DIY: Cookie Cutter Holiday Tree

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If you are familiar with my blog, you know one thing about me -- I like cooking and crafts that are easy and flexible. I like switching things around, depending on what I have on hand. Here's a great craft that you can probably make with materials you have on hand. It's also easy and fun. On top of that, you can re-use most of your materials when you're done with it all -- can't beat that! Let's start by taking a look at the Christmas Tree I made:

The materials I used were cookie cutters (bought at a rummage sale for 50 cents for the lot, but you can use what you have on hand!), paper clips, ribbon, just a bit of hot glue to make the hanger loop, and one miniature ornament. That's it! It's easy and fun, and the first decoration I hung on our wall. Here's how I made it, in under an hour.

First, pick how many cookie cutters you want to use. The more you use, the larger your tree will be. I used only eight cookie cutters. On a flat working surface lay them out. I started with my star at the top as I wanted this at the top of my tree. An angel cookie cutter would also be great at the top -- or whatever suits your fancy. I also put the one larger cookie cutter I had in the middle, so I could build around it. From there, I just picked ornaments that filled in the general "tree" shape, with each ornament touching another on at least two sides for stability.

Move things around until you are happy with how they fit together. You will want at least two spots (preferably three for cookie cutters in the middle) where the edges of the cookie cutters are roughly flush with each other for about 1/4" -- this is where you will be attaching them together. This part is sort of like a puzzle -- get the kids involved! When you're happy with the arrangement, it's time to start putting it all together.

Slide a paper clip straight down over each intersection where the cookie cutters touch. Once you have all the cookie cutters connected, it's time to decorate your tree!

I used two colors of ribbon for my tree decorations -- use whatever you like, but it should be able to slide under the ends of your paper clips without too much trouble. With lengths of about 9", I slid them under the tops of some of the loosened paper clips, tightening the paper clip back into place to hold it firmly. Tie a bow, then trim if necessary.

I repeated this all over my tree until I had enough "decorations". I added a ribbon loop to the top of the tree to act as the hanger (with the help of a drop of hot glue), then tied a bow to that loop for a pretty tree top!

The last step for my tree was the addition of this tiny Santa. Since I used one large cookie cutter in the middle, I wanted something in that space, so I added an extra paper clip at the top of the gingerbread man cookie cutter, and hung the ornament using another paperclip.

Easy, and oh so cute! And I'll bet you have all the materials on hand :) I hope you try this, I'd love to see your results!

Just remember, if you need to make cut-out cookies, your cookie cutters aren't too far away :)

This post is linked to the following blog parties. Please visit them for more cooking or craft ideas!