Make Foil-Wrapped Paper Mache Ornaments for Your Tree

I’m going to level with you. Our Christmas tree looks awful frightful horrendous It’s an abomination. Our tree is a mess. The children wanted to be very involved in the decorating and it’s apparent. At least I hope so. Haha! The process was mayhem – they wanted to get everything on the tree immediately! – and nerve-wracking (Sweet J on a ladder. Enough said.) There is some kind of rearrangement of the mess every day whether it’s the two older ones moving things around or adding in random items or me trying to fix what Pipsqueak as done. He likes to add things too. Like boots. Despite its appearance, it’s our tree, the first in our new home.

I started this foil-wrapped paper mache project last Christmas. I remember being in the craft store, seeing the paper mache ornaments (which I love, don’t you?) and then all of a sudden, I had filled my basket with them along with a pack of foil origami paper. Obviously, I didn’t get them done but with all the shuffling this year, they stayed in my mind. And finally, FINALLY! I got them done. Hooray! I think they may add something to our haphazard tree. Probably more disorganization but shiny, foil-wrapped confusion.

This is one of those project you can complete from the couch. It’s not too messy or dirty so it’s perfect for binge watching a show on Netflix, if you do that sort of thing. It’s okay. The holidays/weekdays are stressful.

Here’s how to make them:

Supplies:

-paper mache stars
-foil origami paper
-scissors
-glue stick

Cover one side of the star with glue and press the foil paper onto the glue. Gently press the paper to fit all the edges and facets.

Take the scissors and cut on one side of each facet, right next to the edge. The paper on the other side of each facet stays connected.

From the side it’s connected to, press the paper up and over. At the inner juncture, fold the paper.

Trim on the fold. The crease will give provide a line to cut.

Fold the paper at the crest.

Again, trim on the fold.

Add a layer a glue and press the paper into it.

Then it’s complete.

Hang ’em up and enjoy!

 

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I’ve been trying to get this posted since Tuesday! We’ve traveled for back-to-back weekends, Pipsqueak is in to EVERYTHING and, you know, it’s holiday season, I am failing at getting things done quickly. Processes that should take very little time are being stretched out. It’s quite frustrating.

However, I am reminding myself my life won’t always be this way. Someday, I won’t have little people at my feet, on my lap, on my back, in my arms. So I’m going to love it.