Home made Christmas decorations

Bebi · Posted: Fri Dec 15, 2006 4:05 pm Post subject: Home made Christmas decorations

I saw this technique on a Jane Asher television show back in the 90's. This is ideal if you love the rustic theme, or are a fan of Blair Witch Smilie_PDT

First you need to get out in the fresh air and collect some twigs. You'll need long "whippy" one such as Willow, I used Silver Birch, but any long thin pliable twigs will do.

As well as twigs you'll need ribbon, scissors, and maybe a second pair of hands as it can get a little fiddly.

Work out which shape you're aiming for then bend the twigs into this shape. Don't give up if it takes a few tries to get it right. I found using about three twigs at once worked quite well, although for the first attempt you may wish to use one to get the hang of it.

As you're bending the twigs wrap ribbon round them to hold the shape. A small cheat you could use is to use a plastic tie wrap at intervals to hold the shape then wrap the ribbon around once you've completed the shape. You can then remove the tie wraps and voila, a lovely hand crafted Christmas ornament. You can also spray them with Christmassy aerosols such as snow spray or glitter.

Although fragile, it will keep indefinitely. I store mine in a cardboard box between sheets of newspaper and bubblewrap. The main thing to remember is to keep them flat and avoid bending.

I've made stars and a wreath shape with a tiny bauble hanging from it. I'll get some photos taken to give you some idea of what it will look like.

Wreath

Click to see full size image

Star (I'll get a better photo tomorrow)

Click to see full size image

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