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Salt Dough Ornaments
Homemade Christmas Ornaments
by Nikki Willhite - Willhite@aol.com
Description: Ideas for making your own homemade Christmas ornaments.
Hopefully many of us have taken some time during the year to add
a few ornaments to our Christmas Tree Decorations. Homemade
Christmas ornaments are not only less expensive, but they give a
homespun, warm feeling to our Christmas trees that you can't get
any other way.
I have some ornaments that were given to me from a relative in
the military that was stationed in Germany. They were very
expensive. However, they sit cold and sterile on the tree. I
have a much great appreciation for the things that my children
have made (some of them quite old by now), and other handcrafted
decorations.
Here are some ideas for some very homespun, economical tree
decorations.
*One very easy way to make ornaments is with clothespins and a
glue gun. Take small decorative items, glue them on the
clothespin, and just pin on the tree. One of my favorites is to
take a piece of sheet music, roll it up like a scroll, and add
some plastic holly or berries.
*Make decorations out of tiny toys (such as little cars, teddy
bears, and dolls). You can find plenty of items at thrift stores
that with a little imagination can be grouped together or
accented to make great decorations, such as costume jewelry.
*When picking objects for decorations, avoid the color of your
tree. Green decorations hung on a live tree will fade into the
tree and not be seen. Add some shiny objects for sparkle. To
make a very economical, shiny ornament, take the top of an
aluminum can and punch a design with holes using an awl or other
pointed tool. Glue a decorative trim around the edges. Hang with
a ribbon, yard, or dental floss.
*Shiny ornaments can be made by just covering objects with
aluminum foil. Vary the shapes. You can also hang your cookie
cutters.
*Use those little school pictures of your children. Place them
on a piece of supported felt and hang. You will treasure them
for years to come.
*Use old Christmas Cards. Cut them into the desired shape, and
then use a hold punch around the edges. Whip stitch ribbon or
yarn through the holes, or crochet around the edge.
*If you like to paint, you can make ornaments out of dough and
then paint them. I'm not a big fan of using food for
decorations, but they are cute.
*Hang pine cones. Add cotton balls for snow or leave them plain.
*Get the whole family involved, and make colorful, old-fashioned
paper chains. If you are going to use popcorn, be sure and let
it sit a day after you pop it before you string it.
*If you have ribbons, laces, and other sewing accessories, make
bows.
*Candy canes are great by themselves, and can also be made into
reindeer by using pipe cleaners and gluing on eyes.
Reprinted with permission from:
The Pennypincher
An E-zine for the Frugally Minded
While you're making homemade ornaments this year don't forget to shop
for great
Christmas
baskets for that someone special. There are plenty of
unique gift baskets
for any taste. If you are shopping for a health nut, consider
fruit
baskets as a delcious and nutritious
basket
option. So shop for
great
baskets today!
