How to Create Keepsake Christmas Ornaments
Handmade Christmas ornaments are the perfect stocking stuffer for the whole family. These thoughtful gifts let you express your artistic side and show your loved ones that you put time and effort into your gift-giving. Here’s how to start the tradition this year. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Choose a theme for your ornaments. The theme should vary each year--over time, this will help your family build a beautiful and varied collection of ornaments.
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Explore your local craft store for inspiration and materials. You’ll find foundation materials like fruits, animals, and holiday-themed items made of paper mache, ceramic and wood. Use paint, paper, beads, glitter and glue to decorate them.
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Try to personalize the ornaments. Choose colors that the recipient likes--these don’t have to be Christmas colors. Use sentimental items--pieces of a ragged old T-shirt could be transformed into a holiday keepsake. Bits of photographs, especially close-up face shots, can be used as well; childhood photos (copies of them--don’t use the originals!) are particularly good for this.
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Make your ornaments durable. These keepsakes should be able to adorn your Christmas tree for decades to come. Materials like wood, cloth, ceramic, metal and heavy cardboard hold up well. Avoid flimsy paper unless it is used to cover a more sturdy base. Seal the ornaments with clear lacquer--this helps keep colors bright and moisture out.
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Put your name, the recipient’s name and the year on the ornament. As your collection of ornaments grows each year, this information will serve as a record of past holidays spent together.
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Store your ornaments properly. Wrap them in tissue paper and pack in hard-sided boxes. Keep them in a cool, dry, dark place. Don’t let these family treasures get wet.
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