25 Days of Hand Crafted Gifts and Ornaments - Mixed Up Segmented Christmas Tree Ornament

Today I've got another ornament that can easily be a "Green" ornament...when I say green I mean the two main components of this project can be recycled from other goodies.

I'm going to share a Mixed Up Segmented Christmas Tree Ornament.  I tried to think of a better name for it but I couldn't come up with anything...

Supplies:

Chipboard (new or recycled) or Grungeboard
Christmas Pattern Paper or Christmas Wrapping Paper
Sandpaper
Distress Ink (optional)
Ink Blending Tool (optional)
Eyelets (11 per tree)
Hole Punch
Jumprings, Ribbon, Jute, Elastic Cord, etc.
Pliers
Embellishments (optional)
Tree Pattern (below)

You will need to create a pattern similar to this.  If you want you can actually save this image to your computer and resize it as needed which is what I do.  You can ignore the sizes written on the pattern.  This was for another project I made. I actually printed the tree out for this project at 4.25 x 6"

Instructions:

1. Trace the tree on your chipboard.  I am using a portion of a lid from an old puzzle box I had in my stash!  You will need at least 2-3 trees but you could make more if desired.

2. Cut out each of the trees.

3. Cover each tree with a different pattern paper or different types of wrapping paper (new or recycled!). 

4. Trim away excess paper from each tree. 

5.  Sand all of the edges.

6. (optional) If desired you can color the edges with Distress Inks and the Ink Blending Tool.  I used Forest Moss on all three of my trees.

7. Cut each tree into 3 equal parts.  Since my trees were 6" tall I cut each section 2".  (this is where the "segmented" part of the name comes in)

8. Now mix 'em up! 

9. Punch holes in each of the segments.  I find it's easier to keep the holes lined up if you place the two sections together (either back to back or face to face) and punch the holes in both sections at one time.  This works great if you are using a Crop-A-Dile...it cuts through both pieces like butter!  If you are using a standard hole punch then you can punch the holes in one section then place the second section over the holes and use the existing holes as a guide.

10. Add eyelets to each hole and secure.

11.  Bind the sections together using any combination of the following:  jumprings, ribbon, decorative fibers, jute, wire, cord, elastic cord, raffia, etc.

12. Add a piece of ribbon, elastic cord, etc. in the upper most hole for a hanger and Enjoy!!

13. (optional) If desired you could embellish the tree with extra goodies.

Since you're working on multiples at one time these trees go very quickly.  They not only make great ornaments for the tree but they also work well as package decorations, can be stuck on or in a greeting card, used as embellishments on a scrapbook lay-out, etc.