Crafty Christmas Centerpieces

I know, I know, Christmas is next week! I finally managed to find some decent Christmas centerpiece ideas from the web. Let me know what you guys think!

Myanderings: The Christmas Centerpiece

Christian Crafter Centerpiece

Monogrammed Glass & Balls Centerpiece

A Creative Centerpiece Seen on RateMySpace.HGTV.com

Theme Party Palace Christmas Centerpiece Ideas

Cranberry and Pine Basket

Create a Christmas Centerpiece with Kevin Ray

Designing Dream Spaces with Kevin Ray at Pacific Coast Home & Garden Demonstrates How to Make a Christmas Centerpiece.

Crafty Christmas Coasters

Just came across these cute little coasters and it may be another last minute one I may squeeze into the list for the week. Gretchen provides step-by-step instructions on her blog to make these adorable and functional crafts:
Altered Christmas Coasters

Crafty Christmas Tree Skirt - O Christmas Tree!

The countdown is now at 12 days until Christmas and I just bought my Christmas tree! I was surfing around looking for some crafty projects that I can do with the kids to decorate. We have a lot of heirloom ornaments and have even hung some of the 2007 crafty ones. We reused last year's star and lighting. But what we needed to really tie everything together was a great new tree skirt. The old one just had to go. So why not create one with the family that we can use and reuse for years to come? Here are a couple of Christmas tree skirts I am considering - I know, I'd better hurry! :)

Here's an heirloom tree skirt that is easy to make for the whole family and will leaving lasting impressions. I found it on craftster.org:

Super Easy Heirloom Tree Skirt - perfect if you have a lot of kids!







Christmas Tree Skirt Patterns - these are a little more involving but the patterns are just amazing!




Basic Directions on How to Make a Satin or Velvet Christmas Tree Skirt




Here's a few more from howstuffworks.com - the site has step-by-step directions as well:







What do you guys think? Have you guys come across some really neat Christmas tree skirts?

The Most Amazing Crafty Advent Calendar

I just had to post this advent calendar as it is just marvelous as a gift to a special one during this time of year. A little more complex for children, but with some parent supervision, you guys can probably manage to make something similar. Anyways, this posting is great and goes in step-by-step detail (with pictures) how to make your very own best advent calendar. A great crafty project = great crafty gift! What do you guys think?

THE MOST AMAZING ADVENT CALENDAR WITH TUTE!!

Cute Coin Carry

I just came across this awesome craft blog and this posting was absolutely adorable and so functional. It's a coin purse making kit that is for the beginner crafter so pretty much anyone can make one. I haven't tested it out yet, but I plan to soon. You can purchase it directly from the Maker Store. Let me know what you guys think :)

Monster Craft Idea

Got kids who love monsters? I came across this great blog post today: Monster Art! and thought they were just lovely for any kid who is not scared away by them. They are plushy and are created by talented artist Lizette Greco. Inspired by drawings, these monster plush crafts come to stunning life. If your kids are more on the wild side, tame them with a plush monster craft this holiday. You can view many of Lizette's work on her site.

Monster Art!

Cute Cold Blocking Critters

I saw this post on hollywoodflake's blog and thought it was one of the cutest ever. They keep out the cold, add a nice cute touch, and are easy to make. They could be a little messy to make for children, so adults may need to supervise. I also read on her comments that some people were using beans, rice, and even kitty litter to stuff. So be careful, you may get real critters eating on these critters with some of these stuffings!

Critters that Keep Out the Cold

Easy Children's Gift - Children's Fleece Cap

Here's an easy children's gift idea that children love. Keep their heads warm this chilly winter!

CRAFT MATERIALS:
Tape measure
1/2 yard fleece fabric
Scissors
Needle and thread
Buttons, appliqués, or felt pieces for decoration
1 yard decorative cord

Time needed: Under 1 Hour
Fleece Hat 1. First, determine the size of the hat. (To avoid ruining the surprise, measure the head of someone who is similar in size to the recipient.) Now cut a piece of fleece that?s 16 inches wide and as long as the measurement you took plus 2 inches.

Fleece Hat 2. Fold the fleece in half, right side in so the 16-inch edges match up. Sew a 1/2-inch-wide seam along this edge, stopping 5 inches from the bottom (see A). Just below the last stitch, make a 1/2-inch cut in from the side. Turn the material right side out. Now sew a seam along the last 5 inches of unsewn fleece (see B).

3. Roll the bottom of the hat up two turns, so the cuff conceals the bottom part of the seam. To keep the cuff from unrolling, sew on a decorative button, an appliqué, or a felt cutout.

4. Finally, gather the top 3 inches of the hat and tie a colorful cord around it.

Easy Children's Gift
familyfun.com

Kitchen Angel

Don't you just wish your kids really were angels? Kitchen Angels are adorable gifts that any child can make for their parents.

MATERIALS
6-in. paper doily
Spring-action clothespin
Glue
Photo
Magnetic tape, 1 1/2 in. long
Gold pipe cleaner
Gold foil paper

Fold the doily in half and then half again, to form a cone shape. Point the clothespin closed-side down. Glue the doily onto the top prong, forming the angel's dress. Cut a head out of a photo, then glue it onto the point of the doily. Glue magnetic tape onto the back of the clothespin. Wrap one end of the pipe cleaner around the bottom prong of the clothespin, shape into a halo, and trim. Cut the gold foil paper to resemble wings and glue onto the back of the clothespin's top prong. Clip blank paper to the clothespin mouth beneath the skirt for holding messages.

Easy Children's Gift
familyfun.com