Honestly, I never imagined I’d meet a God’s eye I liked. But recently, when trying to conjure a Christmas tree star (see A Star Is Born: DIY Foraged Tree Topper), I remembered the old camp craft, and I thought maybe it’s not the object itself that lacks appeal—perhaps it’s just the rainbow yarn.
Photography by Justine Hand.
I began with some red and black ribbon and white yarn, and then threw in a little glittery gold and silver string for extra holiday cheer. After a brief refresher, you’ll find you settle right back into the rhythm of it.
Instructions
Step 1: Cut your balsa wood into two pieces of equal length.
Step 2: Place two pieces together to form an X. To secure, simply wrap your twine diagonally in each direction to create an X across the front.
Step 3: Wrap the twine once, back to front, around one stick.
Step 4: Bring the twine across the front to the next stick, wrap around the back and across the front to the next stick.
Step 5: Repeat: Wrap around, quarter turn across the front to the next stick, wrap around, and so on until you reach the desired width.
Made with Studio Carta Wrapped Cotton String in red ($22 for 90 yards), my simple God’s eye is a festive ornament.
The back of the God’s eye is also lovely. Here is a step-by-step guide to making a classic God’s eye.
To create this pattern, I wrapped the first two layers in the traditional manner, pulling the ribbon and then white mohair, passing the yarn over each stick.
For a more elaborate design, start with four sticks crossed into a star form.
You can create more intricate patterns using the complex God’s eye framework. To do this, tie two pieces of string to two consecutive sticks.
You can also alternate the yarns that form the squares to create a radiating snowflake look.
The Finished Look
Hung on a bare branch, my God’s eyes conjure a simple Scandi Christmas.
Smaller God’s eyes make great gift tags.