We show you how to create cute and clever Christmas and Hanukkah gifts, ornaments, wreaths and more
By: Laura Gaskill
Getting the crafting bug? Embrace your creative side by choosing a few doable projects to make and give. From gift wrap and advent calendars to decor and gifts, here are 25 easy and creative ideas to try this holiday season.
Creative Ways to Count Down the Days
Mini advent village. A tiny town of boxes filled with little treasures will enchant children and adults alike as you count down the days till Christmas.
Hanging Hanukkah calendar. Celebrate the eight nights of Hanukkah with a small gift to open after lighting the menorah. This wall hanging uses boxes wrapped in paper stamped with an olive branch motif (symbolizing peace) using an easy potato-print stamping technique.
Paper advent garland. You can whip up this advent calendar in a matter of minutes: Simply tie small paper gift bags with ribbon of varying lengths to a branch, and label each bag with a numbered tag. Embellish the branch with colorful string or paint if you wish, and hang it from the mantle or on the wall.
Rustic advent wall hanging. If you have a sewing machine, consider stitching up an advent calendar that can be reused from year to year. The one shown here uses nubby linen for a rustic look, with numbers stenciled onto the pockets with fabric paint.
Teacup candles. Vintage mismatched teacups, pretty little bowls, ramekins — you can use just about any sort of container you want for this project. You’ll need a few simple ingredients that can be ordered online (soy wax flakes, wicks, essential oils) or found in a well-stocked crafts store, and in an afternoon you can create enough lovely scented candles to give to everyone on your list.
Winter bulb gifts. Keep supplies for these cute paper-wrapped bulbs on hand and you’ll never have to scramble for a hostess gift again. These also make a thoughtful small gift for neighbors, teachers and anyone else you’d like to thank.
Dip-dyed baskets. Take a plain store-bought basket for a swim in paint and transform it into a piece of on-trend home decor that any friend on your list would love. For bonus points, use the dip-dyed baskets to hold a collection of goodies, like treats for the kitchen or bath.
Gifts from the kitchen. Seasonal loaf cakes and cookies are holiday favorites and for good reason — the recipients love them, and they’re easy to make in multiples. But if you don’t enjoy baking, don’t let that stop you from whipping up tasty treats from your kitchen to give as gifts. Instead, consider jars of homemade granola (still technically baking, but super easy) or your own special hot cocoa mix delivered with marshmallows and a wooden spoon.
Handmade Ornaments
Handpainted wood slice ornaments. Wood slices are available online and at most crafts stores, or (for those handy with a saw) they can be created from fallen branches in your own backyard. Paint a simple design (a tree or star) or word (noel, joy) on the wood with white craft paint, and drill a hole for hanging.
Clay cookie-cutter ornaments. These ornaments have a Scandinavian simplicity that looks beautiful on the tree or as embellishments on gifts. White air-dry clay (available at most crafts stores) is easy to work with — simply roll out and cut just as you would cookie dough. Use a straw to poke a round hole for a string through the top, and let dry on waxed paper.
Fill-your-own ornament. Clear glass ornaments ready to be filled are available by the boxful at most crafts stores during the holidays. You can fill them with just about anything — feathers, confetti, pompoms and glitter work well. If you’re feeling more ambitious, create a miniature piece of paper-cut art using a template (and some careful work with a craft knife) and pop it inside for a winter wonderland effect.
Felt ornaments. Wool felt is a lovely material to work with, and these ornaments couldn’t be easier. Use a simple template (a tree or star cookie cutter would work well) to trace and cut out shapes from a piece of felt. Thread a loop through the top using embroidery floss or twine, and slide a wooden bead onto the loop as a finishing touch.
For more fun ideas, visit: Houzz.com