It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas out there, meaning: It’s time to deck those halls! What better way to get in the festive spirit than to make some handmade decorations? These types of activities are wonderful to do with your loved ones, especially with grandchildren! Break out the glue, creativity, and smiles. It’s time to get crafty.
Cookie Cutter Ornaments
Recycle old cookie cutters—and the memories that went with them spent holiday baking! — into cute Christmas tree ornaments.
You’ll need:
- Aluminum cookie cutters
- Old wrapping paper or pictures & card stock
- Pencil
- Scissors
- White craft glue
- Needle
- Narrow ribbon
- Beads
Step 1: Trace the cookie cutter on top of the wrapping paper or pictures, and the card stock. Cut out them out.
Step 2: Run a glue line along the cookie cutter’s edge and press onto your paper cutout. Let dry.
Step 3: Thread your ribbon through the needle, poke a hole between the paper and cookie cutter, and pull ribbon through to create a hanger. Optional: Slip a bead onto the ribbon before knotting.
https://www.marthastewart.com/270783/cookie-cutter-ornaments
Homemade Holiday Cards
Great for both seniors on a budget, as well as reaping the benefits of expressive art therapy.
You’ll need:
- Paper or cardstock
- Pens and markers
- Paint & paintbrushes
Step 1: Fold paper to make the card, or use pre-folded cardstock.
Step 2: Let the imagination flow free! Paint or draw anything you wish to share with others for the holiday season.
Step 3: Write a joyous message inside.
Waterless Snow Globes
Create the perfect way to display memories with these easy waterless snowglobes!
You’ll need:
- Glass jars of varying sizes
- Artificial snow
- Hot glue gun & white craft glue
- Assorted trinkets: pictures, fake mini Christmas trees, old ornaments, etc.
- Spray paint (gold or silver)
- Optional: glitter
- Optional: spray adhesive
Step 1: Remove lids and spray paint them. Love sparkle? You can also do one layer of spray adhesive and sprinkle with glitter!
Step 2: Hot glue your trinkets to the inside of the lid.
Step 3: Add just enough artificial snow (and glitter!) to cover the bottom of the jar. You don’t want to put in too much, or you’ll cover up your trinkets!
Step 4: Screw the lid onto the jar, turn it over, and LET IT SNOW!
https://tidymom.net/waterless-snow-globes-tutorial/
Popsicle Stick Snowflakes
Big, small, asymmetrical, perfectly planned – no two snowflakes are alike! That’s why this particular craft is perfect for getting creative.
You’ll need:
- Popsicle sticks of varying sizes
- White paint
- Paint brush or roller
- White craft glue or hot glue gun
- Spray adhesive
- Glitter
Step 1: Paint your popsicle sticks! By using a roller, you can paint several at once.
Step 2: Make a star shape with your biggest popsicle sticks and glue to hold them together.
Step 3: Use the smaller popsicle sticks to create your snowflake pattern on your star shape.
Step 4: Spray your snowflake with adhesive and sprinkle with glitter!
https://www.gingersnapcrafts.com/2017/11/popsicle-stick-snowflake-tutorial.html
Pinecone Christmas Tree
Create this simple, childhood classic for instant cheer.
You’ll need:
- Pinecones collected from around the yard
- Wine corks saved from previous occasions
- Glitter gold paper or wood stars
- Green acrylic paint
- Paint brush
- Small pom poms
- Hut glue gun
- Options: glitter
Step 1: Hot glue the wine cork to the bottom of your pinecone. Let dry.
Step 2: While holding the cork, paint your pinecone green.
Step 3: Sprinkle your “tree” with glitter!
Step 4: Hot glue your small pom poms onto the pinecone “branches”
Step 5: Cut a star-shape out of the gold paper, or use a wooden star, and hot glue to the top of your pinecone tree!
https://www.hellowonderful.co/post/pine-cone-christmas-tree-craft/
HAPPY CRAFTING!
