Imagine how you can display and share a beautiful Christmas tree crystal ball made from old Christmas cards! Isn’t this a great way to upcycle old Christmas cards? This intricate design uses an inexpensive metal die with a die-cutting machine.
Here’s another Christmas in July post.
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A die-cutting machine and a Christmas tree crystal ball die are all you need for this project. Follow the instructions with your die-cutting machine to cut out the tree and the crystal ball shapes. You’ll need 4 of each for this project.
This die is not limited to just this project. You can use the Christmas tree alone for other papercraft projects. Use the crystal ball die and substitute another die-cut shape for the tree.
Supplies Needed:
- Christmas tree crystal ball die
- Die cutting machine
- Old Christmas cards
- Tacky glue
- 2 Seed beads
- Needle and metallic thread
- Sharp scissors
Upcycle Old Christmas Cards
Tree Directions:
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Choose cards with Christmas trees if you want this look or create your own festive look. Then, strategically lay the tree die on the card to cut out your desired area. Use your die-cutting machine to cut out the trees. I have a Vevor die-cutting machine.
You can use a straight pin to push out tiny areas. It’s easiest to remove those areas before removing the tree shape from the die.
Fold the tree cutouts in half on the scored line down the middle of the tree. With the cardstock, it seems a little difficult to fold on the line with all of the cutout areas. I used one of my scoring boards and a scoring tool to intensify the score. Then, I folded it on the edge of a counter before folding it in half.
For this project, I cut out 4 trees in total. Dot glue onto one-half of one of the tree cutouts. Then, match up and place another half on the glued half.
Repeat the process on the two remaining tree cutouts.
Next, glue the two glued tree sections together in the same way.
Crystal Ball Directions:
Dot glue onto one half of a folded cutout. Then, match up and place another half on top of the glued half.
Then, repeat with the remaining two sections.
Prepare the Christmas Tree Cutout
Thread a needle with gold metallic thread. Insert the needle in the center of the top of the tree and pull it out through the bottom center of the tree. (The needle didn’t fall through the opening and through to the base. I used another needle with the eye end toward the top against the first needle and pushed the threaded needle through.)
Then, thread the needle through a seed bead and back through the center of the tree to the top. (Use the extra needle to push it through again if necessary.)
Attach the Christmas Tree to the Globe
Thread the needle and thread through the center of the top of the globe, where the circular cardstock intersects.
Pull the threads up and thread another seed bead onto the metallic thread. The seed bead will keep the thread from slipping through the opening, holding it in place.
Make a double knot in the thread about 3/4 of an inch above the seed bead. You’ll secure the knot inside the star topper after the next steps.
Make the Star Topper
Cut the stars. I cut these from the backs of an old Christmas card. Then, use a scoring board and tool to score down the center of each star. Then, fold each star on the scored line.
Apply glue to half of one of the stars, then place another folded star on the glued surface. Continue gluing each of the star halves together until the first and last halves remain.
Then, apply glue to one half. Make sure there is a line of glue along the center where the two halves come together. Lay the metallic thread and the knot in that line of glue. Be sure to leave enough string to allow the tree to move freely below.
Then, glue each of the star tips to the circular cardstock where the circular pieces come together at the top.
Just a slight breeze causes the tree to begin gently spinning. How cool is this?
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