Ornaments From the Garden

"For me, decorating the tree with ornaments made from plants, flowers and other materials from the garden is special," says Rebecca Kolls, host of Rebecca's Garden. "What better way to enjoy the fruits of your labors and bring back memories of gardens past and present?"

These handmade ornaments from the garden couldn't be easier. And your kids will love helping to assemble them.

This sweet little bouquet (figure A) has a dual purpose: hang it festively on the tree or give to a holiday guest as a party favor.

• Fold a long rectangle of paper (figure B) twice along its long sides until you've made a small rectangle (figure C).
  
• Bend over one corner (figure D), then wrap into a cone.
  
• While you're holding the cone in shape, punch a hole through the top of the cone. Thread a red ribbon through the hole, tie a knot in it (figure E).
  
• Punch another hole opposite the first hole, and thread the other end of the ribbon through it, then tie off.
  
• Gather a small bouquet of dried plant material--Kolls uses dried flowers, rose hips, seed pods, tiny pine cones and evergreen sprigs. Add a cinnamon stick if you like.
  
• Wrap floral tape around the stems and insert the bouquet into the cone. As a finishing touch, sprinkle the arrangement with your favorite essential oil.
  

Snip a sprig of artemesia, and while it's still supple, bend into a circle, secure the two ends with a twist-tie, and add a small red ribbon on top (figure F).

Using a needle and ribbon (or thread), attach two slices of dehydrated lime and a piece of star anise to the bottom end of a cinnamon stick. To the top of the stick, add a small piece of matching ribbon for hanging the ornament (figure G).

Glue some greenery--such as a sprig of juniper and its blue berries--to the top of a pine cone (figure H). Add some essential oil. Fasten a ribbon or thread to the top for hanging on the tree. After the holidays, simply throw the pine cone into the fireplace and it will scent the whole house.

This time-honored garland adds a traditional touch to the tree. And kids will love to help. String the garlands on a strong string (figure I). Small loops of cranberries tied off with festive ribbon can make lovely hanging ornaments too.

• Paint both sides of a wooden star (available at craft stores) with glue (add a dab of yellow paint to the glue if you want a bright yellow star). Dip the star into a bowl of corn meal, then into a bowl of glitter (figure J).
  
• Glue two stars together (like a cookie sandwich) over a string (figure K).
  
• For a string full of stars, use a long length of string and glue several star "sandwiches" along its length.