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Homemade Christmas Ornaments
by Nikki Willhite
www.allthingsfrugal.com
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. You can also insert them into clear bulbs.
*Use old Christmas Cards. Cut them into the desired shape,
and then use a hole 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.
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