Parenting Under the Stars

Our Christmas tree topper is lame and I’m sick of it so am on a mission seeking alternative solutions. I would prefer to make one and also have fun doing it with the children so here are some holiday tree topper crafts to consider. I’ll narrow them down here after our family votes on them.

Here’s one of the easiest ornaments called “beaded star tree trim” by Jane Lake at All Free Crafts. All you need is beads and chenille stems that we call pipe cleaners.

For a traditional angel, here’s a cute paper cone angel craft courtesy of DLTK. You could personalize it with markers, beads, ribbon or lace but it’s basically made from paper and a doily.

I don’t think we would use this one as a topper but it’s so cute I had to include it. It’s an adorable toilet paper tube angel. This is also from DLTK’s Crafts for kids.

At Casa Mexicana I found these paper mache angels. I think they’re my favorite but since they’re selling them there are no instructions included. They sell mermaid angels, women and men angels, chubby ones and standing ones. Shown here are the standing angels.

At Enchanted Learning I found this awesome Japanese Kokeshi Doll made out of a ping pong ball and a plastic bottle. What a great way to recycle and decorate at the same time! You can personalize it however you like. I think I might decide to make more than one of these toppers. They look so fun and I could use one as a table centerpiece.

• For some fun stocking stuffer ideas, see Creative Mom Cafe’s post on Stocking Stuffers.

Even if you do not celebrate this holiday, many of these craft projects would be fun any time of year.

Cookie Cutter Candles

This is a fun project from Howtomakecandles.info that in this example uses star shapes, but the possibilities are endless. You could also use beeswax. They’re advised as being more for décor but if you must burn them put them in heat resistant container.

Birdhouse:

I found this recycled birdhouse craft thanks to Michelle at Creative Mom Café. What a great way to recycle those milk cartons and a very cool gift idea. The kids would love wandering around collecting sticks too. My kids do that even when there’s no purpose for it.

Family Photo Book

This project uses some colorful paper, ribbon and of course favorite family photos. I know I would treasure any gift that included family photos especially one that a child helped make. See more on this family photo book project at Getting Crafty.

Alter a Paint Can

At All Paper Crafts you can check out Lori’s altered paint can. She used some pretty paisley paper and some ribbons but you could decoupage magazine pics onto a paint can, paint it, add sparkles and more.

Decoupage Collage:

Here’s an example of how to use up those old magazines. At Paper Crafts Kari shares how she dressed up a bottle in this “altered art” project.

Pine Cone Christmas Tree:

This is so pretty! You’ll need:

• a large pine cone
• Glitter
• A few cotton balls
• White glue
• Dental floss and a needle
• Small beads
• A small bow or star to top off your little tree

To see the completed project picture and instructions go to Enchanted Learning Pine Cone Christmas Tree Project page.

We’ll continue sharing holiday family projects as Xmas gets closer. Have any craft ideas for kids? Feel free to share them!

I always look forward to this time of year and not just because I have the opportunity to raid my kid’s candy. I love helping them get their costumes together, putting their makeup on etc. It is normally darned cold this time of year so unfortunately a lot of their costume ends up being hidden under a coat. The scenery outside is beautiful this time of year though and on Halloween it’s fun to see everyone’s jack-o-lanterns and costumes. Some of the adults go all out with props and scary sound effects.

This year they don’t seem too keen on having me around so I shall quietly lurk in the background trying not to embarrass them. They always ask me how late they can stay out and whine when I tell them but are predictably tired before their designated time anyway.

My husband likes to give out treats. I’m not sure if that’s because he likes kids or he likes scaring them. Probably a bit of both. This year we’re not giving out candy so we’ll see how that goes over and hoping our home isn’t egged.

Anyway, I’m Sandra and am happy to begin Parenting Under the Stars. You can also find me over at Globally Green Living where we explore different ways to help save the earth. I put a Halloween post up there recently, which has a link to some great recipes for homemade makeup as well as ideas for non-candy items.

For now, I’ll fly because everyone is asking that familiar “What’s for supper?” question. They’re all squealing and acting as if they’re starving since coming home from school.