Christmas Tree 2012 (with Handmade Ornaments)

December 15, 2015: Time to go get another Christmas Tree across the street from the volunteer firehouse. So i figured it would be fun to pull up pictures of my handmade decorations for our tree in 2012. Although this was years before VidaDIY crafting took hold of my world, the heart and spirit of a DIY crafter (and maker of all things unique) lived deep within in. So happy this side of me finally found it’s way to the surface.

So back in 2012, I did a paper ornament project. Ornament balls made of scrapbook paper straps (held together with brads and string). Scrapbook paper stars (also using brads and string). And B & V monogrammed tags.

I loved decorating the tree with nothing but my paper ornaments (and christmas lights).

So for the paper ornament balls, I took scrapbook papers of coordinating colors and cut them into strips (for example 1/2″ width and 12″ length).   Using a hole punch, I made a hole in the middle of each strip and on each end.

Stacked 8 strips, one on top of the other and fastened them together with a brad. Fanned them out in a star pattern, and brought the ends together, one by one, to make individual loops which created the ball.

Used a brad to fasten the ends of all strips together at the top. Then tied a gold twine loop around the brad at the top. And we have our ornament ball.

The stars were made with much smaller strips of scrapbook paper. 1/8 or 1/4 inch strips, 2 inches in length. Fold them in half and punch a hole at the ends. Stack 8 folded strips and fasten with a brad. Fan them out star shape. Slip a piece of gold twine through one of the fold loops and tie the ends. And we have our ornament star.

Monogram ornaments were the easiest. I bought the B and V squares from Paper Source. Cut scrapbook paper squares slightly larger than the monogram square. Use foam stickers to adhere the monogram to the scrapbook square matte backing. Punch a hole at the top of the backing. Slip some gold twine through the hole, tie at the end to create a loop. And we have our monogram ornament.

I loved making this tree. I gave a number of these ornaments to my mother Xenia so that she can use it to decorate her Christmas tree in Brooklyn. I’m looking forward to making new VidaDIY ornaments for our 2015 Christmas tree. V-