Streams of paper catkins

The sight of long, trailing yellow catkins on hazel trees is a definite sign that spring is on its way. These colourful harbingers of brighter days can be recreated in the home using pieces of different coloured paper threaded onto cotton thread. The paper is cut into squares or triangles, or a punch can be used to create more complicated shapes. The cotton is threaded onto a needle, and the ends knotted together. A small bead is threaded through to sit on the knot. Then the pieces of paper are added to make the required length. Sufficient thread is left to allow the needle to be cut off and the threads tied to form a loop. This is then placed over twigs arranged in a milk bottle.