How to Create Decorations Made Out of Paper

Almost anything can be made from paper. Everything from two-dimensional paper shapes to hang on Christmas trees or walls to a three-dimensional papier mache black cat for Halloween. The best parts about paper decorations is that they are inexpensive, easy to make and take up very little storage space between holidays. They can even be reused from year to year if great care is taken in their use and storage.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Light brown heavy paper Gingerbread boy cookie cutter Pencil Scissors White paint Black marker Red marker Paper hole punch Red ribbon or cord

1. Draw around a gingerbread boy cookie cutter with pencil on brown paper.

2. Cut out the gingerbread boy shape taking care to stay on the line.

3. Paint a scalloped edge design around the edges of the gingerbread boy with the white paint.

4. Draw eyes and buttons on the gingerbread boy with the black marker. Draw a smile with the red marker.

5. Punch a hole at the top of the gingerbread boy's head with the hole punch and string it on a piece of red ribbon or red cord. If you would like to make a garland of paper gingerbread boys, punch a hole in each hand and thread the ribbon through the holes in their hands.

Tips & Warnings

• Other paper decorations you can make include: for Christmas, paper chains, paper cornucopias filled with candy or holly, paper frames for photos and paper angels, candy canes and trees. For Halloween, you can make black cats, witches, pumpkins and ghosts to hang in windows and doors. For Easter, eggs, bunnies, chicks and a cross can all be made from paper. For Valentine's Day, hearts and cupids can hang in windows. For a graduation, paper diplomas tied with ribbon can be hung everywhere. For birthdays and anniversaries, the words "Happy Anniversary" or "Happy Birthday" can be made from paper and hung wherever you wish.