I always try to have craft projects lined up for Christmas break. I find that my children have a difficult time transitioning from having hours of school work to hours of free time. Crafts this year will be a little simpler, but even more fun, because Rew is finally old enough to join in.
The snowflakes at the top of this post were made with cardboard tubes! The only thing you might have to buy to make these snow flakes with your kids is pipe cleaners. Here are the directions for these retro snowflakes. For more elegant snowflakes, that only require paper, scissors, and tape, visit TAD Town.
These adorable penguins are made using empty soda and water bottles. The hats and scarves are made from old socks. The other items are easily found, and may already be in your craft cupboard. The directions call for you to put sand in the bottom for stability, but I think you could use water instead. Click here to view the directions for the penguin craft .
My husband bought not one, but two packages of white coffee filters on a BOGO sale. He was very proud of himself, so I just could not bring myself to tell him that I only use unbleached coffee filters, and instead started looking for ways that I could put the bleached filters to use. I plan on using quite a few of them to make these snowflakes, as well as the angel pictured above.
More Frugal Christmas Ideas:
How to Make a Reusable Gift Box
Homemade Candy and Fudge Recipes
Do you have any craft projects planned?
Vickie's Michigan Garden (my backyard) says
Alea,
I love all your ideas -put the coffee filter angels spoke to my heart-Bat bought the wrong ones (wrong size) like your husband so this is a great idea.
vickie
Alea says
You have to love helpful husbands though! Be sure to check out the snowflakes using coffee filter. They are quite elegant. After you are done cutting them out, you spray them with corn starch and then iron them.
My daughter has a friend from college who is coming over to make snowflakes and sugar cookies. She has never done either before (gasp!), so my daughter feels the need to remedy the situation.
noimportance says
My daughter and I love your snowflakes and other crafts! Thanks for the link to TADTown.
Beth @ Aunt B's Kitchen says
Nice links Alea.
I make those white filters into flowers. If you dip the edges in watercolours or in water with a little food colouring in it, they soak it up and make the most beautiful ombre effect. Just let them dry and make the flowers. Easy peasy, perfect gift package toppers.
Diana says
Hi Alea,
I have been looking and looking for the penguin craft shown above. Do you happen to have the website or and suggestions?
Thank you!!
Alea Milham says
Family Fun magazine was bought out by another company and then closed down. I was disappointed. I will see if I can find a similar project.
Diana Smith says
Hi Alea,
Thank you so much. I have found similar projects, but this was my favorite. Please don’t spend too much of your time. I can probably figure out how to make something similar from the picture. The good news is I found your website and signed up for your newsletter. Again, thank you!!