Tidings of Christmas Paper Strips

It’s time to put away the Christmas decorations for another year, but first, I need to share one last time. Here are two ideas for making Christmas tree decorations that use the Tidings of Christmas Designer Series Paper (DSP) strips. One idea makes a greeting card focal point, and the second idea is decorating my pencil tree with paper baubles. This is not a typical paper chain project, but that would also be another idea for using this versatile DSP.

Tidings of Christmas Card

I used up pieces of DSP leftover from another card making project and created this card. The six DSP strips, to make this paper weave, measure 1/2″ by 3″ and are held in place by glue dots. Most of us learned how to weave paper in grade school, so I won’t go into details. The picture is self-explanatory. Hint: You may want to use a grid paper to help line up the strips as you glue, before adding to your card. Add a sentiment and embellishment, if you choose, and voila!

I love that the Tidings of Christmas DSP can be used for more than just Christmas. The colors and patterns aren’t necessarily intended for one season. So don’t be surprised to see this paper used in upcoming projects, too.

Tidings of Christmas Tree Trimmings

These little tree baubles are made from four DSP strips that measure 1/2″ by 6″ and are glued together with multipurpose liquid glue. First, glue each of the strips to make a circle (just as you would for making a paper chain). Next, layer the the four circles together to form a ball. next, adhere the strips in place with a dab of glue where they intersect. The last step is to add a little string near the glued area to be able to hang them on the tree. Another hint: If you tuck the string near the glued area, it will help the string stay where you want it. As a result, I made twelve baubles because I wanted to display all twelve designs from the paper pack.

Don’t forget to make a star for the top of the tree with the aide of the Christmas Trimmings dies and some metallic sheen paper. Remember when school notebook paper use to be bound with a wire? The wire is cut from that and was perfect because it was already curled to right size!

I also hung other cards on the pencil tree, for our stamp club to see. Simply clip them to a branch with small craft clothes pins.

The idea for the baubles came from an old magazine and they were actually hanging from a mobile base. I’m sure you can use the idea many different ways, if you use your imagination. The tree was pretty cute and the girls at stamp club loved it, too. Since this tree stays in this spot all year long, I will be trying other paper decorating ideas for it. Stay tuned!