Christmas Crackers

Christmas Crackers

Jackie French has always found Christmas crackers very disappointing: they're expensive, they contain trinkets no-one wants, and the jokes aren't funny. So why not follow Jackie's instructions and make your own crackers? It's easy, it's great fun, and your Christmas party will start off with a good bang and a giggle.

You'll need

paper hats (see below) cardboard rolls from foil, baking paper or plastic wrap scissors glossy paper to put round the crackers - Jackie likes gold, silver or traditional red and green ribbon (hint: use two or three colours together, it looks especially good) stars or stick-ons (from newsagents) sticky tape or glue funny jokes - write your own to suit the company bonbon snaps - the things that go pop (optional) trinkets for inside

Assembling your crackers

1. Put a folded hat, joke and trinket into each cardboard roll.
2. Cut paper about three times as long as each roll of cardboard (around 45cm or 18"), and wide enough to roll them completely, with some left over.
3. Place the cardboard roll in the centre of the paper with a good length of paper on either side.
4. If using bonbon snaps, you might find it easier to tape them to the outside of the cardboard. The middle of the banger should be in the middle of the cardboard, so a bit pokes out each end.
5. Roll up the whole lot carefully and tape down the edge.
6. Tie ribbon to either side and glue on stars, stick-ons, or even sprinkle on glitter.

Making the hats

• crepe paper
  
• scissors
• glue or sticky tape
• stars or other decorations

1. Cut crepe paper into pieces about 60cm x 15cm (24" x 6").
2. Tape the ends together securely.
3. Cut a zig zag pattern to make a crown-like top.
4. Glue on a few stars or attach other stick-ons and your hat is finished.

Further information

Bonbon snaps for crackers cost 15 cents each and are available at Spotlight, Lincraft and craft stores nationally. The December 1999 edition of the Burke's Backyard Magazine has easy to follow instructions on making everything from Christmas tree decorations to a delicious Seafood Feast!

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