How to Make Russian Tree Decorations

Hanging fruit on trees is a Russian tradition.

During most of the 20th century, when Russia was part of the Soviet Union, religious celebrations such as Christmas were banned. This didn't stop the faithful from disguising the celebrations. In place of a Christmas tree, Russians began the custom of putting up a New Year's tree that was brightly decorated. Rather than religious imagery, the ornaments were usually patriotic or drew from Russian art and folklore. A typical tree might sport stars, little dolls or decorations inspired by Russia's famous Faberge eggs. Since Russian ornaments were expensive and hard to find, most families would make their own. In Russia today, Christmas is celebrated on Jan. 7.

Things You'll Need

• Thin scrap cardboard
• Star-shaped template or stencil
• Pencil
• Scissors
• Foil or colored paper
• Markers
• Glitter glue
• Tack glue
• Craft gems
• Thin dowel or chopstick
• Acrylic paint
• Paint brushes
• Ribbons
• Card stock
• Stickers or paper punched designs
• Glue stick
• Plastic Easter eggs
• Plastic paint primer
• Clear acrylic sealer

Instructions

Stars

1. Trace star shapes on scrap cardboard using a star-shaped template the size that you want your ornaments to be. Cut out the stars.

2. Cover the stars in paper or foil if desired. Decorate the stars with markers, glitter glue or craft gems.

3. Paint a chopstick or thin dowel with acrylic paints. Allow it to dry and glue the star to the end of the stick.

4. Tie some thin ribbons, about 6 inches in length, to the stick just beneath the star so they hang down. Decorate the tree with your stars by poking the sticks into the bushy branches.

Paper Matryoshka Doll

1. 

   Cut a pear-shaped piece of card stock, about 4 inches in height. Use a bright color that you like as the base color.

2. Cut a small circle of peach or off white card stock that fits inside the upper part of the pear shape. Draw a face on it and affix it with a glue stick.

3. Use paper punched designs or stickers to decorate the body below the kerchief with flowers, stars, leafs or other colorful shapes. Tape a loop of ribbon to the back of the decoration for hanging.

Faberge Egg Ornaments

1. Collect some old plastic Easter eggs and drill a small hole on the top pointed part of each egg.

2. Fold a 4- or 5-inch strip of thin ribbon or yarn in half and slip the ends into the hole so they are on the inside of the egg. Tie a knot and add a dab of hot glue to secure the ends inside. This will give you a loop coming out of the top of the egg to hang your ornament.

3. Squeeze some glue around the edges of the opening and close the egg shut for good. Spray the eggs with a plastic paint primer, which allows paint adhere to plastic items. Allow them to dry.

4. Paint the eggs brightly with acrylic paints in whatever designs you like. You might paint little scenes on the egg, or paint portraits of Grandfather Frost or the Snowmaiden from winter folk tales. If you prefer, just paint pretty designs on the egg. Allow the paint to dry.

5. Give the egg some sparkle by adding glitter glue outlines, or use tack glue to apply some gem stones. Allow it to dry. Spray the egg with clear acrylic sealer to protect the design and give it a luster.

Tips & Warnings

• Check out some books on Russian art and folklore to get ideas on how to design your ornaments.

References

• Russian Crafts: Russian Christmas
• Crayola: Russian Star Ornaments
• Craftbits: Tree Ornament- Matryoshka Russian Doll