How to Make Christmas Things Out of Paper

Use the fronts of last years cards for crafts.

Making Christmas decorations out of paper has been a holiday tradition in many families for years. Family members gathered around the tree with piles of ribbons, and bows just waiting for the next brilliant creation is a familiar scene. There's always something new to create and add to the many treasured keepsakes almost every family has. Cards received the previous year that were stored away with the decorations bring a new smile to every face. Making a snack tub out of those recycled cards will definitely brighten up your holiday table.

Things You'll Need

• 9 Christmas card fronts
• Crochet yarn (your choice of color)
• Hole punch
• Ruler
• Scissors

Instructions

1. Trim eight of the cards so they are all identical in size. Leave the ninth card uncut for right now.Try to cut them so you have the best part of the picture in the center.

2. Cut one card so it is 4 inches across the top and tapers down to only 2 inches at the bottom. Use this card as a pattern for cutting the other seven cards. The cards should have a triangle shape but with the top and bottom edges straight rather pointed on one end.

3. Make a light pencil mark ¼ inch from the bottom edge and ¼ inch from the outside edge of the first card. Then make pencil marks every ½ inch up the side of the card. Do the same thing for the other long edge of the card.

4. Punch a hole on each pencil mark using the hole punch. Do the same thing on the other seven cards.

5. Cut a 24-inch piece of yarn. Use it to lace two cards together the same as if you were lacing a shoe. Start at the smaller end of the card. Have the picture on the cards face down as you work. When you reach the top tie a double knot and put the ends of the yarn back through the two top holes so they go to the outside. Tie the ends into a small bow. Continue adding cards and lacing them together with 24-inch pieces of yarn. Lace the eighth card number to the first card to complete the circle.

6. Cut the ninth card in a circle shape that will fit on the outside bottom of the bucket shape container you just formed. Make exactly 24 holes around the parameter of this card. The holes should be ¼ inch from the edge. Space the holes 1½ inch apart. Also punch one hole in the center bottom of each laced card.

7. Cut a 36-inch piece of yarn and use it to lace the bottom card (card number 9) to the sides. Tie one end of the yarn into two side-by-side holes at the bottom (small end) of one card. Thread the yarn through the holes in the sides and the holes in the bottom, lacing the bottom to the sides. Trim any uneven edges at the top of each card.

Tips & Warnings

• Line the snack tub with aluminum foil before use. Spread a colorful napkin inside the tub.