Crafting Sustainable Christmas Ornaments from Recycled Paper

This DIY project offers a sustainable way to reuse old magazines while providing an engaging activity for children during the Advent season. These handmade ornaments are a perfect addition to any Christmas tree for those who appreciate personalized decorations.

Materials Needed:

• Magazines
• Glue stick and liquid glue
• Wooden skewer
• Cotton balls (approx. 5 cm diameter)
• Tops/caps from old Christmas ornaments
• Scissors

Step-by-Step Guide:

Step 1: Cut Magazine Paper into Narrow Strips

Select the most colorful pages from your magazines and tear them out. Cut these pages into strips approximately five centimeters wide. It is important to use paper that is not too thick to ensure it can be easily wrapped around the cotton balls.

Step 2: Tightly Roll Paper Strips Using a Wooden Skewer

Begin rolling the paper strips tightly around a wooden skewer, starting at one corner. As you roll, gradually pull the wooden skewer forward to continue winding the paper strip around it.

Step 3: Glue Rolled Strips onto the Cotton Ball

Apply glue to the cotton ball and attach the rolled paper strips, starting from the center. Liquid glue is recommended for crafting with children due to safety. Alternatively, a hot glue gun can be used. Most craft store cotton balls have a small hole on one side. This hole should be left uncovered as it is where the ornament’s hanging cap will be attached.

Step 4: Attach the Caps of Old Ornament Tops

Gently enlarge the hole in the cotton ball using the tip of the scissors. Squeeze the side wires of the ornament cap together, insert them into the hole, and release. The cap should now be securely attached and can be adjusted for appearance.

Finally, thread a decorative ribbon through the cap for hanging the finished ornament.