Create more than just memories with your child; complete some seasonal crafts together. Take some time to tap into your little one’s enthusiasm for new and novel experiences while providing entertainment and play. Chances are you will have a little bit of fun as well. Children gain skills through creative and messy opportunities. Allowing your child to get messy can enhance their personal expression, bolster creativity, reinforce developmental skills, and encourages brain growth. There are many ideas for Christmas crafts to complete with your little artist. You could get lost on the internet trying to decide on the perfect craft and in your attempt to make it Pinterest worthy. Truth is, your babe is going to be excited to do any craft with you. Additional examples of each activity could be found with a google search.
Spend some quality time with your budding artist with a couple of these suggested activities. The crafts presented here are not unique or limited to this issues Winter and Christmas Theme. Each craft could be modified for use in any season or occasion, using the materials you have on hand. All crafts begin with a clean surface and clean-up following the activity.
Colour could be added through spray paint, acrylic paint, stamp ink, markers, crayons, coloured glue, glitter paint, coloured paper…
Embellishments might include glitter, stickers, felt pieces, ribbon, buttons, string, sequins etc.
Do you have a puzzle with missing pieces? Have you completed a puzzle and know you won’t be doing that one again? Why not put those pieces to use in your next craft?
Prior Prep: Pre colour the puzzle pieces for a more uniform look. Some will be hard to colour after there is glue on it.
Required Materials—Puzzle pieces, paints, embellishments, glue.
Design Suggestions—tree, wreath, picture frame, snowman, garland, Santa hat, candy cane, reindeer, heart, sun or moon
Instructions—
Row 1: Create a rough layout of the design you plan to make using a single layer of puzzle pieces.
Row 2: Glue down each piece on this row so that it touches and connects two pieces from the previous row.
Row 3 and beyond: Continue this process to add stability and height to your project.
Finish with embellishments, colour, glitter, and a string for hanging if desired.
As Christmas approaches, many people find themselves with a surplus of empty gift wrap tubes. Repurpose these tubes before recycling them through crafts. Build your own advent calendar and fill each tube with goodies, craft a Christmas tree or wreath with the tubes, create characters to display, or make your own crackers.
Prior Prep—remove remnants of wrapping paper, kitchen tissue, or bathroom tissue from rolls. Pre-colour if necessary. Cut roll down to desired size.
Required materials—Gift wrap rolls, colours, embellishments, and cut designs
Design Suggestions—Snowman, elf, Santa, reindeer, nativity characters, and candles.
Instructions—Select the tube you wish to use. Add embellishments.
Give your loved ones some homemade art while also creating a keepsake. Everyone loves handprint and footprint art. My own daughter made footprint animal coasters for her grandparents when she was a few weeks old. Okay, moment of truth, my sister made them for the grandparents using my little ones footprint. I can say that both families proudly display this print on the wall.
Prior Prep—Select material to print. Ideas include basic tiles, paper, the wall, pieces of cut wood, availability of your loved ones hand or foot to use.
Required materials—Paint or ink pad, material to print to, embellishments.
Design Suggestions—Christmas tree, Mistle Toes, Santa, reindeer, Grinch, snowman, love hearts and flowers.
Instructions—simply apply paint or ink to your little ones hand or foot and press lightly onto the chosen material. Leave to dry completely before adding any additional decorations or embellishments.
Christmas Craft by Diana
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