Badge: Christmas Crafts

Many Christmas crafts are making or decorating the symbols and shapes of the holiday. These same things can be used for decoration or inspiration.

Steps

1. Symbols.

The shapes and symbols of Christmas are numerous. Use these in your crafting to change a normal craft into a Christmas craft. Some of these include:

Candy cane
Christmas tree
Elves
Gift
Gingerbread
Holly
Mistletoe
Nativity
Nutcracker
Ornament
Poinsettia
Reindeer
Santa
Snowmen
Stocking

For a larger list, see the shapes and symbols supplement sheet that goes with this badge program.

2. Colors.

Traditionally, the colors for Christmas are red and green. However, the combination of blue and white is very popular. You can also find other color combinations to create your own unique style. Look at the colors of the season or your holiday theme and incorporate these into your crafting.

Crafting Time

3. Decor.

Need a little festive color? Make your own decorations! Start with the basics and then add some personalization or flair to the idea. You might choose to make:

Centerpiece
Holiday banner
Natural garland (popcorn, cranberries, etc.)
Ornaments
Paper chains
Snowflakes
Wreath
Yard decor

4. Ornaments.

There are so many ways you can make ornaments that we need additional badge programs for this step alone. Explore ornaments you can do as a family. The ornaments can be personalized by including names, years and more. Colors can be used to continue your style. Look at ornament ideas online and choose one to try.

5. Cards.

Christmas cards are a great way to let friends and family know you are thinking of them during the holidays. You can purchase or make cards. It you choose to make them, be sure you have enough time so you’re not stressed out by the experience. Explore cards others have made on Pinterest or other online sites. Pick a few people to send cards to this holiday season and do it.

6. Advent.

Counting down to Christmas can be fun – especially for kids. You can purchase a kit or make your own advent calendar. Items you can put in your calendar include:

Activities for the family
Candy
Gifts
Ornaments
Wishes or gratitude activities

Check out advent calendars and decide if you want to make one.

7. Houses.

While not a fan myself, many people love making gingerbread houses. I have seen some gorgeous ones. For little ones, you can start with graham crackers instead. Explore materials you need to make a gingerbread house. Collect the items and invite others to join you in creating their own houses.

8. Photos.

Use your family photos to help embellish your Christmas. A few starter ideas are below. Try one or come up with your own.

Calendar (following year)
Cards
Family trivia
Gift tags
Ornaments
Scrapbook page or album
Slideshow
Storytelling

9. Luminary.

While candles are popular, they aren’t always safe. Crafting with small strings of lights is a great way to create safer luminaries — such as putting them in a mason jar with potpourri so the scent releases with the heat of the lights. You can also use battery powered tea lights. Explore different ways to create safer luminaries.

10. Wrap.

You can purchase gift bags to make your life easier, however the expense for a single use is excessive. As a recycler, I can tell you storing all the bags may save money, but the containers holding them are an eyesore. Instead, create your own gift wrap and packaging using what you have from home. Newspaper (especially the comics), scrapbook paper and colored brown paper bags are a great way to start. Explore templates and tutorials online to find new ways to use the materials you have to create unique and fun wrapping options.

11. Package.

Have you made cookies in a jar? Or have you shared bags of reindeer poop? These items require basic skills to make and are enjoyed by the recipient. You merely have to collect the items and assemble. Look for items you can assemble and gift.

12. Simple.

You can craft simple gifts for friends and family like friendship bracelets, fleece blankets, containers of treats, wreaths and snowflakes. Look for simple gifts that you / your kids can make. Plan an afternoon of crafting fun and make gifts for friends and family.

13. Service.

You can also craft items to give as a service. Fleece hats, scarves and blankets are welcome at a homeless shelter. Adding decorative elements to socks adds a home touch to a purchased item. Want more ideas about serving others during the Christmas season? Check out the badge program specifically for “Christmas Service.”

14. Inspire.

Check out the sites below or collect Christmas craft projects you already have and become inspired to do even more art and crafts over the holidays. Relax and have fun!

Supplements

SUPP_Christmas Crafts_2in_12up_larajla

Avery 2” round label printable, 12 up

SUPP_Christmas Crafts_Checklist_larajla

Badge checklist

SUPP_Color Fun_ATC_Christmas_larajla

Christmas images to color, ATC-sized, 9

SUPP_Color Fun_Christmas_Bell_larajla

Christmas image to color, full page

SUPP_Color Fun_Christmas_Candy Cane_larajla

Christmas image to color, full page

SUPP_Color Fun_Christmas_Choir_larajla

Christmas image to color, full page

SUPP_Color Fun_Christmas_Orn I_larajla

Christmas image to color, full page

SUPP_Color Fun_Christmas_Snowflake_larajla

Christmas image to color, full page

SUPP_Color Fun_Christmas_Snowman_larajla

Christmas image to color, full page

SUPP_Color Fun_Christmas_Snowy House_larajla

Christmas image to color, full page

SUPP_Color Fun_Christmas_Stocking_larajla

Christmas image to color, full page

SUPP_Color Fun_Christmas_Tag_larajla

Christmas image to color, full page

SUPP_Printable_CONE_Christmas I_larajla

Red cone with white type

SUPP_Printable_CONE_Christmas II_larajla

Blue cone with white type

Sites to Explore

Get the infographic here > larajla blog post

Get the PDFs of the badge program / supplements here > Full badge PDFs