How to Trim a Jan Brett Christmas Tree
- 1). Find Jan Brett coloring pages on janbrett.com, where images of characters and Christmas themes are available.
- 2). Print the image, such as Hedgie the Hedgehog, on card stock or regular paper. The card stock paper will be stiffer on the tree and will not require backing; the regular paper will require backing. The decision to use card stock or regular paper depends on your printer and the depth you are willing to take on your project. Other available images are rocking horses, reindeer and candy canes, all based on Jan Brett stories.
- 3). Cut the images along the edges. Cut a hole in the top of each image with a hole punch. When using a character, such as a hedgehog or Lisa from "The Mitten," place the hole in the top of the head. When using a double candy cane image, such as the image from Jan Brett's "Gingerbread Friends," cut the hole into the top of one of the candy canes.
- 4). Color the image, using Jan Brett books to match colors. This step is fun for the whole family; get the kids involved and make it a family event. Use crayons, markers or paints, depending on your personal desire. Markers will create bolder colors; crayons will be softer, and paints will last longest. Remember, to create Jan Brett characters, match the colors to the books; the hedgehog will be brown, the fox will be red and the rabbit will be white with brown eyes.
- 5). Attach the ornament that is printed on regular paper to a piece of cardboard or construction paper. Skip to Step 6 if the ornament has been printed on card stock. Cut the cardboard or construction paper around the image to create a stiff ornament.
- 6). Lace a piece of string or ribbon through the hole in the top of the card stock or paper ornament. Tie the ribbon at the top and hang the new Jan Brett hedgehog, fox, rabbit, candy cane, reindeer, gingerbread man or owl from the Christmas tree.