Ceiling Decorations From Playing Cards

In the history of card games, only Texas Hold'em has enjoyed a greater explosion in growth over the last 20 years. The explosion in popularity for the game also meant that a ton of playing cards were created and distributed.  While some can be valuable, many are not worth much more than the paper they are printed on.  Instead of throwing these cards out once they have outlived their usefulness, why not use them for room ceiling decoration.  They are inexpensive to make and are very elegant looking.

 

(Photo source wikepedia)

You will need the following tools:

• Playing Cards
• Ruler, Pencil, Scissors
• String and Yarn or Embroidery Floss
• Large Sewing Needle
• Black or Colored Permanent Marker (optional)

Creating the Ornament:

1.)  It will take three cards to make each ornament.  You want to cut the cards in strips measuring 3.5 inches by 1/2 inch.  It will take between 14 and 16 of these strips to make them.  An optional step you may want to take is taking a black or colored marker and going down the edge of each strip.  This will give it more of a finished look.

2.)  Lay out the first card strips with large gaps between each strip.  These gaps should be large enough to fit 2 strips in each gap.  Make sure that the pieces are in order.

3.)  Lay the strips from the second card in order next to the strips from the first card.  Repeat this process with the third card.

4.) Take about a foot of yard or thread and thread the need and make a large knot at the end.

5.) Starting with the first strip, piece the front bottom with the needle and string it.  Repeat this step with the remaining strips in order.

6.)  Once the strips have been threaded, flip them over so that you can see their backside.  Now tie a knot as close as you can to the last strip so that there is a knot on either side of the strips.

7.)  Starting with the last strip threaded, pierce the strip with the needle from back to front.  Push it down on the string so that it creates a half circle.  Repeat this step with the other strips.  You may want to pre-punch the holes in the other strips.  Also, make sure the top ends of the strips are on top of each other.

8.)  By the time you thread the last strip, you should have a spherical looking ornament.  Now hold the strips down with one hand and tie a knot as close as you can to the top of the ornament. 

9.)  Take the remaining thread and make a look with it to use to hang the ornament.

Playing cards can make some great ornaments for those wanting something a little different on their room ceiling.  Be sure prior to starting this project that it is okay to cut up these cards to avoid destroying one that might be valuable to someone. 

 

(Photo credit cutoutandkeep)