by Corrine White

Created on: December 09, 2008   Last Updated: October 30, 2010

Christmas is my 3 year old sons favorite time of year. The best way to keep him occupied this year is with lots of fun things to do. I have been learning so many fun crafty things to do with him. Turn on that cheerful Christmas music and have fun trying these great crafts with your children.

Glitter Yarn Ornaments:

What You Will Need:

craft glue

water

1" paint brush

fine glitter (any colors to match your decor)

ball of white yarn (any thickness will do)

package of water balloons

wooden clothes pins (kind that you have to squeeze to open)

Instructions:

*mix 1/3 parts water to 2/3 parts glue

*blow up balloons just enough to make an almost perfect circle

*tie yarn around the tied part of the balloon making sure the yarn is on the under side of the knot in the balloon

*dab a small amount of glue mixture to the bottom side of the balloon

*wrap the yarn around the balloon in all different directions until the whole shape of the balloon is covered

*very gently paint over the yarn with the glue mixture

*use a clothes pin to hang the balloon on something to dry (a blowdryer will speed the process)

*be sure the covered balloon is fully dried before you try the next step (2-3 hours should be fine)

*use a sharp pin to pop the balloon

*the yarn form you now have is your ornament

*use tweezers to remove any balloon pieces remaining in the ornament

*paint the ornament with the glue mixture

*sprinkle the ornament with the fine glitter and let dry for another 2-3 hours

*string your ornament and hang from your tree

I learned about the yarn ornaments from Martha Stewart tonight while I was watching television. I tried it and it came out great.

Hand Print Wreath

What you will need:

Paper plate

Green construction paper

Scissors

Glue

Instructions:

*trace you child's hand several times on the green paper and cut them all out

*cut the center of the paper plate out but do not discard (I use them for the next project)

*glue the hands all the way around the plate making a wreath

*attach a ribbon or hook and hang anywhere

Christmas Ornament Pitcure Frame:

What you will need:

the center part of the paper plate you cut out from the project above

small photo of your child

glitter, sequins, colored noodles, etc.

Instructions:

*glue a small picture of your child to the center of the paper plate you cut out from the project above

*spread glue on the remaining surface surrounding the photo

*decorate with you glitter, colored noodled, etc.

*add a ribbon and hang anywhere

Well I sure enjoyed making these projects with my child and I hope you enjoy them also. Happy Holidays from my family to yours!

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