Have you decorated for Christmas yet? I have, sort of. I don’t really go all out like a lot of people do – we put up a tree, outside lights and I hang stockings …
And that’s about it. Pathetic, right?
However, if you’re the kind of person who likes to stuff every nook and cranny with knick knacks, (mom, I’m looking at you), then I’d like to pass on a few ideas from Family Fun.
I thought this was a cool idea, especially if you have old bricks lying around. Which, we all do, right? 😀
This project– painting a brick– is pretty much the epitome of a simple craft: almost anyone can do it, and no special patterns or materials are required. Younger kids can simply paint abstract designs, while older kids may want to create detailed characters, geometric patterns, or wintry landscapes.
MATERIALS
Newspaper
Acrylic paints
Paintbrushes
Two bricks
Glue
Felt
Cover a clean surface with newspaper and set out the acrylic paints and paintbrushes. Stand the bricks vertically, so that your child can paint on her designs. Remember that the surface of the bricks is porous and can absorb a good amount of paint.
Your child may need to apply several layers to create a solid covering. Or, if she prefers a splotchier effect, stop painting while some of the brick’s surface still shows through. Once the paint dries, trace around the brick bases on felt and cut them out. Glue the felt squares on the bottom of each brick to prevent the brick from scratching your bookshelf or tabletop.
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.
CRAFT MATERIALS:
Felt
Scissors
Fabric glue (we used Fabri-tac)
Set of machine-washable napkins
Sequins
Mini pom-poms
Time needed: About 1 to 2 Hours
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.
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)
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.
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.
CRAFT 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
Time needed: About 1 Hour
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.
Have you made any Christmas decorations lately? Take a picture and blog about it! Don’t forget to leave a link!
Next week: last minute Christmas tree ornaments
Write From Karen 
These are all great ideas and unique too. I’ve been looking all month at holiday crafts and these are not ideas I haven’t already seen 6 times over. Thanks!