Visions of Christmas!
Visions of Christmas have already begun dancing through the air, and as we move into December the kids are already asking about Santa’s arrival. Channel their excited energy into some simple Christmas time craft projects. Give these ones a try:
Feather Boa Winter Wreath:
Supplies: Wreath form (cut one from cardboard, or purchase at craft store), feather boa (white, red, or green), ribbon, other decorations (pine cones, berries, or bells), tape or glue
Directions: Starting with one end held at back, wrap feather boa around wreath form, pulling up through middle and around. Continue wrapping until wreath s entirely covered. Tape or glue boa end in place at back. Tie ribbon into a bow at bottom. Add berries, pinecones, or bell (Shown). Tie second ribbon at top of wreath for hanging.
Tip: if you want to reuse the feather boa after the Christmas season, simply tuck one end under as you wrap, and use one piece of tape to secure other end at back. Remove tape and unwind boa to use.
Christmas Tree Cutout:
Supplies: 2 pieces of cardstock of construction paper (one of the pieces green, if possible), regular scissors or scrapbooking scissors, glue, decorating supplies such as stickers, pompoms, acrylic jewels, sequins, etc
Directions: Using the piece of paper that is not green, fold verticall y and cut triangle tree shape down the fold line, so that when you open the picture it will be a complete tree. Glue tree outline onto second piece of cardstock (green, if possible) and decorate the tre e with sequins, glitte r glue, etc.
Kids in the Kitchen – Clove Orange
Not for eating, this simple scented project is one from back when I was in kindergarten! Makes a lovely table display or poupourri replacement.
1 orange
Whole Cloves
Toothpick, darning needle, or wooden skewer
Ribbon in contrasting colour
Using toothpick, poke holes into orange. Make a pattern, or simply poke holes to cover the entire surface. As you poke holes, ask your child to insert cloves into each spot. When you have finished inserting cloves, tie a ribbon around the orange. Place on a decorative plate or in a bowl for display
Simple Science – Christmas Tree Scent
Use your Christmas tree for a quick science experiment with the kids. Cut a sprig from the tree, and then have them carefully rub the sprig between their fingers. Can they smell the scent on their fingers? Why do trees smell? Apparently the plants that give off minty, oily, or sharp smells do so as a defense mechanism. The smells come from chemicals that smell and taste terrible to animals that might consider the plant for lunch!
Letters to Santa
If your child is expecting Santa to arrive with gifts they’ll want to let Old St. Nick know what they’d like to see on Christmas morning. Turn their wish list into a chance to practice writing or pre-writing skills. Make a Christmas wish letter to Santa; they can draw pictures of what they’d like for Christmas, or find pictures in magazines and flyers. Bigger kids can write what they’re hoping for as well! To complete the project, put the letter in an envelope and send to Santa at North Pole HOH OHO. The Canada Post reply program recommends getting your letters in the mail by December 5th. Remember to include your return address!
Five Minute Fun – Christmas Cards and Wrapping Paper
Fight boredom the entire month of December by having a stack of card making and wrapping paper making supplies available to your kids. Magazine and flyer clippings are perfect for decorating, in addition to old Christmas cards, stickers, and crayons or markers. The kids can work on hand made cards whenever they have a few minutes. A great way to tackle your Christmas card list in addition to giving the kids some hands on fun! Check out our Christmas Card making kit – a great way to get started!
Simple Party Planning for January
If you’re trying to take a breather from the Christmas chaos to plan for your child’s winter birthday party, we can help!! Craft Caravan is pleased to announce our new party crafts. Available in minimum order quantities of 5 crafts, simply choose the craft that’s right for your party, and we’ll send you everything you need to entertain. Order before Christmas to ensure arrival in time for your party!
Craft Caravan on Living Vancouver
Want to learn more about Craft Caravan or how to get crafty with your kids at home? Check out these clips from CBC’s lifestyles show Living Vancouver. View ‘Getting Crafty with Kids’ (Nov 20 Episode 3049) and ‘Craft Caravan’ (Oct 9 Episode 3019)