Quilled Christmas Trees

In First Grade we made these great quilled Christmas trees! It's definitely a twist on the old "tree with ornaments"---and really challenges fine motor skills, too! I had plates of 1/2" paper strips on the tables and after they cut out their respective trees, quilled (rolled) the papers around a crayon to get the desired shape. They used a small "puddle" of glue (my worse nightmare, mind you!!!) and stuck the ornaments in place.

Some had quite a few that unraveled, but that kind of added to the "primary-ness" of it all...overall they did a wonderful job and this was a great activity!

"shadowbox" snowman ornaments

These are a favorite Holiday craft for my students...and for ME! They're inexpensive to make, they all turn out GREAT, and they're a one-day project, which is a PLUS!

You will need:

Several 2-piece acrylic globe ornaments (I purchased mine at http://www.saxarts.com/, but I've seen them in craft stores!)

Blue acrylic paint

glitter (optional)

Crayola Model Magic clay (white)

Pipe cleaners, ribbon, sharpie (for details on snowman)

Paint the inside of one half of the globe with blue acrylic paint. Add glitter for more fun! (optional)

Use the Model Magic to create a snowman with a base. The base is very important and will be what holds the snowman steady at the end of the project. Decorate the snowman with ribbon, pipe cleaners, and sharpie.
**Very important**- allow the Model Magic to completely dry out. If you try and glue it into your globe while still pliable, it will crack!!! Patience, my friends!!!

I like to use hot glue to glue this baby in there.

Add the "other" half of the acrylic globe and there you have it! A fun (professional-looking!!) "shadowbox" snowman ornament!

Happy Holidays!