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Tree jewels: create ornaments that are simple and stylish

Sunset, Dec, 2004 by Ann Bertelsen, Mary Jo Bowling, Jil Peters

Beaded elegance

Micro beads--actually tiny glass balls--add shimmer to classic ornaments. For adhesives, we used glue dots and Wacky Tacky Tape in plain sheets and star shapes. For craft-supply sources, see page 143.

Materials

* Scissors

* Adhesives (options listed above)

* Opaque glass ornaments

* Micro beads

Directions

1. For narrow stripes, use scissors to cut plain sheets of Wacky Tacky Tape into strips. Stick strips, stars, or dots on the area of the ornament where you want your design.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

2. Using a spoon and working over a small dish, sprinkle micro beads over the adhesive.

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Drizzle balls

Clear glass balls simulate stained glass when paint is swirled inside them. Delta CeramDecor Air-Dry Perm-Enamel paints are formulated for use on glass and are available at craft stores.

Materials

* Clear glass balls

* Delta CeramDecor Air-Dry PermEnamel paints in several colors

Directions

1. Remove the metal top of a glass ball.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

2. Squeeze paint into one side of the rim and let it trickle into the ball, shaking gently to direct the flow of paint. Repeat the process on the opposite side.

3. To use two colors on one ornament, let one color dry thoroughly before applying a second color.

Making memories

Put family on display with these photo ornaments created from personal photos.

Materials

* Small tins with glass lids

* Pencil

* Photocopies of family photos

* Craft knife or scissors

* Tissue paper

* Grosgrain ribbon

* Needle

* Embroidery thread

* Double-sided tape

Directions

1. Using a tin's lid as a guide, trace a circle around a face or faces on photocopied photo. Cut out the circle with the craft knife or scissors, staying just inside the traced line. Place the cutout into the lid, face side out.

2. Push crumpled tissue paper into the tin to prevent the photo from slipping; replace the lid.

3. Cut ribbon to fit around tin and fold it in half. Use the needle and thread to pierce near the folded crease of the ribbon and make a loop for a hanger. Unfold the ribbon.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

4. Run a continuous strip of double-sided tape around the perimeter of the tin. Press ribbon (with hanger positioned at the top of the photo) onto the tape around the tin.

PHOTOGRAPHS BY CHRISTINA SCHMIDHOFER

Tree jewels: create ornaments that are simple and stylish

Sunset, Dec, 2004 by Ann Bertelsen, Mary Jo Bowling, Jil Peters

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