Quick Paper Strip Ornaments

Phew… the first of December and I am already feeling the rush of the holiday season, aren’t you?

I am always looking for quick and easy… and economical… craft ideas to do with the kiddo. Even though my son is only 3, he takes after his

mama in that he loves crafts and if there is a chance to play with Mama’s ribbon and help cut paper, he is there in a flash… with Rupert the lamb in tow.

These ornaments have been around for a long time. I remember making these when I was a child. They are super easy, fun and my favorite part… fast! The concept is the same, the shapes are defined by the length of the paper strips and how they are attached.

For today’s post, I’m going to show how to make the heart, which happens to be my son’s favorite of these ornaments.

Supplies:

• Snow Much Fun – Mari Koegelenberg
• Scissors or paper cutter
• Stapler or adhesive
• Ribbon

1. Cut strips of paper 1/2 in by 8.5 inches. (note: the traditional ornaments use 1 inch width, however I find the 1/2 inch was easier to manipulate.)

2. For the heart, we are using 4 strips. Cut 2 inches off two of the strips and leave the other two at the 8.5 inch length.

3. Sandwich the two short pieces between the two longer ends and staple together at the end.

4. Gather the short ends. You will notice that the two longer outside pieces will bow out. Turn them to point toward the end you just stapled.

5. Staple the ends (where my fingers are), add ribbon and you have an ornament!! Can you believe it? And in just 5 short steps!!

Here are other shapes that I quickly put together just by changing the length of the strips or attaching at different points.

Traditional Teardrop – the strip lengths are two 8.5 inches, two 7 inches, two 6 inches and the center is 4 inches.

Thin Teardrop – the strip lengths are two 8.5 inches, two 6 inches and the center is 6 inches. Then I used glue dots to attach the two inside strips higher on the center strip.

Diamond – the strip lengths are two 8.5 inches, two 6 inches and the center is 5 inches. I just pinched the center of the curve to create the modern take on the traditional.

Curve – the strip lengths are four 8.5 inches, one 6 inch. Then using glue dots I had fun creating curves and just playing with the paper until it was a shape that was unique.

I couldn’t finish these ornaments fast enough before I had little fingers grabbing them to put on the advent tree…

Wishing you a very Happy Holidays!!

{{hugs}}

Rebecca aka Mamabee

Other Articles by Rebecca (MamaBee):

• Thankful Turkey - November 7th, 2011
• Pumpkin Sucker Toppers - October 22nd, 2011
• On the Go Coloring Book - September 12th, 2011
• Party Blowers! - August 8th, 2011
• Celebrate the Liberty with Paper Binoculars! - July 1st, 2011