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Plastic Straw Ornament

Project designed by guest Theresa DiCello

This ornament is so fabulous, no one would ever guess it's made of plastic straws! Learn how to create your own with these instructions courtesy of designer Theresa DiCello.

Materials:
14 jumbo straws
white crochet thread
2 small pearls
2 small spangles or (use two large sequins)
sharp needle
scissors with pointed ends
ruler

Figure A

Steps:
Cutting
1. Cut 12 pieces of straw 1-1/2 inches long, angling the ends in opposite directions (Figure A). For variation cut straws two inches long.

Figure B

Figure C

Figure D

Figure E

2. Cut 20 pieces of straw 1-1/2 inches long, one end cut at an angle, the other end shredded (Figure B). For variation these straws can be cut longer or shorter. Shred the end with pointed scissors by cutting slits close together, (Figure C) open the end by pressing the slits with your thumb (Figure D), and curling the shredded pieces by gently pulling the blade of the scissors across the slits as you would curl ribbon (Figure E). Place the end of the straw in boiling water to set the curl.

3. Cut 18 pieces of straw 1-1/4 inches long, shredded at one end and angled
at the other end. Follow step two for setting the curled end. Note: For variation these straws can be cut longer or shorter.

4. Cut 22 pieces of straw 1/2 inch long angled in the same direction.

Assembly
1. Thread the needle.

Figure F

Figure G

2. String 12 pieces of angled straw from inside at the point of straw (Figure F).Tie tightly into a circle (Figure G). Cut string short. Carefully flatten the piece.

Figure H

Figure I

3. String 10, 1-1/2 inch pieces of shredded end straws, puncturing the angled end from the inside of the straw (Figure H). Tie tightly into a circle (Figure I). Cut string short. Carefully flatten the piece. Make two.

Figure J

4. String nine, 1-1/4 inch pieces of shredded end straw, puncturing the angled end from the inside of the straw. Tie tightly in a circle. Cut the string short. Carefully flatten the piece. Make two (Figure J).

Figure K

Figure L

Figure M

5. String 11, 1/2 inch pieces of straw puncturing from inside of the pointed end (Figure K). Slide the straws down the string to leave a longer string. Tie tightly in a circle (Figure L). Bring the string forward and insert the sequin (spangle), through the pearl, around the pearl and through the sequin (spangle) on other side; tie tightly. Cut string long (four or five inches). Flatten the pieces. Make two (Figure M).

Figure N

Figure O

6. Place piece from step 5 on top of the one in step 4; tie tightly. Then place the above piece on top of the one made in step 3; tie tightly; then all of the above pieces are tied to the one made in step 2. Tie tightly (Figure N). Stack these pieces starting with the smallest and finishing with the largest (Figure O).

Figure P

7. Turn the flower over and repeat the order in step 6 (Figure P).

Figure Q

8. Puncture one of the angled pieces to make a hanger. Use short string (Figure Q).

Figure R

Variation

Make a mobile by tying several ornaments together.

Tips:

These flowers look pretty with white straw which can be purchased from restaurant suppliers. The flowers are also nice when made from striped straws (Figure R).
Use these or variations of these ornaments decorate packages or other items.
You can make mobiles by tying several ornaments together.

Resources
Fun with Straw book and straw ornaments
The Stitchin' Post and Frame Shop
Kenosha, WI
Phone: 262-552-8870
Website: TheStitchinPost.com Guests
Theresa Balciunas DiCello
4050 24 Street
Kenosha, WI 53144
Also in this Episode

Carol Duvall Show : Episode CDS-1913
•	Paper Earrings & Pendant Set
•	Plastic Straw Ornaments

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