Photography: Babiche Martens
There’s no denying the appeal of store-bought decorations, but a good, old-fashioned craft session with (or without) the kids is wholesomely satisfying. We succumbed with some felt baubles and foil decorations. What’s even better is the level of skill required for these is practically nil for the results – even if we say so ourselves.
Make your own felt bauble
1. Using the template below, cut two bauble shapes from white felt. Stitch both pieces together with black thread using large stitches. We opted for a childlike look so neat sewing is not required here.
2. When you’re done with the exterior, stitch a pattern onto the middle and run some stitches through the top to replicate the metal part of the bauble.
3. Cut a small hole into the top of the decoration and thread the red cord through and knot.
How to make embossed aluminium foil decorations
These foil decorations take their cue from Mexican tin art – you’ll get a similar effect without the fear of cutting yourself on the tin. You can find aluminium embossing foil in art supply shops that is fine enough to make into something you can do with children.
1. Using the template below, trace the outline of your chosen shape onto the aluminium embossing foil with a pencil or embossing tool. You could use a craft mat underneath but we
found it most effective to use a foam rubber mousepad.
2. Cut out the foil pattern with scissors. Using the pencil or embossing tool, carefully make the patterns. You’ll want to outline the halo, face, hands and feathery wings on the angel.
3. Using metallic nail polish, highlight any features you want to stand out. We preferred ours unpainted.
4. Using a one-hole punch, make a hole at the top of the ornament. Thread some cord through and knot.
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