[today's final diy project is a guest post from designer david stark! stay tuned for his updated hometour in the d*s book, or click here to check out original tour online]

I have been obsessed with snowmen for as long as I can remember, and right now, I am certainly obsessed with string and twine! My buddies over at west elm humored my cord obsession, welcoming me to design my very first product line, a collection of holiday decorating items, all so reasonably priced and in the stores now. Many of the items in the line grew out of techniques we often employ for the hand-made elements we create for events. I am happy to let you in on one of our secrets.

A twine snowman is a no-brainer. Simply take 3 varying sized balls and stack ‘em. But the “drawn” twine elements – pipes, hats, any details you desire, all are created by re-wrapping twine around wire, hiding it as an armature inside the strand.

You can then draw anything you want because the wire holds the shape. Write words, create a bow tie, a jaunty cap, and group a happy family on a credenza or a mantle. Create a centerpiece for a dining or buffet table, pairing the snowmen with items from our west elm collection to create a unique scene. Mixing naturals with glimmering metallics feels new to me and immediately propels twine into the holiday season. [Photos courtesy of Susan Montagna]

Ho ho ho!

D.

CLICK HERE for the full project steps after the jump!

Materials:

19-gauge floral wire
Single-ply sisal twine
Low temperature glue gun
Wire snips
Scissors
Needle-nose pliers or board and nails

Directions:

Cut a few feet of twine and unravel it slightly. Squeeze a line of hot glue along an inch or so of the wire and wrap the twine around tightly so the wire is covered completely. Repeat along length of the wire. If you need a longer length, connect lengths of wire by overlapping the ends and wrapping the twine around them as if they were one.

Shape with pliers or by bending the wire around nails in a board arranged in the desired pattern.