Here is a wreath that will never drop needles, will never turn brown, won’t scratch, and can be decorated over and over throughout the year. It takes a little time, but otherwise is easy and fun to do. The assembly is a suitable supervised activity for kids ages 8 and up. Your imagination and personal preferences are the best guides to decorating a felted wreath for your home. And remember: it does not need to be green!

• Materials: Straw or foam wreath in desired size (start with a 12-inch or 16-inch wreath form) 15-20 yards 3-inch brown or green burlap ribbon 100-150 florist pins (more is better)

For knitted ro crocheted swatches: 400 to 600 yards of 100% worsted weight wool or wool plus another natural fiber (alpaca, llama, mohair). NO ACRYLIC OR NYLON

If you use a recycled sweater:

2 women’s size small or 1 women’s medium or large, or a men’s large sweater made of 100% wool or wool plus another natural fiber (alpaca, llama, mohair). NO ACRYLIC OR NYLON.

Other possible materials: burlap, green trash bags, fabric fleece, flannel fabric, wool or acrylic felt, old blankets

Scissors, sisal string for hanger; optional: rotary cutter, cutting mat, transparent ruler.

Felted birds patterns from Down East Thunder Farm, www.downeastthunderfarm.com

Felt pinecone patter from www.salttree.net

Other sources: 100 Snowflakes to Crochet by Caitlin Savinio
75 Birds, Butterflies, &Little Beasts to Knit and Crochet by Lesley Stanfield