How to Make Homemade Christmas Wrapping Paper and Ornaments

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

09 Dec 2008 01:17 PM

You've mastered homemade wreaths, candles, and other holiday decor, but how many of you have ever made your very own Christmas wrapping paper? It's not rocket science nor is it as difficult as some of the crafts Martha Stewart cranks out. Rather, it is the ideal project for your kids to tackle on a cold winter's day.

If you have crafty kids, then you probably have all the materials you need right in your own home. The project requires a roll of easel or butcher paper. You can choose full-size or small rolls, which are available at toy and craft stores. (Tip: Costco, Ikea and Discount School Supply offers great deals on small and large rolls.) Next, cover your dining room table or other large flat surface and let your kids' creativity take over.

Give your children crayons, stickers, glitter glue, paint, markers or other accessories and allow them to embellish large sections of the paper. When they are done, flip the paper over and let the wrapping begin. Not only does the project yield one-of-a-kind wrapping paper, it also spares you from spending a fortune on store bought rolls. What's more, your kids' grandparents will love showing off their uniquely wrapped gifts.

CRANBERRY SNOWFLAKE CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS

Materials:

24-gauge beading or floral wire

1-inch foam ball

1 12-oz. bag fresh cranberries

Hot glue gun or glue sticks

Silver or gold metallic craft beads with holes in center

Craft glue

Glitter

1/2-inch wide decorative ribbon

Craft wire cutters and pliers

Spray Acrylic

Directions:

Cut two 5-inch pieces and one 6-inch piece of wire.

Push the pieces of wire through the foam ball, forming the spokes in a snowflake shape.

String cranberries onto the longer spoke of wire, leaving 1 1/4-inch at the end. Bend top wire into a hook for hanging. Continue stringing cranberries onto each spoke, leaving 1/4-inch free at the end. Using a hot glue gun, attach a metallic craft bead to the end of each wire spoke to secure berries in place.

Apply thin layer of craft glue to foam ball and sprinkle with metallic glitter. Allow to dry.

Coat berries with acrylic otherwise berries will rot within a week.

Tie decorative ribbon at top of snowflake and hang on tree.

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Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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