Hi, guys!  I’m so excited to be participating in the True Bias 2013 Handmade Ornament Exchange!  I had a blast making and sending my little holly jolly pug ornaments last year, so I was thrilled to participate again this year!  There’s just something so sweet about handmade ornaments.  I’m one of nine bloggers making and swapping ornaments with each other– be sure to check out everyone else’s ornament tutorials!

• Miranda of One Little Minute
• Jen of Grainline Studio
• Krista of Lazy Saturdays
• Jennifer of Workroom Social
• Katy of Katy and Laney
• Laney of Katy and Laney
• Erica of Caught on a Whim
• Kelli of True Bias

This year, my inspiration was the song “Silver Bells”.  I hear it everywhere I go during Christmastime in the city, so it’s the song I most associate with NYC Christmas.  Also, I just love the sound of little jingle bells– it makes me feel like a little kid!  You barely need a tutorial– these are so easy– but here’s one anyway!

You will need:

• cardboard (I used a cereal box, but you could go with slightly thicker cardboard, too)
• ribbon (1/4″ or so worked for me, and I used ribbon with wired edges, which has a bit more grip) for the wreath and a small amount of contrasting ribbon for the hanger
• jingle bells (sold in packages at craft stores)
• needle & thread OR thin floral wire
• tape

Trace a circle onto your cardboard (I used a coffee mug, which gave me a circle about 3.5″/9cm in diameter).

Trace a smaller circle in the center of this one, approximately 1″/2.5 cm (I used a spool of thread).

Cut out your cardboard circle and wrap it with ribbon, first securing the end with tape.  Once you’ve finished, secure the ribbon tail with a few stitches with your needle and thread.

Add a ribbon loop for a hanger– cut a piece of contrasting ribbon approximately 8-9″/20-23 cm and sew it onto the ornament, stitching through the ribbon and the cardboard to hold it on tightly.

Now it’s time to add some bells!  I used a needle and thread to stitch them onto the ribbon, weaving the thread underneath the ribbon so it’s almost invisible.  You could also use the floral wire for this– it works just fine!

Keep filling in the spaces with bells until your wreath looks really full and pretty!  For the wreath on the left, I used bells that are all one size, but the plaid wreath is a mix of two sizes.

Admire your handiwork!  I get a little thrill every time I hear the bells chime (usually when I’m knocking stuff off the tree in a sad attempt at watering it), and I love the way the lights reflect off the bells.

Are you guys making any ornaments this year?  What are your favorite handmade ornaments?