Every year I change my Christmas decorating “theme.” This year, I decided on a homespun, rustic, country tree. All the ornaments are simple to make, inexpensive and easy for kids to do, too.  

I started with a 4 foot alpine tree with multi-colored lights. 

Remember the paper chain you made in elementary school? Keeping with a nostalgic, country theme, I made the same chain garland from fabric.

1. Look for shirts and tops at Goodwill in colors and prints that go with your scheme.

2. Cut strips of fabric 7” long x 2 1/2 or 3” wide.

3. Fold in the raw edges (lengthwise) and sew together with a zig-zag stitch. 

4. Make a loop and sew the ends together.

5. Repeat with each strip until you get a garland long enough to go around your tree several times.

Ornaments are even easier to make.

1. I found little wood houses at a craft store.

2. Paint each side a bright red. If it’s too cold for spray paint, use a brush and acrylic paints.

3. Glue doors and windows cut from fabric scraps or bits of ribbon to each side.

4. Cotton balls are perfect to create a snow covered roof. Hold in place with glue and dust with a bit of glitter.

The wood reindeer just needed a little copper glitter on his antlers and a wreath around his neck. No painting necessary.

Make snowballs from the leftover cotton balls. Add an ornament hook and (you guessed it!) more glitter.

Let me know how you decorate your tree.