Save Money with Recycled Christmas Ornaments

A lush, fully decked-out Christmas tree provides a sense of wonder to all visitors. Nothing says "we don't have to give into the dark" like twinkly lights and starbursts of color reflecting off of many surfaces. Colorful Christmas Santas, trees, packages etc. can add to the cheery feeling of youth rediscovered. Soft white garland and crystalline surfaces can take you to those dreamy snow-covered days where you're allowed to retreat behind a mug of hot chocolate, buttery biscuits and a good book. If your children are bored and want to have some fun, making recycled Christmas ornaments can cost little while providing hours of play. But who has the money for that? If you'd like to try four different, low-cost and unique Christmas decorations this year, try these four ideas for making garland, and recycled ornaments. Many of the supplies should be in your cupboards, drawers or closets or easily obtainable for low costs. The result is a highly colorful, eye-pleasing tree with low cost. The directions are easy to follow and most children can participate. [See photograph 1]

Supplies Needed for the Projects:

Plastic Grocery Bags

Paper Grocery Bags

Scissors

Christmas Theme Magazines

Cookie Decorations

Rubber Cement

Ribbon

Clippers

Leftover Paint

Paint brush

Newspaper

Christmas Ornaments Using Magazine Photographs and Paper Grocery Bags

Search through the pounds of Christmas magazines that come to your mailbox. Cut out squares of colorful Christmas objects and ornaments. Use rubber cement to glue them onto paper grocery bags to stiffen them. Supervise children when using rubber cement. If you leave an edge, glue a border of leftover cookie decorations instead of glitter. Cut them off of the grocery bags. Punch a hole in the top, show children how to know where to place the hole. Hang with hooks. [See photograph 2]

Christmas Ornaments Made from Cookie Cutters