I am truly not cut out for artistry, as evidenced when my kids recently requested I draw a dog (a dog!), and I couldn’t even grasp its shape. The outcome resembled more of a vehicle. But! For those uncrafty parents out there, I have four holiday craft ideas that are so straightforward, they almost seem foolproof…
My friend Erin Jang assisted her children in creating cut-out portraits of their grandparents as an alternative to gift tags. How adorable is that? “The figures really resemble my mom and dad,” she shared with me. “It makes me laugh.”
Martha Stewart Living showcased a photo of cookie-cutter photo ornaments — I couldn’t locate the initial instructions, but it appears quite self-explanatory? I appreciate that the images are in black and white.
Jodi Levine — the brilliant craft creator (remember her themed outfits?) — makes tiny gingerbread houses using graham crackers adorned with pretzels, cereal, gummy candies, or whatever you have in your kitchen.
Lastly, I was stunned by these beautiful bows wrapped around candles. This would be enjoyable to do with older children who know how to tie their shoelaces and thus a bow 😉
What do you think? Any crafts you engage in with children or adults during the holidays?
P.S. Three alternatives to wrapping paper, along with 10 delightful holiday traditions.
(Candle photo sourced from Heather Taylor/Instagram.)
**Beginner-Friendly Holiday Crafts for The Craft-Challenged**
The festive season brings joy, togetherness, and opportunities for creativity. Whether you’re aiming to embellish your space, create personalized gifts, or simply enjoy time with loved ones, crafting can be a delightful and rewarding pastime. However, if you’re not an experienced crafter or feel daunted by complex DIY projects, don’t fret! There are innumerable easy holiday crafts that necessitate minimal materials, effort, and skill. Here’s a rundown of simple and enjoyable holiday crafts that anyone can undertake.
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### **Why Engage in Holiday Crafting?**
Crafting during the festive season goes beyond just making something visually appealing—it serves as a means to unwind, connect with family and friends, and soak in the holiday spirit. Additionally, handcrafted decorations and gifts bear a personal touch that mass-produced items simply lack. Even if you consider yourself a “non-crafter,” these novice-friendly endeavors will encourage you to explore your creative side.
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### **Basic Supplies for Novices**
Before you jump into crafting, it’s beneficial to gather a few essential supplies. Most of these items are affordable and can be sourced at craft stores, dollar stores, or even found in your home. Here’s a concise checklist:
– Scissors
– Adhesive (hot glue gun or regular craft glue)
– Tape (double-sided tape is particularly useful)
– Markers, pens, or paint
– String, twine, or ribbon
– Construction paper or cardstock
– Popsicle sticks
– Mason jars
– Buttons, beads, or small decorative elements
– Cotton balls or pom-poms
With these supplies in hand, you’ll be equipped to tackle a variety of simple holiday crafts.
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### **Simple Holiday Craft Ideas**
#### **1. Paper Snowflakes**
– **Materials Required:** Paper, scissors
– **Instructions:** Take a square piece of paper, fold it diagonally to form a triangle. Fold it in half once more, then again. Use scissors to create small shapes along the edges. Unfold to reveal your unique snowflake design!
– **Why It’s Ideal for Beginners:** Paper snowflakes are effortlessly made, with each one being distinct. They make wonderful decorations for windows, walls, or your festive table.
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#### **2. Mason Jar Candle Holders**
– **Materials Required:** Mason jars, tea light candles, ribbon, and optional decorations like glitter or faux snow
– **Instructions:** Start by adding a thin layer of faux snow or glitter to the base of a mason jar. Place a tea light candle in the center. Wrap a festive ribbon around the neck of the jar and tie it into a bow. You can also glue on tiny decorations like pinecones or holly berries for added charm.
– **Why It’s Ideal for Beginners:** This craft is quick, customizable, and provides a cozy ambiance to any room.
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#### **3. Pinecone Ornaments**
– **Materials Required:** Pinecones, string, glue, and optional paint or glitter
– **Instructions:** Secure a piece of string at the top of a pinecone to create a hanging loop. Apply glue to the edges and sprinkle glitter or paint on for a festive touch.
– **Why It’s Ideal for Beginners:** Pinecones are naturally attractive, requiring little enhancement to make them holiday-appropriate.
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#### **4. Handmade Holiday Cards**
– **Materials Required:** Blank cardstock, markers, stickers, and optional embellishments like buttons or ribbon
– **Instructions:** Fold the cardstock in half to form a card. Adorn the cover with drawings, stickers, or glued embellishments. Write a heartfelt note inside.
– **Why It’s Ideal for Beginners:** Creating homemade cards is straightforward and makes for meaningful, personalized gifts for friends and family.
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#### **5. Popsicle Stick Snowmen**
– **Materials Required:** Popsicle sticks, paint, glue, and small embellishments like buttons or fabric scraps
– **Instructions:** Glue several popsicle sticks together lengthwise to create a flat surface. Paint the upper half white for the snowman’s face, and the lower half black for a hat. Add decorations like buttons, a scarf, or a drawn face for extra whimsy.
– **Why It’s Ideal for Beginners:** Popsicle sticks are user-friendly, and this craft suits both children and adults.
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#### **6. Cotton Ball Garland**
– **Materials Required:** Cotton balls, string, and a needle
– **Instructions:** Thread a needle with string and string cotton balls together, spacing them as desired. Once you’ve reached your preferred length, tie knots at both ends and hang the garland on your tree, mantel, or wall.
– **Why it’s Ideal for Beginners:** This simple, festive decoration adds warmth to any holiday setting.
