25 crafts of christmas // scissors

I might be doing something entirely insane here. In fact, I know I am...but I love Christmas and crafts and so I just can't help myself!

For the next 25 days, I'll be posting about 25 craft tools and supplies and sharing links and tutorials to go with each one! It's sort of like a crafty advent calendar for you to stop by and enjoy and make and prepare for the big day!

Today I'm getting started with something that is one of my most well used tools: Scissors. I have many pairs that I use on a regular basis. My all-purpose scissors that really do cut anything, my fancy new Fiskars Razor Edge shears, my scallop fabric shears, my vintage embroidery scissors, kids Fiskars (which are quite impressive for the price!), and the list goes on...



...including what I call the "fun scissors." These are the ones that cut wonderful designs into your paper. My one complaint about these is that they can be a little stiff and getting your pattern to match up takes practice. But it's worth it for the delightful edging!

You can use these for lots of things, including making gift tags, holiday cards, or scrapbooking pages (their original use), but I'd like to suggest that you cut out some fun and fancy paper chains!



Mark off some lines on regular paper.



Cut along the lines as best as you can. Because of the shape of the scissors, sometimes this can be tricky! Also, be aware that many paper edgers are directional, so you need to decide if you want, for example, all of the scallops to face out. That requires double cutting, but I think it's worth it!



Tape or staple your strips into a chain, and you've got instant decor! I especially like these done in all white like Buddy decorates with in the movie Elf.

But these aren't just for decoration...if you only do 24 links, it makes a great advent calendar! You can add one strip or take one away each day leading to Christmas. Write a simple activity on each paper piece, then do that activity on the day you pull the paper chain off (or put it on, creating a chain of December memories!). The internet is full of ideas for this. Here's one example, or you might want to try the Very Merry Advent Guide.

Want to put your paper chain to use and focus on what started it all? Write a Bible verse on each link to read your way through the first Christmas. Here's a list of verses you can use.

However you use your scissors and paper chain, I hope this start of a month of Christmas crafts bring much merriness and joy!