Christmas Crafts

By Julie Wardell

Cut colored paper or aluminum foil into strips. Shape the strips into loops and link them together. Make the loops and the chain as large as you like. You can use them to decorate a Christmas tree, a window, or a doorway. Large chains work well outdoors.

By Ruth Palmer

To make these ornaments, you will need: cookie cutters, a pencil, a large brown paper bag, scissors, permanent markers or crayons, white glue, narrow ribbon, and scraps of fabric and trim (optional).

1. For each ornament, trace a cookie-cutter shape onto the paper bag. Cut out two shapes, for a front and back.

2. Use markers or crayons to decorate both sides of the ornament.

3. Glue the front and back together with a loop of ribbon sandwiched in between for hanging. Let dry.

4. With your finger, spread white glue evenly over the front side of the ornament. Hang to dry for 30 minutes. Repeat for the back side.

5. Continue spreading layers of glue on the ornament until it is shiny and durable. If desired, make clothes for a gingerbread man from fabric and trim. Add these as you spread on the last layer of glue to each side.