Hey, it’s Laura again! I don’t know about you, but I love seeing all the cool 3D things people create with paper. There are tons of clever little boxes and animals you can make, but I got extra excited when I discovered all the gemstone templates that exist online. Make my own diamonds?! Yes please. I thought the diamond shape would make a fantastic ornament for my Christmas tree, but I didn’t think a decoration made out of only paper would store very well from year to year. That’s where the balsa wood comes in! The wood makes the design much sturdier and doesn’t change the overall geometric feel of the diamond.
Supplies: Balsa wood (I used 1/32 inch thick), diamond template (I used this one), printer paper, cardstock paper, X-Acto knife, gold craft paint, ornament hooks, super glue, screw eye hooks (13/16 inch).
1. Print out your diamond template. Place template on top of your balsa wood and use your X-Acto knife to trace over the outline of the template to cut out your panels. 2. Print another template on a heavier cardstock and use scissors to cut out your template. Pre-fold your template and flatten back (this makes it easier to fold once your wood is glued on). Attach each panel to its designated spot with super glue. 3. Assemble the diamond by using the super glue to attach the tabs in the appropriate spots. Before you glue the top piece down, make sure to screw your eye hook into the middle of the top panel (this is what you’ll attach your ornament hook to). 4. Paint the diamond with the gold paint. Once it’s dry, you’re ready to hang your diamond!
In addition to making a few solid gold diamonds, I added a coat of glitter to some to add a little variety (just paint a coat of Mod Podge and sprinkle loose glitter on top). I love how these ornaments turned out. They add a punch of gold-plated fun to our tree, and I can tell everyone that I got loads of diamonds for Christmas. Score! xo. Laura
Credits // Author: Laura Gummerman, Photography: Janae Hardy and Laura Gummerman
I wonder if Martha Stewart makes these…or does she just use real diamonds?
Hi Laura, thanks for this super tutorial, you rock!
So creative!
so simple! i adore it such a great idea.
Zoe
http://gypsiesister.blogspot.co.uk
Love it, so beautiful!
Hi Natalie!
You can buy balsa wood in the wood section of a craft store like Michael’s or Hobby Lobby. I believe you can buy all of these supplies in both stores, actually. 🙂
elsie
Am I dumb? Where do you buy balsa wood at? And pretty much all of the other supplies too.
great idea!
http://hanaljoofri.blogspot.sg/
This looks really interesting. I guess the method could be used for other shapes as well. I wonder, where I can get the wood from.
I love this! and I also love the variations. This would be a great add on gift for gramma and grampa’s present:)
Another very lovely idea! You guys are so inspiring! 🙂
http://andreavytlacilova.com/
These are so great and simple, but have the appearance of being difficult. Really nice project!
OMG I love this idea!
I have to try it *-*
xoxo
Anna
oh my, how incredibly wonderful! such a unique design and glamorous colour!
xx
Can you please do a photography tip post about how to take photos of a Christmas tree? It’s nearly Christmas and I (and many other people I think) can’t seem to find the right angle! It would be really helpful:) anyways just a suggestion. Love your blog! Xx
So cute and really pretty!
I love the shape of it!
Elly
Here is 2 links to my 2 blogs:
http://ellysblogoffun.blogspot.com/
http://felicityfun.blogspot.com/
this is adorable!
Wow Laura, they look fabulous! X
Lalalalove this! Just made golden feathers that will look so gorgeous with these!
It looks like the paco rabane scent!
http://talisatalksbeauty.blogspot.co.uk/2013/12/christmas-gift-guide-for-him.html