Tag Archives: Christmas Crafts

Wooden Nativity Ornament

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Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

 

A simple Nativity is the perfect ornament gift to help reflect on the true meaning of Christmas!

 

Materials

  • Flat wooden items: small circle; three medium circles; two large circles; large oval; two XXL ovals; XXL triangle; XL star; two mini craft sticks; two craft sticks; five jumbo craft sticks
  • DecoArt Americana Acrylic Paints: Lemon Yellow, Lamp Black, Sable Brown, Milk Chocolate, Mocha, Orchid, Olive Green, Baby Blue, True Red, White Wash
  • DecoArt Dazzing Metallic Emperor’s Gold Paint
  • Hemp cord, 10” length
  • Raffia, small amount

Tools

  • Permanent markers: black dual-tip (fine and bullet); brown fine-tip
  • Thick craft glue
  • Drill with 3/32” bit

Basic Supplies

scissors, ruler, paintbrush, small stencil brush, paper plate (for palette)

Directions 

(Note: Adult supervision is needed when using a drill.)

1. Drill hole in one point of star. For stable, adhere jumbo craft sticks together side-by-side with ends even; adhere regular craft sticks to back at an angle for support. Let dry. Paint star Lemon Yellow, stable Milk Chocolate, triangle (stable top) Sable Brown, mini craft sticks (roof) Lamp Black, small and two medium circles (faces) Mocha, large oval (blanket) Baby Blue, one XXL oval (Mary’s robe) Orchid, remaining XXL oval (Joseph’s robe) Olive Green, remaining medium circle and large circles (halos) Emperor’s Gold. See photo. Drybrush cheeks on each face True Red; add White Wash highlight dots. (Note: To drybrush, dip stencil brush into paint, stroke on paper towel until almost dry, and brush surface in a circular motion.)

2. Refer to photo to add accent lines. Use bullet tip of black marker to dot eyes and brown marker to draw hair. (Note: Draw longer hair on sides of face for Mary.) Use fine tip of black marker to outline star, stable top, stable, halos, blankets, and robes; draw star rays, halo rays, blanket, and robe lines as shown.

3. To assemble the ornament, refer to photo. For Jesus, adhere small face to one end of blanket and medium halo to back. Adhere medium faces to front of one end of Orchid robe (Mary) and Olive Green robe (Joseph); adhere halos to back. Adhere Mary and Joseph to stable, 3/4” from bottom and 1/4” apart. Adhere Jesus to Mary as shown. Adhere stable top to stable, roof pieces to top and at each side of stable top, and star to center top of roof. (Note: Drilled hole of star should be at center top.)

4. Cut several strands of raffia into 1” lengths; adhere to bottom of stable. For hanger, thread hemp cord through star hole and knot ends together.

by Mary Ayres

Felt Snowman Bag

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Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

 

This cozy tote is perfect for all your little essentials. It’s fuzzy. It’s fun. And it’s oh-so-easy to make!

Materials

  • Wool felt: light blue, 1⁄2 yard; white, grey, scraps
  • White flat buttons, 1⁄2″, five
  • Black beads, 1⁄8″, six
  • Bright blue 6-strand embroidery floss
  • Black pearl cotton
  • Cardboard, 2-1⁄2″x8-3⁄4″ (optional)

Tools

  • Embroidery needle
  • Beacon Adhesives Liqui-Fuse

Basic Supplies

scissors, ruler, clothes dryer

Directions

(Note: Use three strands floss for all blanket stitching and one strand pearl cotton for all stem stitching.)

1. Wet felt; dry in dryer for “crinkly” look. (Note: For best results, wet colors separately and wring out excess water before placing in dryer.)

2. Cut the following light blue rectangles: two 8″x9″ (front and back); two 3″x8″ (sides); 3″x9″ (bottom); two 1″x8″ (handles). Print pattern. Cut snowman (in one piece) from white and scarf from grey.

3. Use Liqui-Fuse to adhere snowman and scarf to front of bag. Transfer details. Blanket stitch around snowman edges and over scarf. Stem stitch mouth and arms. Use pearl cotton to sew beads to eyes, nose, and chest. Use floss to sew button to scarf.

4. Blanket stitch sides to bottom ends and front and back to side/bottom strip with right sides facing out. Blanket stitch across top edges of bag.

5. Fold handle in half lengthwise; blanket stitch along raw edge. Use floss to sew buttons to handle ends, attaching them to top front and back of bag, 2-1⁄2″ from sides.

Tip

To make bag stand, place cardboard rectangle in bottom of bag.

by Mary Ayres

Clay Snow Angel Ornament

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Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

 

Sitting atop an ice cube, this little snow angel is trying to keep its cool! This ornament would make the perfect gift for that someone special!

Materials

  • Clear acrylic cube, 1” square
  • Oven-bake polymer clay: white, orange
  • Ultra-fine iridescent glitter
  • Black seed beads, two
  • Ribbon: gold, 1⁄4” wide, 6” length; iridescent, 3⁄4” wide, 8” length
  • Gold craft wire, 20-gauge, 4” length

Tools

  • Textured snow paint
  • Spray matte sealer
  • Pink chalk or powdered blush
  • Clay-dedicated pasta machine or rolling pin
  • Oven and parchment-lined baking sheet
  • Clay needle tool or toothpick
  • Eclectic Products E6000 Industrial-Strength Adhesive

Basic Supplies

masking tape, newspaper (to cover work surface)

Directions

STEP 1

Follow manufacturer’s instructions to condition clay.

STEP 2

For body, roll a 1” ball from White; press into pear shape and press onto cube.

STEP 3

For legs, roll two 1-1⁄2”-long, 11⁄16”-diameter tapered logs from White. Shape wide ends into feet and press narrow ends against body at base so feet rest at sides of cube. Use toothpick or clay needle tool to press snowflake design in bottom of each foot.

STEP 4

For arms, roll two 9⁄16” White tapered logs. Gently flatten wide ends to 1⁄4” thickness. Pinch and pull gently on one side of each to shape thumbs. Press narrow ends against body at shoulders; arrange hands on cube.

STEP 5

For head, roll 7⁄8” White ball; press to body. Use clay needle tool or toothpick to position beads sideways into face for eyes. Draw, and gently press, smile below eyes, pinching slightly at center for open mouth; indent smile ends. Roll 1⁄8” orange ball for nose; press to face. Apply chalk or blush to cheeks.

STEP 6

For halo, twist wire to form small loop at end. Bend loop forward and insert halo into head. Follow manufacturer’s instructions to bake snow angel; let cool.

STEP 7

Cover cube with masking tape. Spray snow angel with sealer. While still wet, sprinkle with glitter; remove tape. Apply snow paint to halo. Tie gold ribbon into bow around neck. Tie remaining ribbon into bow and glue to back for wings.

by Shelly Comiskey

Homemade Christmas Gifts In A Snap

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December has blown in with the wind from the north and it’s a great time of year to show those we love just how much we love them by creating homemade gifts. Baking delicious homemade quick breads is a great start. Learning that presentation is everything is the clincher to the deal! Today I have a quick and easy Gourmet Bread Wrap to share with you. With just a few fun paper crafting projects and a few extra minutes, your gift goes from nice to AMAZING! :) And as an added bonus, I will even share with you my very own Chocolate Chip Banana Bread recipe – a crowd pleaser each and every time I bake it!

Size:

Approximately 4¾” wide

Materials

  • Cardstock: kraft, cream, black
  • Red satin ribbon
  • Prima Marketing Crystals & Glittery Leaf

Tools & Supplies

  • Gina K Designs Rubber Stamps: Holiday Greetings, Vintage Backgrounds, Vintage Borders
  • Clearsnap Fluid Chalk Ink Pads: Lipstick Red, Blackbird
  • Sizzix Bigz Dies by Tim Holtz Styled Labels
  • Krylon Copper Leafing Pen
  • Adhesives: Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L 3-D Foam Squares; Beacon Adhesives Zip Dry Paper Glue

Directions

Step 1

Cut kraft cardstock to 4¾”x12”. Stamp Blackbird ink using hound’s-tooth background image. Wrap around center of wax paper wrapped bread loaf; adhere using Zip Dry Paper Glue. Tie a length of red satin ribbon around top third of wrap. Tie leaf stem in center of knot; bend wire to hold in place off to right side.

Step 2

Die cut cream cardstock using Styled Labels die. Stamp using Blackbird and Lipstick Red ink flourish image and sentiment respectively. Embellish image using crystals. Guild edge of die cut using Krylon Copper Leafing Pen. Adhere die cut to bottom third of wrap using 3-D Foam Squares.

Gourmet Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

 Ingredients

  • Yellow cake mix
  • Cinnamon, one tsp.
  • Nutmeg, ½ tsp.
  • Eggs, three
  • Oil, 1/3 cup
  • Bananas, four medium (approx two cups, mashed)
  • Chocolate chips, one cup

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease and flour two loaf pans. Mix cake mix and spices in bowl. Blend eggs, oil, vanilla, and bananas in blender. Add to cake mix; stir until well mixed. Stir in chocolate chips. Pour into prepared loaf pans. Bake until deep golden on top and toothpick inserted in center comes out clean (approximately 30-35 minutes). Remove from pans and allow to fully cool prior to wrapping in waxed paper.

by Keri Lee Sereika (www.pinklemonade.typepad.com)

Christmas Memories Album

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The month of December is one of my favorite times of the year to document family memories. While many people create “December Daily” albums, I have an idea to share to keep your holiday season stress free while still enabling you to document those special times with family.

It’s Jill Cornell here today to share an album that I created last year of 31 favorite memories celebrating Christmas. (Complete supplies and instructions are available in the December 2012 issue of Crafts ‘n things magazine.)

The album I chose to use is by Fancy Pants Designs.  I was able to add a lot of journaling and tuck memorabilia into the pockets of the album.

I completed the title page last as I was creating the album and used my favorite family photo in front of our Christmas tree.

I kept the design very simple with minimal embellishments and allowed the photos and journaling to take center focus.

The album also included page protectors and I embellished on top of them, as well as what was tucked inside.

Every year we send out a Christmas letter and this pocket was perfect for holding it.

One of the memories I captured was baking with Grandma Mary, and I was able to give a lot of detail on the journaling card.

I love that I was able to include so many photos about new traditions.

One of the reasons I decided not to make it a “December Daily” album was because we sometimes had multiple activities on one day. And I also wanted to be sure I included everything important about the holiday season.

The girls cracked a DVD before we even got to watch it (I did get a new copy) and rather than throw it away, I decided to include the entire DVD in the album.

And at the very end, I included a photo to celebrate the New Year and wrote my thoughts summarizing the month.

If the thought of documenting December is causing you more stress during an already busy time of the year, consider how much you will appreciate looking through a mini album of favorite memories in 20 years. It will be worth it! Keep it simple and make it fun! Enjoy making new memories this month, creating new traditions and treasuring each and every moment together!

Jill Cornell from Blessed Scrapper (www.jillcornell.blogspot.com)

Holiday Sock Ornaments

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Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

 

Wrap foam balls with holiday socks or tights to create ornaments with cozy appeal.

Materials

  • Dow STYROFOAM Brand Foam Balls, 3”
  • Holiday socks, one per ornament
  • White cording
  • Satin ribbon, 3/8” wide
  • Felt scraps
  • Assorted embellishments: pearl-head pins, sequins, tiny pom-poms, etc.

Tools

  • Wooden chopstick or skewer
  • Straight pins
  • White craft glue

Basic Supplies

scissors, ruler

Directions

Size

3″ tall

Ornaments

(Note: Omit straight pins and dimensional embellishments from ornaments if small children will have access to ornaments.)

1. Use chopstick to hollow out large hole at center top and bottom of foam ball. Rotate chopstick outward so holes are slightly wider at surface of ball.

2. Cut toe from sock. Insert ball into toeless sock so 1/2” of fabric extends beyond bottom of ball. (Note: Easiest way to do this is to hold ball in hand and pull sock up over hand and arm until ball is covered; slide hand from sock.)

3. Apply glue into hole in bottom of ball. Push cut edges of sock firmly into hole using pointed end of chopstick. Pin fabric in place until glue dries; remove pins.

4. Pull sock up over ball so fabric is tight and smooth up to top. Cut away sock’s ankle so 1/2” of fabric extends above top of ball. Repeat Step 3 for top of ball.

5. If desired, cut felt embellishments to complement sock designs, such as penguin’s scarf; glue to ornaments. Let dry.

6. Apply glue to ends of pearl-head pins; insert into ornament. Add sequins to some pins before inserting into ornaments. Let dry.

7. Cut 8” cord length for hanger; knot ends. Apply glue to end of straight pin and insert through knot into ornament. Tie small ribbon bow; adhere to top of ornament over pin. Let dry.

Tip:

Try this technique with non-holiday socks, too; it’s a great way to get rid of all those lone socks sitting atop the dryer.

by Kathleen George for The Dow Chemical Co. (www.styrofoamcrafts.com); (www.CraftsnCoffee.com)

Vintage Christmas Ornaments

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Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

 

Beautifully beveled edges highlight this glass ornament with sparkle. Use your favorite holiday photo or vintage clip art to make this holiday ornament a memorable one!

Materials

  • Studio Pro Diamond Bevels, one package each: 2”x4”, 1-1/2”x 2-1/2” (available at Hobby Lobby)
  • Old holiday cards, scrapbook paper, or vintage clip art
  • Jump rings, 7 mm, one package
  • Assorted ribbon

Tools

  • Studio Pro Tools: Soldering Iron; Lead-Free Solder; Black Backed Copper Foil, 7/32”; Safety Flux; Flux Brush (or cotton swab); Fid Twin Pack (or craft stick or pencil)
  • Needle-nose pliers
  • Long tweezers
  • Plaid Mod Podge
  • Ammonium chloride block (optional)

Basic Supplies

scissors, paintbrush, ruler, lint-free soft cloth, wet sponge, heat-resistant work surface

Directions

Note

Work in well-ventilated area. Open window or use fan if necessary. Keep area free from children and pets. Please read and follow all directions carefully. Protect feet and legs by wearing pants and closed-toe shoes. Eye protection is essential. Use a heat-resistant work surface. Remember, the less you move an unfinished project, the less likely you are to have damage.

Ornaments

1. Thoroughly clean bevels and dry with lint-free cloth.

2. Measure and mark shape of bevel on holiday card, vintage clip art or scrapbook paper. Cut shape from paper using scissors.

3. Use Mod Podge to adhere images face-down to back of each bevel. Follow manufacturer’s instructions for best application; allow each layer to dry thoroughly.

4. When dry, peel 1” of backing from foil tape. Center edge of bevel on sticky side of foil. Wrap all outer edges of bevel with foil, overlapping end by 1/4”.

5. Use fid or craft stick to burnish (rub) surface of foil to edge of glass. Press firmly. (Note: Too much pressure may cause foil to tear.)

6. Once foiled, lay all bevels on heat-resistant surface and plug in soldering iron.

7. Apply small amount of flux with brush or cotton swab along foiled edges of bevel.

8. Unroll 6” length of solder; heat solder with tip of soldering iron. Apply thin layer of solder (tinning) over all foiled edges of bevel. Using needle-nose pliers to flip bevel over; flux and solder other side of bevel.

9. Repeat Steps 7 -8 until all bevels have been tinned. Allow to cool.

10. To add jump ring to top and bottom of bevel, use needle-nose pliers to hold ring to bevel. Apply small amount of flux to ring and bevel’s edge, then place small amount of solder on tip of iron; touch iron to connecting joint. Allow to cool. For added join strength, flux and solder back of jump ring.

11. Use additional jump rings to connect bevels and embellish with ribbons or beads of choice.

Soldering Tips

  • If solder doesn’t flow smoothly, apply more flux.
  • If seams bulge over glass, there’s too much solder; you may need to melt and pull off excess.
  • If solder spits or bubbles, there’s too much flux; wipe some off.
  • Flat seams need more solder.
  • Don’t stay in same spot too long or solder will bleed through or glass will crack.
  • Wipe iron tip frequently on wet sponge while you are soldering.
  • Re-tin tips as needed using ammonium chloride block.

by Lauren DiSanza (A Studio Pro Bevel Project) for Diamond Tech (www.diamondtechcrafts.com)

Gingerbread Chef Tea Towel

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Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

 

Letting you know that “Happiness is Homemade”, this little guy is sure to give your home a warm, inviting feeling this Christmas season.

Materials

  • Rust check dishtowel
  • Cotton fabric scraps: medium brown, off-white, tan
  • Black pearl cotton floss, size 8, one skein
  • Embroidery floss: black, white

Tools

  • Embroidery needle
  • Iron and pressing surface
  • Therm O Web HeatnBond Iron-on Adhesive

Basic Supplies

scissors, ruler, pencil

Directions

Size

10″ tall

Gingerbread Chef

1. Print and cut out pattern. Trace pattern outlines onto paper side of iron-on adhesive. Trace sections separately: one hat, one upper body (head and arms), and so on. Include dashed-line areas for upper and lower body. Cut out adhesive patterns, leaving a narrow border around pattern edges.

2. Following manufacturer’s instructions, fuse adhesive to wrong sides of fabrics as follows: body to medium brown, hat and apron to off-white, spoon to tan. Cut out shapes. Remove paper backing.

3. Using pattern as placement guide, position shapes on center front of dish towel. Bottom of legs should be 1-7/8” from bottom edge of towel. Hat should overlap head, spoon overlaps arm, and apron overlaps upper and lower body. Fuse shapes to towel.

4. Transfer details to gingerbread chef. Use one strand pearl cotton to blanket stitch around outside edges of all pieces. Use two strands black floss to stem stitch eyes, mouth, and apron straps. Use one strand black floss to stem stitch lettering. Use white floss to make French knots in cheeks. Use three strands white floss to stem stitch icing lines.

Other Options

  • Make a cute kitchen companion. Cut out two solid bodies. Sew together with wrong sides facing, leaving small section open. Turn right side out and stuff with cinnamon-sprinkled fiberfill or spicy gingerbread potpourri; stitch opening closed. Add a mini wooden spoon and chef’s outfit.
  • Applique this little gourmet onto an apron for yourself or a friend.

by Mary Ayres

Decemburrr!

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Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

 

Decemburrr is here! With snowflakes swirling about, this adorable snowman is sure to be the hit of your holiday décor.

Materials

  • Wichelt Imports 14-count Wedgewood Aida, 11”x12”
  • DMC: 6-strand Embroidery Floss, 6-strand Light Effects Floss
  • Kreinik Mfg. Blending Filament
  • Wichelt Imports Mill Hill Treasures Metallic Snowflake Embellishment, Crystal Seed Beads

Tools

  • Embroidery needle

Stitch Type

  • Backstitch: 1 strand
  • Cross-stitch: 2 strands
  • Half Cross-stitch: 2 strands
  • Straight Stitch: 1 strand

Basic Supplies

scissors

Directions

Size/Stitch Count

Approximate finished size: 4-1/8”x5-1/2”; stitch count: 58 w x 78 h

Snowman

1. Print key and pattern.

2. Stitch design centered on fabric.

3. Embellish several stitches on snowman’s face and body with one strand Kreinik Blending Filament #032 (Pearl) with cross-stitches sewn over existing cross-stitches.

4. Sew one Mill Hill Metallic Snowflake #15001 with two strands DMC B5200 (Snow White) and one Mill Hill Glass Seed Bead #00161 (Crystal) for each snowflake. (Note: Snowflakes come four to package.)

by Janis Lockhart for Cross-Point Designs

Christmas Tree Card

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Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

 

Make someone’s holiday merry and bright with this stunning handcrafted Christmas Tree Card made with Polyform Sculpey Clay.

Materials

  • Polyform Premo! Sculpey Accents Clay: Red Glitter, Blue Pearl, Bright Green Pearl
  • Blank white card and envelope, 5”x7”
  • Unlined index card, 5”x7”
  • Cardstock: red, gold, blue
  • Coordinating striped paper
  • “Oh Christmas Tree” sticker or rub-on
  • Small rhinestone star

Tools

  • Polyform Sculpey Tools: Clay Conditioning Machine, 5-in-1 Tool Kit, Texture Maker Swirls
  • Oven and baking sheet
  • Aleene’s Original Tacky Glue

Basic Supplies

ruler, water spray bottle, paper towel

Christmas Tree Closeup

Directions

(Note: Start with clean hands and work surface. Good work surfaces include waxed paper, metal baking sheet, or disposable foil. Knead clay until soft and smooth. For best results, clean hands between colors. Shape clay, pressing pieces together firmly. Bake on oven-proof glass or metal surface at 275° F for 30 minutes per 1/4” of thickness. For best baking results, use an oven thermometer. Do not use microwave oven. Do not exceed the above temperature or recommended baking time. Wash hands after use.)

1. Preheat oven to 275° F. Test temperature with oven thermometer for perfectly cured clay.

2. For best results, condition all clay by running it through Clay Conditioning Machine several passes on widest setting. Fold clay in half after each pass and insert folded side into rollers first.

3. With Clay Conditioning Machine on setting #3, roll green clay into sheet. Place clay onto index card. Spritz raised side of Texture Maker plate with water and press onto clay. Blot excess water from clay with paper towel.

4. Download and print pattern. Place tree pattern onto textured clay and cut out using knife from 5-in-1 Tool.

5. Roll tiny balls of blue and red clays for Christmas ornaments and press onto tree. Bake as directed above. Let cool completely.

6. Cut 7”x5” striped paper panel; adhere to card front.

7. Cut 4-1/2”x4” red, 4”x3-1/2” gold, and 3-1/2”x3” blue cardstock panels. Layer and adhere panels to card front as shown.

8. Apply sentiment sticker or rub-on to bottom of blue cardstock. Adhere clay tree above sentiment. Adhere rhinestone star to top of tree. Let dry several hours or overnight before mailing

Tip

This card requires post office to hand stamp and may also require extra postage to mail.

by Sandy Rollinger for Polyform Products (www.sculpey.com)