Here’s a neat way to let your guests help you trim the holiday tree. Create a tree shape and star topper from colorful construction paper or poster board; mount it on a wall or door with double-sided tape. On the star, include instructions for your guests (“Please sign in!”), and set baskets of colored-dot stickers and markers nearby. To give everyone the idea, have family members provide the first signatures.
These stellar but surprisingly easy party decorations (they come together with just a few cuts and twists) are made from all those odds and ends of holiday wrap you’d otherwise toss in the trash. Hang one or dozens to brighten up the house come party time.
Instructions:
1. Cut eight 5- by 5-inch squares from heavy wrapping paper (you can also use precut origami paper).
2. For each square: fold in half to form a triangle, pretty side out; fold in half again.
3. With scissors, cut into the first fold (now folded in half) about 3/4 inch down from the top, stopping about 1/4 inch from the end. Make a similar cut about 3/4 inch down from the first, as shown (A).
4. Open the square completely, plain side up, and bring up the 2 inside points to form a roll. Tape the points together with double-sided tape.
5. Flip the square over and tape together the middle points (B). Flip the square over again and tape the outer points (C).
6. Tape each of the 8 sections together, middle ring of one to outer ring of the next, to form a chain (D); tape the first and last sections together to form the star.
7. To secure the star, tape the tips together in the center. Punch a hole at the top of one of the points and pass a string through to hang (E).
Materials:
Felt Squares – Orchid, Yellow,
Blue, Pink, Neon Green
Pom poms – 10mm Bright
Big Bag Buttons – Carnival
Dance Self-Stick Gems
Colored Dowels
10″ Mirror
12″ Floral Craft Ring-Wood
Poly-fir
Craft Designer Cup Sequins
Felt Snowflakes
Star Buttons
Glitter Glue – Opal
Floss – Assorted Colors
Needle – Large Eye
Lara’s Crafts1 1/2″ Wood Flower Pot (3)
Scissors
Paintbrush
Craft Glue
Low Heat Glue Gun and Glue Sticks
Flower Pots
Instructions
Step 1 Using printed patterns from the website, cut your trees from desired colors of felt (2 for each tree).
Step 2 Use desired colors of floss and stitch lines on trees.
Step 3 Cut assorted circles of felt and stitch to tree with buttons as toppers.
Step 4 Cut ‘A” of felt for line garland as shown on pink tree, stitch with pink floss as shown.
Step 5 Add sequins and buttons to embellish as desired.
Step 6 Stitch trees together using floss, place dowel in between felt and lightly stuff with Poly-fir.
Step 7 Turn flower pots upside down and insert dowel into hole and glue to mirror.
Step 8 Glue mirror to wood ring.
Step 9 Cover pots with pom poms adding colored ones as desired.
Step 10 Cut shirt pieces from felt, stitch together and glue to outside edge of mirror.
Step 11 Embellish skirt with felt snowflakes.
Country & Victorian Times 