Crafts for the Holiday Season

The holidays are right around the corner, which means it is time to start thinking about decorating and gift giving. Hey, you may not have even gone pumpkin picking yet, but December will be here before you know it! Whether you want to add a festive, one-of-a-kind flare to your home, are looking for an inexpensive, yet thoughtful gift to give someone, or you simply want to spend some quality time with your family making crafts together, here are some great Christmas-themed craft ideas that are easy to make and will be sure to get you into the holiday spirit.

Image courtesy of ShutterStock

Make these Christmas candle jars and use them to decorate your home, or give them as a gift. To make this craft, you’ll need:
         A clean glass jar (think spaghetti sauce, baby food, jelly, etc) with the label removed
        Glitter glue
        Sequins
        Rhinestones
        Hot glue
Use the craft supplies to create decorative accents on the outside of the jar. You can make a Christmas tree, a snowman, or you can simply add some random, but pretty decorative accents. Once the outside of the jar is decorated to your liking, allow it to dry completely. Place a Christmas scented tea light inside the jar and you’ve got a craft that will warm your home, or the home of someone you love, this holiday season.

 
Image courtesy of ShutterStock
Welcome friends and family to your home this holiday season with this cheery ornament wreath. You may have seen them for sale in the stores, but instead of paying the jacked up price, make one yourself – and get the exact look that you want. For this craft, you’ll need:
        A foam wreath form
        Wide decorative ribbon
        Ornaments in varying sizes and whatever color you prefer
        Hot glue
To start, wrap the ribbon around the wreath to cover up the foam. Next, use hot glue to affix the ornaments onto the wreath. You can create a pattern, if you wish, or you can apply them haphazardly. Save the smallest ornaments for last and use them to fill in any gaps. Once the wreath is completely covered, let it dry and then hang it up on your front door, on a window, inside your house, or anywhere else you wish.


Give your tree an eye-catching sparkle with these do-it-yourself glitter ornaments. You’ll need:
        Clear glass ornaments
        Floor wax
        Glitter in any color you like
Begin this project by removing the holder from the ornaments and set them aside. Pour a little bit of liquid floor wax inside the ornaments and slowly swirl it around until it covers the entire inside. Pour out the excess wax. Next, sprinkle some glitter inside the ornaments, rolling them around so that the entire inside of the glass ball is covered. The glitter will stick to the floor wax! Once the ornaments are glittered to your liking, replace the holders and there you have it – sparkly decorations for your Christmas tree.

Santa Claus Treat Bottles

This is a fun craft to do with the kids, and it can easily be used to decorate your house or to give as a gift. You’ll need:

        a clean plastic bottle (soda or water)
        red candies, like M&Ms or Skittles
        cotton balls
        one pom-pom
        two googly eyes
Fill your plastic bottle with your chosen red candies. Then screw the top back on. Using your cotton balls, create a beard on the front of the bottle. Next, glue a pom-pom above the beard as a nose and attach two googly eyes above that. To finish up, glue a cotton ball on top of the cap and your Santa Claus is all made! Ho, ho, ho!


Image courtesy of ShutterStock
These pinecones can be used to decorate your Christmas tree and add a touch of natural beauty. You’ll need:
        a collection of pinecones; you can get them from outside or buy them from a craft supply store.
        ribbon
        white paint
        white glitter
After you’ve gathered your pinecones, tie a ribbon around one of the ends of each one. Dip the pinecones into your white paint and, while still wet, dip them into the white glitter. It’s as easy as that! These are a simple, yet beautiful, addition to your holiday decor.


Add a personal touch to a traditional Christmas decoration by making a photo wreath. You’ll need:
        pictures of your loved ones
        a wire wreath form
        hot glue
        decorative ribbon
Start by printing out your chosen pictures and affix them onto your wire wreath, using the hot glue. If you find that the pictures are too large, or are sticking out awkwardly from the wreath, simply trim the edges. You can even cut them into different shapes, for some variety. Next, thread your ribbon through the center of the wreath and tie a knot in the end. Hang your wreath in central spot so everyone can enjoy looking at the pictures! This adds a very sentimental touch to your Christmas.

Whether you’re giving them as gifts or using them to decorate your own home, these crafts are sure to add some cheer to this Yuletide season. For some unique and creative packaging (if you are indeed creating some as gifts), consider purchasing fancy acrylic bins! Whether you wrap them or leave them as is, your gift recipients will be more than pleased.

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Marcela De Vivo is a freelance writer in Southern California. She loves the Christmas season and enjoys getting her home in a festive spirit by making her own holiday crafts. Follow her on Twitter for more!
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