CRAFTS WITH ANASTASIA--RIBBON WOVEN ORNAMENTS

It’s never too early to get a jump on the holidays, especially if you make your gifts and ornaments. Here’s an idea for some quick and easy ribbon woven ornaments that are simple enough for tweens to make. Choose your own color palettes. -- AP

Materials:
3/4-yd. each two complimentary patterns/colors of #5 cotton ribbon
3” x 3” (approx.) pre-cut unfinished wood shape (available at crafts stores)
1/4-yd. 1-16th” wide satin ribbon
push pins
tacky glue
acrylic satin varnish
craft knife with new blade
foamcore board

Directions:
1. Cut each piece of cotton ribbon into four equal lengths. Cut each piece in half lengthwise.

2. With wrongs sides up and placing pins at the top short end of each strip, pin 7 strips of one pattern/color side by side onto foamcore board.

3. With wrong sides up, weave a length of second pattern/color over and under pinned strips. Weave the next length of the second pattern/color under and over pinned strips. Continue in this manner for eight rows, making sure ribbons butt up against each other.

4. Apply thin coat of tacky glue evenly to one side of wooden ornament. Place wood, glue side down, over ribbons. Weight down with a  can or bottle. Allow glue to dry.

5. When glue is dry, remove push pins. Trim ribbon around wooden shape with craft knife.

6. Apply 2 coats of satin varnish to front of ornament, allowing varnish to dry between coats.

7. Fold satin ribbon in half. Glue cut edges to top center back of wooden shape for hanging loop.

These ornaments are great for craft bazaars or when you need Santa’s helper gifts for girl scout or cub scout troops, Sunday school, etc. Use them in place of bows on gift packages and baskets or as stocking stuffers. Make an assortment and wrap up with cookies for holiday hostess gifts. How else might you use them? Let’s hear your ideas. Our Book Club Friday guest author is giving away a book this week. Post a comment to be entered in the drawing. -- AP