Crafters' Christmas Ornament To Make Cheaply

If you are like me, there are only about three months of the year in which I am not thinking about Christmas. I love the holiday.

So, I start thinking about Christmas craft ideas as I peruse summer yard sales and craft store clearance sales.

Every summer my sons and I made a new type of ornament for the Christmas tree. It was a tradition for our family during the summer vacation from school. This timing was great because there was plenty of free leisure time, a need for non-TV activities, and it was a family bonding experience.

I know crafters are good planners, so whether or not you are incorporating children into making items, these two are simple and inexpensive to make ahead of December.

The pine cone ornament can be hung on the tree or can be grouped on different lengths of ribbons and hung in a window, on a wall, or on the front door.

Your imagination is the only limit.

• Pine cones, dry and in good condition
• Sewing thread or embroidery floss
• Ribbon – fabric or gift wrap type
• Scissors
• Glue
• Cotton swabs (such as a Q-tip)
• Pan or plate for powder shaking
• Talcum powder or glitter

1. Gently shake the pine cones over a trash can to dislodge any loose flakes or materials.

2. Then, use a piece of floss or thread about 5 inches long to circle under the scales at the top (where the stem would be) and tie tightly in a double knot. The 2 ends of the thread will be used to secure the visible ribbon loop and any decorative ribbons.

3. Next, cut about 5 inches of fancy ribbon for the loop to hang on a Christmas tree branch. Double knot it and then use the thread to tie it onto the pine cone.

If you want long hanging ribbons for an artistic wall or window statement, adjust the 5 inches to the length you want times two. Remember you are making a loop.

4. After that, choose decorative elements for the top of your ornament.

In my photos that I used an 8-inch length of red ribbon and also added silver curling ribbon.

They both are tied onto the pine cone with the thread. When you are done adding ribbons and double-knotting them securely, then cut off the ends of the thread.

5. To add the appearance of snow-tipped scales, dip a cotton swab into clear-drying glue (such as Elmer’s brand) and spread a drop on the edges of the scales. Then, holding the pine cone over a pan or plate, sprinkle on powder, glitter, or other dried pigment. (In the example photographed, I used talcum powder and a little bit of curry powder.) When you are finished, it is easy cleaning the excess powder: just pour it from the pan into your trash can.

They will become family heirlooms.