(For the 24 weeks leading up to December 1st, we’ll be making a Christmas ornament. Each one will be traditional to or inspired by a different country.)

This week we are heading down under to Australia for Christmas. Christmas time in Australia is also summer time. Santa often arrives on a surf board or gives his reindeer a rest and has kangaroos pull the sleigh. Families have picnics and barbecues for their Christmas dinners. Many cities celebrate with a Carols by Candlelight, a tradition that started in Melbourne in 1937. People gather outside on the warm evening, sit on blankets, light candles and sing carols together.

Christmas trees are decorated with the typical ornaments, lights, etc…but Australian also often add things representing the native wildlife like kangaroos and koalas. Seashells from the fabulous Australian beaches also make there way on the tree and that is where we get this week’s ornament inspiration.

Our shell has a little Christmas feel to it with a dusting of glittery, white “snow.”

Snowy Seashell Ornament

Supplies:

• seashell
• 1/8″ wide ribbon, about a 6″ length
• glue such as Tacky Glue
• fine white glitter

Tools:

• small paintbrush

1. Fold the ribbon in half and tie a knot at the bottom creating a loop. Tie again to make a bigger knot.

Push the knot so it is tightly wedged into the shell. Something small and pointy can help work it in (I used a stitch ripper). Cover the knot with glue and let dry.

(You could also drill a small hole in your shell and put a ribbon through it for hanging. I was worried about breaking the only shell I had, so I went with the glued in version.)

2. Look at your shell and think about where snow would stick to it if it was hanging from the ribbon. Use the paint brush to put glue on those places. Sprinkle with the glitter.

Let dry.

Let’s enjoy an Australian Christmas carol, Six White Boomers, and hear how Santa ended up having kangaroos pull his sleigh.