Is your christmas tree in need of a little handmade love? Well, if so, here are three simple (and inexpensive) ideas to do with your kids or for yourself…why not bring out the child out in you this holiday season?
1.Bake-art dough
Bake art dough is not edible, but it’s a super fun project for kids and grown-ups alike. You can use cookie cut-outs or design your own. Bake, cool and decorate. Use non toxic paint, markers, glitter, tissue paper, ribbon…whatever your fancy. We kept things simple – paint, glue and sparkles, perfect for 2 year old (or 40 year old) fun!
All you need is;
2 cups unsifted all purpose flour
1/2 cup salt
3/4 cup water
Decorations/art supplies
Ribbon or metal hook to hang with…
How to;
Blend flour and salt, add water and stir. When water is mixed in, work dough into ball. Knead dough for about 5 minutes, or until the consistency is smooth and pliable. If it’s too sticky, add a bit more flour, if too watery, more flour…
Roll dough out on lightly floured surface to 1/8″ thick.
Cut out ornaments and place on cookie sheet.
Using a straw, make a small hole near the top of each ornament – before baking.
Bake at 350 F for about 20-25 minutes – or until completely baked through.
With spatula, remove baked pieces, place on cooling rack and allow to cool, completely.
Decorate till your hearts content…
Wrap carefully once the holidays are over and store in a dry place.
*These also make sweet gifts for friends and family.
Write the year it was made on the back and by whom, it makes for a lovely keepsake…
2. Pinecones, glitter + ribbon
Another beautiful, and nearly free idea – pinecones. Decorate with glitter and hang with ribbon.
*This idea is also great for gift wrapping. Notice the ‘cookie’ cut-out decoration in the background, they look wonderfully festive on the tree…
3. Thrift shops
You just never know what you might find. I recently found these beautiful decoupaged vintage christmas balls (a set of 12 – each one is unique).
Complete with ribbons and storage box, for only $12. If you love thrift shops as much as I do, then you know the feeling – it’s like being a kid in a candy shop. What’s not to love?
Magic abounds…
enjoy.
Ripe Red Berries 
Reblogged this on Living and Lovin.
Lovely photos! 🙂
Thank you! Happy Holidays to you and yours…(:
Your pine cone idea will be pretty on my tree this year–all natural stuff. Never too late to add some trim! Merry Christmas and wishes for the happiest of new years!
Sounds like your tree is lovely! You could also use twine instead of ribbon if you wanted to go all natural. All the best to you this holiday season and may 2013 be filled with greatness!
I love the pinecones, they look so sweet!
Thank you – they really are sweet. They look great hanging from doorknobs too! Happy Holidays!