Festive Family Fun: Making Pinecone Christmas Trees and Paper Plate Snowmen

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

21 Dec 2008 11:51 AM

Like much of the country, we are getting walloped by another round of wicked winter weather. Our local mall, which was supposed to open its doors at 8 a.m. to accommodate last-minute holiday shoppers, was forced to delay doing so for three hours so plows could clear 7 inches of snow from the parking lot. In addition, the wind chills have plummeted to 35 below zero and more snow is on the way.

This, of course, means it's ideal weather for holiday crafting. If you are stuck indoors today, consider passing the time making these delightful holiday decorations. They are simple enough for kids of all ages to assemble. However, adult supervision should be used in constructing the Pinecone Christmas Tree as it involves a needle.

PINECONE CHRISTMAS TREE

Materials:

1 Large, open pine cone (pick one that is tree-shaped and stands upright easily)

Glitter

10 cotton balls

White craft glue

Dental floss and a needle

Small beads

A small bow or star to place on top of the tree

Directions:

Glue a few cotton balls to the bottom of the pinecone to resemble snow.

Place a little dab of glue at the tips of the pinecone, and then sprinkle on glitter.

String some small beads onto dental floss. When you get to the end tie knot, then wrap the garland of beads around the pinecone and glue in place.

Top off tree with a small bow or star.

PAPER PLATE SNOWMAN

Materials:

2 white paper plates

Black and red construction paper

1 Orange pipe cleaner (for the nose)

Yarn or ribbon

Hole punch

Marker or crayons

Scissors

Glue

Googly eyes

Buttons

Directions:

On one of the paper plates, cut off the outer rim and keep just the center.

Punch one hole near the rim on both plates.

Tie the two plates together using the yarn or ribbon.

Using the black construction paper, draw and then cut out a top hat and two boots.

Using red construction paper, draw and then cut out two mittens.

Glue the hat, boots and mittens on the snowman.

Glue on eyes and draw a mouth.

For the nose, cut the orange pipe cleaner and stick it through the plate.

Use the buttons and markers to embellish snowman before displaying.

Related Articles:

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What To Do with All Those Holiday Cards

What Do You Do With Pictures of Other People's Kids?

The Family Christmas Photo

Who's In Your Christmas Card Photo?

How to Make Homemade Christmas Wrapping Paper and Ornaments

How to Make a Simple and Festive Christmas Wreath

Fun with Fruitcake--The Best Gag Gift of the Season

Making Edible Garland for Your Christmas Tree

Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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