This tutorial will take you through creating some beautiful christmas decorations of your very own.

**Please read through instructions carefully BEFORE you start!**

For those that may not be able to get a hold of MDF shapes, you can just replace the MDF shapes with cardboard/cardstock instead and use a template/stencil to cut the shape, or create a template in your software program and print it out. Alternatively, you could also create everything in your software program, print it out, punch a hole in the top, thread ribbon/fibres through and hang them up on your tree.

Materials:

• MDF shapes from your local craft shop like Bunning’s, Spotlight or Joann (US)
• Cardboard or cardstock for those that don’t wish to use MDF shapes
• Digital papers (printed out)
• Adhesive glue
• Paint brush to adhere sealer
• Scissors
• Grey lead for marking
• Ink pad, dark colours like brown, black or even red (optional)
• Sealer (optional)
• Sandpaper (fine)
• Embellishments like buttons, stickers, cinnamon sticks, gumnuts, and other trinkets and charms
• Ribbon/fibres
• Templates, Stencils if you have any (optional)
• Software program if necessary
• You will need a drill for drilling holes through the MDF shapes
• You will need a hole punch or something to punch a hole through your cardboard shapes

** No hole punch, no worries, grab a nail and hammer a hole through the cardboard!

Instructions:

1. Firstly, choose your digital papers and print them out. I decided not to go for ‘traditional' themed papers so the papers I used in this project are from Holly McCaig’s Shea Drive Kit, Oasis Collection.
2. This is optional but I love the look of ink on the edges of these shapes, so for those that have any ink pads (I have used a nice deep vintage brown for mine), ink the edges of your MDF shape.
3. *TIP* Inking your finger and then rubbing the edges allows the ink to get right into every spot. Don’t worry if it is uneven (guaranteed) as it only adds to the character and gives it a nice antiqued look.
4. Using your MDF shape as a template, trace around your shape in two different places on the back of your paper and then cut it out. This gives you one shape for the back as well as the front.
5. *TIP* When you trace around anything it adds to the size of your shape so cut inside the line.
6. Adhere the cut out shapes to the MDF. Now this is optional, but I like to sand the edges here as this smoothes out the shapes edge nicely and takes off any overhang that you will have.
7. As you can see in my decorations I have cut out smaller shapes in a coordinating paper and adhered them to the centre. I am privileged enough to have used plastic templates here, so for any paper scrappers out there that may have some use these, otherwise create a smaller shape to be used as a template in your software program and print it out (other ideas/suggestions: draw your shape freehand, use cookie cutters, trace from a child’s shape book etc.)
8. Once again, trace the shape onto the back of the paper and cut it out, this time you will only need one for the front. Sand edges and adhere to centre.
9. Ok now it’s time to think about how to hang them on the tree. For those of you using the MDF shapes, drilling a small hole in the top of your shape is the best way to go, so drill and dust off. For those using cardboard/cardstock as their main shape, punch a hole in the top of your shape.
10. *TIP* Don’t have the holes too close to the tip of your shape, I have done mine about 1cm down from the tip. Trying to glue the ribbon/fibre on the back of the shape will not allow it to hang nice and straight, so by drilling or punching a hole in the top this will allow them to hang nicely.
11. Now that all your cutouts are adhered and dried to your MDF shapes, use the sealer to seal your shape/s. I do this with so many of my OTP projects as I have a very dusty home and not only can I wipe the dust off without causing any harm but my precious creations last longer from wear and tear. You may notice as you are sealing your shapes that the ink will colour the sealer and give you an antiqued look. I love this as it adds so much more character to your shape. Remember to keep the holes clear from any sealer, if it gets in (which it will) just pop a needle through to clear it. Allow 2 coats with drying time in-between.
12. *TIP* Own a hair dryer? Use it to dry your decorations quickly in-between coats so there is no need to wait. No sealer? No worries. Most of us have PVA glue in our households so use that as a sealer. All you need to do is place some on a plate, and add a few drops of water so it is of thinner consistency and seal your christmas decorations.
13. Add your finishing touches now. As you can see by mine I have added buttons, rub-on words and cinnamon sticks. Just adhere with glue (with the exception of rub-ons and stickers) and allow them to dry. Use your imagination and go for it!
14. Thread ribbon/fibre through holes of decorations and tie knots. If you created your decorations digitally, print them off, cut them out, punch a hole in the top, seal if you wish, thread ribbon/fibre through, and tie a knot.
15. Hang them on your tree or anywhere else they may look nice.