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Making twig stars is an easy primitive craft project that is both adorable and versatile. You can make twig stars in any size you like. They don’t have to be–and can’t be!–perfect. (They’re perfectly imperfect.) And you can do so many things with them. String them together vertically to hang on a wall. String them horizontally in a swag (over a doorway or window). Add them to wreaths. Use them as gift tags–or, my favorite thing to do with them–hang them on the Christmas tree. They’re free if you leave them natural, or very, very inexpensive if you use spray paint and glitter. (As good as free if you happen to already have some spray paint and glitter onhand.)
To make twig stars you need: Twigs, glue, spray paint, and glitter. (The spray paint and glitter are optional.)
Keep in mind that the larger the stars, the more difficult it is to hold them together. A hot glue gun works best if you’re making larger stars. Actually, a hot glue gun works best for any size, but if you don’t have one, you’ll find it easier to make smaller stars.
I used to make much larger ones and hang them on the porch as part of my holiday decorations, but I lost my hot glue gun a while back, so this year I only made little twig stars to hang on the tree. I used regular all-purpose craft glue.
To get started, I collected a basketful of twigs out around the chicken house.
It’s been raining, so I collected the twigs in the morning then set them out to dry near the wood stove (to speed things along). Make sure your twigs are completely dry before using. You need five twigs of equal length for each star. They don’t have to be perfectly straight–curvy twigs make neat stars, too.
Placing the twigs on a sheet of waxed paper, put a dab of glue on each point as you add one twig at a time to shape your star.
It’s a messy business.
While the stars were drying, I was busy making cookie dough for gingerbread men and sugar cookie stars, also for my Christmas tree.
I got popcorn popped for the garlands, and dried orange slices.
We’ll be putting up our tree soon–time to get ready!
Before each star is completely dry, carefully move it slightly to keep it from sticking to the waxed paper.
When the glue is completely dry, you’re ready to play with your twig stars! Take them outside and lay them on newspaper to spray paint them whatever color you like. You can sprinkle glitter over them before the paint dries. Or leave the stars natural. (I made mine natural this year, but I’ve painted them in the past. Depends on my mood!) This is a great craft project to do with kids because you can get them involved in the whole process (unless you’re using a hot glue gun), from collecting the twigs to tossing glitter.
Stores will have Christmas decorations on sale in a few weeks, but woodland shopping is always free–and always better! Go get some twigs!
P.S. Check out all the homemade gift basket ideas here.
Posted by Suzanne McMinn | Permalink
