No Stockings Here - Cones!

I got this idea a few years ago from a magazine in a French Christmas decor-inspired home.  I don't remember how their cones looked, but I remember loving the idea!  I finally put these together last year, but with not enough time to add them to my blog.  I'm just barely eeking them in this year!  What you will need if you'd like to make these yourself:

1. Poster board (I've started buying the 10-pack at Wa*mart because I got tired of hearing at 7 p.m or later, "I need poster board for a project that's due tomorrow!")
2. Fabric
3. Ribbon (two types)
4. Grommets (NOT the drapery ones)
5. Wooden letters (or other ornamentation) optional
6. Glue
7. Sewing machine

What I did:  First I determined the size I wanted my cones.  These are about 7" dia. and 16" long.  Cut out your cone form (I wish I had used a double layer of poster board for sturdier cones).  You'll see I had an oopsey here, as I first made them too large, then had to modify.  After I cut out my cone shape, I traced it onto my fabric leaving 1/2-3/4" boarder all the way around for gluing or sewing.

Originally, I tried just gluing everything, but the tension from the poster board popped my fabric open, so I ended up sewing the fabric into a cone shape and sliding the poster board in.  (You may be a more talented gluer than I am.)  In the above photo, you'll see the inside edge where it is folded under the rim about 3/4" (it's also snipped from the fabric edge to the cone edge, so it lays better) then glued.
 

Here's the "oops," you can see I used a very meticulous method of folding, stapling, then paperclipping the back to make a skinnier cone - 'cause I'm classy like that.

Next, I added the grommets (bashed on with a hammer on the floor of the garage--I used an old towel to protect the fabric--be warned it did also cut through a small round hole in the towel).  This is important:  DO NOT use drapery grommets.  Go over to the jean embellishments area in your store and buy JEAN GROMMETS.  (I was lucky enough to find some at Tuesday Morning.)  Ask me how I know.  At first I tried the drapery grommets, the combination of fabric and poster board was just too much for them.  Go figure, right?  If you had real draperies with a lined twill fabric, I don't know if they would work either. 

I used two grommets per cone.  Mine are about 1 1/2 -2" apart (center to center).

Next you will need to attach the hanging ribbon.  I tied a knot in the ends then stapled to the side.  Two notes:  1) Stapling is not the best option, they keep sliding out/off.  You could probably do a combo of gluing plus stapling to get a good hold.  2) You may not want to "center" the hangers.  What I mean by that is you may not want your bow portion at the "6 o'clock" position and your holders at "3 and 9 o'clock" if you want the bow portion to face forward, instead of to the side.  In my photo, above, they are not in the best position.

Thread your big satiny ribbon through the grommets, tie into a floppy bow, and attach your letter.  (I purchased wooden letters, painted black, and attached them with floral wire.)  You could also give them a separate ribbon, or glue them.  

Hang and enjoy.  These would be adorable with small wrapped gifts in them for display.  I stuffed the bottom point with plastic shopping bags, then put the paper shred on the top.  I fill Er, Santa fills them with goodies for Christmas morning!

Joyeux Noël!  For more decor, see my Christmas Tour I post, HERE. 



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