Planning for a creative, crafty DIY Christmas
Crafting is a wonderful activity any time of year, but Christmas crafting is extra special. Getting creative is a fantastic way to slow down, spend time with family and friends and make something meaningful. You don’t need to be an expert to create something great — you just need a little imagination and a few basic supplies.
Paper crafts are perfect for kids, and incorporating photos makes them unique and personal. Pictures can be inserted into clear ornaments or photos can be added to paper and Popsicle stick crafts. Several years ago, my youngest son made a tree ornament at school that I still proudly display every year. He painted Popsicle sticks green and glued them together to make the shape of a Christmas tree. Then, he glued a picture of himself wearing a Santa hat inside the tree frame. There’s nothing better than a tree decorated with children’s artwork and photos.
It’s fun to get crafty in the kitchen, too. Bake up a batch of your favourite cookies and package them in clear cellophane bags. Then, embellish the front of the bags. Consider turning a batch of plain ginger molasses cookies into adorable edible elves. A cardstock hat can be added to the top of a cookie with tape and embellished with a pompom or bell. Then, a face can be added to the cookie with googly eyes, button cheeks and a handdrawn mouth. Getting crafty with cookies is a unique and delightful alternative to using icing.
Older kids and adults can have fun making festive décor and gifts this time of year, too. Being creative is great for mental health, so crafting is a wonderful way to relieve stress and escape the hustle and bustle of the season. As an added bonus, handmade décor and gifts are thoughtful and friendly on the budget.
Handmade snow globes are easy to make from mason jars and can be customized for individual tastes and colour preferences. Grab a clean jar, flip it upside down and remove the lid. Glue ornaments, bottle brush trees and other embellishments to the inside of the lid. Then, add faux snow to the inside of the jar, and replace the lid. Finish by wrapping twine or ribbon around the base (lid).
It’s also fun to create homemade cards, wrapping paper and gift bags. For a cute and inexpensive gift bag option, create a house silhouette by cutting the corners off a brown paper lunch bag, use a chalk marker to transform the bag into a gingerbread house, insert a gift and top with tissue paper.
A brown bag with handles can also be turned into adorable reindeer-themed packaging. Glue on googly eyes, add a nose made from a round piece of sparkly paper or fabric and add facial details with markers. Then, tape candy canes to the inside of the top of the bag for antlers. Who wouldn’t be delighted to receive a gift in a bag like this?
Christmas crafting provides the perfect opportunity to spend time relaxing and being creative. Purchase simple supplies, gather around the kitchen table, play Christmas carols and make something great. Happy holidays!