Transform an old wool sweater into stunning Christmas tree topiaries. As a seasoned DIY crafter and author Joanne Palmisano (Salvage Secrets, W.W. Norton, 2011) demonstrates, cover foam balls with felted wool to craft a trio of festive tree toppers.
To prevent unraveling, felt the sweater by boiling it in a large pot of water that fully covers it. Stir occasionally with a wooden spoon, then cool, wring out, and dry in a dryer or naturally. Repeat if needed to shrink and felt properly.
Draw an eye-shaped pattern on paper for even coverage of the foam ball without bunching. This template ensures a smooth fit.
Use the template to cut sweater fabric into pieces sized for each foam ball.
Start at the top and use a hot glue gun to secure pieces to the foam ball. Important: Avoid applying hot glue directly to the foam—apply it to the fabric edges and center to prevent melting. Overlap pieces slightly, ensuring no glue squeezes out and no foam shows.
Cut a 48-inch dowel into three varying lengths, allowing 4-6 inches for the ball and base. Slice a small hole in the bottom of each foam ball and insert the dowel 2-3 inches deep.
Wrap mini pine garland around each dowel, securing only at the top under the ball with hot glue. Leave 2-3 inches bare at the bottom for the base—no glue near the end.
Tie ribbons into bows and secure with a straight pin.
Stack reclaimed wood blocks (like cherry from a recycling center) in three heights. Mark, cut with a saw, glue stacks with wood glue, weigh down, and dry overnight. Sand smooth and apply two coats of lacquer.
Drill a 2-inch-deep centered hole in each block top. Insert dowel straight, remove, add wood glue, reinsert, and let dry.
Joanne Palmisano is the author of Salvage Secrets (W.W. Norton, September 2011). Visit her blog, also called Salvage Secrets.
