by Tina Shelnutt

Created on: December 06, 2009

Even in the midst of financial hardship you can still find fun, inexpensive crafts for the little ones to make. Some of the most treasured gifts are made from things around the house and a little imagination. Give a child a piece of paper and some crayons and they will create a masterpiece in a matter of minutes. Try some of the following ideas for your children.

Ornaments:

1. Christmas Cards: Every year I save the christmas cards we received and pull them out when its time to start decorating again. Regardless of the age of your child, they can participate in this activity. Cut off the front of a christmas card. With a hole punch you can put a hole at the top and run some string or yarn through it. If the child is old enough, they can trim around the shapes or decoration on the card and add a little sparkle to it with glitter and glue. On the back they can write a little note to the receiver of this ornament or just sign it.They love to hang them on the tree and give them out when people come to visit.

2. Pictures: Take a lid from a mayonnaise or like size jar and trace out the circle of it on card stock, construction paper or other material. Let the kids pick out a picture of themselves and cut it to fit inside the circle. Paste or glue the picture to the circle and use a hole punch for the string or yarn to hang it. Use strips of yarn, cotton balls, glitter, ribbon, etc. to trim.

Decals:

1. Have your child draw a picture, whatever they like. Scan or take a picture of it and load it into your computer. Print it onto a T-Shirt Decal/Heat Press Sheet (you can buy them at Walmart in the office supply or computer supply section). Follow the instructions on the package and iron the decal onto a t-shirt, pillow etc. Wrap and give as gifts.

2. Another great decal type of gift is a table cloth which you have pressed the pictures of the family onto. You will want the table cloth to be 50/50 Cotton Blend or 100% Cotton. You can also get material for $1.00 a yard at Walmart. Take two yards and press the decals on it, trim the edges to allow for the kids to tie little knots all the way around the material. Sizes may vary depending on the size you need.

Fun creations make for fun times with the kids; And the memorie's will last forever. Have fun and Have an Awesome Holiday!

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