How to String Popcorn and Cranberries for Christmas Tree Decoration

Nothing says old-fashioned like a cranberry and popcorn garland gracing the branches of your Christmas tree, and it's surprisingly easy to create with friends, family and even children.
When the holidays are over, this garland can go outside to be a nice treat for the feathered friends in your backyard.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Whole raw cranberries Plain popcorn, no butter Large crewel embroidery needles (the points can be rounded for children) Waxed dental floss

1. Thread a strand of dental floss approximately 1 yard long on to your needle. Tie one end with a large knot. Insert the needle into a firm cranberry and push it all the way to the knot. The unknotted end should be only about 12 inches long.

2. Pop the popcorn and place it in a bowl where everyone has access. And, pour the cranberries in a bowl and place it where everyone has access.

3. Alternate the cranberries and popcorn, pushing each piece all the way to the end as you do it. This will help keep the string from tangling.

4. When you get the string almost completely filled, remove the needle and set the completed string aside as you work on others. Ultimately, you will tie these strings together to create one long garland. After tying the strings together, trim the excess string.

5. Hang these garlands on the branches of your Christmas tree and enjoy the old-fashioned look.

Tips & Warnings

• Although it can be a sticky process, adding gumdrops to the strings really give this project the "wow" factor. You will need to use a sharp needle and will have to clean your needle often with rubbing alcohol to remove the sticky sugar.
• Keep and eye on little children around the Christmas tree--popcorn always looks tempting to children, who could bring the whole tree down on top of them by pulling on a garland.