Use the templates to create these colourful Christmas decorations to hang on your tree.

YOU WILL NEED

• 120ml pots of Chalk Paint® in your chosen colours
• 120ml pots of Chalk Paint clear wax or lacquer
• Bird Templates
• Carbon paper
• 2 x Detail Brushes
• Mark making tools – cork, end of pencil, brush handle
• Cardboard – between 200-300 gsm
• Craft knife & scissors
• Cutting mat
• Hole punch
• Thin ribbon, cord or embroidery thread

STEP BY STEP

Step 1
Download and print the bird templates to size. Using carbon paper, transfer the bird shapes onto the cardboard. Paint the back in a single Chalk Paint colour of your choice. Allow to dry.

Step 2
Turn over and paint the birds in your chosen Chalk Paint colours, staying within the lines. Follow our examples or create your own designs. Use brushes and mark making tools to create different patterns and details. Allow to dry.

Top Tip

You can add decorative highlights to your painted birds using Gold Metal Leaf and Gold Size. Use coloured or Kraft card so you don’t need to paint the reverse. To prevent curling, place the dry birds under a few heavy books for a day or two before hanging.

Step 3
Carefully cut out the bird shapes using a craft knife or scissors. Use a cutting mat to protect your surfaces. Remember the lighter the cardboard, the easier it will be to cut.

Step 4
Seal your painted decorations with Chalk Paint Clear Wax or Lacquer to make them more durable. Allow the finish to dry completely before adding the hanging thread.

Step 5
Use a small hole punch to make a hole approximately 2mm wide, 5mm in from the edge of each cut shape. If you don’t have a hole punch, anything with a small sharp point will work.

Step 6
Thread your ribbon, cord or embroidery thread through the hole and tie with a knot. Now you’re ready to hang your decorations on your tree.

“Vary the size of your birds to create lots of visual interest. Using pretty contrasting coloured silk ribbon to hand your birds also adds a pretty touch.” Annie