String Popcorn on a Christmas Tree

Nothing smells as good as freshly popped popcorn. Once it starts popping the aroma fills the air, and all you want to do is eat it all. Allow it to cool, and instead of eating it, string them for your Christmas tree. This project may take a little time, but it is well worth the effort. Children will delight in helping string the popcorn (as well as eating it) so pop plenty--some for the tree, and some for the decorating team.

Steps

 * 1) Make some popcorn with any method you prefer. At least one large size bowl is needed, but that will depend on the size of your tree. Be sure to let the popcorn cool before you continue on to the next step.
 * 2) Thread the needle, but do not cut the thread from the spool. It will take a lot of thread for the popcorn garland to cover an entire tree.
 * 3) Start stringing one popcorn at a time by inserting the tip of the needle into the center of each piece. Keep sliding it further down on the thread making room for more popcorn. It's best to slide the popcorn to the end of the thread to prevent knots. Once you feel that you have enough garland for the size of  your tree  tie off the end of the thread by looping the thread, pulling tightly, and going under the loops a few times. Make sure that it is   well-secured, so that popcorn won't fall off, and then gently cut the thread.
 * 4) Carefully hang the garland onto your  Christmas tree.

Tips

 * DO NOT attempt this if you have pets such as dogs or cats, for the pets will destroy a Christmas tree along with decorations and gifts, while attempting to retrieve the free meal.
 * When Christmas is over and the tree comes down, take the popcorn garland and string it on a tree outside for the birds to enjoy.
 * Letting the popcorn sit out for a while to get stale will make it easier to string, because it won't be as crisp and likely to break when you stick the needle in it.
 * It is best to have a needle with a large eye, for easier threading.
 * Waxed dental floss is stronger than thread and it is easier to slide the popcorn down. Silk quilting thread will also work well.
 * 8lb. clear fishing line also works well. It is stronger than thread, just as pliable as dental floss, and does not fray like dental floss.
 * Plain, unbuttered, and unsalted popcorn is less likely to attract bugs.
 * Stringing the popcorn in two or three foot lengths, then tying them together, is easier than trying to string one very long strand. A very long piece of garland is harder to manage as it tends to loop back on itself and get tangled.
 * For a different look, string popcorn with cranberries. Use unbuttered and unsalted popcorn, and for this the popcorn is best when air popped.   Buy a bag of raw cranberries from the grocery store. They do not need to be cooked, just add several pieces of popcorn in between each cranberry.
 * It takes some time to string a nice long garland, but it can be saved & used for decades. Use a plastic bin with a lid that seals, coil the popcorn garland up gently in layers with tissue paper and store in a nice dry location. If you don't crush it & you keep it dry & away from mice & such, it will last indefinitely. If you intend to save your garland use only popcorn as fruit will not save.
 * Add food coloring to add a festive twist to an old favorite.
 * Hang the garland prior to decorating the tree because this makes it easier to keep from getting caught and tangled.

Warnings

 * Use plain, non-buttered, un-salted popcorn to eliminate the greasy mess on your fingers.
 * Needles are sharp and the popcorn kernels can be very hard. Expect to poke your fingers a few times.  A rubber thimble will help. Rubber will not only be more comfortable than a metal thimble but it won't slip off your finger.
 * Don't try to eat the popcorn after it has been used for decoration. You don't know where that Christmas Tree has been before it was bought.

Things You'll Need

 * Popped popcorn
 * Medium size needle
 * White thread
 * Scissors
 * (bowl)
 * Rubber thimble

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 * How to Eat Popcorn
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