Badge: Christmas Crafts

Many Christmas crafts are making or decorating the symbols and shapes of the holiday. These same things can be used for decoration or inspiration.

 

 

Steps

 

1. Shapes and symbols.

The shapes and symbols of Christmas are numerous. Use these in your crafting to change a normal craft into a Christmas craft. Some of these include:

• Candles
• Candy cane / peppermint
• Christmas / pine tree
• Christmas bells
• Elves
• Gift
• Gingerbread
• Holly
• Mistletoe
• Nativity
• Nutcracker
• Ornament
• Poinsettia
• Reindeer
• Santa
• Snowflake
• Snowmen
• Stocking

2. Colors

Traditionally, the colors for Christmas are red and green. However, the combination of blue and white is very popular. You can also find other color combinations to create your own unique style. Look at the colors of the season and incorporate these into your crafting.

 

Crafting Time

3. Christmas decor.

Need a little festive color? Make your own decorations! Start with the basics and then add some personalization or flair to the idea. You might choose to make:

• Centerpiece
• Holiday banner
• Natural garland (popcorn, cranberries, etc.)
• Ornaments
• Paper chains
• Snowflakes
• Wreath
• Yard decor

4. Ornaments.

There are so many ways you can make ornaments that we need additional badge programs for this step alone. Explore ornaments you can do as a family. The ornaments can be personalized by including names, years and more. Colors can be used to continue your style. Look at ornament ideas online and choose one to try.

5. Cards.

Christmas cards are a great way to let friends and family know you are thinking of them during the holidays. You can purchase or make cards. Explore cards others have made on Pinterest or other online sites. Pick a few people to send cards to this holiday season and do it.

6. Advent calendar.

Counting down to Christmas can be fun – especially for kids. You can purchase a kit or make your own advent calendar. Items you can put in your calendar include:

• Ornaments
• Candy
• Wishes or activities

Check out advent calendars and decide if you want to make one.

7. Gingerbread houses.

While not a fan myself, many people love making gingerbread houses. I have seen some gorgeous ones. For little ones, you can start with graham crackers instead. Explore materials you need to make a gingerbread house. Collect the items and invite others to join you in creating their own houses.

8. Use your photos.

Use your family photos to help embellish your Christmas. A  few starter ideas are below. Try one or come up with your own.

• Gift tags
• Ornaments
• Cards
• Calendar (following year)
• Scrapbook page or album
• Slideshow

9. Luminaries.

While candles are popular, they aren’t always safe. Crafting with small strings of lights is a great way to create safer luminaries — such as putting them in a mason jar with potpourri so the scent releases with the heat of the lights. Explore different ways to create safer luminaries.

10. Gift bags and wrapping.

You can purchase gift bags to make your life easier, however the expense for a single use is excessive. As a recycler, I can tell you storing all the bags may save money, but the containers holding them are an eyesore. Instead, create your own gift wrap and packaging using what you have from home. Newspaper (especially the comics), scrapbook paper and colored brown paper bags are a great way to start. Explore templates and tutorials online to find new ways to use the materials you have to create unique and fun wrapping options.

11. Packaged gifts.

Have you made cookies in a jar? How about shared bags of reindeer poop? These items require basic skills to make and are enjoyed by the recipient. You merely have to collect the items and assemble. Look for items you can assemble and gift.

12. Simple gifts.

You can craft simple gifts for friends and family like friendship bracelets, fleece blankets, containers of treats, wreaths and snowflakes. Look for simple gifts that you or your kids can make. Plan an afternoon of crafting fun and make gifts for friends and family.

13. Get inspired.

Check out the sites below or collect Christmas craft projects you already have and become inspired to do even more art and crafts over the holidays. Relax and have fun!

 

 

Sites to Explore

 

• family.disney.com/christmas
• www.netmums.com/activities/christmas/christmas-crafts
• www.momswhothink.com/christmas/25-days-of-christmas.html
• www.kidactivities.net/category/Holidays-Christmas-Crafts.aspx
• www.graciousrain.com/2009/11/30/family-advent-calendar
• www.pinterest.com/craftymorning0/kids-christmas-winter-crafts
• www.pinterest.com/patty_palmer2/holiday-art-projects

 

To download a PDF of this badge program, click here: EP_Christmas Crafts