Decorative Birthday Tree Craft

What you'll need:

• Colored cardstock
• Scissors
• Markers or crayons
• Ribbon
• Hole Punch
• Tree branch (about 2 to 3 feet tall with several small branches to hang ornaments from)
• Tin can
• Tissue paper
• Marbles

1. Place the tree branch in the center of the tin can and fill the tin can with gravel until it is heavy enough to support the tree.  (see photos)
2. Place the tin can on the tissue paper and fold up the sides so that the tissue paper is covering the tin can.  The tissue paper can be any color so make sure it matches the color scheme or theme of your birthday party!  Wrap a ribbon around the tissue paper and tie it in a bow to hold it in place.  Decorate with markers if desired.  (see photos)
3. When guests arrive at the party, have them cut fun shapes out of colored cardstock.  For younger children, you may want to pre-cut the shapes.  (see photos)
4. Decorate or write messages on the ornaments with markers, stickers, or anything else that matches your party theme.  If using glue, allow the glue to dry.  (see photos)
5. Punch a hole in the top of each ornament and thread a ribbon through the ornaments.  Allow each child to hang his or her ornament from the tree.  (see photos)
6. At the end of the party, look through the ornaments to see the fun pictures and messages your friends wrote.
7. Looking for additional fun?  Craft an extra tree and hang little party favor bags stuffed with themed candy, trinkets, and stickers for children to take home at the end of the party!