* Christmas Crafts *
Due Date: Thursday, December 1st- "Christmas Crafts"- (or insert your December Holiday.) This assignment is unique in that it will cover both November and December. I'd like you to get crafty this Christmas. It can be something as simple as making your own greeting cards or gift wrap, maybe a special ornament for your tree or other holiday decor. Maybe a special gift lovingly made by hand. This would be a good assignment to enlist the help of your children or maybe even your spouse. By the due date, I'd like you to at least have an idea and some directions on how classmates could also do your craft. It's your turn to be the teacher. Then closer to Christmas, we'll check back in with you to see your finished project. If you can have it finished by the December 1st date, all the better. I'll be sending you some links that might help you get crafty.
~ MERRY CHRISTMAS BLOCKS ~
This is a really fun, easy and inexpensive Christmas Craft to make. I first made these blocks when Jessica was in Girl Scouts and I was one of her troop leaders many years ago. So if a bunch of 8 or 9 year olds can make these, so can you! We set them up every year and they have become a beloved tradition. I will explain what materials you will need and how to make them below. And guess what? You don't have to pack them away... because on the reverse side, there are just the right amount of letters to spell out "Welcome Friends" so you can keep them up on a shelf all year long!
Materials and Instructions
STENCIL: The most important thing is that you need to find an alphabet stencil. You can find them at craft stores like Michael's, JoAnn's or any store that carries stenciling supplies. The stencils are usually made of mylar and come in a variety of sizes and lettering fonts. The size of the letters on your stencil will determine how large your "blocks" will need to be. Here's a link for stencils.
BLOCKS: Some of the above stores carry precut wood blocks that you can use. A cheaper way (if you have a saw available) is to buy a length of wood (like a 2x4 piece of pine) and cut it to the size that you need to fit your letters. (My blocks are 2 1/2 inches wide x 2 1/2 inches high and 1 1/2 inches thick.) Here's a good opportunity to get hubby involved. Sand the edges lightly and it's fine if they are a little rustic-looking.
PAINT: I used bottles of inexpensive Ceramcoat acrylic paint by Delta also available at all craft stores. You only need four colors: red, green, gold, blue and white. I mixed white with some of the colors to get the more pastel versions for the Welcome Friends blocks. Your kids will enjoy helping you with this part of the project.
BRUSHES: If you have a stencil brush, use it. If not, you can use inexpensive foam brushes. Here's a link about stenciling with a stencil brush.
INSTRUCTIONS: Determine the size blocks you will need and buy or cut to correct size. Sand edges a bit. Figure out your color scheme and paint your blocks. Don't forget to add white to make the back sides pastel if you want to have them say Welcome Friends." After the paint on the blocks dry, it's time to stencil your letters on. The key to stenciling is to have a very, very dry brush. Dip it into the paint and then dab it on a paper towel so only a little paint is on. That'll keep you from getting thick edges that'll smear when you remove the stencil. A thin coat of paint makes for a better looking letter. Don't be afraid to let the color of the block show through the letter a little bit. I sanded the edges of my painted block so some of the natural wood would show through. I like the rustic look.
You can drill holes for candles in the end letters C & S and I also bought a little unpainted wooden Christmas Tree to add on the top. That was really fun to paint and I used the same colors I already had.
ALTERNATIVES: If you want to do a little smaller project you could always make "NOEL" blocks like I've drawn in the Christmas Shelf graphic above. I actually have those blocks. Then there's always "JOY." Come on- you can do it!
~ Links to Classmate's Christmas Crafts ~
Jay
Jay's Handmade Christmas Cards
Tami's
St. Nick, Baby Jesus, Snowman Photo Album and Gingerbread Man Ornaments
Verena's
English Extravaganza of Christmas Crafts!
Kiki's
Deluxe Candy Canes and more
Jackie's
Marzipan Fruits
Deborah's
Chunky Chocolate Fudge Wreath (and other varieties) and Angel Ornaments
Marge's
Scissor Sox
Susan's
Snowpatch Ornament
Ginger's
Thank You Christmas Stocking for our Troops
Sarah's
Christmas Ornaments and Recipe Book
Sadie's
Salt Dough Gingerbread Man (and other cookie shapes) Ornaments, Gingerbread
House and Handmade Christmas Cards
Sindee's
Ornament Basket, Twinkle Jar, and Christmas Tree Centerpiece
Wynne's
Christmas Snowglobe
Kat's
Cross Stitchery
Laurie's
Knifty Knitter Scarves and Mufflers
