Tin Ornaments
In Mexican churches, worshippers pin tin figures called milagros (miracles) to the robes of plaster saints as a wish for divine intercession. We've adapted the idea, using heavy-gauge aluminum tooling foil (available at craft stores) to make a variety of decorations. The tin cuts easily with scissors; use a sharpened stick (such as a wooden skewer) to emboss simple designs.
Ornaments & Gift Tags
Tin tags will make your
Christmas gifts sparkle.
Cut tin into a variety of shapes, use a paper punch to make a hole at one edge, and then draw in the details. For gift tags, leave the center blank for the gift recipient's name, and add that when you decide which special person to give it to! Our designs include a fish, dove, and a variety of star patterns.
Download the free pattern and instructions for this project. (Downloading requires Adobe Acrobat software.)
Top your tree with this
beautiful creature.
Top your tree with this shiny angel, and you're sure to make even the humblest fir look grand. The tooling foil is flexible enough to be easy to work with, but sturdy enough that this tree topper will last for years.
Download the free pattern and instructions for this project. (Downloading requires Adobe Acrobat software.) Note: If the instructions do not appear when you download the pattern, a text-only version of this project appears at the bottom of the next page.
Shown in copper, these
candleholders are just as
easy to make from tin.
Pineapples are a traditional symbol of hospitality and prosperity, so a pair of these candleholders would make a great hostess gift.
Once you cut out the shape, use a can opener to make the triangular designs on the two pineapple shapes. Then fold the two pineapple shapes up, leaving a flat base between them. Place a votive candle, in a holder, on the base.
Download the free pattern for this project. (Downloading requires Adobe Acrobat software.)
Make a holiday wish upon
this bright star.
The Christmas star led the shepherds and Wise Men to Bethlehem. Unlike traditional circle wreaths, this one consists of just one 18-inch star, made from several pieces of tin joined together. Hung on a door with a garland of greens, this handmade decoration is a lovely way to welcome guests into your home.
Download the free pattern and instructions for this project. (Downloading requires Adobe Acrobat software.)
