Every Christmas the first decorations to go on our tree are the ones we have made ourselves. Over the last few years, my kids and I have relished the time we have spent making the decorations together. Sometimes the projects don't go as expected and other times the end result is much more then we hoped for. But we have always had a great time doing these projects together. Below I want to share our best projects with you in hopes that your tree can look as beautiful as we think ours does.

Beaded Ornaments - Very Easy
For this project you need pipe cleaners and colored glass beads. Take five pipe cleaners and cut them in half. Lay nine of them on the table, one on top of each other in a star shape. Take the tenth one and use it to wrap around the middle of the pipe cleaners to secure the shape. Now thread your beads over the pipe cleaners and bend the ends to secure the beads on the pipe cleaners so they don't fall off. You can also make them into the shapes of rings, bells or even long strings.

Filled Glass Ornaments - Easy
This is such a fun project to do and you can personalize it so easily. You will need clear glass or plastic ornament balls. (These can be found at craft or hobby stores as well as bigger department stores). An array of seasonal twigs, bark chips, dried berries, moss and twigs, which can be found outside or can be purchased in floral shops. Ribbon, small bows, other small Christmas embellishments and various colors of sparkles. First take the top off the ornaments and fill with twigs, berries and what ever else you have. Sprinkle a bit of sparkles into the ball and secure the top back on. Wrap the ribbon around the tip of the ball or add a bow, securing it with glue if needed.

Sparkly Painted Pine Cones - Easy
Pine cones can usually be found all over in the fall. Collect them late in the fall and let them dry in your basement or shed for use in this project. You will need pine cones of all sizes, craft paint, sparkles and thin cord or ribbon. First paint your pine cones with the craft paint, making sure to get in to all the crevices. We have done them in white and red, but you can choose what ever color you want. Sit the pine cones in a shoe box and sprinkle the sparkles over them. Once they are dry, tie a loop of cord or ribbon to the bottom of them and hang from your tree.

Wire Star - Medium
These are really rustic looking and go well on a shabby chic tree. It is a little more work then the other ideas, but the end result

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