I have done mine the same way you mentioned without the marker.Before I started adding the fabric, I ran a piece of narrow ribbon thru the center with a metal crotchet hook and pulled it thru tying it with a knot leaving about two inches hanging on the bottom for looks. Also, I left at least that much of the folded ribbon on the top to hang onto the tree. I then added Christmas pics pieces around the top with glue. This turned out very nice.
Jan