Kid-Made Christmas Ornaments: Fun and Easy DIY Holiday Crafts

As winter settles in and the enchanting aroma of cinnamon and pine fills our home, I find myself transfixed by the twinkling lights outside. The excitement about the upcoming holidays is palpable — the warmth of family traditions, the heartwarming stories from my parents about their childhood Christmases, and the laughter that erupts between my two kids, ages 8 and 12, as we embark on our festive projects. Each year, we gather around our kitchen table, clad in our comfiest holiday sweaters, ready to create magical decorations. This is not just about adorning the tree; it’s a cherished time for us to bond, showing them the joys of creativity while passing on traditions that have meant so much to me.

Let’s dive into some festive and fun crafting ideas to make your home feel extra special this holiday season. These kid-made Christmas ornaments not only add that personal touch to your decorations but also create wonderful memories you’ll treasure forever.

1. Salt Dough Ornaments: Timeless Treasures

One of the first crafts we always create as a family is salt dough ornaments. Simple and straightforward, this timeless activity has a way of bringing out everyone’s creativity. With just three ingredients – flour, salt, and water – you can create dough that’s moldable and easy for kids to shape into their favorite holiday designs.

Recipe and Tips

To make the salt dough, mix 2 cups of flour, 1 cup of salt, and 1 cup of water in a bowl until it forms a clay-like consistency. Knead until smooth. Roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thick, and let your kids use cookie cutters to create shapes like stars, Christmas trees, or gingerbread men. Don’t forget to make a small hole at the top for hanging!

Once baked at 200°F (about 1-2 hours), the possibilities are endless. Let the kids paint their creations, adding glitter, sequins, or even pressed leaves for a touch of nature! These ornaments can become cherished keepsakes, and each year as you hang them up, you’ll be reminded of the laughter shared during their creation.

2. Upcycled Ornaments: Eco-Friendly Festivity

As a family who appreciates the beauty of being sustainable, we often look for creative ways to upcycle items around the house. This holiday season, turn ordinary items into extraordinary decorations that make an eco-friendly statement.

How-To Guide

Empty toilet paper rolls, bottle caps, and fabric scraps can become delightful ornaments with just a bit of imagination. For instance, toilet paper rolls can be painted and cut into rings, which you can then glue together to form festive shapes like wreaths.

Another favorite is to create “Pinecone Friends.” Use collected pinecones as a base, attaching googly eyes, pipe cleaners, and acorns to create charming characters. We’ve had a blast giving these little creatures names and stories about their adventures.

By involving the kids in research and materials gathering locally, you instill in them an appreciation for the environment while making beautiful decorations that are meaningful and unique.

3. Photo Ornaments: Memories in the Making

One of the sweetest crafts we’ve done involves turning our cherished family photographs into ornaments. It’s a beautiful way to share fond memories with friends and family during festive gatherings.

Craft Steps

To create these ornaments, print photos of your family from past Christmases. You can choose to mount the photos on cardboard circles or cut them into fun shapes. To add flair, we like to embellish them with some glitter or ribbon around the edges.

Use a glue stick to stick the photo on a piece of cardboard and seal it with a layer of decoupage glue to give it a glossy finish. Finally, attach a string for hanging, and voila! As you adorn the tree with these little snapshots, you can’t help but smile at the memories each ornament evokes.

4. Painted Wooden Ornaments: A Splash of Color

If you’re looking for a craft that combines fun and fine motor skills, painted wooden ornaments might just be the answer. These can be found at craft stores or even online, and their versatility makes them perfect for customization.

Crafty Ideas

Let your kids unleash their artistic side: use acrylic paint, markers, or even stamp sets featuring festive designs. While painting, my children often come up with funny names for each ornament, inspired by their designs. For example, an adorable snowman might get dubbed “Chilly Charlie,” bringing even more customization to our decor.

Once painted, sprinkle a bit of glitter for that holiday sparkle and finish with a protective topcoat. The beauty of this project is that they double as gifts for relatives, making it a win-win for a beautiful holiday season.

5. Beaded Ornaments: Sparkling Creations

Beaded crafts have always been a delight in our household, bringing hours of focused activity filled with giggles and stories. Creating beaded ornaments can be both a tactile and colorful experience as your children design their creations.

Instructions and Inspiration

Provide a variety of beads in seasonal colors – think reds, greens, blues, and golds. Pipe cleaners work wonderfully as a base; simply let your child string the beads in various patterns. Twisting and bending the pipe cleaners into shapes such as candy canes, stars, or simple wreaths adds another level to this craft.

We often turn this into a lesson in colors and patterns, and it’s amazing to see the creativity and skill my kids show each year. Handing these ornaments out lets them feel proud about their handcrafted gifts — a wonderful way to spread holiday cheer.

Conclusion

So there you have it — a collection of joyous crafts to fill your home with laughter and love this holiday season. Take these ideas and let your children’s creativity shine, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Remember, the beauty of these kid-made ornaments lies not just in their charm, but in the stories they tell and the memories they evoke. As you hang these heartfelt creations, transport yourself back to the moments spent crafting together. Embrace the warmth of your home styled with festive inspiration that truly reflects your family’s story. Happy crafting!

Crafting a Dried Orange Christmas Hanging Mobile

The holiday season is a time filled with joy, warmth, and a sprinkle of creativity. As we prepare our homes for festive gatherings and cozy nights by the fire, it’s the little touches that make the biggest impact. One delightful and eye-catching addition to your holiday decor is a dried orange hanging mobile. This charming piece not only infuses your space with a hint of seasonal color and fragrance but also brings a touch of rustic elegance. Let’s explore how to create your own stunning dried orange mobile, along with some tips to enhance your holiday décor and elevate your home styling.

Gather Your Supplies

Before diving into the creative process, it’s essential to gather your materials. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

Fresh oranges (the size and quantity depend on how large you want your mobile)
Sharp knife
Baking sheet
String or twine
Scissors
Natural elements (like cinnamon sticks, dried herbs, or pinecones)
Optional: essential oils (for added scent)

Start by choosing vibrant, blemish-free oranges. Their bright color will pop against the backdrop of wintery whites and greens in your home. As you prepare for this fun DIY project, imagine where you plan to hang your mobile—perhaps over a dining table or in a cozy corner.

Prepare the Dried Oranges

The first step in your festive journey is dehydrating the oranges. This process not only preserves the fruit but also makes for a stunning visual element. Preheat your oven to 175°F (or 80°C). Slice the oranges into 1/4-inch thick rounds, making sure to keep the slices even for uniform drying. Spread them out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they don’t touch.

Allow them to bake for 4 to 6 hours, flipping the slices every hour or so. The oranges should be completely dried, but keep an eye on them to avoid burning. You might consider this a great opportunity to enjoy a warm beverage while you wait—get comfy and let the delicious aroma waft through your home.

Assembling Your Mobile

Once your orange slices are dried, it’s time to assemble the mobile. Measure how long you want each strand to be, which will depend on where you intend to hang your creation. Cut lengths of twine or string, making them slightly longer than your desired height to allow for knots and adjustments.

Take one dried orange slice and thread it onto the string, securing it with a knot at the bottom. Continue adding slices, alternating them with natural elements such as cinnamon sticks or even sprigs of rosemary. This not only enhances the mobile visually but infuses your space with a delightful festive scent.

Example: Create Layers

If you’re feeling adventurous, create layers in your mobile! You can make two or three strands of different lengths and group them together. This adds depth and dimension to your hanging mobile, making it an eye-catching piece of seasonal decor.

Adding Personal Touches

To make your hanging mobile uniquely yours, consider incorporating personalized elements. You might add small wooden ornaments, handmade paper stars, or even dried flowers. The beauty of crafting holiday decorations is in the individuality you can express!

Consider creating a memory garland by integrating small notes or tags with meaningful memories tied to the oranges. For instance, jot down a cherished moment from the past year or plans for the upcoming year. This adds not only beauty but also a heartfelt connection to your holiday decor.

Tip: Use Dried Citrus Varieties

While oranges are a fantastic option, don’t hesitate to mix it up with other dried citrus fruits like lemons or limes. The varying colors and textures will create a beautiful contrast and make your mobile visually stunning. Each slice brings with it a little sparkle to your festive inspiration!

Finding the Perfect Hanging Spot

Once you’ve assembled your mobile, it’s time to choose the best spot to showcase your creation. Think about spaces that will allow others to appreciate it while also creating a cozy atmosphere in your home.

One popular location is above a dining table where family and friends gather. The mobile can serve as a beautiful focal point during festive meals, enhancing the ambiance of your holiday gatherings. Alternatively, you could hang it near a window, letting natural light accentuate the colors and designs of your mobile. Imagine the way the sunlight dances through the dried oranges, creating a warm, inviting glow in your home.

Enjoying and Maintaining Your Creation

After all your hard work, it’s essential to step back and admire your unique holiday décor. The dried orange mobile should last well throughout the season if properly maintained. To keep it fresh, occasionally spritz a bit of essential oil onto the slices, or simply enjoy the organic scent of the oranges as they naturally dry.

If you notice some fading after several weeks, that’s entirely normal. Celebrate the changes as part of the mobile’s journey. Every mark and shift in color tells a story, just like the holiday season itself.

Conclusion

Creating a dried orange hanging mobile is a joyful endeavor that brings a touch of holiday spirit into your home. It’s not just about the final product; it’s about the process itself—engaging your creativity, enjoying quality time with family, and adding personal touches that reflect your unique style. As you hang your beautiful creation, you fill your space with warmth, nostalgia, and cheer. So gather your supplies, get crafting, and make this season a memorable one filled with fragrant joy and festive inspiration! Embrace the beauty of seasonal decor, and let your home shine bright throughout the holidays.