D.I.Y Christmas Decorations

[keep-it-tidy]

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/santa-claus-paper-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/pdf/printables/christmas-glass-rim-place-cards-printable-1109.pdf




Penguin Ornament

same as above instrucstions are on the link :)

http://familyfun.go.com/assets/cms/pdf/printables/penguin-ornament-printable-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.

[keep-it-tidy]

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.

[keep-it-tidy]

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.

[tudlytops]

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

[keep-it-tidy]

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.

[keep-it-tidy]

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


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 :)

[keep-it-tidy]

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.

[keep-it-tidy]

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:)

[keep-it-tidy]

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.

[keep-it-tidy]

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.

[keep-it-tidy]

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.

[keep-it-tidy]

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.

[keep-it-tidy]

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.

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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

[keep-it-tidy]

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.

[keep-it-tidy]

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.

[Mickey]

keep-it-tidy,

Brilliant ideas - and great clear instructions!

Thanks loads for this.

[keep-it-tidy]

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.

[keep-it-tidy]

keep-it-tidy,

Brilliant ideas - and great clear instructions!

Thanks loads for this.


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 :)

[keep-it-tidy]

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.

[keep-it-tidy]

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.

[keep-it-tidy]

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.

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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)

X

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.

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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

X

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.

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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

X

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.

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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

X

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.

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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

X

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.

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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

X

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.

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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

X

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.

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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

X

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.

[keep-it-tidy]

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

X

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.

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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.

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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

X

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.

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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

X

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.

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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.

[keep-it-tidy]

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

X

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.

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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

X

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.

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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

X

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.

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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

X

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.

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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

X

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.

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Paper Drops



Total Time Needed:
1 Hour


Proof of elegance in simplicity, these graceful paper shapes come together with two snaps of a stapler.

Materials

* Colored paper
* Stapler

* Ribbon or gold cord

X

Instructions

1.

ORNAMENT: Cut two 12-inch strips, two 10-inch strips, and one 8 3/4-inch strip. Line them up in this order: 12, 10, 8 3/4, 10, 12, with one set of ends even. Staple this end. Line up the other ends evenly (bending the outer strips as needed) and staple.
2.

HEART: Cut two 12-inch strips and two 9 1/2-inch strips. Line them up in this order: 9 1/2, 12, 12, 9 1/2, with one set of ends even. Staple this end. Now bend the unstapled ends into a heart shape, so a small heart lies inside a larger heart. Align the ends and staple together.
3.

TEARDROP: Cut two 12-inch strips, two 10 1/2-inch strips, and one 9-inch strip. Line them up in this order: 12, 10 1/2, 9, 10 1/2, 12, with one set of ends even. Staple this end. Next, make a crease 1 inch from the unstapled ends of the 12- and 10 1/2-inch strips. Finally, align the ends of all the strips and staple them together.
4.

Use the completed shapes to dress up a window or spin in midair from a light fixture or a ribbon. To hang each, knot the end of the gold cord and place it between the loose strips of paper at the top. Staple it all together.

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Wrapping Paper Stars


These stellar but surprisingly easy party decorations (they come together with just a few cuts and twists) are made from all those odds and ends of holiday wrap you'd otherwise toss in the trash. Hang one or dozens to brighten up the house come party time.

Materials

* Heavy wrapping paper or origami paper
* Scissors

* Clear tape
* Hole Punch

X

Instructions

1.

Cut eight 5- by 5-inch squares from heavy wrapping paper (you can also use precut origami paper).
2.

For each square: fold in half to form a triangle, pretty side out; fold in half again.
3.

Wrapping Paper Stars - Step 3 With scissors, cut into the first fold (now folded in half) about 3/4 inch down from the top, stopping about 1/4 inch from the end. Make a similar cut about 3/4 inch down from the first, as shown.
4.

Wrapping Paper Stars - Step 4 Open the square completely, plain side up, and bring up the 2 inside points to form a roll. Tape the points together with double-sided tape.
5.

Wrapping Paper Stars - Step 5 Flip the square over and tape together the middle points. Flip the square over again and tape the outer points.
6.

Wrapping Paper Stars - Step 6 Tape each of the 8 sections together, middle ring of one to outer ring of the next, to form a chain; tape the first and last sections together to form the star.
7.

To secure the star, tape the tips together in the center. Punch a hole at the top of one of the points and pass a string through to hang.

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Dangling Snowman


Total Time Needed:
1 Hour


It doesn't take a single flake to build this frosty character -- you can round him up with white foam, buttons, and ribbon.

Materials

* 3 round objects (we used a spice jar lid, the bottom of a yogurt container, and a mason jar lid)
* Scissors
* Craft foam, white and orange
* Glue dots

* Monofilament
* Buttons
* Permanent marker
* Ribbon

X

Instructions

1.

Using the round objects as patterns, cut out 2 white foam circles in each size.
2.

Dangling Snowman Step 2 Place one set of the circles on a flat surface, spacing them 1/4 inch apart. With glue dots, glue a 12-inch piece of monofilament across the circles as shown, then firmly press the matching circles on top.
3.

Use more glue dots to attach buttons and an orange craft foam nose. With a permanent marker, draw on eyes and a mouth. Finally, tie a ribbon scarf around the monofilament at the neck, and then knot the line above the head to create a loop for hanging.

[keep-it-tidy]

This Is Cute :)

Wishing Spool


Total Time Needed:
1 Hour


Forget about postage to the North Pole. When kids roll their wish lists onto these cute-as-a-button spools, Santa will snap to attention.

Materials

* Acrylic paint and brush
* Wooden thread spool
* Marker
* Paper strip, cut to fit the width of the spool

* Double-sided tape
* Ribbon
* Self-sticking label

X

Instructions

1.

Paint the spool and let it dry.
2.

Have your child write her Christmas list on the strip of paper.
3.

Roll the paper around the empty spool, using double-sided tape to fasten it, and leave some of the list hanging down (so Santa notices).
4.

Thread the ribbon through the spool's center and tie a knot at the top for hanging. Write your child's name on the self-sticking label. Affix it to the ribbon.

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Sparkling Ice Crystals



Total Time Needed:
1 Hour


String up a few of these crystals, made of pipe cleaners and beads, and get ready for a flurry of compliments. For a cool twist, use silver pipe cleaners and pom-poms too.

Materials

* 12-inch white iridescent pipe cleaners
* Clear tri or sunburst beads

* Needle and fishing line
* White iridescent pom-poms

X

Instructions

1.

Sparkling Ice Crystals - Step 1 Cut 6 pipe cleaners in half to create 12 pieces. Hold 11 pieces together and tightly wrap the last piece around the middle of the bundle, as shown, twisting its ends to secure it.
2.

Sparkling Ice Crystals - Step 2 Spread the pipe cleaner pieces into a starburst shape and thread about 5 beads onto each pipe cleaner half as shown.
3.

Using the needle, thread the pom-poms on the fishing line, then tie the snowflake to one end of the line.

[keep-it-tidy]

Cool Cube Card


Total Time Needed:
Afternoon Or Evening

It arrives folded like a traditional holiday greeting, but when you follow the easy instructions for assembling it, it transforms into a photo-cube ornament to hang on the tree.

Materials

* Template
* Photograph
* Glue

* Card stock
* Ribbon

X

Instructions

1.

Download and print the template. Select 6 pictures of your family and trim each to a 2- by 2-inch square. With a glue stick, affix the pictures to the template where indicated. (When the card is folded, you'll have 4 photos on the front and 2 on the back.)
2.

Cool Cube Card - Step 2 Once it's dry, take the template to a copy shop and have them print copies on 8 1/2- by 11-inch sheets of heavy card stock. The cards will print out with a white border, which the copy shop can trim for you. Have them also fold the cards in half.
3.

At home, tie a 22-inch piece of colorful ribbon around the fold of each card, as shown (it doubles as a hanger), before slipping them into 6- by 9-inch envelopes.

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Cloth Candy Canes


Total Time Needed:
2-3 Hours

Fashioned from colorful fabrics, this sweet Christmas icon will last season after season.

Materials

* 3 strips of cotton fabric (we recommend using different colors and/or prints), 3 by 12 inches
* Waxed paper
* White glue

* Small paintbrush
* 3 pipe cleaners
* Wire cutters (optional)

X

Instructions

1.

Step 1 One at a time, lay each fabric strip, printed side down, on a waxed paper-covered surface and use a paintbrush to coat it with a thin layer of glue. Place a pipe cleaner along one long edge.
2.

Cloth Candy Canes - Step 2 Roll the fabric around it as tightly as possible. Smooth down the outer edge.
3.

Cloth Candy Canes - Step 3 Pinch together the tops of the 3 wrapped pipe cleaners. Tightly twist them into a spiral and bend the top into a candy cane shape.
4.

spacer Set the cane in a short drinking glass to dry (it can take several hours, depending on the humidity). Then neaten the ends by trimming them with wire cutters, if needed.

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Downhill Racers


Total Time Needed:
1 Hour

Gear up for your holiday decorating with these handmade tree trinkets.

Materials

* Craft stick
* Emery board
* Glue

* Toothpick
* Beads
* Ribbon

X

Instructions

1.

To make a set of skis like these, first use hot glue to attach 2 emery boards an inch or so from the ends of 2 colored craft sticks (available at craft stores), then glue the sticks together as shown.
2.

For each pole, glue a small button onto one end of a toothpick and a round bead to the other end for a handle.
3.

Finally, glue the poles to the skis, tie a ribbon around the set, and tie on a string loop for hanging

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Fav This Yr :)


Family Tree Ornaments


Total Time Needed:
1 Hour

It's fun to turn your Christmas tree into a family photo album! Select a baby picture of each member of the family to place in little hanging frames. The grandkids can find themselves first, and then try to identify everyone else.

Materials

* Family photos

* Ornament frames (seasonal item available at craft stores)

X

Instructions

1.

To make your own, have your kids help select a baby photo of each family member.
2.

Then simply place them in small ornament frames, seasonal items available at craft stores, and hang them on the tree.

Variations:
For a more old-fashioned feel, the photos can be scanned, sized, and printed in black-and-white (a copy shop can do this).

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Spoon Snowshoes


Total Time Needed:
1 Hour

These cute little snowshoes will make for a great decoration this winter.

Materials

* Wooden ice-cream spoons
* Glue
* Button

* Toothpick
* Ribbon
* String

X

Instructions

1.

Draw a simple crisscross snowshoe pattern on 2 wooden ice-cream spoons. Hot-glue a length of pipe cleaner around the edge of each spoon, then glue together the spoons at the top.
2.

For each pole, glue a small button onto one end of a toothpick, then glue a loop of ribbon to the top of each pole.
3.

Finally, glue the poles to the snowshoes, tie a ribbon around the set, and tie on a string loop for hanging.

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Wired Star


Total Time Needed:
1 Hour


Although cookie cutters are best known for their work in the kitchen, these fun-shaped baking utensils can also play a role in decorating your family's Christmas tree.

Materials

* 3-foot length of 18-gauge gold-colored craft wire
* Pencil
* Star-shaped cookie cutter

* Wire cutters
* 20-to 24-gauge colored lightweight wire
* Ribbon

X

Instructions

1.

Wired Star - Step 1 To make an ornament like the one here, wrap one end of a 3-foot length of 18-gauge gold-colored craft wire around a pencil to form a hanging loop. With the loop at the top of a star cookie cutter, press the wire twice around the perimeter of the cookie cutter to form a star shape, twisting it around the hanging loop and using wire cutters (a parent's job) to snip off any excess. Remove the cutter.
2.

Now your child can complete the ornament by wrapping the wire outline with lengths of 20-to 24-gauge colored lightweight wire, securing the ends in place by wrapping them around the cookie cutter outline.
3.

Finally, tie a hanging ribbon to the loop, and your ornament is ready for display.

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Mice Ornaments



Total Time Needed:
1 Hour

Sweeten up the Christmas tree with a collection of chocolate mice ornaments.

Materials

* Hershey's Kisses
* Pink felt
* Scissors
* Double-sided carpet tape

* Fishing line
* Self-adhesive googly eyes
* Curling ribbon

X

Instructions

1.

Remove the tags from two Hershey's Kisses. Cut out mouse ears from pink felt, about 3/8-inch high. Using double-sided carpet tape, affix the bottoms of the ears to the flat side of one of the Kisses.
2.

Tape an 8-inch loop of fishing line behind the ears to form a hanger.
3.

With more double-sided carpet tape, join together the two flat sides of the Hershey's Kisses, with the mouse ears and fishing line loop pointing up. Add a pair of self-adhesive googly eyes.
4.

Slip a tail -- a 4-inch piece of curling ribbon -- under the foil. Now, see how they run (or disappear) from your tree!

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Ribbon Ornament


Total Time Needed:
Afternoon Or Evening

You may want a few of these elegant ornaments for your own home, so make sure your crafter creates a few extra. If you're lucky enough to live somewhere hot and humid this time of year, crank up the air conditioning before beginning to work: you'll get the best results in a cool, dry environment.

Materials

* Newspaper
* 9-inch round helium-quality balloon
* 2 plastic cups or yogurt containers
* Scissors
* 3 to 3 1/2 yards of 1/4- to 5/8-inch-wide satin or similar-weight ribbon (no curling or sheer ribbon)

* Measuring cup, water
* White glue, such as Elmer's (regular, not washable)
* Craft stick or paint stirrer
* String or yarn

X

Instructions

1.

Have your crafter cover her work area with newspaper, then inflate a balloon to 3 or 4 inches in diameter, tie it closed, and set the balloon on an upright cup or yogurt container.
2.

Help your child cut 8 to 10 ribbons (the wider the ribbon, the fewer she'll need), each one long enough to wrap completely around the balloon with 1 inch of overlap.
3.

In the second plastic cup or container, use the craft stick to mix together 1/2 cup of glue with 1/4 cup of water. Help your child dip the ribbons, one at a time, into the glue mixture, squeezing any excess back into the cup. Starting at the top, she should snugly wrap each ribbon completely around the balloon, avoiding the balloon's knot and smoothing out any wrinkles. Have her wrap the last ribbon around the middle of the balloon, equator style.
4.

Set the ornament on the container and allow it to dry completely, turning it every 1 to 2 hours. When it has dried, help your elf carefully poke at the balloon with a pencil eraser to separate it from the ribbons, then pop the balloon with a pin and remove it. Tie a piece of string or yarn to the top of the ornament for a hanger. To add a bow, thread a length of ribbon through the bottom of the ornament. Tie the ribbon into a bow, dip it into the glue mixture, and hang the ornament over newspaper to dry.

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Ribbon Candy Ornaments


Total Time Needed:
1 Hour

This fun-to-fold ribbon candy decoration really dresses up a tree or a window. Arrange several in a small box, and you've got a great gift package to send to a long-distance relative or family friend.

Materials

* 17 inches of 1 1/2-inch-wide wire ribbon (striped or solid colors work well)
* 16 inches of clear fishing line or decorative thread

* Needle
* Pencil

X

Instructions

1.

For each ornament, fold down 1/4 inch at each end of the ribbon, then accordion-fold the ribbon in 1 3/4-inch sections.
2.

Ribbon Candy Ornaments - Step 2 Knot one end of the fishing line and thread the other through the needle. Push the needle up through the bottom of the folded ribbon pile and return the needle 1/4 inch away from the original hole as shown. Knot the line at the bottom.
3.

Pull the line from the top until the ribbon sandwich is about 1 1/2 inch thick and the two bottom knots are taut. Knot the line on top as shown, so that a loop is left for hanging. Now use a pencil or your finger to round out the side folds.

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Festive Paper Pines




Total Time Needed:
1 Hour

Kids will get a real kick out of decorating these little evergreens -- the mini bulbs come alight when you punch holes in the outer layers, revealing the colored paper sandwiched between them.

Materials

* Red and yellow stationery (or other colors you like for lights)
* Green and brown card stock
* Pinking shears or decorative craft scissors (we used Fiskars Paper Edgers)
* Hole punch

* Glue or glue dots
* Pushpin
* 2 buttons
* Monofilament

X

Instructions

1.

Festive Paper Pines - Step 1 Sandwich the red and yellow paper between 2 pieces of green card stock. Cut out a tree shape.
2.

Festive Paper Pines - Step 2 Remove the red sheet and punch a few random holes through the 3 remaining layers. Then remove the yellow sheet and replace the red one. Punch several new holes through the stack.
3.

Festive Paper Pines - Step 3 Cut a tree trunk from brown card stock (make it a little taller than needed) and glue the top of it between the red and yellow layers. Now glue the green layers to the outside.
4.

Festive Paper Pines - Step 4 Use the pushpin to poke a hole through the 4 layers, about 1/4 inch from the treetop. Thread a length of monofilament through the hole, then slide a button tree topper onto each end of the line. Knot the ends of the line to create a loop for hanging.

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Candle Jars


Total Time Needed:
1 Hour

While melting and pouring wax is best left to adults, the creative parts of this candle-making project (choosing the perfect crayon to color the wax and decorating the glass holder with beads) are meant for kids.

Materials

* Large saucepan
* Metal canning jar lid rim
* Coffee can
* Paraffin wax
* Crayons
* Paint stirrer

* Candlesticks (one for each jar)
* Thick widemouth glass jars
* Metal tongs
* Plastic beads
* Tacky glue

X

Instructions

1.

Set up a double boiler to melt the paraffin. Fill the bottom of the saucepan with 4 to 5 inches of water and drop in the canning jar lid rim. Then pack chunks of paraffin into the coffee can, setting it on the jar rim so that it doesn't directly touch the bottom of the pot.
2.

Melt the wax over medium-high heat, carefully adding more chunks until the can is about two-thirds filled. To color the melted wax, break half of a peeled crayon into pieces. Add them to the wax and slowly mix with a paint stirrer, then turn off the heat and let the paraffin cool for about 10 minutes (this will help minimize shrinkage when the wax hardens).
3.

Using a sharp knife, cut the candlesticks 1/2 inch shorter than the jar heights (adults only). Now, heat the jars by running warm water on the outsides but not the insides (this will help prevent cracking when you pour in the hot wax).
4.

With metal tongs, dip the bottom of each candlestick into the melted wax and stick it to the inner jar bottom. When the candlestick ends have hardened enough to hold, carefully pour enough wax into the jars to cover the candlestick tops but not the wicks.
5.

Once the candles cool completely, your kids can glue beads to the outside of the jar, arranging them in a border around the rim, perhaps, or creating a multicolor pattern all the way around.

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Holiday Crackers


Total Time Needed:
1 Hour

These simple candy-filled cardboard tubes, modeled after traditional British crackers, are a snap to mass-produce for a classroom holiday party. Your child can personalize them by adding mini handwritten notes or drawings along with the candy or add some noise by tying a jingle bell on one end.

Materials

* Scissors
* Wrapping paper
* Empty cardboard tubes, trimmed to desired lengths
* Clear tape or glue stick

* Ribbon or string
* Wrapped candy, toys, or treats
* Jingle bells (optional)

X

Instructions

1.

Cut a piece of wrapping paper that's 6 inches longer than the tube and wide enough to wrap completely around it at least once. Center the tube along one long side of the paper and use tape or glue to hold it in place.
2.

Your child can then wrap the paper tightly around the tube and secure the seam with tape or glue. She should then twist the excess paper at one end and tie it closed with ribbon or string.
3.

Fill the tube with candy and other tiny surprises, then twist and tie closed the open end.

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Merry Christmouse


total time needed

1hr

Like the mouse in the Clement Clarke Moore poem, this one isn't stirring, but he does make a sweet holiday gift or decoration, no cheese required.

Materials

* 2 1/2-inch Styrofoam egg
* White acrylic paint
* Fishing line
* Corsage pin
* White felt

* Pink felt
* Glue
* Googly eyes
* Craft wire, 5 inches

X

Instructions

1.

Merry Christmouse - Step 1 First, use a serrated knife to cut a 2 1/2-inch Styrofoam egg in half lengthwise (parents only), then cover one of the halves with white acrylic paint and let it dry.
2.

For whiskers, fold a 2-foot length of fishing line into quarters and tie a knot at the middle. Trim the ends to about 1 1/2 inches, then stick a corsage pin (available at craft stores) through the knot and into the narrow end of the egg half.
3.

For each ear, cut a 1-inch circle from white felt, making a cut halfway through it, as shown above. Overlap the 2 sides of the cut and glue them together to create a curved shape. Glue a 1/2-inch pink felt circle to the center, then glue the ear in place.
4.

Finally, glue on a pair of googly eyes and stick a 5-inch length of craft wire in place for a tail.

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Memory Lane Picture Frame

Total time needed
2-3hrs

Is your mother's or grandmother's jewelry box a treasure trove of elegant baubles? Ask her to donate some trinkets to your cause, then use them to decorate a picture frame for a sentimental sister or cousin. Want to get down to brass tacks instead? Make a treasure box with little pieces of hardware scavenged from Grandpa's tool chest.

Check out more ideas for easy-to-make Gifts that Celebrate Family.

Materials

* Picture frame (flat wood or plastic works best)
* Costume jewelry

* Foam brush
* Strong craft glue (we like Crafter's Pick The Ultimate Glue)

X

Instructions

1.

To prepare the jewelry, remove earring and brooch backs and unstring any beads. Remove the glass from the picture frame.
2.

Working in sections, use the foam brush to apply a thick layer of glue, then press on the beads and jewelry. When the frame is completely dry, reinsert the glass.

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Cookie Cutter Candles


Materials

* Cookie cutters (choose shapes that can stand up)
* Honeycomb wax sheets in various colors (available at craft stores or at candlewic.com; an 8- by 16-inch sheet will make 1 or 2 candles)

* Wicks
* Scissors

X

Instructions

1.

For each candle, use a cookie cutter to make 10 identical shapes from the wax sheets. Divide the shapes into two stacks of 5.
2.

Sandwich a wick between the two stacks, starting at the bottom and extending it beyond the top by at least an inch. Press the sheets together gently. If they don't stick together, take the wax layers apart and use a hair dryer to gently warm each one before restacking them, adding the wick as instructed above.
3.

Trim the wick to about a half-inch. Stand your candle up, shaping the base as needed to make it sit securely.

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Family Photo Books

Total time needed
1hr

Filled with favorite photos, this is just the present for a relative or special family friend, particularly one your family sees less often than you'd like.

Materials

* Assorted photos
* Craft knife
* 4-ply and 2-ply rag board (sold at art supply stores)

* 26-inch-long piece of ribbon
* Colored paper
* Glue stick

X

Instructions

1.

Choose seven favorites from a stack of family photos.
2.

Family Photo Books - Step 2 Use a craft knife to cut two 5- by 6 1/2-inch rectangles from the 4-ply rag board for the book covers. For the inner pages, cut one 5- by 39-inch rectangle from the 2-ply rag board. Lightly mark 6 1/2-inch increments along the long edges of the 2-ply rag board, and accordion-fold the sheet at those marks Use a ruler edge to press the folds into sharp creases.
3.

Family Photo Books - Step 3 Lay the ribbon on a tabletop and center the folded rag board on top so that the side with three creases is on the left and lines up with the midpoint of the ribbon Apply glue to the top of the folded rag board. Then lay the left side of the ribbon over the glued page and top with one of the book covers, pressing firmly until well stuck. Flip over the book and use the same method to attach the right side of the ribbon and the back cover.
4.

Family Photo Books - Step 4 Now, cut the colored paper into seven 4- by 5 1/2-inch rectangles. Glue one onto the center of each page and the front cover. Then glue the photos onto the colored paper. Finally, print the year on the front cover.

Tips:
Open the album into a full circle, tie the ribbon binding into a bow and it's ready to display on an end table or dresser.

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Foamy Frame


Total Time Needed:
1 Hour

This funky foam frame is simple enough for little fingers yet presents limitless personalizing possibilities for older kids. Along with a basic square, my girls cut the foam into a Christmas tree shape, a wreath, and a computer screen.

Materials

* Scissors
* One 9-by-12-inch sheet of colored craft foam
* Flexible pocket magnet frame (we used Original Soft Pocket Magnetic Photo Frames by Lytle, available in 3 1/2 by 5 inches, 4 by 6 inches, and 5 by 7 inches)

* Hot glue gun and glue
* Assorted accessories such as beads, buttons, fake jewels, glitter, googly eyes, or prepackaged foam cutouts

X

Instructions

1.

Have your child cut a shape slightly smaller than the magnetic photo frame from the center of the foam sheet. Be sure the inside edge of the foam frame overlaps the magnetic frame by at least 1/4 inch.
2.

Next, help your elf apply a thin line of hot glue to one edge of the magnetic frame's clear front and firmly press the foam frame in place. Repeat with the remaining edges, one at a time, being careful not to glue over the pocket's opening.
3.

Your child can then trim the frame as she likes, making sure to leave a margin of foam sufficient to cover the outer edge of the magnetic frame. She can also glue on decorative accessories, then slip a favorite photo into the pocket.

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Santa Lollipops
Ho, ho, homemade Claus


This is a simple ornament to produce en masse for classmates or to hang on your Christmas tree. Kids may continue playing with the tiny paper Santa hats long after the lollipops are history.

Materials

* Lollipop (the kind wrapped in plastic)
* White and red paper
* Hole punch
* Glue

* Red pompon
* Googly eyes
* Cotton balls
* Thread and tape

X

Instructions

1.

First, turn your lollipop upside down, then decorate one side of it as Santa's face. Here, we glued on a white paper beard (with a punched hole for Santa's mouth), a red pompon nose and two googly eyes.
2.

Santa Lollipops Step 2 To make the hat, cut a red paper semicircle, roll it up, and tape it to form a cone (you may need to experiment to get the right size). Glue cotton ball trim around the hat's bottom.
3.

Tape a loop of thread to the lollipop stick, then pull the thread through the top of the hat so that it sits on Santa's head. Add a bit of cotton for a pompon.

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Snowy T-shirt


Total Time Needed:
Weekend Projects


Even if you're expecting a white Christmas this year, your crafter will love making it snow on these whimsical winter shirts. Just be sure all elves involved wear rubber gloves and use caution during the bleaching process.

Materials

* Rubber gloves
* Brightly colored cotton T-shirt, prewashed
* Plastic trash bags or tablecloth
* Plastic grocery bags
* Scissors

* 3 kitchen sponges
* Bleach
* Small disposable container (such as an empty margarine tub)
* Spray bottle
* Fabric markers, such as FabricMate or Marvey

X

Instructions

1.

To begin, lay the shirt flat on a plastic trash bag or old tablecloth and slip one or two grocery bags flat inside it. Cut the sponges into a star and two circles, one slightly larger than the other. Rinse the sponges with water and wring them out thoroughly.
2.

With a window open for ventilation, pour a shallow layer of bleach into the disposable container and about 2 inches into the spray bottle. Have your child spritz bleach across the bottom of the shirt to saturate it. She should gradually apply less bleach as she moves up the shirt, ending with a thin mist across the middle. Allow the bleach to soak in for a moment to see how it's working.
3.

To build the snowman, help your child dip the larger round sponge into the bleach, squeezing to remove excess liquid, then press the sponge onto the shirt. Lift the sponge and check the boldness of the imprint. She can repeat this step if necessary, but should avoid using too much bleach, as this can obscure the image. Repeat with the smaller round sponge for the snowman's head, then complete the scene with a bleached star. Allow the shirt to dry overnight, then soak it briefly in hot, soapy wat

Tips:
If it's not easily seen, you may want to mark the bleached (snow) and unbleached (sky) portions of the shirt with masking tape to avoid losing your snowman in a blizzard!

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Trim a Tree

This preschooler-friendly project is made with humble, familiar craft sticks. Help your child make the basic tree shape, then let her decorate it however she likes.

Materials

* Strong scissors
* Craft sticks (including 1 wide craft stick)
* Tacky glue
* Green and brown acrylic paint

* Sequins
* Small wooden star or other tree-topping ornament
* String

X

Instructions

1.

Use strong scissors to trim several craft sticks to lengths ranging from around 1 1/2 to 3 3/4 inches (a parent's job).
2.

Have your child choose six pieces, including one full-sized stick, and help her arrange them from shortest to longest on a wide craft stick. Adhere the pieces with tacky glue, then let the stick tree dry.
3.

Trim a Tree Step 3 Have your child paint the tree green and brown with acrylic paints. After the paint is dry, she can add sequin ornaments with glue. Our tree's topper is a small wooden star from a craft store, painted yellow. Tie a loop of string around the top of the tree for hanging

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Twinkle Lights

Kick up the glitz of a plain strand of holiday lights with foil cupcake liners. For the best results, you'll want to use the sturdier, laminated foil cupcake liners (we used Wilton Silver Foil Baking Cups).

Materials

* Strand of holiday lights
* Laminated foil cupcake liners

* Scissors

X

Instructions

1.

Twinkle Lights Step 1 For each light, fold a liner into eighths by folding it in half three times. Snip off two of the corners at an angle, as shown. Cut off the tip of the point to create a center hole.
2.

Twinkle Lights Step 2 Unfold the liner and flip it inside-out so that the shiny side is on the inside. Slide the liner over the light so that it sits around the base of the bulb holder.

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Fancy Boot Christmas Stocking


Total Time Needed:
2-3 Hours


This boot was made for stuffing, and that's just what Santa will do this Christmas Eve.

Materials

* Scissors
* 2 pieces of purple felt, each 24 by 15 inches
* 2 pieces of black faux fur, each 24 by 15 inches
* Long sewing pins
* Large-eye sewing needle

* Purple embroidery floss
* Costume jewelry buttons and chains (sold at many fabric stores)
* Clear tape
* 9 inches of black twist cord

X

Instructions

1.

The Basic Stocking: Click here to download the fancy boot stocking pattern.
2.

Cut 1 boot shape from each piece of the purple felt and 1 from each piece of the black fur. Be sure to cut the fur boots so the toes point in opposite directions with the fur sides up.
3.

Pin together the boots with the fur boots on the inside, furry sides in, and the purple boots on the outside.
4.

Fancy Boot Christmas Stocking - Step 4 Using the floss, whipstitch around the edges, sewing the boots together. Leave the top edges unsewn.
5.

Fancy Boot Christmas Stocking - Step 5 At the top, sew together the front 2 edges, then the back 2.
6.

Fold down the top to make a cuff.
7.

The Trimmings: Use floss to sew the buttons and chains to the boot.
8.

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.

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Classic Stocking


Total Time Needed:
2-3 Hours

This personalized stocking will bring lots of smiles on Christmas morning.

Materials

* Scissors
* 2 pieces of red fleece, each 24 by 16 inches
* 2 pieces of white faux fur, each 24 by 16 inches
* Long sewing pins
* Large-eye sewing needle
* Red embroidery floss
* White embroidery floss

* Sheet of yellow felt, 9 by 12 inches
* Yellow embroidery floss
* Fiberfill
* Fabric paint
* Clear tape
* 9 inches of white twist cord

X

Instructions

1.

The Basic Stocking: Click here to download the classic stocking pattern.
2.

Cut 1 stocking shape from each piece of the red fleece and 1 from each piece of the faux fur . Be sure to cut the fur stockings so that the toes point in opposite directions with the fur sides up.
3.

Pin together the stockings with the fur stockings on the inside, furry sides in, and the red stockings on the outside.
4.

Classic Stocking - Step 4 Whipstitch (see page 131) around the edge with the red floss to sew the shapes together, leaving the top unsewn.
5.

Classic Stocking - Step 5 At the top, sew together the front 2 edges, then the back 2, with the white embroidery floss.
6.

Fold down the top to make a cuff.
7.

The Trimmings: Cut 2 star shapes from the yellow felt.
8.

Use the yellow floss to whipstitch around the edges, sewing the stars together. Leave a small section unsewn.
9.

Stuff the star with fiberfill, then finish sewing the edges.
10.

Write your child's name on the star with fabric paint and sew it to the edge of the cuff.
11.

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

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Candy Sleigh


Total Time Needed:
1 Hour

Looking for a way to sweeten the wait for Santa's sleigh? This little item should help.

Materials

* Square tissue or cracker box
* Candy canes

* Red tape or paint
* Candy

X

Instructions

1.

Cut off and discard the top of the box. Trim the cut edge of the box so that it resembles a sleigh.
2.

Cover the sleigh with red tape or paint, or leave it if you like the pattern already printed on.
3.

Cut holes in the lower corners of the sleigh and insert candy canes "runners."
4.

Fill the sleigh with candy.

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Candy Stick Vase


Total Time Needed:
1 Hour ]


This simple craft makes a colorful centerpiece for your holiday table or an easy gift your child can create for someone special on her list.

Materials

* Aluminum can
* Candy
* Double-sided foam mounting tape

* Ribbon
* Plastic cup

X

Instructions

1.

To make one, first snugly wrap 3 or 4 rings of double-sided foam mounting tape around a clean, dry, and labelless aluminum can (ours was 15 ounces).
2.

Peel off the tape's protective covering to expose its second sticky side.
3.

One at a time, attach colorful individually wrapped candy sticks (available at candy shops; we used 26) to the tape, setting them as close together as possible and pressing them firmly in place.
4.

For a festive finish, tie a ribbon around the container. To use the vase for fresh flowers or plants, set a plastic cup inside the can as a liner before adding water.

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Lollipop Tree


Total Time Needed:
1 Hour

Studded with lollipop lights, this tabletop tree is a sweet alternative to a holiday candy dish. Just be sure to keep a package of replacement "bulbs" on hand. For printable cutting instructions, check out lolli.gif.

Materials

* Corrugated cardboard that measures 9 inches across the base and 8 inches tall
* Craft knife
* Lollipops

* 11-inch wooden skewer
* Bottle cork
* Glue

X

Instructions

1.

Lollipop Tree - Step 1 Cut two triangles from cardboard. (Note: The holes in the corrugated layer should run vertically.) Draw lines across each triangle at 1-inch intervals, then cut along the lines. Discard the top two strips from one triangle.
2.

Lollipop Tree - Step 2 With a craft knife, cut narrow 1/2 inch deep notches (a parent's job) centered in the bottom edge of all the strips from the complete triangle except for the second strip from the top. Cut a similar notch in the top edge of the bottom strip in the other triangle.
3.

Next, cut out an X-shaped cardboard base on which to assemble the tree. Glue an inverted bottle cork to the center of the base. Once the glue dries, insert the tip of a narrow (1/8-inch diameter) 11-inch wooden skewer far enough into the cork to secure it.
4.

Now assemble the triangles into a tree. First, fit together the two bottom strips so that the notches interlock. Then slide them onto the skewer so that the blunt end passes through the center corrugation holes and they come to rest on the cork. Slide the next largest unnotched strip onto the skewer in like fashion. Add the matching notched strip, lock it onto the previous one, and then swivel the two so that they are at 45-degree angles to the bottom strips.
5.

Add the remaining strips, alternating between unnotched and notched pieces and swiveling each locked pair slightly. Finally, "light up" the tree with lollipops by fitting the sticks into the holes in the "boughs."

[Chris P]

Super thread, keep-it-tidy. Thanks for sharing!

Regards
Chris P
Admin

[keep-it-tidy]

Peppermint Tree


Total Time Needed:
1 Hour

With green mint boughs and sour ball lights, this tabletop tree is a treat for kids to decorate -- and for holiday guests, who can harvest goodies from its branches.

Materials

* Double-sided foam tape
* 9- by 4-inch Styrofoam cones (sold in most craft stores)
* Three 10-ounce bags of individually wrapped green striped mints
* Small bag of individually wrapped multicolored sour balls or jawbreakers

* Yellow paper
* Yellow lollipop
* Decorative candle stand

X

Instructions

1.

Apply strips of double-sided foam tape to the Styrofoam cone, as shown at left, until virtually the entire surface is covered.
2.

Now your child can attach the wrapped mints to the exposed tape, starting with one row around the bottom and working his way up. For the best coverage and color, he should stick each mint to the tree by the rounded edge rather than with the flat surface facing out. Encourage him to mix in a few multicolored sour ball or jawbreaker lights as he goes.
3.

For a tree topper, cut a star out of the yellow paper, tape the lollipop to it, and then push the lollipop stick straight down into the cone. Finally, set the tree on the decorative candle stand.

[keep-it-tidy]

Super thread, keep-it-tidy. Thanks for sharing!

Regards
Chris P
Admin


no probs Chris :) glad to share them esp at christmas we all need to spend time with our kids why not make some memorys along the way :)


most the post's dont cost alot of money to make but others need a few bits and pieces all in all they should make many hrs of happy memorys :)

[keep-it-tidy]

Cupboard Door Décor

Get a handle on your holiday decorating routine this ear by turning your cupboard and dresser drawer knobs into festive symbols. All you need is a few craft-store supplies and, of course, a little help from your kids.

Materials

* FOR THE STAR, REINDEER, SANTA, OR CANDY CANE:
* Foamies sheets (sold at most craft stores)
* Craft knife
* Colored markers

* FOR THE TREE:
* Felt
* Metal key ring
* Brass paper fastener
* Sticker stars or glue

X

Instructions

1.

Cupboard Door Decor - Step 1 (Star) Star: Cut out a star from the Foamies sheets, then cut an asterisk-shaped opening in the center. Then accent the edge of the star with colored marker (gold or silver looks especially nice).
2.

Cupboard Door Decor - Step 2 (Reindeer) Reindeer: Glue foam antlers and eyes on a cut-out foam deer head, then use markers to draw on pupils and a mouth. Cut an asterisk-shaped opening where the nose should go. Slip the heat onto a cabinet or dresser knob. Then use double-sided tape to stick a red circle onto the knob.
3.

Cupboard Door Decor - Step 3 (Santa) Santa: From white foam, cut out a large teardrop-shaped face with a circle at the top. Cut an asterisk-shaped opening in the center where a nose should be. With colored markers, draw on a Santa's hat and facial features, then give Santa a nose by slipping the cutout onto a cabinet knob.
4.

Candy Cane: Trim a sheet of white foam into candy cane shapes and then draw on stripes with a broad-tipped red marker.
5.

Cupboard Door Decor - Step 5 (Tree) Tree: From felt, cut out a Christmas tree shape with a tall, exaggerated top. Insert the top through a large key ring and then fold it over onto the tree. Secure the overlap to the tree with a brass paper fastener (this doubles as a treetop decoration). Decorate the tree with sticker stars or glued-on felt balls.

[keep-it-tidy]

Santa's Hitching Post

A parking space in your driveway might suffice, but there's nothing like an official hitching post to make travelers from the North Pole feel right at home.

Materials

* Thin wooden board
* Acrylic paint
* Duct tape
* Snow shovel
* Big red bow

* Jingle bells (optional)
* Rope
* Bucket
* Carrots and/or apples

X

Instructions

1.

To assemble one, use acrylic paint to print the words "Reindeer Hitching Post" on a thin wooden board. Once the paint is thoroughly dry, securely duct-tape the sign to the handle of a snow shovel. Then tie a big red bow to the handle just below the sign. You can wire on jingle bells too for an extra-festive touch.
2.

Anchor the shovel firmly in a deep mound of snow. Finally, attach a length of rope (Santa will need this to tie his hooved helpers) and place a feed bucket filled with a few carrots or apples nearby.

[keep-it-tidy]

Candy Cane Signpost


Total Time Needed:
1-2 Hours



Here's a real treat for your tree: a candy cane-like ornament that points the way to Santa's place.

Materials

* Large craft stick (ours was 4 ½ inches long)
* Acrylic paint: white, green and red
* Craft knife
* Permanent marker
* Glue

* Small green felt holly leaves
* Red mini pom-pom berries
* White glitter
* 5-inch piece of ribbon

X

Instructions

1.

Coat a large craft stick (ours was 4 ½ inches long) with white acrylic paint and another with green paint. Let them dry, then add stripes of red paint to the white stick.
2.

Use a craft knife to cut a 3-inch section from the green stick, notching each end to create an arrow shape, as shown. Write "North Pole" on the sign in permanent marker, then glue the sign to the red-and-white craft stick.
3.

Next, glue on small green felt holly leaves and red mini pom-pom berries. If you like, add dabs of white paint, then sprinkle on white glitter for snow.
4.

Finally, glue both ends of a 5-inch piece of ribbon to the back of the signpost for a hanger and let the glue dry.

[keep-it-tidy]

Christmas Choir


Total Time Needed:
1 Hour

Arranged on a windowsill or mantel, this caroling trio is just the prop to spread holiday cheer. These songsters also make a fun addition to the Paper Gingerbread Village.

Materials

* Tempera paint and paintbrushes
* 1 toilet paper tube
* 1 paper towel tube, cut into two different lengths
* Colored paper (for faces and mittens)
* Black marker and pink pencil

* Glue
* Sheet music (from a songbook or gift wrap)
* 3 child's socks
* String or raffia

X

Instructions

1.

Paint the tubes and set them aside to dry. From the colored paper, cut out oval face shapes and draw on eyes and mouths with the marker. Use the pink pencil to color rosy cheeks. Cut out paper mittens for each caroler too.
2.

From the sheet music, trim two small rectangles and fold each in half to resemble a mini songbook. Glue the faces onto the tubes. Then glue a songbook between each pair of mittens and glue the mittens to the tubes.
3.

For hats, trim the feet off the socks and discard them. Fold an end of each sock tube into a cuff and stretch it onto a caroler's head. Tie the hat closed with string or raffia.

[keep-it-tidy]

Christmas Countdown Garland


Total Time Needed:
1-2 Hours

How many more days?" Answer the most popular question of the season with an Advent calendar-like garland full of surprises.

Materials

* Six 8 1/2-by 11-inch sheets of card stock
* Scissors
* Stickers

* Pen
* Ribbons
* Hole punch

X

Instructions

1.

Cut six 8 1/2-by 11-inch sheets of card stock in half the long way to create 12 pieces (more if you want to count down more than 12 days).
2.

Fold each piece, overlapping the top over the bottom, to create a "countdown card" that opens and closes, as shown above.
3.

Write a surprise inside each card--some Yuletide trivia, directions to a treasure hunt for a small toy or candy, a holiday joke, or a treat like going out to dinner or staying up late.
4.

Then seal the cards with stickers, number the outsides, punch holes in the tops, and use small pieces of ribbon to attach them all to an evergreen garland.

[keep-it-tidy]

I Love These <3 :)


Christmas Dinner Place Markers



Total Time Needed:
1 Hour


These miniature bejeweled trees will dress your holiday table with a festive flair -- and provide a personalized spot for each of your guests.

Materials

* Green acrylic paint
* Paper cone water cups (without wax coating; 1 for each guest; available at office supply stores) or construction paper
* Clear or double-sided tape
* Glitter glue
* Craft glue

* Plastic gems
* White and gold paper
* Scissors
* Pen or marker

X

Instructions

1.

Paint some of the cups green and let them dry (about 10 minutes). If you're using construction paper instead, roll it into cones, tape the seams, then trim the bottoms so they sit evenly.
2.

Decorate the trees with garlands of glitter glue and glue on plastic gems for ornaments. Finally, glue together different-size stars cut from the white and gold paper, write a guest's name on each pair, then tape or glue the stars atop the trees.

[keep-it-tidy]

Christmas Tree Circles


Total Time Needed:
1 Hour


A chip off the old block, these wooden ornaments preserve the piney memories of Christmases past.

Materials

* Handsaw
* Pine disk
* Copper wire
* Ribbon trim or cord

* Glue
* Artificial greenery and berries optional
* Marker or craft paint

X

Instructions

1.

Saw a cross section from the bottom of your Christmas tree trunk before putting it into its stand for decorating (a parent's job). Alternately, you can saw a smaller piece from the middle after the holidays are over. This is your pine disk.
2.

Wrap a length of thin wire around the pine disk and twist it into a loop at the top for hanging. Tie on a ribbon, glue on some trim, or add greenery, berries, or other decorations.
3.

Write the year across the front with a marker or craft paint. If the wood surface is too rough, sand it down a bit before writing.
4.

For an extra remembrance, glue on a fun Christmas-morning snapshot before you store the ornaments away for next year.

[keep-it-tidy]

Scrapbook Garland


Total Time Needed:
1 Hour

Robin T. of Downers Grove, Illinois, was thrilled to find a use for the snapshots of her sons, Carter, age six, and Carson, four, that she couldn't bear to throw away.

Materials

* Silver ribbon
* Wire garland
* Pictures

* Siccors
* Whole punch
* Decorative paper

X

Instructions

1.

To make her garland of the past year's memorable moments, Robin cut her photos into uniform circles, glued them to decorative paper bases, punched holes at the tops, and strung them on embroidery floss (or try our version, shown above, and attach the photos to a sparkly wire garland with silver ribbon).
2.

Add dates, places, names, and ages for a true memento of the year.

[keep-it-tidy]

Trinket Tree


Total Time Needed:
1 Hour

Made from trinkets and doodads, this festive tabletop decoration makes a great conversation piece for holiday guests.

Materials

* Hard plastic cereal bowl, 5 inches in diameter
* Tacky glue
* Corrugated cardboard circle, 8 inches in diameter
* Styrofoam cone, 12 inches tall
* Roll of twine, optional

* Trinkets and tiny toys
* Hot-glue gun
* Toothpick
* Gold spray paint

X

Instructions

1.

Trinket Tree - Step 1 Use tacky glue to join the bottom of the bowl to the center of the cardboard circle. Once the glue dries, invert the bowl and glue the base of the foam cone atop the cardboard. Let the glue dry.
2.

To make the tree wider, wrap twine around the cone until you've achieved the desired width. Then glue the loose twine ends in place. If you prefer a tall, slim tree, go right to step 3.
3.

For a treetop ornament, choose one with a hollow portion, such as a bell, whistle, or seashell. Then insert one end of the toothpick into the top of the cone and set the tree topper over the protruding end.
4.

Glue the trinkets one at a time. Start with larger ones arranged around the base and build upward using increasingly smaller objects. Some items, especially weightier ones, may need to be hot-glued in place (a parent's job), but many should hold well with the tacky glue, which is more child-friendly.
5.

Place the adorned tree on newspaper in a well-ventilated area and apply several coats of gold spray paint (adults only) to the tree and base. Allow the paint to dry completely.

[keep-it-tidy]

Yuletide Clothesline


Total Time Needed:
1-2 Hours


With the toys all wrapped and the reindeer at the ready, there's just one more thing Santa needs to do before his big night: laundry.

Materials

* Scissors
* Felt
* Glue

* Tiny buttons
* Pom-poms
* Miniature clothespins

X

Instructions

1.

To make your own tiny version of the Clauses's clothesline, simply cut elfin replicas of Santa's wardrobe (the mittens are just 1 1/2 inches long), including boots, coat, hat, and undergarments, from felt, then glue on tiny buttons and a pom-pom (on the hat) for trim.
2.

After the glue has dried, hang the garments on a string with miniature clothespins (available at craft stores).

[keep-it-tidy]

Circle of Light


Total Time Needed:
1-2 Hours

Brighten up the winter night with this festive outdoor wreath.

Materials

* Binder clips
* Outdoor holiday lights
* Tire

* Extension cord
* Weatherproof bow (optional)

X

Instructions

1.

First, use one of the clips to attach the midpoint of the light string to the top center of the tire's inside rim. (This will help you to evenly distribute the lights.)
2.

Circle of Light - Step 2 Wrap each side of the light string around the tire so they meet at the bottom, then use the second binder clip to secure the nonplug end of the light string to the tire, as you did above.
3.

Use the extension cord to connect the lights to an appropriate electrical outlet, and tie on a weatherproof bow, if you like.

[keep-it-tidy]

This Just Looks Beautiful Hanging On Your Door :)


Crystal Wreath


Put your elves to work on a wreath with a magical snow-and-ice look. Made of plastic bags tied onto a hanger, it's a perfect outdoor decoration.

Materials

* White wire clothes hanger
* Wire cutters
* Needle-nose pliers

* About 100 plastic sandwich bags (the fold-over, not ziplock, kind)
* Bow (tripple bow how to on next post)
X

Instructions

1.

Form the hanger into a circle, keeping the hook at the top.
2.

Using wire cutters, cut the hanger at the bottom center and wrap the ends around each other to form a circle with a 9-inch diameter. Use needle-nose pliers if necessary. Bend the hook down to form a loop for hanging the wreath.
3.

Crystal Wreath - step 3 Fold a plastic bag in half lengthwise and tie it around the hanger with a single overhand knot. Repeat, pushing the bags together until the circle is full. Add a bow.

[keep-it-tidy]

How to Tie a Triple Bow

Follow these simple steps to make a beautiful bow for your wreath.

Materials

* 3 yards of wired 1 1/2-inch-wide ribbon

* 8 inches of wire or a long twist tie

X

Instructions

1.

How to Tie a Triple Bow Start with 3 yards of wired 1 1/2-inch-wide ribbon. Wind it in a circle about 6 inches in diameter. The ribbon should go around three times. Let the ends fall out of the circle.
2.

How to Tie a Triple Bow Gather the center and wrap it with about 8 inches of wire or a long twist tie.
3.

How to Tie a Triple Bow Starting with the innermost loop of ribbon, pull out one loop at a time from the bundle and fluff it up. There will be three loops on each side of the wire.
4.

Secure the bow to the wreath with the ends of the wire or twist tie.

[keep-it-tidy]

Faux Gingerbread Folk


Total Time Needed:
1 Hour


Here's a crafty way to make a batch of gingerbread people this holiday season, no mixing bowls required.

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

Materials

* Scissors
* Brown felt
* Fabric glue

* Uncooked rice
* Lentils or beans
* White and colored puffy paints

X

Instructions

1.

For each beanbag, help your child cut two matching gingerbread shapes from the brown felt.
2.

Faux Gingerbread Folk Step 2 Use the fabric glue to seal the two shapes together at the edges, leaving an inch-wide opening along the seam. Fill the beanbag with the rice, lentils, or small beans, then glue the opening shut.
3.

When the glue has dried, help your child decorate each one with puffy paint outlines, buttons, and facial features.

[keep-it-tidy]

Faux Gingerbread House


Total Time Needed:
Afternoon Or Evening

This festive corkboard cottage has a great selling point: while it's every bit as sweet as the classic cookie-and-candy model, it'll never get stale.

Materials

* 2 (12-inch square) cork panels (available at office supply stores)
* Ruler and pen
* Craft knife
* Hot glue
* Pencils
* Hole punch
* Craft foam in various colors

* White puffy fabric paint and and paintbrush
* Craft glue
* FOAM TREES:
* Wooden skewers
* Green marker
* Green craft foam

X

Instructions

1.

Faux Gingerbread House - Step 1 Draw the house shapes on the cork panels as shown.
2.

Faux Gingerbread House - Step 2 Cut them out, using a ruler and a craft knife for the windows and door (a parent's job). Cut the window squares in half for shutters.
3.

Faux Gingerbread House - Step 3 Hot-glue the shutters and door in place, using pencils to prop them at an angle while the glue sets. Cut or punch out foam circles to resemble NICO wafers and candy dots. You can even paint some like starlight mints.
4.

Faux Gingerbread House - Step 4 Hot-glue the walls together. Add the roof pieces, then let the glue set. Cut out foam roof tile strips and glue them in place starting at the lower edge and slightly overlapping the layers.
5.

Faux Gingerbread House Step 5 Use craft glue to attach the candy circles. Paint the seams of the house, the roof peak, the shutters, and the eaves with white puffy fabric paint to look like they're covered with icing.
6.

Faux Gingerbread House - Step 6 To make foam trees, color a wooden skewer with a green marker. Next, cut out squares of green craft foam (ours ranged from 1/2 inch to 2 3/4 inches) and trim them as shown. Push the skewer point through a cork circle, then through the center of each foam piece. To finish, glue together 2 small stars, sandwiching the skewer point.
7.

Set out your finished house with our foam trees. To complete the scene, we added cork stepping-stones, fake snow, and a battery-operated tea light (available at craft stores).

[keep-it-tidy]

Felt Checkers Game


Total Time Needed:
Afternoon Or Evening


Kids learn a little bit of sewing when they make this game and bag to store it in. It also makes a great gift for any checkers fanatic.

Materials

* Scissors
* Pinking shears
* Two 12-inch squares white felt
* Two 12-inch squares black felt
* 12-inch square red felt
* Black sewing thread

* Needles and pins
* Sewing machine, optional
* 1/4 yard white "duck" canvas fabric
* 50-inch bright color nylon (or leather) shoelace
* Glue

X

Instructions

1.

Felt Checkers Game - Step 1 Using scissors, cut thirty-two 1-inch squares of white felt.
2.

With pinking shears, cut two 9 1/2-inch squares of black felt, twelve 1-inch round red markers (about the size of a quarter) and twelve 1-inch round white markers.
3.

Arrange the 1-inch white squares in a checkerboard pattern on one of the 9 1/2-inch black squares, leaving a 5/8-inch border around the perimeter. Tack the pieces in place with glue, then hand- or machine-sew them on.
4.

Sew together the two 9 1/2-inch squares of black felt with black thread around the edges.
5.

Make the pouch by cutting the canvas into a pocket shape (with a straight-edged top and rounded bottom) that is about 8 inches long and 7 inches wide. Pin the fabric together, then sew up the sides.
6.

To make a drawstring top, lay the shoelace around the pouch, about 1 inch below the top edge. Fold the top edge down over the lace, pin in place and sew up, leaving a hole for each end of the lace to stick out. Turn the pouch right side out and decorate with felt designs.

[keep-it-tidy]

Fold-Out Photo Gallery


Total Time Needed:
1-2 Hours


Good things come in small packages.

Materials

* Scissors
* Glue
* 8 1/2- by 11-inch paper
* Cardboard

* Hole punch
* Rubber stamp
* Ribbon

X

Instructions

1.

With photo-manipulation software -- or old-fashioned scissors and glue -- arrange photos of your family to fit on one side of a horizontal 8 1/2- by 11-inch sheet of paper. Add a greeting, something like "Best wishes from our family to yours."
2.

Make color photocopies. (Many home printers leave a blank 1/4-inch-or-so feeder edge down one side of the page; you can trim it off after you've made your copies for an even border.)
3.

Fold-Out Photo Gallery - Step 3 With your pictures facing you, fold each piece of paper like an accordion fan, moving from left to right. Make 5 folds total (giving you 6 sections); the first fold should turn over, not under (see diagram).
4.

So that our sections would be even without measuring them, we divided the width of our paper by 6 (in our case, 1 3/4 inches, since we'd trimmed down the paper from its original size) and cut a piece of cardboard that same width. We then used the cardboard as a guide for the first fold on each new card (and that first fold for each subsequent one on the same piece of paper).
5.

With your photos still folded like a fan, hold the paper vertically with the left-most flap facing you. Now fold that into thirds: first, fold the bottom third up over the middle section, then turn the whole thing over and fold it up again. For nice, crisp creases, press all the folds with a plastic spoon.
6.

Fold-Out Photo Gallery - Step 6 To make the front and back cover tags, decorate card stock or construction paper. We went with simple rubber-stamped gold stars -- a great project for even the youngest kids. Once dry, cut them into 2 1/4- by 3 1/2-inch rectangles; snip off 2 corners of each for a pretty hexagonal shape. Punch a hole through the tops of half of them (they'll go on the front).
7.

Unfold the fan and lay the photo gallery flat with the pictures facing you. Glue the front tag (with the hole) onto the back of the upper left corner of the paper, as shown below. Then fold up the card, align the back tag (without a hole) with the front one, and glue it on as well. Now tie on a pretty ribbon.

[keep-it-tidy]

Glittery Angel


Total Time Needed:
1 Hour


Spin glitter and string to make this little angel that sits beautifully atop any Christmas tree.

Materials

* A one-liter plastic soda bottle
* String
* Craft glue

* Glitter
* Small ball ornament
* Piece of gold tinsel

X

Instructions

1.

Cut the bottom off a one-liter plastic soda bottle. Dip pieces of string into a white-glue-and-water solution (it should be the consistency of thick cream) and coil them around the entire bottle, starting at the bottom. Use more string to cover the entire bottle in this manner.
2.

On a waxed paper lined cookie sheet, shape a long piece of glue soaked string into an outline of angel wings. Fill in the wings with dipped string coiled into lacy patterns. Before the glue dries, liberally sprinkle glitter on the body and wings.
3.

When the wings are dry, glue them to the body. For the head, glue a gold Christmas ball, hook down, on top of the bottle. Crown the angel with a gold tinsel halo.

[keep-it-tidy]

Glittery Window Clings


Total Time Needed:
Weekend Projects


Let the sun shine in through a few of these glittery window clings. They stick to glass and plastic but, unlike real snow, they are easy to remove!

Materials

* Paper and pencil
* Cookie sheet

* Waxed paper
* Dimensional fabric paint (we used Scribbles brand in Glittering Crystal)

X

Instructions

1.

Draw a snowflake template (small, compact designs work best), or download ours here.
2.

Glittery Window Clings Step Lay the template faceup on the cookie sheet and cover it with the waxed paper.
3.

Using a thin line of the fabric paint (approximately 1/8-inch wide), trace the snowflake design on the waxed paper as shown, making sure all of the paint lines connect. Let the window cling dry overnight, then carefully peel it from the waxed paper.

[keep-it-tidy]

Holiday Card Holder



Total Time Needed:
1-2 Hours

Display the season's cards and photos by tucking them into this fleece-covered tree you can keep on a tabletop or hang on a wall.

Materials

* Craft knife
* Scissors
* 2 large pieces of corrugated cardboard, at least 26 by 26 inches
* 1 yard of green fleece fabric
* Hot-glue gun
* Ribbon

* Seed beads
* Star-shaped sequins (with holes)
* Straight pins
* Jewelry or other pliers
* Duct tape
* Stapler (optional)

X

Instructions

1.

Holiday Card Holder - Step 1 Use a craft knife to cut the cardboard into 2 matching triangles with a 26-inch base and height. Cut the fleece into 2 triangles as well, one the same size as the cardboard triangles and the other about 2 inches longer on each side. Center the smaller piece of fleece on the larger one, then stack the cardboard triangles atop the fleece.
2.

Holiday Card Holder - Step 2 Hot-glue the edges of the larger piece of fabric around the cardboard, folding the corners as shown.
3.

Holiday Card Holder - Step 3 Turn over the cardboard and crisscross strips of ribbon across the front. Be sure to leave a few inches hanging over each side so you can glue them to the back.
4.

To secure the ribbons in place, slip a bead, followed by a sequin, onto a pin (one for each ribbon intersection), then push the pins through the front of the cardboard where the ribbons cross.
5.

Holiday Card Holder - Step 5 Flip the board over again and use pliers to bend the end of each pin against the cardboard (a parent's job), then cover each pin with a square of duct tape. Now glue the ends of the ribbons to the back of the triangle, and let the glue dry completely.
6.

Holiday Card Holder - Step 6 To display your card holder, lean it against a wall or staple a loop of ribbon to the back for a hanger.

[keep-it-tidy]

Holly, Jolly Lampshade



Total Time Needed:
1-2 Hours


Don't let the decorating stop just because the tree is trimmed. You can easily spread some holiday warmth by livening up a plain old lampshade with festive miniature ornaments.

Materials

* Plain white lampshade
* Hole punch
* Small wire ornament hanger
* Miniature ball ornament

* Decorative rickrack
* Clothespins
* Fabric glue

X

Instructions

1.

Start by using a hole punch to create holes about 3 inches apart around the base of a small, plain white lampshade (found at most craft stores for about $10).
2.

Holly, Jolly Lampshade - Step 2 Thread a small wire ornament hanger through each hole, hook on a miniature ball ornament, then fold the hanger in half to create a closed loop.
3.

Once you've hung all the ornaments, use fabric glue to attach decorative rickrack around the shade, using clothespins to hold it in place until it dries.

[keep-it-tidy]

Ice Candle



Total Time Needed:
2-3 Hours


In this classic kitchen craft, kids (with a parent's help) can combine ice and hot wax to form a cool, lacy-looking candle. Set it in the center of your holiday table or give it as special gift that'll melt Grandma's heart.

Materials

* Scissors
* Cylindrical cardboard container (salt or oatmeal)
* Paper towel
* Cooking oil
* Knife
* White tapered candle
* Large tin can

* 1 pound of paraffin wax
* Large saucepan
* Wooden skewer
* Crayon pieces
* Large spoon
* Crushed ice
* Bowl

X

Instructions

1.

Ice Candle - Step 1 Have your child prepare a mold by cutting off the top of the cardboard container. Use a paper towel to coat the inside with cooking oil. With a knife, trim the bottom from the taper so the taper is the same height as the mold.
2.

Ice Candle - Step 2 Meanwhile, fill the tin can with the wax. Then place it in a saucepan filled with 2 inches of water and set the pan over low heat. Use a wooden skewer to stir the melting wax. Mix in crayon pieces to get your desired candle color.
3.

Ice Candle - Step 3 Pour 1/2 inch of wax into the prepared mold and immediately stick the taper into the center, wick end up. Hold the taper in place for a minute or two while the wax sets.
4.

Ice Candle - Step 4 Spoon 2 inches of crushed ice around the taper, then cover the ice almost completely with melted wax. Add more ice, then more wax, alternating until the mold is filled.
5.

Step 5 - Ice Candle Set the mold in a bowl for about an hour (it will leak water), letting the wax harden completely, then peel off the cardboard.

[keep-it-tidy]

Jelly Bean Bowl


With all the plates of Christmas cookies Santa samples, it's no wonder he's a little soft around the middle. Here, Santa offers a few treats of his own--a sampling of jelly beans or other Christmas candy--stored beneath the fuzzy brim of his hat.

Materials

* Felt in assorted colors
* Glue and scissors

* Glass jar with a lid
* White faux fur (available at craft or sewing stores)

X

Instructions

1.

Jelly Bean Bowl Step 1 To make the hat, cut out two red felt triangles. Make sure the base of the hat will be big enough to fit over the neck of your jar. Glue together the sides of the two triangles, then trim the hat with a strip of faux fur around the bottom and a bit on top for the pompon.
2.

Decorate Santa's face by cutting out and gluing on a faux fur beard, a pair of felt eyes and a felt nose.
3.

Fill the jar with candy, put on the lid, then top it all off with Santa's hat.

[keep-it-tidy]

Kids' Art Window Charms



Total Time Needed:
Afternoon Or Evening


Even the snowiest of winter days looks cheerier with these brightly colored charms hanging in the window. Your child can draw geometric designs, her cat, herself -- whatever strikes her fancy. They make great kids' room decorations and lovely homemade gifts for moms and grandparents.

Materials

* 3-inch round lid
* Shrinky Dink Frosted Ruff 'N Ready sheets
* Permanent markers
* Scissors

* Hole punch
* Monofilament or clear elastic beading cord
* Beads

X

Instructions

1.

For each charm, trace the lid onto a sheet of Shrinky Dink. Then draw designs in the circles with the markers.
2.

Cut out the charms, then punch a hole in the top and bottom of each.
3.

Follow the package directions to bake the charms.
4.

Cut a length of the monofilament (ours was 20 inches) and knot one end (this will be the bottom). Add 2 beads, then string the monofilament through the holes of a charm. Add another bead, then another charm, and so on, until all the charms have been strung. Add a final bead, then tie the end into a loop for hanging.

[keep-it-tidy]

Making a Star Lantern


Total Time Needed:
Afternoon Or Evening

n the Philippines at Christmas time, these bright lanterns, called parols, fill the streets, their shape echoing the star of Bethlehem.

Basswood strips can be found online and in some craft stores. They're commonly sold in 24-inch lengths. For this star, you'll need 6 strips that are 1/4- by 1/16-inch thick and 1 strip that's 1/4- by 1/4-inch thick. Use scissors to cut them into:
10 pieces: 12 by 1/4 by 1/16 inches
5 pieces:  1 1/2 by 1/4 by 1/4 inches
2 pieces: 4 1/2 by 1/4 by 1/16 inches

Materials

* Basswood strips
* Scissors
* Small rubber bands
* Tacky glue

* Colored tissue paper
* Embroidery floss
* Battery-operated tea light

X

Instructions

1.

Making a Star Lantern - Step 1 Make 2 five-pointed star shapes from the 12-inch strips. Secure them by wrapping rubber bands around the points.
2.

Making a Star Lantern - Step 2 Stack the two stars. Connect them at the points by wrapping the rubber bands around the ends.
3.

Making a Star Lantern - Step 3 Complete the frame by adding 1 1/2-inch posts between the stars at each of the five interior points. Use dots of glue to secure them.
4.

Making a Star Lantern - Step 4 For the tea light shelf, place two 4 1/2-inch strips inside the star so that they span two of the posts, and glue them in place. Using your star as a rough template, cut triangles of tissue paper that are a bit larger than the spaces in your parol. You'll need 10 triangles for the sides, 10 for the front and back of the points, and one pentagonal piece for the center. Glue the side pieces first, then the front and back triangles. Finish with the center pentagon.
5.

Making a Star Lantern - Step 5 For each tassel, cut and stack 30 foot-long, 1/2-inch wide strips of tissue paper, then tie embroidery floss around the middle. Fold the stack in half and glue a K-inch strip of paper around the tassel near the fold. Tie each tassel to a point of the parol. Tie a loop to the top point for hanging, and put the tea light in place.

[keep-it-tidy]

Peppermint Mail Post


Total Time Needed:
1 Hour


Sweeten your street this holiday season with a larger-than-life mailbox decoration.

Materials

* 3 Styrofoam disks, 1" thick and 10" in diameter
* Tacky glue
* Red metallic ribbon
* Scissors

* Straight pins
* Clear cellophane
* Twist ties
* Wire or twine

X

Instructions

1.

Stack and glue the three Styrofoam disks together. Then cut 2 3/4 inch-wide red metallic ribbon into six 12-inch lengths, trimming both ends of each piece into points.
2.

Glue the red ribbon onto the Styrofoam to form stripes. Start with one pointed end positioned near the center of the three-ply disk, then wrap the ribbon over the edge of the Styrofoam and glue the other end in place on the opposite side. Use straight pins to help hold the ends of the ribbons in place, then remove them once the glue has dried. Leave approximately 2 1/2 inches between the ribbons.
3.

When all of the red stripes are in place, wrap the giant candy in a 30-inch square piece of clear cellophane, scrunching the ends together and securing with twist ties.
4.

Attach the finished decoration to your mailbox with wire, twine, or a loop of strong tape. Just be sure to bring it in if the weather outside gets frightful.

[keep-it-tidy]

Photo-card Carousel


Total Time Needed:
1 Hour


What do we love about photo cards? Almost everything -- all those smiling faces dropping through the mail slot from faraway places, all those otherwise-serious friends and relatives throwing propriety to the wind in favor of silly Santa hats. But much as we love them, we've never really been sure what to do with them. This card carousel solves the problem handily, presenting them for view, then folding into an instant archive when the holidays are over.

Materials

* 3 1/2- by 5-inch notebook with the spiral binding at the top
* Photo cards

* Double-sided tape
* Red pipe cleaners

X

Instructions

1.

Start with the 3 1/2- by 5-inch notebook (we used an artist's sketchbook, since the paper is a little thicker). The notebook becomes a carousel when you set it on its side with the front and back covers touching.
2.

Attach the photo cards, one to each side of a sheet, with double-sided tape.
3.

Thread bright red pipe cleaners through the spiral binding between sheets (they also help the card carousel stay open for holiday business).

[keep-it-tidy]

Pieces on Earth


Total Time Needed:
1 Hour


Instead of throwing out those puzzles with missing pieces, let your kids turn what's left into a cast of holiday characters.

Materials

* Jigsaw puzzle pieces
* Acrylic paint
* Fine-point permanent markers
* Glue
* Dimensional fabric paint

* Pom-poms
* Mini googly eyes
* Monofilament
* Pinbacks

X

Instructions

1.

Paint the puzzle pieces with acrylic paint. Once they're dry, draw or glue on distinguishing features. We used dimensional fabric paint, pom-poms, mini googly eyes, and a fine-point permanent marker.
2.

Turn the creatures into tree ornaments by gluing loops of monofilament to the backs, or attach pinbacks so you can give a backpack or sweater a little holiday flair.

[keep-it-tidy]

Pinecone Carolers



Total Time Needed:
1 Hour

These small-scale singers are poised to echo their joyous strains this holiday season.

Materials

* Acrylic paints
* Capped acorns
* Hot glue
* 2 small twigs

* Small pinecone, between 1" and 2" tall
* Glue stick
* Small piece of photocopied sheet music
* Colored construction paper

X

Instructions

1.

To make your own tiny choir, first use acrylic paints to create faces on a collection of capped acorns and allow them to dry.
2.

Use hot glue to secure each acorn head and 2 twig arms to a small pinecone (ours were between 1 and 2 inches tall).
3.

For each songbook, use a glue stick to attach a small piece of photocopied sheet music to a rectangle of colored construction paper.
4.

Give each book a center crease, then attach the music to a carolers hands with hot glue.

[keep-it-tidy]

Potted Paper Cones



Total Time Needed:
1 Hour


These elegant trees are so versatile -- you can make them in a variety of sizes and with almost endless decorating possibilities -- they'll fit in any (or every!) room in your house.

Materials

* 1 large piece of drawing paper or poster board
* Clear or double-sided tape
* Scissors
* Hot-glue gun
* Small ornaments, garlands, fake jewels, or ribbons

* Dowel with a 1/2-inch diameter (ours were 3 feet long)
* Decorative bucket or flowerpot
* Small rocks
* Cotton batting

X

Instructions

1.

Potted Paper Cones - Step 1 Roll the paper or poster board into a cone shape (make sure the hole at the tip is less than 1/2 inch wide), then tape the seam and trim the bottom so that it's even.
2.

Decorate the cone by hot-gluing small ornaments, garlands, fake jewels, or ribbons to it. (If you're using bulb ornaments, glue the top of the ornament, rather than the bulb itself, to the cone for a stronger hold.) Let the glue dry.
3.

Stand the dowel in the bucket and fill the bucket with enough rocks to keep the dowel upright. Cover the rocks with the cotton batting, then set the paper cone atop the dowel.

[keep-it-tidy]

Recycled Wreath


Time Needed
1hr


Looking for a festive way to recycle your holiday wrapping debris? Give your tot a paper plate with the center cut out and let him decorate it with leftover pieces of gift wrap, tissue paper, ribbon, and more.

Materials

* Paper plate
* Gift wrapping, ribbons, tissue paper

* Glue or glue stick

X

Instructions

1.

Cut out the center of the paper plate (we traced around a CD).
2.

Cover the plate with glue (an older child may prefer using a glue stick), then have your child decorate it with leftover pieces of gift wrap, tissue paper, ribbon, and more.
3.

To hang the wreath, tape a loop of ribbon to the back.

[keep-it-tidy]

Red-Nosed Wreath Deer


How the heck did this reindeer get his head through that door? We may never know, but, hey, he's got a friendly face to greet the kids coming home from school. Start with a pinecone wreath (as we did) or modify this design for an evergreen wreath.

MATERIALS
10-inch square of corrugated cardboard
Pinecone wreath with a 7-inch opening (approximately)
Pencil or pen
Scissors
Adult-size brown knit ski cap
Pair of brown gloves
Several handfuls of fiberfill stuffing
Low-temperature glue gun
Cloth-covered floral wire
1 red pom-pom (2 inches wide)
2 white pom-poms (each 2 inches wide)
Two 1/2-inch circles of black felt
Small piece of brown craft foam
1 yard of wide ribbon
Small bells (optional)

1. Lay down the cardboard with the wreath centered on top of it. Trace around the inside hole, then remove the wreath and draw a second circle about 1 inch bigger than the rough one. Cut along the line for the bigger circle.

2. Stuff the hat and gloves with fiberfill. Place the cardboard circle in the hat opening and glue about an inch of the hat material to it. Let dry.

3. Carefully push the hat through the wreath until the cardboard back is flush against the back of the wreath. To hold in place, crisscross two pieces of floral wire across the back of the wreath and attach to the wreath to create a cross support.

4. If your wreath has a built-in hanger, make sure that it's at the top, then glue the red pom-pom nose and white pom-pom eyes onto the hat. Add a black felt circle to each eye.

5. Cut ears out of brown craft foam. Ours are 4 1/2 inches tall. Wire the ears in place (just push floral wire through the foam and wrap around the wreath).

6. For each antler: a) Cut three 18-inch pieces of floral wire. b) Fold down the top inch of each wire. c) Insert the wires into the glove opening and up to the tops of three fingers. d) Twist the three wires together at the bottom of the glove and attach the antler to the wreath frame with this wire. Repeat with the other glove.

7. Tie the ribbon into a large bow. Use floral wire or a pipe cleaner to attach the bow (and bells, if you like) to the bottom of the wreath.

8. If your wreath did not come with a hanger, make a wire loop at the back of the wreath and hang.

[keep-it-tidy]

Sweet Countdown



Total Time Needed:
30 Minutes or less


This edible Advent garland will spruce up your holiday tree and give your child a way to keep track of the days until Santa's visit.

Materials

* Candy buttons on paper strips
* Tape

* Scissors

X

Instructions

1.

Sweet Countdown - Step 1 Cut 24 same-size strips of candy buttons (ours had 8 candies each).
2.

Sweet Countdown - Step 2 Tape them together in a chain and snip off a loop each day starting December 1.

[keep-it-tidy]

Tabletop Tree



Total Time Needed:
2-3 Hours


This charming greeting arrives flat but easily transforms into a festive, 3-D holiday decoration, so it's a great gift as well. Our template makes creating the three-sided shape a cinch.

Materials

* 8 1/2- by 11-inch sheets of card stock in green and red
* Scissors
* Craft knife

* Hole punch
* Glue stick
* A6 (4 3/4- by 6 1/2) envelope

X

Instructions

1.

Tabletop Tree - Step 1 Print our template or draw your own from the diagram here. (To create your own template, first draw the center tree on a sheet of paper, leaving room for the side trees. Fold your paper along one edge of the tree and trace over the outline showing through to mark the edge of one side tree. Repeat for the other side tree. Cut out the template, including a tab at one edge.)
2.

Use the template to trace and cut the triple tree from the green card stock and a 4 1/2-inch-tall, 3 3/4-inch-wide triangle from the red. Use a craft knife to cut a 1-inch slit along the outside edge of the trees, opposite the tab, as shown.
3.

Tabletop Tree - Step 3 Fold the card in thirds, then use a hole punch to make holes through all 3 layers.
4.

Open the card and glue on the triangle, then add your message. If you like, glue photos backed with colorful paper to the other 2 sides.

[keep-it-tidy]

Window Dressing



Total Time Needed:
1-2 Hours


Help your child put his holiday artwork on display with this fun, easy-to-clean-up project that uses fluffy paints made from soap.

Materials

* Kitchen grater
* Bar of mild white soap
* Lukewarm water
* Electric mixer

* Liquid food coloring
* Newspaper
* Masking tape
* New kitchen sponge

X

Instructions

1.

To prepare the paint, first use a kitchen grater and a bar of mild white soap (we used a 3.1-ounce bar of Ivory) to make 1 cup of soap shavings.
2.

Combine the shavings with 1 cup of lukewarm water in a large bowl with an electric mixer on low speed, mixing just until blended. Increase the speed to medium high and beat for another 3 to 5 minutes, until the mixture is foamy and forms stiff peaks. For colors, divide the mixture among several bowls and tint each batch with a few drops of liquid food coloring. (This makes about 8 cups of soap paint; larger scenes, like our tree, may require more.)
3.

Window Dressing - Step 3 To decorate a window, first cover the floor with newspaper and protect the window casing with masking tape. Cut a new kitchen sponge into small pieces, then help your child create a wintry scene with a textured effect by dabbing the paints onto the glass with the sponges. Allow the paints to dry, then peel away the tape.
4.

To remove the design, first scrape off the bulk of the dried soap, then use window cleaner and a rag or paper towels to remove the remainder.

[keep-it-tidy]

that's all i can post today guys and girls, hope you like the crafts happy making :) if you make anything take a pic and stick it up :) be nice to see some il be speading 2mor making a few just have to decide which ones theres soo many

thanks for reading :) x x x x x

[Scrabble]

Thanks for sharing all these ideas.I love the chair back covers. So simple to make and I know the kids will love them. Another great site is www.oneprettything.com
I don't know if I found it through someone on jumbletown but I'm addicted to it.
Merry Christmas and happy crafting
Scrabble

[unapam]

These are so fabulous. I will spend some time this week trying them out. Thanks for all the ideas.

[keep-it-tidy]

thanks for the web site Scrabble :) will be checking that out too :) there is a few really nice stuff you can craft at home i no a few bits and bobs would cost a small bit but considering the amount shops ar chargin for stuff id prefer to make them myself and get the little lad to make something so he can have it :)

[mary donnellan]

amazing site

[elbo]

I received this Christmas decoration which was bought in the Christmas Market in Germany. I am sure it would be quite easy to make, as it is made from dried orange sprinkled with glitter; cinnemon sticks; anniseed stick; wallnuts; piece of straw.
The smell of cinnemon goes all over the house.

[Gormal]

thought I'd bump it up as it's getting to that time of year again. This has given me a few ideas. I have no christmas stuff.
Thanks for the link Scrabble. Elbo I think I will try dried orange slices with cloves to hang on the tree or sticks I plan to get.

[Gormal]

I found some decorative ribbon in Lidl today and have made a start on some bows for the tree. No sewing involved. Just cut a length of ribbon, fold in half to get the center then fold the ends in towards the center with some hanging down, pinch together and wrap with co-ordinating thread 2 times tie a knot to hold in place and another knot at top of thread. Depending on the type of ribbon you may have to gently melt the edges to stop them fraying

[Merienne]

I've seen a lot of pictures of gorgeous paper snowflakes in interior decoration blogs lately, and I think they can look really stylish.

I like subtle decorations, so these made from white printing paper do the trick for me, but you can obviously use coloured paper too. Good for adding to handmade Christmas cards, or to embellish the Christmas presents.

I googled for instructions and inspiration, and then made these while watching tv in the weekend. It doesn't take long to get the hang of how to cut to get different patterns.

These are two of the websites I used:

http://highhopes.com/snowflakes.html

http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-Make-6-Pointed-Paper-Snowflakes/

If you google "paper snowflakes image" you can get lots of inspiration for patterns.

Now I'm gonna decorate my alternative Christmas tree- my Olive tree that I took inside when the cold hit...

[Gormal]

they're brilliant thanks for sharing, am off to make some now.

[rumble2]

wow, they are great! Thanks for posting this!

[Gormal]

finally finished him.... made from scrap red fabric, ribbon scraps, card, pvc belt and cotton pad. Am pretty chuffed with how it turned out.

[TickTock]

Really brill Santa! Instructions pleeeeeze!

[Gormal]

Really brill Santa! Instructions pleeeeeze!


hmm ok I'll try.
firstly make a cone from a piece of card. then cover with fabric and stitch, Turn the fabric inside out and pop over the cone.

Arms - roll up fabric, pin. Carefully hand stitch to hold together. make 2. stitch arms onto the body near the top.

Stitch cotton ribbon/trim around base.

add belt stitching at back & front to hold in place. Glue on buttons and trimmings.

Make little mittens & hat. slide mittens onto arms and stitch in place. Wrap ribbon around for cuffs, melt ends &glue in place.

Head - I used a bit of cotton trim to make the head, cut a beard shape at the bottom of the trim, hold against the top of the cone/body and pinch at the top, cut and stitch. this sits on the peak of the cone and the hat will go over. Stitch to secure in place. You could use felt to make the face and then attach to the body. add hair at back to hide stitching etc, Add hat stitch in place. glue on beard, hair and fluffy trim around bottom of hat.

I used a marker for the eyes and mouth, blusher for the pink face and shaped a cotton wool pad for the beard, tash, brows and hair as well as going round the hat
If using ribbons gently melt the ends to stop fraying. I used invisible thread for the most part.
Did that make sense??

[TickTock]

Thanks a lot Gormal......and it does make sense........but unsure of my own ability to pull it off. However, I've made some Christmas Cards and one of them is a Santa one. When I get a chance I'll pop it up on the papercraft thread.