DIE FOR DIY - the culture of do it yourself

Going through the new issue of Elle, to my great surprise and joy I stumbled upon the article of Fotini Simos "DIE for DIY - The culture of Do It Yourself",

"The trend commands DIY in fashion, decoration, leisure, education and beauty. It is not just another lifestyle madness of hipsters, but a new social phenomenon that has its roots in the international economic crisis. A need therefore that is dressed with the mantle of beauty and style and steals the impressions, because behind everything there is an idea hidden. In other words, the DIY is the new "takethe  control in your own hands." A little fun revolution against consumerism. "

And more particullary for knitting: 

 "Knitting: The new yoga. The most hip girls in the city discovered embroidery, knitting and cross stitch and make themselves scarves, caps and sweaters. The trend started since psychotherapists spread that knitting is best stress buster. Researchof the Institute of Harvard Medical School, showed that knitting reduces the heart pulse to 11 in a minute, so the pressure drops. This is what the working girls of the city heard and pulled the needles from the grandmother's trunk! "

And because I'm working and hip girl ;) I knit with obsession: 

Two new bags in proccess:

An extravaganza cowl:

A surprise gift, trying for the first time the entrelac technique:

DYI - Christmas wreath with Santas choir table decoration

Many years ago I made this beautiful wreath that I had found in a German magazine. Unfortunately, some time from a leak in the attic humidity drenched the box and it was destroyed. Last year I attempted to rebuild the Santas from felt, but did not have time to finish and  eventually I made the Santas  ornaments for the tree. I hope another time to be able to make it again ;)

You will need:
1. A ready-made wreath natural or synthetic
2. 4 red candles
3. Small gift packets and musical instruments
4. Satin ribbon of your choice 

For the Santas:
1. Styrofoam balls with a diameter of 3.cm5 and 1.5cm
2. An old thick  women pantyhose in skin color
3. Red lipstick
4. Black marker
5. Red marker
6. Red satin fabric 
7. White faux fur or wool fabric or felt
8. Florist's  wire
9.  White wool yarn for the mustache and beard
10. paper with music notes theme

To make the Santa cut the small balls in half and glue on each ball the small half (for the nose). Then cover the ball with a piece of hose and fasten it down with a few stitches. Draw eyes with the black marker and the mouth with the red. With the lipstick gently paint the nose and cheeks. Thread a needle with the white thread and sew a beard and moustache (photo 1). With a little glue fix eyebrows.Stick a long piece of wire in the head with direction from bottom to top in the centre and then turn and pass it back. Twist the two pieces of wire together. Cut a triangle from the red satin fabric (photo 2), stick it on the head and garnish it with fur.Attach the heads on the wreath and  in front of each head attach the little   music sheets. Decorate the wreath with the rest of the candles, bows and ornaments.

And since you are talking about wreaths, take a look at these wonderful ideas about door wreaths I found at  BHG: