by Angie Pollock

Created on: October 11, 2009   Last Updated: January 10, 2010

Kid's craft projects shouldn't be difficult to create. Luckily there are many easy child craft projects that can be created during the holidays. These Christmas crafts are not only simple to put together, they are inexpensive since most of the items used can be found right in your own home.

Holiday Paper Tubes

These simple and clever tubes can be used as napkin holders in place of napkin rings or you can wrap the silverware in the napkins and place them in the holders. These will add a festive touch to your holiday dinner table and children will love adding their unique touch to the festivities.

Paper tubes from paper towels, toilet paper, aluminum foil and/or cling wrap

Wrapping paper

Spray adhesive or glue

Scissors

*Cut tubes to desired length being extra careful not to smash the tubes.

*Cut wrapping paper in strips that are approximately 1/4 to 1/2 inch longer than the tubes and long enough to wrap around them. You can use pinking shears to give the edge (one that will be seen on the outside roll) a fun look.

*Spray the tubes with adhesive glue or apply a light layer of glue. (may need done by an adult)

*Lay the roll on the wrong side of the wrapping paper and roll the paper around the tube. If you didn't use pinking shears, fold the edge of the paper under to create a smooth and tidy edge.

*Place small snips along the edge of the paper (ends to be rolled in) so they will fold down inside the tube neatly. Put a light amount of glue inside the tube ends and fold down the paper inside.

For an added touch, you can wrap ribbon around the tube and tie into a bow. These unique rolls can be used to hold small gifts. Simple wrap your gift in some tulle or several layers of tissue paper, tie off your gift with some ribbon, and place inside the roll. Use some fabric on the ends and secure with ribbon wrapped around the material to hold your gift inside. This is a special touch for small stocking stuffers.

Stick Frame

If children can break twigs and glue, they can definitely make this fun craft project. This craft idea can be used for any holiday or as a project for gift giving.

Corrugated cardboard

Christmas cards

Thin twigs (approximately the diameter of pretzel sticks)

Ribbon to make a bow and embellishments (optional)

Glue

*Have children choose a Christmas card that can be framed. Preferably one that has a picture scene in the center of the card. Cut the scene out where you have a perfect square, 4" x 4" works well but it will depend upon the scene.

*Cut the cardboard 2 inches wider than the card on all sides

*Break twigs into pieces that are just slightly over 2 inches. The twigs need to be as close as possible to the same length so that you have a fairly smooth edge to your frame.

*Working with small areas, place glue on the cardboard and place twigs on the glue.

*Once your framed card is completed, you can decorate with a ribbon bow and holiday embellishments.

An even simpler way to frame the card is by using Popsicle sticks. The sticks can be adorned with sequins, glitter, or even buttons in holiday colors. Attach yarn to the back with craft glue or a hot glue gun for hanging.

These easy Christmas crafts are perfect for a class of children or simply to entertain the kids during the holiday break. Not only are they fun for kids of almost any age, they are inexpensive. Remember to date the child's craft project so that you will always remember when the item was made. You certainly will be enjoying these handmade craft projects for years to come.

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