What We Love Right Now December 8, 2010: Christmas Crafting

Crafts are always fun, but they are definitely more fun for kids, and even adults, when they are tied to a holiday. Christmas is a one of those “big” holidays that really lends itself to some good crafting. Here are a few easy crafts for you to make this holiday season.

1. Pom Pom Ornaments

This craft is ridiculously simple. All you need is a some cardboard (maybe from an old shoe box or moving box). Then, simply create your ornament template (candy cane, wreath, snowman) using the cardboard. Next, glue on the pom poms to cover the cardboard. Attach ribbon as the ornament hook. You can even add other adornments like rhinestones, sequins or glitter.

2. Pine Cone Christmas Tree

You’ll need a small tip paintbrush, sequins and green glitter glue for this craft. Spread the glitter glue onto the cone using the paintbrush and add sequins as “ornaments” before the glue dries. You can even add a construction paper star to the top of the tree as a finishing touch.

3. Reindeer Food

You might leave out cookies and milk for Santa, but what about his trusty reindeer? Sure carrots are good, but this version of “reindeer food” is much more fun! You’ll need raw oatmeal, glitter (red, green, gold or silver), a brown paper bag, and ribbon. Let your child decorate the paper bag for their favorite reindeer. Then place about 4 tablespoons of oatmeal and a teaspoon of glitter in the bag. On Christmas Eve sprinkle the reindeer food in your yard for Santa’s reindeer to eat once they get to your house!

Don’t forget to check out our Cute Candy Cane Reindeer and how to make an Easy Advent Calendar.

Egg Carton Caterpillar Craft

This is a super easy spring craft that is great for school age children ages 4-8. Best of all, the end result is cute caterpillar!

What you’ll need:

cardboard egg carton

scissors

green craft paint

6 small yellow pom-poms

pipe cleaners

2 small green pom-poms

2 stick on eyes

Instructions:

With an adult’s help, remove the lid of the egg carton and cut the bottom in half. Trim away excess. Paint the egg carton green and let it dry completely. Glue small yellow pom-poms to the top of each of the six egg cups. Cut two 2-inch strips from the pipe cleaner. Glue the pipe cleaner pieces to the top of the first egg cup to create the antennae. Glue the 2 small pom-poms on the front of the egg cup for the eyes. Finally, glue the eyeballs to the green pom-poms.

Rainy or Snowy Day Crafting

When rainy or snowy weather has you indoors and the kids start going stir crazy, you may begin to wonder what to do. Filling a box with craft supplies is a great way to liven up these boring days. If you’re not sure where to start, check out this craft starter kit by Land of Nod. It’s great for ages 3 and up and is sure to get your child’s imagination going!