Making Eco-Friendly Christmas Decorations

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

19 Dec 2008 01:41 PM

This cute paper snowman project is an ideal gift to give to a "green" friend. The foundation of the snowman features recycled envelopes while his appendages are made from all-natural products you can find in your own backyard. In addition to being environmentally friendly, he's kid friendly as well.

Take a look:

RECYCLED SNOWMAN

Materials:

Used, white envelopes (large or small)

Scrap construction paper

Recycled cotton balls from medicine bottles

Small twigs

Pencil

Compass

Scissors

Ruler

Markers

White glue

Masking tape

Directions:

To make the head, cut a rectangle about 1-inch by 4-inch from the white envelope. Cut two more rectangles, one 1.25-inch by 5-inch for the middle and the other 1.5-inch by 6-inch for the bottom of snowman.

Roll each paper into a ring, and fasten with glue. Then, glue all three rings together to make the snowman.

Glue on scraps of paper or use a marker to decorate the face and make buttons.

Cut a small, thin triangle for the nose. Bend it back at the base, and glue it to the head.

Make a scarf by cutting a long, rectangular scrap of paper. Fringe the ends, and decorate with markers or cut paper.

Use scrap paper to make a top hat. Make the hat brim by using a compass to draw a circle 1.5-inch in diameter. Cut out the shape and set it aside. Cut a rectangle about 1.25-inch by 3.5-inch for the top of the hat. Make a cylinder by wrapping the paper around and gluing it together. Glue the cylinder, on edge, in the middle of the circle.

Decorate your snowman by gluing on the hat and scarf.

To make arms, tape small twigs inside the front of the middle ring.

Glue the cotton to the bottom of the snowman. Allow glue to dry completely before displaying.

To make the snowmen stand as a table decoration, glue them on the bottom to a piece of scrap white mat board or other heavy material.

Decorate doors, windows, and tables with snowmen. Group them together to make an entire family of snow people.

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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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