December 5 , 2024 The Beacon • 35
Use these ideas to make holiday crafting a family affair
Families gather frequently during the holiday season as everyone enjoys the feasts and festivities that are synonymous with this time of year . Families often bake and decorate together , as these activities are inclusive of people of all ages .
This time of year also is one for dabbling in creative pursuits . Now is a prime opportunity to bond with children over a table full of paint ,
glue , beads , and other crafty supplies . The crafts made during the holidays often become cherished mementos that will be regarded fondly for years to come . Here are some ideas to inspire holiday creativity .
Snowman family
Handprint crafts are popular among children . Adults and children can dip their hands into washable white paint and make a handprint stamp on a small canvas , wooden palette or even a terracotta flowerpot . Decorate the white fingerprints with black dots to look like the faces of the snowmen and paint on top hats and
scarves . In the years to come , artists can marvel at how small their hand prints once were .
Wine cork reindeer
Repurpose wine corks by crafting adorable little reindeer . Two corks make up the head and the body , and four vertically will comprise the feet . Stick on googly eyes , and add a small red or black bead for the nose . Pipe cleaners can be bent to form the reindeer ’ s antlers .
Family garlands
This craft also makes use of handprints . Ask all family members to trace their handprints on different colors of construction paper or card stock . Cut out all of the paper hands , punch holes in the tops and then string a ribbon through . Decorate the Christmas tree or a mantle with this garland .
Miniature Christmas trees
Paint the tips of gathered pine cones with green paint and allow to dry . Add white glitter or paint as “ snow .” Glue the pine cones to wine corks that will serve as the tree trunks , and attach a small wooden star to the top of the trees for the finishing touch .
Decoupage ornaments
Purchase wooden or plastic ball ornaments . Cover with small scraps of cut fabric or paper dipped in craft glue or Mod Podge ®, and attach to the ornament in an overlapping fashion . Remember to add a string from which the ornament can be hung on the tree . Allow to dry completely before use .
Paper chain Advent calendar
Cut strips of paper to make a link for every day of Advent . Advent begins on Sunday , Dec . 1 and lasts until Christmas . The top link can be any design artists prefer , but those who need a little inspiration can consider a religious symbol , the face of a reindeer , a snowman , or a Christmas tree . Hang the chain and then children can take turns ripping off a link from the bottom each day as they count down to the holiday .
Popsicle stick snowflakes
Paint four popsicle sticks per snowflake in desired colors . Decorate with glue , pompoms , beads , or other trinkets . Add small looped strings to hang the ornaments .
File Parents , grandparents and children can have fun crafting holiday decorations this December .
A SMART CHOICE
FARM & RANCH | BUSINESS LIFE & ANNUITIES | HOME & AUTO
BF-155815
Jon Ianniello , AFIS AGENT
139 S 3RD ST , STE . A Coshocton , OH 43812 Jonathan . Ianniello @ american-national . com
740-295-9460 https :// an . insure / joniannielloagencyinc
Products and services may not be available in all states . Terms , conditions and eligibility requirements will apply . Life insurance and annuity products are underwritten by American National Insurance Company , Galveston , Texas . Property and casualty products and services may be underwritten by American National Property And Casualty Company or American National General Insurance Company , both of Springfield , Missouri . Each company is financially responsible only for the products and services it issues .
23-033-14-439354-0223