How to Create Your Own Christmas Decorations - Tree Topper ( a kid friendly activity)

A tree topper is a decorative finish to any holiday tree. It can also be a time honored tradition and symbol of Christmases past. The following is a fun way to create your own tree topper. Do you have a favorite holiday symbol? Have you been searching for a tree topper to add to your ornament collection? This project allows you to make a personalized tree topper that will last for Christmases to come.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Cardboard Toilet Paper or Paper Towel Rolls
• Newspaper
• White Liquid Glue
• Masking Tape
• Paper Grocery Bags
• Acrylic Paints
• Paint Brushes

1. Gather all materials and find a large surface. In a medium sized mixing bowl, mix a good amount of white liquid glue with a smaller amount of water. The consistency of the mixture should be fairly thin, but still become tacky if let to dry on your fingers.

2. Use the paper towel/toilet paper rolls as a base. Add crumpled newspaper around the base to create your shape, remembering to keep one end of the roll open to fit over your tree's top. Secure the crumpled paper to the base with the masking tape. You can build up quite far, and out as well, by layering crumpled newspaper and using masking tape to secure the paper to the roll and to itself. The result of this step should look very much as you wish your finished shape to look, so take your time to fill out any dents.

3. Rip the paper grocery bags and newspaper into inch wide shreds of various lengths. Long pieces will be used to wrap around corners to make them smooth, while short pieces will fit into curves and nooks better. Make sure to RIP and not cut out these pieces as the ragged edges add sticking power when glued.

4. Dip a paper grocery bag shred into the glue mixture and pull out quickly. Place wet shred onto your shape to create a smooth layer over your crumply base. Continue this process until the entire shape is covered except for the open end of the roll. Take time working with edges and points, making sure that the entire piece of paper bag is stuck down properly.

5. Repeat step 4, but this time use the newspaper shreds. This is the time to add details as the thin newspaper is better for making things like noses, raised polka dots, vines, etc. Let your topper dry overnight.

6. This is the easy part! Gather your paints and brushes to create the pattern and personality of your topper. Let dry before placing on the tree.

Tips & Warnings

• You can add paper images to your topper instead of painting it for a collage effect. To do this use the glue mixture and paintbrushes to paint both under and over the image. This will make it stick and seal it so it will stay glued for many years to come.
• This project requires drying time between steps, so allow one or two days for completion.