Holly Jolly Craft Ideas

Washi Tape Ornament

Winter weather has descended and as the temperatures drop, my little natives are getting very restless. I'm hearing comments like "I'm bored!" or "Why can't we go outside?" If I want frozen snowmen I'll let them out to play in the 20 degree outdoors (at my house during the day). 

But sometimes the littles need to stay inside for their own good - here's a round up of holiday craft ideas to keep hand busy and minds engaged!

Washi Tape Monogram Ornament
This is a fun and simple ornament to create with scrapbooking supplies and washi tape from our sister site, Craftown.

Swirled Ornament Balls
Create pretty painted ornament balls with this simple swirl technique. These easy-to-make ornaments would make thoughtful grandparent or parent gifts and are quick enough for a classroom projects.

Clay Pot Angel
This craft takes a little more planning and a few special supplies. But the result is well worth the effort on your part. Your little elves will be delighted with their clay pot angels!

Glitter Dreidels and Stars
A super easy way to create dreidel and star shapes using glue and glitter, this simple activity could also be used to make your own holiday ornaments to hang up or give as gifts.

Hanukkah Mobile
Use craft foam, a hanger and some string to create a sweet mobile featuring the Star of Davis and other Hannukkah shapes such as dreidels or candles.


Visit The Idea Box for more crafts, snacks and activities for Christmas and the holidays! 

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After Christmas Crafts

Gingerbread Man Craft

I love Christmas! With that being said, I have two little boys on winter break that also love Christmas, but get a little bored the day after. It's like a toy and sugar let down. And the "I'm bored"'s start in. I am sure you have never heard that one before.

I decided to come up with some simple "after Christmas" activities/projects that we can do together to help keep the boredom at bay. And since it's still technically December and the Christmas season, I figured I don't have to be too picky about theme.

You'll enjoy the crafts I dug up for you to do with your little ones. They may still be a little Christmas-y, but I assure you that the kids will have fun, the boredom will be held off and you will be glad you read this post.

Try some of these crafts and projects - Enjoy!

Christmas Snow Globe

Christmas Stars

Craft Stick Reindeer

Glittery Ornaments

Recycle Christmas Cards

However you spend your winter break, enjoy the season and the time spent with your kiddos, crafts or no crafts!

Connect with us on Facebook and share your favorite after holidays or winter craft. Or visit The Idea Box for more winter fun crafts and project ideas!

Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas...

Image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

And make something crafty with your kids too! Here are some easy-peasy crafty ideas to keep those little hands busy and creative. Create some stars, cinnamon ornaments or Christmas tree brownies to share and spread a little holiday joy! Here's a few ideas to get you started.

Christmas Stars
Crafts don't get much easier - wax paper, glue and glitter will get you started making Christmas stars to deck your halls with or share with someone special!

Christmas Tree Brownies
If you like brownies, you'll love our Christmas Tree brownie recipe. You'll need a Christmas Tree cookie cutter and a few decorating supplies.

Christmas Tree Mobile
Create a sweet little mobile to enjoy for Christmas, using all sorts of craft scraps and embellishments you have on hand! Sweet and simple.

Christmas Wreath
This craft will require some adult supervision as it employs the use of a wire hanger being bent into a circle shape. The result is worth the effort!

Cinnamon Ornaments
This is one of my favorite homemade ornament recipes. It uses an applesauce and cinnamon mixture and the scent of the ornaments will last a few Christmases. You can always add cinnamon oil later to refresh the scent.

Whether you whip up a few Christmas crafts or just sit back with some hot cocoa to soak up the holiday spirit, enjoy your family and loved ones! Connect with us on Facebook to share your favorite Christmas crafts or visit The Idea Box for all sorts of great ideas!

Ho Ho Hope You Like Candy!

Candy Jar

Are you ready for Christmas? Or are you stressed out and shopped out trying to get the perfect gift for all the special people in your life or your kid's life? Not to worry. Simplifying may be the answer. If you really want to take holiday prepping to a whole new level - let the kids help! Put the those little elves to work!

Whether creating a candy jar filled with treats or crafting a candy cane masterpiece, your little ones will love these ideas. Kids really do love giving, and it can get spendy if you have a long list. Keep it simple and keep to your budget by creating some of your gifts. Here's just a few to get you started.

Candy Cane Hearts
I love this super simple craft! It's adorable used on a homemade card, as a package accent or thoughtful edible ornament!

Candy Cane Mouse
I've seen this one done before and it makes for an adorable little critter to share with friends or decorate a tree or classroom with.

Candy Cane Sled
This is one of my favorites and also one I hadn't tried! Create a chocolate sled with candy cane tracks and nibble your way to fun.

Candy Cane Reindeer
This one is a simple take on a traditional favorite - gather some yarn and pompoms and create some crazy candy cane reindeer to share or keep!

While I know you have your hands full preparing for the holidays and keeping kids entertained before and after Christmas (because they just had to give all the kiddos a two week winter break afterward), try some of our simple Christmas crafts to keep little hands and minds busy.

Connect with us on Facebook to share your favorite go to homemade craft project or visit The Idea Box for more Christmas crafts and projects.

Creative Christmas Crafts!

Image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

As the weather gets colder and Christmas gets closer, you may find yourself with some restless little elves very much in need of something to do to keep their little minds and hands busy! Good thing we have a ton of creative Christmas crafts for you to task your elves with.

Advent Calendar
Create your very own advent calendar with some basic craft supplies like construction paper, stickers and markers. Go the extra step to laminate and enjoy it for the next few years!

Drum Ornament
Turn your toilet paper rolls into some very adorable homemade drum ornaments to hang on the tree or decorate a classroom with - the elves will love this.

Swirled Ornament Balls
Create pretty painted ornament balls with this simple swirl technique. These easy-to-make ornaments would make thoughtful grandparent or parent gifts and are quick enough for a classroom projects.

Clay Pot Angel
This craft takes a little more planning and a few special supplies. But the result is well worth the effort on your part. Your little elves will be delighted with their clay pot angels!

Paper Plate Penguin
With stuff sitting in your kitchen (and maybe craft drawer) you can have your elves making paper plate penguins in no time. It's a quick, simple craft to keep them busy while you enjoy some egg nog!

However you choose to entertain the elves, browse through our Christmas crafts to make it a little bit easier. Connect with us on Facebook to share your most effective tools or visit The Idea Box for many more crafts, projects and kid-friendly recipes!

Crafty Wednesday: Clay Pot Christmas Tree

Each Wednesday we'll bring you a fun craft to make with your kids!

This week's craft is...

Clay Pot Christmas Tree

3 small clay pots in varying sizes
glue
paint: green, yellow
glitter
buttons
small wooden star
spray sealer

Glue the clay pots together one on top of each other starting with the largest on the bottom then the middle sized pot and then the littlest pot so that they form a sort of pyramid. Paint the "tree" green and let dry. In the meantime paint the small wooden star yellow and sprinkle glitter on it. Glue the star standing upright to the top of the tree. Glue the buttons or "ornaments" all over the tree. Spray the tree with a glue spray and sprinkle the clear glitter (snow) on the tree.

Visit The Idea Box for all of our crafty ideas

Thursday Games: Holiday Present Surprise

Each Thursday we'll bring you a fun game to play with your kids!

This week's game is...

Holiday Present Surprise

several boxes
wrapping paper
tape
gifts
candy
tape player

This game is based on the "cake walk" concept.

To prepare for the game, get several boxes incremental in size (they fit inside each other). You can use anywhere from 3 boxes and on up. Fill the smallest box with the prizes and candy, then wrap. Place it inside the next box and then wrap. Place that one inside the next box and wrap. And so on. Put a pretty bow on the last box to finish it off.

Now for the game: Have all the children get in a circle. (optional you can have picture or number markers for them to stand on). Play the music and have them walk around the circle - placing the present in the center. When you stop the music, pick one child (either by picking one of the numbers that they are standing on, or having a specially marked one on the floor). That child gets to go to the center and start unwrapping the present. (Most won't realize that there will be another box inside and it will get them excited!) Then start the music again and repeat the process.

Try to pick a different child each time. When a child opens the last box it contains the prize. That child can share the candy/prizes with the group. If you are doing a class party, you could fill the last box with little baggies of candy and prizes for each child. Have fun!!

Visit The Idea Box for all of our game ideas

Monday Music: Here's a little Candle

Each Monday we'll bring you a fun song to sing with your kids!

This week's song is...

Here's a little Candle
(sung to the tune of "I'm a Little Teapot")

Here's a little candle dressed in white,
Wearing a hat of yellow light.
When the night is dark, then you will see
Just how bright this light can be.

Here's a little candle straight and tall,
Shining it's light upon us all.
When the night is dark, then you will see
Just how bright this light can be.

Here's a little candle burning bright.
Keeping us safe all through the night.
When the night is dark, then you will see
Just how bright this light can be!

Visit The Idea Box for all of our music and song ideas