Surprise Door Hanger

By Julie Wardell

To make a door hanger, you will need: an 8 1/2 x 11-inch (22 x 28-cm) piece of paper; a paper-towel tube; tape or glue; colored markers, crayons, or stickers; a pen (optional); a hole punch; scissors; curling ribbon; small wrapped candies or a small gift that will fit in the tube; and tissue paper.

1. Wrap the paper around the tube and tape or glue it in place. Decorate the paper using markers, crayons, or stickers. If desired, print a message such as “I Love You, Mom,” “Happy Birthday,” or “Thank You” on the tube and sign it.

2. Decide where the top of your tube is and punch one hole near the top edge at both ends. Cut two 20-inch (51-cm) lengths of ribbon. Thread a piece of ribbon through a hole and tie it in a knot to the tube (see illustration). Repeat for the other side. Tie the ribbons together in a bow for hanging (see illustration).

Illustration by Val Chadwick Bagley

3. Punch two holes equal distance apart around the edge of the tube at both ends. Cut different lengths of ribbon. Thread several ribbons through each punched hole and tie in a knot to the tube (see illustration).

4. Place the wrapped candies or gift inside the tube. Stuff each end of the tube with tissue paper. Hang the gift on the door of the person you wish to surprise.