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Fun string art holiday crafts

It’s the holiday season, which means it’s time to break out the garland, wreaths and mistletoe! If you’re looking to add a DIY touch to your décor or just looking for a fun activity to keep the kids occupied at the next holiday party, try these simple and cute string art crafts.

For the kids: Twine Balloon Ornaments

The mess is half the fun with this craft! Let the kids help decorate the tree with rustic twine ornaments they’ll have a blast making.

What you’ll need:

  • Small balloons (approximately 5 inches when inflated)
  • Twine
  • Tacky glue
  • Water
  • Disposable bowl
  • Plastic fork
  • Newspaper or drop cloth
  • Scissors

Optional decorations:

  • Ribbon
  • Sequins
  • Glitter
  • Beads

Steps:

1. Cut 12-15 pieces of twine. These pieces should each be about 2.5 feet (75 centimeters) long.

2. Blow up your balloon until it is about the size you want your ornament to be.

3. Find somewhere to hang your balloon while you’re working. This could be a door or cabinet handle, hanging light fixture, beam – get creative and use whatever you have! Cover the floor or workspace with newspaper or a cloth to catch dripping glue.

4. Tie a piece of twine around the knot of your balloon and hang it.

5. Mix one part tacky glue with one part water in a disposable bowl.

6. Add one strand of twine to the bowl and use a plastic fork to coat it thoroughly in the glue mixture. Then, pull the twine through the tines of the fork to remove excess glue. 

7. Press the end of the glue-covered twine to the top of the balloon. Wrap the rest around in different directions until you reach the end. Tuck the end under another strand of twine to keep it in place. And remember, it’s OK to get a little messy, so just have fun with it!

8. Repeat steps 6 & 7 until you’ve wrapped all your cut twine pieces around the balloon and are happy with how it looks. Leave enough space between the twine to be able to pull the balloon out once the glue dries.

9. Leave ornaments hanging until dry, about 24 hours. Make sure to leave whatever you’ve used to protect your workspace in place to catch drips.

10. Once dry, separate the balloon from the twine with your finger. This is important to do before popping the balloon so that your ornament isn’t damaged.

11. Pop the balloon and pull it out.

12. Run a 6-8 inch (15-20 centimeter) piece of twine through your ornament and tie it in a loop so it can be hung on the tree.

Optional: Decorate your ornaments with festive ribbon, glitter or anything you like!

For the grownups: 3D Decorative Christmas Trees

For the grownups: 3D Decorative Christmas Trees

This craft is surprisingly simple but gives an elegant result. Use these decorative string trees as centerpieces or to add a holiday touch to shelves!

What you’ll need:

  • Cone (foam, papier-mâché or homemade using cardboard)
  • Plastic wrap
  • Crochet thread
  • Decoupage glue
  • Foam brush
  • Newspaper
  • Scissors

Optional decorations:

  • Rhinestones
  • Mini bows
  • Mini pom-poms
  • Glitter

Steps:

1. Wrap cone in plastic wrap

2. Tie a loop at the end of your crochet thread and slip over the tip of the cone.

3. Wrap crochet thread starting at the top of the cone. After you’ve done a bit, dip your foam brush in decoupage glue and dab it over the thread to hold it in place. Continue to wrap thread and dab with glue as you go.

4. Continue this process up and down the cone until you are happy with the look.

5. Wrap your thread a few extra times at the bottom of your tree for stability. Then cut the string and dab it in place with glue.

6. Do a final coat of decoupage glue over the whole tree.

7. Dry overnight.

8. Remove your tree carefully, twisting and wiggling until it comes loose from the plastic wrap.

Optional: Decorate your trees by gluing on rhinestones, little bows, pom-poms or adding glitter!