« Older Art How-Tos Christmas

Make Twinchie Ornaments

Wednesday, December 9th, 2009 by Alyice

Over the past year I’ve learned a lot about using inchies (1 inch squares) in mixed media art, in mosaics, and for greeting cards. And for the most part, they are the perfect size, but there are times when a one inch square just isn’t enough—and Christmas ornaments are just such a time.

That’s why this year, I’ve been experimenting with twinchies (2 inch squares) and having a blast doing so.

What do you think of these Christmas present ornaments?

Supplies:

Strathmore Paper for Acrylics or Watercolor or Strathmore Canvas Paper
White Gesso
Paints: acrylic, watercolor, or oil (your preference)
Paintbrushes
Kramar® non-yellowing varnish—for sealing
Aleene’s Jewel-It®—for gluing
Fine tip permanent marker
Ink pad
2 inch square punch
Hole punch
We R Memory Keepers Crop-A-Dile™ Eyelet & Snap Punch
Eyelets
Yarn or ribbon for hanging
Miniature beading letters
Miniature bows
Small plastic clothes pins (clips)

Instructions:

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Paint a sheet of Strathmore paper with gesso.
Let dry.
Paint the paper. Don’t worry about creating a distinct look, go for abstract. Add various shapes and doodles. Blend the colors together, or create distinct lines and curves.
Let dry.
Use a square punch to cut squares.
Cover non-painted side of square with glue.
Place two non-painted sides back-to-back and hold together using plastic clothes pins.
Let dry.
Use the glue to adhere the bow to the top center of the square.
Spell out a word with the beads then glue each bead to the square.
Let beads and bow dry.
Hold ornament in hand and run ink pad along all four sides.
Let dry.
Punch a hole in one of the top corners of the square.
Use the Crop-A-Dile™ to insert an eyelet into the hole.
Sign and date the back.
Take the ornament outside and spray a thin coat of varnish over the entire piece.
Let dry.
Turn ornament over and spray the backside.
String ribbon through the hole and tie into a bow or knot.
Sign your Christmas greeting card, insert the Christmas box ornament, address envelope, and affix it with the proper postage.

Now your friends and family will receive a nice surprise and you’ll have turned the boring task of sending Christmas cards into something fun and festive!

Keep Creating

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Paper Bird Ornaments With Text

Tuesday, December 8th, 2009 by Alyice

Did I mention how much fun I am having creating paper bird ornaments this year? Here’s another variation:

I used miniature beading letters to spell out words, then glued them to the birds using Aleene’s Jewel-It® adhesive—though it does cost three times the amount of regular glue. I like this adhesive better than Elmer’s or tacky glue for ornaments because it seems to withstand climate changes better. I suppose it’s because this glue is traditionally made for adhering buttons and things to material that would normally go into the wash and/or dryer.

In case you missed it, the instructions for creating these paper bird ornaments can be found here: Make Textured Bird Ornaments and here: Make Folk Art Bird Ornaments.

Enjoy!

Keep Creating

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Textured Paper Bird Ornaments

Monday, December 7th, 2009 by Alyice

Here are two Christmas birds using colors you’d normally find in holiday decorations: red, green, and gold. Aren’t they cute?! I created the background paper a year ago and was waiting for just the right opportunity to use it.

In case you missed it, the instructions for creating these paper bird ornaments can be found here: How To Make Christmas Bird Ornaments and here: How To Make Folk Art Bird Ornaments

Enjoy!

Keep Creating

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AlyiceEdrich.com
I'm a freelance writer, mixed media artist, SMVA, and the owner of The Dabbling Mum.

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All material on this blog belongs to Alyice Edrich, unless otherwise noted. No project, artwork, or text may be reproduced or displayed elsewhere without the consent of the creator. That includes making derivative works for resale. Please use project tutorials for personal use and/or gifts only.