Christmas is almost upon us and what better way to spread some cheer throughout your home than with some homemade decorations? Here are four easy crafts which are guaranteed to get you in the festive spirit and transform your home into a winter wonderland.
Snowmen crafts
You can make your own snowmen with everything from light bulbs to candles and salt and pepper shakers, but one of the most enjoyable ways is with pom poms.
First, get hold of two fluffy pom-poms, one large and one small. Take the ends and tie them together so that they form the shape of a snowman’s body and head, then trim off the ends of the string. After that’s done, you can attach some pipe cleaners for arms, sequins and buttons for eyes and then finish them off with some old shoelaces for a scarf.
DIY advent calendars
Not everyone has a sweet tooth and sometimes it’s much more fun to create your own advent calendar. Hanging shoe racks are great for this purpose and you can transform them into an advent calendar simply by sewing or painting numbers on to each of the pockets. For gifts, you should think about what your loved ones might enjoy. While chocolates are the traditional treats, you could store everything from miniature homemade chutney and jams to poems, bookmarks and photographs inside.
Stockings
What would Christmas be without stockings hanging by the fireplace? They are a traditional part of Christmas decor and are quite easy to make. Simply find two pieces of matching felt, draw a sock shape with a pen and cut out. Next, staple the edges together, add a loop so that it can hang and embellish it by sewing in your child’s or loved one’s name.
Homemade cards
In all the rushing around for presents, it can be easy to forget about Christmas cards. Don’t fear though as you can have lots of fun making your own provided you have a few pens and some craft materials. Try drawing a smiling Santa Claus and gluing on cotton wool for a beard, or make a 3D Christmas tree out of felt triangles and circles.
Snowglobes
Snowglobes are fascinating for children and adults alike. To make your own, find a jar with a lid and pick out a plastic figure that you’d like to house inside. Next, fill with tap water (boil it first), glitter and liquid glycerine, available from most craft stores. Then all you have to do is screw on the lid tight and turn it upside down!
Cookie decorations
If you think you can restrain yourself from eating them all before Christmas then edible gingerbread or cookie decorations are a great way to bring your Christmas tree to life. Simply bake cookies using your favourite recipe and make sure to cut out a small hole before baking so that you can insert ribbon for hanging on the tree.
Festive pinecones
A nice touch for your home can be the addition of some painted pinecones. Popular colours for painting them include gold, silver and white and they can either be placed upon the mantelpiece or hung on your tree with your other decorations. For added shine, you should use spray paint.
Christmas crafts are a great way to get in the festive spirit but they are also an enjoyable and productive way to spend time with your family and friends. Click here for more inspiration for making the most your time with your loved ones.
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