All wrapped up: a newspaper bauble

When it comes to homemade Christmas decorations, for some reason, it seems the more rustic they are the better.

Who can help a little nostalgic rush when, rather than just shop-bought perfection, the tree is trimmed with lovingly home-crafted displays?

Lacking inspiration and not got tons of time to get creative? These two mini projects are perfect for even the most cack-handed of us.

Newspaper glitter baubles

Got some old newspapers hanging about? Or magazines? There’s no better way to put them to use than to create these simple glittery newspaper baubles for your tree.

You will need:

• Newspaper
• Glue
• Glitter (in a colour of your choice, though silver works well with monochrome newsprint)
• Water
• Scissors
• Old baubles
• Ribbon (if the baubles are missing their strings)
• A black marker (if you want to write glad tidings on the finished baubles)

Method:

1. To make the newspaper papier mache to cover the baubles combine 3/4 white glue to 1/4 water (or if using a good, thick glue you can do 1/2 and 1/2).
2. Tear (don’t cut) pages of the newspaper into strips about 1cm wide and about 5cms long (or bigger if you are covering large baubles.)
3. Put the newspaper strips into the papier mache mixture and then, when well covered, place them on the bauble making sure to completely cover it.
4. Set aside the baubles to dry (in a warm room this will probably take a couple of hours)
5. When they are tacky to the touch, roll the bauble around a pile of glitter – coating it to your taste.
6. Once totally dry, thread a ribbon on to the bauble, securing the end in a double knot, with the ends trimmed at a jaunty angle.
7. Optional: Using your marker, write festive words such as “peace”, “joy” and “love”

Feel fruity? Slice on a string

Slice on a string

Super traditional and super simple.

You will need:

• Oranges (or lime or lemons)
• A knife
• String or ribbon
• Oven tray
• Scissors

Method

1. Slice fruit – slices should be about 0.5cms thick.
2. Lay slices on an oven tray and dry them in an oven at a low temperature for about two hours.
3. Remove from the oven and leave to air dry overnight.
4. The next day use the sharp end of the scissors to make a small hole in the orange to thread the string through.
5. Knot the end of the string together and ta-dah! Slice on a string!