"Oh Christmas Tree...."

My wonderful neighbors will have all their kids and grandkids here for the holidays. With so many family members coming I thought an early Christmas gift was in order. And of course to make the gift even more special I created a Christmas tree paper casting to decorate the container.

Supplies:

• Any of the Arnold Grummer paper making kits
• Blender, strainer, cello sponges and soft towels    
• A sunny window
• Scraps of white paper (think junk mail, etc.) 
• Scraps of white card stock to die cut
• Die: Quiet Fire Designs™ Elizabeth Crafts #1235 "Merry Christmas"
• Spellbinders™ Platinum die cutting and embossing machine
• Beacon Adhesive: Fabri-Tac and ZipDry adhesives
• DecoArt Americana paints :DA048 Holly Green, DA020 Calico Red and DS17 Multi-Purpose Sealer, 1: sponge brush
• Tree shaped wood carrier with 3 Mason Jars
• Three yds. #40 wire edged Christmas Ribbon
• Two yds. each DMC embroidery thread: variegated red, metallic gold 
• One yd. each DMC metallic white embroidery thread & 4mm Christmas green silk ribbon
• Tiny metallic star sequins
• Large eyed embroidery needle                      

  Instructions:

1. Follow the instructions found in any of the Arnold Grummer™ paper making kits to create 

        white slurry and cast two or more of the Christmas tree castings.  

2. Allow the castings to dry.

3. Use the brush to lightly apply Beacon ZipDry™ adhesive to the backs of the castings.

4. When the adhesive is dry, carefully poke small holes where the stitching will be. 

5. Refer to close up photo below for placement of “ribbon candles”, French Knots, stars etc.

6. Paint the wood carrier and the lids with Multi-Purpose Sealer.

7. When the sealer is dry, paint the tree parts of the wood carrier with the Holly Green paint.

8. Paint the jar lids with the Calico Red paint.

9. When the painted items are dry, fill the jars with candy canes, Hersey Kisses, nuts or other

        goodies

10. Die cut 2-3 of the words “Merry Christmas” from the scraps of white cardstock.

11. Layer and glue them together.

12. Attach the embroidered Christmas tree and the layered words to each end of the painted wood 

      carrier with Fabri-Tac adhesive.

13. Wrap some of the wire edged ribbon onto the handle.

14. Tie a multi loop bow and attach it to one end of the handle.

15. Place the filled jars into the carrier.

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TAGS: Arnold Grummer, Michele Emerson-Roberts, handmade, paper casting, die cuts, Christmas, embroidery