Make a decorative Christmas cracker

You will need

Floral backing paper,
8 x 17cm (3 x 6¾in)
Gold paper, A5
Gold wire
Pink ribbon,
50cm (20in)
Button
Length of plastic tubing, approximate diameter 2cm (¾in)
Glue line
Spray glue
Old scissors
Scalpel
Cutting mat
Ruler and pencil
String
Template (click here)

Step 1

Using the dotted lines on the template to help you with positioning, draw six lines across the back of the background paper.

Tip

For larger crackers, enlarge the template and use a thicker length of plastic tubing.

Step 2

With the back of the scalpel, lightly score the six lines on the cracker.

Step 3

Cut slits between the scored lines as shown.

Step 4

Turn the backing paper over and spray glue a 2cm (¾in) wide strip of gold paper across the end of the cracker. Then tear a 5mm (¼in) strip from the end of the cracker. Repeat this process on the other end of the cracker

Step 5

Apply a glue line to one edge of the back of the paper. Place the tube along the opposite edge and roll the paper round the tube.

Step 6

Remove the tube. Wrap a length of string around the middle scored line at one end of the cracker and pull to tighten. Repeat with the other end of the cracker.

Step 7

Remove the string and wrap the indentations with wire. Twist the ends of the wires together to secure and trim to neaten.

Step 8

Cut a 5.5 x 7cm (2 x 2¾in) piece of gold paper and tear 5mm (¼in) from each edge. Use spray glue to attach it to the barrel of the cracker.

Step 9

Thread a button onto the middle of the ribbon and wrap the ribbon around the cracker.

Step 10

Tie the ribbon in a bow and trim the ends to neaten.