Christmas Decorations

Christmas Decorations

Paper Birds

In Sweden, a decorative paper bird is traditionally suspended over the dining table to bring peace to the household in the coming year.

Collect together cardboard and tissue paper. Cut the body of a bird from the cardboard. Make two small slits, one near the “tail” about 1.5mm long and one a little wider in the centre where the wings will go. Cut strips of tissue approximately 10cm x 22cm (4in x 9in) and fold, to and fro, in 1.5cm pleats. Staple or stitch in the centre, then work through slits and secure with tiny patches of sticky tape. Fan out the pleats of tail and wings, then run a loop through the top of the bird’s body.

Make a selection of smaller birds and hang them on your Christmas tree. Different pastel colours look effective, or maybe you prefer silver or gold birds…