Living Christmas TreeA living Christmas tree is ecological, practical and saves you money year after year. You can enjoy it year round on your
balcony or in your garden.
Recycled CD OrnamentMake a beautiful ornament with an old CD. This is very simple and easy to do. Let your imagination soar!
Crafted Christmas Ornaments BusinessAbout 30 years ago I needed to make some items for our school PTA fundraiser. I bought some wooden curtain rings and some little angels at a craft store and glued the angels into the rings.
Coat Hanger Cloth WreathAre you looking for a way to tie in the colors in your room? Or do you just need to fill in a blank wall? Want a wreath to match your Christmas decorations? This project doesn't take a super creative person to complete. It's inexpensive, too.
Christmas BookIn essence, a handmade book covered in beautiful seasonal paper. This book provides a lovely place to record Christmas memories, lists, and recipes. It can be large or small, depending on your needs.
Clay Pot NativityThis is a fun Christmas project for you and your family. It creates a toy-like nativity that is both a conversation piece and family activity. The pieces can be as ornate or simple as you would like.
Macaroni (Pasta) Angel OrnamentsThese are a lot of fun to make. These are instructions for making macaroni angel Christmas ornaments. My mom Susan made these for all of her children and friends many years ago. Ornaments like these adorn our trees to this day.
Festive EnvelopesWhy let the card have all the glory? Using stamps and embossing powder to create elegant winter images, this craft makes the envelope enchanting too!
Little Stuffed Chair OrnamentsThese are little hand made stuffed chairs I am giving as ornaments. You may be able to see they open. One has a little teddy bear inside.
Festive Silver or Gold PumpkinsSounds crazy, but it looks great! Use your uncarved pumpkins from Halloween and spray paint them silver or gold. Add a plaid Christmas ribbon and voila, a masterpiece! People always stop and ask about mine.
Holiday Greens PlanterIn a terracotta pot ringed in ribbon, "plant" an attractive array of evergreens and berries found on a walk through the woods (or at your local florist) for a festive, frugal outdoor decoration to greet Christmas visitors at the door!
Bouquet of StarsA handful of wooden stars painted gold or silver and twisted onto stems of wire to make a whimsical and unexpected bouquet for a vase.
Woodland LogThis is a lovely gem of a project that looks wonderful in a snowy window. Small birds, mushrooms, and other woodland creatures sit amongst dried moss on a small log to bring the forest into your home on a winter's eve! One of my favorites.
Wooden SnowflakesIntricate wooden snowflakes are painted white and hung on the tree with silver thread. An optional touch of glitter provides extra pizzazz for those who like their holidays to sparkle!
Metallic LeavesMetallic paint adds glitz to pressed leaves that can be hung in a window or off an evergreen bough for the holidays.
Decorating Cups for ChristmasUse a scarf off a Christmas themed stuffed animal to decorate mugs for holiday beverages.
Felt StockingA Christmas favorite to remind you of your childhood - a brightly colored, festive stocking that your kids are sure to love as much as you did.
Heart Ornaments from Scrap FabricTake old scraps of quilting if you have some or your favorite fabrics and cut out a few hearts and sew up leaving a small place to stuff them and then whip stitch them shut. Then hot glue green and red antique or old buttons on them for extra charm.
Pine Cone CenterpieceIf you have pinecones in your yard or know where you can get them free, then this is the project for you. Use them to make an interesting and good smelling table decoration.
Making Christmas Swags by Reusing ItemsThese are some swags I made for our porch where we keep our firewood. For each swag I took two branches from our old artificial Christmas tree. I laid them on top of each other, with one slightly higher.
Pretzel Christmas OrnamentThese ornaments are easy enough for pre-schoolers to do. Just smear some Elmer's glue on the front of your pretzel and dip it in some glitter. Cut a piece of yarn for your hanger.
Paint Can Cookie JarThis is a really cute way to wrap up your cookies plus a great way to keep your cookies fresh since the can is air tight.
Beeswax Christmas TreesMake your own evergreen forest of tapered beeswax candles shaped like Christmas trees. Leave plain or cover with a healthy snowfall of glitter. These candles make a lovely hostess gift that can be set right on the buffet table!
Toilet Paper Roll Santa ClausToilet paper rolls usually make their way into the garbage, but they can be useful in making great craft items. One item is the annual favorite - Santa Claus. This simple craft has the ability to be a Christmas tree topper (for a very small tree), an ornament, or a stand alone decoration.
Snowman Soup (Sugar and Fat Free)This is my Christmas tip. I have a friend who is diabetic, and cannot have anything with sugar, but also cannot use Nutrasweet as it gives him headaches. So I devised a sugar free (also fat free) hot chocolate mix using Splenda.
Poinsettia MagnetsSeasonal magnets made from paper and reminiscent of that favorite Christmas houseplant!
Decorated Glass OrnamentsThese ornaments are a simple, but elegant way to dress up your tree. They also make great keepsake gifts for friends and family. You can make the ornaments with your family, too.
Picture Frame CardsIf you spend hours staring at Christmas cards at the store thinking about how impersonal it is to send pre-printed cards, then there is no better way for you to send out your own greetings than through these picture frame cards.
Christmas Picture FrameJust cut a hole out of the middle with an exacto knife and paint the lid green. I hot glued on some red sequins for the holly berries and used fabric paint for the 2005. I made the bow out of red velvet. I used a twistie tie for the hanger on the back.
Sheet Beeswax CandlesThese quick and simple candles can be put together in 5 to 10 minutes and they make a great gift.
Puffy-Felt Christmas Tree SkirtThis Christmas tree skirt gives your tree that country-home feel. It is simple to make and can be embellished in any number of ways. Since it is all done with felt, the sewing can even be done by the novice or use a dull needle to let a child sew on the pieces.
Make Your Own Christmas CrackersIn 1847 Crackers were invented by Tom Smith who happened upon them by accident. Crackers are an integral part of British celebration and tradition that dates back to Victorian times.
Candy Cane ReindeerHere's a wonderfully easy craft idea for kids and adults alike. You can use it for your tree, a gift to give, or anything you want! All you need are some candy canes, googly eyes, small pom poms, and brown pipe cleaner. One candy cane makes one reindeer.
Christmas Ornaments Made From Tongue...These ornaments are made from tongue depressors and are very easy to make. Instructions for Snowman and Angel ornaments are included.
Red Riding Hood OrnamentsFew can resist these tiny ornaments - cheerful ladies with red head kerchiefs and hazelnut skirts dancing on an evergreen bough.
Three-dimensional Paper Christmas TreeTrue to its name, a three-dimensional tree of thick green paper, covered with silver stars.
Covered MatchboxMatches dressed up for the holidays! Small rectangular matchboxes covered with gift-wrap. These also would make nice gift boxes for dolls.
Miniature Snowmen OrnamentsTiny little snowmen bundled up in scarves and hats. Perfect for your Christmas tree.
Jingle Bell OrnamentsThis is simple but children love it. Decorate silver or gold store bought jingle bells with a sparkling ribbon and ring accordingly!
Bead and Sequin Ornaments (Grandma...My grandma made the most beautiful bead and sequin ornaments and they have always been my favorites on our tree. This year I attempted to recreate these stunning ornaments. These are great decorations and also make a wonderful gift.
Holiday Shelf Liner Table RunnerThis table runner, made out of shelf liner, makes a decorative addition to your holiday table.
Punched Aluminum OrnamentIf you like the look of punched tin ornaments, but think they're too much work, try punched aluminum. Cut the bottom out of a small aluminum pan (like a pot pie pan).
Sponge-Painted MugsEasy and economical. Whip up a set of these sponge-painted mugs with Christmas motifs faster than you can brew up the coffee to fill them (well almost)!
Sequined OrnamentI know there have been similar posts about this, but I am proud of my ornament creations from a satin ball, sequins and pearls, and you can make these for next year still!
Aftercare For Holiday PlantsThe holidays are full of traditions, many of which include giving, receiving and decorating with potted seasonal plants. With the proper care, many potted plants can be carried over from season to season.
Holiday Ornaments for Soldiers OverseasMy students wanted to create a holiday greeting for our soldiers overseas. I had a box of unusual shaped tiles that looked to resemble a holiday ornament. I spray painted them. When dried, the students wrote holiday greetings on one side of both tiles. We finished them up by gluing the two pieces together, adding a hanging ribbon and a bow on top. The soldiers who came to pick them up from Fort Dix loved them and told the kids they were sure they'd be a hit overseas!
Baby's First Christmas Tree DecorationsWe had our first child in August. Christmas came the next day (it felt like it!) I had saved the baby shower cards and ribbon from the gifts. So I got creative like I always do and decorated my tree.
Holiday Veggie or Fruit TreeThis veggie tree is a "hit" of the party; use any type of vegetable or fruit you want to use with your favorite dip. The veggie tree can be used at any type of party; change the decoration on the tray to reflect holiday or occasion.
Candy Cane Holder Candle CenterpieceI know it's kind of early, or late for that matter, for Christmas but I am a new member and I thought I would share. This is a Candy Cane Candle holder that I made for gifts last year.
Coffee Can Snowman Craft ProjectI spray painted an old coffee can with white spray paint then sponged white acrylic white paint for a textured look. I painted on black eyes, glued on a button nose, and drew on a smile. . .
Gifts In Canning JarsI get recipes for cookies, brownies, cakes, chili, or whatever I can find and then put all the dry ingredients into the jar. I then decorate the jar with raffia ties, paint, material, or whatever I can find. Last year I tied bells and candy canes on the outside and gave these as gifts at Christmas.
Wrapping Paper Starburst OrnamentRecycle gift wrap to make unique tree ornaments or assemble a beautiful mobile.
Christmas Decorated PlatesDecorate plain plates with transfers and paint for a Christmas decoration or a gift.
Candy Cane Christmas SleighThis would make a nice, inexpensive craft for kids in the higher elementary grades to make at a party. Ask them to bring a photo that they are allowed to cut
Christmas Tree HatThe best crafts are those that make you smile, and this one will. It's a fun holiday party hat that's a cinch to make (bear not included).
Santa SoapMake this quickie for a child using, kids' bubble bath or spray foam. For a teacher, use hand soap or hand sanitizer.
Holiday Decorating With Transitional PlantsIncorporating plants into your holiday decorating scheme is a wonderful way to bring a little bit of gardening into the season. Because the holidays can be demanding on our time and our budgets, decorating with plants that can transition from one holiday to the next makes good sense.
Christmas Nativity Mini-TheaterLet your grade schooler recreate the first Christmas in a shoe box that makes you feel like you are right there. We used a dollar store Nativity set* and even recycled the lid from the box it came in!
Buying A Christmas TreeFor many people, Christmas trees are the focal point of decorating a home for the holidays. The very act of selecting and buying the tree is a special part of the season and another great opportunity to make lasting holiday memories.
Nativity Scene from OrnamentsI got these little wooden nativity scene cutouts from Oriental Trading last season after Christmas. I re-found them this year, and decided to paint them up.
Christmas Wreath from a Hula HoopHere is a photo of a large wreath I made for our back porch. I used a big hula hoop then attached branches from our old artificial Christmas tree. I went around one direction using the branches from the bottom 2 sections of the tree and alternated them.
Caring For A Christmas TreeCaring For A Christmas Tree. Nothing says Christmas quite like walking into a room filled with the fresh scent of pine needles. To keep your holiday tree fresh and looking its best throughout the New Year, follow these simple tips for Christmas tree care.
Personalized Christmas Ball OrnamentsCreating a personalized, ornamental ball for the tree can be as individual as you like. Mine are red balls with golden glass paint depicting a design and each loved one's name.
Snowman Floral BucketUse a galvanized bucket or in this case I used a galvanized floral bucket used to display fresh flowers and paint a simple snowman on it with acrylic paints...
Photo Christmas Keepsake OrnamentI had photo made on transparency film at Kinko's. Then I cut it out in a 3 inch circle. Rolled it up and inserted into the top of clear glass ball. It flattens out by itself. I added some angel (or glitter) hair, poking it down with a pencil, on each side of the film.
Wooden Spoon DeerHere's a fun craft made from 5 wooden spoons, pom poms, felt, ribbon, glue, bells and other trims.
Save Energy With LED Christmas LightsIt may be time to retire some of the large incandescent Christmas lights you have been bringing out every year. You can save a bundle on your power bill by switching to LED Christmas lights.
The Perfect Gifts Don't Have to Cost a FortuneWe've all heard that it's the thought that counts, but what could have more thought than a handmade gift. The craft-impaired need not worry. These gifts are easy, cheap, and perfect for the holidays (any of them!)
Pulp vs. Petroleum: The Debate Over Artificial...I know people who struggle with cutting down live trees for Christmas, because I'm one of them. I can't stand the thought of cutting down a gorgeous tree just to uphold a holiday tradition.
Gifts for Those Who Have EverythingGifts for Those Who Have Everything. Almost everyone has that one family member who seemingly has everything and recites the vow, "Don't buy me anything," each holiday.
No Bake Santa CookiesHere's a cute no bake Santa cookie to whip up on an hour's notice. Use Nutter Butter cookies from your local supermarket. Just dip top in (head end) melted white chocolate and sprinkle with red colored sugar.
Making a Nice Christmas on a Budget?Making a Nice Christmas on a Budget. This request was originally published in 2005 and received numerous helpful responses.
Decorating Your Table With LightsDress up your buffet table with a simple string of Christmas lights. It's easy to simply tape lights onto the side of your table then place your cloth over.
Outdoor Nativity SceneOutdoor Nativity Scene. Here is my nativity stable my husband put together. He made it out of skids sitting up on end and put wafer board around the sides.
Simple Candle Decorating IdeaSimple Candle Decorating Idea. A simple decorating idea. Select a round or square glass dish. Place as many crystal or silver candle holders as will fit (3 or 5) in the container.
Bleach Bottle Santa Door DecorationThis is a cute, unique Christmas door decoration that can be made without too much bother or artistic ability. It recycles that empty bleach bottle, too. I've gotten lots of comments about how cute he is.
Cookie Cutter Gift TagsAdd a little sparkle to your holidays with gift tags you can make in a jiffy. They can also be used as package tie-ons, or you can get your kids involved, let them make their own, and glue a craft stick to the back of each to make holiday puppets.
Mitten Christmas Card HolderHere is a cute hanger for your Christmas cards made from felt, little clothespins, and ribbon.
Friends, Fun, and a Frugal ChristmasI have a friend, Samantha, that is having some money troubles and needed some help with Christmas. So, we dug around in my craft supplies and started to make some things for gifts. Getting together to work on her problem was good for the both of us.
Easy Lighted Christmas BasketsThis is a quick and easy gift that packs a big punch. This will light up anyone's Christmas and is a great gift because holiday decorations are always appreciated. Get the kids together and gather your own pinecones it will make for a great outing.
Jennifer's Indoor DecorationsI love it when Christmas is here! I hardly ever turn on my regular lighting. At Christmas. I put lights up all around. The pictures unfortunately don't give the true beauty the lights all aglow give. Try it you'll love the look!
Christmas PursesHere are some Christmas purses to make with tote bags, paint, glue and some trimmings.
Custom Candy StockingI've just come up with the best idea instead of buying a treat filled stocking. Make your own custom stockings! Cut a stocking shape from a cardboard cereal box or similar and cover with aluminum foil. Carefully place the net (saved from buying oranges) over the stocking.
Harlean's Christmas Yard ArtHere are a couple pictures of the yard art that my husband and I make. They are hand cut from birch plywood and handpainted. The figures in the Charlie Brown Christmas display are about 24 inches tall, and the Grinch who stole Christmas is 48 inches tall.
Ornaments Made from Jigsaw Puzzle PiecesI made these ornaments in 1992, and they still look new except for a bit of wear on the bows. They were so much fun, I gave them to business associates as well as friends.
Decorated Pumpkins and SquashI purchased my pumpkins and squash in early October. After Thanksgiving I converted them to Christmas decorations with a little spray paint and wire rimmed ribbon.
Tabletop Christmas TreeSpray a tomato cage gold for Christmas. Turn it big side down, tie the legs together with wire or a twist-tie at the top, and there's a quick and easy tabletop tree.
Making Christmas OrnamentsChristmas ornaments I am making for Christmas to put on the tree. Made with plastic canvas.
Gold and White Winter WreathIf you'd like something a little out of the ordinary hanging on your front door this winter then this wreath is just for you. Cut the tulle into 2 - 3 inch squares. They do not have to be exact.
Popsicle Stick Tree OrnamentHere's a cute tree ornament that is made from buttons, Popsicle sticks, and a little ribbon. Take 2 Popsicle sticks and form an x and glue where the two sticks connect. Take other 2 and form a + and glue where two sticks connect.
Miniature Pinecone Christmas TreesThese are little Christmas trees made of pine cones. I recommend this craft for kids 8 and over.
