Make your own Christmas Crackers this year

This year I am not buying Christmas crackers because they are so expensive. So join me in making your own crackers.

Print a copy of the Christmas cracker template or draw up your own. You can make it larger or smaller depending on the size you would like to make. Cut out the template using a craft knife, especially the central holes.

Trace it onto the back of single or double sided Christmas scrapbooking paper. Cut it out and score and fold all the score lines.

Punch a decorative edge on either end.

Cut a piece of tissue paper just a little smaller than the decorative paper.

Lay the decorative paper face down and on top of that the tissue paper. (This helps to prevent the contents of the cracker from falling out.) In it place your gift, a cracker bang and a message.

Roll up the tissue paper first and then the decorative paper to form a triangular shape. Stick the decorative paper together with a little double sided tape.

Tie two ribbon bows to close off both ends.

Stick a gift tag or a left over photo in the centre of the cracker. You can also decorate the cracker further.

Happy Christmas.

Adrienne