Silver Poinsettia Ornament

Here’s another of my Helper Elf Shaaron’s ornament designs. I think this is my favorite.

Supplies:
2 1/2” clear glass ornament
½ yard of 2-3” wide, wired Christmas ribbon – example has a silver Poinsettia pattern
1 Package of Terrifically Tack Tape
5-2mm red flat back rhinestones – approximately
8-2mm silver flat back rhinestones – approximately
Silver glitter glue

Instructions:
Cut 5” of the ribbon and set aside for later.

Cut out small sections of the ribbon with the Poinsettia design and place the back side on the Tacky Tape. Cut the designs out.

Take the backing paper off of the Tacky Tape and place the designs on the glass ornament. Do as many as you like around the ornament. Press down firmly so all the areas are flat.

Use the glitter glue to place small dots, scrolls or any other designs you like in between the cut outs.

Place a red rhinestone in the middle of the Poinsettia’s and place the silver stones around the cut outs for added sparkle.

Take the 5” piece of ribbon and cut each end diagonally. Fold the ribbon down the middle lengthwise and thread through the loop in the top of the ornament. Fan the ribbon out as a bow.

Children can do this one but use a ribbon with a larger and less intricate design. Takes very little time to make.

Tags: Christmas ornaments, glass ornaments, wired-ribbon ornaments, ornament ideas, holiday crafts, ornament how-tos

Artsy Bloggers Roundup #36

Spice up Plain Pens with Wrapping Paper or Magazines
Here are directions for an inexpensive stocking stuffer from Peggy.

We Want More Ornament Ideas!
Eileen and her elves have been crafting up new ornament ideas. Here's just one example. There will be more to come.

Green Crafts - A Handmade Book from Recycled Wood and Paper
Noreen's been working on Christmas presents. She's just finished making a journal for her sister in law, using old wood from a stage set, and recycled paper. She's binding it all with spool knitted cords, and has embellished it with a Celtic Tree of Life. A very green Christmas present indeed!

Write a Thankful Poem
Even though this is described as a Thanksgiving activity, you can adapt it to any time of the year, suggests Mary Emma at Quilting and Patchwork.

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Need a gift idea for the fabric or fiber-holic in your life? Chloe has put together her favorite picks to delight the crafter on your list.

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Tags: art blogs, craft blogs, Christmas shopping, handcrafted journal, Christmas ornaments, journal prompts, artist profile, stocking stuffing

Iridescent Christmas Ornament

I have some very exciting news to share. I have an actual holiday helper elf this year! Eclectic crafter Shaaron Chambers has joined me in creating lots of new holiday craft ideas for you.

You’ve already seen some of Shaaron’s work. For example:
• Candy Cane Candle Holder;
• Pillow Snowman;
• Beaded Fringe Angel Ornament;
• Thanksgiving Doily Bowl;
• Pumpkin Centerpiece (made from dryer vent tubing!);
• Wedding Dress Pillows.

Shaaron says this ornament is very easy – a great craft for kids with some supervision.

Please join me in welcoming my helper elf, Shaaron!

Supplies:
1-2 ½” clear glass ornament
1 Package mixed color iridescent plastic beads – example shows approximately (800) 5mm beads
Silver ribbon – approximately 13”
Elmer’s Glue-All

Instructions:
1. Take the cap off of the ball and fill to the top with the plastic beads.
2. Put a small amount of the glue around the top and replace the cap. Let dry completely.
3. Wrap the silver ribbon around the cap and tie a bow.
4. String a piece of silver ribbon through the top loop and knot leaving enough to use as a hanger.

You can find many more holiday craft ideas in our Holiday Craft Index.

Tags: Christmas ornaments, glass ornaments, iridescent oraments, ornament ideas, holiday crafts, ornament how-tos

Pillow Snowman

This easy to make pillow snowman will delight kids of all ages.

Supplies:
1 standard or queen bed pillow
1 white pillowcase – example shows a satin pillowcase
1 hat
1 pair child size knit mittens
1 36”x 7” knitted or crocheted scarf – child’s size
3 ¾” black buttons
2 ½” black buttons
¼ yard orange cording or a very small scrap piece of orange felt
1 safety pin
1 set small Velcro dots
Black Polymark or Scribbles 3D paint
Needle & thread
Glue gun
Silk flower

Instructions:
1. Tie the scarf around the pillow about 1/3 of the way down. The snowman now has his head - sort of.
2. Loosely hand stitch the mittens to each side using a matching color of thread.
3. Do the same for the three buttons down the front and the two for the eyes.
4. For the nose, cut out a carrot shape from lightweight cardboard and then hot glue orange cording to one side of the cardboard. Orange felt can also be used for the nose.
5. Place a loop Velcro dot on the back of the nose and the hook Velcro dot on the pillow to hold the nose in place.
6. Draw a mouth on the case with 3D paint.
7. Pull the two upper corners of the pillow together and safety pin them to form the head shape.
8. Place a hat on the head and tuck in the silk flower.

You can find many more holiday craft ideas in our Holiday Craft Index

Tags: pillow snowman, easy crafts, winter crafts, Christmas crafts, holiday crafts, fabric paint

Candy Cane Candle Holder

Supplies:
One 2 ½” glass votive holder
One box of 12 regular candy canes – color of your choice
Votive candle to match the candy canes
Glue gun
15” of Christmas ribbon
White glitter

Instructions:
Use four candy canes curved end down to form the scrolled feet for the votive. The votive glass does not touch the table; but rests on the candy cane feet. Hot glue the “feet” equidistantly around the glass candle holder.

Hot glue 2 candy canes between each of the 4 “feet” placing them curved end up.

Now hot glue the ribbon around the middle of all the candy canes and tie in a bow.

Run a small amount of hot glue on the tops of each candy cane and sprinkle on the glitter for some added sparkle.

A row of these on your table or mantle really add a festive holiday touch.

You can find many more holiday craft ideas in our Holiday Craft Index

Tags: candy cane candle holder, easy crafts, winter crafts, Christmas crafts, holiday crafts, craft ideas

Cute Cork Coasters the Kids Can Make

Here are directions for the three snowman coasters I made to help kindergarten teacher, Jenny.

Construction Paper Snowman Coaster (Pictured yesterday.)
1. Cut a three-inch circle of white construction paper.
2. Draw the snowman’s features on the circle using Sharpie Permanent Markers.
3. Thoroughly coat the reverse side with PVA adhesive such as Mod Podge. Smooth the snowman face glue-side down to the center of a 6-inch cork square. Glue on other cutouts, such as the hat in the example, if desired. Let dry thoroughly.
4. Coat the cork square with one coat of Liquitex Super Heavy Gel.

Notes: Be sure the Liquitex completely coats the paper so that moisture cannot reach it. Liquitex takes a week to reach a hard cure, but the coasters can be used after a day. If they will be gift-wrapped before reaching hard cure, use a non-stick paper like cellophane or paper with a foil or wax backing.

Painted Snowman Coaster (Pictured above.)
1. Paint a three-inch circle in the center of a 6-inch cork square using white acrylic craft paint. Let dry.
2. Use Sharpie Permanent Markers and/or Krylon Brights paint pens to draw the snowman’s features.

Notes: Only the black Sharpie covers the white paint well. The rest of the sample was painted using Krylon Brights which cover beautifully but only come in five colors at this time (fluorescent blue, green, pink, yellow and orange). Krylon Brights contain VOCs and should be used in a well-ventilated area. Children should not use them without adult supervision.

Painted and Coated Snowman Coaster (Pictured below.)
1. Follow the steps for the Painted Snowman Coaster. Be sure to read the Notes regarding Krylon Brights.
2. Follow step 4 of the Construction Paper Snowman Coaster. Be sure to read the Notes regarding Liquitex Super Heavy Gel. The gel gives a nice durable gloss finish.

Tags: decoupage, kids’ crafts, Liquitex Super Heavy Gel, Christmas crafts, Krylon Brights, keepsake gift, Sharpie Permanent Markers, cork crafts

Cute Cork Coasters the Kids Can Make

Starting with Jenny’s ideas (see yesterday’s blog entry), I tested three versions: 1. construction paper with a protective coating; 2. paint and markers; and 3. paint and markers with a protective coating.

To make sure they would stand up to normal use, I ran both a heat and a moisture test. All three versions passed both tests.

Moisture test: I thoroughly moistened the top of each coaster, let sit for five minutes and wiped dry.

Heat test: I heated a saucepan of water to the steaming point, set it on each coaster and let sit for ten minutes. This is much hotter than a mug of coffee, though I don’t suggest the coaster be used as a hot pad for pots and pans.

Here’s a little ditty you might want to use for the gift card.

I made this snowman myself, you see.
When you lift your mug, you’ll think of me!

Come back tomorrow for directions for the construction paper snowman coaster shown above, as well as versions 2 and 3.

Tags: decoupage, kids’ crafts, Mod Podge, Christmas crafts, Christmas gift, keepsake gift, craft coasters, cork crafts