Christmas Craft Pages:  • All Pages,  Page 1,  Page 2,  Page 3,  Page 4,  Page 5, Holiday Decorating

COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS (OR HANUKKAH OR KWANZA) PAPER CHAIN

Time is a difficult concept for young children to grasp! One fun and easy way to count off the days is to make a Holiday paper chain.  Start on December first...and each day remove one paper loop!

If you are a teacher/caregiver--make one with each child to take home--be sure to include directions for parents! (You could also do this in your classroom or program to count down the days to winter vacation!)

Materials:
Red and green construction paper (or color for your Holiday)
Choice of stapler, tape or glue stick, scissors or paper cutter

Directions:

1. Have adult cut paper strips from construction paper. The strips in the sample photo are approximately 2” x 8”.
2. Staple, glue or tape strips as you would any paper chain.
3. Depending on the amount of days to Christmas, number the loops 1 up to 24. (24 will be at the top of the chain and 1 at bottom)
4. Hang the chain from a doorway or hook.
5. Each day remove one loop from the chain. Before you know it-- the big day has arrived!

TIPS for Parents:
   • If your child is under 5, consider putting up no more than two weeks of loops. Time does seem to stretch on forever with little ones! 
  •  Consider making one chain for each "young" child you have; each child will want to remove their own loop. Problem solved! (500 pre-pasted 7" strips can be ordered from Orientaltrading.com for $4.99 - 5.99. however they are thin and can tear easily)

This is also a great idea for counting off any big event such as vacations, birthdays, etc. (Photo and idea by KIdActivities and featured on Nickelodeon Holiday Ideas!)

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 REINDEER FOOD

For each small baby food jar, you'll need:
1/4 cup dry oatmeal
1/8 cup granulated sugar, 1-2 tablespoons colored sugar
(Traditional recipes call for glitter, but unless you purchase the pricey edible glitter from specialty shops, it WON'T BE SAFE FOR BIRDS AND SQUIRELLS. Substituting colored sugar will still give a sparkly appearance, without being harmful to the actual animals who will end up eating it.

FOR A BABY FOOD JAR
Layer half of the oatmeal, followed by half of the colored sugar, the white granulated sugar, the rest of the colored sugar, and topped with the rest of the oatmeal.

IN A BAGGIE... Alternatively, combine ingredients in a mixing bowl and scoop into zippered plastic bags....

(With the sugar instead of the glitter-It's OK for the kids to munch on.)

Attach this poem if it is a gift!

Sprinkle on the lawn at night.
The moon will make it sparkle bright.
As Santa's reindeer fly and roam,
This will guide them to your home.

Direct the children to sprinkle it on Christmas Eve on the lawn, driveway, or apartment patio to entice the reindeer. It gives deer something to munch on while Santa delivers his goodies.

NOTE: If you like Reindeer-be sure to visit the 'Reindeer Theme'!

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SCENTED HOLIDAY BALLS

1 Styrofoam Ball (size may very)
1 Cup dried herbs or potpourri, dried rose petals or dried small flowers for a 6" size ball
White Glue
Twine or Ribbon

1. Pour herbs mixture into a bowl. You may choose to ground leaves or petals in a coffee grinder or food processor or glue them on separately.
2. Cover an area of the ball with glue and roll ball through mixture, covering an area at a time.
3. Cloves may be glued on separately.
4. Cover ball with waxed paper and firmly press. Allow to dry completely before adding ribbon

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ORANGE-CLOVE POMANDERS

Ingredients
6 oranges (or lemons)
whole cloves
decorative ribbon

The Spice Mix
4 tablespoons ground cinnamon
4 tablespoons ground cloves
2 tablespoons ground nutmeg
2 tablespoons ground allspice
1/4 cup orrisroot powder (as preservative)
 
Directions
1. Combine the spice mix ingredients.
2. Wash oranges.
3. After poking a hole with a needle, fork, or tooth pick, insert cloves into oranges in a decorative pattern.
4. Roll cloved oranges in the spice mixture within 24 hours and set in a warm place to dry, turning fruit daily.
5. Drying takes from two weeks to possibly a month.
6. Pomanders are completely dry when they are hard.
7. Remove pomanders from the spice mix, dust off a little, and tie with decorative ribbons. (Wrap your orange in holiday ribbon leaving enough extra ribbon at the top for hanging. You can poke holes into the ribbon and through to the orange to help hold it in place.)

Set out in a bowl or you can use as Christmas ornaments. Also great hung in a closet! When preserved, these can last for months to years!

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FILL CLEAR ORNAMENTS

Ideas: Popcorn, Confetti, Cellophane sparkles, Pieces of foil garland, Fine potpourri, Tiny beads, Pearls, Epsom Salt, or Artificial Snow. Add a bow... (Images by KidActivities.net)

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 PLASTIC PLACE MAT ORNAMENTS (Can be used outdoors)

Materials:
Plastic place mats
Scissors
Paint pens and Contact paper
Circular paper hole-punch reinforcements

1. Cut Christmas-tree shapes out of plastic place mats.
2. Cover with green Contact paper, if desired.
Decorate by painting on designs with paint pens or markers.
Use hole reinforcements with painted centers to look like ornaments on a Christmas tree
Source: diynetwork.com

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NATURAL TREE ORNAMENTS

 

Consider using only 'natural ornaments on your classroom center or home Christmas tree! 

• Decorate the tree with popcorn and cranberry garland, white painted pine cones, (some glittered) and cinnamon dough ornaments. 
• Make pomanders from oranges and cloves (the pompaders can then be hung in closets)... start those in November! 
• Make walnut shell ornaments (directions below) and put those on the trees too. It will smell amazing the entire month!!!

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WALNUT SHELL ORNAMENTS

 • Take walnuts and crack them so you have the 2 halves.
Take out the nut meat and be sure to use it for a cooking project with the kids. (Make sure there are no allergies)

 • Next take twine or ribbon and glue it into the shell
Glue the edges of the shell and put them together. Either hold the two shell pieces till the glue sets enough to keep the pieces together...or put a rubber band around the shell.
When it's dry--remove the rubber band and it's ready to hang on the tree.
You can also paint the shells and add glue and glitter...or just glue and glitter the natural shell.

 • IDEA: You can also use them OUTSIDE.
Cover them with peanut butter and bird seed and then hang. 

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 CANDY GARLAND

• To make a candy garland-- thread a needle with floss. Thread the candy and make a knot at the ends. 

  • You can hang the garland on a tree or about the room or chandeliers. OR...

Use wrapped treats and an ordinary  stapler. Simply staple the ends of the wrappers together. (For loops and dips, make sure the garlands are at least double the length of the surface from which you will drape them.

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SNOW GLOBES

Fill a clear glass baby food jar (or other small jar) with half water and half corn syrup.
Add glitter, beads, etc. The corn syrup makes the glitter fall slowly for a sparkling effect.

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FROSTY HOLIDAY CARDS AND PICTURES (Two projects in one!)

Mix 1 cup Epsom salts with 1 cup boiling water. Let cool.
Use paint brushes to paint mixture over recycled Christmas cards or note cards with pretty pictures.
When dry, pictures will have a frosty appearance.

Don't throw away the mixture when you're done painting!
IN THE SCIENCE CENTER...take a piece of black construction paper and cut it to fit the bottom of a clear, flat dish.
Pour any remaining salt and water mixture into a dish and let sit over night to dry.
The mixture forms crystals.
The children can then use magnifying glasses to view the crystals. Two projects in one!!! ;-)

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 HOLIDAY WISH COLLAGE!

Write on construction paper a heading of-
"My Holiday Wish List"

Collect kid related catalogs and week-end advertising papers...filled with child related gifts/toys/books/clothes/electronic/and things for family time ideas.

Have children cut out pictures of things they find special.
Have them glue the items on sheets to form a wish-list for parents.
Instruct youth to ONLY cut and paste what they'd truly like!!!

TIP: This should be done right after Thanksgiving to early December--so that before parents shop they'll have an idea of what their children would like!

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PAINTED HAND AND FOOT ANGEL
 
Materials:
Construction paper, paint, paintbrush, paper plate, water and clean-up cloth or paper.
Pour paint on the plate.
With the paintbrush, 'paint' the child's foot and then press the foot gently onto the construction paper.
Clean the foot and then 'paint' the hands (one at a time) and place it to the side of the foot so that it looks like wings.

When dry-add two little eyes.
With a thin circle of glue and glitter-create the halo.

If this is to be a gift... Label it
To: ___________
From: Your Christmas Angel'

Source: HistoryMom on yahoo

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HANDS CHRISTMAS WREATH

1. Using green construction paper or card stock---trace children's splayed-fingered hands; cut out multiple copies of it.  
2. Overlap hands and arrange them in a circle to make a Christmas wreath. (It is advised to put hands over a pre-cut wreath-shape cardboard or a paper plate for more stability.

Decorate the wreath with red ribbon (either real or construction paper),  a few small light ornaments shapes, red pom-poms, or berries cut from construction paper.

This sample wreath (thank you to mommentsofmommyhood) used two sheets of paper for hand shapes on their wreath. The shapes were glued to cardboard from a cereal box...and embellished with a red contruction paper bow and berries.

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GROUP HANDPRINT CHRISTMAS TREE

•Have all children trace their hands onto green construction paper and cut them out.
•Using their hands, curl the fingertips upwards to make a branch look. Put all the curled handprints over each other into a Christmas tree shape.
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PAINTED HANDPRINT WREATHS

1. Have children dip their hands in green paint...make green hand prints in a circular shape on tag board.
2. When the paint has dried, roll small pieces of red crepe paper into balls (berries).
3. Glue the red berries onto the hand prints.
4. Make a red bow out of the crepe paper and staple it onto the wreath. Cut a hole in the middle of the wreath. (We actually cut the shape out before we decorate the wreath.)
5. Use either green or red yarn to hang the wreaths. Submitted by Sarah in Oakbrook, Illinois 

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FELT CHRISMAS TREE (For younger children)

Have children glue a piece of "cone-tree shape" felt triangle on of poster bard or cardstick paper.
Kids then snip other colors of felt scraps into little pieces and glue on as ornaments.
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MACARONI ORNAMENTS
Need:
(1) 3" X 4" piece of tag board or lightweight cardboard for each ornament.
Paper clip for each
All shapes and sized of macaroni
Scissors and glue
Gold spray paint and newspapers.
1.  Fold the 3" X 4" piece of tag board or cardboard in half.
2.  Cut out ANY shape desired for the ornament.
3.  Cover the cutout shape with glue.
4.  Arrange the dried pasta shapes on the ornaments. They can be arranged any way the children like.
5.  When one side is complete- let it dry and set.
6.  Turn it over and do the other side.
7.  Put a clip through the card board to hang. Spray with gold spray paint. It is advisable to lay many ornaments on newspaper and spray all at the same time. Let one side dry and then do the other side.

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PASTA SNOWFLAKES

Materials:
Wheel shaped pasta, White paint, White glitter, Dry Tapioca pudding mix, Paint brushes, Elmer's glue

Take round wheel shaped pasta and glue them together in a circle shape. When dry--paint the entire snow flake white. Before the paint dries, sprinkle on glitter mixed with dry Tapioca pudding mix.
To hang from the ceiling, insert a piece of string or yarn through one of the wheel holes after the snow flake is dry.

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PHOTOGRAPH HOLIDAY ORNAMENT  (Easy) Create ornaments using a photograph of the child.
Glue the photograph onto a shape the child cuts out of paper or poster board (such as a Christmas tree or Hanukkah menorah, etc.).
Decorate the ornament with glued-on sequins, beads or ribbon. Cut a small hole in the top and thread a ribbon through to hang the ornament.

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VOTIVE CANDLES

 Materials:
Baby food jars or jam jars
Scraps of tissue paper
Diluted paste or glue

Clean the jars  and let dry. You can use small jars...but check the size of the votive candle to make sure it will fit. Have children  brush glue onto the jar and place different colors of tissue paper over the glue, overlapping so the entire jar is covered on the outside. When brushing the tissue with glue be sure to do so gently so it doesn't tear. If it tear, remove or leave wrinkled. The glue will appear to be white but will dry clear and when a candle is lit inside will give off a pretty color and design. Great for gift time!   ♥ For Christmas: Use red and green 

THE VOTIVES TO THE LEFT by KidActivities... were made using clear votive candle holders. Small squares of either red or green tissue paper were applied using decoupage finish (Modge Podge). Once dry--another coat of decoupage was applied. Just as in the directions above, this must be done gently as not to tear the paper. When dried, small tree shapes (purchased at Michaels Craft Store) were glued onto the votive candle holders.

Mixed in with clear votive candle holders-a very pretty table was set! To see the completed table setting--visit the Holiday Decorating and Centerpiece page...

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 PAPER PLATE POINTSETTIA FLOWER CRAFT
This simple-to-make poinsettia is made from a paper plate and a child's handprint cutouts.

Materials:
A paper plate
Red, green and yellow construction paper
Scissors, Glue or a stapler

1. Trace children's hands on red and green construction paper.
2. Cut out the hand tracings.
3. Glue or staple a circle of green handprint tracings (fingers pointing outwards) around the outside of the plate.
4. Glue or staple a second circle of red handprint tracings (fingers pointing outwards) just inside the first circle.
5. Glue or staple a third circle of red handprint tracings at the center of the plate.
6. Glue a small yellow paper circle in the center of the flower. 

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PIPE CLEANER WREATH

Cut a small wreath shape from cardboard and wrap it with green pipe cleaners. (Make sure that the wreath is small enough so pipe cleaners will reach around to the backside to twist shut. Loop yarn or ribbon around to tie it on a tree--that's it. Photo  courtesy of World Preschool Mom blog site.

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MAKE SCENTED PINE CONES 

Materials Needed: Pine cones, Pine or fir pure essential oil, Lidded container, Box or plastic bag, Facial tissue

1. Fill container, box or plastic bag with dry, clean pine cones.
2. Liberally sprinkle tissue with essential oil and add to bag or container.
3. Seal the bag or container and allow oil to penetrate cones for several days before removing (the longer the cones are contained, the stronger the fragrance will be).

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RUDOLF MASK (For younger kids)

Materials:

Paper plates, brown, black and red construction paper, scissors, glue, markers or crayons, single whole punch, rubber bands or tongue depressor stick 

Preparation: For young children, pre-cut antlers and reindeer nose.
Directions:

1. Cut reindeer nose, and antlers out of construction paper.
2. Paste onto plate. Draw mouth. Cut holes out for eyes.
3. Punch hole on both sides of plate and attach rubber bands--or tape to a popsicle to hold in front of face. 
4. Have children wear reindeer masks while singing "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer." Photo from Activity Village

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DECEMBER CELEBRATION AND HOLIDAY CARDS

Make a Holiday card with the words
"Sweet Wishes for A Merry Christmas ...Happy Hanukkah or _______!"

On the inside of the card, glue or staple a 'wrapped mini candy'.

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HAVE FUN WITH

A 'CARD MAKING' COLLAGE TABLE

Put out materials such as card stock, construction paper, old Holiday cards, pens, markers, craft glue, buttons, ribbon, holiday shaped templates for tracing, etc.

Challenge the children and see how creative they can be! This card sample uses buttons, markers, and an old jewelry piece for the tree top! Words cut out from an old Christmas card form the words, 'Season's Greetings'! The card stock paper is folded in half to continue the Holiday message inside...(Image by KidActivities.net)

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TISSUE PAPER ORNAMENTS #1 

Need:
2" Styrofoam Balls
Tissue Paper in Assorted Colors
Liquid Starch
Glitter
Hairpins
Toothpicks
Wax Paper
Decoupage Solution
Foam Brush
 
Instructions:

• Tear tissue paper into irregular 1" pieces.  Working over waxed paper, brush a section of Styrofoam ball with Liquid Starch. Place overlapping pieces of tissue paper over the starched section of the ball.
• Brush a coat of starch over tissue paper.
• Continue until entire ball is covered.
• Use toothpicks pushed into the Styrofoam to keep the ball from rolling around.
• Let dry. Brush with a coat of decoupage solution.
• Sprinkle with glitter while still wet. Let dry.
• Remove toothpicks.
• Push hairpin into the ball for a hanger.
  Source: MakingFriends.com

TISSUE PAPER ORNAMENTS #2

 

With a few exceptions, KidActivties made these ornaments much like the above directions.

First... a decoupage finish (Modge Podge) was brushed onto small sections of a Styrofoam ball.  Red and green squares of tissue paper were applied to the wet surface. Once the ornament was covered with the tissue paper, another coat of finish was applied over the ball...red and green glitter was sprinkled onto the ornament. When dry, a small pipe cleaner hook was inserted into the top to hang on the tree. Ribbon tied in a bow completes the look

NOTE: You must be very gentle when applying the tissue paper. It can easily tear. If this happens, just pat it down with a bit more Modge Podge.

TIP:  Dry round ornaments, etc.  on top of a toilet paper or paper towel tubes. It works great as a holder and they don't roll around!

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 ORNAMENT WITH PHOTO IN GOLD MASON JAR LID

1. Take out the insert of the lid and glue the child's picture in it.
2. Cut around the picture and put the insert with the glued picture back into the lid-Now the picture shows through.
3. Finish it with gluing lace or trim around the edge on the backside of it.
4. Add a piece of gold wired cord to the trim with a dab of hot glue.

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PICTURE ORNAMENTS

1. Buy holiday gift tags...Glue a small picture of the child in the middle and laminate.
2. Cut out and poke a small hole in the top to string.
3. You have a homemade ornament that is inexpensive and easy!

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CHRISTMAS HAND TREE

1. Trace child's hands.(Ten hand shapes for this project. Cut out hands...
2. To assemble tree, glue together four hands for the bottom of the tree.
3. On top of that glue three more and continue working your way up to the top of the tree.
4. Add a tree trunk and a star for the top. (Make a star shaped template for children to trace their stars)
5. Add ornaments by using a hole punch on colored paper--glue onto tree! (images courtesy of justfor fun) 

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 Christmas Arts and Crafts:  • All Pages,  Page 1,  Page 2,  Page 3,  Page 4 , Page 5

You may also want to visit the REINDEER THEME!  SNOWMAN THEME , SNOWFLAKE THEME or HANUKKAH THEME for other Holiday craft ideas

 Back to top of page!

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Christmas Craft Pages:  • All Pages,  Page 1,  Page 2,  Page 3,  Page 4 , Page 5, Holiday Decorating

GUM DROP SPICE-CANDY TREE

Materials:
Gumdrop (Spice Drop) Candy
Styrofoam tree - Any size desired; trees in sample photo are 6"
Tin foil
Pointed Toothpicks

 

1. Cover the tree base with tin foil
2. Break toothpicks in half
3. Put a gumdrop on the broken side of the tooth pick...
3. Starting at the bottom of the tree, poke the pointed side of the tooth pick (with the gumdrop on it) into the tree.
4. Continue going around the tree until it's covered with the candy.

I remember making these in the late 1960's! Seeing a photo of one on a website brought back some nice memories--so guess what?! I made one and "Hubby" made the other...

The trees are nice to add to a tablescape, part of your dessert table, or to give as a 'hostess gift'. Be sure to have extra gumdrops to munch as you make! (Photo by KidActivities)

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JINGLE BELLLS TO WEAR! (Wrist or Ankle Bracelet)

Take a strip of green or red fabric or felt that will fit for a wrist or ankle band.
Tie string or yarn to the bells and then to the strip...or sew jingle bells to the fabric...

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HOLIDAY PARTY CRACKERS (Not the kind you eat!)

1. To make Christmas party crackers, take an old paper towel roll and cut it in half or thirds.
2. Place small favors such as erasers, tiny toys, stickers, or small wrapped candy inside.
3. Roll the filled paper towel roll in Christmas wrapping paper allowing extra paper at both ends. Twist the excess wrapping paper at each end and tie with ribbon or yarn. Christmas Party crackers!!!

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Nice for younger kids...REINDEER PUPPET   (Visit KidActivities Reindeer Theme) for loads of 'Reindeer Ideas'!

Materials:

Small paper lunch bag
Scissors
Markers or crayons
Red paint or Red sticker circles

1. Have children cut 2 antler holes and one nose hole in their bags. (Antler holes are at the bag top---and the nose hole should be in the middle of the bag where a nose would go)
 
2 Show the children how to put their fingers in the holes to make the antlers (first two fingers for one hole--and last two fingers for next hole---thumb is used for the nose hole
 
3. Optional: Each child can dip their thumb in red paint or stick on a red sticker to make the nose.
Young kids can then sing "Rudolf the Red-Nose Reindeer" using this as a prop!

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EASY PAPER REINDEER  FOR YOUNGER CHILDREN

Trace Child's shoe on dark construction paper and cut out to make head. Trace child's hands on light construction paper and cut out to make antlers. Glue antlers, eyes, and pompom (nose) to head

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TIP: Be sure to save any Christmas left-over candy canes to make Valentine Hearts in February!

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Make a Holiday Banner for your Room!
It can say: JOY! HAPPY HANAKKAH! HAPPY HOLIDAYS! PEACE! (whatever...)

Need:
Butcher Paper:
Narrow Banner about 18" X 36" and Wide Banner: 24" X 36"
Also-Choice of a Dowel, bamboo stake, twig, etc. 
Construction paper in assorted colors
Glue/paste, scissors, yarn
Letter templates

Discuss with children what you would like the banner to say and what the design, technique, etc. should be.

1. Fold both ends of paper over twice (about 2") and paste or staple the bottom fold.
2. Cut out pieces for the banner (the words or word and pictures)from the construction paper.
3. Arrange the design on the butcher paper.
4. When you're satisfied with the design, glue the pieces down.
5. Attach the doweling to the top of the banner with paste or staples. Add yarn and hang.

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DOG BISCUIT REINDEER

Materials:
1 dog biscuit (Or a dog biscuit shape) 
2 wiggly eyes
Set of ears (Make templates for ears and holly-shaped antlers as shown in picture) 
Set of holly antlers
Pom pom for the nose (Sparkly nice) 
yarn or ribbon for the hanger
Glue all parts on as shown in  sample...Kids now have a reindeer ornament for your tree!

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JINGLE BELL WIND CHIMES
Materials for each chime:
Unsharpened Pencil
10 Bells
Yarn
1. Cut 12 pieces of yarn.
2. On 10 pieces of yarn tie a bell at the end of each one.
3. Tie a plain piece of string on EACH end of the pencil for hanging.Tie them together at top.
4. In-between the end strings, tie the yarns with bells on them onto the pencil.

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GINGERBREAD KID

Materials:
Brown construction paper
Buttons
White yarn
Black beans
Red ribbon
One red pom pom
Cotton balls
Stapler
Pencil
Scissors
Glue
 
1. Fold a large piece of brown paper in half.

2. Trace the shape of a gingerbread man on one side.

3. Cut out the gingerbread man so that the folded piece of paper makes 2 of the shape.

4. Use white yarn to make the decorative icing.

5. The beans can be used to form the mouth.

6. The red pom pom can become the nose.

7. Use the buttons to make a shirt and eyes.

8. Use the ribbon to make a hair bow, a scarf, or a bow tie!

9. Staple the two sides together, leaving a hole at the top. 

10. Stuff the gingerbread man with cotton balls and then close up with staple or glue.

Created by Ms. Julia from the Kansas City Public Library

GINGERBREAD RHYME for above...

Stir a bowl of gingerbread,
Smooth and spicy brown.
Roll it with a rolling pin,
Up and up and down.
With a cookie cutter,
Make some little men.
Put them in the oven
Till half past ten!

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HAND PAINTED GLASS ORNAMENTS

Materials:
Perfectly Clear glass ornaments (Size is your choice)
Acrylic paint (color choice is yours--sample is with pearl and gold

Put acrylic paint "inside" the ball ---  roll it around until all is covered with an effect that you like...

These directions are from Angie who gifted the ornaments to me in 1999...
1. The balls need to be dried 'up-side down' which can be very messy. 2.  Hot glue toilet paper tubes standing on end in a cardboard box. 
3.You can then tip the painted balls in the ends of the tubes and the extra paint goes into the box. 
4. Make sure that the tubes are placed far enough apart for the balls to fit.  It will depend on the size of the balls. 
If you will be signing the bottom of the ornaments, the signature and date are done on the outside with a paint pen in either gold or silver. (You can see signature on far left ball) They write beautifully on glass. (Ornaments created by Angie Dockter, Brooklands School - Rochester, Mi. Photo by KidActivities)

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 SEQUIN STYROFOAM BALL ORNAMENT

Materials:
Styrofoam ball (any size)Sample is about 2"
8 mm sized sequins
3/4 inch sequin pins
Feathers, seed beeds, toothpick

For sample ornament...
Put sequins into the ball and have them overlap slightly.
Do this by sticking a straight pin through the tiny hole in the center of each sequin. The pin will fit flush with the top of the sequin and penetrate the Styrofoam ball and hold the decoration in place. The head of the pin will hardly be visible, so it will look as if the ball is made of sequins once you have covered the entire thing. (This ball is covered entirely with sequins; however, the silver do not show in the photograph)

You can also get a lovely effect by first putting a pin in a sequin --and then a bead. This design is nice on a 'satin' covered styrofoam ball; it would take longer to do--but may be something an adult or older youth would like to try.

To hang THIS ball, a toothpick was poked in the top center. A seed bead was glued to the top of the pick and then a small loop of ribbon tied under the bead. (The bead keeps the ribbon from slipping off) Small holes were poked into the top of the ball and feathers put in these to hide the toothpick.

You could also hot glue a loop of gold string or ribbon to the top of the ball. The loop should be large enough to attach an ornament hanger to it--at least the circumference of your thumb. The longer the loop, the farther down off the branch the ball will hang. Use a tiny dot of glue to hold the loop in place.

This ornament was made by Delaney Biggs of Waterford, Mi. Grade 3-2008; Photo by KidActivities

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 Thank you to  Cere Child Care for sharing the following three Christmas Ideas. Great for younger children!

 

 

#1 RECYCLE OLD CHRISTMAS CARDS!

Cut off the front cover of  old Christmas cards. Have children sign their name on the back and decide whom to give it to. Punch holes  around the border and give children a strip of curling ribbon to lace  around boarder.

 

#2 SANTA ORNAMENT...  Use green paper. Paint fingers white for beard. Paint palm skin color (mix a little orange or brown into white until you get the desired skin color). Paint top of hand and thumb red for hat. Stamp with thumb out and fingers slightly together, pointing to the bottom of the paper. When dry add face and white dot on the end of the hat. Optional- Laminate, punch a hole at the top and hang on your Christmas tree! 

 

#3 SANDPAPER GINGERBREAD BOY

 

1. Cut a Gingerbread 'cookie' shape out of sandpaper.
2. Scrape across and all over with a cinnamon stick to make it smell nice.
3. Decorate with eyes, glitter, or whatever you have on hand.
4. Use scalloped edge scissors to make strips with white construction paper for the icing decoration.

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TISSUE PAPER and JUICE LID MINIATURE STAINED GLASS WINDOWS
Materials: 
Metal Juice lids, Colored tissues paper torn in small pieces, Glue

1. Cover the flat side of the juice lid with glue.
2. Tear or cut small pieces of the colored paper and place on top of the glue-top  lid.
3. Again-cover the paper with glue. Dry overnight.
4. When dry, pop these off the lid.
6. Hang in a window.
Alternative: Powdered tempera could also be added to the glue; the colored glues could be mixed or glitter added. 

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HOLIDAY TREE...for the Classroom

If possible bring a small pine tree into the classroom/program for the Holiday season. If no tree is available, make a large one out of green butcher paper/roll paper and hang it on the wall. Make and reproduce patterns of your choice for the children to color/paint/decorate -- and cut out.

Punch a hole near the top of the ormaments and add yarn to hang. (When it's time for holiday vacation--the kids can take the ornaments home to put on their own trees)

If the tree is natural or artificial, decorate with paper chains, popcorn garland, and all the craft ideas and ornaments of nature found on this site.

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BROWN PAPER CHRISTMAS STOCKING
Make a great Christmas stocking from a brown paper grocery bag. You can hang it and stuff it with Christmas goodies.

Supplies needed: Thick brown paper (like grocery bag paper) or brown felt, Pencil, Scissors, Glue, A hole punch, Yarn, Markers or crayons.

1. Draw a large stocking on thick brown paper (or brown felt).
2. Cut out two copies of this stocking.
3. Glue the two stockings together around the edges (make sure you don't put any glue along the top opening).
4. Punch holes around the edges of the stocking.
5. Weave yarn in and out of the holes. Leave a loop of yarn at one end, and tie it in a knot.
6. Decorate your stocking with crayons, markers, stickers, construction paper cut-outs, or glitter.

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COLLAGE CHRISTMAS TREE 

Materials: (1) 9"x12" newsprint, (1) 9"x12" (any color) construction paper, old magazines, scissors, pencil, paste or glue

Fold the 9" x 12" construction paper in half - lengthwise.
On the half of paper draw a half of tree in a cone shape (may have a trunk in a pot base if desired--but needs to have the CONCE SHAPE tree on the trunk bottom) This will be the tree pattern.
When you cut the side out--unfold to get entire tree shape.

Next--Cut pieces of bright colored pieces of paper from  magazines.
Tear these into small pieces and shapes.
Paste these onto the construction paper.

Cover the entire paper-overlapping the pieces.
These can also be applied with liquid starch and a paint brush.
Let it dry.

Lay the tree pattern on top of the collaged construction paper and draw around the tree with a pencil.
Cut the tree shape from the collage paper.
You now have a collaged tree shape.
 
You can mount the tree on a dark or bright colored paper. Really pretty. when complete.

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DECOUPAGE HOLIDAY COOKIE PLATES

You need:
Clear glass plates, plain white paper (to draw and color or paint) or patterned wrapping/gift paper, pencil, scissors, crayons or markers, Modge Podge (Decoupage Finish)

1. Trace around a plate. Cut out the circle.
2. Make a colorful drawing on the paper circle. (You can also use Holiday wrapping paper like KidActivities did in the sample image!) 
3. Brush Mod Podge onto the back of the plate.
4. Press the picture or paper onto the back of the plate.
5. Press/push out any wrinkles.
6. Let the plate dry. Apply another coat of Modge Podge if desired.

NOTE: Krylon spray was also used on the back of the plate for added protection. If you do this, allow time for any chemical odor to diffuse.

If you're an adult and making on this for a gift--fill this plate with cookies you have made! Cover with cellophane and ribbon.

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HAVE FUN WITH THE OTHER HOLIDAY AND WINTER PAGES! You may be interested in...

 

Christmas Craft Pages:  • Most Pages,  Page 1,  Page 2,  Page 3,  Page 4 , Page 5,  Holiday Decorating

USE CANDY CANES AS HOLIDAY ORNAMENTS and EMBELLISHMENTS

• Canes are pretty just put in a glass jar-and grouped with other candy. Or use this idea at Holiday time from classytreats (I needed to disable the link. When I tried it the url had changed)... Just hang wrapped candy canes from the edge of a bowled-dish! Put a  jar candle inside.

You could also fill the inside with peppermint candies or any other Christmas candy instead of using a candle.)

• Use along with other Christmas ornaments and hang on your tree...

• Hot glue canes around a basket, container, or candles. Preserve them with a cover of clear acrylic coating.

• Another wonderful idea is from oodlekadoodle... Using a glue gun, glue candy canes, side-by-side (standing on end with their hooks at the top) to the outside of a terra cotta pot. Tie a red ribbon around the pot. Place a small poinsettia or greens inside the pot... or fill the pot with wrapped candy. (Note: I don't see the hooks. It appears as oddlekadoodle used peppermint sticks-but either way would be lovely. Barb)

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CANDY CANE REINDEER

Materials:
2  pipe cleaners, candy cane, two 6 mm google eyes, 1/4" pom pom, glue, scissors
 
This has been around awhile--but great fun for first-timers!

1. Cut one long pipe cleaner in fourths.
2. Twist the other long pipe cleaner around the top of the cane to make 2 large antlers.
3. Wrap 2 pieces of the cut pipe cleaner pieces --around each antler to make the "branches" on the antler.
4. Glue the eyes to each side of the cane "hook.
5. Glue the pom pom at the end of the cane for the nose. You have a reindeer!

NOTE: Oops!  I didn't look at the 'antler' directions when this was made. This sample shows one half of a pipe-cleaner twisted and then bent a bit...Depending on your age group--do which ever is easier...

Check out the 'CANDY CANE' idea page for loads of ideas! Who knew you could do so much with candy canes and peppermint?!

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MARSHMALLOW REINDEER...A snack and craft in one!
Ingredients:
Large Marshmallows and white frosting to help hold on eyes and nose 
Stick Pretzels
Red Licorice strings (optional) 
Chocolate chips, gummy candies, or mini M&M's for eyes/nose (Sample made with mini chocolate chips and M&Ms')

1. Assemble Reindeer bodies by sliding a pretzel stick through two marshmallows, one from either end.
2. Use 4 whole pretzel sticks for legs and a half of a pretzel stick for each antler.
3. Fold a 1 inch piece of licorice string in half and insert into face of reindeer for a red nose. 4. Attach head with half of a pretzel stick and then tie a piece of red licorice around neck for decoration. (Sample and Image by KidActivities.net)

NOTE: These should be eaten rather quickly. As our two 12 year old  crafty cooks learned-- the reindeer have a mind of their own and want to sit or lean after a bit...

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MAKE AN EASY GINGERBREAD HOUSE #1
MaterialS:
Small, clean milk cartons
Brown construction paper
Glue
A variety of holiday decorating items such as-gumdrops, popcorn, M&M's, chocolate chips, peppermint candy, sprinkles, frosted shredded Mimi-Wheats or Wheat Chex (good for a thatched roof effect), raisins, etc. 

Cover a small milk carton with the brown construction paper.
Decorate as desired!

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GINGER BREAD HOUSE #2

 Sample houses made by  children at Cere's Childcare and Pre-School 

This 'mini' craft ginger bread house has big flavor. Kids can decorate it and enjoy as a Christmas treat, or as a decoration for years to come.
Materials:
7 graham crackers
Frosting for glue (recipe below)
Assorted small candies for decorating
Ribbon
Pastry bag and tip or Ziploc bag and scissors

Purchase or Make Frosting
1/2 pound confectioner's sugar
3 tbs. butter/margarine
1/2 tsp. Vanilla
1 1/2 - 2 tbs. Milk

Mix all the ingredients together until smooth and easy to spread, but not runny. Add more sugar if too runny.
If you have a pastry bag, place frosting in bag and use a small tip. You can use a Ziploc bag cutting a small hole in the corner.

Place one graham cracker flat on the table, squeeze a little frosting around all edges. You may need an extra pair of hands.
Place one cracker on each side standing up. It now looks like a box without a top.

Carefully squeeze more frosting on all outside corners from top to bottom and around the bottom of the box.
Let it stand for a short while to let frosting harden a little. This will make working with the roof a little easier.
Now squeeze frosting on two of the top edges of the box and place the last two graham crackers in a V shape on as the roof. It looks like a triangle on a box now from the side. It may overhang if you can get the frosting to hold for you.
Squeeze frosting along the top of the roof where crackers join. Let stand again until frosting hardens a little.

.......With leftover frosting, cover the roof to look like snow. (Two sides are left open) Then squeezing small amounts on candy, place candy on the house to decorate. You can use the frosting to add things like doors and windows. Just use your imagination.
After project is totally dry, string ribbon through to open side of the roof and hang on Christmas tree.

TIP: If you want to do this project with young children, you might want to make the base house ahead of time, gluing the corners from the inside - and let it harden. Then turn them loose with frosting and small candies to do the decorating.
 
Notes:
This Gingerbread House is safe to eat, but if you would like to save your treasure for years to come you can use a spray varnish in a well ventilated area. (2 - 3 coats of varnish).
Source: kaboose.com

TIP: Are you making this at home and short on time? Cute kits are at Michaels and other craft stores--just put together!

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APPLESAUCE AND CINNAMON ORNAMENTS #1

1 1/2 cups ground cinnamon
1 cup applesauce (store bought works best)
1/3 cup white school glue (Elmer's or other)

Directions:

1. Mix the ingredients together until a dough forms.   Knead for a few minutes.
2. Roll out to 1/8 or 1/4 inch thick. (If sticky, dust your hands and rolling pin with cinnamon, work on waxed paper.)
3. Use cookie cutters or other implements to cut out the shapes you want.
4. Cut out a hole at the top of each with a drinking straw so you'll be able to thread a ribbon or string (for hanging) when dry.
5. It takes 4 or 5 days for the ornaments to air dry. You should turn them over frequently so they will dry evenly and won't curl.
6. You can outline each shape with puffy paint to make them more special. From Sarah/Oakbrook

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#2 Method: APPLESAUCE AND CINNAMON ORNAMENTS

1. Take 1 cup applesauce, 1/2 cup flour and 3/4 cup cinnamon.
2. Mix the ingredients, and add more cinnamon slowly until the dough is smooth and not sticky.
3. Roll the dough out as you would to make cookies, to about 1/4" thickness.
4. Use cookie cutters to make shapes.
5. Use a straw to make a hole for the string to go through.
6. Leave straw in as ornament dries and remove once dried.
7. These take 3-4 days to dry thoroughly.

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COOKIE CUTTER CLAY
This recipe is meant to be rolled out, cut with cookie cutters, and left to dry. Great for ornaments!
2 cups Salt
2/3 cups Water
1 cup Cornstarch
1/2 cup Cold water
   1. Mix salt with water in saucepan.
   2. Stir and boil.
   3. Add cornstarch and cold water.
   4. Keep heating if it does not get thick.
   5. Roll out dough on board floured with cornstarch. Make shapes.
   6. Dry and decorate ornaments.

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BEADED WREATH TREE ORNAMENTS

Green 12" chenille stems (pipe cleaners)
Wire cutters
Red pony beads
Red ribbon or yarn

Cut the chenille stem in half with the wire cutters.
String about 5 beads at intervals onto the chenille stem. Bend the chenille into a circle.
Twist the ends together to make a wreath.
Tie a red ribbon on to hang it from a tree.
(These are nice for small table top trees---the many I made with children 15 years ago-still look the same! B)

NOTE: YOU CAN ALSO String pipe cleaners through multi-colored beads, then mold the pipe cleaners into various shapes, such as candy canes, Christmas trees, stars, etc.

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PIPE CLEANER CANDY CANES and WREATHS...
Materials:
White and red chenille stems/pipe cleaners (Regular or shiny)
Ribbon (optional)
Scissors

Hold one white and one red chenille stem side by side (they should be of equal length). Twist one end together and then twist together working your way down to the bottom.
Twist the bottom end together to secure. One chenille stem makes two nice sized candy canes. Finish off with thin tie of ribbon if desired.

WREATHS...As pictured, you can do tons of things with pipe cleaners! The same way the candy canes were twisted--twist two pipe cleaners and shape into a circle. Twist the ends together...finish off with ribbon. A green pom pom was added to the wreath on the right.

NOTE: The pipe cleaner stems were thinner than the kids would have liked. In the pictured sample-two of each color was used and twisted as directions state.

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  SPARKLING PIPE CLEANER SNOWFLAKES

Supplies
Scissors
Silver and/or blue tinsel pipe cleaners 2 per snowflake
Blue, white, silver plastic pony beads

Cut the two pipe cleaners in half.
Make a cross and twist the two blue pipe cleaners in the center. Do the same with the silver.
Twist the two crosses together in the center to make a 'Snowflake'.
Add a couple beads to each stem. Bend end of stem if needed so that beads stay on.

NOTE: This sample was made using four full pipe cleaners...the same above directions were followed. I think it would be easier for the children to handle-cutting the pipe cleaners in half.

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CANDY CANE HOLDERS for NAME CARDS OR FOOD CARDS FOR A BUFFET...

 

These are quite simple to make! For each holder-- all you need are thre miniature candy canes, hot glue, and some thin ribbon.
1. Glue the first two canes together.
2. When those are secure, glue the third cane to the back. It looks and works much like a tri-pod.
When canes are firm ties on thin ribbon to finish the look. Use these either as place cards for your table or to label food dishes at your buffet!

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Christmas Arts and Crafts

 • All Pages,  Page 1,  Page 2,  Page 3,  Page 4 , Page 5, Holiday Centerpieces and Decorations

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Christmas Craft Ideas:  • All Pages,  Page 1,  Page 2,  Page 3,  Page 4...Page 5, Holiday Decorating

HAPPY HOLIDAY CANDLE JARS

Materials:
Super clean Jars--the mouth of the jar just needs to be big enough so a tea light candle can fit through it. 
Beads and tea light candles 
Large bag of hard candy such as mints 
Hot glue gun and glue sticks: Remember, young children and hot glue don't mix, so make sure you do all the gluing!

1. Sort beads by color. (Red and green for Christmas? Yellow, red and green for Kwanzaa? Blue and white for Hanukkah?) Or any color the children wish...

2. Hot glue the beads onto the outside of the jar. When the glue is dried,  pull off the leftover glue strings from the jar.

3. Unwrap candies and arrange the mints in each jar to make a "bed" for the tea lights. Fill it up as high as desired; make sure the top is relatively flat so that the candle can sit level. Experiment to get a look you like.
 
4. Dirctions say to take the tealight out of the metal and put it on top of the "bed" in each jar--(I would find a small candle container to catch the melted wax--as not to melt all over the candy. This way the jar can be used several times. Barb)

5. Finish off with a  length of ribbon and tie it around the top of the jar...  Alternately, stick some embellishments around the top of the jar to finish it off. Make sure that the end product doesn't have anything hanging over the opening of the jar that could create a fire hazard
 
You can make bigger decorated jars out of industrial-sized condiment jars and pillar candles.
This idea is adapted from ParentsConnect Holiday Ideas. (Photo from same) ...... Well I made my own (Dec. 2011)--but did it from memory without reading the directions! NOT the same at all! See below.

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THREE MORE HAPPY HOLIDAY JARS...

 

JARS COVERED WITH HARD CANDY

This project is written more as a 'blog entry' than a website idea--but I want to share my experience...

Going by memory on how to make the original craft --I made my 'Holiday Jars'! I purchased lots of hard and round peppermint candy...got out the hot glue gun and began to glue 'candy by candy' on the OUTSIDE of the jar. The three jars used were much larger than the first image above...The gluing of all candy and filling in with tiny beads took 22 minutes for each jar-not bad! (TIP: be sure to have a small bowl or ice ready for hot glue on the finger tips--I only needed it twice-but was glad it was there!)

I then hot glued the ribbon around the top to finish off. I noticed that some of the candy felt a bit sticky-so sprayed the outside of jars and coated the candy with Krylon Acrylic Coating. Yes, it did take care of the stickiness.

AFTER all this was completed I read the original directions. Yikes! Only beads were glued on the outside of the jar... and the candy was put inside the jar! Ta-daa--I now have an original KidActivities.net craft idea.

As the images show, one jar will be used for a holiday vase and the other as a candle jar. A smaller candle jar/with candle was placed inside the other. Because the candy can be expensive--I would use smaller jars than the large saurkraut jars in this sample craft. The first idea at the top of the page-- is however much easier.

POM POM HOLIDAY JAR
After reading the original directions... I didn't have any large beads so improvised with pom-poms! Everything else was done according to directions with the candy layered INSIDE. Again, a glass votive candle holder was placed on top of the candy to catch wax dripping... Images by KidActivities.net

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FUN  ORNAMENTS... A few ideas! (Two foam, the bells and one felt)

 

1. FOAM: If you don't sew----use cookie cutters to cut shapes from Fun Foam. Press the cookie cutter into a sheet of Fun Foam. The cutters will leave an outline.
Cut along the lines, and decorate the shapes for the holidays with markers, paint, glued-on beads or glitter.
Punch a hole in the top of each ornament to accommodate a ribbon or cord hanger.

2. The sample crafts are a great Fund Raising Idea as well as 'group craft making' projects...These cute ornaments come from Kits at OrientalTrading. 

As a 'fund raiser' they were made by staff and friends at Elmwood American House in Rochester, Mi. for their annual Family Thanksgiving party. They were sold at $1.00 each (the wreaths are $6.25 for 12 and bell kits are $7.25 a dozen--2011 kit prices)...

These can also be made without the kits... Example: Tiney bells are threaded onto pipe cleaners--shaped into a loop and then tied with ribbon  Make templates for the others where children can trace, cut and glue the foam or felt! 

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 IDEAS USING CRAFT STICKS

MAKE STARS OR SNOWFLAKES... Stars/Snowflakes are made by gluing two craft sticks together in a cross shape. Next, criss-cross two other craft sticks and glue in place.  Stick stars may be left plain or decorated with glitter or pom poms. Last, loop and glue either ribbon or yarn to the back to hang.

HOLIDAY TREE: Tree is made by gluing 3 craft sticks together in the shape of a triangle. A couple inches of another craft stick is cut to make the tree trunk. Glue a loop or ribbon or yarn to make a hanger. Decorate the tree as desired with pom poms or glitter, etc. (Image by KidActivities.net)

Note: The sticks used for these projects were purchased pre-painted; however, sticks may be painted by children before project begins.

 

 STAR OF DAVID ORNAMENT

(From KidActivities Hanukkah Theme page)

Materials:
6 Popsicle sticks for each star (Either colored sticks or painted)
Glue
Glitter (Optional)
Ribbon or yarn

1. Glue three sticks into a triangle shape. Glue the next three sticks into another triangle.
2. Glue the one triangle on top of the other triangle in opposite directions. This will give you the star shape.
3. Decorate star as desired. To hang- loop the ribbon or yarn at the top and attach with glue. (Image by KidActivities.net)

  

POPSTICLE STICK REINDEER
 
Materials:
3 popsicle sticks
2 google eyes
1 red pom pom
Glue
1. Glue 2 popsicle sticks together and make a 'V' shape.
2. About 1/3 or the way from the top, glue the third popsicle stick horizontally across the others.
3. Glue on googly eyes under the cross stick.
4. Glue the red pom pom at the bottom of the V-shape. (Photo from Reindeer Crafts--website no longer exists)

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  HAND MADE GIFT WRAP

 Three Different ideas to create gift-wrap paper...

#1. Sponge-print holiday designs on brown wrapping paper.
#2. Decorate paper lunch bags with glitter-glue designs and holiday stickers. (Discount School Supply has nice big white bags)
#3. Rubber-stamp prints on butcher/roll paper, using washable ink pads in holiday colors.
See Gift Wrap Category  (including ideas for 'pretzel wrapping') for more ideas and other photographs...

Monica from The Homespun Heart states that her favorite gift wrap is brown craft paper and simple twine. This photograph is a creative way she's embelishes plain brown paper. Some of the many items Monica incorporates into her wrapping are "... pages from old books, mini clothespins, magazine pictures, felt scraps, sticks from the yard, buttons, ribbon and sewing notion scraps." When wrapping gifts with children, the wrapping procedure is an artistic endeavor in itself!

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MAKE HOLIDAY NAPKIN RINGS (Cardboard and Yarn)

All that is needed is yarn, Cardboard toilet paper tubes, and a bit of strong glue.

1. Cut about 1 1/2 inches of cardboard circles off of the TP tubes. (Or the width you would like your finsished rings to be.
2. Tie a knot before beginning to wrap and glue this to the inside of the tube.
3. Wrap the tube -through the hole-around and around until it is completely covered with the yarn.
4. Make another knot and glue it in the tube to ensure that the yarn does not unravel.
Optional: Tie a piece of thin ribbon around the tube to complete the look. (Image by KidActivities.net)

Note: These napking rings can be made in any colors for any time of the year! If made over the course of time, they would be nice gifts for children to give to someone...

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Make 'YARN DOLL ORNAMENTS'

This doll was made in 1990, and still makes it to the tree each year! For directions visit the How to Make Yarn Dolls page...

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 HOLIDAY CINNAMON STICK BUNDLE 

Put 3 cinnamon sticks in a plastic bag and add a couple  drops of Cinnamon fragrance oil and shake together. Remove sticks; tie together in a bundle with raffia or ribbon to scent a room. (MAKES A NICE GIFT)

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HOLIDAY TILES

 

Materials:
Approx. 6"x6" tiles
Holiday paper napkins
Modge Podge (A water-based glue, finish and sealer)
Brush
Felt (Peel-off sticky back  was used on sample)
Krylon type fixative finish (optional)

1. Brush modge podge generously on the tile. (The cocktail napkins and the tiles were the exact size as each other; no trimming was necessary)
2. Gently lay/apply the napkin over the tile. When napkin adheres to tile--carefully apply one or two more coats over the napkin covered tile.
To ensure longevity, Krylon spray was used over each tile.
3. Cut felt piece to fit. If 'peel off' is used--just peel and place on bottom of tile. If regular felt used--glue to bottom.
These can now be used as a decoration or coaster. (I tested the 'completed tile' by placing a hot cup of tea on it. There was no change in the finish)

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 MAKE HOLIDAY PUZZLES

Collect and save the front of old Christmas/Holiday cards. To make the puzzle-- glue the card front onto card-stock.
With a black marker, draw several squiggle lines on the BACK SIDE of the card.
Cut the card following the lines.

Keep and mark the name of each puzzle in its own baggie.

 
#2 MAKE A MAGNETIC HOLIDAY PUZZLE

This is KidActivities preferred method. Youth can keep the pieces in place as they put the puzzzle together. A magnetic board or a refrigerator work great for this! 

Find a Christmas greeting card that is printed on stiff paper.
Take the front of the card and cut it into several puzzle pieces.
On the back of each piece, attach a small magnet or segment of magnetic strip.
The children can put them back together on anything that a magnet will stick to!!!

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  REINDEER 'TREE BULB' ORNAMENT...This 'little guy' has been around about 11 years and still makes it to the tree each year! You can use the photo  as a guide to follow.
Glue on wiggle eyes and a pom-pom nose.
Cut a piece thin ribbon and tie it into a loop for hanging. Glue the loop to light bulb.
Form antlers out of a chenille/pipe cleaner stem--twist it around the top of the bulb or glue it to the light bulb. (Made by D. Biggs--image by KidActivities.net)

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Other pages you may be interested in...

Christmas Craft Ideas:  • All Pages,  Page 1,  Page 2,  Page 3,  Page 4... Page 5, Holiday Decorating

• Reindeer Theme
• Winter Arts and Crafts
• Snowflake Theme
• Hot Cocoa Recipes and Fun
• Winter Inside Games
• Winter Outside Snow Games
• Winter Outside Fun
• Random Winter Ideas
• Snowman Themed Games...
• Snowman Themed Arts and Crafts
• Miscellaneous Snowman Ideas
• Snowman Themed Snacks

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 Christmas Craft Pages:  • All Pages,  Page 1,  Page 2,  Page 3,  Page 4 , Page 5, Holiday Decorating

 

 CANDY CANE SEEDS

 Put round, red and white peppermint candies into a pretty container or a small bag--tie with this poem attached.

I once knew a gardener who knew how to grow-
Bright tasty candies, right out of the snow.

I asked him to share his secret with me-
And this is what he said quite readily.

To garden in winter is difficult you see
It takes lots of care and a  special seed.

I'll give you a couple to grow your own treats-
And you'll soon reap a harvest of candy cane treats.
 
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SNOWMAN KISSES (Use mini-marshmallows or other white candy)
Package prettily with attached poem...

Snowflakes from Heaven as white as can be!
Can build a Snowman for all to see!
He's cute and cuddly ---and full of good wishes...
And wants to give you a whole bunch of his kisses!

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SANTA KISSES #1  

(Package Candy Kisses prettily and attach one of the following)

Santa's been busy
Granting our wishes...
So he dropped off this bag of Santa Kisses.

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SANTA KISSES #2

A bag of Hugs & Kisses
to wish you Merry Christmas!

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NOW FOR THE SASSY...These have been around awhile and you either like them or you don't! But here they are...

 GINGERBREAD POOP (Use gum drops)

 

Heard you've been naughty!
So here's the scoop
all YOU get is
Gingerbread Poop! 
  

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 SNOWMAN POOP #1 (Use marshmallows)  

Heard you've been naughty
So here's the scoop,
All you get is... Snowman Poop!

 

SNOWMAN POOP #2
Santa looked at his list-
even checked it twice.
And he found out that
you haven't been nice.
With coal  so expensive,
here is the scoop,
Santa's filling your stocking
with SNOWMAN POOP!!!!

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#1 REINDEER POOP (or Droppings)

For "Reindeer Poop" put Raisenettes or Milk Duds in small cello or bagagies; attach one of the following poems. 

Santa's been here. How do I know?
Look what I found outside in the snow!
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#2 REINDEER POOP Poem 

 As I finished my task, which took quite awhile,
Old Santa passed by and he sheepishly smiled.
And I heard him exclaim as he sped off in the sky...
"Well they're not potty trained, but at least they can fly!"

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COCOA GIFTS AND POEMS...  

 

COCOA GIFT #1 (SNOWMAN SOUP) WITH POEMS

Place in a clear plastic bag...
1 individual pack hot chocolate mix
3 Hershey's chocolate kisses
10-15 mini-marshmallows
1 small candy cane

Add one of the following poems...

COCOA POEM #1
When the weather outside is frightful,
Snowman Soup can be delightful.
May it warm your spirit and your soul.
Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow!

When you feel a chill or 'burrrrrr',
Use the peppermint stick to stir.
Add hot water and sip it slow.
Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow.
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POEM #2 When it's so cold that you holler and whoop,
It's time to bring out the Snowman Soup!

Pour the packet in a mug. Add marshmallows too.
And throw in these kisses that are special just for you.

Now add some hot water and use the cane to stir it.
Sip slowly and soon you'll feel the warm winter spirit!
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COCOA POEM #3

A little cup of cocoa, I'm sending your way,
For you to sip and enjoy, On some cold winter day.

As you sip this cocoa, it's warmth will warm your heart...
Just like our friendship warmed mine, Right from the very start.

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 COCOA MIX GIFT #2  FOR A WINTER DAY...

Materials:
Small glass jar (baby food size)
1 serving of hot cocoa mix
About 1/4 cup of small marshmallows
4-inch or larger fabric scrap (depending on the size of your jar)
18" length of ribbon
Glue
Hershey Kiss candy
Small wrapped candy cane
Card

Directions:
Clean the jar and dry it well. Measure a one-cup serving of the hot cocoa mix into the jar. Fill the jar to the top with small marshmallows. . Cut the fabric scrap into a circle. Center the fabric circle on top of the jar lid. Tie the ribbon around the edge. Glue the Hershey Kiss on top of the fabric cover. Glue the candy cane to the side of the jar. Write a personal note and draw a candy cane or other symbol on the card.

Include simple directions such as the following:
"Here's a little gift to warm you up on a cold afternoon. Simply pour this jar of cocoa mix into a mug filled with 6 to 8 oz. of hot water. Top with marshmallows and drop in the Hershey Kiss. Stir with the candy cane and enjoy!"

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REINDEER NOSES

Fill a small baggie with round chocolate 'Milk Chocolate Malt Balls' candy. (Whoppers is one company in the States that makes them) Add one red ball of the same size.  Of course the red 'nose' is Rudolf's! A red gum-ball,  red Sour balls, or giant red spice drop candy works well for the red nose...There are also candy companies that make white, pink and red malt balls for Valentine's Day.

Add a tag tied to the baggie saying, "Reindeer Noses for Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner/Donder, Blitzen, and Rudolph".  

 A good idea when packing small 'goodies' such as this--is to size card-stock to the width of a clear bag. After writing the title or title/poem/directions on the bottom half of the card...fold the paper in half and attach it to the top--one side on each side to the bag. Embellish the card with ribbon if desired.

 Christmas Craft Pages: 

 • All Pages,  Page 1,  Page 2,  Page 3,  Page 4 , Page 5, Holiday Decorating

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CENTERPIECE CANDLE STICK GROUPING

Group Candle holders and alternate topping them with Christmas Ball Ornaments and Taper Candles! Place a few ornaments inbetween candle sticks...

ORNAMENTS IN CLEAR VASE
 Fill large vases with Christmas ball ornaments. Simple and lovely. Add votive candle, pretty (empty) wrapped boxes and pieces of candy! (Images by KidActivities.net)

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Decorations on the Christmas Dining Room table are in the 'Christmas Arts and Crafts' page...
(Votive candles on bottom of page 1, Candy Cane Place Card Holders on bottom of page 3, and Yarn Napkin Rings bottom of page 4) can all be found on indicated 'Christmas Craft pages' for directions... 

 

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 COFFEE TABLES AND TABLE TOPS

#1 A nice and easy idea is to wrap tall lamps with berries and twigs. The sample shows one strand secured at the top --and wrapped around and down...Add a vase of Christmas ball ornaments and candle. Another simple and pretty table scape!

#2 The large wooden tray on the coffee table is filled with gourd shaped candle holders and surrounded with pine cones and Christmas balls. The 'Christmas Ball' theme is carried from the dining room, to the chest, to the coffee table...(Images by KidActivities.net)

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 GUM DROP SPICE-CANDY TREE

The trees are nice to add to a tablescape, as a center-piece, part of your dessert table, or to give as a 'hostess gift'. Be sure to have extra gumdrops to munch as you make! 

Materials:
Gumdrop (Spice Drop) Candy
Styrofoam tree - Any size desired; trees in sample photo are 6"
Tin foil
Pointed Toothpicks

1. Cover the tree base with tin foil
2. Break toothpicks in half
3. Put a gumdrop on the broken side of the tooth pick...
3. Starting at the bottom of the tree, poke the pointed side of the tooth pick (with the gumdrop on it) into the tree.
4. Continue going around the tree until it's covered with the candy.

I remember making these in the late 1960's! Seeing a photo of one on a website brought back some nice memories--so guess what?! I made one and "Hubby" made the other...(Photo/Craft by KidActivities)

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RECYCLE  ARTIFICIAL CHRISTMAS TREE BRANCHES

What do you do with your old artificial Christmas Trees? Recycle them and use as decorations--both inside and outside!

1. OUTDOORS... When your artificial tree is no longer usable, don't throw out the branches!!! Keep them to fill containers and baskets for outdoor decoration. (See images)

Add twigs, pine cones and other branches...Our bare winter deck and outdoor counter seem a bit 'cheerier'!  

2. INDOORS... Additional recycled branches are used to enhance a corner of a kitchen counter top. At first it was filled with the greens, pine cones, branches, etc., but the last few years--'Frosty' happily sits in the corner. Any favorite plush 'Holiday Teddy Bear' or other focal point...would work as well. (All images by KidActivities.net)

 

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PAINT YOUR DOOR-WALL/WINDOW WITH A  SNOWMAN! ...This jolly fellow is made of liquid tempera and liquid dishwashing detergent.

For this Snowman scene...KidActivities mixed equal parts of liquid tempera paint with liquid dishwashing soap. The mixture is a little watery...so be sure to cover floors and have paper toweling nearby. The drips of paint wipe up easily.

The 'snowman' was made with a circular motion of the brush.  The other parts (hat, stick arms, scarf, facial features) of the scene were used with a stippling effect of the brush. As above...be sure each color dries before you paint over the first.

The snowflakes on the window were used by simply placing a finger in the paint and lightly touching to the glass. To prevent dripping, be sure not to use too much paint on the brushes or the fingers. (Painting/Image by KidActivities.net)

NOTE: Good News! My 'Snowman Friend' easily washed off of the glass just using a wet cloth! (I left him up from early December to February) He'll be back next year!

NOTE: there is also another 'Window Paint Recipe' using dry tempera on the paint and coloring pages 

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HAND-MADE WREATHS

This sample goes back to about 1993-when my daughter made everyone in the family wreaths! This one is made using red velvet ribbon and continuously wrapping it around a 'wire form'. The same red ribbon bow is attached with the red plaid ribbon over it. Bendable 'foil garland' with tiny wrapped boxes and stars is tucked in to further embellish the wreath... 

 

The brown wreath is smaller in size than the red... it's also on a wire form. Brown plaid, silkish ribbon is again wrapped around and around the form.  It is also finished off with bows and bendable glitter covered wire. (Images by KidActivities.net)

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DISPLAY YOUR COLLECTIONS...

 

 

Most of the Teddy Bears have happily found a home under the living room tree. Christmas gifts are piled in another area of the home--and when Christmas is over, the space under the tree is still home to the bears! (Image by KidActivities.net)

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DO YOU HAVE A DOLL HOUSE?

DECK IT OUT FOR THE HOLIDAYS!

 

 

Lois Gillespie of Spring Hill, Florida is all grown up and  a Grandmother; however, she still has fun with her many toys to the delight of her frequent guests!  

What a great way to bring Holiday and Winter cheer into your home or classroom! Wish I had a doll house...

Note: This doll house has been sold and Lois is now in the midst of decorating one with battery operated lights, etc. She also has a 'Halloween Themed' doll house
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GOLD WINTER TREES COLLECTION

This is  'part' of a Holiday collection belonging to Holly of Clarkston, Mi. This photo doesn't do the collection justice; the actual table scapes are much prettier! (Image by KidActivities.net

 

 

DECORATING & ENTERTAINING TIPS...

Looking for a festive idea for inexpemsive HOLIDAY NAME TAGS?

TIP: HELL-O MY NAME IS...

 

Use large self-adhesive gift tags...Guests add their name and wear it during the party! Both name and gift tags can also be downloaded for free on many internet sites!

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IS YOUR TABLE CLOTH TOO LONG?

Have a lovely cloth but it's too long for your table? Simply bunch up the corners and tie with ribbon! It's an idea that works all year long--not just for the Holidays! (Image by KidActivities.net)

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MMMMMMMMMMMM THAT SMELLS SO GOOD!

Stove Top AUTUMN & WINTER POTPOURRI!

 

 
I've been making this for about 35 years--long before Pinterest made it the thing to do! Each batch is a little different (depending on what ingredients I have) and stays good for weeks.

About three cinnamon sticks are a must. An added cut up apple and orange are also wonderful. Add some clove, cranberries and ginger as your nose dictates. I’m content with cinnamon, apple and orange! Just add water to the top of a large sauce pan and simmer on low whenever you want the delightful scent in your home.

Don't forget the pot when you have it going on the stove! 
I've also discovered (if needed) that throwing in another stick of cinnamon or a Tablespoon of cinnamon and a cut up apple livens up the aroma again. (Image by KidActivities.net)

Note: It starts out looking very pretty but after a week of so will start to appear 'slushy'. The aroma is still divine.

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CHRISTMAS CRAFT PAGES:    • All Pages,  Page 1,  Page 2,  Page 3,  Page 4 , Page 5, Holiday Decorating 

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 Updated January, 2013

 SUGAR CUBE IGLOO

First talk about how igloos are made and their use.

I've read that you can use either sugar cubes and frosting or ice cubes and salt which helps stick the cubes together ---but the below is one of the most complete methods I've seen. I copied it long ago but don't remember from where...sorry.

Start by laying a base row of sugar cubes around a 7-inch-diameter cardboard circle, leaving space for the entrance. Using a mortar of 2 egg whites mixed with 3 cups confectioners' sugar, add subsequent layers of cubes, one row at a time, decreasing the circumference gradually as you go.

Apply the mortar to the top cubes, not to those already in place. Be sure to work alternately left and right from the entrance toward the back of the igloo and stagger the cubes the way a builder lays bricks.

Build a total of 10 layers, stopping halfway through the construction to let the igloo dry. Make the arch and roof separately, working on a flat surface. When they are dry, glue them in place. Allow the igloo to dry completely, then sprinkle with a blizzard of sugar.
(If you ever do this--would you please let me know via the contact page?)

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BALLOON AND YARN SNOWBALLS

Blow up a balloon to a size of a softball; cut about a 2 to 3 foot of white yarn and put it in bowl of Elmer's glue. Take out the yarn and begin wrapping it around balloon. When done wrapping --- sprinkle it with white or silver glitter. Hang the balloon to dry for 24 hrs or till the glue is dry--- then pop the balloon! You have this pretty snowball to hang from your ceiling or on branches.

Sample photos courtesy of  More mom time...

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SPARKLING SNOW DOUGH

2 cups water
2 cups flour
1 cup salt
4 tsp. cream of tartar
4 tsp. oil
iridescent glitter
Combine ingredients in a heavy saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly with wooden spoon. until mixture thickens and pulls away from sides of pan. Form dough into a ball, place on waxed paper and cool. Knead in glitter. This in the play dough recipes--but good for winter time!

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MAKE SNOW PAINT

Materials:
White glue
Shaving cream
Paper
Paintbrush

Measure equal parts white glue and shaving cream.
Mix the two ingredients together. It should be very thick and fluffy. Perfect for making a Snowman or winter snowdrift scene! (Kindergartener made for KidActivities.net)

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SCENTED PINE CONES
Scented Pine Cones Materials:
Pine cones, Pine or fir pure essential oil, Lidded container, box or plastic bag, Facial tissue

1. Fill container, box or plastic bag with dry, clean pine cones.
2. Liberally sprinkle tissue with essential oil and add to bag or container.
3. Seal the bag or container and allow oil to penetrate cones for several days before removing (the longer the cones are contained, the stronger the fragrance will be). 

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MITTEN PRINTS
 
Great if you have younger children-but  some of the older may also think this is fun.

Put out old mateless mittens. Place sponges in shallow containers and pour in tempera paint. Have kids put on the mittens and press their hand on the paint-soaked sponges. Place mittens on the paper to make prints. (A little different then traditional hand-print!)

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TOILET PAPER TUBE PRINTS

Take toilet paper tubes and make DIFFERENT length cuts at the end of the tubes. Bend back the ends and flare them out.. Dip the flared edges in white paint. The tube make a great holder!

As each tube is cut differently, you will have a variety of snowflakes! When finished- sprinkle the snowflakes with glitter.
For variety, cut the strips in the cardboard tubes with wavy edged scissors... each snowflake will have different patterns.

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CONSTRUCTION PAPER & TOOTHBRUSH EVERGREEN TREE

Cut an evergreen tree out of green construction paper. Place it inside a box lid to catch the splatter. Dip toothbrush in white paint. Moving the brush above picture, gently rub thumb across tops of bristles to spatter paint. The tree will look like it's been caught in a snowstorm

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DOILEE ART SNOWFLAKE PRINTS 

Place dollies on black or dark colored paper. Sponge paint over the dollies with white paint. When the dollies are removed your pictures will look like snowflakes!

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SNOWFLAKES FROM STYROFOAM BALLS 

Need for one snowball:
Seven toothpicks, 1 inch styrofoam balls, 1/2 liquid starch, 1 cup laundry powder, electric mixer, waxed paper, 24 inch pieces of string, glitter.

Tie the 24 inch string to one toothpick. Push 6 other toothpicks into the ball in a starburst pattern. Beat the starch and laundry powder to make a stiff paste. Working on the wax paper, dip the "snowflake" into the starch/soap mixture. Sprinkle it with glitter while it is still set. Hang them from the ceiling by the string to dry and display!

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ICY 'JELL-O OR KOOL-AID' ART

Need: Kool-Aid or Jell-O (in powder form), Ice, Paper
Make ice in a Popsicle mold or an ice-cube ray with toothpicks stuck in before frozen. Sprinkle Kool-Aid or Jell-O (powdered Tempera paint ok too) on the paper. Use the ice Popsicle to push the powder around and design.

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CHALK SNOWSCAPES

Materials:
Dark construction paper
White chalk
Winter stencils/template shapes
cotton balls.
 
1. Create some winter stencils and templates in advance.
2. Trace winter shapes onto cardstock or manila folders. Carefully cut shapes out.

3. Place the template on a sheet of dark construction paper---The paper should be at least 2" larger than the stencil or template on all sides.
4. Use chalk to trace around template/stencil.
5. While still holding the stencil firmly in place, gently brush chalk line toward the edges of the paper with a cotton ball.
6. Remove the stencil. The shape will be defined by a crisp line, but surrounded by soft "snowy" shadows.

You can also use snow-scapes to create winter cards.

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TWO MOBILES ON HANGERS...

#1 NIGHT SKY MOBILES
Make moon and star shaped templates for the children to trace and then cut out. (Use a card-stock paper) Decorate the shapes with sliver glitter. Punch a hole in shape-top... and hang individual shapes from the hanger with yarn... at different levels.
 

#2 SNOWFLAKE MOBILES
 
Need lightweight paper for cutting in about 4" x 4 squares, hole punch, scissors, hangers and yarn.

Round the corners of the paper to create a circle. Fold the circle in half....and then in half again....
Create your design with scissors and/or a hold punch. Paste several (about 3) snowflakes down one line of yarn...tie the yarn to the hanger. Do this 3 times. There should be three lines of snow flakes hanging from your mobile.

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PRETZEL SNOWFLAKES 

Take 4 mini pretzels for each snow flake. Pour white paint into a container/baggie/pie tin...Coat the pretzels with the paint and let them dry.
 
When the pretzels are dry, form the snow-flake by gluing the four pretzels to each other. Do this by gluing corners to corners---points to points. We use a hot glue gun. You can also dip the flakes in glitter or craft snow.
When dry... tie on string, yarn or ribbon to hang.

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ART TO GO WITH THE BOOK "DREAM SNOW"

by Eric Carl (Or just a nice idea on its own!)
Materials: 9"x12" white paper, sharpies, crayons, watercolors, transparancies, white tempera

First read Eric Carle's Dream Snow and then draw a winter scene.
After coloring and painting the picture, tape a transparancy to the front.
Paint snow on the transparancy to "hide" the figures, much like Eric Carle did! Art by a student of Michal Austin

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IDEA #1:  MAKE WINTER TREES by glueing plain white rice (for the snow) on a drawn tree...

IDEA#2:  IN YOUR WINTER OPEN ART CENTER...
Add lots of white materials, such as doilies, cotton balls, coffee filters, dried beans, felt, yarn, Styrofoam and tissue paper for interesting texture collages.

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Q-TIP SNOWFLAKES

On some wax paper -- have children position the Q-tips end to end. Take glue and put it where the Q-tips meet. When dry remove them from wax paper and suspend from the ceiling.

 ANOTHER way to do this is to squeeze a puddle of glue into the middle of a sheet of wax paper. Give the children several Q-tips cut in half (or whole) and then position them around the glue blob. If using half a Q-tip- be sure the swab end is sticking out so it looks like a snowflake.

Insert a loop of string in the glue puddle for a holder. Children can sprinkle glitter onto the glue. The snow-flakes will need a couple of days to dry; then peel them off the waxed paper! (This would also be a nice gift) Photo courtesy of Busy Bee Crafts

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PAPER SNOWFLAKES IN GENERAL...

Materials:
Piece of white paper
Scissors
Instructions:
1. Start with a square sheet of white paper. Fold paper in half diagonally, forming a triangle.
2. Fold paper in half diagonally again.
3. Hold paper so triangle base is at bottom. Fold paper into thirds from the center point. The resulting shape should resemble a piece of pie.
4. Using scissors, cut off excess at the bottom part of the pie shape to reveal a small triangle.
5. Cut small shapes around the outside of the triangle, using designs of your choice.
6. Unfold paper to reveal your snowflake.

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COFFEE FILTER SNOWFLAKES

Fold the filters and then cut out designs and then unfold. Easy! Hang about the room. (Photo from 'Just for Fun'--however blog is no longer on line)

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DIP AND DYE SNOWFLAKES

Materials:
Cone or square-shaped coffee filters (or paper towels cut in circles or squares), Scissors, Small bowls of dye (diluted food coloring or strong tempera paint)

Directions:
Fold coffee filters or paper-towel circles or squares in half, quarters, thirds, and so on.
Dip them into a bowl of dye, blot, open up, and let dry.
When dry, fold again and make snowflakes by cutting small shapes along the folded edges.

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SNOWFLAKES FROM PAPER BAKING CUP LINERS (For young children)

Flatten cupcake baking liners and fold them in fourths. Have children cut notches along the folds. Unfolded they'll have snowflakes with different designs.

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MARSHMALLOW (Snowball) SCULPTURES

Materials:
Mini and Large Marshmallows
Toothpicks or pretzels
Create sculptures by using toothpicks or pretzels to hold sculpture in place. Let marshmallows dry and get hard before moving around.

You'll notice that young children's sculptures will be longer and flat. The older the child, the taller and more intricate the building will get.

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MAKE SNOW SCENES

Whip Ivory Snow powder with water until the mixture is soft and fluffy.
Have  children finger-paint with the soap mixture on sheets of heavy white paper or tag board.
While the mixture is still wet, have kids add Styrofoam packing pieces for snowflakes and cotton balls for clouds.
Sprinkle on silver glitter to add sparkle to the snow scenes.

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COLD WEATHER BODY TRACING. If you're tracing around children's bodies this winter---add details of mittens, scarves, boots and hats!

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MAKE SCARVES: This is a craft that requires only the fleece fabric & a good pair of scissors! The pictures are not mine but shows you exactly what I'm talking about. Our students made warm scarves by buying lengths of micro-fleece and simply cutting them into strips. The end was then cut into fringe. The fleece does NOT unravel so does not need any sewing. 

It is available in unlimited colors and prints. All you need is approximately 8 to 10 inches wide by 3-5 feet in length (shorter or longer depending upon your preference). You can knot fringe pieces together, two by two, so that all of the fringes are knotted. If desired, slide beads (as in photo) onto the fringe and tie another knot, for added embellishment. (No name submitted)

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STAINED GLASS

Have children use a mixture of black tempera paint and white glue to squeeze designs onto thin white paper--such a rice paper. When the glue has dried have children paint their paper with watercolors (inbetween the black).

With a hole punch, attach a fish line or string and hang the paper in the window for the light to shine through.

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LIFE SAVER CANDY SNOWFLAKES

Glue together popsicle sticks in a snow-shape pattern. Glue on white minty lifesavers to the sticks. Add glitter to all and hang them from the ceiling.

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PASTA SNOWFLAKES

Need: Wheel shaped pasta, White paint, White glitter, Dry Tapioca pudding mix, Paint brushes, Elmer's glue

Take round wheel shaped pasta and glue them together in a circle shape. When dry--paint the entire snow flake white. Before the paint dries sprinkle on glitter mixed with dry Tapioca pudding mix.
To hang from the ceiling, insert a piece of string or yarn through one of the wheel holes after the snow flake is dry.

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WINTER MAGIC WANDS

Materials: tubing any diameter (home depot plumbing dept), plastic end caps (home depot), water, corn syrup, baby oil, glitter/sequins, beads,
food coloring, hot glue

Fill an end cap with hot glue and push it onto the end of a tube (cut to the length you would like) Let dry. Fill 1/2 with water and 1/2 with corn syrup or baby oil as above. Add food coloring or sequins/beads etc. Fill another end cap with hot glue and press onto the top of tube, let dry.

Uses:
They are soft and flexible! Show the children how to turn them upside down and watch the water move. If you have younger children...they can wear them as necklaces, or pull them around like snakes.
Held up to the sunlight they are dazzling. Put different colored wands over each other and watch the "new color". Source: Unknown, Cassie/Mi.

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SNOWFLAKE PICTURES
Fold a circle of paper in half, then half again. Snip out
shapes and open out. Clip the snowflake on top of another sheet of paper and fill in the shapes by patting with a paint-soaked sponge or rag. Allow to dry, and then remove the snowflake to reveal the pattern.

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COCONUT SNOWMAN
Place glue on a piece of paper in the shape of a snowman.
Have the children add coconut to the paper.
Use raisins for the eyes and buttons.

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TWO SNOW GLOBES

SNOW GLOBES OR PAPER WEIGHTS ...Version #1

1. Either supply the group  or have children bring in an empty jar such as baby food, jelly, pickle, etc. Any small, clear jar with a screw-top lid will work.
 
2. Cut a piece of felt or construction paper the size of the jar lid and glue it in place to the top of the jar lid.
Fill the jars within 1/2 inch of jar top with a mixture of 1/3 light corn syrup and 2/3 warm water. Use popsicle sticks to stir until it's mixed.
 
3. Add about 1/2 tsp. (or more depending on size of jar) of glitter --any color of child's choice will do--also add a few snowflake-shaped sequins.

4. After screwing the tops on tightly have an adult hot-glue the lids on the jars so there is no leaking.

Tips: Using a mixture of water with corn syrup "thickens" the liquid and keeps the glitter in suspension longer.
Don't use white glue to seal the lids. It's water-soluble and will turn the water cloudy.

You can also use a non-water soluble glue such as rubber silicone to glue a figure or seasonal item to the inside of the lid.
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SNOW GLOBE #2

Idea origianally from Martha Stewart
You will need:
A jar with a secure lid, Super glue, Glitter, Decorations for the inside of the snow globe, Glycerin light corn syrup 

1.  Jar selection is important; choose one that has a large enough base and is tall enough for the diorama or figure you want to insert; make sure that the glass is clear enough to see through.

2. Assemble your diorama on the inside of the jar lid, and when you're happy with how looks, use super glue to stick all  pieces down to the lid. Let this dry according to the instructions for the glue you're using.

3. Fill the jar almost to the top with water and corn syrup (about 1/2 and 1/2) and add some glitter. Corn syrup or glycerin will make the glitter fall more slowly. Carefully turn your lid upside down and immerse the diorama in the water. Make sure you fasten the lid securely, and turn the whole thing upside down. Shake repeatedly!

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PINE TREE BRANCH ART

Materials:
Small pine tree branches, green paint, white construction paper, red ribbon and glitter

Put paint onto a small pine tree branch or end piece. 
Press the branch onto a piece of white construction paper.
Press again in another spot or re-paint the branch before pressing again.
Usually, several pressings can be made onto one paper.
Sprinkle some glitter sparingly onto branch painting.
Tie a red ribbon into a small bow and glue onto the painting when dry.
Try experimenting with different color combinations to see what turns up! By H. Williams in KinderArt.com 

NOTE: I've used this method with children to also make wrapping paper! (Barb) 

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WINTER SNOW RECIPE' FOR PAINTING

Ingredients: Soap flakes (such as Ivory, water, liquid starch, and white powdered tempera.

   • With a hand beater-mix soap flakes with water into a thick paste. 
   • Add a small amount of liquid starch and tempera.
   • Designs are made by painting with this mixture. 

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SALT CARDS

Need: Make cards with 'Winter Scenes', glue, salt

Paint the snowy area with glue and then sprinkle it with salt. It will look sparkly when the glue is dry!

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MAKE A SNOWMAN FROM A FOOT

Paint a child's foot white.
Press the foot onto a piece of blue paper.
When dry add eyes, nose and mouth to the head (heel of the foot) and other features.

You can also trace a shoe and paint or color it in to look like a snowman.

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JINGLE BELL WIND CHIMES
Materials for each chime:
Unsharpened Pencil
10 Bells
Yarn
1. Cut 12 pieces of yarn.
2. On 10 pieces of yarn tie a bell at the end of each one.
3. Tie a plain piece of string on EACH end of the pencil for hanging.Tie them together at top.
4. In-between the end strings, tie the yarns with bells on them onto the pencil.

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  MAKE WINTER PUZZLES...

Collect and save the front of old Holiday cards with winter related images. To make the puzzle-- glue the card front onto card-stock.
With a black marker, draw several squiggle lines on the BACK SIDE of the card.
Cut the card following the lines.

Keep and mark the name of each puzzle in its own baggie.

 
#2 MAKE A MAGNETIC 'WINTER PUZZLE'...

This is KidActivities preferred method. Youth can keep the pieces in place as they put the puzzzle together. A magnetic board or a refrigerator work great for this! 

Find a 'Winter related' greeting card that is printed on stiff paper.
Take the front of the card and cut it into several puzzle pieces.
On the back of each piece, attach a small magnet or segment of magnetic strip.
The children can put them back together on anything that a magnet will stick to! (Activity and Image by KidActivities.net)

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HAVE FUN WITH ALL THE WINTER PAGES!

Looking for inside acitivities? Be sure to visit Random Winter Ideas!!!

• Snowflake Theme
• Reindeer Theme
• Winter Arts and Crafts
• Hot Cocoa Recipes and Fun
• Winter Inside Games
• Winter Outside Snow Games
• Winter Outside Fun
• Random Winter Ideas
• Snowman Themed Games...
• Snowman Themed Arts and Crafts
• Miscellaneous Snowman Ideas
• Snowman Themed Snacks

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 PAPER PLATE SNOWMAN Simple Craft...

Materials:
2 white paper plates (a small and larger) 
Construction paper (black, red) or wrapping paper
An orange pipe cleaner or orange paper (for the nose)
A short length of yarn or ribbon
Hole punch
Marker or crayons
Scissors
Glue
Optional: Googly eyes, large buttons

• Glue the two plates together to make a basic snowman.
• Use  the round stickers (or google eyes) for the eyes, mouth. Add buttons or decorate as above with pipe cleaner.
• From  scraps of card stock-- cut two twig arms (or use pipe cleaners as image shows), mittens, a carrot nose and a scarf. Glue these to your snowman. Add a hat and he's done!

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USE MARSHMALLOWS to paint snowmen

Children dip the marshmallow in paint and use them as a stamp for snowmen...

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NON-SNOW SNOWMAN
Fun with packing peanuts----Snowman and Igloos
Some packing peanuts are great for building because they have a cornstarch base.
Have children build a snowman by moistening the peanuts and sticking them together. Add eyes, nose, etc. for character out of whatever bits you have around!

I've read how one program puts them outside on the playground when it rains. It may take a few days, but it will dissolve! Also, use the peanuts to build igloos and other projects. 

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SOCK SNOWMAN  Stuff clean white socks with dried beans, peas, coffee beans, or small rocks rubber banding off sections as you fill them. Finish the tops by rubber banding it shut.
Glue with hot glue; glue on the toe of a colored sock for a hat, turning up the edge.
Decorate with markers; glue on buttons for eyes; cloves for buttons...

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STYROFOAM SNOWMAN
Materials:
3 Styrofoam balls of different sizes
Tothpicks or sticks
Decorations such as buttons, orange pipecleaners, felt/faabric pieces, black pom-poms, glue-gun, etc.

1. Shave the bottom off the largest ball with a knife so it will stand.
2. Using a gluegun, attach the middle sized ball and then the smallest ball for the head.
3. Embeliosh the snowman by adding toothpick or stick arms and buttons. Twist an orange pipecleaner into a carrot nose. Add felt or fabric scrap for a scarf; black pom poms for the eyes and mouth

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SOAPY SNOWMAN Using a grater, grate soap such as Ivory. Add a couple tablespoons of water and mix into a ball using hands.
Take the soap out of the bowl and separate it into three sections- one small, one medium, and one large. Roll each section into a ball and stack the balls to form a snowman. If necessary, rub a little water on the soap where you are joining the pieces.  This will help it stick.
Add eyes and a nose using spices. You can use toothpicks for the arms and fabric for a scarf. Let harden.

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IDEA: CARVE SNOWMEN out of a bar of Ivory soap…

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  SNOWMAN FINGERS

 

Isn't this Cute! For young children but cute anyway!   Sample Photo Courtesy of Cere Child Care and Pre-School. Place child's hand in white paint make a handprint on colored paper. When dry--add top hats, facial features and buttons down the snowmens' chests!

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SPONGE PAINTED SNOWMEN
Materials:
Sponge circles cut in a variety of sizes
Washable paint
Thinned washable white paint
Paintbrushes
Dark construction paper
Preparation: Cut various-sized circles out of sponges.
Time: 15-30 minutes
Directions:
Choose a large, medium, and small sponge. Dip the large sponge into thinned white paint. Do not get too much paint on sponge! Stamp largest shaped on bottom of page. Stamp medium circle above it, and small above that…., to create snowman shape. Paint features and other accents on with a paintbrush.

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COTTON BALL SNOWMAN (On paper) 
Need:
Cotton balls
Clear contact paper
Construction paper
Scissors
Stapler

• Cut three circles from clear contact paper. The circles should be in three different sizes ranging from a diameter of 1 1/2 - 2 inches to 4 1/2 - 5 inches.
• Staple the contact paper, backing side up, to the construction paper to form a snowman shape.
• Peel off the backing and stick cotton balls to the contact paper to cover the snowman.
  If you like, cut additional snowman features such as a hat or carrot from construction paper and glue to the snowman.

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BALLOON STAMPED SNOWMEN

Materials: White Paint,  Balloons,  Paper
Give children three balloons --one big, one medium, and one small. Roll the balloons in white paint and then place them on a piece of paper to make a snowman. They can add features, scarf and a top hat with paint. A cute touch is to add froot loop cereal for the buttons! Be sure to have extra to munch!

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PAPER BAG SNOWMEN
Materials:
White paper craft bags or painted white lunch bags (Need two bags for each snowman)
Newspaper
Markers or paint
Other decorations as desired

1. Ball up  newspaper and stuff it into one of the lunch bags. 
2. When a bag is full, take an empty bag and pull it over the stuffed bag.
3. Cut pieces of yarn and wrap them tightly around the middle of the bags (or below where the head would be) to form the top and the bottom sections of the snowmen.
4. With markers or paint-decorate facial and body features as desired. No two snowmen will be alike! (Samples and image by KidActivities)

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SALT DOUGH SNOWMAN ORNAMENT
Salt dough is fun to make as well as to model with. This salt dough snowman makes a nice Christmas present or tree decoration. Left-over dough can be kept in the refrigerator for about five days.
Materials:
6 tablespoons plain flour
3 tablespoons salt
Mixing bowl
3 tablespoons water
Pastry board
Baking parchment
Rolling pin
Blunt knife
Drinking straw
Baking sheet
Acrylic paint in shades of white, orange, green, red, and purple
Medium and fine paintbrushes
Narrow ribbon

• Mix the flour and the salt in the bowl. Gradually add the water until you have a firm, pliable dough. Set aside for ten minutes.
• Place the dough on the pastry board and roll a 4 cm (1½ in) wide ball for the body and a 3 cm (1¼ in) wide ball for the head. Flatten the body and head.
• Lay the body and head on baking parchment, butting them together.
• With the rolling pin--- roll a scrap of dough to ¼ inch  (5 mm) in thickness. Cut a rectangle about 1½ x 1¼ inches (4 x 3 cm) for the hat. Press to the head.

• Roll four logs 1 cm (½ in) thick. Lay one across the hat as a brim. Lay another across the 'neck' as a scarf. Lay the other logs at angles to the scarf, touching at the top, and dent the ends for a fringe with the knife.
• Roll three small balls of dough; press one to the head as a nose, the others to the body as buttons. Make a hole at the top of the hat with the straw.

Place the snowman on baking parchment on a baking sheet. Place in a preheated oven 250 degrees Fahrenheit, for about 6 hours, until hard. Leave to cool in the oven.
Paint the snowman's body white. Paint the hat, scarf, nose and buttons. Add a smile and two eyes. Leave to dry then thread the ribbon through the hole and tie.

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JUMBO CRAFT STICK SNOWMAN

Materials are per child...

• 7 Jumbo craft sticks
• White and Black paint (you may want to spray-paint the sticks before hand)
• Decorative ribbon about 5inches long (for hat)
• 2 Large wiggle eyes
• 5 small rocks (about 1/4 inch diameter) or buttons. Snow-plow cinders are the perfect size.
• Orange craft foam, felt, or construction paper
• Black Marker (optional)
• Scrap of cardboard about 3-3/4inches wide x 5" high
• Hole punch
• Scissors
• Hot glue and hot glue gun or white glue.

Directions: You can save time and mess by pre-painting the sticks. Complete steps 1, 2, 3, and 4 ahead of time. If you plan to have the children paint the craft sticks, glue the sticks to the cardboard first (steps 6 and 7), then start at step 1  Source and Photo: The Learning Bug

1. Paint six craft sticks white.
2. Allow the paint to dry.
3. Paint one of the craft sticks entirely black.
4. Paint the top 2 inches of the six white sticks black (to form the hat)
5. Allow the paint to dry completely.
6. Make two vertical cuts about 1in long in the top of the center of the cardboard. Fold slightly to make a flap as illustrated. Punch a hole in the center of the top of the flap of cardboard (to hang from a nail).
7. Glue the six white craft sticks to the cardboard scrap as shown.
8. Glue the black craft stick down to create the brim of the hat, as shown.
9. Glue the wiggle eyes on to the snowman's face.
10. Cut out a triangle of orange craft foam (the carrot nose)
11. Glue the carrot on to the snowman's face
12. Wrap the ribbon around the brim of the hat and glue the ends in place on the back.
13. Glue each of the small stones or buttons to the snowman's face in the shape of a smile.

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TP COTTON BALL 'FROSTY THE SNOWMAN' ...
Supplies:
cotton balls
glue
paper punched black circles
toilet paper roll
Spread glue all over the toilet paper roll with a paint brush. Next cover the entire roll with cotton balls. Add black eyes nose and a mouth. Cut a desired shape hat in any color.

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TP SNOWMAN

1. Cut a paper towel roll in half. (Or use a toilet paper roll.)
2. Paint it white.
3. Make a hat using an old baby sock! (Another good thing to add to your items on 'Family and Friends' Wish List!) Cut the sock and use the 'toe' part.
4. You can make a scarf by braiding several strands of yarn--or by cutting a piece of felt or material.
5. Last, draw a face, cut out a carrot nose, and assembled the snowman. As Sandy (our gracious source) from Just4fun says, Are they not the cutest?! B

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SHAVING CREAM SNOWMAN
It doesn't have to snow to make a snowman! Cover your table with plastic, and then spray several cans of non-menthol shaving cream on top. Kids have fun making snowmen--pretending it's snow! You may want to have them wear shirts or aprons over their clothing; cleanup is simple!

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 PUFF PAINT SNOWMEN
Make Puff Paint by mixing equal parts of glue and non-menthol shaving cream.

Then using white paper (or roll paper if you want to make a large group snowman mural)...
Cut out 3 circles: one small, one medium, and one large. Glue them onto blue construction paper.

Decorate the snowman and scene with collage materials. When complete, have children paint onto the snowman. User popsicle sticks, q-tips, plastic spoons, fingers, etc. to paint. When dry, hang for puffy snowman decorations!

This is also a good mix for a polar bear! Food coloring can be added to this mixture...Sample puff paint artwork is courtesy of Monkey See-Monkey Do blogsite

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 JUST A PUFFY SNOWMAN...and more

This more simple snowman on the right-- also was made with a mixture of equal parts of white glue and non-mentol shaving cream  You just may find that when doing projects such as this--- kids will turn it into a complete sensory event!

It has never failed that my 3 to 6 year olds (and many older) -- love the entire  tactile experience.

They'll start out with the project at hand and then....well...check out the image! 

Whether it's plain old foaming shaving cream, finger paint, or this concoction-experimentation ultimately ends up like the photo on the left...Images by KidActivities.net (Snowman by Bria age 4--was also very proud that she learned to make 'star-shaped' snowflakes. Yes, she liked them 'black'.)

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SNOWMAN MAGNET
Need:
3 white pom-poms (about 1/2-inch round)
2 wiggle eyes
Red sock or felt
Black felt
Thin marker
Tacky glue or hot glue
Tip of an orange crayon or piece of clay,
Felt or construction paper
Popsicle stick or piece of cardboard
Magnet strip with adhesive or jewelry pin

1. Take 3 pom-poms and glue across Popsicle stick.
2. Take red sock or felt and cut a 1/2-inch x 8-inch strip. Tie the "scarf" around the snowman's neck.
3. Glue on wiggle eyes.
4. Cut "buttons" out of edge of black felt and glue on as snowman's eyes.
5. Depending on the type of nose you want for your snowman, cut out orange felt, or construction paper---or a piece of clay in a carrot shape.
6. Cut a rectangle out of black felt 3 x 4 inches long and glue the short ends together to make the hat. 7. Trace around the top of the hat to make a circle to fit. Cut out and glue on one end of the hat.
8. Trace around the bottom of the hat, making the circle slightly larger to make the brim. Cut out.
9. Stuff the hat lightly with felt scraps to help it keep the shape.
10. Glue the brim to the bottom of the hat. Glue the hat onto the snowman's head and anchor onto the Popsicle stick.
11. Glue a magnet strip to the back of the Popsicle stick and let dry.

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MELTED SNOWMEN
Glue
Wax Paper
Twigs
Pipe Cleaner (orange)
Googly Eyes
Yarn
Glitter
1. Give child wax paper with a puddle of glue (glue is the actual snowman)
2. Have children place twigs (arms), orange pipe cleaner (nose), googly eyes, & yarn (tied for hanging) in the glue
3. Sprinkle rainbow white glitter on the glue
4. Let the snowmen sit for 2-3 days
5. Once dried-- melted snowman should pull right off of the wax paper ... hang them about the room

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 OPEN ART TABLE~ Put out the white and black paint, blue, black ,white, and orange construction paper, art paper, a bit of ribbon and/ or material and see what the kids come up with! This sample image is courtesy of Shannon Stewart, Art Teacher at Stetson Hills School in Phoenix. The work is that of a third grade student.

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PAINT STICK SNOWMAN
Materials:
1 paint-stirring stick
White, black and orange Tempera paint
Strip of winter fabric for the scarf
Blush make-up for the cheeks
Small strip of thin wood (or foam) for the hat brim
Hot glue gun or Elmer's glue
Heavy string or yarn to hang ornament
Bit of greenery or a bell for hat decoration
 
1. Using a clean new stirring stick, paint the majority of the stick white, leaving some space at the top to paint black for the hat.
2. Paint the top of the stick and small strip of wood black.
When all the paint has completely dried, glue the black strip of wood to the hat.
3. Use the Tempera paint to make the face and buttons.
4. Tie the material around the narrowest part of the stick, which is the neck of the snowman.
OPTIONAL: Glue some decorative greenery, holly, or bell to the hat.
Glue the yarn to the back of the hat forming a hanging loop.
Let dry overnight. (Photo and idea from Kansas City Public Library)

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POPCORN SNOWMAN
Print a picture of a snowman for each child.
Prepare popcorn.
Dip popcorn in corn syrup and stick it to the snowman silhouette. Let dry.
Use fishing wire, string, or yarn to hang.

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#1 BUBBLE WRAP SNOWMEN
Need:
Bubble Wrap
White Paint
Construction Paper
Cut circle shapes from bubble wrap. Press the wrap into the white paint---next press the painted wrap on the paper. Press the circles 2 or 3 on top of each other to look like a snowman. The snowman will look like it is made from snowballs. Decorate the dried snowman as desired.

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#2 SNOWMAN STAMPING with BUBBLE WRAP
Need:
Packing bubbles, paint, dark paper
Directions:
Use packing bubbles to make a snowman.
Cut the bubbles in to a snowman shape
Paint the bumpy side with white tempera and press onto dark paper.

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GIFT WRAP WITH SNOWMEN...

Monica from The Homespun Heart states that her favorite gift wrap is brown craft paper and twine. (This snowman gift image appears  to be wrapped in felt.) Some of the many items Monica incorporates into her wrapping are "... pages from old books, mini clothespins, magazine pictures, felt scraps, sticks from the yard, buttons, ribbon and sewing notion scraps." When wrapping gifts with children, the wrapping procedure is an artistic endeavor in itself! Find other wrapping ideas on the  'Wrapping Gifts Page'... 

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 PAINTED WINDOW  SNOWMAN ...using liquid tempera and liquid dishwashing detergent

For this Snowman scene...KidActivities mixed equal parts of liquid tempera paint with liquid dishwashing soap. The mixture is a little watery...so be sure to cover floors and have paper toweling nearby. The drips of paint wipe up easily.

The 'snowman' was made with a circular motion of the brush.  The other parts (hat, stick arms, scarf, facial features) of the scene were used with a stippling effect of the brush. As above...be sure each color dries before you paint over the first.

The snowflakes on the window were used by simply placing a finger in the paint and lightly touching to the glass. To prevent dripping, be sure not to use too much paint on the brushes or the fingers. (Image by KidActivities.net)

Good News! My 'Snowman Friend' easily washed off the door--just using a wet cloth!

This smaller image of a snowman is my 'friend' painted on door for December, 2012 and January, 2013! I'm getting better at it! (Image by KidActivities.net)

  NOTE: there is also another 'Window Paint Recipe' using dry tempera on the paint and coloring pages 

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 Go to page 2 for more SNOWMAN ARTS AND CRAFTS...

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HAVE FUN WITH OTHER WINTER PAGES!

• Winter Arts and Crafts
• Hot Cocoa Recipes and Fun
• Winter Inside Games
• Winter Outside Snow Games
• Winter Outside Fun
• Random Winter Ideas
• Entire Snowman Theme ( Pages joined together)
• Snowman Themed Games...
• Snowman Themed Arts and Crafts
• Miscellaneous Snowman Ideas
• Snowman Themed Snacks 
• Snowflake Theme
• Reindeer Theme

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