MAKE MERRY
Creative ways to turn your leftover treats and trimmings into charming crafts
F OR some festive family fun, get crafty!
“The holidays are such a busy time,” Darcy Miller, a celebrations expert who has crafted for stars such as Drew Barrymore and Blake Lively, tells The Post. “But the week between Christmas and New Year’s is great because it really feels like a break, and it’s nice to use that downtime to create.”
This season, try making keepsakes with stuff you already have around the house, such as leftover wrapping paper or Hanukkah gelt. It minimizes your prep — who wants to do more shopping? — and encourages your kids to be imaginative.
“It’s all about finding that project that speaks to you — don’t feel like you have to do everything,” says mom of three Miller, the author of “Celebrate Everything!” (William Morrow).
Miller has a special mantra for crafting — no matter the time of year. “Instead of DIY, I like to say DIT: ‘ Do it together,’ ” she says.
Here are some of her most darling ideas for repurposing your holiday goods.
WRAPPING PAPER: Cut out thank-you cards!
Once you’re done opening gifts, don’t ditch the paper — “turn it into thank-you notes for your presents,” says Miller. It’s the perfect way to make the post-holiday thank-you note process more fun and interactive for kids. Don’t forget to keep track of the gift givers! “My girls can’t open a present without writing down who gave them what,” says Miller.
For a supersimple card option using sturdy wrapping paper, “just cut it and fold each piece in half, with the print on the outside and the blank sides on the inside for writing,” she says. To make use of thinner paper, use your favorite holiday cookie cutters to draw shapes (such as the gingerbread men above) onto the wrapping paper, then cut them out and glue or tape to a piece of folded card stock or construction paper.