Today we’re sharing a special DIY by Sally Shim. Sally’s been contributing to Oh Happy Day for over a year, and now I’m excited to announce that she just released a new book: Pretty Packages (you can order it by clicking here.) In the book, she shares 45 step-by-step gift wrapping DIYs – from wrapping paper to gift boxes and gift tags. I already own a copy and I really love it. This week we’ll be giving away copies of Pretty Packages along with a packaging supply goody bag to 3 Oh Happy Day readers. Make sure you click through below for all the contest details and to see the instructions for these fun Felted Ball Garlands! (PS – To see more of Sally’s contributions to Oh Happy Day, click here!)

Felted Ball Garland by Sally Shim

Crafting felted balls requires few materials and is a great addition to a gift when you have a little time on your hands. All you need is wool roving, dishwashing soap, and water and you can make felted balls of all sizes. Wool roving can be found at knitting or craft stores. If you don’t have time to make felted balls, you can use store-bought mini pom-poms. This DIY makes 1 garland with 5 or 6 felted wool balls. Bright Idea: Instead of stringing the felted balls, you can glue individual felted balls in a random pattern on the wrapped box. Mix two or more colors of wool roving to create multicolored felted balls.

Supplies: Wrapped gift, A few handfuls of wool roving Cotton embroidery thread, 1 tbsp dishwashing soap, Small bowl containing 1 cup/240 ml hot water, Spoon, Small bowl of cold water Embroidery needle

Step 1: Add the 1 tbsp dishwashing soap to the small bowl with 1 cup/ 240 ml of hot water. Stir the dishwashing soap and hot water with a spoon until it is mixed well. Tear off a small handful of wool roving (approximately one-eighth of the total roving); the ends will be frayed when you make the tear. Gently dip the wool into the soapy water. You want the wool to be slightly damp, but not fully wet.
Step 2: Gently rub the wool between your hands, forming a ball shape. Once a ball shape is formed, dip the wool into the small bowl with cold water.
Step 3: Continue to rub the wool while adding more pressure.
Step 4: Alternate between rubbing the wool and dipping the wool into the hot soapy water and the cold water until the ball feels firm and dense. Repeat this process to make the desired number of felted balls. Let the felted wool balls dry for 24 hours.
Step 5: Thread the needle with the embroidery thread and use it to string the felted balls, leaving enough of the thread at each end to wrap around the gift and secure with a knot. Trim the thread ends.

(Giveaway is now CLOSED. Our winner will be contacted via email. Thanks!)

And here’s how to win a copy of Pretty Packages for yourself:

1) Visit Sally’s site to read more about Pretty Packages.
2) Comment below on why you’d like to own this book!

The giveaway ends on 9/22 when the winner will be chosen at random.

Photos by Madelene Farin