It’s a (yarn) wrap!
Enjoy our simple step by step Create guides devised by professional artists and foragers for Friends Around the Table. Absolutely no experience is necessary, these activities are accessible for most people and can be undertaken in your own time.
Each guide welcomes you to explore food and nature in new and exciting ways to bring some relaxing and creative activity to your day. Once you have had a go, why not share the skills you have learned with a neighbor, friend or family member!
When Jac Campbell is out walking she often collects bare winter twigs, sometimes trying to identify the tree and at other times just enjoying the patterns and textures of the bark, nodules and side shoots. Yarn wrapping is a relaxing way of noticing the uniqueness of the individual twigs and transforming them into something beautiful for your home. She encourages you to invite a friend, neighbour or family member to join you. Sharing a walk to find interesting twigs and a cuppa while you wrap – this activity is wonderfully mindful, alone or in company.
Activity
- Choose a twig: straight twigs are easier to wrap but wonky twigs with side shoots are more interesting.
- To begin cut a length of your first colour yarn, perhaps an arm’s length to start. Tie one end with a knot to the twig.
- Hold the loose knot ends against the twig and start wrapping the yarn so the loose end is hidden.
- Wrap as far as you want to go or until you run out of yarn.
- To change colour just tie a new colour to the yarn you are working with.
- Don’t forget to wrap the side shoots!
- Narrow stripes, wide stripes, diagonals, over wraps, gradient colours…there are many ways to wrap. Perhaps take a moment to share ideas in the group.
- When you reach the top of the twig thread the yarn through the darning needle and stitch it back through the wrapping to secure. Alternatively you could knot it around the end.
- You could add buttons or beads at any point by using a needle.
Why not theme the activity?
Bring along leftover yarn from home knitting projects.
How about sparkly Christmas jumper themed twigs?
Natural materials could be added into Autumn or Easter themed twigs.
You could even use yarns that remind you of a friend, special event or favourite place.
If you’re feeling ambitious you could make a whole tree as a group activity!
You will need
- Some interesting twigs
- A selection of yarns, wool or threads
- Maybe some beads, feathers, buttons or tassels
- Darning needles (not essential)
Download activity guide
Download the PDF version of this activity.
If you’ve enjoyed this DIY activity and would like to make a donation to Suffolk Artlink please visit our CAF Donate page here https://cafdonate.cafonline.org/9780#!/DonationDetails. Every penny will help.
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