Paper Christmas Tree Placecards

I wanted to try something simple, and I got the added bonus of it being versatile!

Today I'll show you how to make these simple Christmas tree placecards. The versatile part comes into play when your dinner guests go home and you pull off the names and you're left with a colorful forest of trees!

For supplies, you will need the following:
- several colors of Christmas paper or card stock (optionally can be done monotone)
- an item to use for the base, such as the star pictured above
- a straight twig or dowel rod
- a short piece of gold string or the equivalent
- ribbon and other embellishments to your liking
For tools, you will need a glue stick, scissors, a small hole punch and hot glue

Begin by cutting the shape for the tree. Using a corner of a piece of paper, cut an arc from one side to the other. You should end up with 1/4 of a circle. I used scrap-booking scissors to add a scalloped edge. If you're using multiple colors, cut different sizes, with the longest one being the desired height of the finished tree. For mine, I used 3-1/4, 4-1/2, and 5-3/4 lengths.

Draw a line of glue along one straight edge.

Gently roll the paper to form a cone, slightly overlaying the glued edge over the other.

Firmly press the glued edge in place.

Repeat with another color.

Stack the shorter cone onto the top of the medium-sized cone, lining up the seams, and glue in place.

Repeat with the longest cone.

Put a generous spot of hot glue on the tip of the twig or dowel rod. Insert the twig into the cone to the point. Let cool, making sure the twig is aligned and centered at the bottom of the tree.

Glue the other end of the twig to the base, making sure the tree stands vertically.

Begin decorating your tree with your choice of embellishments. I went with a simple piece of ribbon garland.

Next, make a name tag. I used some matching paper and overlayed a piece of white. I punched two small holes in the top corners and tied the gold string through it.

Hang the sign over the top of the Christmas tree and your placecard is ready!

When your dinner is over, just slip the name off the tree and either use it again for another dinner, or use them without names as decoration elsewhere. You can also replace the name with a festive Christmas message, such as "Noel" or "Merry Christmas."

Let me know what you think! I'd love to hear if you give this a try!

BTW, I promised with my last post that I would be putting together a lightbox because I was so frustrated with my photo quality. Well I did and a love it! What do you think, are the pics better? I also spent a little time in the user manual for my camera and learned some helpful hints there, too.


And be sure to check out the endless list of inspirational ideas at my home page childmade.com.



I'll be linking to some of the fabulous link parties listed on the right sidebar ... but really, that's a LOT of parties! I probably won't get to them all, but you should stop in and visit a few yourself.
While you're at it, stop by my home page and add a few links there too!

Clay Pot Pilgrim Boy

As promised, here is the tute for the boy pilgrim for the clay pot pilgrim couple. I posted the tutorial for the girl pilgrim yesterday.



He's a bit more complicated than the girl because of his hat, but they make such a sweet couple.

For supplies, you will need the following:
1 - 2" clay pot (actual size may be slightly smaller)
1 - 1-1/4" wooden ball
1 - 2" x 2" piece of white felt
1 - 3/4" x 2" piece of brown felt (or other hair color)
1 - 2" x 2" piece of black felt
1 - 1" x 1" piece of black felt
1 - 1/4" x 1/8" piece of black felt
1 - 4" x 1-1/2" piece of black felt
1 - 4" x 1-1/2" piece of cardstock
1 - 1/2" x 1/2" of gold felt
1 - 6" length of 1/8" black ribbon
For supplies, you will need scissors, glue, black paint or markers, and blush (optional.)

Begin by cutting a 3/4" slit into the center of the edge of one side of the 2" x 2" piece of white felt. Optionally, trim a slight curve or angle into the two halves to add a little shape to his collar.

Glue the collar to the center of the bottom of the clay pot. Glue the wooden ball onto the center of the collar.

Now, shape the hair. Fringe one side of the piece of brown felt, making tiny snips the length of the felt.

(BTW, I'm putting together a lightbox this weekend!! I'm so sorry about the pooey quality of the photos. Future tute photos should be much better-- hopefully!)

Twist the uncut edge into a circle and glue in place on top of the head.

The hair is really a great place for individual creativity, just like in real life. This was by far the funniest step when I did this with my family.

Next, trim the piece of cardstock into an arc. This doesn't have to be exact and the shape can vary.

Turn the piece of cardstock to form a loop and glue or tape securely.

Cover the loop of cardstock with a piece of black felt. Trim as necessary.

Apply glue to the tip of the narrow end of the loop. Place a small piece of felt covering the end.

After the glue has set at least somewhat, use a sharp pair of scissors to trim the excess felt from the top of the hat.

When you're finished, it should look something like this.

Now, apply some glue the to other edge of the loop, and glue a large piece of felt centered in place.

Use scissors to trim the excess felt, leaving about 3/8" of felt for the brim of the hat. Set the hat aside.

Trim the piece of gold felt into a belt buckle by cutting two parallel slits into the center.

Feed the narrow piece of black felt through one of the slits, being careful not to rip the felt for the buckle. Feed the end through the other slit.

Slide the buckle to the center of the "belt."

Glue the belt onto the hat just above the rim.

Glue the hat onto the boy's head. Tie the piece of ribbon into a small bow and glue it to the collar just above the slit.

Use paint or black markers to add eyes and apply blush to the cheeks, and that's it!

If you try this craft, I'd love to see yours! And I'd also love to hear what you do with them.


And be sure to check out the endless list of inspirational ideas at my home page childmade.com.

I'll be linking to some of the fabulous link parties listed on the right sidebar ... but really, that's a LOT of parties! I probably won't get to them all, but you should stop in and visit a few yourself.
While you're at it, stop by my home page and add a few links there too!

Clay Pot Pilgrim Girl

I just love the colors of fall!

I don't usually spend much time on Thanksgiving crafts, but last year I put together the supplies to make a pilgrim couple from some small clay pots, as an activity to do with the kiddos at my sis-in-law's. It ended up being quite a hoot and I can't wait to see them brought out again this year!

I started with a design by Amanda at Crafts by Amanda, tweaked it just a bit, then added a boy pilgrim to it. I'll show you how to make the girl pilgrim today, then check back tomorrow for instructions for the boy pilgrim. It's a great and inexpensive activity for your younger guests for Thanksgiving.

The supplies you will need are as follows:
1 - 2" clay pot (actual size may be slightly smaller) painted black
1 - 1-1/4" wooden ball
1- 2"x2" square of white felt for the collar
1 - 1-1/2" x 1-1/4" piece of white felt for the apron
1 - 2" x3-1/4" piece of white felt for the hat
1 - 1"x4" piece of brown felt (or other hair color) for the hair
1 - 6" length of 1/8" black ribbon
For tools, you will need scissors, glue, black marker or paint, and blush.

Begin by cutting a slit about 3/4" long into the corner of the 2" x 2" piece of felt.

Next, glue the piece of felt centered onto the bottom of the clay pot.

Glue the wooden ball on top of the felt into the center of the bottom of the clay pot.

Next, scallop the edge of the piece of brown felt to make hair. Glue the hair to the center of the top of the wooden ball, with the slit in the white felt facing to the front. The back of the wooden ball will not be covered with hair, but that's fine.

Place the 3-1/4" x 2" piece of white felt over the hair, lining up the edge of the white near the edge of the hair. The longer side should align with the hair. Glue the white felt in place on the top and sides of the head only (not the back.)

Now you'll need to form the hat. Turn the pot around and working from the back, fold down the center and glue in place. Next, fold in one side, creasing at the point, and glue in place. Repeat with the second side.

Round the corners of the 1-1/4" x 1-1/2" piece of white felt to form an apron.

Glue the apron onto the pot below the collar.

Next, use the ribbon to form a tiny bow and glue it onto the collar above the slit.

Use paint or a marker to add eyes.

Apply a little blush to her cheeks and she's done!

These make great little table place settings or just simple decoration. They're fun, quick, easy and inexpensive, and the supplies can be gotten at almost any craft store. Your little pilgrims will just love making their own this year and you'll be a hit for thinking of it!

Don't forget to check tomorrow's post for the instructions for the pilgrim boy!

And be sure to check out the endless list of inspirational ideas at my home page childmade.com.



I'll be linking to some of the fabulous link parties listed on the right sidebar ... but really, that's a LOT of parties! I probably won't get to them all, but you should stop in and visit a few yourself.
While you're at it, stop by my home page and add a few links there too!