Back by popular demand, we’ve got another great grouping of crafts and recipes from our local friend and fellow mom, Janine Hall! We’ve got more projects that are- as always- fairly simple, and most likely only require things we would have in our own homes or can easily acquire. Most of these items can be purchased at places like Walmart, Michael’s, or Dollar Tree, and you can get creative with the materials you have at home!
Be sure to follow Janine on Instagram @janinehallknotslifemom for all sorts of fun, family-friendly content! If you end up making any of these crafts or treats, be sure to tag @susquehannakids and @janinehallknotslifemom; we’d love to see your cute creations and they just might be featured on our social media pages!
Cinnamon Applesauce Ornaments
Every year we make a batch of cinnamon applesauce ornaments for the tree, to add to garlands, and to top gifts during the holiday season. An easy activity for all and your house will smell amazing!
Supply List:
•1 c. cinnamon
•3/4 c. applesauce
•2 tbsp. glue
•ribbon, yarn, or string
•flour (for dusting to give a “snowy look”)
To Make: Mix all ingredients together, knead a few times until a smooth dough forms. Roll out to 1/4 thick and cut out shapes with your favorite cookie cutters. Allow to dry 24-48 hours; or bake at 200 degrees for a few hours. Flip a few times to help with drying. String with favorite ribbon or yarn.
Reindeer Gift Bag
Everyone loves a handprint craft keepsake. Perfect for grandparents or teachers to add a little magic.
Supply List:
•plain paper gift bag
• brown washable paint
• brown pipe cleaners
•large pom
•scrap ribbon
•glue or hot glue
•black sharpie
•crinkle cut paper shreds or tissue paper
•printable tag (@the.letter.vee)
To Make: Dip your kid’s hand into the brown paint, keeping their pointer and middle finger close and their ring and pinky finger close to get the gap in the middle of the antlers. Let the paint dry, then use the sharpie to draw on the eyes. Twist the pipe cleaner into antler shapes and glue into place. Glue the pom on for the nose. Tie the tag onto the bag with the scrap ribbon and stuff the top over the gift with tissue or crinkle paper.
Christmas Lights Strand Gift Bag
Another fun and easy gift bag idea is this little strand of lights using a sharpie and poms. I love the smallest size kraft bags for gift cards and having the kids make this is a nice personal touch.
Supply List:
•Brown paper kraft bag
•Black marker
•Scrap ribbon and bows
•Poms
•glue or hot glue
•printable tag (@the.letter.vee)
To Make: Draw a swirly/curly line with the marker to make the light string. Glue poms onto the string wherever you want. Tie the tag and bows onto the top/handle with the ribbon.
Wooden Christmas Tree Ornaments
The past few years, my kids have made ornaments for their classmates. The Dollar Tree is a great place to find packs of these wood ornaments for a fun family painting night.
Supply List:
•Blank wooden ornaments (experiment with other shapes, if you prefer!)
•Colored acrylic paint
•Paint brushes
•String to make hooks for hanging
•Tinsel string or other optional decorative details
To Make: Paint each ornament however you and your kids like! Add optional decorative details with glue or hot glue. Tie hooks with string or yarn.
DIY Taylor Swift Ornament
Make together with your favorite Swifties or attach to a gift like I am going to do for my little Swiftie.
Supply List:
•Clear plastic ornament (try Dollar Tree)
•Glitter & sequins
•Yarn of choice or Era’s wristband
•Homemade friendship bracelets (make using jewelry making kits from any craft store)
To Make: Place all items inside ornament, replace topper, and done!
Reindeer Hot Cocoa and Marshmallow
‘Tis the season for hot chocolate! I added some reindeer marshmallows to this cup of cheer. Use store-bought hot cocoa mix or homemade. Serve the cocoa in any festive mug you have on hand.
To make Rudolph marshmallow: Roll a large marshmallow in cocoa powder or hot chocolate mix. Make the antlers using pretzel sticks and melted almond bark or white chocolate. One little red nose (made from red circular/pearl shaped cupcake sprinkles) and you’re done!
Christmas Tree Apple Nachos
Oh Christmas Tree, apple nachos style! A festive after school snack or to add to the kids table during the holiday festivities.
To Make: Simply slice apples and layer to make a tree shape. Top with your favorite toppings. *Mom tip– drizzle the apples with honey or peanut butter first to help toppings stick!
This tree has dried cranberries, mini chocolate chips, almond slivers, coconut, cinnamon, and a few sprinkles. Use thin pretzel sticks to make the trunk, and a star anise for the star at the top. This is not only beautiful but you can customize with whatever toppings you would like!