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Have you ever walked into a room and felt like you have stepped back to a simpler and easier time? Rustic crafts remind us of times when we used what was on hand and made wonderful gifts and crafts. Those are the kind of rustic crafts projects that warm the heart and are treasures for years to come.

~ Barbed Wire Wreath
This project is easy and different for every crafter who takes on the project. Miniatures are a good option for embellishments. How about some miniature tin cups, coffee pots, plates and bowls for a kitchen theme? Maybe some twisted rope with some knots is a good addition. Dried flowers look great in barbed wired. The rustic choices are endless.

~ Bowl of Balls
This is a unique basket arrangement with a touch of rustic charm. It looks like someone is about to pick up some cloth strips and make something beautiful out of them. It is just an illusion, but a pretty one. Take several sizes of Styrofoam balls. Tear strips 1/2 wide of wool. Glue a different pattern or color to each ball, as if it were a carefully wrapped bowl. This makes a great autumn addition to a home and a easy and fun gift.

~ Barn Wood
Something about barn wood just seems to scream rustic. It is one of the most versatile options for crafting. Frames can be created from barn wood. It is easy to purchase clock works and make a rustic barn wood clock. Vinyl lettering can be attached and antiqued to make signs.

~ Wine Rack
Need an easy wine rack to have it in easy reach for holiday celebrations. A quick trip to the building supply store, a good base and some stacking skills are all it takes. Clay flu liners can be purchased in square and octagon shapes. It comes down to personal preference. Wine is stored lying down to keep the cork moist. Stack them in a creative manner and fill them with holiday cheer.

~ Braided Rugs
Braided rugs take a long time to make, but they last forever. It is fun to have a new rug for every holiday. So get some traditional Christmas color fabric and lets get braiding.
Supplies:
*fabric (cotton, pre-shrunk)
*twine (red, green, white)
*yardstick
*scissors

The hardest part of this rustic project is tension. Remember when making the rug, lay it flat after every round to make sure the tension is consistent and correct. Begin with a small rug, and it will become easy.

Cut the fabric along the straight edge, not the bias. This keeps the material from stretching out in odd ways. The cut the strips 2 inches wide and then in lengths of 2, 3, and 4 feet. Since the strips will be joined as they go varying the lengths keeps from having bumps in the rug. Stagger the strip lengths as you go.

Joining the strips:
Make a slit at the top and bottom of each strip approximately a quarter inch in length and one half inch into the strip. Thread the new strip through the slit at the end of the strand you are working with. Wrap the ten of the new strip though it's own top slit, making a knot.

The braiding needs to be anchored. A giant saftey pin hooked to a pillow makes it secure and mobile. Begin braiding. Tuck the starter ends into the first two rows of braiding. It rows together with twine an randomly spaced locations on each row.

Finish the rug by narrowing the strips on the last row and folding them in.

Rustic can be fun, so take a step back in time and give it a try.

Learn more about this author, Trenna Sue Hiler.
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