Making merry magic

Our resident crafter Susie Rugg (handywithscissors.com) has created these fun DIY projects the whole family can enjoy, using materials you’ll already have at home!

- SUSIE RUGG

Paper bag stars

Transform plain paper bags into stunning 3D stars! So simple and fun, you'll want to make a galaxy.

What you'll need:

Paper bags (brown or coloured with a flat square base; you will need 10-12 per star)

Glue stick or craft glue

Scissors

String or ribbon for hanging

To make:

• Cover base square of a bag with glue, and follow with a line of glue up the centre. Stack the next bag on top, press in place, and repeat until you have a stack of 10-12.

• Trim the tops of the stacked bags into points or your chosen star shape. (If the stack is thick, make two smaller stacks, cut separately, then glue together.)

• Open each bag carefully so the ends meet and create a 3D star. Glue or tape the ends together or secure with clips or punched holes and string so you can fold down to store and use next year.

• Hang and make a wish!

Paper fan garland

Turn simple paper and ribbon into a quick, cheerful garland. A fun little upgrade from the old-school paper chain.

What you'll need:

Thin paper

Stapler

Glue stick or double-sided tape

Ribbon

To make:

• Take a sheet of paper, fold it back and forth like an accordion until it is fully pleated.

• Staple the folded strip along the centre to hold it together.

• Bring the two ends of the folded paper together, fanning it out, and then secure with glue, staples or double-sided tape at the inner folds to hold the fan shape.

• Stick the flat edge of the fan onto your ribbon. (Double-sided tape or staples work best here.)

• Repeat with as many fans as you need to make your paper fan garland!