skip to main content

Looking for Multi-Age Christmas Craft Project

14 years ago

My 87 year old Mother is coming for a visit -- I have a teenage boy and a 4th grader -- we want to spend a day making Christmas/winter crafts because this is the last time we'll see her before the holidays. We need something relatively easy - but not "corny" or TOO easy..... especially interested in snowmen, reindeer, snowflakes....decorations or ornaments... any ideas? TIA

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (6)

luvstocraft
14 years ago
Hi Blueiris, Welcome to the Holiday forum. Did you see our post on here about the trash bag wreaths? They are really pretty for Christmas if made using the white bags. Your teenager would probably love doing the cutting while Gma and the 4th grader put them on the wire hanger and then all three could add decorations. Let me know if you'd like the link to the tutorial for making them.

Then there are lots of free craft sites on the web. Here's one you might want to start with. It has lots of links to more.

Hope you all have fun making memories together. ;o)

Luvs

Here is a link that might be useful: free craft patterns
blueiris24
Original Author
14 years ago
Thanks Luvs yes I would love a link to the tutorial. I know there are lots of craft sites out there, but I was hoping the members here could give me some tried and true ideas that didn't involve too many very refined motor skills.... thanks again, any other ideas?.....
Related Discussions
Want to share Christmas crafting ideas?
Q
Comments (33)
Sure, caanei, I'm just not sure how well I can explain it. Decide on tail length, and if you want more 2 or 4 tails. If you want two, leave a single length before starting the loops. At the end you'll leave another length which will become the 2nd tail. If you want 4, then start with a big loop which will later be cut to make tails, and you'll finish with another big loop which will become tails 3 and 4. There is, of course, option here for many tails and I often will use a 5th. So with the big length hanging down, now make the 1st loop which will become the bow. Pinch and wrap twice with 24 gauge wire, Make another loop, pinch into place and wrap with wire and tighten. This will be the centre of the bow. I hold the tails in my right hand with my baby and ring finger, pinch with my thumb and forefinger, and lay the paddle wire over the back of my pinching hand. The other hand works the loops. Then just keep making the loops, working around the first two loops, pinching into place and wrapping tight with wire. With 2.5" ribbon, 7-9 loops makes a pretty nice sized bow. Narrower ribbon requires more loops. I like smaller looped bows better than long but that's just my preference. At the end, leave a length for the 2nd tail (or a big loop for the 3rd & 4th tail, or a loop and a length for 5 tails). Give it a final 2 wraps of wire and tighten. Fluff starting from the middle and work out. Cut the big loops to make the tails. And that's it - hope I explained it well enough.
...See More
Ideas for a craft project - tricky parameters
Q
Comments (26)
Eandhl, that sounds a little bit like a christmas ornament? Am I visualizing it correctly? Bumblebeeze, Deee, Yes, if you don't have kids youve probably never heard of it but duct tape is big! Thanks for the link. Deee -- all the traditional stuff I can think of, I don't think they will find too exciting. ANd without language skills to give in context, not sure ... Bumblebeez --- beads, great idea!!m ooh and glitter! Maire -- yes, i thought I should do that too. Patty -- I see your point, but perhaps they already do enough of that. ANd frankly it takes more skill to pull that off! At this point, I am thinking I will give my school contact a choice of four from: Origami (my son is really good at this so I think we will def do this) Duct tape pencil flowers (my one daughter has done these and they are cute and functional) Beading Marbleized paper, maybe for bookmarks Snowflakes with glitter Baseball hat painting Thumbprint painting Thanks all!
...See More
I'm looking for a Christmas Craft project again!
Q
Comments (15)
And then there are the cinnamon dough ornaments. We made these at a Sernior Center a couple of times. Easy to do and nice results. Just make sure you have a variety of cookie cutters and ribbon and some paints Preferably white for a frosting look Ingredients: 3/4 - 1 cup (cheap) applesauce One 4.12oz bottle ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon of white glue (the school kind) Tools needed: Rolling pin or a glass Cookie cutters Straw or toothpick Wire rack Method: Combine the applesauce, cinnamon and glue to form a stiff dough. Roll out to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut with a cookie cutter. Make a hole for a ribbon with a straw. Place on a wire rack and let dry for several days, turning occasionally. A Waxed paper lined box can be used to tote home and they keep (dried out) for years and smell good every year.
...See More
Finishing up a Christmas craft project
Q
Comments (20)
Thanks for the great idea! I may make one for our new house. We're moving to a place where people will actually be able to see our Christmas decorations as opposed to the deadend street we live on now. lol
...See More
blueiris24
Original Author
14 years ago
I just realized after I already posted that my Mom would probably really like something along those lines - she lives in a retirement community and loves to hang new and/or seasonal items on her door, so it would be fun to send her back with something we all helped make that she could use for her door.
luvstocraft
14 years ago
Here's the link for the tutorial using the bags. Remember you can do it with any color bag you want.

Also, you might look at Cindy's post of the wreaths she made--you might like the one she made for Halloween with a spray painted vine wreath.

Hope you all have a great time together.

Luvs

Here is a link that might be useful: tutorial on bag wreaths
riverdragonfly
14 years ago
Go Green and make fire starters; Collect pinecones (parks, even a stranger loves to have them picked-up), melt old candles outside (i have a burner on mine and collect candles from friends and garage sales). dip ends of pinecones a couple times (loop a string around end to stay away from hot wax), sets fast. Put in a basket, decorated box, get fancy and sew a bag. Takes 1 or 2 to start a fire. These replace using firestarters...Go Green!
luvstocraft
14 years ago
Riverdragonfly, it's great to go green, but fire and hot wax are probably not a good idea for a four year old, a teenager, and an 87 yr. old Grandmother! Those little four year olds move pretty fast and we sure wouldn't want a crafting project to turn into a disaster. Luvs

Related Stories

UNIVERSAL DESIGN 12 Must-Haves for Aging in Place

By Affecting Spaces Design Studio

Design a home that will continue to be accessible, safe and stylish as the years go by

KITCHEN DESIGN 10 Ways to Design a Kitchen for Aging in Place

Design choices that prevent stooping, reaching and falling help keep the space safe and accessible as you get older

CHRISTMAS 4 Rustic, Romantic Christmas Ornaments to Craft in Minutes

By Holly Marder

Make these deceptively easy paper ornaments with the kids or savor some solo crafting time

BASEMENTS Basement of the Week: Fun for All Ages in Connecticut

By Becky Harris

Crafts, wine, billiards and ... soccer? Yup, this tricked-out family basement has room for all that and more

Guest Picks: Advent Calendars for All Ages

By Brittany Egbert

Treats for each day until Christmas hide inside, but these charming calendars are a decorative treat for walls or tables too

CRAFTSMAN DESIGN Bungalows: Domestic Design at the Dawn of the Auto Age

By Bud Dietrich, AIA

Craftsman details, open floor plans and detached garages make the bungalow-style home an enduring favorite

LIFE Thank U 4 the Gr8 Gift: How to Send Thanks in the Digital Age

By Laura Gaskill

We click open invitations and RSVP via text, but a handwritten thank-you is sometimes still best. Here's how to tell

CRAFTS Enjoy a High-Contrast Holiday With These DIY Projects

By Corynne Pless

Try a few fun gift tags, classic ornaments and gift wrap ideas in stylish black and white

HANUKKAH Sweeten Your Hanukkah With a Dessert Table for All Ages

Homemade treats and creative thinking amp up a crafter's holiday table that you can easily re-create

PRODUCT PICKS Guest Picks: Mobiles for All Ages

By Danyelle Mathews

Mobiles can delight in more rooms than just nurseries. These sculptural art pieces are a visual treat anywhere in the home

Sponsored

Castle Wood Carpentry, Inc

1 Review

Custom Craftsmanship & Construction Solutions in Franklin County

More Discussions

truly special gifts. . .

28