Brown Paper Packages Tied Up With String

I’d like to say I planned this one when I came up with the idea of doing a series of 12 paper ornaments, one a month to be ready at Christmas to have a fully handmade decorated tree.

But I’d be lying.

But when I did think of making brown paper packages as ornaments, I realized it was a PERFECT fit for this project.

And super, duper easy.

To create these, I used some small chipboard cutouts I found in the recycling bin at work. They are the remnants of when windows are die cut into photobook covers, and these happened to have a soft padding on one side, but that isn’t necessary. If I had thought of this idea on a Saturday, I would have used some of my saved cereal boxes, or possibly some of the thin corrugated cardboard that Ikea packs furniture in.

I wrapped the chipboard in a small piece of brown paper bag, using standard gift wrapping folds and tape.

The only upgrade I made was to cut a small panel of paper bag to hide the tape on the back to give these a slightly more finished look. If I were to make these again, I might switch to either glue or double sided tape to have them finish even more cleanly.

A double wrap of red and white twine is the obvious finishing touch for this ornament. I made my bows off center for interest, but you could certainly change that up to suit your liking.

I used a pushpin to get the holes started for the hanging loops; that made it easier to use the needle marked “Leather” from my repair kit to thread the twine through the top. I originally bought this needle kit to repair a sofa that a dog destroyed, and it’s come in super handy – here’s a link (not affiliate) to something similar in case you wanted to get your own set.

I think these ornaments would be super cute personalized and added to a holiday card; I’ll have to put that on my actual Christmas Crafting list and see if they make the cut when the season officially rolls around.

Pin this so you’ll have it for later when you are ready to make your own brown paper packages tied up with string ornaments.

This post will be linked up at some of these great link up parties.

Don’t forget to check out the other ornaments in this series:

No. 1 Paper Strip Ornament

No. 2 Glitter Snowflake Ornament

No. 3 Paper Christmas Tree Ornament

No. 4 3-D Paper Snowflake Ornament

No. 5 Paper Strip Ball Ornament

No. 6 Sweater Letters Garland

No. 7 Glitter Paper Star Ornament

No. 8 Hipster Paper Reindeer Ornament

No. 9 Paper Peppermint Candy Ornament

No 11.  Chalkboard and Wood Slice Ornament

No. 12 Santa Hat Topper and Full Tree Reveal