Rock, Paper, Scissors: DIY Holiday Crafts Projects

Spatter Paint

For a spattered effect, flick diluted chalk or craft paint with a toothbrush onto kraft paper. For a marbled effect, follow instructions below. The finishing touch? Use a Pigma micron pen to write on predrilled stones (LakeHouseBeachGlass, Etsy.com).

The Marbled Effect: Faux Stone

Give white paper and cotton bias tape a marble pattern in a matter of minutes.

What you'll need

Roll of white paper
Assorted white cotton bias tape (for ribbon)
Craft paints (your choice of colors)
Plastic gloves
Liquid starch
Alum
Two 16x22-inch plastic tubs
Tool rake (see below)*

Step 1 Add 4 cups liquid starch and 1 teaspoon alum to a tub. Fill a second tub with water.

Step 2 Dilute craft paint (2 parts paint to 3 parts water). Add a few drops to first tub. Slowly pull tool rake through the liquid in one direction, then the other to create a marble effect.

Step 3 Lay paper (cut to fit inside tub) on starch surface. Rinse in second tub.

Step 4 Lay flat to dry.

Step 5 Repeat with new paper. Reset marble bath if liquid gets too murky.

*Make a marbleizing tool rake by duct-taping toothpicks 1/2–1 inch apart on a 4x12-inch piece of cardboard.

Sizing Things Up: Think Big

Scale pushes the ordinary to extraordinary with our giant 3-foot wreath.

What you'll need

Assorted gift wrap cut to about 12x14-inch pieces (our 3-foot wreath used 138 pieces)

12-inch Masonite floral form
Floral wire for hanging
Hot-glue gun
Pencil
Scissors

Step 1 Tight-roll each paper scrap around a pencil; secure with hot glue.

Step 2 Wire back of floral form for hanging.

Step 3 Glue first paper roll to the form, leaving 2–3 inches overhang on the form's inside. Repeat on opposite side and on top and bottom to create a cross. Place a few rolls on opposite sides of these initial four, forming a circle for the center.

Step 4 Build around the wreath, adding rolls to each area. Trim outer edge to desired size.

Hide-and-Peek: Cone Trees

Our paper forest hides treats for a sweet Christmas countdown.

What you'll need

Marbled papers
Assorted scrapbook papers
Cone templates (online)
Craft tape
Bone folder
Pencil
Ruler
Scissors

Step 1 Print templates (midwestliving.com/conetemplate).

Step 2 Trace onto paper of choice and cut.

Step 3 Fold paper into cone. Use bone folder and ruler to crease line where edges meet. Secure with double-sided tape.

Step 4 Write number on paper circle. Attach to cone with tape.

Let It Snow!

Follow the same cuts you did as a kid, but go big with 36x48-inch butcher paper for impact.