Christmas Ornament Craft Ideas Kids: Forget store-bought baubles! This year, unleash your inner elf (and your kids’ inner Picassos) with a flurry of festive crafting fun. We’re diving headfirst into a world of glitter, glue, and gleeful creations, transforming recycled treasures and simple supplies into dazzling homemade ornaments that will make your tree sing (and maybe even slightly sparkle with a touch of accidental glitter-induced magic).
From preschool-friendly paper plate snowflakes to middle-school masterpieces crafted from salt dough and beads, we’ve got a craft for every age and skill level. We’ll explore the heartwarming benefits of family crafting time (think: less screen time, more quality time!), discover eco-friendly options using recycled materials, and learn dazzling decorating techniques that will turn even the simplest ornament into a showstopper.
Discover the crucial elements that make crafts to sell as a kid the top choice.
Get ready to jingle all the way to crafting paradise!
The Allure of Handmade Christmas Ornaments: Christmas Ornament Craft Ideas Kids
For generations, children have wielded glue sticks and glitter with the festive fervor of Santa’s elves, creating unique and cherished Christmas ornaments. This tradition isn’t just about decorating the tree; it’s a magical blend of creativity, family bonding, and the development of essential skills. Crafting ornaments with children fosters a sense of accomplishment, strengthens fine motor skills, and ignites imaginations, resulting in ornaments that are far more meaningful than anything store-bought.
The materials are as diverse as the imaginations themselves! From humble paper and paint to repurposed materials and shimmering beads, the possibilities are endless. This journey into the world of kid-friendly Christmas ornament crafts explores a variety of techniques and materials, ensuring there’s something for every age and skill level.
Easy Ornament Crafts for Young Children, Christmas ornament craft ideas kids
Preschoolers and early elementary children thrive on simple, tactile crafts. These projects focus on large movements and bold designs, making them perfect for little hands. The emphasis is on fun and creative expression, not perfection.
- Paper Plate Snowflakes: Transform plain paper plates into dazzling snowflakes with a few snips and some glitter.
- Handprint Reindeer: Capture those adorable little hands with this charming reindeer ornament.
- Salt Dough Ornaments: Create simple shapes and decorate with paint or glitter for a classic, textured feel.
| Craft Name | Materials Needed | Steps | Image Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper Plate Snowflakes | Paper plates, scissors, glitter glue, string | 1. Fold the plate in half, then in thirds. 2. Cut various shapes along the edges. 3. Unfold to reveal the snowflake. 4. Add glitter glue and let it dry. 5. Punch a hole at the top and thread string. | A six-pointed snowflake, possibly asymmetrical, with generous amounts of glitter scattered across its surface. The paper plate’s original color might still be visible between the cutouts. |
| Handprint Reindeer | Brown and red paint, construction paper, googly eyes, brown pipe cleaners | 1. Paint child’s hand brown. 2. Press onto paper. 3. Add red nose and googly eyes. 4. Attach antlers made from pipe cleaners. | A brown handprint forming the reindeer’s body, with a small red circle nose, two googly eyes, and two brown pipe cleaner antlers extending upwards. |
| Salt Dough Ornaments | Flour, salt, water, cookie cutters, paint, glitter | 1. Mix flour, salt, and water to form a dough. 2. Roll out the dough and use cookie cutters to create shapes. 3. Bake until hardened. 4. Decorate with paint and glitter. | Simple shapes like stars, hearts, or Christmas trees, with a slightly rough, textured surface, adorned with vibrant paint and perhaps some strategically placed glitter. |
These crafts can be adapted by simplifying steps (pre-cutting shapes for younger children) or adding complexity (more intricate designs, layering colors) to suit different skill levels. Adult supervision is always recommended, especially when using scissors or ovens.
Intermediate Ornament Crafts
Older children can tackle more intricate projects, exploring a wider range of techniques and materials. These crafts allow for greater creativity and detail.
- Paper Quilling Ornaments: Delicate and intricate designs created by rolling and shaping strips of paper.
- Salt Dough Sculptures: Moving beyond simple shapes, creating more complex 3D ornaments.
- Simple Beaded Ornaments: Stringing beads to create patterns and festive shapes.
- Paper Quilling Ornaments: 1. Cut thin strips of colored paper. 2. Roll the strips tightly, then gently loosen to create various shapes (coils, teardrops, etc.). 3.
Arrange the shapes on a base (cardboard, foam) to create a design. 4. Glue the shapes in place and add embellishments as desired.
- Salt Dough Sculptures: 1. Prepare the salt dough as described above. 2. Instead of cookie cutters, mold the dough into desired shapes (e.g., small animals, Santa Claus). 3.
Bake until hardened. 4. Paint and decorate with detail.
- Simple Beaded Ornaments: 1. Choose a variety of colorful beads. 2. String the beads onto a sturdy thread or wire, creating patterns or shapes. 3.
Secure the ends to create a loop for hanging.
Paper quilling requires patience and fine motor skills, while salt dough sculpting allows for 3D creativity. Beading offers a simple yet visually appealing outcome. The time commitment varies; beading can be relatively quick, while quilling and sculpting may require more time.
Ornament Crafts Using Recycled Materials
Repurposing materials reduces waste and adds a unique touch to your ornaments. The possibilities are vast, turning trash into treasure with a little creativity.
- Egg cartons: These can be cut and shaped into festive figures or snowflakes.
- Toilet paper rolls: These can be transformed into adorable snowmen or reindeer.
- Bottle caps: These can be painted and decorated with embellishments to create whimsical charms.
- Cardboard scraps: These can be used to create houses, trees, or other holiday-themed shapes.
- Plastic bottle lids: These can be used to create unique patterns or mosaics.
Here are instructions for three examples:
- Egg Carton Snowflakes: Cut individual cups from an egg carton, carefully shaping them into snowflake-like designs. Paint them white or silver and add glitter for extra sparkle.
- Toilet Paper Roll Reindeer: Cut a toilet paper roll in half. Decorate the halves with brown paint, googly eyes, a red pom-pom nose, and small twig antlers.
- Bottle Cap Ornaments: Decorate bottle caps with paint, glitter, and small embellishments to create unique and colorful ornaments. Add a small loop for hanging.
Using recycled materials not only saves resources but also teaches children about environmental responsibility and creative reuse.
Creative Ornament Decorating Techniques
Even the simplest ornaments can be transformed into stunning pieces with the right decorating techniques.
- Glitter application: Adding sparkle and shine to any ornament.
- Advanced paint techniques: Exploring different brushstrokes and layering to create texture and depth.
- Adding embellishments: Using ribbons, beads, sequins, and other small items to enhance the design.
| Technique | Materials | Steps | Example Ornament Style |
|---|---|---|---|
| Glitter Application | Glitter, glue, sealant | 1. Apply a layer of glue to the desired area. 2. Sprinkle glitter generously. 3. Let it dry completely. 4. Seal with a sealant to prevent shedding. | A simple star-shaped ornament completely covered in iridescent glitter. |
| Advanced Paint Techniques | Acrylic paints, brushes, sponge | 1. Use different brushstrokes (dabbing, sweeping, stippling) to create texture. 2. Layer colors to create depth and dimension. 3. Use a sponge to create unique patterns. | A snow globe-inspired ornament with subtly blended blue and white hues, creating a realistic sky effect. |
| Adding Embellishments | Ribbons, beads, sequins, glue | 1. Arrange embellishments on the ornament. 2. Secure with glue. 3. Ensure proper adhesion before handling. | A simple wooden ball ornament adorned with a cascading ribbon, interspersed with small, colorful beads. |
Displaying and Preserving Handmade Ornaments
The final touch is showcasing these precious creations. Careful display and storage ensure these cherished ornaments remain a part of your holiday traditions for years to come.
- Creating a dedicated ornament tree or stand: This allows for a focused display of all the handmade ornaments.
- Integrating them into existing decorations: Subtly incorporate them among other ornaments for a personal touch.
- Using a decorative box or container: A stylish storage solution that protects the ornaments while adding a festive touch to the holiday decor.
Store ornaments in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Use acid-free tissue paper between ornaments to prevent scratching. Involving children in the display and storage process instills a sense of ownership and responsibility.
So there you have it – a whirlwind tour of Christmas ornament craft ideas that are guaranteed to bring festive cheer and family bonding to your holiday season. Remember, the most beautiful ornaments aren’t necessarily the most perfect; they’re the ones filled with love, laughter, and maybe a little bit of glitter-induced chaos. Now grab your glue guns, gather your little elves, and get ready to create some truly unforgettable Christmas memories – one sparkly ornament at a time! Happy crafting!
Answers to Common Questions
What’s the best way to store handmade ornaments to prevent breakage?
Use acid-free tissue paper to wrap each ornament individually, then place them in sturdy boxes with dividers to prevent them from rubbing against each other. Store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
How can I make my ornaments more durable?
Use a sealant spray after painting or decorating to protect your ornaments from chipping and fading. For paper ornaments, consider laminating them for extra protection.
My child is really young – are there any super simple crafts?
Absolutely! Simple handprint ornaments, painted pinecones, or stringing popcorn and cranberries are perfect for toddlers and preschoolers.
What if my child doesn’t like the craft I’ve chosen?
Let them choose! Offer a few options and let their creativity guide the process. The goal is fun and bonding, not a perfectly executed craft.
