With Christmas just being 5 days away, it is perfect timing to make some holiday arts and crafts with the kids. Here in California, it is especially perfect timing because we are on “storm watch” for the coming days. So no outdoor activities. Yes, I know you followers in places like Michigan are rolling your eye at just a few inches of rain for us. To be honest, I don’t know how you keep the kids occupied ALL winter long!
As the rain or snow comes down, go straight to the craft cupboard and pull out the paper, markers, crayons, glitter, paint, the whole works. Here are just a couple of ideas you can make out of materials you most likely have laying around the house.
Hand and foot print reindeer are fun and easy for the little ones and a special keepsake to remember how tiny they were at this time of year.
Have the kids make hand made Christmas cards for relatives!
Make snack time fun! Martha Stewart uses candy canes and felt to create a cute and exciting way to drink milk.
Martha also gives a great recipe for Snowflake quesadillas! Aren’t these yummy looking? All you need is flour tortillas, spinach flavored tortillas, and cheddar cheese. For the recipe, go here.
Pick up a gingerbread house kit at the store. They come with everything you need to make and decorate the houe. The kids will love eating it too!
Get out the flour, measuring cups, frosting, and sprinkles out! Kid’s love to bake and we all love a yummy afternoon tea party! The Tomkat Studio has perfect holiday paper goods you can print right from your computer. There are so many creative ways you can use Kim’s adorable designs.
Get creative and fill jars up with holiday candy, cookies, peppermint bark, or any holiday treat. These would make perfect favors and little tokens of appreciation for anyone around the holidays.
Bake cookies for Santa! Kid’s love to decorate them and Santa will be sure to enjoy them while the kiddos are fast asleep on Christmas Eve. The TomKat Sudio’s Vintage Rudolf Collection also includes a “Dear Santa” letter. Sit down with the kids and have them write their letters to leave out for Santa.
To purchase The TomKat Studio designs, please visit Kim’s etsy shop.
I must admit my holiday shopping has been finished for a few weeks now but the wrapping hasn’t even begun. Wrapping presents is on the to do list for the weekend. As a designer with the love for color and details, I love to wrap presents. I especially love unique wrapping ideas and present toppers! Here are a few ideas I found…
You can go with a particular color scheme. This has become particularly easy with pre-packaged wrapping supplies you can find in most large stores. Most come with 3 rolls of wrapping paper, ribbons, and matching cards for a reasonable amount. Think outside the box, change it up and choose non-traditional colors. It doesn’t have to be the typical red and green colors. Try pink, blue, gold, silver, even black and white. 
I think these are gorgeous, unique, yet simple! Not only do I love the natural colors, I love that the presents are topped off with a personal touch for the recipient, their initials!
Go with the theme. While young children may not appreciate the extra thought others will! You can do a simple ornament that goes along with the gift. Giving a simple Starbucks gift card? I even saw mini Starbucks cup ornaments. Gifting for the person who loves to cook? Buy a little cooking whisk or spatula to adorn the present. It will be useful to her(or him) and will look cute on the present. A present for the avid gardener? Use pine cones, greenery, even a mini shovel. You get the point, add a little something that doesn’t have to cost a ton to top off the theme of the gift.
Kids will love a simple lollipop topper!
This is another fun one! Make black and white copies of old photos of the recipients which also doubles as the card. Everyone will get a kick out of it!
Chalkboard paint is making it’s appearance in every room of the house and on tons of different surfaces. From kid’s bedrooms and playrooms to basements, lofts, family rooms, and work areas to the kitchen and even furniture pieces. The options are endless! This wipe off writing surfaces are great for organizing parent’s schedules, teaching kids shapes, numbers, and letters etc, and fun for kid’s to use their imagination while drawing on the wall! Chalkboard paint can be found in any hardware store and for a very reasonable price, a gallon for about $20 which come in green and black.
Not sure about black or green? Get fancy with custom colored chalkboard paint! Martha Stewart gives some great paint ideas and a “how to” on creating the perfect color recipe.
Happy Monday everyone! Just a little glimpse at this beautiful and whimsical nursery to get you inspired for the week!
