Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Christmas Crafts for Kids

By Dawn Marcotte


Christmas is a great theme for crafts for kids. Here are two examples of simple crafts that can actually be modified for any season or occasion.

Reindeer Puppet

This easy puppet uses a paper bag and some construction paper. The kids may want to make more of Santa's reindeer with this easy craft.

Items Needed

Brown paper lunch bag

Medium black pom-pom

White craft glue

Construction paper:tan/brown

Googly eyes

4 jingle bells (optional)

Scissors

Glue stick

1. Trace both the childs' hands on the brown construction paper and cut them out.

2. Lay the flat paper lunch bag so the folded flap is down on the table. Place each handprint so the palm of the hand is on the left and right corners of the bag opposite from the end that opens. The fingers should extend out to form the antlers for the reindeer. Glue in place.

3. Turn the bag over. Glue the black pom-pom toward the bottom in the center of the folded section of the bag. This is the reindeers nose. Glue the googly eyes on. If desired glue on the jungle bells in a straight line to form the collar for the reindeer. They should be placed below where the flap of the bag moves.

4. Draw in more details such as a tongue in the mouth.

The puppet is now complete. Kids can create their own puppet shows. This quick craft can be modified to make almost any type of puppet.

Pipe Cleaner Reindeer

People who love to make crafts may enjoy making this small item from pipe cleaners. Reindeer can be made and used as tree ornaments, decoration on gifts or table decorations. Pipe cleaners come in many sizes and colors so the options are endless for what kids can make.

Items Needed

5 brown pipe cleaner stems

1 red pipe cleaner stem

1 light brown pipe cleaner stem

1 gold glitter pipe cleaner stem

2 small wiggle eyes

White craft glue

Scissors

Toothpick

1. Link three brown pipe cleaner stems together end to end to create an oval shaped body.

2. Bend two brown pipe cleaner stems in half and coil the ends around a pencil to create the legs. Insert the legs over the top and into the body.

3. Cut a one-inch piece off the remaining brown pipe cleaner stem and twist in half. This is the tail and can be inserted into the back of the body. Twist the remaining pipe cleaner stem around a pencil, leaving about an inch of it straight. Insert the straight end into the front of the body as the neck. Bend the coiled section into a head/neck.

4. Cut a three-inch piece of red pipe cleaner and twist it around a toothpick, leaving about one-inch straight. Insert the straight end into the face for the nose.

5. Cut light brown pipe cleaner into thirds. Coil one third in half for the antler base. Bend the other two pieces around the tops of the antlers. Insert into the top of the head. Secure all sections with glue and glue on wiggle eyes.

6. Cut gold pipe cleaner into thirds. Twist one of the thirds around the neck as a collar.

Once the kids have learned how to make these items they can make their own pipe cleaner creations on any rainy afternoon.

Pipe cleaners and paper bags are two of the most versatile craft supplies available. Kids can use their imagination to create almost anything they can dream up.




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