The process begins in January, when the pair choose a design, gather materials and create a prototype. "Over the years our project has created lots of laughs and great stories to share through our successes and frustrations. We never proceed until we both agree," says Laurie.
Construction begins in February and continues through the year. Laurie and Marran craft together once a week, but when the work is more intricate, they have been known to bead, fold and stitch separately at the cottage, on the subway or even in the parking lot before work. "We nicknamed one ornament the American Express," says Marran, "because in order to finish them, we could never leave home without one!"
The ornaments are always kept a secret until Christmas, when they arrive labelled with the year and presented in a homemade package. The giving has now extended to a second generation, and Laurie and Marran have established a treasured tradition.
Wire tree ornament
Laurie and Marran made 140 of these simple but elegant ornaments for Christmas 2007.
See a larger photo of the completed craft here.
You need:
• Tree template
* 45 cm (18 inches) #10 copper wire*
• 5 metallic 5 mm (1/4-inch) pony beads
• 1.3 cm (1/2-inch) dowel
•20 cm (8-inch) length 5 mm (1/4-inch) wide satin ribbon
• Wire strippers, needle-nose pliers and masking tape
*Sold in home improvement stores as electrical wire
Page 1 of 2 -- Find instructions for completing your wire tree ornament on page 2
