Craft - Pom-pom animals

Behold the tool with many uses — it lets you magnificently transform yarn into a menagerie of pom-pom animals.

IT’S true, the fork could be the craft buddy you never knew you had. Kudos to Pinterest, the social network that works like a virtual pinboard, for that was where I first learned that a mere dining utensil could be used to produce fuzzy pom-poms.

These pom-poms can be attached to hair barrettes, bags and even blouse collars to give your style a cutesy effect. The accompanying tutorial, however, will show you how to transform these fuzz balls, kawaii-style, into Christmas tree-worthy ornaments.

While there are dedicated pom-pom makers available in craft stores, this method of using the fork is undoubtedly more affordable, and quick and simple enough even for the kids.

Experiment with different forks and yarn varieties. If you want a fluffier effect, use a pet slicker (brush) to comb through and fuzz up the fibre strands.

The doll’s eyes used here were purchased from Nekomeow’s online store at store.nekomeow.com. Alternatively, you can use squiggly comic eyes, scrapbooking brads or small pieces of felt. Find the mini pom-poms in Japanese variety store, Daiso.

Most craft glue dries up clear so don’t worry about making a mess when you’re sticking on the pieces. Here’s to some fuzzy festive fun!

* Lee Mei Li gets her crafty inspirations from making ‘amigurumi’, a type of Japanese crochet doll. Meet her woven whimsies at amiguruMEI.com.

Skill level: Easy Time required: 10 minutes Stuff you’ll need: Fork, yarn, scissors, doll’s eyes/ felt, mini pom-poms and craft glue.

1Wrap the yarn around the outer two prongs of the fork about 100 times – thicker yarns will require fewer rounds and conversely, more for thinner threads.

2 When you’re done, cut the end of the yarn. Leave the wrapped yarn on the fork.

3Cut a new strand of yarn about 20cm in length. Thread it through the space between the centre prongs of the fork, wrapping it around the bunched-up yarn.

4Secure the new strand of yarn as tightly as you can down the middle of the bunched-up yarn – pull firmly but gently so as not to break it. Make a double knot.

5Remove the yarn piece from the fork. Do not cut the long (yarn) strand that’s hanging out from the rest.

6Here’s the fun part: burrow your scissors through the loops on one side of the yarn piece and start snipping away.

7Do this for the other side as well. Make sure you get to all the loops. Remember, do not snip through the strand that you earlier used to secure the piece.

8What you’ll have is a fuzzy pom-pom, which you’ll need to trim into shape. Snip off little by little so you don’t end up with any bald patches.

9Now to decorate the “face”: with the long yarn strand pointing upwards, apply some craft glue at the centre of the pom-pom. Press two mini pom-poms in place.

10Apply a tiny amount of glue on the back of the doll’s eyes and secure them in place, along with a “nose”.

11Glue on more mini pom-poms to make the “ears” and “paws”. Tie a knot at the end of the long yarn strand and trim the excess. Make a dozen in all colours; use them as decor for a kawaii-themed Christmas tree!