There’s only a couple of sleeps left until Christmas and we’re all getting into the festive mood. Alternative Christmas trees are as popular as ever, as they are more environment-friendly and much easier to work with. But even if you opted for a traditional tree this year, you can still spice up your outdoor decor with this alternative chicken wire Christmas tree.
What you’ll need:
Chicken Wire (120cm x 150cm)
6x Stakes (90cm long each)
Christmas Lights (15m long)
Tying Wire (2.5m long)
Lacing Wire
Spray Paint (preferably green)
So, what next? Get your working gloves on and create something shiny and unique!
Step-by-Step Guide to Making a Wire Christmas Tree
The first thing you’ll need to do is create the base of the tree. The aim is to make it firm and secure, so your tree will be stable.
Your structure should start looking like a cone shape – do not worry if it’s not perfect – you can cover the imperfections with lights or ornaments later!
If your shape seems firm and you’re happy with the way it looks, it’s time to get your chicken wire ready. If you haven’t done so before, it’s definitely time to get some working gloves on!
You will need to secure the chicken wire closely to the structure, so it will remain in place. Don’t be afraid to use a ruler to be more precise!
Once your mesh-covered cone shape is ready, you can start making it look like a Christmas tree. For us, the decorating was the best part!
Now there’s only a couple of finishing touches needed and you have the perfect outdoor (or indoor if you prefer) Christmas tree. Light it up and decorate to your liking!
Enjoy having your very own alternative wire Christmas tree! Hopefully you find making this project fun, and you’ll be happy with the results. Happy holidays!
Crochet has to be one of the most satisfying crafts, and it’s enjoying a bit of a renaissance at the moment due to lockdown. Although some stitches are fiendishly complicated to learn, you can master the basics quite quickly and enjoy seeing your project grow. The name ‘crochet’ comes from the French word for ‘hook’, as you need the special hooked tool to create the intricate stitches. If you’d like to learn a new skill, then we’ve put together 10 kits suitable for beginners which come with accessories and instructions (although most will expect you to know a basic stitch or two already – search YouTube for video tutorials). Do check carefully what each kit contains, as some are complete and others will require you to have basic equipment such as a hook, scissors and sewing needles.
1. Gin and tonic mandala kit, Pineapple Fibre Art
Gin and tonic mandala kit, Pineapple Fibre Art
This kit contains yarns, ribbons, hoops and the written patterns and charts to make two mandalas (one 10cm in diameter, one 15cm). All you need is a 2mm crochet hook (or size to obtain gauge), pins to block them out, scissors and a needle to sew in the ends. £23, available from Pineapple Fibre Arts.
2. Learn to crochet kit, LittleCraftBoxCo via Etsy
Learn to crochet kit, LittleCraftBoxCo via Etsy
This craft box includes everything you need to make coasters and trinket bowls, including two balls of ribbon tied yarn in a choice of six colours, aluminium 3mm crochet hook, darning needle for weaving in end, highly detailed instruction booklet with photos, stitch guide and pattern and access to detailed online videos. £24, available from the LittleCraftBoxCo via Etsy.
3. Crochet your own pumpkins kit, The Range
Crochet your own pumpkins kit, The Range
This kit contains everything you need to create two pumpkins. Perfect for beginners looking to take up a new and exciting crafting project. £11.99, available from The Range.
4. Crochet basket duo, Stitchingmesoftly via Etsy
Crochet basket duo, Stitchingmesoftly via Etsy
This kit contains all the materials and tools you will need to learn how to crochet two baskets in your choice of two different sizes. The kit includes a bamboo crochet hook, two balls of Bobbiny 100% recycled cotton cord, a pattern, a ‘how to crochet’ guide and a stich marker. £35, available from Stitchingmesoftly via Etsy.
5. Easy baby blanket crochet kit, CrochetKitsUK via Etsy
Easy baby blanket crochet kit, CrochetKitsUK via Etsy
This blanket is made from easy crochet stitches which would suit a beginner, including chain and treble crochet It includes an “Introduction to Basic Crochet Stitches” booklet, three 100g balls of acrylic yarn in saxe, fondant and a saxe/yellow/white mix, and a 5mm crochet hook. £18, available from CrochetKitsUK via Etsy.
6. Learn to crochet kit, HevsHomeCrochet via Etsy
Learn to crochet kit, HevsHomeCrochet via Etsy
Learn to crochet from scratch with this beginner kit. It has everything you need inside to get started and comes with some helpful tips and tricks to get you into the crochet groove, plus information on how to access video tutorials. The kit includes one 100g ball of acrylic Aran weight yarn from Marriner, one 5mm metal crochet hook, one plastic darning needle and one instruction booklet. £8.50, available from HevsHomeCrochet via Etsy.
7. Beginners’ crochet kit, Beacon Crafts
Beginners’ crochet kit, Beacon Crafts
This kit has been designed to mimic a face-to-face workshop as much as possible. It contains four 100g balls of quality premium acrylic yarn, a crochet hook, a wool needle, an instruction booklet, a ‘basic granny square’ booklet and you’ll also have access to a private Facebook group where you can access video tutorials, ask for help and advice when ever you need it and chat to others learning to crochet along with you. £25, available from Beacon Crafts.
8. Beginners’ turtle crochet kit, Chloe’s Crochet Cuddles via Etsy
Beginners’ turtle crochet kit, Chloe’s Crochet Cuddles via Etsy
This kit is perfect for someone wanting to start a new craft and contains a pattern booklet with video help for each stitch, a 5mm crochet hook, green yarn, brown yarn, stuffing, extra yarn to practice, black yarn for the smile, a set of 10mm safety eyes, a tapestry needle, a stitch counter and some extra treats. £15, available from Chloe’s Crochet Cuddles via Etsy.
9. Aimee the giraffe beginners’ crochet kit, Wee Woolly Wonderfuls
Aimee the giraffe beginners’ crochet kit, Wee Woolly Wonderfuls
This is a luxury kit containing everything you need to make your very own Aimee the giraffe. It’s suitable for a complete beginner crocheter, as there are step-by-step video tutorials available. This kit contains all the yarn you need, an instruction booklet, a 4mm crochet hook, a sewing needle, two stitch markets, stuffing and a cotton project bag. £27, available from Wee Woolly Wonderfuls.
10. Crochet basket kit, The Left Hookery via Etsy
Crochet basket kit, The Left Hookery via Etsy
This kit comes with a choice of three patterns and enough materials to make one basket. You’ll need basic crochet skills including magic ring, chain, double crochet, half treble crochet and slip stitches. The kit contains 100m of 5mm recycled cotton rope/cord, available in a variety of colours, a crochet hook, a bulb stitch marker and patterns. £25, available from The Left Hookery via Etsy.
Crochet can be a bit like Marmite – you either love it or hate it. If you’re not a fan, though, it’s likely that you still think of it as old fashioned and fussy. Modern crochet is bright, eye catching, practical – and it’s the hot new trend of the summer.
The history of crochet
What is crochet and where does it come from, anyway? ‘Crochet’ refers to the art of making thread into intricate, lace-like patterns using a hook (‘crochet’ is French for ‘hook’). We don’t know how it got started, but it gained in popularity during the Second World War. It was cheaper than lace, which was no longer readily available, and it was quick and easy to make once you’d mastered the basic skills required. For this reason, it was seen as a sort of ‘poor cousin’ to lace and got the reputation of being a bit cheap and not very classy.
In the 1960s and 70s, though, it really came into its own. Crochet squares were quick and easy and could be made into all sorts of things from blankets to waistcoats, which suited the homespun, rustic ethos of the period. Gradually it started to acquire its old-fashioned image and become very uncool as we moved into the 1980s, an era dedicated to manmade fabrics.
Modern day crochet
Now, crochet is back and it’s appearing everywhere from table mats to wall hangings. The emphasis is on bright, modern colours and bold design, and the craft itself is making a comeback, with many people taking it up during lockdown. We’ve put together some ideas for adding crochet to your home decor, or for making your own designs.
Crochet trivet, Know and Love
Crochet trivet, Know and Love
Hand crocheted from T Shirt yarn, these fun trivets are sustainable and fully washable. They come in a range of colourways and are perfect for adding a little boho chic to your kitchen or dining room. £8 each, available from Know and Love.
Fran art crochet hoop, Pineapple Fabric Art
Fran art crochet hoop, Pineapple Fabric Art
Choose your own colours for this 70cm diameter artwork, which is sure to make an impact on any wall. Each piece is made by hand to order in the colours of your choice so will be unique to your decor. £190, available from Pineapple Fabric Art.
Recycled monster plant holder, No Way Crochet
Recycled monster plant holder, No Way Crochet
Add a quirky touch with this handmade crochet monster basket made from waste cotton textiles discarded by the fashion industry. Perfectly good textiles that would otherwise go to landfill are reused for this individual home accessory. It comes with a recycled plastic drip tray to stand your favourite plant on to avoid drips. £17, available from And So to Shop.
Hanging garden lantern, A Good Right Hook
Hanging garden lantern, A Good Right Hook
This unusual hand crocheted hanging lantern is ideal for use in the garden or on the terrace. With a holder for the addition of an LED candle or tea light this lamp will create a lovely atmosphere on summer evenings. Crocheted to hang from a 15cm metal ring, it is a little over 22cms in length and is finished by tiny beads on the scalloped edge to catch the sunlight. Three hanging cords are securely joined to a small brass ring making it easy to hang, from trees, the underside of the patio umbrella or anywhere in your garden which needs a little individuality. Being cotton it will withstand the odd shower but should not be left outside in bad weather. £16, available from The British Craft House.
