We are back again with another great grouping of crafts and recipes from our friend and fellow mom, Janine Hall! We’ve got more projects that are- as always- fairly simple, and most likely only require things we would have in our own homes or can easily acquire. Most of these items can be purchased at places like Walmart or Dollar Tree, and you can get creative with the materials you have at home!
Be sure to follow Janine on Instagram @janinehallknotslifemom for all sorts of fun, family-friendly content! If you end up making any of these crafts or treats, be sure to tag @bloomsburgkids and @janinehallknotslifemom; we’d love to see your cute creations and they just might be featured on our social media pages!
Popsicle Stick Ornaments and/or Magnets
Supply List:
•Popsicle sticks
•colored paint
•paint brushes
•glue or hot glue
•scrap ribbon & tinsel
•glitter mini trees
•glitter & poms
•mini polaroid camera if you have one
•magnets
To Make: paint the popsicle sticks and use glitter and glue to decorate. Glue the dried popsicle sticks together into various shapes (seen here- triangle and tiny houses, but you can do any shapes you like!) Once shapes are dried, decorate with more glitter, tiny trees, poms, ribbon, etc. Add photos if you have them, either from Polaroid or just cut printed pictures to fit! Affix magnets to the back with glue, or use ribbon or pipe cleaners glued into a hook at the top for an ornament.
Mom tip- so many of these items can be found affordably at Dollar Tree!
Reindeer Gift Bag
Everyone loves a handprint craft keepsake. Perfect for grandparents or teachers to add a little magic.
Supply List:
•plain paper gift bag
• brown washable paint
• brown pipe cleaners
•large pom
•scrap ribbon
•glue or hot glue
•black sharpie
•crinkle cut paper shreds or tissue paper
•printable tag (@the.letter.vee)
To Make: dip your kid’s hand into the brown paint, keeping their pointer and middle finger close and their ring and pinky finger close to get the gap in the middle of the antlers. Let the paint dry, then use the sharpie to draw on the eyes. Twist the pipe cleaner into antler shapes and glue into place. Glue the pom on for the nose. Tie the tag onto the bag with the scrap ribbon and stuff the top over the gift with tissue or crinkle paper.
Christmas Lights Strand Gift Bag
Another fun and easy gift bag idea is this little strand of lights using a sharpie and poms. I love the smallest size kraft bags for gift cards and having the kids make this is a nice personal touch.
Supply List:
•Brown paper kraft bag
•Black marker
•Scrap ribbon and bows
•Poms
•glue or hot glue
•printable tag (@the.letter.vee)
To Make: Draw a swirly/curly line with the marker to make the light string. Glue poms onto the string wherever you want. Tie the tag and bows onto the top/handle with the ribbon.
Paper Plate Christmas Trees
Supply List:
•white paper plate
•green paint
•scrap ribbon and tinsel
•sparkly stickers for decorations (stars, snowflakes, whatever you like!)
•sparkly cardstock or construction paper with glitter glued on
•glue or hot glue
•printable tag (@the.letter.vee)
This was a favorite craft from last year. A great inside day craft that can also be used as a gift. Simply add gift cards wrapped as little presents.
To Make: Take a paper plate and cut into 4 pieces (quarters). Paint the pieces and attach cut out decorations, or use stickers. Glue the pieces together in a tree shape (as shown). You can wrap in yarn or ribbon if desired. The trunk is made from sparkly cardstock, but you can also use glue and glitter on brown construction paper, or just leave it plain!
Rudolph Christmas Ornament
Supply List:
•clear plastic ornament
•thin black Sharpie
•scrap ribbon and bows
•white paint
•brown paint
•red sharpie
To Make: Take a clear plastic ornament and pour some white paint inside. Shake to coat inside. When dry, add the reindeer using your kid’s thumbprints and brown paint. Draw antlers and eyes in with a thin black Sharpie. Use the red Sharpie for the nose. Handmade ornaments add the perfect touch to packages and will be loved for years to come!
Reindeer Hot Cocoa and Marshmallow
‘Tis the season for hot chocolate! I added some reindeer marshmallows to this cup of cheer. Use storebought hot cocoa mix or homemade. Serve the cocoa in any festive mug you have on hand.
To make Rudolph marshmallow: Roll a large marshmallow in cocoa powder or hot chocolate mix. Make the antlers using pretzel sticks and melted almond bark or white chocolate. One little red nose (made from red circular/pearl shaped cupcake sprinkles) and you’re done!
Christmas Tree Apple Nachos
Oh Christmas Tree, apple nachos style! A festive after school snack or to add to the kids table during the holiday festivities.
To Make: Simply slice apples and layer to make a tree shape. Top with your favorite toppings. *Mom tip– drizzle the apples with honey or peanut butter first to help toppings stick!
This tree has dried cranberries, mini chocolate chips, almond slivers, coconut, cinnamon, and a few sprinkles. Use thin pretzel sticks to make the trunk, and a star anise for the star at the top. This is not only beautiful but you can customize with whatever toppings you would like!