Paper Christmas decorations [Craft for kids]

My kids and I visited a local craft fair recently and all three of us were captured by some delightful paper decorations that were for sale. My son was particularly keen to find out how they were made, and their maker was kind enough to talk us through it. We bought one of her creations and had a go at making our own, and are pleased to be able to pass them on to you. 

For a neat and tidy finish you’ll need perfectly symmetrical shapes, though there is nothing wrong with a little trimming of the final product, neither is there anything wrong with a little individual personality!

These will look great hanging on your tree, or you could make extra long ones to drape at the top of a doorway or along the mantelpiece.

• YOU WILL NEED:
  Coloured paper or thin card – make it christmassy.
• Shapes to draw around (eg. small water glasses, cookie cutters)
• Pencils
• Glue
• Scissors
• String/cotton
• Beads (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS:

Cut out six shapes (eg. circles) using a combination of matching coloured paper.

Fold the circles in half, pressing the right sides together.

Glue the back of a semi-circle and stick it on to the back of another.

Now glue the back of this semi-cirle and stick it to the next one. Do this five times in total, so that you have used all the circles, but leave the last two unstuck, ready for attaching the cotton.

You may like to repeat this process, making a different sized decoration, or another shape in matching paper.

When you are ready to attach your shapes to the cotton, fold them closed so that you can see the “spine.” Rub glue down the spine, and across the back of the semi-circles. Lay the cotton* on the spine, then squeeze the shape closed, pressing it hard to hold the glue and cotton in place.

(*If using fine cotton, you may like to double or triple it over to make it a thicker).

If using, thread a matching bead or two on to the cotton so that they rest just above the paper shape. Glue the next shape on to the cotton if desired.

~You could do this activity with more than six pieces of paper to get a fuller effect. ~