Craft Project - String and Ribbon Ornaments by Wen Zientek-Sico These ornaments are updated from that summer camp craft project that everyone loved when they were a kid. This version is just as fun, but the end results are surprisingly elegant.

String and Ribbon Ornaments

Sometimes the simplest of ornaments can be the most beautiful. These ornaments made with the most basic of ingredients are elegant and look like you spent hours making them. Yet they can be made quickly and easily by even the youngest of children. Make sure when choosing ribbon that it is washable and is not too wide, otherwise it is too hard for children to wrap evenly around the balloons. Using metallic string or ribbon makes for especially nice ornaments.

Small balloons
White glue
Water
Craft bowl or container
String, yarn, embroidery floss, or thin ribbon
Scissors
Pin
Tweezers

Cover your work surface with plenty of newspapers. Set out all your supplies. Blow up the balloons until they are the perfect size and shape for your ornaments. In the craft bowl, mix up 3 parts white glue to 1 part water until smooth. Dip the string, yarn, floss, or ribbon into the glue, and let site for a moment or two. Remove the string from the glue and remove any excess glue. Carefully wind the string around the balloon in any pattern you like. Set the balls aside once the design is done, making sure to cut the string when you are finished using it. Let the ornaments dry until they are only slightly tacky to the touch. Pop the balloon with a pin and remove carefully, using long handled tweezers if necessary. Set the ornaments aside and let finish drying. Hang on the tree with additional ribbon or string.

Project Developed by Wen Zientek-Sico.