Glue together a modern looking tree ornament...

Left, details of toothpick pattern on the tree stand.
Right, the finished Christmas tree ornament.

       I've included a template for this Christmas tree stand on a different post here. This variation of a wooden craft stick, tree ornament, is a bit more sophisticated than others. Perhaps, an older child or teen would enjoy making the houndstooth pattern arrangement with toothpicks and white school glue?

Supply List:

• toothpicks
• red beads
• white paint
• green scrapbook papers
• hot glue gun and hot glue
• white school glue
• ribbon for hanging
• thin wooden craft sticks
• large paper clamp
• Mod Podge

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Trace around a thin wooden craft stick on top of scrapbook papers to cover these with a thin layer of white school glue.
2. Glue four thin wooden craft sticks together at one end in the shape of a fan. Let this dry thoroughly.
3. Cut out the template for the Christmas tree stand from a pattern posted here.
4. Trace around the pattern on top of a thin piece of cardboard.
5. Using white school glue, paste down the toothpicks in a "houndstooth arrangement", clamp the toothpicks and cardboard to keep these from warping while they dry.
6. Trim the toothpicks that hang over the edges of the cardboard shape, off with a pair of scissors.
7. Paint the tree stand with a white wash.
8. Hot glue red beads to the tree branches.
9. Seal everything in the end with Mod Podge.
10. Hot glue on a ribbon for hanging.