Nature-Inspired DIY Holiday Ornaments

By Chelsea Frisbee

This year, make your own holiday or-

naments with the whole family. You’ll get some exercise and fresh air in the process, plus the satisfaction of finding your materials in nature, playing with paint and creating a beautiful holiday decoration to be enjoyed for years to come. You can make many ornaments at the same time – save some for yourself and give others as gifts.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to making nature-inspired DIY holiday ornaments:

Step 1: Before the snow covers the ground, take a walk in the woods looking for acorns, pinecones, leaves, sticks and anything else that calls to you and might make for a cool ornament or decoration.

Step 2: Gather materials: silver spray paint, super glue or hot glue gun, wire and ribbon.

Step 3: Cover your natural items with silver spray paint, making sure you’re outdoors or in a place with sufficient ventilation. Let dry thoroughly.

Step 4: Cut a 2-inch strip of wire. Use super glue to attach one end to your spray-painted natural item and let dry. Curl the other end to facilitate easy hanging.

Step 5: Cut a strip of ribbon and tie a bow below the wire to add festive flair.

Step 6: Hang ornaments on your Christmas tree or around the house to bring natural, festive cheer to your home.

It’s that easy. Happy holidays!

Inspired by Martha Stewart’s Silver Seed-pod Ornaments at marthastewart.com. f