How to Make a Christmas Ornament

Making Christmas Ornaments with Your Kids: Fun Holiday Crafts!

Christmas time is all about family, fun, and pretty decorations, right? What's better than making your own unique ornaments with your kids? This guide's got easy and fun Christmas crafts for kids of all ages. From classic designs to super creative ideas, we've got you covered! Let's get crafty!

Get Your Stuff Together!

Before you start, gather your supplies. What you need depends on the craft, but here's a good starting list:

• Kid-safe glue: Something that dries fast is best.
• Kid-safe scissors: Safety first!
• Markers or crayons: Lots of colors make it more fun.
• Glitter (optional): For extra sparkle!
• Ribbon or string: To hang your ornaments.
• Craft stuff: Construction paper, felt, pom-poms, buttons, beads…get creative!
• Pre-made ornaments (optional): You can buy plain ones to decorate.

Easy Ornaments for Little Ones

Simpler crafts are perfect for younger kids. These are easy to do and let their creativity shine!

1. Paper Plate Ornaments:

You'll need: Paper plates, scissors, markers, crayons, glitter, glue, ribbon.

How to:

1. Fold the plate in half, then in half again.
2. Cut out shapes – stars, snowflakes, trees…anything!
3. Decorate with markers, crayons, and glitter.
4. Glue the pieces together for a 3D ornament. You can layer them too!
5. Add a ribbon to hang it.

2. Pom-Pom Ornaments:

You'll need: Pom-poms (different colors!), glue, ribbon, tiny bells (optional).

How to:

1. Glue the pom-poms together – make a snowman, a tree…whatever you like!
2. Add bells for a fun jingle.
3. Attach a ribbon.

3. Handprint Ornaments:

You'll need: Construction paper, paint, ribbon.

How to:

1. Trace your child's hand on the paper.
2. Cut it out.
3. Paint or color it like a Christmas tree, reindeer, or anything festive.
4. Add a ribbon.

More Challenging Ornaments for Older Kids

Older kids can try more detailed projects. These let them get really creative!

1. Salt Dough Ornaments:

You'll need: Flour, salt, water, cookie cutters, paint, sealant, ribbon.

How to:

1. Mix flour, salt, and water to make dough.
2. Roll it out and use cookie cutters.
3. Bake until hard.
4. Paint them when they're cool.
5. Seal the paint to make them last longer.
6. Add a ribbon.

2. Beaded Ornaments:

You'll need: Beads, wire, ribbon.

How to:

1. String beads onto wire – make patterns or designs!
2. Shape the wire into a circle or other shape.
3. Add a ribbon.

3. Felt Ornaments:

You'll need: Felt (different colors!), scissors, needle, thread, stuffing (optional), ribbon.

How to:

1. Cut out shapes from felt – stars, hearts, animals…
2. Sew the pieces together, leaving a small opening for stuffing (if you want to stuff it).
3. Stuff it (if you're stuffing it).
4. Sew the opening closed.
5. Add a ribbon.

Tips for a Successful Craft Session!

• Keep it simple: Choose projects that match your child's age and skills.
• Make it fun: Play some Christmas music!
• Be patient: Crafts can be messy and take time.
• Supervise: Always watch kids when they're using scissors or glue.
• Imperfections are okay: Handmade ornaments are charming, even if they're not perfect.
• Save the memories: Take pictures of your child's creations – you'll love looking back on them!

More Ideas & Resources!

There are tons of Christmas ornament ideas online! Check out Pinterest and craft blogs. Search for "easy Christmas crafts for kids," or "DIY Christmas ornament ideas." Have fun experimenting!

Making ornaments with your kids isn't just about making decorations; it's about making memories and having fun. So, gather your supplies, get crafting, and have a very Merry Christmas!