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A simple Christmas decoration to make yourself is a tree ornament; something you can create inexpensively each year, with different results each time. In a few easy steps, you'll have a unique tree ornament to use on your own tree or to give as a thoughtful gift!

-Purchase as many Styrofoam balls for each ornament you intend to create. Varying in size, choose how large an ornament you will want. Be mindful of the increased size of your finished craft because of the decorations you will add to it. I bought almost all my supplies at my local Dollar Store!

-Next, purchase the items you will be attaching to the ball. For the traditional steps, you'll be using colorful yarn of your choosing. Your basics will simply include glue and scissors. Other ideas are glitter, stars, ribbon, pipe cleaners, colored paper or any other object you wish. It's your creation, so be creative! For mine, I printed photos on regular printer paper and cut them to the size I wanted.

-Begin by wrapping the yarn you've chosen on to the ball. Beginning at where you decide will be the top, glue the beginning of the yarn to the ball. Keeping your finger on the starting point, begin to wrap the yarn around the ball, making sure not to overlap the strands. Continue to do so until you've gotten the coverage you desire. To finish wrapping, glue the end of the yarn strand to the 'bottom' of the ball. If you don't want to glue either the beginning or the end, you can use a small pin with a decorative top to keep your yarn in place.

-Wrap a thicker strand of ribbon around the center of the ball, either vertically or horizontally. A contrasting color will bring out the color of the yarn you've used. If you've decided to use glitter, pour some on to a newspaper and roll the ball around in them. The glitter should stick to the yarn, but not coating it. This will give it a shimmery appearance!

-To finish the ornament and prepare it to be hung in decoration, tie a bow of ribbon to the top crossing pieces of yarn, leaving space enough for a branch to fit through. Another option is to just use another piece of yarn for the hanging hoop.

Fun for the whole family, this is a project that can be shared by everyone. Have an old-fashioned Christmas moment with others while you sit and create memories! Another great aspect of this craft is the potential for individuality. You can create many different ornaments, varying in size, color, texture, and each with their own holiday appeal. Be creative!

Learn more about this author, Helen Garda.
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