#DIY Christmas paper trees

Paper, skewers, wine corks or anything that can be used as a base, a pair of scissors and a hot glue gun - so far so good! If you DIY a bit, you probably have all of these at home.

Any paper will do : music sheets, pages of an old book, cooking recipes, blank pages etc.

I used a page of Pride and Prejudice (kept the pages I cut off when I made the book box for my sister) and some music sheets that I had spare.

Cut the pages in the shape of a triangle - you can decide the size you want.

Make a zig-zag fold and poke a hole going through the whole length of the tree from top to middle of the last fold. Then, pass the skewer in the hole and gently open up the page but not too wide to leave the folding visible.
I've cut the top of the corks to make them smaller, and then slid the skewer in it. It should stay still no problem, but you can put a drop of hot glue if you want to secure it.

With a punching machine, I made little golden stars in some gift ribbon and glued them at the top of the trees. I also glued the tip of the tree to the skewer at the back.

It is an extremely easy and inexpensive little craft project. It's relaxing to make and looks cute.


Ben.

#DIY Christmas decoration with homemade porcelain clay

Christmas is just around the corner. In less than two weeks, I'm flying out to France to spend the holidays with my family.. I just can't wait !
But until then, it's my own home that I wanted to decorate. I am in a white-minimalist phase and wanted to try porcelain clay again (after a failed attempt last year) - we were meant to meet again and this weekend was the time.

Here's how:

1 cup baking/bread soda
1/2 cup cornstarch
3/4 cup of water

Mix all ingredients in a saucepan on medium heat - you can use any saucepan as all ingredients are from your kitchen, it's completely safe. 
Bring to a gentle simmer and let the mixture bubble for a minute. Then stir with a wooden spoon until it looks like mashed potatoes. Remove from the heat, and form a ball with the dough. Be careful because it's very hot.
Place in a bowl, cover with a damp cloth and place in the fridge until completely cold. Mine spent all night in there but I'd say the clay should be cold after an hour or two.

Once the clay is cold, take it out of the fridge and knead it until smooth.
Roll out and use as desired.

Oven bake for 45 mins at 80C.
I have used different cookie cutters in shape of stars and used a straw to poke the holes.

I am thrilled with how they baked, no cracks!

To make the garland, all you need is a pair of scissors, some thread/string or even wire and your clay decorations.

I think that it looks very pretty on the mantelpiece. 


Have fun!

Ben