Some Fun Holiday Crafts
By Sherril Steele-Carlin
These fun and simple craft projects are fun at any time of the year, and they are so simple, the entire family can share and enjoy their creation!
Clay Ornaments
- 4 c. all-purpose flour
- 1 c. salt
- 1 1/2 c. cold water
- Christmas cookie cutters
- Shellac
- Ribbons for hangers
Mix flour and salt together. Slowly add water while stirring with a fork until soft dough forms. Turn out on lightly floured surface and knead until smooth, adding a small amount of water or flour, if needed. Roll dough on a floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut with cookie cutters. Place ornaments 1-inch apart on ungreased baking sheet. Punch "hanging holes" with a drinking straw. Bake in a preheated 300-degree oven for 30 to 45 minutes. Baking time will vary with size of ornaments. When completely cool, you may paint ornaments with Tempera paints or leave natural. Coat with shellac. Note: Dough will keep indefinitely if stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Cinnamon Christmas Ornaments
- 3/4-1 c. applesauce
- 1 (4.12 oz.) bottle ground cinnamon
Mix applesauce and cinnamon together to form a stiff dough. Roll out to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut with cookie cutters. Punch a hanging hole for ribbon with a drinking straw. Carefully place on rack to dry. Let air dry several days, turning occasionally. If you prefer they may be baked at 150 degrees for 5-6 hours. These are not only pretty to hang on the tree, they smell wonderful!
Cookie Dough Ornaments
- 1 c. salt
- 2 c. flour
- 1 c. water
Mix together salt and flour and add water a little at a time. Knead dough 7 to 10 minutes until dough is smooth and elastic. Roll dough 1/4-inch thick and then use cookie cutters. Cut hole for hanging in top of cookie, use a drinking straw for easy cutting. Bake at 325 degrees until light brown (about 1/2 hour). First color with bright magic markers when cool and then varnish (can use spray varnish).
Card Holder
- Large poster board (green)
- Small poster board (yellow)
- Large colored clothespins or paper clips
- Glue
- Ribbon
- Scissors
- Heavy tape
- Hole punch
Cut green triangle (tree) and star (yellow) out of poster board. Glue star on top of tree, and paper clips where desired. Let dry. Punch hole through poster board where star and tree meet. Loop ribbon through hole and tie a knot. Hang on a hook or attach to refrigerator with heavy tape. Attach Christmas cards with paper clips. You could also do similar hangers for other holidays, or to hang children's art projects on the fridge.