I love making my own Christmas decorations for the tree. And if they are quick and easy even better, as that means I can change them every year without feeling guilty. This year I made some fun baubles using pewter, a few circle punches, embossing folders and my favourite inks.

• Step 1

  Punch various sized circles from a sheet of pewter.

• Step 2

  Emboss the shapes using various embossing folders and your GoCut machine. I used Christmas folders as well as this gorgeous script.

• Step 3

  Punch the same sized circles out of black cardstock for the backing. This will also help make the baubles a bit stronger and more stable.

• Step 4

  Cut out some decorative elements from patterned paper to add to your finished baubles.

• Step 5

  To add colour to my baubles I used Anita’s glaze and All-Purpose inks.

• Step 6

  Mix a small amount of glaze with Poppy Red All-Purpose ink using a paint brush. I mixed on a plastic packet that I could just throw away afterwards.

• Step 7

  Paint the pewter with the mixture. I used the glaze mixed into the API so that it adhered to the metal surface. The API on its own does not adhere to metal so it needs a bonding agent.

• Step 8

  Once the glaze is dry adhere the decorative elements, punch a small hole and thread some twine through to hang it on the tree.

If you want to have a nice smooth and clean finish, leave the glaze to dry for a while, and then use a smooth cloth to buff it clean. I personally like a messy and artistic look – making them totally unique.