Pom-poms, tassels, and snowflakes made of vibrant yarn create a cozy, crafty theme for a tree. A sewing basket is a fitting container (the tree sits in a separate pot surrounded by gravel); the gifts are wound with yarn.

Form fluffy baubles in any color under the sun with a pom-pom maker (at crafts stores). For garlands, just knot lengths of yarn.

Yarn Star How-To
The yarn star, a classic camp craft, stands watch at the top.

1. Lay three craft sticks as shown. Glue; let dry. Tie yarn on (we used mohair), and wrap it across the center and around each spoke in turn until center is covered; tie off around a spoke.

2. Tie different yarn to stick, and wrap it around each spoke several times to form a stripe; tie off.

3. Repeat to cover, switching yarn as desired.

4. For pom-pom ends, wrap yarn several times around finger. Tie a small piece of yarn around the middle; cut through loops. Glue or tie to ends of spokes.

Pom-Pom How-To
1. Place pom-pom maker's pieces in pairs, following package directions.

2. Wind yarn around each pair, filling inside of U.

3. Interlock units' feet to make a circle. Slip scissors into gap between sides; cut through loops all around circle. Tie a loop for hanging in one end of a piece of thread; use other end to cinch pom-pom by sliding it into gap and tying tightly around yarn.

4. Remove plastic units.

5. Trim the pom-pom into a neat sphere.

Snowflake How-To
Draw a shape. Tape waxed paper over design. Dip yarn in white glue; wipe off excess with fingertips. Lay yarn on waxed paper, following design underneath. Let dry several hours until stiff, then remove. Tie on a thread loop for hanging.

Tassel How-To
1. Wrap yarn around cardboard (ours was 3 1/2 inches high) at least ten times. Loop yarn for hanger under top strands; pull tight.

2. Cut through bottom loops.

3. Tie yarn around tassel near the top; trim ends evenly.