I needed a quick and easy project yesterday that didn’t require many supplies… this was perfect! All you need is construction paper (or cardstock) and tempera paint.
cut paper in half and stamp a white handprint.
cut out a red hat…
glue hat about a finger-space above handprint…
add some white fingerprints to the hat…
and a few more for the nose, cheeks, eyes, and mouth…
see? fun for all ages (bet you can’t tell which ones my 2 year old did, haha)!
ps. this would make an adorable ornament or card if you feel like getting fancy! 
I wish I could attribute this idea to someone better than “Emily J. in Oregon” but that’s all I know about her! This idea came in an e-mail 3 years ago, full of holiday tradition.s It is something we’re going to start this year, and I thought I’d share the idea now in case you’d like to start it, too. It will help to keep the little project in the back of your mind during the month of December.
Emily has a 12X12 Christmas album where she does 3 pages each year. The first page is a calendar that shows all that her family did and enjoyed in December. Page two features the family Christmas card and a summary of the year, and the last page includes pictures and memories from the holidays that particular year.
It sounds like an easy – just 3 pages per year!, uncomplicated and fun project to do with the kids between Christmas and New Years. We started a similar family Thanksgiving journal last year, and I’m excited to start this project this year.
Invite winter into your home this year by making “snowballs” for your tree!
Take a silver ball ornament (I used the smaller size) and cover with mod podge.
Sprinkle with rice…
… and some glitter (optional)
And you’ve got a cute little snowball to add to your tree!
Eddie Ross‘ Christmas ball wreaths are incredibly popular right now, so we made one, too.
We rounded out a hanger from the dry cleaners, and opened it up to slip the balls on. Before adding the balls to the hanger, I took off their tops, applied hot glue, and stuck them back on. After they dried we slipped all the balls onto the hanger. I used a lot more hot glue than in the original directions – after I had all the balls on and liked the placement, I glued like crazy to hold everything in place. Then add a bow, and you’re done!
I believe in having a plan for fun with the kids – if I don’t plan activities ahead and make sure I have all the supplies, it just doesn’t happen in our house. Last night I planned our crafty week, and I’ll let you in on our plans. If you do any the activities, I’d love to see!
11/29 Write letters to Santa – picture letters are written and waiting for stamps!
11/30 Egg Carton Christmas Tree – There are examples all over the internet. Here is one from craftelf. I just prepped the egg cartons, and they’ll get a coat of paint right after lunch.
12/1 We’re making snowflakes (with glitter!) to hang from the arch that is between our kitchen and family room.
12/2 Stained Glass Christmas Trees (link)
12/3 Pom Pom Ornaments (link)
12/4 Christmas tree handprint canvas – I’m really excited about this art project, but nervous it won’t come out like I see it in my head. I bought a 16X20 canvas at Hobby Lobby (2/$7 on sale, normally 2/$10) and we’ll paint the background a light blue with acrylic paints (and all kids wearing dad’s old t-shirts!). After the background dries, we’ll all (mom and dad, too!) paint our hands green to make a Christmas tree out of our handprints. I think it would be fun to add silver snowflakes in the sky with paper and mod podge (maybe?) and somehow put ornaments on the tree, and maybe presents or a train around the bottom. So stay tuned for our masterpiece and lots of ideas, I’m sure, on what not to do!
What fun winter, Christmas or Hanukkah crafts and activities are you doing with your kids?
My daughter came home from preschool with this today, and I was so impressed, I just had to share with everyone! Everything is made of felt, with some days having other material added to embellish. Each day has a bible verse to read and an ornament to add to the tree, so by Christmas you have a fully decorated Christmas tree and hopefully a better understanding of Christmas. There are also extension questions for each day. If you are interested, please leave a comment and I will be glad to email them to you.
There are so many ways you can go with this,
so get creative & have fun!
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12/1 – white star to put on top of the tree (John 1:1-3)
12/2 – flower (Genesis 1:1)
12/3 – fish (Isaiah 66:2)
12/4 – apple (Psalms 24:1)
12/5 – picture of you (Job 33:4)
12/6 – ornament (Psalms 91:1, 2, 11)
12/7 – smiley face (Psalms 91:14-16)
12/8 – bow (Matthew 19:14)
12/9 – bell (Matthew 18:3)
12/10 – gift (Romans 6:23)
12/11 – dove (John 3:16)
12/12 – heart (1John 3:1)
12/13 – holly (Matthew 3:1-3)
12/14 – Bible (Isaiah 53:4-6)
12/15 – Mary (Luke 1:26-31 & 38)
12/16 – Joseph (Matthew 1:21)
12/17 – stable (Luke 2:1-5)
12/18 – manger in the stable (Luke 2:6 & 7)
12/19 – angel (Luke 2:8-10)
12/20 – Baby Jesus in His manger (Luke 2:11)
12/21 – gold star on stable (Luke 2:13-14)
12/22 – shepherd (Luke 2:15 & 16)
12/23 – sheep (Luke 2:17-20)
12/24 – crowns (Matthew 2:1, 2, 11)
12/25 – candle (Luke 2:1-20)
ps. I will continue to post pictures as we add to our calendar
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Other Advent Calendar ideas…
Advent Calendar Round-Up @ Crafty Crow
Ring Advent Tree @ Make & Takes (she also has more ideas listed)
Christmas Advent Boxes @ Mod Podge Rocks
from Mod Podge Rocks
Sorry about being such a slacker lately! I had a baby #4 a couple weeks ago and my crafty side has been in hiding since. But enough with the excuses! Here are a few ideas (from last year) to hold you over…
Turkey Day is just around the corner!
For some fun ideas to do with (or without) your kids, click here.
