Recycle gift wrap to make unique tree ornaments or assemble a beautiful mobile.
This is a great way to recycle the wrappings from your gifts ~ be it from a
birthday or from Christmas or any other occasion for that matter.
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Materials:
gift wrap (enough for 14 - 6 inch squares)
rubber band (flat)
old CD for pattern
glue
toothpick
sharpened pencil
needle and thread or dental floss
paperclips
optional: tweezers
Directions:
Start by smoothing the used gift wrap if necessary. Then cut 14 squares about 6 inches square. Stack and paper clip together. This will enable you to cut the circles all at the same time to save time on this project.
Draw a 5 inch circle on the back side of the top square and cut the circles. A perfect template for the circle is an old CD. You know, one of those that AOL keeps sending you. *Smile*
Fold each circle into quarters, then unfold and restack and clip with paper clips. Mark the center where all the folds intersect by pushing a pin through all circles.
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Divide circle into eight segments by cutting along creases and halfway between, slitting from the edge to half an inch from the center pin hole. You can draw lines to make this cutting step easier. The lines will not show in the finished starburst. Use photo 2 as a guide.
Wind each segment around the point of a sharpened pencil, forming a cone. See photos 3 and 4.
Use a very small drop of white glue on a toothpick to secure the edge.
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Cut two pieces of a flat rubber band, and a 12-15 inch piece of strong thread. I use dental floss for the thread. Thread a sewing needle with this and tie a double knot in one end. Place one piece of the rubber band on the thread above the knot.
Thread seven stars face down using the center pin holes. Thread the remaining seven stars face up. Thread on the second piece of rubber band, and push the band snugly against the 14 stars.
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A tweezers is a help with this step. It isn't necessary to tie a knot at the top as the rubber band will prevent slipping. Make a loop at the top end of your thread for hanging your ornament.
