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.
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!
_______________________________________________________________________________
Tags
Lifestyle