DIY Christmas decorations for kids to make? Forget store-bought baubles! This isn’t your grandma’s crafting circle (unless your grandma’s a glitter-bomb-throwing ninja, then carry on!). We’re diving headfirst into a festive flurry of fun, transforming recycled junk into jolly masterpieces and unleashing your little Picassos’ inner elves. Prepare for paper snowflakes that defy gravity, pinecone reindeer with surprisingly sassy attitudes, and salt dough ornaments that’ll make even the grumpiest Grinch crack a smile.
Get ready for a Christmas crafting extravaganza!
From easy paper chains perfect for tiny hands to more ambitious salt dough creations that will impress even the most discerning art critic (your neighbor, maybe?), this guide is packed with ideas to suit every age and skill level. We’ll explore a range of materials, from humble paper and recycled goods to nature’s own festive treasures. Get ready to unleash your family’s creativity and create memories that will sparkle brighter than any store-bought ornament!
DIY Christmas Decorations for Kids
Forget store-bought decorations! This Christmas, unleash your inner artist and create dazzling ornaments with your little elves. Making decorations together is not only a fun family activity, but it also fosters creativity, fine motor skills, and a deeper appreciation for the festive season. We’ll cover a range of easy-to-make decorations using paper, recycled materials, natural finds, and even salt dough, perfect for all ages and skill levels.
Get ready for some seriously sparkly, heartwarming, and uniquely homemade Christmas cheer!
Easy Paper Decorations
Paper is a crafting chameleon – inexpensive, readily available, and endlessly versatile. These paper projects are simple enough for even the youngest helpers, yet offer plenty of room for personalization and creative flair. Let’s transform plain paper into festive masterpieces!
| Decoration | Instructions | Paper Type Suggestions | Embellishment Ideas |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper Chains | Cut strips of paper, glue the ends together to form rings, and link the rings to create a chain. Vary the colors and widths for a fun, textured effect. | Construction paper, wrapping paper scraps, patterned scrapbook paper | Glitter glue, markers, stickers, small pom-poms |
| Paper Snowflakes | Fold a square piece of paper several times, then cut various shapes along the edges. Unfold to reveal a unique snowflake design. Experiment with different folding techniques for varied patterns. | Tissue paper, origami paper, white cardstock | Silver or white glitter, tiny beads, hole punch for hanging |
| Paper Ornaments | Cut out various shapes (stars, trees, bells) from colored paper. Decorate with markers, glitter, or stickers. Punch a hole at the top for hanging. Consider layering shapes for added dimension. | Cardstock, patterned paper, even old greeting cards | Sequins, ribbon, tiny buttons, miniature charms |
Recycled Material Decorations
Give your trash a festive makeover! Repurposing household items into Christmas decorations is not only environmentally friendly but also incredibly creative. Let’s turn everyday discards into dazzling ornaments.
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- Toilet Paper Roll Snowmen: Paint white toilet paper rolls, add details with markers (eyes, nose, mouth), and glue on small buttons for a charming snowman effect. A tiny carrot nose made from construction paper adds a whimsical touch.
- Egg Carton Stars: Cut out individual cups from an egg carton. Paint them gold or silver, and glue them together to form star shapes. Add glitter for extra sparkle. These lightweight stars are perfect for hanging on a Christmas tree.
- Plastic Bottle Angels: Cut the bottom of a clear plastic bottle to create a bell shape. Paint it white and add wings made from construction paper or felt. A small pom-pom can serve as the angel’s head.
Nature-Inspired Decorations
Embrace the beauty of the outdoors! Gather natural materials like pinecones, twigs, and leaves to craft rustic and charming decorations. A nature walk becomes a treasure hunt for festive crafting supplies.
- Pinecone Christmas Trees: Glue small pom-poms or green felt shapes onto pinecones to create miniature Christmas trees. Add tiny star-shaped sequins for a magical touch.
- Twig Stars: Glue small twigs together to form star shapes. These rustic stars can be left natural or painted with gold or silver paint for a more festive look.
- Leaf Garland: Collect colorful autumn leaves (or use artificial ones) and string them together with needle and thread to create a beautiful garland.
Supplies for Nature-Inspired Decorations:
- Pinecones
- Twigs
- Leaves
- Glue
- Paint (optional)
- Sequins or pom-poms (optional)
- Needle and thread (for garlands)
Salt Dough Ornaments
Salt dough ornaments are a classic, kid-friendly craft. They’re easy to shape, decorate, and bake, resulting in durable and personalized ornaments that will last for years to come.
To make the dough, simply mix flour, salt, and water. Roll it out, cut out shapes using cookie cutters, and bake until hardened. Once cool, let the decorating begin! Paint them, add glitter, or use cookie stamps for intricate designs. A coat of sealant will protect your masterpieces for years to come.
Creative Decorating Techniques
Elevate your decorations with these fun and easy techniques.
- Decoupage: Glue colorful tissue paper or napkin scraps onto your ornaments for a vibrant, textured effect.
- Stencils: Use stencils to create repeating patterns on your ornaments with paint or glitter.
- Adding Texture: Create texture by gluing on small items like buttons, beads, or even dried pasta shapes.
Remember to supervise children when using paints, glues, and other craft supplies. Always opt for non-toxic and child-safe materials.
Age-Appropriate Decoration Ideas
Tailor your crafting projects to your child’s age and abilities for maximum fun and success.
| Age Group | Decoration Idea | Materials | Instructions Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toddlers (1-3 years) | Simple Paper Chains | Large strips of construction paper, glue | Glue ends of paper strips together to create rings, link rings to make a chain. Supervise closely. |
| Preschoolers (3-5 years) | Painted Pinecones | Pinecones, paint, glitter | Paint pinecones with bright colors and add glitter for extra sparkle. |
| Elementary School (6-12 years) | Salt Dough Ornaments | Flour, salt, water, cookie cutters, paint, glitter | Make salt dough, cut out shapes, bake, and decorate. |
Displaying the Decorations, Diy christmas decorations for kids to make
Showcase your little ones’ creations with pride! Here are some creative ways to display your homemade decorations, transforming your home into a winter wonderland.
1. Festive Garland: String together all the paper chains and leaf garlands, and hang them across the mantelpiece, windows, or even the Christmas tree. This creates a sense of continuity and festive cheer.
2. Ornament Tree: Dedicate a small tree or a branch in a vase to exclusively display the handmade ornaments. This creates a focal point and highlights the children’s effort.
3. Window Wonderland: Use suction cups to attach the paper snowflakes and other lightweight decorations to the windows. This creates a magical, snowy effect, visible from both inside and outside the house.
So there you have it – a whirlwind tour of Christmas crafting chaos (in the best possible way!). Remember, the most important ingredient isn’t glitter (though glitter is undeniably awesome), it’s the joy of creating together. These DIY decorations aren’t just ornaments; they’re tangible memories, little bursts of festive magic made with your own two hands (and maybe a few tiny helping hands).
Now go forth and create a Christmas wonderland – one sparkly, slightly messy, wonderfully unique decoration at a time!
FAQs: Diy Christmas Decorations For Kids To Make
How long do salt dough ornaments last?
With proper sealing, salt dough ornaments can last for years, becoming cherished family heirlooms (or at least, surviving until next Christmas!).
What if my kids are too young for intricate crafts?
No problem! We’ve got plenty of simple projects for toddlers and preschoolers, focusing on fun and mess-making more than perfection.
Can I use non-toxic materials for younger children?
Absolutely! Always prioritize child safety. Opt for non-toxic paints, glues, and other materials specifically designed for kids’ crafts.
What if my kids don’t like my ideas?
Embrace the unexpected! Let their creativity guide the way. Sometimes the best decorations are the ones born from happy accidents.
