Deck the Halls: Hanging Holly

This is an idea I saw in a paper company's catalog. Their wreath was much larger and pretty pricey. I loved the simple style and colors, but didn't want to spend the money. I thought about the wreath for a few days and decided to try making it with paper I already own. Here is what I came up with!

Supplies:

• Assorted green cardstock - 4 sheets of 8.5" x 11"
• Red cardstock scrap
• Circle paper punch
• 3M foam double-sided tape
• Ruler or straight edge for scoring
• Bone folder or blunt table knife for scoring
• Scissors
• Hanging Holly template

Steps:

Using the holly template, trace 12 leaves onto each of 3 sheets of green paper and cut them out.

Score each leaf down the center.

Fold each leaf up slightly, not all the way like you would if making a card.

Turn all the leaves over and stick a small piece of tape at the base.

Trace a lunch-sized plate or other round object onto your fourth piece of green cardstock; cut it out. Mine was a bit bigger than the paper, but I made it work! I then cut another circle 1.5 inches inside of the outer edge.

Begin sticking leaves down, roughly 2 wide, working around the paper ring.

Punch 9 or more red circles to use as berries, sticking them around as you like.

Hang with embroidery thread, yarn, or paper strips. I used 1/2 inch wide strips of red cardstock for mine, and stuck the whole thing to the wall with double sided tape.

Variations: make all the holly leaves out of white cardstock, spray glitter, use your imagination!