How to wrap your last-minute gifts without looking rushed

PROCEDURE

1. Prepare at least 5 sprigs of garden leaves, each about 4 inches long. For a bigger wreath, you’ll need at least 10.

2. Bundle up the sprigs and use wire to keep them in place.

3. If you’re using a round base, attach the bundled sprigs to the base with wire until the whole circumference of the base is covered. If you’re working without a base, shape the bundled sprigs into a circle with wire.

PROCEDURE

1. Loop the yarn around the carboard 30 times; for a bigger, fuller pompom, use a longer piece of cardboard and loop yarn around it 50 times. Trim off the end.

2. Tie the 6-inch-long string of yarn around the looped yarn.

3. Slide off the cardboard. Tighten the knot to create a ball. Flip the ball and make a knot out of the two ends of yarn. Leave the ends hanging.

4. Snip off all the loops around the ball.

5. Trim the pompom, cutting off errant threads and loose ends. The closer you get toward the center, the denser the pompom will be.

PROCEDURE

1. Loop the yarn around the cardboard 30 times; for a bigger tassel, use a longer piece of cardboard and loop yarn at least 50 times. Trim off the end.

2. Thread the 6-inch string of yarn through one end of yarn-covered cardboard and make a knot. This will be the top portion of the tassel.

3. Slip off the cardboard. To create the tassel fringe, snip off the loops of the other end of the yarn.

4. Wrap the 3-inch string of yarn around the bundled top portion of the tassel. Make a knot to secure it and snip away the excess threads.