Under the Acacia Tree: A Paper Safari

Under the Acacia Tree: A Paper Safari

Here is a video of my paper safari.

Uganda, the Pearl of Africa, is home to some of the continent's most spectacular wildlife: elephants, giraffes, rhinoceroses, and the magnificent grey-crowned crane, the country's national bird. All of them roam beneath one of nature's most iconic silhouettes: the Umbrella Thorn Acacia (Vachellia tortilis), its vast flat canopy spreading like a sheltering parasol over the golden savannah. Whether you dream of visiting Uganda's great parks like Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth, or the remote wilds of Kidepo Valley or simply want to bring a piece of that landscape home, this paper model is a celebration of the scene.

I used Neenah brand 65 lb Champagne Pearl metallic cardstock from Office Depot. I recommend using a new blade and overcut to cut out this design.

Here is the .Studio file.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dfbVTY9BVxoyTr0cRQkXl3ft6C25V6qB/view?usp=sharing

Here is the SVG. The file goes beyond the viewable area.  Zoom out to see the entire file.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1aEvxN1vvZPdMDmwQTZlnLlOCKCIOSbC4/view?usp=sharing

Making the Safari Scene

Each of the ten scenes are creased with a valley fold in the center.  Glue is applied to one side of the outer edges of its frame and to the acacia tree. This panel is then adhered to the next scene.  Take care to align the central crease precisely with the midpoint of the frame before the glue sets. This process is repeated until all of the scenes have been glued together. The sun has additional layers which can be glued to create a 3-D sun.

The panels are then fanned out from the spine to create the paper safari in a circular format. The last two scenes can be attached with a Glue Dot so that it can fold flat again later if desired.

Grey-Crowned Crane Diorama

Uganda Diorama - A Grey-Crowned Crane

This diorama depicts a grey-crowned crane, Uganda's national bird. It is a strikingly beautiful bird with a crown of feathers and elegant plumage. The scene shows a graceful bird striding across the open savannah of East Africa, with mountains in the background and a beautiful sunset in the distance. The grey crowned crane is truly one of Africa's most majestic birds. 

Eight double thickness tabs keep the diorama scenes together.

Pretty paper is glued to the front of the first scene.

The tabs slide into the sides of the scenes.

I used Neenah brand 65 lb Champagne Pearl metallic cardstock from Office Depot. I recommend using a new blade and overcut to cut out this design as the intricate pieces might not cut correctly.

Here is the .Studio file.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pr4ORSmHbvHD-UgsRWSx7B2jC1DePMmu/view?usp=sharing

Here is the SVG. The file goes beyond the viewable area.  Zoom out to see the entire file.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Q13eHelzdiKYJqSuSk7E_lV_TYzmjtfz/view?usp=sharing

Pursuing Kepler's Inscribed Solid Model

Kepler's Inscribed Solid Model

In my last blog posting, I made a nested inscribed Platonic model. I was fascinated by its structure and wanted to pursue it further.

Kepler's Cosmological Vision

In 1596, Johannes Kepler published Mysterium Cosmographicum (The Cosmographic Mystery), proposing an elegant geometric explanation for the solar system. He theorized that the orbital distances of the six known planets were determined by nesting the five Platonic solids between spherical shells. His sequence, from outermost to innermost, was:

Sphere of Saturn → Cube → Sphere of Jupiter → Tetrahedron → Sphere of Mars → Dodecahedron → Sphere of Earth → Icosahedron → Sphere of Venus → Octahedron → Sphere of Mercury

Kepler believed this revealed God's geometric design of the universe. The fact that there were exactly six known planets and exactly five Platonic solids couldn't be coincidence — each solid inscribed in one planetary sphere and circumscribed by the next would explain both why there were six planets and what determined their spacing.

Though beautiful, the theory proved incorrect. The predicted orbital ratios didn't quite match observations, and later discoveries of additional planets definitively disproved the model. Yet this "failed" theory was far from wasted — it led Kepler to develop his three laws of planetary motion, which correctly describe how planets move and became foundational to modern physics. Sometimes the most productive wrong idea is one that is wrong in exactly the right way.

Exploring the Possibilities

There are five Platonic solids, and mathematically, 120 distinct ways to arrange them as nested inscriptions (5! = 5×4×3×2×1 = 120 permutations). Kepler's original cosmological model used one specific ordering, but I was curious: which sequences would work best for a paper model? Which would create the most balanced proportions? Which would maximize the size of the innermost solid?

To explore these questions, I asked Claude to create an interactive table showing all 120 combinations, with the outermost solid inscribed in a sphere of four inches diameter — a practical constraint ensuring the nets would fit on 8½ × 11 inch paper. This mirrors Kepler's approach, where each Platonic solid is inscribed in a sphere. The table draws on the Croft table of maximal inscribing ratios and calculations from Firsching's research to determine the side length of each solid in every sequence, and allows users to adjust the outer sphere diameter and sort by different criteria.

What emerges from exploring all 120 sequences is genuinely surprising. Mathematically, the ordering matters enormously — the ratio of the innermost solid to the outermost sphere can vary by more than a factor of ten depending on which solid sits at each level. The dodecahedron and icosahedron, as duals of each other, tend to preserve size better when paired consecutively, while placing the cube or tetrahedron early in the sequence causes a steep drop in scale. Kepler's chosen order was driven by his belief that it reflected the orbital spacing of the planets, not by any geometric optimality, and it performs only modestly by most mathematical measures. For a paper model, the practical sweet spot lies in sequences that balance two competing goals: keeping the innermost solid large enough to be worth building, while ensuring no single transition dominates so much that the nesting feels anticlimactic. The most satisfying models tend to be those where the size steps between levels feel roughly even — a kind of geometric rhythm — rather than sequences that plunge suddenly to a tiny core. The table makes it possible to hunt for that rhythm deliberately, turning what was once Kepler's act of cosmological faith into something you can sort, optimize, and make your own.

My Model

After examining all 120 possibilities, I chose to follow Kepler's original sequence: Cube, Tetrahedron, Dodecahedron, Icosahedron, Octahedron, working inward. Not because it is geometrically optimal — the table makes clear it isn't — but because I wanted my model to carry the same spirit as Kepler's: the conviction that the universe is built on geometric principles, that beauty and mathematics are the same thing seen from different angles. By following his sequence, the model becomes a small act of homage to one of history's great wrong ideas, and to the mind bold enough to pursue it.

The colors I chose reflect each solid's planetary association in Kepler's scheme: the cube (Jupiter) in white, the tetrahedron (Mars) in red, the dodecahedron (Earth) in dark blue, the icosahedron (Venus) in light blue, and the octahedron (Mercury) in grey metallic. Saturn, the outermost sphere in Kepler's model, has no solid assigned to it — appropriately enough, it exists only as the invisible boundary that contains everything else.

Make Your Own

If this has sparked your curiosity, why not try building one yourself? It's more approachable than it might seem. Start by visiting Turtlestitch.org and searching for "Platonic" — I created five programs there that generate the nets for each of the five solids. Use the Claude table to find the measurements for whichever sequence appeals to you, then input those dimensions into the program and export the file as a DXF.

Open the DXF in Silhouette software, where you'll find a one-inch reference square included in the file — use it to scale the entire design to the correct size before cutting. Work through all five solids, then assemble them starting from the innermost and working outward. I glued each structure together, and for the solids that needed a little extra rigidity, I reinforced one or two interior faces with acetate sheets. Glue Dots made it easy to align and nest each solid cleanly inside the next.

The finished model is genuinely stunning to look at — a physical object that connects your hands to Kepler's imagination, across four centuries of mathematics. Give it a try and see where the sequence takes you.

Nested Platonic Solids: From Kepler to the 2026 Joint Mathematics Meeting

A nested model of all five Platonic solids with windows cut into the outer layers to reveal the inner solids. At the center is a metallic silver tetrahedron, surrounded by a pale blue octahedron, green icosahedron, royal blue dodecahedron, and white cube.

At the Joint Mathematics Meeting in Washington, D.C. this January, I attended a fascinating session titled "Revisiting Kepler's nested Platonic solids" presented by Andrew Simoson. He showed me a beautiful physical model, "nesting them outwards in the order tetrahedron, cube, octahedron, dodecahedron, and icosahedron, rather than Kepler's order; (they're held together by a bamboo stick capped with little spheres)." His model reignited my interest in these remarkable geometric relationships.

This wasn't my first encounter with nested Platonic solids. After making Da Vinci's divine proportion polyhedra models (see blog posts [link 1] and [link 2]), I had decided to inscribe the polyhedra models into one another, inspired by Pacioli's work. Pacioli wrote in his Divine Proportion book about these inscriptions, explaining that the five Platonic solids—the tetrahedron, cube, octahedron, icosahedron and dodecahedron—can be derived from a single one, the dodecahedron, which, according to Pacioli, "sustains the existence of all the others and governs the manifold harmonies and interrelations among all five." Since the dodecahedron is the basis for all others, Pacioli claimed that it would be only mathematically possible with a specific proportion which he named the "Divine Proportion."

Pacioli wrote about inscriptions of the five Platonic solids using the sphere method of calculating the side lengths of the interior polyhedron. I inscribed the Platonic solids as I thought Da Vinci would have done if he had the Silhouette software and cutting technology.

I found out while making the models that as the inscribed polyhedron's size approached a sphere, the size calculations became more complex and difficult to calculate. With some investigation on the internet, I discovered an article about maximizing the side lengths of the interior polyhedron. The computations for six of the polyhedra were just calculated in 2018 by the article's author, Moritz Firsching. These maximal size calculations were in the annals of unsolved geometric problems for many centuries. Using Firsching's calculations, I was able to complete the 20 inscribed Platonic solid models. 

A New Model Inspired by Simoson's Presentation

Simoson's session at JMM inspired me to create a new nested model, this time exploring a different sequence: tetrahedron, octahedron, icosahedron, dodecahedron, and cube (T-O-I-D-C). Using Firsching's maximal inscribing ratios, I calculated the optimal dimensions for each solid.*

The following calculations were cited in this paper:

Maximum side lengths of polyhedron inscribed in another polyhedron.

Using the above calculations, I created my models. I used Glue Dots to affix the inscribed polyhedra. I also used clear acetate to make a base for some of the models so that I could adhere the inscribed polyhedra model to something since the point of contact was sometimes in mid-space in the outer hollow polyhedron.

 

I used 65lb. cardstock to make the models.

Here is the .Studio file.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XN7apVgNBxNUBt-Y-_LRuafkyFM3y_iO/view?usp=sharing

Here is the SVG.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1u2nMRXpyjuMEbLuLBPz42EsuFMs3WG8N/view?usp=sharing

Note: The SVG file extends beyond the initial viewable area. Simply zoom out to see the complete design

The final model features:

• Tetrahedron (center): 2.362" in metallic silver cardstock
• Octahedron: 2.362" in pale blue cardstock
• Icosahedron: 2.0" in green cardstock
• Dodecahedron: 1.528" in royal blue cardstock
• Cube (outer): 3.878" in white cardstock

I constructed each polyhedron from cardstock using my Silhouette cutting machine, with windows cut into the outer four solids to reveal the layers within. The metallic silver tetrahedron at the core catches and reflects light through the colored layers, creating a luminous effect that changes as you move around the model.

What fascinates me about this project is how it bridges historical mathematical inquiry—from Kepler's 1596 cosmological model to Pacioli's Divine Proportion—with contemporary mathematical research. Firsching's 2018 paper solved problems that had remained open for centuries, and now those solutions enable artists and educators to create precise physical models that would have been impossible to calculate just a few years ago.

The intersection of mathematics, history, and art continues to inspire new explorations of these timeless geometric forms.

*"Computing maximal copies of polytopes contained in a polytope," by Moritz Firsching, Institut für Mathematik FU Berlin Arnimallee 2 14195 Berlin Germany, July 16, 2018 https://arxiv.org/pdf/1407.0683.pdf

Torus Blossoms in a Sliceform Vase: Where Mathematics Becomes Art

Torus Blossoms in a Sliceform Vase

I’m thrilled to announce that my model Torus Blossoms in a Sliceform Vase has been accepted into a juried exhibit at the Joint Mathematics Meetings, taking place January 4–7, 2026, in Washington, D.C. This event is the largest annual gathering of mathematicians in the world, and this year’s theme—“We Champion Mathematics: Highlighting Beauty and Innovation in the Mathematical Sciences”—perfectly reflects the spirit of this project.

Download the exhibit booklet (PDF).

The Art of Mathematical Flowers Using a Paper Torus

These paper-cut flowers emerge from an exploration of torus geometry, revealing how abstract mathematical concepts can transform into something unexpectedly organic and beautiful. Each flower begins as a torus, sliced into carefully designed sections and cut from cardstock using an electronic paper cutting machine. The slices are then slid together using the sliceform technique, allowing a three-dimensional structure to emerge from flat pieces.

To enhance the floral appearance, I modified the edges of the slices to resemble petals while preserving the torus’s underlying circular symmetry. Layered petal designs were added to the center of each flower, giving them depth and visual richness. The completed arrangement stands approximately nine inches tall, with the flowers mounted on stems and displayed in a sculptural sliceform vase—also constructed from interlocking flat pieces.

Understanding the Mathematics: Villarceau Circles

At the heart of this project lies the torus—that familiar donut shape with fascinating mathematical properties. The key to creating these floral forms is understanding Villarceau circles: pairs of circles that emerge on a torus’s surface when it is intersected by a plane at a specific oblique angle. Named after French mathematician Yvon Villarceau, who described them in 1848, these circles provide the structural foundation for this model.

When a torus is cut by a plane that passes through its center and touches it at two opposite points, (as shown above from a Wikipedia generated gif), something remarkable appears: a pair of circles known as Villarceau circles. These circles intersect at exactly those two touching points, creating a special geometric relationship.

24-slice paper torus and a 16-slice paper torus

Here's the elegant part: when a torus is sliced along these special circles, the resulting pieces(slices) can slide together to reconstruct the complete three-dimensional form. This remarkable geometric property makes the sliceform technique possible, transforming flat paper into dimensional sculpture. By cutting the torus into circular cross-sections at Villarceau's specific angles, each pair of circles shares the same cross-section, producing perfectly matched components that interlock with mathematical precision. This relationship is what allows paper flowers to bloom directly from pure mathematics.

From Geometry to Paper Sculpture

My exploration of toruses began in 2013, when I first started working with sliceforms. I was immediately fascinated by their structure and curious about what might emerge if I began manipulating their edges. Using the same underlying torus geometry, I created a wide range of forms—including a snowman, a pumpkin, and many different types of flowers—each revealing new possibilities within the shape.

As my work evolved, I focused on refining my understanding of Villarceau circles, the mathematical foundation that makes torus sliceforms possible. This led me to the paper “Building a Torus with Villarceau Sections” by María García Monera and Juan Monteabout (University of Valencia), published in the Journal for Geometry and Graphics (Volume 15, 2011). Their work clearly explains the mathematics behind constructing a torus using Villarceau sections and provides the formulas needed for precise construction.

Using these formulas, I was able to build an accurate sixteen-slice torus. Prior to this, my sixteen-slice models appeared visually correct, but I sensed that the angles in the Villarceau circles were slightly off. After working through the calculations in the paper, my intuition was confirmed: two of the angles differed by one-tenth of a degree. That small discrepancy had a noticeable impact on the structure, demonstrating how even a minute variation in a complex system can significantly affect the final form.

With this deeper mathematical understanding in place, I turned to Silhouette Studio, the software provided with the electronic paper cutting machine, to refine the geometric forms into something more organic. I used point editing on the slice edges while preserving the circular symmetry of the original torus. Driven by curiosity, I also experimented with adjusting the angles at which the pieces intersect to see what new structures might emerge. To my delight, an unexpected circular form appeared—one that echoed the torus itself. The PDF linked here documents my method for making the torus flowers.

To support this evolving work, I developed a TurtleStitch program capable of generating Villarceau circles of any size, with adjustable slits designed to slide together precisely. In sliceform construction, slit size is critical: while a circle can be scaled, the slit width must remain constant to account for paper thickness and ensure that each slice maintains the correct orientation. This tool allows me to quickly create toruses of any size while preserving the mathematical precision required for successful assembly.

Once the TurtleStitch program generates the Villarceau circle slices, I refine each slice through point editing in Silhouette Studio, adjusting the geometry while preserving the underlying mathematical structure. Each slice is then precision-cut from cardstock and assembled by sliding the pieces together, mirroring the way a torus is conceptually constructed from its individual slices. The result is a collection of three-dimensional flowers with layered centers and unique edges that reflect patterns found in nature. They’re mounted on stems and displayed in a geometric vase that is itself made from interlocking paper pieces.

Sharing the Beauty of Mathematics

This project reveals how abstract mathematical ideas can reshape the classical world into something both unexpected and uniquely beautiful. As a former math teacher, I want others to be able to recreate this beauty and explore the mathematical shapes that can be discovered by making this model.

I’ve written a detailed explanation here of how to make this project, and—as always—all instructions and cutting files are available for free. My hope is that by building this model, you’ll not only enjoy the process of making something beautiful, but also gain a deeper appreciation for the mathematical structures behind it.

Mathematics doesn’t just describe the world—it can help us create it.

Examples of the sliceform flowers

Creating Your Own Torus Blossoms

Design Process

110 lb. cardstock was used for the vase and green stems and 65lb. cardstock was used for the flowers. 

Cut Files

You can cut out the flowers and vase with scissors by using the PDF file [link to file]

For electronic cutting machine to create this project:

• Silhouette users: Download the .Studio file [link to file]
• Cricut users: Download the SVG file [link to file]

Note: The SVG file extends beyond the initial viewable area. Simply zoom out to see the complete design

What You'll Find in the Files

The included .Studio and SVG files contain:

• Sliceform Vase: Circles and sides of the vase. A total of 10 circles are needed so cut that page twice and cut the vase sides page six times, for a total of 24 slices.
• Three-slit flowers: I recommend starting with these, as they're the simplest to assemble
• Four-slit flowers: Slightly more complex but offering different aesthetic possibilities

Important note: The flower sizes cannot be altered because the slices must maintain specific dimensions for proper assembly. The slits need to be exact so pieces can slide into one another correctly, and paper thickness must remain consistent to hold each slice at the proper orientation.

Make the Vase

Glue the corresponding vase circles together to make them two-ply. 

Glue the vase side pieces together to make them four-ply.  Do not apply glue to the bud area until later. 

Bend the tabs of the buds at a right angle. Apply glue as needed to the bud area.

 Repeat to make six side slices.

Slide the vase side slices onto the circle slices. There are five circles.  The order of the circles, starting from the top, is small, large, large, small and small.

Completed vase

Make the Flowers

There are two types of torus flowers in the file, a three-slit version and a four-slit version. Begin with a three-slit flower for your first attempt.

Each flower has two interlocking pieces, an upward slit and a downward slit. The pieces are alternated as they are slid into one another and stacked together. There are eight of each type in this three slit design. (There is one flower that has twelve of each type.)  

I recommend starting with a center slit as shown above.

Continue adding the slices to create the above pattern.

Once completed, there will be a stack of slices.

There is a hole in each slice. Thread a needle and thread it through these holes.

Once the thread is sewn through all of the slices, flex the flower into a circle and slide the remaining two slices into one another. (If you are having difficulty aligning the final slices, I recommend putting a drop of glue at the endpoints where the two slices meet.) Pull the thread tight and knot it.  The flower is now ready to be added to your vase by sliding it over the bud area.

Please note, the four slit version is the same process as the three slit version. Also, the modified torus version is the same process but with more slices that are slid together.

Make the Flower Centers

Cut out the flower centers and curl the petals upward. 

Assemble the flower by gluing one flower piece on top of another as shown above.

Assemble the Flowers

Place the flower on the stem.

Apply glue to the circular bud area and adhere the center of the flower.

Move the slice form flower to the center of the flower. I added a glue dot to make sure that the flower wouldn't move.

Completed flower with center.

Continue adding flowers until the arrangement is complete.

Completed Flower Arrangement

Beauty in Mathematics

This project reveals how abstract mathematical ideas can reshape our perception of geometry, transforming the theoretical into something tangible and beautiful. The flowers mirror patterns found in nature while remaining true to their mathematical origins—a perfect marriage of art and science.

I hope you'll experience the deep satisfaction that comes from creating these mathematical models. There's something profound about holding in your hands a three-dimensional manifestation of centuries-old mathematical concepts, shaped into something that delights the eye and mind alike.

12 Days of Christmas Decorations: Day 12 - Poinsettia Centerpiece

A Poinsettia Centerpiece

Welcome back to my 12 Days of Christmas Decorations series! For twelve wonderful days, I've shared festive projects as my holiday gift to you, and today we reach our joyful conclusion. My hope is that these decorations have filled—and will continue to fill—your home with warmth, beauty, and Christmas joy.

A Heartfelt Thank You

As we arrive at Day 12, I want to take a moment to express my gratitude. Creating and sharing these projects has been truly a labor of love. Each design represents countless hours of planning, testing, refining, and crafting—but more than that, each one reflects my passion for creating beauty and bringing joy into the world through paper art.

I hope you've felt the love and care I've poured into every tutorial, every template, and every word of encouragement. Whether you've been following along making each project or simply enjoying the inspiration, thank you for being part of this creative journey with me. Your presence here has made these twelve days even more special.

The Perfect Finale: A Poinsettia Centerpiece

For our final day, I'm thrilled to share an elegant poinsettia centerpiece that beautifully captures the spirit of the season! And yes, this project was inspired by my adorable (but mischievous) new kitten. Since live poinsettias can be toxic to curious cats, I decided to create a paper version that's just as stunning—and completely pet-safe. The result is a gorgeous centerpiece that will grace your holiday table without any worry!

A Design That Lasts Beyond Christmas

Here's something special about this centerpiece: it's designed to carry you through the entire winter season! The hexagonal vase lantern features six delightful panels displaying cheerful snowmen and intricate snowflakes (two designs, each repeated). Because these winter motifs aren't exclusively Christmas imagery, you can proudly display this beautiful piece through January and February.

The poinsettia blooms and delicate pine needle foliage with bright red berries complement the winter scenes perfectly, creating a cohesive seasonal display that transitions seamlessly from holiday celebration to winter wonderland.

The Meaningful History of Poinsettias

The poinsettia's connection to Christmas comes from a beautiful Mexican legend that perfectly embodies the spirit of giving from the heart.

The story tells of a young girl named Pepita who wanted to give a gift to baby Jesus at her church's Christmas Eve service. Being very poor, she had nothing of value to offer and was heartbroken. Her cousin Pedro tried to comfort her, saying that any gift given with love would be precious, no matter how humble.

Inspired by his words, Pepita gathered a simple bouquet of roadside weeds on her way to church. As she approached the nativity scene and knelt to place her modest offering before the manger, a miracle occurred—the green weeds suddenly burst into brilliant red blooms, transforming into the stunning flowers we now know as poinsettias!

The congregation witnessed this marvel and declared it a Christmas miracle. The vibrant red petals came to symbolize the blood of Christ and the Star of Bethlehem, while the story itself represents the beauty of giving from a pure heart, the miracle of faith, and the truth that no gift is too small when offered with genuine love.

Today, poinsettias remain one of the most beloved Christmas decorations, gracing homes, churches, and celebrations worldwide—a living reminder that the most meaningful gifts come from the heart.

The Design

This stunning centerpiece builds upon the hexagonal vase design I've featured throughout this series (find the original tutorial  here). The six-sided structure creates the perfect showcase for the alternating snowman and snowflake panels, which glow beautifully when lit from within.

Add a multicolored LED tea light from your local dollar store at the center, and watch your creation come to life! The warm, dancing light illuminates the winter scenes while casting a gentle glow on the poinsettia blooms and pine foliage above. It makes an absolutely enchanting centerpiece for your holiday table or a cozy accent that brightens any room in your home.

What You'll Need

Materials:

• 65 lb white cardstock for the snowman and snowflake panels
• 65 lb red, green, and yellow cardstock for the poinsettia petals and leaves
• Vellum for backing the panels (allows the LED light to shine through beautifully)
• Battery-operated multicolored LED tea light

The combination of crisp white panels, vibrant poinsettia colors, and soft vellum backing creates a professional, polished look that will impress your holiday guests!

Cut Files

You'll need an electronic cutting machine to create this project:

• Silhouette users: Download the .Studio file [link to file]
• Cricut users: Download the SVG file [link to file]

Note: The SVG file extends beyond the initial viewable area. Simply zoom out to see the complete design.

Assembly Instructions

Follow these steps to create your winter wonderland centerpiece:

1. Build the lantern base: Follow the assembly directions from the  hexagonal vase project to construct your six-sided structure with the snowman and snowflake panels
2. Back the panels with vellum to create that beautiful glowing effect when the LED is lit
3. Create the floral elements: Assemble the pine needle foliage pieces with red berries at their centers, then construct the poinsettia flowers and attach them to their stems
4. Add realistic dimension: Curl the poinsettia petals and pine needle foliage around a pencil or dowel to give them natural shape and movement
5. Arrange your bouquet: Position the poinsettias and pine sprigs in the top of the hexagonal vase, arranging them until you achieve a balanced, full display
6. Light it up: Place your battery-operated LED tea light inside the vase and enjoy the magical glow!

Safety reminder: Always use battery-operated LED lights rather than real candles for paper crafts—especially important with pets in the home!

Display tip: The multicolored LED creates a gentle, ever-changing ambiance. If you prefer a more traditional look, use a single warm white LED instead.

A Fond Farewell and Warm Wishes

And so we've reached the end of our 12 Days of Christmas Decorations journey! This poinsettia centerpiece feels like the perfect way to conclude—bringing together the light, color, beauty, and symbolism that make this season so magical.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for following along on this crafting adventure. Whether you made all twelve projects, chose a few favorites, or simply enjoyed reading and dreaming about future creations, your support and enthusiasm have meant the world to me.

I hope these projects have inspired you, brought you joy, and perhaps sparked your own creative spirit. Remember, every decoration you make with your own hands carries a special kind of magic—the magic of time, care, and love made visible.

May your home be filled with beauty, your heart with peace, and your holiday season with countless moments of joy and wonder. Thank you for letting me share my passion with you.

Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy, and creative New Year!

Happy crafting, my friends! 🎄✨🌟

---

P.S. - Don't let the end of this series stop your creative momentum! I'll continue sharing new projects on the blog. Be sure to subscribe so you won't miss future inspiration. And if you create any of these twelve projects, I'd absolutely love to see them—tag me or share in the comments!

12 Days of Christmas Decorations: Day 11 - Slide Together Kissing Ball

Slide Together Kissing Ball

Welcome back to my 12 Days of Christmas Decorations series! I'm sharing a new festive project each day as my holiday gift to you. My hope is that these decorations will fill your home with warmth and joy throughout the season.

Romance Meets Tradition

For Day 11, I'm excited to share a charming kissing ball with a fascinating history! This slide-together design is constructed from 12 flower-petal shaped pieces, each featuring five carefully placed slits. When assembled, these petals interlock to form a perfect sphere that's then adorned with delicate pine needle foliage and bright red berries at the center. The result is an enchanting four inch kissing ball that captures centuries of holiday tradition.

The Rich History of the Kissing Ball

The kissing ball has a wonderful journey through history that spans nearly a millennium!

Medieval Origins: The tradition began in medieval times with "holy boughs"—spheres made of evergreen branches that held small figures of the baby Jesus at their center. These were hung in homes and churches as symbols of blessing and divine protection during the Christmas season.

Tudor Transformation: During the Tudor period in England (1485-1603), the tradition evolved as these evergreen spheres became more decorative and began incorporating mistletoe, the plant associated with peace, love, and reconciliation in ancient folklore.

Victorian Romance: The Victorian era (1837-1901) transformed the kissing ball into the romantic tradition we recognize today. Victorian kissing balls, also called "kissing boughs," were elaborate affairs—decorated spheres adorned with evergreens, mistletoe, ribbons, and aromatic herbs like lavender and rosemary. They were hung over doorways, and the custom dictated that anyone caught standing beneath one could be kissed!

The Victorians added a playful twist: the sphere was decorated with berries (often from the mistletoe itself), and each kiss required plucking one berry. Once all the berries were gone, the kissing privilege ended for that particular ball—adding an element of friendly competition to holiday gatherings!

Modern Revival: Today, kissing balls have been revived as charming Christmas decorations that honor this rich heritage. They symbolize goodwill, affection, and the joy of togetherness—making them perfect for the holiday season, whether or not you follow the traditional kissing custom!

What You'll Need

Materials:

• Green cardstock for the flower petal structure and pine needle foliage
• Red cardstock for the berries
• Rope or ribbon for the hanger
• Glue dots or craft glue for attaching embellishments

Equipment:

• Electronic cutting machine (Silhouette or Cricut)

Cut Files

Choose the file that matches your machine:

• Silhouette users: Download the .Studio file [link to file]
• Cricut users: Download the SVG file [link to file]

Quick tip for SVG users: The design extends beyond the initial viewable area, so just zoom out to see the complete pattern.

Assembly Instructions

Creating this kissing ball is surprisingly simple and deeply satisfying! Here's how to bring this tradition to life:

1. Cut all pieces from your cardstock—12 flower petal pieces for the sphere, plus pine needle foliage and red berries
2. Assemble the sphere: Begin sliding the 12 petal pieces together through their slits. Eleven pieces are identical, while one has a hole in the center
3. Add the hanger: Thread your rope or ribbon through the hole in the special center piece and tie a secure knot. This piece should be positioned at the top of your ball
   
   
   
4. Apply a drop of glue at the triangular intersections: so that the slices do not shift after assembly.
5. Create the foliage clusters: Slide a red berry into the center of each pine needle foliage piece
6. Attach the decorations: Use glue dots to attach the pine needle foliage (with berries) around the sphere. Space them evenly at the center of the petal pieces for a balanced, full look

Display tip: Hang your kissing ball in a doorway for the traditional romantic effect, display it on your Christmas tree, or suspend it from a light fixture as a charming focal point!

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This kissing ball brings centuries of tradition, romance, and holiday spirit into your home. Whether you embrace the kissing custom or simply admire its beauty and history, it's a meaningful decoration that celebrates togetherness and affection. Come back tomorrow for Day 12—the grand finale of our festive countdown! 💚❤️✨

12 Days of Christmas Decorations: Day 10 - Diamond Angel Sliceform

 

Diamond Angel Sliceform

Welcome back to my 12 Days of Christmas Decorations series! I'm sharing a new festive project each day as my holiday gift to you. My hope is that these decorations will fill your home with warmth and joy throughout the season.

An Angelic Vision

For Day 10, I'm thrilled to share this ethereal diamond-shaped sliceform that captures the mystical beauty of an angel playing a horn, surrounded by four-pointed stars. This celestial design brings a sense of peace and wonder to your holiday décor.

A New Shape in My Sliceform Journey

This project represents an exciting evolution in my sliceform obsession! I've created many spherical sliceforms over the years, but I'd never attempted a diamond shape—and Christmas seemed like the perfect time to try something new.

But wait—I couldn't stop at just one! I've designed four different versions for you:

• Two with hangers perfect for displaying on your Christmas tree
• Two tabletop versions designed to stand beautifully on their own as centerpieces or accent pieces

Each version showcases the angel and stars in slightly different configurations, giving you options to suit your decorating style. And here's a wonderful bonus: all four sliceform designs fold completely flat for mailing and fit inside an A7 envelope, making them ideal gifts to send to loved ones near and far!

What You'll Need

Materials:

• Neenah 65 lb white gold cardstock from Office Depot

The white gold cardstock is essential to this design—its elegant shimmer catches the light beautifully, making the angel seem to glow with heavenly radiance. The metallic finish adds that special festive sparkle that brings the entire piece to life.

Important tip: I highly recommend using the double-cut function on your machine to ensure the intricate angel details cut cleanly and completely.

Equipment:

• Electronic cutting machine (Silhouette or Cricut)

Cut Files

Choose the file that matches your machine:

• Silhouette users: Download the .Studio file [link to file]
• Cricut users: Download the SVG file [link to file]

Quick tip for SVG users: The design extends beyond the initial viewable area, so just zoom out to see the complete pattern.

Assembly Instructions

The assembly process for sliceforms is wonderfully satisfying! Here's how to bring your angel to life:

1. Carefully cut all pieces from your white gold cardstock, using a double-cut if needed for clean details
2. Begin with the larger slices and slide corresponding pieces into one another through their slits
3. Work toward the smallest slice - this center piece may prove a little challenging. Gently bend the smallest piece to help guide it into position, then slide it together with its matching piece
4. Open and close several times - Once all slices are connected, practice opening and closing the diamond. This helps the slits conform to one another and ensures smooth movement
5. Add hanging ribbon (if using the tree ornament version) or ensure the base is stable (if using the tabletop version)

Pro tip: Take your time with the smallest center slice—patience here results in a beautifully balanced final piece!

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This diamond angel sliceform brings a touch of celestial peace and wonder to your home. Whether gracing your tree or adorning your table, it's a reminder of the heavenly messengers at the heart of the Christmas story. Come back tomorrow for Day 11 of our festive countdown! 👼✨

12 Days of Christmas Decorations: Day 9 - Christmas Ball Ornament Lantern

Christmas Ball Ornament Lantern

Welcome back to my 12 Days of Christmas Decorations series! If you're just joining us, I'm sharing a new festive project each day as my holiday gift to you. My hope is that these decorations will fill your home with warmth and joy throughout the season.

A Perfect Tree-Sized Treasure

For Day 9, I'm excited to share a charming miniature lantern that's perfectly sized as a Christmas tree ornament! Remember the elf lantern from Day 1? I've taken that beloved design and reimagined it in a smaller scale, replacing the busy elves with three different styles of elegant Christmas balls. The result is a delicate, glowing ornament that adds both beauty and light to your tree.

The Design Evolution

This petite lantern builds upon the hexagonal vase design I've shared in previous projects (find the original tutorial here). The six-sided structure creates a beautiful geometric frame that showcases the festive ornament panels on each face.

Here's where the magic happens: add a multicolored LED tea light from your local dollar store in the center, and watch your lantern transform into a miniature beacon of holiday cheer! The light dances through the panels, creating a warm, inviting glow that looks stunning hanging on your tree or displayed as a small centerpiece on your holiday table.

What You'll Need

Materials:

• Neenah 65 lb white cardstock for the Christmas ball panels
• 65 lb foil cardstock for all structural pieces
• Vellum for backing the panels (this allows the light to shine through beautifully!)
• Battery-operated multicolored LED tea light

The foil cardstock adds an elegant, festive shimmer that beautifully catches and reflects the LED light, creating an enchanting display of color and sparkle.

Cut Files

You'll need an electronic cutting machine to create this project:

• Silhouette users: Download the .Studio file [link to file]
• Cricut users: Download the SVG file [link to file]

Note: The SVG file extends beyond the initial viewable area. Simply zoom out to see the complete design.

Assembly Instructions

Follow my detailed hexagonal vase assembly tutorial to construct your ornament, with these specific steps:

1. Build the base structure following the hexagonal vase directions
2. Attach the vellum behind each Christmas ball panel to create a translucent backing that allows light to glow through
3. Add decorative elements such as any embellishments or trim pieces
4. Insert your LED tea light into the center of the lantern
5. Add a hanging ribbon or thread to the top for displaying on your tree

Safety reminder: Always use battery-operated LED lights rather than real candles for paper crafts—especially important for tree ornaments!

Display tip: The multicolored LED creates a beautiful color-changing effect that makes this ornament extra special. You can also use a single-color LED if you prefer a more traditional look.

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This miniature lantern ornament brings a magical touch of light and elegance to your Christmas tree! It's also small enough to make several in different color schemes for a coordinated collection. Come back tomorrow for Day 10 of our Christmas decoration series. Happy crafting! 🎄✨

12 Days of Christmas Decorations: Day 8 - Twelve Days of Christmas Star Ornaments

Twelve Days of Christmas Star Ornaments

Welcome back to my 12 Days of Christmas Decorations series! If you're just joining us, I'm sharing a new festive project each day as my holiday gift to you. My hope is that these decorations will fill your home with warmth and joy throughout the season.

A Personal Ornament Solution

The Christmas season is upon us, and this year I'm decorating my tree with paper ornaments for a very special reason—I have a new kitten! While he's adorable, I'm being cautious about breakable glass ornaments and his playful (read: mischievous) nature. Paper ornaments are the perfect solution: beautiful, festive, and worry-free.

The Twelve Days of Christmas

I've created a complete set of ornaments depicting the beloved "Twelve Days of Christmas"! For those unfamiliar with the tradition, the twelve days of Christmas begin with the birth of Christ on December 25th and culminate on the Feast of Epiphany, January 6th—the day when the three wise men of the East (the Magi) followed the Star of Bethlehem to worship the newborn King and present their gifts.

The classic song "The Twelve Days of Christmas" inspired this ornament collection. Each three-dimensional five-pointed star features one of the iconic scenes from the song:

1. A Partridge in a Pear Tree
2. Two Turtle Doves
3. Three French Hens
4. Four Calling Birds
5. Five Golden Rings
6. Six Geese a-Laying
7. Seven Swans a-Swimming
8. Eight Maids a-Milking
9. Nine Ladies Dancing
10. Ten Lords a-Leaping
11. Eleven Pipers Piping
12. Twelve Drummers Drumming

Each ornament tells part of the story, and together they create a complete narrative on your tree!

What You'll Need

Materials:

• Neenah 65 lb white gold cardstock from Office Depot (for the scenery inside each star)
• Decorative cardstock of your choice for the three-dimensional star frames (consider using different colors for each ornament!)
• Thread or ribbon for hanging
• Cardstock for the identification tags

The white gold cardstock adds an elegant shimmer that catches and reflects light beautifully, making each scene sparkle with festive magic.

Equipment:

• Electronic cutting machine (Silhouette or Cricut)

Cut Files

Choose the file that matches your machine:

• Silhouette users: Download the .Studio file [link to file]
• Cricut users: Download the SVG file [link to file]

Quick tip for SVG users: The design extends beyond the initial viewable area, so just zoom out to see the complete pattern.

Assembly Instructions

Ready to create your ornament collection? Follow my detailed [step-by-step assembly tutorial here] to bring each star to life. In this past posting, the scenery is entirely different than this one.

The assembly process includes:

1. Cut all pieces from your cardstock—you'll need pieces for 12 complete ornaments if making the full set
2. Fold and assemble each five-pointed star frame
3. Assemble the scenes by carefully gluing the scenery elements to the five-sided inner frame
4. Insert the scenery into the star, securing it in place
5. Create identification tags for each ornament so viewers know which "day" they're admiring
6. Attach thread or ribbon to both the star and its tag
7. Hang your ornaments on your Christmas tree or display them in windows where they can catch the light and be admired by all

Helpful tip: You can make all twelve ornaments for a complete set, or choose your favorite scenes to create a smaller collection. They're also wonderful as individual gifts!

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These Twelve Days of Christmas ornaments are kitten-safe, beautiful, and tell a beloved holiday story. Whether you're protecting your decorations from curious pets or simply love the charm of handmade ornaments, this collection will bring joy to your tree! Join me tomorrow for Day 9 of our festive series! ⭐🎄✨