D.I.Y Christmas Decorations
 

hey everyone,

i was looking threw the internet and came across alot of crafts forchirstmas and i said id share them with you as i no money is tight this christmas and im sure alot of you's will agree every little does help :) photo's are attached hope the details are ok please leave feedback many thanks :)



paper craft santa, just follow the link print him off and fold him together, kids love this,


http://familyfun.go.com/printables/s...-craft-704339/





Glass Rim Place Cards for Christmas

follow the link and print same as above :) pics below hope this helps

http://familyfun.go.com/assets/cms/p...table-1109.pdf




Penguin Ornament

same as above instrucstions are on the link :)

http://familyfun.go.com/assets/cms/p...table-1109.pdf






Silly-Legs Santa



Here's a curly Santa ornament with a real spring in his step.

Materials

* Egg carton
* Masking tape
* White paint
* Skin-tone paint
* Red paint
* Googly eyes
* Red puffy paint
* Red felt

* Glue
* White pom-pom
* White cotton
* Red pipe cleaners
* Pencil
* Black felt
* Pushpin
* Gold elastic cord

X

Instructions

1.

To make one, start with the basic body shape, as described for the Petite Penguin, but omit the rice. Paint the top half of the body white, with a small skin-tone face area, then paint the bottom half red. Glue on googly eyes and add a dot of red puffy paint for a nose.
2.

For a hat, glue a 4 1/2- by 1 1/2-inch piece of red felt around the top of the head. Glue closed the top, then add a white pom-pom. Glue on white cotton for Santa's beard and the trim on his hat.
3.

Silly-Legs Santa Step 3 For arms and legs, coil red pipe cleaners (1 for each leg, 1/2 for each arm) by winding them around a pencil. Glue one end of each leg between 2 black felt boot shapes, and bend one end of each arm into a round hand shape. Use a pushpin to create small arm- and legholes in the body, then push through one end of each curled pipe cleaner.
4.

Finally, glue a loop of gold elastic cord to the back of Santa's hat for hanging.






Cardboard Candlesticks


Total Time Needed:
1 Hour

Turn paper tubes into candlesticks complete with shimmery flames.

Materials

* Paper towel and tissue tubes
* Glue

* Acrylic paints
* Gold foil wrapping paper

X

Instructions

1.

Cardboard Candlesticks Set the tubes on end, then (here's the fun part) squirt blobs of white glue right from the bottle around the top of each one.
2.

Allow the glue to run down the sides to create a dripped-wax effect. Let the glue dry thorougly (it should look clear when it has.)
3.

Brush on a coat or two of paint over the dried glue, and again let the candlesticks dry completely.
4.

Cut a flame shape for each candle from a sheet of gold foil wrapping paper. Attach each flame to its candlestick by gluing or taping the lower edge to the inside of the painted tube.




Recycled Gift Tags

Dress up your presents--and give new life to last year's cards--with these easy gift tags. To make one, choose an image that offers enough blank space for your to's and from's (or you can write them on the tag's back). Use card stock for the tag base, then cut around the image so it's slightly smaller than the base (for a more interesting look, we used pinking shears). Glue the image to the base with white craft glue or glue stick. When it's dry, write "To" and "From" on the tag with permanent marker (gold and silver look especially festive). Punch a hole at the top of the tag, thread a length of ribbon through the hole, and tie a knot to secure it.




Shimmering Shelfsicles


Total Time Needed:
1 Hour

Even if the temperature where you live never drops below freezing, you can still have a row of frosty icicles -- inside, no less!

Materials

* White glitter felt
* Paper

* Glue stick

X

Instructions

1.

Cut white glitter felt into a strip 6 1/2 inches wide and as long as your shelf. On the non-glittery side, draw long, pointy icicles with a pencil and cut them out, leaving a border of 1 1/2 inches on the top edge.
2.

Shimmering Shelfsicles - Step 2 Cut a strip of white paper about 4 inches wide and as long as your shelf (tape multiple pieces of paper together as needed). Fold over 1/2-inch of one edge, then join the felt piece and the folded paper with a glue stick as shown.
3.

Clear a shelf, lay the paper on it so that the icicles hang down, and replace the objects to keep the shelfsicles in place.




Emoticon Magnets


Materials

* Computer and printer
* Colored markers
* Scissors

* Clear, flat decorative gems (available at craft stores)
* Glue
* Small, round self-adhesive magnets

X

Instructions

1.

Use a computer to create a variety of emoticons slightly smaller than the gems. Leave plenty of space between them. Print them out.
2.

Use the markers to decorate and color the different faces. Then cut out the faces, trimming them into ovals or circles slightly smaller than the gems.
3.

Glue each cutout (facedown) to the back of a glass pebble and then affix a magnet. Make sure the glue dries completely before you wrap the magnets as a gift.

Tips:
The magnets shown here were made with some of the more familiar emoticons, or "smileys." Encourage your child to see what other expressions she can create.

Make these simple chair covers for Christmas, then customize them for any celebration at home or school.

Materials

* Felt
* Fabric glue or needle and thread

* Pins
* Repositionable glue (we used nontoxic Aleene's Spritz-On Reposition-It Tacky Glue, available at craft stores)

X

Instructions

1.

Snowman Chair Covers - Step 1 The Slipcover:

This easy slipcover, made from a few yards of felt, serves as a backdrop for a year's worth of decorations.

First, decide how far down the back of your chair you want the slipcover to hang. Measure from that point up and over the top of the chair, then down to the seat (or stop at the arms if your chair has them). This is the total length of felt you'll need for each cover. Now measure the width of the chair back at its widest point; add to that measurement the thickness of the chair back and 1 inch for the seams (1/2 inch per side).
2.

For each chair, cut a piece of white felt to fit your measurements. Ours ran 1 1/2 yards long and 2/3 yard wide.
3.

Fold the felt over the chair and pin the sides in place. Remove the cover and sew up the sides or glue them together with fabric glue. If you sew them, turn the cover inside out.
4.

Snowman Chair Covers - Step 4 The Decorations

This jolly fellow's scarf is cut from polar fleece and around the chair rather than glued onto the slipcover. Click here to download the snowman template.

(To view the .pdf files, you'll need Adobe Reader which is available for free from the Adobe site.)
5.

Trace the templates on to felt (or other lightweight materials such as ribbon) and then cut them out. (We hot-glued pom-poms to all the black felt circles to make the snowman's eyes, mouth and buttons to look more like coal.) Dimensions will depend on the size of your chair covers.
6.

Spray the back of each piece with a thin layer of repositionable glue, then press them onto the slipcovers or layer them on top of one another. (If little hands peel off any of them, just apply another layer of glue and press them back on.) Tip: If you get a clump of glue, spread it out with a paintbrush so it doesn't leave a mark on the white felt.
7.

Store the pieces in plastic bags, preferably with the sticky sides facing away from one another. Next time you use them, spritz on another layer of glue.

Festive Holiday Napkins

Total time needed 1-2hrs


Customized for the holiday of your choice, these delightful -- and washable -- napkins look great whether at the kids' table or next to Grandma's best china. They make great gifts for grandparents, aunts, and uncles.

Materials

* Felt
* Scissors
* Fabric glue (we used Fabri-tac)

* Set of machine-washable napkins
* Sequins
* Mini pom-poms

X

Instructions

1.

Cut decorative shapes from the felt, such as a dreidel, Christmas tree, or reindeer (or use our templates).
2.

Glue the shapes to a corner of each napkin and decorate them with glued-on sequins and/or mini pom-poms.

Fantastic, will be trying a few of these and best of all one can do them with the kiddies, all fun

Silverware stickings

These stockings add a playful touch to the dinner table throughout the holidays. They also make it easier to hang on to everything you need when maneuvering through a buffet line. You might see similar items in home decor catalogs, but you can make your own for a fraction of the cost. A beaded initial adds a personalized touch.

Materials

* Stocking template -- draw your own or download ours
* Scissors
* Felt
* Patterned fabric

* Hot glue or fabric glue
* Rickrack
* Beads
* Beading cord (we used clear plastic cord)

X

Instructions

1.

Use the template to cut two stocking shapes from the felt, then cut the cuff and toe shapes from the patterned fabric. The cuff is a long rectangle with the two long edges folded under and ironed for a clean look.
2.

Glue the two stocking shapes together at the edges, leaving the top of the stocking open. Fold a 6-inch length of rickrack in half and glue the ends just inside the stocking's top. Glue the cuff and toe in place.
3.

String beads onto the cord. When the string of beads is long enough to form your letter, knot both ends. Draw your letter onto the stocking with glue, then press the string of beads onto it.

i have more to come tudlytops best of all as you said we can do them with the kids the worst part about christmas and having not alot of money is you spend alot of time at home watching old moviies why not try a few crafts both you and the little ones will enjoy spending time together :)


many more to come il post separtly as pic to go with and no1 can get confused :)

Starry Santa Tin
Ho, ho, homemade Claus from


this one is brillant for left over sweet tins just re-decorate to your own taste and you can use it all year round :)


Here's a stellar way to spruce up an old tin for carrying Christmas cookies: decorate it with a folk art Santa.

Materials

* Cookie tin
* Colored tissue
* Scissors and glue

* Acrylic sealer
* Ribbon

X

Instructions

1.

Trace around the lid onto a solid-color piece of paper, cut out the circle, then glue it to the lid. Next, lightly pencil a rough five-pointed star shape onto the lid. (Tip: Start by making five evenly spaced marks around the edge of the lid for the star points.)
2.

Now, let your kids create the Santa within the star pattern. Here, we glued on cut paper shapes (including punched holes for Santa's eyes and nose), but your kids could also use acrylic paints--or even a combination of paper and paint. Seal their design with a thin coat of acrylic sealer.
3.

To finish off the tin, glue a piece of ribbon around the outside rim of the lid. Now it's ready to fill with cookies.

easy peasy mini xmas tree decoration

made in 2 mins

all you need is pipe cleaners and sequins and glue

the pic below will explain everything:)

follw the pic to help with the directions :)

Advent Calendar


Count down the days 'til Christmas with a calendar filled with sweet surprises.

Materials

* Construction paper
* Scissors
* 25 small treats
* 2-inch wide colored tape
* Puff paint

* Tape or glue
* Rickrack
* Pencil
* Colored yarn

X

Instructions

1.

Advent Calendar - Step 1 Gather 25 small treats, such as gumball-machine prizes, wrapped candy and trinkets. Cut a 4 1/2-foot length of 2-inch wide colored tape. Lay the tape sticky side up and place the treats along the length of it, approximately 1 inch apart.
2.

Advent Calendar - Step 2 Next, tape together several pieces of construction paper or sections of a paper grocery bag to create a 6-foot long, 3-inch wide strip. Place it atop the treat-covered tape and press together the paper and tape around each treat . Trim off any excess paper.
3.

Advent Calendar - Step 3 Write the numbers 1 through 25 in puff paint on pieces of colored construction paper and cut them out. For extra fun, shape pieces into green trees, red Christmas balls and a yellow star. Starting at the bottom, tape or glue the numbers to the paper strip, one over each treat. Finally, glue rickrack along the edges of the paper and tape the top of the calendar to a pencil.
4.

Tie a length of colored yarn to the ends of the pencil, and the Advent calendar is ready to hang.

Countdown-to-Christmas Collage


Total Time Needed:
Afternoon Or Evening


Kids can enjoy a literal buildup to December 25th with this add-to-it-each-day twist on an Advent calendar.

Materials

* FOR THE BACKDROP
* 1 yard of felt, cut to 25 by 28 inches
* Scissors
* Ruler
* 2 feet of cording
* 2 (3/8-inch-diameter) dowels, each cut to 27 inches
* Fabric glue
* FOR THE ADD-ONS
* 1/4 yard of felt for the house, cut to 9 by 22 inches

* 1/4 yard of felt for the roof
* 1/8 yard of white felt for the snow
* 10 to 12 (about 9- by 12-inch) felt sheets in a variety of colors
* Templates for the add-ons
* Fine-tipped permanent marker
* Small pom-poms for the Christmas tree
* 16 tiny bells for the reindeer
* Repositionable glue such as nontoxic Aleene's Spritz-On Reposition-It Tacky Glue

X

Instructions

1.

Countdown-to-Christmas Collage - Step 1 Backdrop
Set the felt right-side down on a flat surface. Using scissors, make 2 small holes along the top edge, as shown, 1 inch down from the top and 10 inches in from each side. Thread the ends of the cording through the holes.
2.

Lay one of the dowels lengthwise across the felt and tie each end of the cording around it in a tight double knot. Pull the cording taut.
3.

Countdown-to-Christmas Collage - Step 3 Spread a thin, even line of fabric glue across the top edge of the felt. Tightly fold the felt over the dowel and press it in place. Repeat the gluing process with the second dowel (but no cording) along the bottom edge of the felt. Allow the glue to dry thoroughly (about 45 minutes).
4.

Countdown-to-Christmas Collage - Step 4 Add-on Pieces

Download and print templates for the add-on pieces and roof and snow templates. Trace and cut out each. Following the directions on the templates, glue together the layered elements, such as Santa. Add details such as eyes, chocolate chips, and the word "toys" on the bag with a permanent marker.
5.

Countdown-to-Christmas Collage - Step 5 Set the pieces facedown on a clean trash bag. Following the directions on the label, spray with repositionable glue. Store the pieces in a plastic bag, preferably with the sticky sides facing away from one another, until you're ready to place them on the collage. (If a piece isn't sticking properly, apply more glue and allow it to dry thoroughly.) Next year, simply spritz on another layer of repositionable glue before starting your collage.

Chewy & Louie


Total Time Needed:
1 Hour

Whether slip-sliding across Lake Lollipop or waddling up to greet guests at the chalet, these dapper penguins are a cool yet comical pair.

For the complete edible winter wonderland, click here!

Materials

* Toothpicks
* 2 small white gumdrops
* 2 large white gumdrops
* 2 orange jelly beans, halved
* Royal icing

* 2 purple Necco wafers, halved
* 2 orange M&M's, halved
* Scissors
* Black shoestring licorice

X

Instructions

1.

To make each penguin, use a toothpick to attach the small gumdrop (the penguin's head) on top of the large one (the body). Snap a toothpick in half and use the same technique to attach the jelly bean halves to the penguin's body as feet.
2.

Using small dabs of royal icing, glue the Necco wafer halves in place as wings and the M&M half as a beak.
3.

Snip off two tiny lengths of shoestring licorice and affix them with royal icing to make the eyes.

Dog Paw Stocking

Toatl time needed 2-3 hrs

Cut your family's furriest friend in on the action -- this stocking's big enough to hold a bone that will last all day.

Materials

* Scissors
* 2 pieces of light tan faux fur, each 24 by 13 inches
* 2 piece of dark tan faux fur, each 24 by 13 inches
* Sheet of dark brown felt, 9 by 12 inches
* Long sewing pins

* Large-eye sewing needle
* Dark brown embroidery floss
* Clear tape
* 9 inches of tan twist cord

X

Instructions

1.

The Basic Stocking: Click here to download the dog paw stocking pattern.

2.

Cut 1 paw shape from each piece of the light tan fur and 1 from each piece of the dark tan fur
3.

Cut paw pads from the brown felt.
4.

Pin the paw pads to the furry side of a dark tan paw and use the floss to whipstitch (see diagram and Tips) the pads in place.
5.

Pin together the 4 paws with the dark tan paws on the outside, furry sides out, and the light tan paws on the inside, furry sides in.
6.

Dog Paw Stocking - Step 6 Using the floss, whipstitch around the edges, sewing the paws together. Leave the top edges unsewn.
7.

Dog Paw Stocking - Step 7 At the top, sew together the front 2 edges, then the back 2.
8.

Fold down the top to make a cuff.
9.

Tape the ends of the cord to keep them from fraying, then sew the cord to the stocking for hanging.

Tips:
A Stitch for All Stockings
Thread your needle with a length of floss and knot one end. Begin sewing by pushing the needle up through the underside of the fabric and then out the top. Loop the needle back under the fabric and repeat the stitch.

Flying Bird Ornaments


total time needed 1 hr


Have your kids make this sweet handmade ornament to hang on the Christmas tree.

Materials

* Scissors
* Cardinal or dove template
* 2 (7-inch) squares of red or white felt
* Fabric glue

* 12 inches of clear fishing line
* Fake holly sprig (available at craft stores), cut into a 2-inch length
* 2 small black beads or a permanent marker

X

Instructions

1.

Flying Bird Ornaments - Step 1 Print out a cardinal or dove template. Cut 2 matching bird shapes from the felt squares. Apply a thin outline of fabric glue to the body of one of the cutouts, excluding the wing, as shown. Knot the ends of the fishing line to create a loop. (We used black thread in the photo above for demonstration purposes only.) Lay the knot on the body as shown and firmly press the second cutout onto the first, sandwiching the fishing line.
2.

Flying Bird Ornaments - Step 2 Once the glue is dry (about 15 minutes), use scissors to poke a tiny hole in the beak at least 1/2 inch from the tip. Push a holly sprig through the hole. Attach bead eyes with fabric glue or draw them on with a permanent marker.

Pom-pom Snowmen
Craft a crew of mini snowfolk -- no mittens required



You can easily build a whole bunch of these no-melt snowmen no matter what the weather in your area.

Materials

* Needle
* Thread
* White pom-poms in 2 sizes: 1-1/2 inches and 1 inch
* Colored felt
* 1/4-inch jump rings

* Glue
* Orange felt
* Black fabric paint
* Yarn
* String

X

Instructions

1.

Pom-pom Snowmen Step 1 For each one, thread a needle with a 2-foot length of thread, then double it and knot the end. For the snowman's body and head, pass the needle through the centers of 3 white pom-poms: first a 1-1⁄2-inch pom-pom, then two 1-inch pom-poms.
2.

To add a hat, sew through the centers of a 1-1⁄2-inch circle of colored felt and a matching 1-inch pom-pom. Slip the needle through a 1⁄4-inch jump ring (found in the beading aisle of craft stores), then secure the snowman by scrunching the parts together slightly and sewing back through the hat and the head. Tie the thread to itself between the two 1-inch white pom-poms and trim any excess.
3.

Glue on a small orange felt triangle for a nose and add dots of black fabric paint for a face and buttons. Finally, tie on a yarn scarf and a loop of string for a hanger

Petite Penguin


This little polar bird makes a handsome tabletop decoration for the holiday season.

Materials

* Egg carton
* Uncooked rice
* Masking tape
* Black paint
* White paint
* Craft glue
* Googly eyes

* Orange felt
* Red felt
* White pom-pom
* Mini rickrack trim
* Orange pipe cleaner
* Cardboard
* White cotton

X

Instructions

1.

Petite Penguin - Step 1 To hatch one, begin by filling a cup cut from an egg carton with uncooked rice, top it with a second cup (turned upside down), and secure them together with masking tape.
2.

Paint the cups black, and once they are dry, paint a white oval on the front. Use craft glue to attach 2 googly eyes and an orange felt beak.
3.

For a hat, glue a 41⁄2- by 11⁄2-inch piece of felt around the top of the head. Glue closed the top of the hat, then glue on a white pom-pom and a strand of mini rickrack trim.
4.

Bend an orange pipe cleaner into feet and glue it to the bottom of the body. Give your penguin a snowy roost by gluing him to a 3-inch cardboard circle covered with white cotton.

Sparkly Snowman


Brighten your holiday table with this glittery wintertime houseguest.

Materials

* Egg carton
* Uncooked rice
* Masking tape
* White paint
* Clear glitter
* Glue
* Pushpin

* Brown pipe cleaners
* Felt
* Pom-pom
* Cardboard
* White cotton
* Orange felt
* Mini black pom-poms

X

Instructions

1.

Make 2 basic egg carton body shapes as described for the Petite Penguin (omit the rice in one of them). Paint them white and sprinkle on clear glitter. When they have dried, glue the empty body part atop the rice-filled one.
2.

Use a pushpin to create a small armhole on each side of the bottom segment, then push through two 31⁄2-inch lengths of brown pipe cleaner for arms, bending the ends for hands.
3.

Glue a 1- by 41⁄2-inch piece of felt around the top of the head for a hat. Glue closed the top, then glue on a pom-pom.
4.

Glue the snowman to a white snowdrift (cotton glued to a 3-inch cardboard circle).
5.

Glue on an orange felt nose, mini black pom-poms for a mouth, eyes, and buttons, and a 1- by 7-inch strip of felt for a scarf.

keep-it-tidy,

Brilliant ideas - and great clear instructions!

Thanks loads for this.

Countdown Snowman


With his jaunty cap, stick arms, and cute-as-a-button smile, this merry snowman will tirelessly announce to all passersby exactly how many days remain until the holidays. Change the numbers every morning, and he's sure to tantalize your friends and neighbors with anticipation, becoming the centerpiece of your street. Sturdy enough for your yard or front porch, he'll work just as well in your entryway or by the fireplace.

Materials

* Newspapers
* Fence slat or other scrap board, 3 to 3 1/2 feet long
* White and orange paint
* Paintbrush
* Triangular piece of wood
* Hammer and nails
* Branch or stick, about 2 feet long
* String
* House numbers with the holes at the top (available at hardware stores for about 70 cents each; to count to December 25th, for example, you'll need 12 numbers: a 0, two 1's, two 2's, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9)
* Buttons

* Wood glue
* Plaster of Paris (about 8 pounds)
* Round disposable container such as a cardboard paint bucket or foil casserole
* Knee sock
* Scarf
* One sheet of felt
* White glue
* Small piece of scrap plywood
* Permanent marker
* 2 small screw eyes

X

Instructions

1.

Spread out some old newspapers outside or in a well-ventilated area. Paint one side of the fence slat white and set it down, paint side up, on the newspapers to dry. When the paint is dry, paint the other side and paint the triangular piece of wood orange (for the nose) and let both dry. (Tip: If placing outdoors, use all-weather paint or add a sealer.
2.

Countdown Snowman Step 2 About one third of the way from the top, hammer two nails into the back of the slat, making sure they don't poke through the front. Place the branch (the arms) on the nails and secure with string as shown in photo at right.
3.

To position the numbers, lay two numbers side by side and mark the holes an inch or two below the arms on the front of the slat. To hang, partially hammer in two nails with heads small enough for the numbers to fit over.
4.

Glue on the wooden orange nose and button eyes and mouth. Let the glue dry.
5.

Mix the plaster of Paris according to the package directions in the disposable container. When it is partially set, stick the bottom of the snowman into the center and prop it up to hold it steady (2 by 4's laid across the top of the container flush against the slat work well). When the plaster is set (it will take about two hours), peel away the container.
6.

For the hat, cut the foot off an old kneesock, leaving a tube. Tie a string around one end of the tube to close it off. Pull the other end over the snowman's head and fold up a cuff.
7.

Tie an old scarf around the snowman's neck.
8.

To make a mitten, cut two mitten shapes from a piece of felt and glue them together around the edges, leaing an opening to slip over an end of the branch. Repeat for second mitten.
9.

Using a permanent marker or paint, write "Days Until Christmas" on a scrap piece of plywood. Insert the screw eyes in the top edge near the corners and tie a piece of string between them.
10.

Hang the numbers on the nails and the sign on the snowman's left arm.

no problem il up load as many as i can now and over the next week ad pics up of anything you and your kids make over the christmas :)

Fanciful Feathered Friends

total time needed 1-2 hrs


You can perch these pretty birds in myriad places: put one on the end of a skewer for a plant poke, hang one in a window with a piece of monofilament, or place several in a nest for a tabletop centerpiece. They make a great gift for moms, grandmoms, and teachers.

Materials

* Styrofoam ball, 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 inches in diameter
* Bamboo skewer
* Glitter paint and paintbrush
* Glue dots
* Googly eyes

* Scissors
* Yellow plastic notebook divider tab
* Needle-nose pliers
* 20-gauge craft wire
* Feathers

X

Instructions

1.

Stick the Styrofoam ball on a skewer. Paint the entire ball, then set the skewer in a cup and let it dry overnight.
2.

Remove the skewer, then use the glue dots to attach the eyes to the ball.
3.

Fanciful Feathered Friends Step 3 For a beak, cut a small triangle from the notebook tab, as shown. Gently score the ball with the skewer, then insert the beak.
4.

Use the pliers to bend the craft wire into feet. Poke the feet and feathers into the ball.

This is one of my fav's


Frost-free the Snowman

Total time needed 1 hr


It's no snow job -- this Frosty requires neither a white Christmas nor freezing temperatures to spread his cheer. All he needs is a stack of leftover boxes, a few pompoms, tape, felt, and some white quilt batting. Bonus: he comes apart, making him easy to store during the off-season.

Materials

* 5 boxes in varying sizes (see the sizes we used, marked in the illustration)
* 8 yards of 48-inch-wide, 4-ounce batting
* Clear packing tape
* Double-sided foam tape
* 5 medium pom-poms (for the mouth)

* 8 large pom-poms (for eyes and buttons)
* Scissors
* 7-inch square of orange felt
* Hat and scarf

X

Instructions

1.

Frost-free the Snowman - Step 1 Wrap box 1 with batting and secure it with packing tape. Tape together boxes 2 and 3 and boxes 4 and 5, then wrap them as well. Stack the wrapped boxes. Use double-sided foam tape to affix pom-pom eyes, mouth, and buttons to your snowman.
2.

Step 2 - Carrot nose instructions For a nose, trim the felt along the curved line as shown (A), then roll and tape it into a cone (B). Tape the nose to the head, then dress your snowman in a hat and scarf.

Frosty the Doorstop

While most snowmen are made up of flakes, ours is made from a single paving stone. Want your Frosty to greet folks from the porch? Use all-weather paint instead of acrylic.

* A note about the pavers:
These keyhole-shaped pavers may prove hard to find, as some major home improvement stores no longer carry them (or stock them only in the spring and summer). We recommend you check Menards, which stocks the paver in stores, or your local masonry and gravel supply store.


Materials

* Keyhole-shaped paver (available at many home improvement stores) *
* Paintbrush
* White and black acrylic paint
* Orange modeling clay
* Superglue

* Fleece
* Pipe cleaner
* Two 1 1/2-inch pom-poms
* Rubber band
* Felt

X

Instructions

1.

Rinse off the paver to remove any loose bits of dirt or cement. Paint it white and let it dry. If needed, apply a second coat and let it dry completely.
2.

Lay the paver flat and paint on the eyes, mouth, and buttons. Let the face dry, then mold a clay nose and affix it with superglue (a parent's job).
3.

Cut a fleece scarf (ours measures 1 by 22 inches) and tie it in place. For the earmuffs, bend a 5-inch piece of pipe cleaner into an arc. Superglue the ends to either side of the head and the pom-poms over the ends (a parent's job), then wrap the rubber band around the snowman?s head to hold the earmuffs in place until the glue dries.
4.

To protect indoor floors, superglue a small piece of felt to the base of the snowman.

Melty the Snowman


Total Time Needed:
1 Hour


This whimsical windowsill decoration serves as a sign of spring no matter what climate you live in.

Materials

* White and colored felt
* Tacky glue
* White pom-pom

* Black puffy paint
* Craft foam (for nose)
* Twigs (for arms)

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Instructions

1.

Cut a puddle shape from white felt and use tacky glue to attach a white pom-pom to the top.
2.

With black puffy paint, add eyes, a mouth, and buttons. Glue on a craft foam nose and twig arms.
3.

Wrap a felt scarf around Melty's neck and glue it in place.

Merry Mice


Total Time Needed:
1 Hour


Whether used as gift tags or just given as sweet presents all by themselves, these candy Christmas mice are sure to cause a stir.

Materials

* Red and green felt
* Scissors
* Glue
* Pom-poms

* Candy canes
* Googly eyes
* Tape

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Instructions

1.

Merry Mice - Step 1 Cut a 6-inch-long teardrop-shaped body from red felt. Near the center, cut 2 parallel slits that are 1 inch long and 1/2 inch apart.
2.

Merry Mice - Step 2 For a pair of ears, cut a 5-inch-long rounded bow-tie shape from green felt. This will be used to make the ears.
3.

To put the mouse together, fit the ears through the slits in the body. Glue on googly eyes and a pom-pom nose.
4.

Finally, add a curly tail by slipping a candy cane beneath the mouse and tucking the straight end between the body and the ears to hold it in place.

Merry Mice 2


Unlike the poetic creatures that didn't stir the night before Christmas, these holiday mice are raring to go. Just place a marble under their walnut shell bodies, set them on a smooth, inclined surface, and they'll race each other to the finish.

Materials

* Felt
* Glue
* Scissors

* Thread
* Walnut Shells
* Colored Markers

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Instructions

1.

To make each mouse, fold in half small felt circles for ears.
2.

Glue together the lower portion of each ear, leaving the back open. Glue the ears, a felt tail, and whiskers of thread onto a shell half.
3.

Last, use a colored marker to draw on eyes and a nose.

Reindeer Gift Bag

Total time needed

1 hr

This friendly bag is the perfect way to send someone a special gift.

Materials

* Paper bag
* Glue
* Card stock

* Pencil
* Scissors
* Pom-pom

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Instructions

1.

Reindeer Gift Bag - Step 1 Print the Reindeer Gift Bag template. (We used 8 1/2-inch-tall bags here, but you can alter the parts for larger bags, if necessary.) Use a pencil to mark a brown paper bag as shown, then cut along the solid lines to create a rounded top and 2 separate teardrop ear shapes.
2.

Fold the bag along the dotted line, then glue an antler (cut from brown card stock) and an ear inside the fold on each side of the bag.
3.

For the eyes, glue 2 small white paper circles to 2 black circles, use a marker to add dots for pupils, then glue them to the bag.
4.

Glue on a red pom-pom for a nose. Let all of the glue dry before placing a small gift inside.

Rudolph Table Topper


Total Time Needed:
2-3 Hours

This reindeer's nose isn't his only noteworthy feature. His antlers also make a festive display rack for hanging your Christmas ornaments.

Materials

* 12- by 18-inch piece of brown craft foam
* Scissors
* 64-ounce juice bottle with a red cap, emptied and rinsed
* Craft knife
* Sand
* Funnel

* 2-inch Styrofoam ball
* 3- by 2-inch scrap of black craft foam
* Craft glue (we used tacky glue)
* 2 branched sticks (ours were about 2 feet tall)
* 2 clothespins
* Holiday ornaments and ribbon

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Instructions

1.

Rudolph Table Topper - Step 1 On the brown craft foam, draw 2 ears and a pear-shaped head, as shown. Draw 2 asterisks at the top of the head where the antlers will go and trace the bottle cap at the other end for the nose. Use scissors to cut out the head, ears, and nose hole, then cut the asterisks to make holes.
2.

Rudolph Table Topper - Step 2 Mark 2 asterisks at the bottom of the bottle, about 4 inches apart, and cut those with a craft knife (a parent's job). Use the funnel to fill the bottle with sand.
3.

Rudolph Table Topper - Step 3 Put the head shape onto the bottle by pushing the spout through the nose hole. For eyes, cut the Styrofoam ball in half with a craft knife (a parent's job). Cut 2 quarter-size circles from black craft foam and glue one on each of the Styrofoam pieces. To help the foam circles stick, turn over each eye and press down hard, flattening the rounded edge.
4.

Rudolph Table Topper - Step 4 Screw the cap on and lay the bottle on its side. Glue the eyes in place. Next, line up the asterisk holes in the head with the ones in the bottle, then push the antler sticks through. Glue on the ears, using clothespins to hold them in place while they dry. To finish, decorate Rudolph's antlers with holiday ornaments tied on with ribbons.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Handprint


Total Time Needed:
1 Hour

Your child gets to lend a hand in crafting this ultraeasy decoration, which makes a sweet gift for grandparents this Christmas.

Materials

* Pencil
* Brown craft foam or card stock
* Black marker
* Red glitter glue
* Gold sequins

* Glue
* Googly eyes
* Red pom-pom
* Brown pipe cleaner
* Paper clip or clothespin

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Instructions

1.

To assemble one, first use a pencil to trace your child's hand onto a piece of brown craft foam or card stock.
2.

Cut out the shape and add black marker hooves to the fingertips.
3.

Next, add a red glitter glue collar with gold sequins for bells, then glue on a googly eye, a red pom-pom nose, and a tail cut from the brown craft foam or card stock.
4.

For the reindeer's antlers, cut a brown pipe cleaner in half. Bend each half in two (slightly off-center) and curl the ends. Glue together the pipe cleaner pieces, holding them in place with a paper clip or clothespin until the glue dries. Finally, glue the antlers in place on the reindeer.

Snowman Garland


Total time needed
1hr

Whether you live in a cold or warm climate, your kids can have fun rounding up these decorative little snowmen. String them together, and they look great as a doorway or banister adornment. Or you can hang them singly as tree ornaments.

For a simple, printable pattern of this craft, try our snowman.pdf.

Materials

* 2 different-size jar lids (we used one with a 2-inch diameter and another with a 3-inch diameter)
* Cardboard
* Pencil
* 4 or more 9- by 12-inch sheets of white craft foam
* Puffy paints

* Ribbon, fleece, and felt
* Small pom-poms
* Tacky glue
* 3 yards or more of thin ribbon

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Instructions

1.

Snowman Garland - Step 1 Create a template by tracing the jar lids (the smaller one above the larger one, their rims touching) onto the cardboard and cutting out the snowman shape. Use the template to draw snowmen on the craft foam (we fit six per sheet) and cut them out.
2.

Now your child can use puffy paints to add facial features and buttons. While the paint dries, she can cut out ribbon or fleece scarves (about 12 inches long) to tie around the snowmen's necks, as well as brimmed felt hats or stocking caps -- complete with a small pom-pom glued to the end -- to glue on their heads.
3.

To string the snowmen into a garland, loop the ribbon once around the back of each of their scarves. Keep the loops loose enough that you can slide the snowmen into place along the strand.

Snowman Gift Bag

Total time needed
1hr

Warm your spirits and enjoy the gift of giving with this perfect Snowman Gift Bag.

Materials

* Paper bag
* Pencil
* Glue

* Card stock
* Fake gems
* Marker

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Instructions

1.

Snowman Gift Bag - Step 1 Print the Snowman Gift Bag template. (We used 8 1/2-inch-tall bags here, but you can alter the parts for larger bags, if necessary.) Use a pencil to lightly mark 2 lines across a white paper gift bag, 1 1/2 inches and 3/4 inch from the top.
2.

Glue red and black card stock shapes below the lower line for a hat, brim, and band.
3.

Add an orange paper triangle for a carrot nose and 1/2-inch black paper circles for a mouth. For the eyes, glue 2 small white paper circles to 2 black circles, use a marker to add dots for pupils, then glue them to the bag.
4.

Glue fake gems to the snowman's hat. Let all of the glue dry completely, then place a small gift in the bag and fold along the dotted lines.

These are so cute :)


Sock Snowfolk


Total Time Needed:
1 Hour


Give winter boredom the boot with this easy snowman craft.

Materials

* Beans (or rice)
* Empty plastic container
* Fleece
* Rubber band

* Pom-pom
* Pipe cleaner
* Button eyes
* Buttons

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Instructions

1.

Sock Snowfolk - Step 1 For each one, first pour 1/2 cup of dried beans or rice into a clean, empty plastic container, such as a single-serving milk bottle, a water bottle, or a plastic peanut jar (ours were about 7 to 10 inches tall).
2.

Turn a white tube sock inside out and slide it over the bottle, starting at the bottom. Tuck the top of the sock inside the bottle, trimming it a bit first if necessary.
3.

Sock Snowfolk - Step 3 For a hat, cut a piece of colored fleece that's at least half as tall as the bottle and wide enough to wrap around it with at least 1 inch of overlap. Wrap the fleece around the top half of the bottle and secure it with a rubber band or elastic hair tie near the bottom of the fleece. Gather the material at the top of the hat and secure it with another rubber band or hair tie, as shown (far left).
4.

To add a pom-pom to the hat, remove the fleece from the bottle, turn it inside out, then rubber-band it back in place and hot-glue a pom-pom to the top. Roll up the bottom edge of the hat or tuck it under for a brim.
5.

Next, hot-glue on the snowman's features: a carrot nose (half an orange pipe cleaner coiled around the tip of a sharpened pencil to form a cone), small black button eyes, and colorful buttons down his front. Finally, tie on a strip of fleece for a scarf.

Thumbprint Reindeer



THUMBPRINT REINDEER
You will need:
# Ink pad with nontoxic brown or bronze ink
# Plain notecards or card stock
# Craft glue
# Googly eyes
# Mini pom-poms, brown and red
# Brown marker

Use a thumb or fingertip to stamp 3 reindeer heads on each notecard. Glue on googly eyes and pom-pom noses (including a red one for Rudolph, of course). Finish by drawing antlers.

Cat Mat


Total Time Needed:
Afternoon Or Evening

This comfy cushion and catnip-filled fabric fish will make every kitty's holiday dreams come true.

Materials

* 1 yard of fabric
* Polyester filling
* Chalk
* Scissors
* Pins

* Dried catnip
* 1-foot piece of fabric
* Needle and thread
* Embroidery thread

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Instructions

1.

To make the cushion, fold the fabric in half so the patterned sides are touching. Draw an oval on the fabric with chalk, then cut along the outline with scissors to make two ovals of equal size. Pin them together and stitch three-quarters of the way around to create a pocket.
2.

Turn the fabric right side out and stuff it with polyester filling that has been sprinkled with catnip. Turn in the open edge and hand stitch it closed.
3.

The fish is made in the same fashion. Fold a 1-foot piece of fabric in half, draw a fish shape on it, and cut along the outline so to create two fish of equal size. Sew up the sides, leaving the tail open.
4.

Turn the pocket right side out, stuff with polyester filling and catnip, and sew closed.
5.

As a finishing touch, stitch big green eyes and colorful stripes on the fish with embroidery thread.

Dog-Bone Wreath



Total Time Needed:
1 Hour


Whether given to your own pet or a friend's Fido, this wreath with edible ornaments is the perfect pooch present.

Materials

* 12-inch cardboard circle, or a 12-inch Styrofoam wreath (available at craft supply stores)
* Scissors
* 5 yards of ribbon and matching bow
* Large dog bones

* Dog toys
* Tape
* Evergreens, optional

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Instructions

1.

If using the cardboard round, trace an 8-inch circle in the middle of it (a small mixing bowl or plate will be approximately the right size). With the scissors, cut out the inner circle, leaving a ring or wreath shape.
2.

Tape the ribbon onto the back of the cardboard wreath or tie it to the Styrofoam wreath and start winding it around the circle on a slight diagonal. Once you have come full circle, cut the ribbon and tape it down.
3.

Next, cut ten or so 9-inch lengths of ribbon for attaching the dog bones and toys. Attach eat treat separately by first placing the dog bone or toy on the wreath and securing it by placing a length of ribbon across it. Flip the wreath over and tie the ribbon securely in a knot, making sure there is no slack in the loop around the bone or toy. (This tying method allows the items to be removed one at a time without displacing the others.) Continue tying on the bones and toys in this fashion, leaving a 3-inch space for the bow between the first and the last treat.
4.

For a fuller look, tape greens onto the cardboard round or push the ends into the Styrofoam wreath. With the remaining length of ribbon, tie a loop on the back of the wreath at the top so that it can be easily hung for all to see -- especially the puppy dog.

Foam Wonderland
Six indoor projects

No matter how low the mercury falls, it never gets too cold to play in this snowy enchanted forest. Made from thin sheets of foam rubber (ask for Foamies at your local craft or art supply store) or poster board, the pieces are a cinch to assemble and virtually unbreakable, unlike many tabletop figurines.

ROUND UP SOME ANIMALS
Once your child has decided which creatures he'd like to populate his forest, help him sketch the parts of each figure on the foam or poster board. Begin by outlining the animal's torso with only its head and tail attached. Next, draw two pairs of legs (and a set of antlers, if appropriate) separate from the rest of the body. frosty and friendsCut out the individual pieces with scissors and then snip narrow notches in the top of each set of legs and the bottom of the torso, as shown. Fit the pieces together so the animal will stand on its own. Use the same method to attach the antlers. Add eyes (or stripes on a raccoon's or skunk's tail) with colored markers or paints.

BUILD A SNOWMAN
Cut out two matching foam snowmen. Notch one cutout from the head to the middle of its belly and the other from the bottom to the middle of its belly. Fit both pieces together. Now cut out a notched top hat and carrot nose, and attach them to the snowman. For a scarf, cut out a wavy ribbon shape with one curved end. Cut off the curved end about 1 inch from the edge, then notch the cut edge on both pieces of the scarf and fit them onto the snowman's neck. Draw on coal eyes and a mouth.

FIND A CONSTELLATION
To make stars and a moon come out in your forest, start with pairs of matching shapes. Notch one cutout from the center of a point and the matching star from between two points. Then fit the pieces together. (For a moon, use notched circles.) Thread fishing line through the tops and hang them above the scene.

PLANT TREES
It wouldn't be a forest without pines. Again, start with like shapes. Notch one from the top to the center and the other from the bottom to the center. Then fit the two together.

LET IT SNOW
Now your child can set up his forest on a sheet of cardboard covered with drifts of faux snow.

Puppy Portrait Frame


Total Time Needed:
Afternoon Or Evening


Your family dog will look pretty as a picture when her snapshot is displayed in this dog-bone frame.

Materials

* Flat wooden frame
* Dog-bone treats
* Water-based high-gloss polyurethane

* Small paint brush
* Hot glue

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Instructions

1.

Remove the glass and the cardboard backing from a flat wooden frame and set them aside. Lay the wood, face side up, on a flat working surface and arrange crunchy dog-bone treats on top of it. Place them horizontally, end to end to fashion a border all the way around, or diagonally to accent the corners.
2.

Once the pattern is determined, remove the dog bones, lay them face down, and apply a coat of water-based high-gloss polyurethane to the backs. Once dry, hot-glue the bones to the frame so that the polyurethaned sides are against the frame (adults only).
3.

Apply polyurethane to the tops and sides of the glued-on dog bones, let dry, and apply another coat of polyurethane.
4.

When the final coat is completely dry, insert the puppy's photo and reassemble the frame.

Yarn Candy Cane


Total Time Needed:
1 Hour

A neat twist on a classic, these canes are virtually indestructible (and they make excellent gifts).

Materials

* 2 skeins of DMC Pearl Cotton, one red and one white
* Scissors

* Red pipe cleaners
* 1/2" to 5/8" ribbon

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Instructions

1.

Open a skein of cotton and snip the loop at each end so you have two bunches; repeat with the other skein. Then take one red bunch and one white bunch and tie them together into a single knot around the end of a pipe cleaner.
2.

Yarn Candy Cane - Step 2 To make the stripes, twist the two colors around the pipe cleaner and knot the ends together around the other end. Trim the cotton at both ends and trim the pipe cleaner if need be.
3.

Bend into a candy cane shape and adorn with a ribbon bow.

Tips:
These canes were created with fine DMC Pearl Cotton, but younger kids may have an easier time with chenille yarn or cord.

Retro Ornaments


These simple yet sophisticated decorations are made from cardboard tubes and pipe cleaners. Paint the outsides of the tubes before cutting them, if desired, or keep them unpainted for a natural look.

Materials

* Cardboard tubes
* Pipe cleaners
* Ruler
* Pencil

* Scissors
* Hole punch
* Thread or string

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Instructions

1.

For each ornament, flatten a 7 1/2-inch length of cardboard tube. Mark and cut it into 3/4-inch-wide rings; you'll need 10 for this project.
2.

On each flattened ring, mark dots 3/4 inches in from each folded edge. With a hole punch, make holes at the dots.
3.

Starting with the inner circle, string the rings onto a pipe cleaner. For the outer circle, twist two pipe cleaners together to make a double-long piece, then thread it through the outer holes in the cardboard rings. Twist the ends together and trim the excess. Hang with thread or string.

Sizzling Snowboard


Total Time Needed:
1 Hour



Celebrate the holidays with this fun decorative craft that's simple to make.

Materials

* Craft stick
* Craft foam
* Cord

* Glue
* String
* Colored tape

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Instructions

1.

For a flashy snowboard, attach pieces of colored tape to a colored jumbo craft stick (available at craft stores), as shown at top.
2.

Next, cut 2 small foot shapes out of craft foam. Wrap pieces of decorative cord around them for bindings, then glue them to the top of the board.
3.

Finally, tie or glue on a length of string for a hanger.

Winter Wonderland


Total Time Needed:
2-3 Hours

This ornament lets kids assemble miniature figurines and novelty items into magical "through the looking glass" scenes.

Materials

* 9-ounce clear plastic cup
* Silver poster board
* Pinking shears or decorative craft scissors
* Polyester batting
* Miniature trees (sold in craft stores; try the dollhouse or model railroad section)
* Miniature animals or people (sold in craft stores or online at BJCRAFTSUPPLIES.COM)

* 1-inch-wide mirror
* Tacky glue
* Fine glitter
* Pushpin
* Monofilament
* Several craft beads

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Instructions

1.

Winter Wonderland - Step 1 Trace the rim of the cup onto the underside of the poster board. Cut out the circle, but stay at least 1/8 inch outside the trace line so the base will be slightly larger than the cup.
2.

Winter Wonderland - Step 2 Cut out a circle of batting snow that's the same diameter as the cup and set it atop the shiny side of the poster board circle.
3.

Separate or snip the batting where you'd like to position the trees, figurines, and mirror pond. Glue the base of each item to the poster board, then smooth or fluff the snow around them as needed. Sprinkle the scene with fine glitter.
4.

Use the pushpin to poke a hole in the center of the cup bottom. Thread a craft bead onto a 12-inch length of monofilament. Gather the ends together, letting the bead fall to the center of the line, and thread them up through the hole from inside the cup. String a few more beads onto the doubled line (outside the cup) and then knot the ends to form a loop.
5.

Apply a line of glue along the edge of the poster board circle. Press the cup, upside down, atop the glue and hold it in place for 20 seconds or so. During the first 10 minutes of drying time, occasionally check the seal and press down gently on the cup, if required. Let the glue cure for a full day before hanging the ornament.