We're finally starting to receive 'real' Christmas cards in the mail. For a couple of weeks, all we've been receiving are the preprinted ones from the newspaper carrier, chiropractor, dentist, and insurance agent. I usually don't display these. Instead, I use the most beautiful ones to make ornaments.
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Origami Christmas Card Ornaments (German Bells)
Materials:
- Christmas card
- scissors or paper trimmer
- craft glue
- rubber band
- yarn or ribbon
Steps:
Cut the card into a square. It doesn't matter how large the square is, though the ornament is somewhat easier to make with a larger square. You can center the main image or not. I usually don't.
Fold the card in half from top to bottom with the right side showing. Open it back up and fold it in half from left to right, again with the right side showing. Open the card fully and look at the back- the fold lines should make a plus sign.
Fold the card in half on one diagonal. Open and fold it along the other diagonal. These fold lines make an X.
Here is what the inside of your card should look like. I used a pencil to darken the lines for the purposes of the picture; yours won't have pencil lines.
Starting at one corner, make a 'paper airplane' fold. Unfold, then repeat for the three remaining corners.
Here's what your fold lines will look like when you are done with all the folds.
Hold the card in one hand and pinch the sides together as shown. Continue pinching until the points meet at the top.
Make a loop of ribbon to form a hanger. Slip the knot of the ribbon into one of the points of the ornament so that it gets trapped under the fold.
Add glue along the sides of the ornament and secure with a rubber band. Set aside until dry.
You can hang these ornaments from the tree, use them to decorate presents, or even place a small gift inside of one!
Give it a try! And here's something else to try. With MunchPak, you get a curated box of fun snacks from all around the world. Buy it for yourself or give it as a gift!
Ohhhhhhh I loveeeeee this! What a great idea! :):):):):):)
ReplyDeleteI'm going to have to try this!
ReplyDeleteFun idea!
ReplyDeleteI certainly will be doing this! Thanks for such a fun little decoration.
ReplyDeleteOoh...so clever! Love the idea!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea! I'm all about reusing things instead of throwing them away.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations for a wonderful idea! Thank you. will use it this year!
ReplyDeleteThis would be a great craft idea to do with the ladies of the Red Hat Society when they all get together!! Thank you so much for sharing!!!
ReplyDeleteWe used to make these when I was a child in the 50’s. We called them German Bells.
ReplyDeleteA string of them would make a great advent calendar!
ReplyDeleteThank you
What a wonderful activity for me and my granddaughters! Thank you...
ReplyDeleteI love this one! A big thank you for publishing it ;)
ReplyDeleteGerman Bells. We made them when we were growing up.
ReplyDeleteI didn't know that was their name! Thank you for letting me know!
DeleteI made these about 10 years ago for each of our adult kids and their spouses, only I covered the bells with embossed velvet and left one side opened, with an attached ribbon. I then inserted money into the bell, closed the bell up and then tied it closed with the ribbon. Oh, I also sewed a Christmas 🔔 bell to the bottom. They were so much fun to make.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful gift!
DeleteEvery year I make ornaments for family and close friends. Back in 2006, I made these (with the embossed velvet) for our adult children. I glued 3 sides together, leaving 1 side open. Put $100 bill inside. Attached a small note with the ribbon that said “Pull Bow To Open”. When our son saw his wife remove money from hers, he ripped the ornament open to get his money, never once considering all the love and time I put into making it. That’s the last time I made him an ornament. That was 14 years ago. I’m making them again this year for the ladies in my Bible Study. I know that whoever makes these will get immense enjoyment from it. Thank you for sharing.
Deletei will try this out, as well. thank you for using pictures!! i think i can do it.
ReplyDeleteFantastic..thanku 😊
ReplyDeletewe were taught to make these way back in 5th grade, I had forgotten how since then, thank you very much, now I can make these once again
ReplyDeleteI taught my 5th grade class every year. I learned to make them as a child and have made them big and small. I love seeing others enjoy these beautiful bells.
DeleteAdorei muito delicado.
ReplyDeleteObrigada.
I learned to make these in 5th grade and I've never forgotten how. One of my favorite ornaments to make. Now I'll try it with cards. Thanks for the idea.
ReplyDeleteI tried this today with some scrap paper and now I am seriously ready to make more! It was easy due to your instructions. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteAdorei! Lindo, simples! Obrigada por compartilhar!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the cute idea--they are much easier than they look (my favorite kind of project!). Wish I had seen this before I finally recycled all my old cards a few weeks ago. This happens every time I recycle an art supply. I find a great idea almost immediately!! Sure makes it hard to throw stuff out!!
ReplyDeleteI have the same problem! I'm a bit of a craft hoarder because you never know what you'll need as soon as you throw it away.
DeleteYou get better cards that I do. My bell ornaments look faded, mostly white, brittle and showing white at the fold lines, etc. Could I somehow get the list of people who send you such nifty cards? LOL!
ReplyDeleteI will do this
ReplyDeleteI learned to make German Bells in kindergarden and have made many over the years. I'm 67 now and haven't make them in a long time so I've forgotten how. Thank you for posting the directions!
ReplyDeletelo he provado y ha salido genial , muchas gracias por compartir esta belleza
ReplyDelete