Sometimes the simplest things can bring the most satisfaction. Those who love the outdoors, fly fishers included, ought to appreciate that.

In that vein, today I’m sharing something simple yet satisfying. It is a holiday decoration. It is a craft. It is fly tying. It can be a gift and it can become a tradition. It isn’t original to me, but  I’m more than happy to spread the word or remind you.

It is a fly in a glass ball.

Again, it is simple. But it is a way to preserve, share, and display something small that brings a lot of satisfaction and may very well be quite significant. So while it is relatively self explanatory, here is how one goes about putting one together:

Things you’ll need:

• Glass ball ornaments. You want clear balls with removeable tops. But there are countless sizes out there. My suggestion would be to head to a craft store to get an idea of which diameter best fits your fly/purpose. Not only do stores like Hobby Lobby and Michael’s always have coupons to cut prices in half, they are a treasure trove of fly tying materials.
• Monofilament. An old tippet spool will do. Lighter is better, though. You don’t want a strong knot. You want a discreet knot and supple material that will allow the fly to hang taught.
• Flies. Buy them or tie them. Use new ones that look pretty or use old ones that were chewed up on  that trip or by that fish. The options are endless and it is up to you.
• Optional: ribbon, paint, etc. Tie a festive bow. Inscribe a date or label the fly. Create a small scene or speckle the ball with faux snow. If you want to leave it plain: go for it.

As you have probably gathered, the process is relatively simple. Making sure the fly “fits” the ball, you take the top off the ornament. Cut a short length of tippet, tying one end to the fly. Then, making sure the length is correct to center the fly in the ball, tie the other end to the underside of the ornament’s top. Insert the fly into the glass ball (head first if it is bushy) and reattach the top. Decorate as desired. Done. Simple and satisfying.

Give one to each of your fishing buddies. Create your own special fly fishing Christmas Tree. Give your son or your dad the fly used to catch his first trout. Make Hallmark-worthy mop fly ornaments to win your holiday gift swap.

…and enjoy!