arts and crafts

Make Your Own Jingle Bell Bracelets

by Stacy on December 17, 2009

You only need two items, pipe cleaners and jingle bells, to make these festive bangles. Perfect for kids from two to eighty two and quite possibly the simplest of our Advent Craft Activities this year, but also one of my kids’ favorites. We made these on the 3rd day of December and then danced around the house singing Jingle Bell Rock. We were moving and grooving and twisting and shouting and shaking our bells with the best of them. Now, that’s what the holidays are all about

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DIY Paper Plate Bow Wreaths

by Stacy on December 6, 2009

I’ve been doing a Christmas related activity with my children every afternoon and I have high hopes to keep the fun going all month long. The results have been so much more wonderful than I could have ever imagined and I’m certain I’ll make this an annual event.

On 2 Dec, our activity was making a DIY Bow Wreath from paper plates – so simple, yet so stunning – I have big plans for these beauties in my home this year.

To assemble:
~ Fold a Paper Plate in half
~ Cut out the center
~ Attach a piece of ribbon, yarn or string to the back to act as a hanger
~ Let your kids peel and stick bows in any which way they choose
~ Use a stapler to permanently attach the bows so you can enjoy this jewel for years to come
~ Enjoy!

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Everyday is a Holiday

by Stacy on December 5, 2009

I have always loved the holidays, I might even, love all of the preparation ~ the build up and anticipation ~ even more than the big day itself. I love the gatherings, the cooking, the nice gestures to neighbors and random acts of kindness you see among strangers. I love searching for the perfect gift, spreading yule tide cheer, adorning my home in all things sparkly and twinkly … but most of all, I am falling in love with impressing my visions for the holidays upon my children. This year, I feel as if I’ve found the perfect balance to tie my love for the holidays, my family, Jesus, shopping and arts and crafts {in no particular order} into one fantastically creative and enjoyable time of year.

It all started with a grand plan to complete one fun activity with my children every day until Christmas, and it turns out this small afternoon activity with my kids is all it took to keep everyone feeling grounded and well in tuned to the true meaning of the holiday season.

To make the events even more special, I found this Advent Calendar download from Cici Art Factory and customized it with my own list of toddler appropriate Holiday fun. I’ll print my list below and link up to any photos/tutorials I might add in the coming weeks of all the fun we’ve had.

Dec 1: Recycled Trees, Hot Cocoa and FREE Christmas Tunes
Dec 2: DIY Paper Plate Bow Wreaths and Gingerbread Pumpkin Ice Cream Sandwiches
Dec 3: Jingle Bell Bracelets & Jingle Bell Rockin Around the House
Dec 4: Handmade Reindeer and the Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer Classic
Dec 5: Choosing the Perfect Tree
Dec 6: Trimming the Tree
Dec 7: Stained Glass Christmas Trees
Dec 8: Gingerbread Man Garland
Dec 9: Salty Snow Prints
Dec 10: Snowman Hand Ornaments
Dec 11: Making Christmas Lists
Dec 12: Pictures w/ Santa
Dec 13: A Christmas Light Spectacular Car Ride
Dec 14: Bake Gifts for the Neighbors
Dec 15: Dollar Store Christmas Shopping
Dec 16: Christmas Socks Day!!
Dec 17: Our First Trip to the Movies – Princess & The Frog
Dec 18: Snowmen Shirts
Dec 19: 4yr Old Birthday Party!! Complete w/ Nana & Papa
Dec 20: DIY Snow Globes
Dec 21: Christmas at the Zoo
Dec 22: Felt Snowmen Storyboards & Frosty the Snowman
Dec 23: Baking Cookies for Santa
Dec 24: Family in Jammies Party
Dec 25: Christmas Day!!