Artsy Fartsy Friday Linky Party!

I am so excited to be linking up with some of my blogging (and real-life) BFFs for their very first linky party!

Jena is seriously one of the craftiest people I know.  Lindsey is also one of the most creative people I know.  So naturally, they came up with this fun linky idea!  

I will be the first to admit, I have great intentions when it comes to craftiness.  I frequent Hobby Lobby and Michael's regularly.  I can whip out my phone to scan those 40% off coupons faster than you can imagine.  I have my crafting supplies all together, neatly organized.  Pinterest is my friend.  However, with five and three year olds ruling the roost this summer, I don't anticipate getting much of the fun crafting stuff that I dream about done until it's time to think about heading back to school.   

The day will come though... :)

This week, I am going to share one of my favorite creations.  The first is from last summer.  Yarn wreaths are my thing, man.

Here's what I used to make this particular wreath.

Materials Needed:

*Yarn in your choice of color(s)

*A styrofoam wreath form (found in the craft section of The Lob or Michael's)

*Ribbon (not shown, but I made the hanger and an accent bow out of a pretty turquoise chevron (of course) ribbon that I got for 50% off at the Lob)

*Chipboard letter

*Scrapbook paper

*Mod Podge

*A pretty flower

Now, to for starters, let me tell you that while these are very easy and cheap to make, they are time consuming and frustrating.  I absolutely adore these pretty wreaths, and I've given them as gifts of many occasions.  However, the yarn gets tangled easily and the glue burns my fingers.  These battle wounds are worth it though. :)

Okay, back to the instructions...

Start by tying a knot around the styrofoam form.  I always glue it as well to ensure that it's not going to slip and slide all over the place.  Then, just wrap the yard around until the styrofoam is covered.  This step easily took 3 hours to complete.  The results are well worth it though!

This wreath is one solid color, but I've made them blocks of colors before.  To do that, you will just continue to knot the particular colors into the blocks that you desire. 

Now, for the letter.  I chose a B (obviously), but you can pick any chipboard design you desire.  I picked a pretty scrapbook paper (chevron, no doubt) and traced it around the shape of the letter.  Then, I mod podged (is that a verb?) the letter, glued the scrapbook paper down, and added another layer of mod podge.  I let this dry overnight before attaching to the wreath, but if you choose to walk on the wild side, go ahead and attach it.

Using the hot glue, I attached the letter, the flower, and the ribbon (not shown).  

This wreath adorns my classroom door, but it would also make a wonderful and inexpensive gift for someone you love.  I've given them for wedding showers, secret pal gifts, and just because gifts.  

Now head on over to share your artistic side!