Sometimes ideas are like recipes ... if you combine two things, you get something totally new and wonderful! Recently, I've stumbled across two inspiring posts. The first one some time back was a tutorial on how to make wired words. The second was a more recent tutorial on how to make fancy ornament hooks. I combined the two and came up with these fancy wired word ornament hooks!

Aren't they great??! And they're especially so because they are S-I-M-P-L-E! If you can write, you can make these. You just "write" with wire instead of with a pencil.

Step 1: Supplies

The only things you will need is wire and a pair of pliers with a wire cutter. I like to use the wire sold at the hardware stores used for drop ceiling. It comes in a roll of 100' for about $3.

Step 2: Ready

The length you will need for each word will depend upon the word you choose and how big or small you "write" the words. I suggest you just work from the roll and cut when you're finished, leaving about 3-4" at the end.

Step 3: Choose a Word

Begin writing out your letters. I started with something short and sweet -- JOY.

Step 4: Shape

If your wire is very flexible, you'll be able to make your letters correctly. If you use thicker wire like mine, you'll want to improvise a few of the turns, just to make your job easier. It looks the same in the end.

Step 5: Crimp

If you do need to make a sharp turn, use the pliers to "crimp" the wire a bit.

Step 6: Finish

Finish your word, then cut the wire, leaving about 3-4" at the other end. You can always cut more if it's too long.

Step 7: Hook

Turn the end of the wire to form a tight hook. This end will attach to the ornament.

Step 8: Hanger

At the other end, form a tight loop. Then curve the excess wire into a gentle hook.

Step 9:

Make any final adjustment to your word. I didn't like my original "J" so I reshaped it.

Step 10: Hang

This really adds a wonderful, special touch to the tree, without being overstated.

Step 11: Names

Give it a try! It's so easy, I'm sure you'll be pleased with your results. I've decided I'm going to give my grandmas each a set made with each of the grandkid's names on them. They're both 90, and I'm thinking this might be the one thing they don't already have!

Step 12: Alternate

I used the same method as the Wired Word Ornament Hooks, except I put a diamond bauble at the end. I could have left them as ornament hooks, but some of the names got rather long.

Step 13:

What else to you give two 80-year-old grandmas that both lived through the depression and won't do anything extravagant?

Step 14: Great Gift Idea!

In any case, it's a great personal gift that you could do for almost anyone, for a very inexpensive price. Give it a try!

To see more of my tutorials, visit http://childmadetutorials.blogspot.com.