Appropriate age group(s):
Preschool and Younger
Elementary School
Middle School
High School & Beyond

Estimated time to make this decoration:
Multi-stepped; about 2-3 hours divided plus cleanup time.

Materials:
Newspaper cut or torn into 1 inch wide strips
Small balloons, like water balloons
White flour
Water
Platic tubs or large old bowl
Tempra paints or such like
Yarn
Glitter
White school glue
Paintbrushes

Instructions:
Messy! Cover work area with old newspaper or drop cloths. We have old cafeteria trays which are easy to clean and easy to set aside during project steps. Try jelly roll pans.
Blow up balloons to ornament size.
Mix just a bit of flour with water to make a thin paste - not too runny - about like gravy. Drag newspaper strips through the paste and wrap around the inflated balloon. Smooth the strips on the balloon as you go. Cover the balloon with strips, applying the strips from different directions about 2 layers thick, maybe three.
Cut a yarn strip long enough to wrap around your balloon and about 5 inches extra. Wrap the yarn around the balloon once, leaving the extra out at the top of the balloon for a hanging loop. Try wrapping the yarn between layers of paper mache or before applying first layer. This makes the hanger stronger and less likely to come off.
Now let the paper mache dry overnight or for a couple of days. It will be ready when there are no dark looking damp spots.
Now to decorate! Pour a bit of glue into a lid or small dish, drag the yarn through it and wrap the yarn in a pleasing pattern around your ornament. Don't cover it with yarn, just make separated areas. You may paint the ornament first or wrap the yarn first, depending on whether you want the yarn color to show. Paint the ornament, bumps and all! Try painting the yarn separated areas different colors. Let the paint dry.
Don't forget to protect your work area.
Glitter! Paint or drizzle glue onto the painted, yarned ornament, sprinkle with glitter. Now let the ornament dry one last time and then enjoy it on your tree for years to come!
These make great presents for Grandma or Mom! My mom still has mine from 2nd grade (and I have a high-schooler!).

Other comments or suggestions to consider:
Yes, This is multi stepped. However it is a great project to go back to and the kids love it! It has all the great ingedients: messy, painting, glitter and glue!