Get crafting in plenty of time for the Holiday Season.
By Staff Writer
1. Hand-painted Ornaments:
To create hand-painted ornaments, begin by acquiring plain glass or wooden ornaments from a craft store or an online supplier. Then, gather your acrylic paints in the colours you wish to use, along with paintbrushes and a palette. Carefully paint festive designs onto the ornaments, such as snowflakes, stars, or holiday scenes. Allow the paint to dry completely before adding any additional coats or fine details.
2. Homemade Candles:
Crafting homemade candles involves gathering essential candle-making supplies, including wax (soy or paraffin), wicks, fragrance oils (if desired), and candle dye (optional for colour). Begin by melting the wax either using a double boiler or a microwave-safe container. If desired, add fragrance oil and dye to the melted wax. Place a wick in a clean and empty candle container or mould, then pour the melted wax into it. Allow the wax to cool and harden, ensuring that the wick remains centred.
3. Photo Coasters:
To make personalized photo coasters, select ceramic coasters or acquire blank ceramic tiles from a craft store. Print out family photos onto regular printer paper, ensuring that they fit the coasters. Apply a thin layer of Mod Podge to the coaster’s surface, then gently press the photo onto the coaster, smoothing out any air bubbles. Seal the photo with another layer of Mod Podge, making sure to allow it to dry completely.
4. Knit or Crochet Scarf:
For a cozy knit or crochet scarf, choose a simple pattern suitable for beginners. Select soft and warm yarn in holiday-appropriate colours, and follow the pattern’s instructions to create the scarf, knitting or crocheting it to the desired length.
5. Customized Tote Bags:
Personalize plain canvas tote bags by purchasing them from a craft store or online. Use fabric paint, fabric markers, or iron-on transfers to decorate the bags with festive designs or personalized messages. Ensure that the paint or transfers dry and set according to the product’s instructions.
6. Homemade Bath Bombs:
Begin crafting homemade bath bombs by mixing 1 cup of baking soda, 1/2 cup of Epsom salt, and 1/2 cup of citric acid in a bowl. Add a few drops of your chosen essential oil and a few drops of food colouring for a delightful aroma and colour. Mix the ingredients until they form a crumbly texture. Pack the mixture into silicone moulds or shape them into festive moulds. Allow the bath bombs to dry for several hours or overnight before carefully removing them from the moulds.
7. Felted Soap:
To create felted soap, wrap a bar of soap in colourful wool roving, ensuring complete coverage. Dip the wrapped soap in warm water and gently rub it with your hands to felt the wool fibres. Continue the rubbing and dipping process until the wool fibres have shrunk and adhered tightly to the soap.
8. Decorative Pillows:
Craft decorative pillows by selecting holiday-themed fabric and cutting it into square or rectangular pieces. Sew the fabric pieces together, leaving an opening for stuffing. Turn the pillowcase inside out, stuff it with pillow stuffing or an insert, and hand-sew the opening shut.
9. Mason Jar Gifts:
Assemble mason jar gifts by layering the ingredients of your chosen gift, such as hot cocoa mix, cookie ingredients, or bath salts, in a clean mason jar. Decorate the jar with a holiday-themed label and tie a ribbon or twine around the lid to give it a festive touch.
10. Handmade Greeting Cards:
Craft handmade greeting cards using blank cardstock or pre-folded card bases. Create holiday-themed designs or messages on the front of the cards using markers, stickers, or other craft supplies. Write a personal message inside each card to add a special touch for the recipient.
Enjoy the creative process and take your time to ensure each gift is crafted with care!
