Chinese Tree & Holiday Craft Project 5

Last year when we were preparing for Josie, we decorated one of our Christmas trees in a Chinese theme. This year, the tradition continues and we've enjoyed pulling out all kinds of treasures from our trip to China to add to the tree.

The tree topper is a satin tiger hat. I got the idea from my blogger friend Steffie who had purchased a similar hat when she was in China getting her daughter. I made it my mission to find the same type of hat for Josie. The tiger hat is a traditional baby gift in China. The tiger is believed to protect the child from bad spirits and bring good luck.



For garland and tree filler, I've cut longs strips of red tissue paper to symbolize the red thread story. Other items on our trees include chopsticks, paper fans, Josie's shoes, special ornaments from China, bookmarks, and ornaments I've made with Emma.


The satin Chinese girl is actually a candy holder that is filled with small candy during the Chinese New Year celebrations. I purchased this little girl from one of my favorite online vendors. Pearl River has great stuff. I especially like their jasmine tea. They have very reasonable prices and they ship really fast. I'm planning on ordering my red Chinese envelopes again from this company for Chinese New Year.


This fan was purchased in China. The dragon head was purchased at Party City during Chinese New Year last year. The panda bears were given to me by my blogging friend, Nikki. She found them at Pier 1.

These are Josie's panda shoes. They were purchased at Gymboree last year.


I managed to snag this blown glass red lantern ornament at Hobby Lobby last year. They had a bunch of Chinese New Year ornaments in a display separate from their Christmas ornaments.

Probably two of my favorite ornaments on the tree, are the set of little girls that Emma and I made together last year. These girls are the featured craft project for this week.



For the little girl ornaments, you'll need plain white Christmas ornaments, small brushes for painting, acrylic paint (black and brown), small decorative buttons, bows and a hot glue gun.

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Step 1. Using a paint brush and the black acrylic paint, paint from the top of the ornament around the sides of the ornament to shape bangs and a bobbed style haircut.



Step 2. Allow the ornament to dry. I usually allow for at least 30 minutes for dry time.

Step 3. Take a satin hair bow and using the hot glue gun, glue the bow along the top of the ornament. Hot glue a decorative button in the center of the bow.

Step 4. Using a very small paint brush, paint eyes and mouth.


You can use any color paint to fashion different styles of little girls. We have a brown haired little girl to represent Emma and a black haired little girl to represent Josie. Emma actually helped me paint these little girls. She can't use the hot glue gun, but she really does a very good job with painting the hair and the faces.





If any of you have Chinese themed trees, I'd love to know what special ornaments you have on your tree. I'm always looking for new ideas. Happy crafting!!