Creative Holiday Craft Ideas

The best thing about having Facebook friends with small children is getting inspired by the pictures they post of all the fun crafts they’re doing this holiday season. Fortunately, you don’t have to have kids to get crafty with holiday decorations. The following are a few of my favorite holiday craft ideas for this season.

Holiday Craft Ideas

1. Salt dough ornaments – I just learned about salt dough ornaments, but I know some of my friends have been making them since they were kids. Recipes vary, but the idea is to use the dough like you would clay to shape personalized ornaments for your Christmas tree, mantle, rearview mirror, or anywhere else you want to hang some holiday spirit. Bake them and decorate with paint and glitter – just make sure you don’t confuse them with your holiday cookies!

2. Coffee sleeve wreath – Caffeine junkies, raise your hands! I know you read this blog. In fact, I know one who writes on this blog, but I AM (hint) not here to name names. The good news is, you can stop feeling guilty about your coffee addiction and start feeling good about recycling, because the coffee sleeve wreath is a great way to reuse all those coffee sleeves. All you need to do is trace and cut out leaf shapes (think ovals with points at each end) of varying sizes, glue them together, and add a bow for some extra flair. Hot glue makes the best bonding agent, and don’t be shy about adding beads and glitter.

3. Beaded poinsettia – I love the beaded poinsettia because it’s such a beautiful and versatile project. It can be used on a Christmas tree, as a bow on a gift, or glue to a magnet for your fridge. Make a whole bouquet to use as a centerpiece, or use green masking tape to turn it into a festive pencil topper. You can even make it wearable by wrapping the excess wire around a safety pin or a barrette, or twist it around the handle of your purse or your child’s backpack. You can also use the same beading technique to make snowmen, snowflakes, and other holiday-themed shapes.

4. Snowflake coasters – Snowflake coasters are a great project for people who like to entertain around the holidays because they are a conversation-starter as well as a creative way to protect your coffee table. There are a lot of different variations out there ranging from casual crafter to super expert level. Whichever option you choose, make sure your materials are waterproof (or that you seal it with Mod Podge or a similar sealant to make it water proof). You want your coasters to be fabulous and functional, after all.

Now it’s your turn to spread some holiday cheer! Tell us about your creative variations on these craft ideas and share your own favorite holiday crafts in the comments.

Photo by Stephanie at Even*Cleveland.