by Marie Stine

Created on: November 24, 2010

Create some beautiful memories with your family by crafting homemade Christmas decorations.  With just a few supplies you can make beautiful handmade tree trim and ornaments for your Christmas tree.

 Paper Chains

Paper chains are really easy to make and even the smallest children can help with them.  Cut strips of construction paper one and a half inches wide by six inches long.  Bring ends together to form a circle and staple.  Loop the next strip through the circle and continue until the chain is the desired length.  

Paper Coaster Ornaments      

You can usually find paper coasters in the dollar bins at the local craft store.  Each package has about six coasters.  Trace around the coasters on patterned scrapbook paper and glue to the coasters.  You can even use leftover scraps of wrapping paper to cover the coasters.  Punch a hole in the top of the coaster and thread a ribbon through the hole.  Decorate the coasters with rub ons or glitter.   

Button Garlands

A button garland is another easy craft for kids to do.  Buy craft buttons with large holes and a ball of twine.  Use a darning needing to thread the buttons on the twine.  To keep the buttons in place, either thread the twine through both holes of the button or tie knots to keep the buttons from sliding together.

Foil Stars

 All that’s needed for these shiny foil stars are thin cardboard and aluminum foil.  Instead of throwing out empty cereal boxes, save them to make these ornaments.  Either draw the stars freehand on the cardboard or trace around a star-shaped cookie cutter.  Cut the stars out and cover them the aluminum foil.  Cut a sheet of foil that is slightly larger than the star.  Smooth out any wrinkles and carefully wrap the foil around the star points.  You may have to snip the foil a bit so it will go around the edges.

Paper Bow     

Use double sided patterned scrapbook paper to make a paper bow for your packages.  Cut strips of paper a half inch wide by twelve inches long.  Punch a hole at the beginning of the strip and every four inches.  A 12 inch strip will have four holes.  On some of the strips, only punch three holes; one at each end and one hole in the center of the strip.  Cut one short strip about three inches long and punch a hole at each end. 

Take the short strip and loop it into a circle.  Use a coordinating brad and insert it through the holes.  Keep it in place with your thumb.  Next add the strips with the four holes and beginning at the end of the strip, loop it on the brad going back and forth.  The strips with three holes go on last; they are the longer loops of the bow.  Once the bow is the desired size, unfold the prongs of the brad.  Use a glue dot to attach to the package. 

Don’t lose yourself in the hustle and bustle of the holidays.  Take time to take a step back and enjoy the simple things.     

 http://www.ehow.com/how_5497058_make-paper-bow-scrap book-paper.html

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