Homemade Christmas Decorations

Craft Project: Snowman Wreath

I make a new wreath each year for the Christmas holiday, but for this year, I decided to go a different route and try to make a different form of greeting for my door. After playing with a few ideas, I came up with this creation. My snowman is approximately 2 1/2 feet tall, but you can adapt this project and make him any size you'd like.

Approximate Time: 2-3 hrs.

Supplies:

• heavy cardboard
• fiberfill in rolled form
• white material
• scrap piece of orange felt
• black marker
• white sweater
• child's knit gloves
• wired wreath form
• scarf or material
• trims of your choice

Instructions:

1. For head, cut a circle from heavy cardboard in the size you have decided that you want your snowman to be. I used a large plate for a template to trace a circle.

2. Cut a circle from white material larger than cardboard circle. You need it big enough to be able to gather it in the back of the cardboard after stuffing.

3. Make a nose from orange felt and stuff lightly. Sew to center of material circle.

4. Draw on eyes and mouth. I used blush to rub onto the cheeks.

5. Make a running stitch all around outer edge.

6. Place layers of stuffing in it and place cardboard circle on top. Pull thread until it gathers behind the cardboard and put in a few stitches to hold closed. Also, I used hot glue in several areas to secure it to the cardboard.

7. At bottom of sweater, cut off enough so that the sweater is the correct size for your snowman. You can use this excess to make his hat.

8. Slide the wreath form into the chest area and sew bottom of sweater closed. I used a raised wired one usually used to make pine cone wreaths.

9. Make a few stitches up near the neck line to hold the wreath form in place.

10. There is no stuffing in the sleeves. Stuff the gloves lightly, but firmly enough to form the hands. Insert each sleeve into a glove and sew them closed.

11. Bring hands to the front and sew together.

12. Attach head to sweater by sewing it to the sweater at the neck.

13. Wrap neck with a scarf or you can use a large strip of material. I cut out material hearts and stitched them to the scarf.

14. To make hat, gather the cut off piece of sweater and sew it onto the head. Tie it in the middle and let it flop. Stuff hat lightly with a few layers of fiberfill.
    If you did not have to trim your sweater, you can use a cap or make a hat from the white material by just forming a tube. I put a band around the edge of hat using a strip of material and sewed it on. I tied ribbon in the center and allowed it to flop forward.

15. You can glue bows onto the gloves and a piece of holly onto the hat.

16. I wanted to put ear muffs on mine and needed large ones so I cut a square from cardboard and wrapped yarn around it many times. Slide the yarn off and tie the bundle in the center by using another piece of yarn. Snip all ends and spread the yarn out, forming it into a ball and trim to desired length. Sew onto each side of head.

17. I purchased a small cinnamon wicker broom and attached it to the front of the snowman.

18. Sew a loop on the back to hang him.

By Mary from Palm Coast, FL

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Craft Project: 2x4 Christmas Carolers

These cute little singers are a great Christmas project. Since I already had wood left over from other projects, they were also a recycled project. Family and friends gave me outgrown clothing and I also purchased a lot from a thrift store that runs a "Fill a bag for $1.00" sale each week. You can find salvage bins at many home stores for wood, but even at full price, 2x4s are inexpensive.

Be sure to read through the directions first. I have made many of these carolers over the years and have found shortcuts and improvements so I will share these tips with you.

Approximate Time: approximately 1-3 hrs.

Supplies:

• varied lengths of 2x4s
• wire clothes hanger or heavy gauge wire
• sweaters, hats, and scarves
• cardstock or cardboard
• scrap pine or similar wood
• stapler
• saw
• drill
• paint
• accessories of your choice

Instructions:

1. Cut your 2x4s to desired lengths, if needed. I made 3 carolers per set: 1 1/2 feet, 2 1/2 feet, and one approximately 3 feet tall. See diagram #1.

2. Judge where facial features will go by placing hat on. The eyes on my diagram sheet are larger than actual size. Later on, you will secure hat with staples, but this will give you an idea of where to paint eyes and mouth.

3. Paint on the facial features you desire. I used blush and rubbed it on for cheeks. I also gave the eyes some eyelashes. I painted an oval for the mouth to make them look like they are singing. When dried, I gave the face a coat of varnish.

4. Take wire hanger and snip off neck and hook parts. See diagram #2. Straighten out coat hanger wire so it is one long piece.

5. Lay 2x4 down and place center of wire at about shoulder height. Staple several times to secure wire to wood. See diagram #3.

6. Cut wood into a square for the base. It needs to be big enough to enable the caroler to stand. Center 2x4 and attach base with screws. At this point, the caroler should look like diagram #4.

7. Take each arm wire and bend it forward. Just imagine yourself holding a songbook in front of your body. You want to bend the wire to resemble this image.

8. If the wire is too long for the size caroler you are making, use wire cutters and snip excess off. With pliers, bend each wire end into a loop. This will be their hands and after they are dressed, you will be looping them together. See diagram #5.

9. Slip sweater over the head and insert each arm wire through sleeves. The sleeves should be quite a bit longer than the wire arms. See diagram #6.

10. Gather sweater at neck and staple around it to secure to wood. The scarf will hide any staples that show. Wrap scarf around neck and tie where desired. Place a few staples to secure to wood. On some of mine, I made the scarf come up higher to hide the mouth, just to give them different looks.

11. Push sweater up on each arm and insert one loop hand into the other. Use pliers and squeeze loops closed. I gave the cuffs a few stitches to secure and keep them together. Bend arms to shape, if needed. You can add jewelry, pins, bows, and any other decorations you may want. A couple of bells tied on a ribbon bow and placed on a hat is cute. I just hot glued my accessories on. This is a great way to use up that costume jewelry, bows, and extra ribbon.

12. Place hat on head and play with it until you have it where you want it. Place staples around to secure. See diagram #7.

13. Flair out the bottom of the sweater so it covers the square wood base. Staple it on all sides to wood to secure. At this point, the only wood showing should be the face.

14. To make a songbook, cut a rectangle from heavy cardstock paper or cardboard. I found some sheet music in a thrift store and placed a piece inside my books. Decorate the front with markers. I had a set of these on my porch so I covered the entire book with clear Contact paper.

15. Punch a hole on each side of the book and stitch to the sweater where the hands would be. Try to catch the wire in your stitching so it will help the book to stand upright. See diagram #8.

TIPS: V necked or low cut sweaters will not work well. Try to use round necked or high collar ones. The idea is to cover all the wood with only the face showing and the more sweater you have to work with, the better. For example, on my 3 foot caroler, I used a large adult sweater. By the time you gather it all where needed, it will look just fine. On the 2 1/2 foot ones, I used a large older child's sweater or a small adult's.

After making a few sets of them, I found that by sliding a length of foam pipe insulation on to their wire arms, it made the arms look fuller and the sweater seemed to hang better.

Just about any type of winter hat will work, but just like the sweater, you will want them bigger. Don't use one that is so small that it's tight when you slip it on the 2x4. You don't want the actual form of the 2x4 to show. All the clothing should have a kind of "baggy" look. This gives them personality.

When choosing wood for the base, you want to use a type of wood that is wide enough to staple into it. Pine is ideal. If purchasing wood, buy the cheapest grade. I have made several sets for family and friends and I still have a set that I made years ago.

These carolers are really quite easy to make and if you try one, you will find yourself wanting to make more. I do so every year and they also make great gifts! They look adorable standing grouped together near the Christmas tree or on a porch or entryway.

By Mary from Palm Coast, FL

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Craft Project: Recycled Raggedy Angel

Made from bits and pieces of old clothing, cloth, and a few craft supplies this angel could adorn your door or Christmas tree. She may have been made from recycled items, but she still has a sweet smile upon her face and an air of elegance about her.

Approximate Time: 20 minutes each

Supplies:

• 1- 1 and 1/2 inch Styrofoam ball
• 2 bread ties
• 1 piece 5 inch by 5 inch cream or white fabric scrap
• 1 red plaid shirt ripped into 2 inch wide pieces
• 1 chenille stick
• 5 inches of 2 inch wide wired ribbon
• red paint
• brown paint
• paintbrush
• 10 inches of black or brown yarn cut into 3 inch pieces (for hair)
• white glue
• 1 fancy Christmas bow

Instructions:

1. Take the plaid shirt and remove all the buttons, collar, sleeves, hems, and button holes by cutting them away.

2. Make 2 inch cuts and tear from top to bottom. (You can use the entire shirt and make several angels.)

3. Take the Styrofoam ball and put the 5 inch by 5 inch fabric around it securing it with a bread tie. There will be a little creasing, but that is alright.

4. Try to find the area with the least amount of creasing to use as the face.

5. Next take a chenille stick and start about 3/4 down the length of it and wrap it around the bottom of the piece you just tied off with the bread tie.

6. Leave one end hanging down, but bring the other end up and around the back to form a halo. Point the remaining end straight down.

7. Take 4 strips of the plaid material, about the same length, and find the center. Holding the strips in the center use the chenille stick to tie it in place by bringing it up and around the neck area securing it to the neck.

8. To make the wings simply fold both ends of the 2 inch wired ribbon in half and tie off with another bread tie.

9. Now take the wings and tie them to the neck area using the left over tie ends you used to secure the ribbon. Firmly push it down so it isn't showing.

10. Next take the yarn and cut into several pieces and attach to the head with a little white glue.

11. To add a face, squirt out a tiny bit of brown paint and using the back of your paintbrush dab a little paint around forming the eyes, lashes, and brow. Using the red paint and the back of the paintbrush dab on small circles to form a smile.

12. Trim any excess threads or material that is too long from the angel's dress. Now you can add a decoration such as the pretty bow I have added. Hang the angel on your door as a door decoration or use it on your tree as an ornament.

Suggestions:

If you would like a change the look of your angel you could add another chenille stick and form arms to hold a songbook made from paper. Simply find the center of the chenille stick and using the back of the angel's head as a guide begin by making a full crossover of the chenille stick from back to front and then bend the ends up to form the hands. For the songbook simply fold a small piece of paper stock in half and use tea to stain it. Gently dab it so it isn't too wet. Allow it to dry, attach it to the hands with a bit of glue and you have a lovely song book for your angel to hold.

By Gem from Gordonsville, VA

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Craft Project: Christmas Photo Deer Wreath

Here is a "deer" of a wreath that will bring you years of enjoyment. It's quite a simple craft and kids can join in on the making of it. An adult can make the deer while the kids paint and help assemble the wreath. This wreath would make a wonderful gift for Grandparents who all love photos of their grandchildren! It can also be made to use at other times of the year by simply painting and decorating in different colors. For spring, add a flower to the antlers and paint the wreath using pastel colors. Or add a pair of sunglasses to the deer for summer, using a butterfly on his antlers.

Approximate Time: time will vary

Supplies:

• pair of men's adult gray tube socks with red cuff
• pair of adult jersey gloves
• stuffing
• pair of 1" wiggle eyes
• needle and thread
• sturdy cardboard
• paint- your choice of colors
• clothespins- 18
• glue
• wire

Instructions:

1. For the head, take one sock and cut it into thirds, making the toe piece the longest. This will become the head (see diagram #1). Take bottom piece with toe (part C) and turn inside out. Measure up 2" from toe and make a dot with a marker. Do this on both sides. Line up ruler from center of toe to each dot and draw a line to form a "V" (see diagram #2). Sew these lines closed. Cut off excess close to stitch lines and save pieces for eyelids. Turn right side out and stuff firmly. Gather top and sew closed. Cut off excess on top of gather (see diagram #3).

2. Using sturdy thread, knot ends. Enter at point "A" and come out at point "B". Go back in "B" and come out at point "C". Go back in "C" and come out at "A" (see diagram #4). Repeat, pulling thread as you go to make indentations.

3. For the nose, take the cuff (part A) and turn inside out. Use marker and draw lines to round off corners on top edge. Pin closed and sew, following lines (see diagram #5). Stuff firmly. Gather and sew end closed (see diagram #6). Place gathered end into where you made indentation "A". Sew completely around nose to attach it to the head.

4. For nostrils, sew a button into each indentation you made on the sides ("B" and "C"). Glue on google eyes.

5. For eyelids, use a piece of paper and make a template.They are just circles cut in half and you want them slightly wider than the eyes. Using this template, cut 2 from black felt and 2 from the sock pieces you saved from step 2. Pin felt eye lid to the sock eye lid and stitch together. Place eyelid on eye with sock piece showing and stitch to head (See diagram #8).

6. Make eyelashes with black thread along edge of lid and knot each one. Cut each to desired length.

7. For the ears, take the middle section (part B) and cut one side open. Cut 4 ear shapes (see diagram #9). Put right sides together and sew to make 2 ears. Leave bottom edge open on both. Turn right side out and stuff lightly. Sew edge closed and stitch line up the middle of each. Sew to top of head in the center.

8. For antlers, turn gloves inside out. Cut off cuffs. Pin between pointer finger and middle finger. Cut off thumb and pointer finger (see diagram #10). Sew edges closed, leaving bottoms open. Stuff. Sew bottom edge closed. Sew line up center of each finger stopping about 1" from top of each. Sew to back of head (See diagram #11).

9. For legs, take the other sock and turn inside out. Measure up 5" from toe. Cut this part off. Draw a line down the center and cut. Sew long side on each closed, leaving shorter edges open. Cut 4" squares (4 of them) from black felt for hooves. Place one end of each leg between 2 black squares and sew sides and bottom. Fill hoof lightly with stuffing and stitch closed along top edges of felt hooves. Place a small amount of stuffing into each leg right above each hoof and leave the rest of the leg empty. You need them to lay flat behind the wreath (See diagram #12).

10. For the wreath, cut a large circle from very sturdy cardboard. I made mine by gluing 2 sturdy paper plates (not the thin white kind) together. My wreath measures 8" across with a 4" center opening.

11. Paint wreath your desired color. When dry, lay deer on wreath. Make a small dot on either side of head at the top and on either side of snout at the bottom. Remove deer and punch holes. Start by making 2 at the top for the hanger. Now punch 2 more holes below that. These will be used to attach the head to the wreath. Also punch 2 at the bottom, between your dots. (See diagram #13). Take a piece of wire and slide into top 2 holes. Twist into loop behind cardboard for hanger.

12. Lay wreath down and start laying on clothespins. I used 9 on each side. Do not lay any in between your dots at top and bottom. This is the area that will allow the deer to lay flat on the wreath. Adjust your clothespins until you have an idea of how many you will need. Paint the tops in desired color. I added dots of red for holly berries and some green for leaves to decorate the tops of my clothespins after painting them. When clothespins are dry, arrange them on wreath. When pleased with placement, glue each one on, being sure that you have the clip end facing out. This is what will hold the photos.

13. Attach deer to wreath with wire. Slide wire into one hole and then into deer, going behind some stuffing and then out the other hole. Twist tightly closed. Lay wire flat against back of wreath and cut off any excess. Lay a piece of tape over wire. Do the same for the two bottom holes.

14. If choosing to hang a sign with his hooves, cut a simple one from cardboard. I cut a rectangle from cardboard with tabs at the top. I punched holes in the tabs and sewed them to the back of each hoof. I covered the cardboard with cardstock. I had a supply of slices of wood cut from tree branches and painted a letter on each to spell out "DEER ONES", but you can write directly on your sign or use pre-cut letters of any sort.

15. Clip photos into clothespins. Hang and ENJOY!

By Mary from Palm Coast, FL

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Craft Project: Broomstick Santa

This Santa makes a cute tree ornament, or just make a few to sit in little niches.

This pattern was originally made using a miniature salt box. Remember when you could buy them to throw in the picnic basket or a lunch box? Then they stopped making them, so I started using a 2 inch piece of broom handle to make them.

Approximate Time: about 3 hours

Supplies:

• 2 inch piece cut from a broom handle
• red and black felt (scraps will do)
• piece of rick-rack or silver foil
• 3 white 1/2 inch pompoms
• 2 black 1/2 inch pompoms
• 2 - 5mm wiggly eyes
• 4mm red bead for nose
• pink or flesh acrylic paint
• 4 inches of small rick-rack or white chenille stem to trim the hat
• crochet hook, size C
• about 15 yards of red sport yarn for arms and legs
• about 4 yards white sport yarn for beard
• hot glue gun
• Optional: curly white doll hair for beard

Instructions:

1. Cut a 2 inch piece from the broom handle.
2. Cut a rectangle from red felt 1 1/2 inches by 3 1/2 inches.

3. Trim it so the edges just butt up to each other. Do not overlap.
4. Position the bottom edge at the bottom of the handle.
5. Glue in place using hot glue.
6. Paint the remaining top of the broom handle with pink or flesh acrylic paint. Set aside.

7. Trace the pattern of the hat on the red felt and cut out.

8. Sew along the edge as indicated.
9. Cut a piece of white baby rick-rack or white chenille stem long enough (about 4 inches) to encircle the edge of the hat, and glue to the hat.
10. Cut a piece of black felt 3/8 inch by 3 1/2 inches for Santa's belt.
11. Glue around his middle (about 1 inch from the bottom).
12. Glue buckle in center front.

13. Glue eyes and bead for nose in place, and glue the hat in place.
14. Fold the hat down, using photo for a guide and use a bit of hot glue to hold it in place.
15. Glue a pompom to the tip of the hat.
16. Make the arms, legs, and beard next, using a "C" hook.
17. Make two arms:
    With red yarn, Ch 15.
    Make 3 HDC in each ch.
    Fasten off.
    Twist to form a curl.
18. Make the legs:
    With red yarn, Ch 20.
    3 HDC in each ch.
    Fasten off.
    Twist to form a curl.
19. Make beard:
    With white yarn, Ch 20.
    Turn, and make 1 sc loop st in each chain.
    Fasten off.

20. Hot glue the beard around Santa's head just below his nose in the front, and at the top of his coat in the back.
21. To make loop stitch, put hook through chain as for sc. Then wrap the yarn around your middle finger and pull it out to about 1/2 inch before picking up stitch with hook leaving 1 loop.
22. Repeat in each st of the chain.
23. Another option for the beard: If you are not familiar with the loop stitch, you can use white curly doll hair for the beard.
24. Glue arms and legs in proper position, as shown in photo.
25. Glue white pompoms to arms and black pompoms to legs.
26. If you want to hang him on the tree, add a loop of heavy thread to his hat.

By Harlean from Arkansas from Hot Springs, AR

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Craft Project: Christmas Bell Decorations

Make shiny bells to hang on Christmas trees, easily, recycling household stuffs like scraps of paper, newspaper, and used gift-wrappings.

Approximate Time: less than an hour

Supplies:

• paper (the stiffer the better :)
• newspapers
• gift-wrappings
• thread and needle
• scissors
• glue and cellotape

Instructions:

1. Crumple some newspaper and wrap it all around with thread, forming a tight, small ball, as shown.

2. Take a piece of paper, long enough to wrap around the ball, and glue it round the mid-part of the ball, forming somewhat of a cone shape.

3. Cut off its base to even it out, so it can stand.
4. Wrap the bell with some shiny gift-wrapping.

5. Fold a small piece of gift-wrap alternately, as shown, and tie a thread tightly around its middle (leave some length of thread free to use it to hang the bell).

6. Glue it to the top of the bell.

And...it's done! Similarly, by using different dimensions for the ball and varying the colors of wrappings, whole arrays of colorful bells can be made :)

By Gunja from West Bengal, India

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Craft Project: Recycled Mini Christmas Lamps

How to make an inexpensive holiday themed mini lamp.

Approximate Time: 1 hour

Supplies:

• holiday wrapping paper
• wine glass
• battery operated tea light
• scissors
• stylist
• white glue
• heavy duty thread
• needle
• ruler

Instructions:

1. It is best to use a heavier, better quality holiday wrapping paper. I used about 25 inches in length and 3 1/2 inches in height for my paper size. The height will depend on the glass you will be using, you want it to look like a lamp shade when done.

2. Cut out your paper and using a stylist or a blunt object, mark off 1/2 inch lines going vertically all the way across. Now fold the paper into an accordion fold. Glue the short ends together and let dry.
3. Take a needle and make a hole in each fold about 1/4 inch from the top edge. If you have a pattern that needs to go one way make sure the needle holes are at the top.
4. Double thread your needle and knot the end. Starting from the inside of the shade sew through each hole, tie the ends together and knot. Test fit before you knot to see that it will hang the way you want on the glass.

5. Wine or stemmed glasses can be purchased at most thrift stores very inexpensively. Set a battery operated tea light inside, pop the shade on and you have a charming mini lamp.

6. You can change the shades for other holidays or make one for everyday use. Also, wallpaper or scrapbook paper could be used for the shade.

By NoRulesArt from sunny FL

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Craft Project: Paint Roller Snowmen

These cute little ones are fast and easy to make. They can be used as ornaments, gift tags, or put them on a table with a little Christmas tree. They would also make a cute little gift for a neighbor, mail person, or anyone you want to show that you appreciate all they do!

Approximate Time: 1 hr. hour approx.

Supplies:

• mini foam paint roller refills
• scraps of material
• dowel or lollipop stick
• small wiggle eyes
• orange marker
• trim of your choice

Instructions:

This is quite an easy project that will give cute results. I purchased these 4 inch foam rollers in Dollar Tree and they come 3 to a package. They also have a steel rod up the center where the handle for the roller would go. This helps them stand on their own. The open end is flat and the top is rounded which made them perfect for this project!

You can make the hats and scarves out of scrap material, pieces of a discarded sweater or anything you have on hand.

1. For the hat, make a tube and tie at top and glue to head.

2. Wrap a strip around the neck for a scarf and tie at side. Put spots of glue under it here and there to keep in place.

3. Snip a piece of dowel or a lollipop stick and shave edges with a craft knife so it resembles a carrot. Color it orange with marker. Poke a small hole in foam with tip of small pointed scissors. Put glue on end of nose and wiggle it in to the foam.

4. For the ear muffs, cut a piece of pipe cleaner for the band. Curve into half circle and bend ends inward. Poke a small hole on each side of roller and glue ends in, like you did the nose. Glue pom pom on each side.

5. Glue on small wiggle eyes.

6. I used the black center from the wiggle eyes for buttons. Just cut one end open on a wiggle eye and shake the black circle out. Glue on snowman for buttons and mouth, if desired. You could also use small beads or buttons.

By Mary from Palm Coast, FL

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Natural Homemade Christmas Decorations

These are just some ideas for some natural homemade Christmas decorations.

• My family gathers a bunch of pine cones, which we paint and glitter up. We take some fishing string and tie them up on our Christmas tree, outdoor trees and bushes.

• We also make our own homemade Christmas wreaths by taking vines from the woods and winding it around, until it takes on that wreath like shape. We later hot glue on some leaves, pine cones, acorns, and evergreen pieces.

• The vines also make a nice natural looking garland when you glue evergreen pieces, pine cones, and leaves on it.

• You can make Christmas swags by taking two branches from your Christmas tree (fake or real) and laying them on top of each other. Tie a piece of ribbon on the top to hold them together and hot glue pine cones on it.

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Craft Project: Snowman Plant Stake

Need something to brighten up someone's room, but they don't have shelf space? How about a plant stake? He can also be made to hang on a wall.

Approximate Time: 2 hours

Supplies:

• muslin scraps
• 3 large buttons
• 3 medium buttons
• 2 small black buttons for eyes
• beads for mouth
• scrap of fabric for scarf or yarn to crochet one
• 1 inch of 1/4" dowel
• orange acrylic paint
• corrugated cardboard
• scissors
• heavy scissors
• needle and thread
• black and red floss
• colored beads
• wire hanger
• wire cutters
• hot glue
• green felt scrap
• quilt batting scraps

Instructions:

1. Cut three circles from your muslin, one each 10.5 inches, 8 inches, and 5 inches.

2. Cut three circles from your cardboard one each 5.25 inches, 4 inches, and 2.5 inches. Cut them out with the heavy scissors.

3. Cut out a circle of quilt batting to match each of the cardboard circles and glue it around the edges to the matching cardboard. Stitch a running stitch close to the edge around each muslin circle and gather it up around its matching cardboard, covered with quilt batting, with the batting toward your gathers.

4. Before you tighten your fabric around the cardboard circle make a mark on your fabric where the tunnels in the cardboard run from one side to the other; (see illustration) you will need to know this to slip your hanger into when you assemble your snowman. If you forget you can use a pin to find it later.

5. For the arms: cut two strips of muslin 2 inches by 9 inches, sew each of them into a tube and turn them right side out. Cut a piece of your batting 2 inches by 9 inches and stuff your arms. Refer to photo for my tip on how to turn and stuff the arms.

6. With the floss sew on three of the largest buttons to the largest circle, the next largest to the middle size circle; use plenty of length so you can make a loopy bow.

7. Sharpen your dowel in a pencil sharpener if it is long enough or cut it to a point with a knife otherwise, paint it orange and lay it aside to dry while you prepare the face. Sew your eye buttons on or hot glue them on, attach the mouth beads by sewing or glue. Just below your gathered center on the face circle make a slit in the muslin, then make a hole clear through the circle with a large needle or crochet hook; you will later push the dowel nose through this hole from the back.

8. For the tree, cut two felt shapes just alike, place a line of glue down the middle and lay a stick in the glue, apply glue on the stick and add the other tree shape. With floss stitch the edges together adding a bead now and then.

9. Now you are ready to assemble your snowman. Cut the hook off of your hanger, straighten out the first bend then cut off the hanger a couple of inches past the next bend. This will keep your snowman from turning when pushed into a plant.

10. Locate your marks on each of the circles where the tunnels go straight; make a small slit on both edges. Slip your hanger through the large circle, then the medium, and then the small circle. Don't come out the top of the head. Put a drop of glue on each of the holes between the circles to hold them in place.

11. Glue or stitch the arms at the top of the middle circle where you would expect the shoulders to be with the seam on the underside; point them slightly downward and tie the other end in a knot for hands. Bring them around to the front and glue them together. Slip the tree under one arm; glue the tree to the body in a couple of spots.

12. For the hat and scarf on my snowman I crocheted a strip approximately 15 inches long by 1.5 inches wide by first making a chain then double crocheting two rows. I then made a pom pom by wrapping my yarn around my cell phone 40 times, tying a piece of the yarn around it, and cutting the loops. I didn't trim the loops but left them shaggy. I then wrapped the scarf around the front of the head starting at the side I wanted the scarf to appear knotted at and went around the back. I pinned this in place. Then with needle and thread I stitched the top edges together, hot glued the bottom edges to the head, then glued the pom pom to the top back edge completing the hat. With the rest of the scarf I wrapped it around the neck and tied a knot bringing the tail down one side where I glued it in place under the arm. You could certainly use knitted material such as an old sweater and fashion a cap and scarf the same shape as my crocheted scarf or just go with a scrap of fabric tied around the neck.

13. What self-respecting snowman would go around without a nose? Push the snowman's nose through the hole from the back, add a spot of glue around his nose (on the back) just before you have it all the way through. You now have a snowman on a stake to enjoy or give a way.

By Ann W. from Loup City, NE

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Craft Project: Mini Denim Stockings

Small Christmas stockings made of denim and embellished for small gifts or candy.

Approximate Time: 25 min.

Supplies:

• paper for template
• denim scraps
• scissors
• pins
• sewing machine and thread
• steam iron
• lace
• ribbon
• fabric scraps

Instructions:

1. Construct a pattern in the desired size and shape of your Christmas stocking. These are a little over 6" high.
2. Cut 2 stockings from denim for each mini stocking.

3. Cut lace or fabric to the desired length.

4. Turn down the top hem on both halves and stitch across.

5. Pin lace to stocking half at top. I also sewed a piece across the instep area.

6. Stitch.

7. Pin stocking with right sides together and sew.

8. Turn and press.
9. Hand stitch or glue a ribbon on for hanging. My ribbon was approximately 5-6 inches long.

By Monica from Cortez, CO

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Craft Project: Christmas Tree

Make your own Christmas tree, using paper and recycling used gift-wraps too!

Approximate Time: more than an hour

Supplies:

• stiff paper, preferably green
• scraps of colored paper, preferably in different shades of green
• gift-wrappings
• glue
• scissors

Instructions:

I love recycling, so coloring plain papers using crayons (or whatever medium's available), if such colored papers are not available, is definitely recommended :)

1. Roll the stiff paper into the shape of a cone and glue its edges. Then cut off its base so it can stand.

2. Cut rectangular strips of paper in different shades of green and shred the edges, as shown.
3. Attach the strips around the cone, from base up.
4. Using your palm, curl the shreds in upward direction after attaching each layer.

5. Paste scraps of different colored shiny gift-wraps on pieces of stiff paper.
6. Then cut them in different shapes, stars, bells, balls, whatever you wanna hang on your tree.
   This is the process that took really long for me, but the results were definitely worth it :)

7. Finally, decorate your tree gluing the cut-outs.

And...it's done!

By Gunja from West Bengal, India

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Craft Project: Folded Paper Gift Box Christmas Decorations

Make shiny gift boxes to hang on Christmas trees, easily, using simple household items like blank papers and used gift-wraps.

Approximate Time: less than an hour

Supplies:

• scraps of paper (the stiffer the better :)
• colored gift-wraps
• ribbons (optional)
• pencil
• scale
• scissors
• glue and cellotape
• thread and needle

Instructions:

1. Draw the outline of the box as shown in the picture (image-1). Image-2 is for reference as to which lines to cut (red lines), which ones to fold (green lines) and what parts to stick with a glue (blue boxes)

2. Cut along the red lines (from the previous picture). Fold along the green lines and glue the edges as shown.

3. Wrap the box with a gift wrap.

   The gift-box is done!

4. Now, wrap the shiny gift wrappings. I even glued ribbons and bows for added effect. Finally, make a hole on it with the needle and tie a thread through it to hang the gift-box for your Christmas decorations.

By Gunja from West Bengal, India

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Craft: Christmas Arrangement Using Old Decorations

You can make a Christmas decoration without spending a single cent. Using old Christmas balls, silk poinsettias, vases, and other ornaments you can make very unique Christmas decorations.

It's up to you how you put it together. If you don't have a vase, you can use an old milk jug or bottle to serve as the vase. With this, you save your money, you help the environment, and this decoration will add to the beauty of your home.

By MaryJane from Lachine, QC

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Craft Project: Christmas Decorations - Santa and Other Dolls

Make a Santa, fairy, or other dolls to decorate Christmas trees, easily, using simple household items like blank papers, cotton, and used gift-wraps.

Editors Note: This could be a good craft for the kids to help make decorations.

Approximate Time: less than an hour

Supplies:

• scraps of paper (the stiffer the better :)
• colored gift-wraps
• cotton, wool
• thread and needle
• sketch pens
• scissors
• glue and cellotape

Instructions:

1. Take a small rectangular piece of paper and stick a piece of red gift-wrap of the same size on it.

2. Fold it in the shape of a cone and stick the edges with glue.

3. Cut off the base.

4. Cut a piece of paper (get a colored paper or color a white paper) in circular shape to make the head of Santa.

5. Glue cotton on the face to make Santa's hair and beard.

6. Draw his eyes with a pen.
7. Make a hole on top of the cone to tie the thread for hanging the doll from the tree.

8. Then stick the head on with glue in front of it.
9. I glued some cotton to the base of the cone and made a cap cutting a triangular piece of gift-wrap and gluing some cotton on it for added effect.

And the Santa's done!

Similarly, I made the fairy using different colored gift-wraps, gluing wool on her head for hair and gluing some gift-wraps, cut as wings, to her back.

With little tweaks, the same process can be used to make any doll of your choice. All we need is a little imagination :)

By Gunja from West Bengal, India

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Craft Project: Denim Christmas Trees

Holiday table decor made from Styrofoam and denim fabric.

Approximate Time: one afternoon

Supplies:

• Styrofoam cone shapes
• denim scraps
• tacky glue
• scissors
• wooden clothes pins
• sewing pins

Instructions:

1. Cut denim scraps into one or two inch squares. Fold squares into triangle shapes and secure with glue, then hold in place with wooden clothes pins. When the triangles are dried, remove clothes pins. You can now begin covering the Styrofoam cones for the trees.

2. Beginning at the bottom of the cone, begin placing the denim pieces in the direction you want your design to run. There are two designs here to choose from.

   The hardest part is waiting for the glue to dry. Hot glue will result in melting the Styrofoam, so you must use tacky glue and hold each piece in place until nearly dry or the pieces will slide off. For the one design, you will need sewing pins to secure the denim.

3. Complete the pattern on each row before moving to the row above it.

4. Embellish the trees as desired with purchased or crafted items.

By Monica from Cortez, CO

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Craft Project: Winter Wonderland Angel

I like making a craft now and then where I use only what I have on hand, so it helps to keep my scrap pile under control. I attempted to do just this when wanting to make a Christmas present for a friend.

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Craft Project: Snow Scene Decoration

I saw a snow scene decoration similar to this in one of my December magazines and decided to replicate it since I already had most of the items on hand. Most of the supplies can be purchased at the dollar store, so it is economical to make. This would also make a nice gift for that hard-to-buy-for person on your list!

Approximate Time: about 30 minutes

Supplies:

• glass globe
• glass taper holder
• artificial snow
• artificial pine branch
• 2 small artificial birds
• small bird nest
• a few red berries
• hot glue gun and glue sticks
• E6000, Loctite or clear Gorilla Glue

Instructions:

1. Use some glue made for glass, such as E6000, Loctite, or clear Gorilla Glue to adhere the glass globe to the taper holder and set aside to dry.
2. Next pour about 1/2 cup of artificial snow into the bottom of the bowl.

3. Add a small artificial pine branch.

4. I could not find a bird nest small enough for my needs, so I created one by shaping and molding some dried weeds I found outdoors. I put some hot glue on it to help hold it together.

5. Glue a bird to the edge of the nest and glue some berries inside the nest, to represent bird eggs.

6. Place the nest on top of the pine branch inside the bowl and glue a bird on one of the branches next to the nest (as shown in the photo).

Use as a winter decoration or give as a gift.

By Rachel's Mom from Wilkesboro, NC

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Gingerbread Man Wreath

Gingerbread Man Wreath

Materials Needed:

• styrofoam wreath
• green shiny wired ribbon
• stuffed gingerbread man
• peppermint candies
• hot glue and gun
• ribbon for hanger

Directions:

Wrap green satin ribbon around wreath and glue to secure.

Glue gingerbread man to wreath.

Glue on candies you can leave paper on but it looks better without.

Glue on ribbon to hang up.

By Sandy from Bluff City, Tn

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Craft Project: Jimmy, the Swagger Snowman

Make Jimmy, the swagger snowman, for your window sill and spread some Christmas cheer this festive season!

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Craft Project: Miniature Christmas Topiary Tree

Make this miniature Christmas topiary tree to decorate your Christmas table this year.

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Craft Project: Paper Snowman

Make a cute snowman, by recycling household stuffs like newspapers, scraps of cloth, and cotton.

Approximate Time: over an hour

Supplies:

• newspapers
• cardboard
• scraps of paper
• cotton
• glue
• small piece of cloth
• thread
• scissors
• colors: pens, pastels, crayons, anything :)

Instructions:

1. Crumple a newspaper into a ball.
   To make bigger balls, I find it easier to make a small ball first, put it in another sheet of newspaper and crumple it around. Then put that into another sheet and so on, till the desired size is reached.

2. Then, wrap the ball around tightly, with the thread.

3. Make another ball of newspaper, preferably of a bigger size.
4. Paste the bigger ball on a piece of cardboard.
5. Glue the smaller ball on top of the larger one.

6. Glue cotton all over the cardboard and the balls, covering them fully.
   Tip: I recycled old, used, yellowed cotton for covering the back and new white ones for the front.


Once the snowman is ready, the real fun begins: adding accessories!

7. I tied an old scrap of cloth around his neck for the scarf.

8. Color a small piece of paper orange and roll it into a cone, gluing it on his face to make his nose.
9. Cut oval shapes from a black colored paper and glue them on his face to make his eyes.
10. Roll a red piece of paper to make his Christmas hat and glue it over his head.
11. Cut two round shapes from a brown-colored paper and paste on his body to make buttons.
12. You can get creative and dress him up

And... its done!

By Gunja from West Bengal, India

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Craft Project: Christmas Napkin Rings

Make these cute napkin rings to add some festive cheer to your Christmas table!

Approximate Time: 15 minutes per napkin ring

Supplies:

• red cardboard
• green paper
• white paper
• brown riffled cardboard
• small wooden Christmas ornament (approximate size 1 inch x 1 inch)
• 2/8-inch wide red silver edged organza ribbon
• tree-shaped paper punch
• pencil
• ruler
• pair of standard scissors
• quick-drying glue

Instructions:

1. From the red cardboard, cut a piece sized 6.3 inches x 3.7 inches.

2. From one short end of this red piece of cardboard, draw a line 0.6 inches from the side. This line will indicate the end of the overlap, once the napkin ring has been folded into a tube.

3. Punch an evenly spread row of Christmas trees on both of the longer sides, as indicated on the pattern sheet.

4. From the white and green paper, cut squares sized 1.1 inches x 1.1 inches.

5. At the back of the red cardboard, glue the white and green squares in place over the punched Christmas trees. Remember to alternate between white and green squares.

6. Cut the riffled cardboard to the correct size (5.5 inches x 1.4 inches) and glue it in place, as indicated on the pattern sheet.

7. Fold the napkin ring into a tube and glue together where it overlaps.*

8. Tie the ribbon around the napkin ring and make a bow. Add a drop of glue to the knot of the bow, so that the bow won't come loose.

9. Glue the Christmas ornament in place and voila!

*Tip: Folding the tube around an object, such as a Pritt Stick, will help you to form a neater tube.

By BessieBessie from Pretoria, Gauteng

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I am looking for the recipe for making Victorian decorations (Christmas) with alum. The alum christalizes.
Thank you.

By Sarah from New Orleans, LA

Most Recent Answer

By Kaelle 12/05/2009

I think this might be what you are referring to possibly. I remember seeing it done on bare branches for a crystal-y snowy effect.

http://science-fair-projects.suite1 ... or_epsom_salts_snowflake_decorations
http://chemistry.about.com/od/holidayhowtos/a/glowsnowflake.htm
http://home.howstuffworks.com/science-experiments-for-kids4.htm

http://www.ehow.com/how_4828964_own-alum-crystals.html
http://chemistry.about.com/cs/howtos/ht/alumcrystal.htm
http://homechemistry.blogspot.com/2007/12/big-alum-crystal-update.html

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I am looking for a pattern to make a tomato cage Santa Claus. Does anyone know of a web site or have the pattern?

By Linda

Most Recent Answer

By myantoo 01/16/2012

I have one Santa tomato cage pattern however, you didn't specify what you wanted to make it out of, mine is paper twist and the tomato cage is 42" so it will be a rather large Santa. Here is the picture
Thank you,
Elaine

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How do I make memorable homemade crafts for creating a winter wonderland's props, decorations, and centerpieces within my budget of $300.00?

By Rose

Most Recent Answer

By Patty Lynn 12/14/2011

Here are some suggestions for decorating your home in a winter wonderland theme:
http://www.ehow.com/how_4610024_decorate-winter-wonderland-theme.html

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