I'm Dreaming of a DIY Christmas: Fun Christmas Crafts

Looking to tap into your crafty side this holiday season? We've got some fun and easy Christmas crafts that will keep everyone occupied and feeling the holiday cheer!

When I was a little girl, I used to be in a knock-off of Girl Scouts called Pioneer Girls. We didn't have enough discipline for Girl Scouts, nor were we interested in selling cookies. We mostly just wanted to sit around, wear fun uniforms, and craft. So thus, my love for Christmas crafts was born. Lightbulbs that looked like reindeer, coffee filter angels, and paper plate wreaths were all on the schedule for us. Three of the girls in my troop are still my best friends, so I'd venture to say that crafting creates a bond that lasts a lifetime.

Whether you're a casual crafter or a DIY veteran, here are some craft ideas that may help you keep busy during the holiday season.

• Paper Plate Christmas Tree: Paint a plate green, then cut into quarter wedges. Try to make a small, medium, and large wedge to create the effect of a tree that gets smaller toward the top. Decorate with pom-poms, pipe cleaners, and fun ribbon!
• Yarn-Wrapped Christmas Tree: I love this one because yarn always creates fun textures and colors. Start with a cardboard triangle for your base, and tie the yarn to the middle of the triangle. Add a little glue to secure the yarn. Add a generous amount of white school glue on one side of the triangle, then start wrapping the yarn around all three sides. When you're satisfied with the result, tie a knot in the yarn and secure it with glue. Add some pom-poms for ornaments and a star.
• Handprint Christmas Wreath: This one is a classic. I can't tell you how many handprint wreaths I've made in my lifetime...let's just say quite a few. It's perfect for the fridge or even your kid's bedroom door! Use green paint to make your child's handprint, then cut each one out. Or, you could trace their hand on green paper, then cut out the outline. Take the handprints and glue them onto a paper plate ring base. Paint their thumbs red and make red dots for cute little holly berries. Finish it off with a red paper bow, or even a real one with some leftover ribbon!

• DIY Snowglobe: Why buy one when you can make a custom snowglobe? I made one of these one year and used my friend's college as the background with a Christmas tree in the center. You'll need a mason jar, water, clear glue, silver glitter, and any object you'd like secured to the center. To your mason jar, add 2 oz of clear glue and one cup of warm water, then stir. Hot glue your object to the underside of the mason jar lid, so when you flip the mason jar, the object will be upright. Place the object/lid facedown on the mason jar, then seal the lid very tightly. Note: Instead of glue and water, you can also use baby oil.
• Grinch Slime: Does slime count as a craft? We're not entirely sure, but since you make it yourself, I would argue it does. For Christmas, make some "grinch" slime made with green glitter.
• No-Sew Snowman Socks: Do you have old socks who have lost their partners? Turn them into adorable snowmen! First, cut off the top of the sock from the foot. Turn the sock inside out and attach a rubber band tightly to the top. Then, turn the sock right-side out again. Fill the sock with rice, making sure to pack it down, so you get a round base on the bottom. Rubber band the top of the sock closed and put another rubber band 3/4 of the way to the top for the snowman's head. Now, tie a scarf around his neck and add eyes, nose, and buttons! You could even use the toe of your cut socks to make an adorable stocking cap.
• Salt Dough or Cinnamon Dough Christmas Ornaments: Salt dough ornaments couldn't be easier or more convenient to create. All you'll need to make these cute holiday-themed shapes is salt, flour, and water. For the cinnamon dough, you'll need 1 cup ground cinnamon, 1/2 cup applesauce, 1/2 cup white school glue, and a small bowl of water. Check out this tutorial.

• Pinecone Reindeer: Add a red pom-pom to the pointy end for a nose, googly eyes, and gold pipe cleaner antlers; you have a cute little reindeer! Attach it to a string or ribbon for a cute ornament!
• Woodland Ornament: This one's easy enough that you can make with the kids — not to mention it makes for some great nature-inspired decor. Just grab some twigs, then use glue and embroidery thread to make some creative patterns and shapes (like trees, stars, or snowflakes!).
• Pinecone Christmas tree: This is an easy Christmas craft because the pinecone is already in the shape of a Christmas tree. Just paint it green, add some mini pom-poms for ornaments, one big, yellow pom-pom for a star, and you're set!
• Citrus Garland: This is a hot trend this year, and it's all over our Instagram feed. Dried orange slices garnish fresh greenery for a fun and colorful look that will smell amazing! Place racks in the top and bottom thirds of the oven; preheat to 200°F. Line 2 baking sheets with foil; mist with cooking spray. Using a serrated knife, slice the oranges very thinly. Place the citrus on the pans, 3 inches apart; sprinkle with superfine sugar. Bake, rotating the baking sheets every hour, until the slices are dry, 2 to 2 1/2 hours. Watch closely during the last hour to be sure that the slices don’t burn. These Christmas decorations are perfect for a garland, a wreath, or even Christmas tree ornaments.

Whether you're the DIY expert or a crafting newbie, we hope you found something that sparked your imagination! Don't forget to share your crafting creations with the ones you love on FamilyApp!