If you are an animal lover you may be wondering how you can work animals into your Christmas decorating. Look no further-we have some great ideas for handmade animal-themed Christmas ornaments. You can simply choose your favorite animal to decorate your tree or cover it entirely with a menagerie of darling animal ornaments. Best of all these ornaments make great gifts, tags, and adornments to wreaths and topiaries if your tree becomes to full. For some great holiday memories involve your kids (notorious animal lovers) in making these decorations. Here are some ideas for handmade animal-themed Christmas ornaments-
This ornament might seem difficult, but it’s actually quite simple. Its darling form will bring a touch of whimsy to your Christmas tree.
What you will need:
•2-3/4-inch goose (These small geese are available at your local craft store)
•5-3/4 inches red satin ribbon, 1/4 inch wide
•18 inches red satin ribbon, 1/8 inch wide
•19 inches red-checked cloth ribbon, 1/2 inch wide
•Tape measure or yardstick
•Scissors
•Hot glue gun, glue sticks
•2-1/2-inch hay bale
•2 holly leaves with 2 berries, 1/2-inch leaves
•Wire cutters
Instructions for the project: This type of goose often comes with a felt bow on its neck. If yours does be sure too carefully remove the felt bow but leave the felt neck band. The first step is to cut the 1/4-inch ribbon into a 3/4-inch length and a 5-inch length. Then cut the 1/8-inch ribbon into a 10-inch length, a 7-inch length, and a 1-inch length. Cut the red-checked ribbon into a 7-inch length and a 12-inch length. Cover the felt band on the goose with the 3/4-inch length of 1/4-inch ribbon; glue in place. To make the hanger, fold the 10-inch length of 1/8-inch ribbon in half. Glue the ends to the goose’s neck folding back on top of ribbon ends. Make a 1-inch bow with the 5-inch length of 1/4-inch ribbon. Glue the bow to cover ribbon ends on back of the goose’s neck. Glue a 7-inch length of red-checked ribbon around length of bale. Hot glue the ends in place. Wrap the 7-inch length of 1/8-inch ribbon around the bale, on top of the checked ribbon. Glue the ends in place and let dry completely. Make a 3-inch bow from the 12-inch length of red-checked ribbon. Wrap the center knot of the bow with the 1-inch length of 1/8-inch ribbon. Glue the bow to front of the bale; be sure to cover the glued ends of the wrapped ribbons. Trim the stems from holly leaves. Glue the leaves into the bow knot on both sides. Trim the berry stems, and glue carefully onto the holly leaves. Clip any wires protruding from the goose’s feet. Glue the feet to top of bale.