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Michelle Jones, Founder and Publishing Editor of BetterBudgeting.com
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Homemade Christmas Ornaments

Courtesy of BetterBudgeting.com

"Antique Crackle Santa"

Submitted by MA of Ontario, Canada

Here's a quick (and cheap!) ornament I've made.  I love this ornament because it's a Santa, which I collect, and it's very antique looking.
 
To make, y

- a copyright free image (I used #143 from the 'Full-Color Decorative Christmas Illustrations' book published by Dover - ISBN#0-486-99967-X)

- a small amount of polyester stuffing
- crackle paint (I used Weathered Wood Crackling Medium by DecoArt, but any crackling product will work)
- a brush
- your computer printer and plain paper
- sewing machine (optional, as these can be sewn by hand quite easily)
- small amount of water-based wood stain (I used Craftsman's Blend by J.W.etc. in a Honey tone)
- small amount of cording for the hanger
 
I began by printing several Santa images onto plain white paper, leaving at least an inch of space between each image.  Cut around the images, leaving at least a half inch of paper around each.  Sew, starting at the bottom, around until you reach the top.  Add the hanger, and continue to sew around, leaving a small gap at the bottom.  Poke a little bit of stuffing into the ornament (not too much or the paper will rip!).  Finish sewing the bottom and trim around the ornament close to the stitching. 
 
Next, coat the ornament lightly with your crackling product and let dry.  Coat back side too.  Brush lightly with a coat of water-based stain and allow to dry.  Depending on the products you use, you may find you would like to finish off with a coat of water-base varnish.  Don't forget to sign and date your ornament on the back!
 
Hope that covers it!  These are a lot of fun to make and look very antique on your tree. 
 
 






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