calming, repetitive rhythm, plus a big payoff at the end because it becomes something they can hang, gift, or keep.
Variations
Swap yarn for ribbon, fabric strips, twine, metallic thread
Make mini versions as gift toppers or tags
Turn it into a group garland by tying everyone’s ornaments onto one long string
Materials
• Cardboard shapes
• Scissors (or craft knife for adult prep)
• Paint sticks (optional for base colour)
• Yarn (a small curated palette plus one textured option)
• Tape or notches for anchoring
• String or extra yarn for hanging loops
• Buttons, beads, bells, sequins
• PVA glue (optional for heavy add ons)
Back to Top
Yarn Wrapped Ornaments
Hanging Holiday Art!
Bookmark
Sculpture
The Set Up
Start with sturdy cardboard shapes. Stars, trees, circles, candy canes. Keep them bold and uncomplicated so the wrapping feels rhythmic, not fiddly.
Paint sticks are optional but brilliant here. A quick layer of colour underneath means any gaps in the yarn still look great and it helps kids commit to wrapping without worrying about “coverage”.
Cut a small notch in the edge of each shape to anchor the yarn, or tape the starting end on the back.
Add a small finishing tray too. Buttons, beads, sequins, bells. Not lots, just enough. Easier said than done!
Smudge Tip
Pre cut your chosen colours of wool / yarn into manageable lengths. About arm length is perfect because it's long enough to wrap, short enough to avoid tangles (and the inevitable frustration).
The Making
Start wrapping! Around, across, diagonally, back again. This is pattern making without needing to “know” pattern. To change colours, tuck the yarn end under a few wraps on the back and begin again. Tape is fine too, especially for younger kids. This is not a knot competition.
If someone gets stuck in perfection mode, give them one simple nudge: choose a rule for one minute only. Wrap in one direction. Or wrap only in X shapes. Then break the rule and see what happens. Weaving in some buttons and beads is also a gorgeous option.
Once it feels finished, add a hanging loop. Either tie a loop directly around a section of wrapping, or tape a loop to the back and secure it with a final wrap of yarn.
Why We Love It
This one is sneaky. It looks simple, but it’s packed with skills!
It builds hand strength and coordination. It encourages planning and persistence. It gives kids a calming, repetitive rhythm, plus a big payoff at the end because it becomes something they can hang, gift, or keep.
Variations
Swap yarn for ribbon, fabric strips, twine, metallic thread
Make mini versions as gift toppers or tags
Turn it into a group garland by tying everyone’s ornaments onto one long string
Materials
• Cardboard shapes
• Scissors (or craft knife for adult prep)
• Paint sticks (optional for base colour)
• Yarn (a small curated palette plus one textured option)
• Tape or notches for anchoring
• String or extra yarn for hanging loops
• Buttons, beads, bells, sequins
• PVA glue (optional for heavy add ons)
Back to Top
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Thoughts?
Would love to hear if youv'e tried this or have any ideas on how to make it even better!
