Brighten up a window or door with
colorful kumquats.

Kumquat Ring

• 12-inch brass ring (as for macrame)
• 26-gauge wire on a spool or paddle
• Large-eye embroidery or tapestry needle
• Fresh kumquats (about 20)
• Branches of medium-size broad-leaved evergreen leaves such as photinia or laurel (available from a florist)

1. Cut the branches of leaves into sprigs about 3 to 4 inches long. Lay one sprig along the outside of the brass ring and wire it to the ring, wrapping the wire along the lower inch of the stem. Do not cut the wire.

2. Add more to cover ring. Lay a second sprig over the stem end of the first, covering the wired portion. Wrap the wire down around the stem to secure it to the ring. Continue wiring sprigs in this manner until the brass ring is covered. Hide the stem of the last sprig under the top of the first sprig.

 

Step 4

3. Make a circle of kumquats. Cut a length of wire to fit around the brass ring, plus 6 inches. Thread the needle with the wire, then pierce a kumquat with the needle, going through the middle of the fruit from side to side (rather than from blossom end to stem end). Thread the kumquats onto the wire until you have enough to cover the ring. Wrap the wire ends together and cut off the excess.

4. Combine the two parts. Attach the kumquat necklace to the leaf-covered brass ring with additional wire, carefully working it between the kumquats.