Crepe Paper Ornaments

Please click on the photos to see them up close.

Hey Everyone, ready for Christmas?

When I saw Juliet Marsh's ornaments made from crepe streamers in the December issue of Cloth Paper Scissors I just had to give them a try. I have to warn you in advance, they aren't simple and they're really addictive you just want to make more and more and more of the things. I made a couple of minor adjustments to her directions to suit my own way of doing things. 

(See. I meant a lot!)

Here's what you need:

Cut your streamers into five foot lengths and trim one of the long edges with decorative scissors. I found this worked best if I folded the crepe up into about a foot-long piece :

Whip Stitch the long, straight edge:

I like to load the needle as it seems to support the delicate crepe better:

You'll end up with something like this - pretty:

Un-twist your crepe snake and pull the thread until you get a circle. This is tricky, don't hulk out and pull your knot right through the whole thing. Did it. Don't recommend it. Take your time on this step.

Tie a Knot to secure your thread. Don't stress about this step, there is more securing coming up:

See, all gathered and knotted. You may need to squish and flatten it a bit to get it to look right.

Get out your Podge (or glue of choice):

And brush glue around the center gathers. This gives your ornament a lot more structure and support. Now it won't come apart. Yay!

Gently spray some glimmer mist or whatever spritzable dye you use on your ornament. Don't forget this stuff is basically toilet paper weight and we all know what happens when you mix TP and fluids. Don't use much spray. Hold your hand far away. A little is plenty!

Let your ornament dry completely. It really doesn't take long at all. I promise. 

Brush the face of your ornament with a little Mod Podge. Don't stress about covering it all or being perfect. Just slap a little bit on:

Sprinkle with glitter:

Now do the sides:

Glitter and Shake! Shake! Shake!

Instead of clear glitter, you can go monochromatic:

or contrasting

Allow to dry. Thread a ribbon through the center:

Tie a Knot or bow. I use a knot if I'm hiding it in the hole for a "clean" looking hanger. I use a bow if I want a pouf at the top:

Add a tag, journaling spot or decoration to the center and you're done:

These are great for packaging treats:

or you can hang them in a window to showcase their gorgeous translucent qualities.

I plan to make some graffiti, Bombshell, Day of the Dead, absolutely, positively me-esque ornaments in the coming days and I'll post them here. All of these tags feature journal spots from Elle's Studio.

P.S. I have this rule that I have to make one project for each magazine I keep so expect to see a lot of "inspired by" posts in the near future.

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