Wooden SoldierThis may look like it has a lot of parts, but it's really very simple to put together. When your soldier is finished, he will sit on a tabletop or bookshelf.
Tootsie Pop ReindeerEasy to make Tootsie Pop reindeer. My Tootsie Pop snowman and Santa would not be complete without this cute Tootsie Pop reindeer! This little guy would be adorable slipped under the ribbon on a gift for someone special or handed out at a Christmas party!
Drum OrnamentLittle drum is made from frozen juice can, ribbon, toothpicks and cord. Cut can in two about an inch and a half from one end, or as deep as the ribbon is wide
Pocket Pack Baking KitsA dish towel, spoon, sprinkles, and a purchased (or homemade) cookie or cake mix is just about all you need to make the fun Pocket Pack baking kits for the whole family to enjoy. And there is no sewing or gluing!
Monogram OrnamentsMy daughter and I saw some cute monogram ornaments in a high end gift shop that sold for $7.95 each. My daughter wanted one, so I told her I could make them for pennies. I already had most of the supplies on hand leftover from other projects.
Foam Plate SnowmanTake 3 foam 6 inch plates, punch hole in first at one side and opposite side, do the same for second plate. For the third plate, just punch a hole on one side.
Sweet Gum Mini-WreathThis wreath is made from the seed pods from the sweet gum tree. This is a pattern for all you Southern folks that have these seed pods to clean up every fall from your yard.
Formula Can SnowmanI made this snowman out of empty formula cans and an empty pudding cup. I took empty 12 oz. and 25 oz. formula cans and painted them white.
Christmas Candy DecorationsBasically these are objects wrapped in cellophane to look like Christmas ccndy. They can be used to decorate a wreath or in a centerpiece.
Doily Fan OrnamentsYou'll want to make several of these beautiful Victorian fans for your tree. Doilies come in a variety of colors, so choose one that works with the color and theme of your tree. The metallic silver and gold ones reflect the lights and are very pretty.
Nativity Made From Medicine BottlesI was thinking I wanted to make a nativity when I saw my husband's empty medicine bottles. I thought these would make neat people. Then the idea came to me.
Recycled Baby StockingSomeone gave me a floor mat for my baby to play on that was missing some toys that dangle. Instead of throwing it away when I got a better one, I decided to cut it up and make a stocking! I made a pattern out of a large piece of drawing paper that I drew a freehand stocking on.
Craft: Four Homemade Christmas OrnamentsHere are Christmas ornaments that I made at different items. For the icicle, take a white or silver pipe cleaner as long as you want. Take the crystal beads and start with the smaller ones on the bottom.
Quickie Jingle Bell Lapel PinAn easy and quick craft for the kids. Jingle Bells on a shiny pin. Let them make them for friends and family as gifts.
Tabletop Christmas TreeGlue the small round paper box to the bottom of the Styrofoam cone for the trunk. Cut the metal stems off of the craft leaves, leaving about a half an inch. One row at a time, insert the metal stems straight into the Styrofoam cone and then hot glue down.
Paint Brush SantaTake paint brush. I got one that had no color or varnish on handle and used a red thick marker to color the top handle. You can you spray paint or paint but I like marker it dries quickly.
Spool Snowman OrnamentEvery year my kids and I make a handmade ornament for their tree and one extra for the family tree. This is what we came up with this year.
Angel Clip NecklaceA girl I work with made these cute necklaces for all of our co-workers one year for Christmas. This would also be a great craft for kids. You could even hang one in your car with a note, "Don't drive faster than your guardian angel can fly."
Candy Cane PuzzleThe perfect White Elephant gift! Use those leftover candy canes for this cute holiday treat. This edible puzzle is sure to give the receiver a good laugh.
Cute Tomato Cage Christmas TreesThought you were through with your tomato cages for the year? Think again! They can be turned into very cute Christmas trees for your yard or your home.
Lace PoinsettiasCut a piece of lace 12 inches long, fold 1/4 inch and sew a seam then slip a pipe cleaner 5 inches long. If you bend the tip of it, it will slip so much better. Twist them closed and then glue a poinsettia in the center.
Soda Can Rudolph OrnamentThis Rudolph ornament is made from a soda can. Bend the top of the can so the opening is in front and looks like a mouth. The top of the can is now the bottom of Rudolph's face. Spray paint brown. Paint on eyes and inside of mouth, let dry, then spray on a sealer.
Chinese "Double Happiness" OrnamentThis is a modern version of the Chinese "Double Happiness" icon. It is considered good luck to display it in your home. It makes a nice Christmas ornament when cross stitched with black thread onto red 11 gauge material.
Snoopy Tree OrnamentThis little yarn Snoopy is dressed up with a Santa Hat, and ready to hang on your tree. Or you could add him as trim to a package, or make a lapel pin.
Cheese Grater Holiday DisplayTake cheese grater, the older the better. Wind the pine stem that you buy for about $2.00 at craft store and bend around handle of grater. Take the holly berries picks and wrap them around stem of pine.
Tube Sock SnowmanTo start the snowman's body, take the sock and make sure it is actually a "tube" sock (it should be straight with no bend for the heel and foot).
Stocking Cap OrnamentThis is a recycled kids craft. The little ones can really get into this craft, and make something pretty to hang on the tree. Supplies are few.
Recycle Christmas Cards Fronts Onto New CardsHere's a great way to use old Christmas cards or those Christmas card samples you get in the mail, or even those Christmas cards you get on clearance after Christmas.
Hanging Ball Made With Old CardsTake 20 used Christmas card (or any other card) fronts and cut out 4 inch circles. Using a triangle template, fold the edges of the circles up to form flaps. Glue the flaps together, add a hanging ribbon and you have an 8" decorative ball.
Mini Christmas WreathsI made these mini-wreaths for Christmas this year. I use the rims of two plastic yoghurt containers facing each other, then wrap natural string around the entire circle. I then go out into nature and start collecting things to glue onto my wreath.
Rigatoni Reindeer Ornament or PinThis is a good craft for the kiddies. They will need a little help with the hot glue gun, or you could substitute thick Tacky Glue. They can make it to hang on the tree or as a lapel pin.
Recycled Light Bulb Christmas OrnamentsUse old burned out light bulbs for this craft. Wash and dry, use acrylic paints, paint light bulb white, let dry about 25 minutes.
Christmas Tote BagThis is a Christmas tote bag made of quilting scraps. I made this tote bag from two squares of 30 by 30 inch material with batting in the middle. You then quilt them together and put a binding around the raw edges.
Craft: Milk Jug Ring WreathRecycled milk jug lids for a Christmas wreath ornament. Save the circle portion of your milk jugs. All you need are some pipecleaners and some ribbon. Simply wrap the pipecleaner around the lids and add some ribbon to hang your wreath. Cute and simple craft for school.
Heart Tree OrnamentThree years ago, I made about 450 ornaments, hoping to sell them at the local Holiday show in Turner, OR. I think I still have oh...about 425 left! Not a great show and definitely my last.
Milkweed Ornaments (Tiny Holy Village)It's not too late to scan your woods for dried materials to use in crafting. In western PA, I discovered a treasure trove of milkweed pods this year and have found the teardrop shape lends itself to many things.
Milkweed Ornaments (Santa Pods)This one is easy enough for kids. It's cheap and quick so kids in Scouts or groups can make several for gifts. I wrapped mine, using red and white tulle which comes on a roll. I closed the ends with tinsel pipe cleaners and added beads on the end.
Make Personalized Photo Gift TagsPicture name tags for gifts. This works great for any gift giving holiday or occasion.
Crocheted Heart OrnamentI used a coarse, almost sisle yarn for this, as it gave it a wonderful country feel. You can use any yarn you like. To make it fast, I suggest two strands and a size "N" hook.
Hot Glue OrnamentsAbout 6 years ago, I came across an idea that was so simple and yet so darned cute, I saved the photo and will be making some of these this Holiday.
Craft Project: Milkweed Ornaments (Shadow Pods)I used milkweed pods from the woods around my house for this ornament idea. You may have other types of pods in your area or you may be able to find something similar in the dried flower section of the craft store.
Milkweed Ornaments (Angel Pods)This project, using milkweed pods, is a little tricky and probably more suitable for adults or teens. It is somewhat time consuming because of all the paint drying time, unless you leave it natural (see photo).
Crocheted Recycled Christmas CardsSince I can't stand to throw out all my beautiful Christmas cards,I cut shapes from them, then punch holes around the sides, and crochet on them to make beautiful new Christmas Ornaments. I decorated our tree at church last year with them and received raves!!
Heart-Faced Christmas OrnamentThis adorable doll-faced, heart, Christmas tree ornament is easy to make and a great gift for kids. It only requires some paint, ribbon, glue and a cheap wooden heart. Well maybe a pencil and some doll hair too, but that's it!
Crocheted SnowflakeAnother of the original 9 or so I am submitting this week. Again, I used a sisle type yarn for a country effect.
Craft Project: Recycled Gift CupsRecycle plastic containers into holiday gift cups! Fill with treats and give with a smile!
Christmas Kissing BallThis is a holiday decoration that not only adds delight to your Christmas spirit but also incorporates some Christmas tradition.
Pom-Pom ReindeerAnother craft for left-over pom-poms and extra craft bits. The cute reindeer has pom-poms for a body and head and chenille stems as antlers and legs.
Craft Project: Advent Paper ChainThere are many ways to count down to Christmas. There are songs about it. Retail has take a cue from the season and transformed it into a list of shopping deals for the holiday season. Each year at church, we take the month of December off from creating crafts about the children's bible stories and make Christmas themed crafts. The Sunday before the month of December, we usually make an Advent. This year, it was a paper chain.
Sparkleball DecorationI had so much trouble locating directions on the internet for making a "solo" cup light ball that I just created my own free website that gives easy to follow step-by-step instructions. I call them sparkleballs.
UnCANNY OrnamentsAdd sparkle, personalization, and uniqueness to your Christmas tree while helping to re-cycle soft drink cans. These would also make attractive personalized gifts for loved ones if you mount a picture of your family in one.
Wood Plank Santa ClausChoose your wood source of any size you like. Cut your wooden mittens and boots from scrap wood pieces make them the size needed to match your wooden Santa's body. Paint his body red first, let dry. Paint the top end of the plank, just far enough down in a flesh color to be his face and let dry.
Crocheted WreathTo make these fast I use double strands and a size "N" hook. This is about 3.5 inches in diameter. Chain 6 and form a chain. Single crochet in that ring till you have 24 and slip stitch to join.
Paper Bag Gingerbread HouseHave fun with the kids making faux gingerbread houses. Adults can do a more polished version, but the kids love it and it's a lot cheaper than wasting all the food as we have never eaten a real gingerbread house.
Padded Fabric StockingMake easy padded stockings with this simple pattern of fabric layers which include any type fabric cut in amounts of 4 and 2 layers of batting. I have made this size which is 9 inches long 4 inches wide and 7 inches from heal to toe end.
Glitter Holiday BallsI found 25 of each silver and gold glitter balls in a bag at the Salvation Army in Tucson, AZ. If you can't find something similar, don't worry. Sometimes you can find them covered in shiny surfaces, and you can add your own touches.
Plastic Canvas SnowflakesCut plastic canvas snowflakes with yarn and beads. You can find just about any plastic canvas shape nowadays. I found these at a thrift store and "fancied" them up.
Plaid and Felt Gingerbread ManFelt and shiny plaid gingerbread ornament with topstitching, glitter face and ribbon bow.
Baby Food Jar Santa Candy JarThis is a vintage pattern that I used many years ago, but is still a popular recycle craft. It is a Santa candy jar made from a baby food jar.
Thread Christmas TreeMake a cute and easy thread Christmas tree for mom or grandma. Very easy for kids to make. Take cardboard and cut into triangle to look like a tree. Proceed to hot glue/low temp glue thread rolls to cardboard. (You can use Elmers glue, but then you can not remove to use.
Santa Belly OrnamentThis cute Santa ornament is created with classic red balls, glue and glitter. They will add a festive touch to any Christmas tree or decoration.
Santa Hat PurseThis is so easy to make and inexpensive. You take the Santa hat and lay flat. Take your pom pom and bring it up to the bottom of the white fur rim. Cut across, put this aside.
Tie Door WreathThis is a masculine take on a Christmas door wreath. My father-in-law is in Assisted Living. All the ladies have holiday decorations on their doors. I thought this would be cute for the gentleman's look.
Flannel Tied Tree SkirtThis tree skirt is made with old flannel shirts bought at the Thrift Store and made to look like the old fashioned country tied quilts.
3D Paper Christmas TreeThis simple Christmas tree is a great craft for young children to create with very little adult assistance. It was created to be used in Sunday school.
Pasta AngelThis is an ornament that the kids can help make. A nice addition to the tree. My version is rather unique since I use a tree branch for the body, a bead from an old car seat for the head, and popcorn for the hair.
Snowman NiteliteThis is a simple, eye-catching snowman that lights up. Take an empty jar or glass container (as you can see by photo, one is an empty Ragu jar, the other one I bought at a thrift store), clean outer surface with cotton ball and alcohol so paint will stick.
Christmas Santa PurseThis is a cute Christmas purse made from an old Santa's hat you might have stashed away in the Christmas decorations.
Colorful Christmas PinatasThese fun and colorful pinatas make a great gift and holiday activity for kids of all ages!This project requires three different sessions, each lasting approximately 30 minutes.
Industrial Strength Gift CanAs most of you know, I work in the cafeteria of my local school. Well, the other day the lunch lady was throwing a bunch of the big industrial cans from ketchup and fruit away. I took one look at the nice big cans and thought "I bet I could make something with those" So I promptly pulled them out of the trash.
Christmas Bowling Ball OrnamentsAn old bowling ball painted and decorated as a Christmas Ball Display Ornament
Cinnamon Broom DeerThis is great for hanging between your door and your storm door. It is flatter than most wreaths, etc. Cute, quick and simple to make. Start with a cinnamon broom
Christmas Cards SlipperThis is a good way to recycle those beautiful Christmas cards. And, if you just can't bear to cut them up; scan a copy of the card you like and then follow the instructions just as if it were the card. These are pretty hanging on the tree or from the fireplace mantel.
Pinecone TreesThese trees are quite easy to make and they would look great on a table or any small place you would like to put them. They also seem to be the right size to go with the miniature villages that are so popular these days.
Gold Rose OrnamentThis charming, round Christmas ornament is fun and easy to make yourself. It comes out as a fancy golden rose ball with a traditional bow.
Fabric Advent CalendarThis advent calendar was made by stretching and stapling a spare piece of fabric over an old paint canvas. The pouches were made from felt using a simple whip stitch and secured to the canvas with hot glue. The numbered dates were stitched.
Kitchen AngelThis heavenly kitchen angel makes a nice little gift for family and friends. I have made several of these and they were a big hit. You could also make several to adorn your tree at Christmas or use to adorn packages.
Recycled Necktie Tree SkirtThis was made from men's ties that I got from friends who's husbands no longer wore them. I did open them up but if you have enough you would not have to open them up. Cut the length you want from each (should be the same length, then hand or machine stitch them together.
Can Lid OrnamentsI bought a Pampered Chef can opener and my husband and I had a time figuring out how to use it! When we did, I found a new source of craft materials - can lids! With this can opener, the edges are smooth. You could also use lids from frozen fruit juice concentrate.
Spool Christmas OrnamentStart now and make ornaments for your tree. A lovely way to use up your empty thread spools! Works equally well with plastic or wooden spools, big or small. Great to use as package decorations or to give as gifts to friends/co-workers!
Beaded Christmas OrnamentsLovely beaded Christmas Tree ornaments or package decorations. Great for reflecting the many colors from your Christmas trees lights and very easy to assemble. Start now and have enough to share with friends and relatives.
Craft Project: Coke Bottle ReindeerCreate this fun Reindeer decoration using an old vintage Coke bottle. Collectors of Coke memorabilia will love this red nosed icon, as well as those who enjoy decorating with antiques.
Mitten BookmarkFelt mittens make handy bookmark. Draw a template of a mitten 3 inches long and 1 inch wide. Use it to cut four scraps of felt. (The palms of the mittens can be a contrasting color.)
3-D Paper OrnamentFold the paper in half to make a triangle, then fold again. Starting from the folded edge, but parallel to the long side of the triangle, make 5 equal cuts, stopping about 1/4 inch from the opposite side.
Mitten Desk BuddyPen or pencil holder made from single mitten. To make face, glue eyes in place about half way down the Styrofoam ball. Poke pipe cleaner in place for nose. Use felt pen to draw a dotted smile.
Tiny Bell DecorationBells made from coffee creamers. Spray paint creamers inside and out with gold, silver, or bronze paint. Let dry.
Christmas Tree Treat CupsA quick and super cute decoration for your Christmas Tree. Especially great for any home with young children.
Skate OrnamentWhite felt figure skate tree ornament. Cut out two pieces of felt using the pattern shown.
Snowman Candy JarDecorate baby food jar as snowman to hold candy. Remove lid from jar and use as a guide to cut a circle of red or green felt.
Tootsie Pop Tree OrnamentVery easy and cute ornaments :-) Have made dozens of these over the past quarter of a century and love seeing them on the trees of friends and family's homes who have kept them and still hang them :-)
Craft Project: Recycled Tiny WreathsRings from twist off lids like those on salad dressing jars can be covered in green pipe cleaners with a tiny bow on top to make Christmas tree ornaments.
Crocheted Purse WallhangingYou can hang this from a tree, on a door, on a wall, from a car mirror or more. From loop, crochet a chain of 50. Join for a loop. Chain 3, and make a double crochet in that stitch and each of the rest of the loop.
Paper Plate AngelsAngels can be used as place settings for a festive meal or as a cover for a small plate of goodies to give away.
Holiday Party PoppersGreat fun for party treats or for packaging small gifts! Cut a paper roll in half. How large a cardboard tube you need will depend on the size of the treats you plan to include or the size of the gift you plan to wrap using this technique.
Christmas MoneybagSmall fabric bag to hold cash or a gift card that the recipient can then hang on the tree as an ornament.
Snow People from Dryer Vent TubeThese cute snow people or Santas are an inexpensive quick and easy decoration that would make a good holiday gift. I remembered the pumpkins made from dryer vent idea from years ago and made snowmen and Santas.
Holly Napkin HolderThese easy-to-make napkin holders will add a festive touch to your holiday table. Draw a simple holly leaf shape on green craft foam. Mine measures about 4 inches in length and 2 1/4 inches in width from point to point.
Holiday Journal and Card Gift SetMake a journal and card by using holiday paper and embellishing it with poinsettias and ribbon. It's plain simple and fun to create and would
