Christmas Traditions Part 4 - Crafts

Several years ago, I used counted cross-stitch to create a stocking for each of our family members. There is one for Daniel, Me, Bruce, Charles (they have theirs), Jack and Katrina. I can't figure out where I found the time!

We all love snow...lots and lots of snow! So, when we put up our Christmas Decorations, we hang our homemade paper snowflakes. They actually are left hanging when we take down the Christmas decorations. We keep them up until when I take down the St. Patrick's day decorations...the green decor with the snowflakes if very pretty.

If you want to make some of your own snowflakes, check out these websites:

Fun virtual snowflakes

Instructions for paper snowflakes

One year, we collected pine cones (the closed kind mostly). We painted them with different colors of glitter paint, purchase some red and green ribbons, baskets and silk pointsettias. Then we make a basket for ourselves and we gave several away for Christmas. We store them each year by wrapping them in plastic. They make wonderful centerpieces or they also look nice on shelves, mantels, etc. depending on their size.

A couple of years ago, we ran across a neat craft idea. I am not sure where we found it. Take your old Christmas cards and use a 3 inch in diameter cookie cutter to trace circles on the Christmas cards. Then use some fancy edged scissors (I think they are called pinking shears) to cut out the circles. Choose a pretty roll of shelf paper and get a roll of clear shelf paper. Take the pretty paper and lie it down on the table, sticky side up. Cut it the size of a placemat. Then remove the backing and lay down your circles so they overlap. Cover with clear contact paper. Trip edges as you like. We trimmed around the rounded edges. This is a wonderful way to keep those beautiful Christmas cards, recycle and create something useful at the same time. Keep them or give them as gifts.

The last fun craft that we haven't done in awhile. I don't have any examples, but we may make some more because they are so pretty! Take posterboard, use three different size circles (like biscuit cutters, glasses, etc). Cut three circles for each snowman. Cut a black hat out of construction paper for each snowman. Use some tape to hold the three circles together (we put the tape on the back). Biggest circle should be on the bottom. Tape on the hat. Then use glitter and sequins for the eyes, nose, buttons, mouth! They are so lovely! Have fun!