Hand Made Star Ornaments

Each year my 6 year old, Magnolia, and I make ornaments to give as gifts to family and friends.  We started this tradition when she was 2 years old and the first ornaments we made were baked dough ornaments that Magnolia painted.  The next year we made beaded candy cane ornaments, then wooden picture frame ornaments, then last year we needle felted ornaments.  This year Magnolia is 6 and she was ready to move up to a more challenging type of ornament.  This evolution of hand made ornaments never really occurred to me before and I find it so exciting to see the progression of ornaments we have made together.  What a special tradition and how very neat to see all the ornaments she has made and have them hang on our tree as well as our friend's and family's trees each year.

So...if you are looking for an age appropriate ornament to make with your child, here is the break down:

Age 2...anything they can paint or color...wood, baked dough  , ball ornaments, etc.
Age 3...Beading pipe cleaners to form into candy canes is perfect
Age 4...using glue and paint or markers to create something special

Age 5...Break out the needle felting..but be very careful as the needles are very sharp.  At age 5 we used a cookie cutter in the shape of a tree or star and placed the wool inside with some needle felting foam under it.  I allowed Magnolia to poke the wool while monitoring her closely until the wool formed into the shape of the cookie cutter

Age 6...Hand Made Star Ornaments

What we used:

Felt Paper in various colors
Needle
Thread
Wool for stuffing

How we made them:

Make a star pattern simply by drawing a star on a piece of paper, then cutting it out. Then use the star pattern to draw a star onto the felt paper.  Cut out 2 stars either in the same color or 2 different colors.

Match up the stars, then sew them together. 

Before sewing up the entire star stuff the wool inside, then sew shut. 

Use some thread to make a loop for hanging on a Christmas tree or just as decoration!



Enjoy!

Hand Made Star Ornaments