51 Christmas Crafts to Brighten Your Holiday Decor (and Fill Your Winter Hours)

Modern Bell Window Treatment

Maintain a cheerful outlook with the help of a "curtain" fashioned from retro bell-shaped ornaments.

What You'll Need:

• Ribbon
• Scissors
• Retro bell-shaped ornaments (or any old ornaments)

Directions:

1. Cut a length of ribbon one foot longer than the length of the window. Securely tie the ribbon to a tension rod fitted in the frame.
2. String the bells through the ribbon, knotting them in place about five inches apart vertically on the ribbon. Repeat this with new lengths of ribbon across the width of the window, staggering the ornaments.

Paper Towel Tube Leaf and Berries Ornament

Reuse empty paper towel rolls as homemade ornaments with this easy Christmas craft, which uses crafting tools you probably already have.

What You'll Need:

• Craft knife
• Paper towel roll
• Green paint
• Paintbrush
• Glue
• Red pom poms (sparkly pom-poms optional)
• String or twine
• Scissors

Directions:

1. Cut five ½-inch wide circles of a paper towel roll using a craft knife.
2. Paint the cardboard rings green and let them dry.
3. Glue the rings together in the shape of a leaf. (See our photo for a guide.)
4. Glue red pom-poms into the center as berries.
5. Tie string around the top cardboard ring to create a hanging loop.

Craft developed by Morgan Levine.

Gilded Pinecone Place Card Holders

If you're hosting an intimate dinner or a large sit-down meal for the whole family, make each person feel welcome with personalized place cards. The pinecones sit upright, so you can place them on top of a nice linen napkin. When guests leave, repurpose the gilded pinecones by arranging them inside a glass hurricane or bowl and setting it on an entryway table.

What You'll Need:

• Pinecone
• Gold spray paint
• Scissors
• Cardstock

Directions:

1. In a well-ventilated area, spray pinecone liberally with spray paint, making sure to hit all the nooks and crannies.
2. Use scissors to cut rectangles from cardstock. Trim a triangle from either side to create the banner look.

Craft developed by Blake Ramsey.

Christmas Village

Collecting an entire Christmas Village takes many years—and costs a pretty penny. Instead, create your own glowing village out of those glass hurricanes you have tucked away.

What You'll Need:

• Clear glass hurricanes
• Multi-colored tissue paper
• Scissors
• Double-sided tape or glue
• Colored masking tape
• Cardstock
• LED tea light

Directions:

1. Wrap a clear glass hurricane with colored tissue paper. Cut to fit. Secure with double-sided tape or craft glue.
2. Cut two small squares and a rectangle from colored masking tape to create windows and doors. (Optional: Round the edges on the top half of the rectangle to create an arched doorway for your house.) Stick the tape onto the tissue paper.
3. Cut a cone out of cardstock to serve as the roof of your house. To do so, trace a circle with a circumference that’s a little larger than that of your hurricane. . Cut out a small triangle from one side of the circle. Bring the two points together, rounding one edge under the other. Secure with double-sided tape or glue. Set aside.
4. Place the LED tea light inside the house, and set the cone on top. Add fake snow and trees, if desired.

Craft developed by Blake Ramsey.

Tassel Ornaments

Great for trees large and small, ornament hangers, spare hooks, and more spots in need of a little holiday cheer, these DIY tassel ornaments can add some subtle Christmas magic to any space. For more festive ornaments, use bright string and yarn for the tassels.

What You'll Need:

• Twine, string, masonry twine, and other household cords
• Cardboard cut into 3 ½-inch strips
• Scissors

Directions:

1. To start, wrap a string around a strip of cardboard about 20 times.
2. Tie a string around the middle of the loop you've created. The loop should now look like a figure-8.
3. Fold the figure-8 in half, then wrap a string around the top of the loop, creating the head of the tassel.
4. Cut the bottom of the loop to create the tassel's fringe.
5. Embellish the top of the tassel by wrapping with contrasting strings.

Craft developed by Morgan Levine.

Cranberry and Popcorn Garland

Thread this traditional garland while watching your favorite holiday movie…and hang the final creation on your tree.

What You'll Need:

• Baker's twine
• Sewing needle
• Popped popcorn
• Cranberries

Directions:

1. Thread the baker's twine onto your sewing needle.
2. Stick the needle through a piece of popcorn or a cranberry. Continue threading, keeping an even amount of space between each piece of food. (You can make an all-popcorn garland, an all-cranberry garland, or alternate popcorn and cranberries.)

Craft developed by Blake Ramsey.

Hanging Ornament Cluster

Hanging ornament clusters, also called a Christmas ball drop by some, make an elegant adornment for entryways, light fixtures, or banisters.

What You'll Need:

• Assorted ball ornaments
• Multi-colored ribbon (we suggest silver and gold)
• Scissors
• Wide ribbon (optional)

Directions:

1. Select eight to 12 multi-colored ball ornaments.
2. Cut a ribbon for each ornament, at varying lengths to create dimension. Tie one ribbon to each ornament, leaving a tail about two inches long. Use scissors to curl the tail.
3. Secure all of the ornaments together, by tying the ends of the ribbons together.
4. Make a bow out of wide ribbon and add to the top, if desired. Hang from a secure light fixture or to a door in place of a wreath.

Craft developed by Blake Ramsey.

Wooden Spoon Santa Ornament

Dress up a kitchen staple—old or new—with a little paint and string. Use this craft as a tree ornament or hang it in the kitchen for some seasonal culinary decor.

What You'll Need:

• Wooden spoon
• Paint
• Paintbrush
• White yarn or string
• Scissors
• Hot glue and hot glue gun

Directions:

1. Paint the back of a wooden spoon with Santa's face, and use the entire handle for his hat. Don't stress about your artistic ability—a white beard, smiling face, and red hat is good enough. Let the spoon dry.
2. Tightly wrap white yarn or string around the end of the handle to mimic the top of Santa's hat.
3. Glue a string to end of the handle to create a loop.

Craft developed by Morgan Levine.

Pinecone Garland

This craft is easily adaptable to suit any holiday decor style. Love the soft but fanciful look of silver? Try metallic pinecones and a tinsel ribbon. Or maybe you're a traditionalist who'd rather decorate with red and green? Go with a red and white ribbon and natural or white paint-dipped pinecones. Once you've finished the craft, wrap it around the banister, twirl it around your tree, or simply lay it across a mantle or console.

What You'll Need:

• Pinecones
• Ribbon, string, or yarn
• Hot glue gun and glue

Directions:

1. If desired, paint or decorate your pinecones.
2. Place a dot of hot glue on the base of one pinecone. Press the ribbon, yarn, or string down on top of the glue to secure. Repeat, evenly spacing the pinecones, until your garland is at the desired length.

Craft developed by Blake Ramsey.

Orange Clove Pomanders

These fragrant balls of citrus might remind you of something you'd see at your grandmother's house, but a few bright white pins modernize the vintage Christmas decoration. We recommend the traditional diamond pattern with a white center—or try your hand at creating a monogram or initial.

What you'll need:

• Oranges or clementines
• Cloves
• White glass head pins

Directions:

1. Plot out your design (or designs) before inserting cloves and/or pins into the citrus, so you don't end up with excess holes.
2. Push cloves and pins, one at a time, into oranges or clementines. Display in clusters with sprigs of evergreen in a bowl or on a tray. (Pro tip: If you have trouble inserting the cloves, try piercing the skin of the fruit with a toothpick first.)

Craft developed by Blake Ramsey.

Advent Calendar

Sure, you could buy an Advent calendar—but making your own is so much more fun (and fills more time). Make one for the family to share, or give each family member their own and fill them with sweet treats to last the whole holiday season.

What You'll Need:

• 25 small glassine bags
• Patterned papers
• Foam board (at least ½-inch thick)
• Map tacks
• Spray adhesive
• Permanent marker
• Scissors

Directions:

1. Cut out 25 small rectangles from the patterned papers. Make sure they can fit inside the small bags.
2. Write numbers 1 to 25 on the front of the glassine bags. Insert treats or gifts into each envelope and conceal them by placing the paper cutouts in front.
3. Wrap the patterned paper around the foam board using spray adhesive.
4. Use the map tacks to attach the envelopes to the board.

Craft developed by Morgan Levine.

Christmas Countdown

Chances are the kids don't need any help getting in the holiday spirit, but choosing a few easy crafts to do together can make the season feel even more festive. This one gives kids the opportunity to enjoy the fruits of their labor every day for 25 days. The only catch: You'll have to plan this DIY project in November.

What You'll Need:

• 12 or 24 plain white boxes
• Wrapping paper or kraft paper
• Numbered stickers
• Treats for each box

Directions:

1. Wrap boxes with paper.
2. Number boxes 1 through 12 or 24, depending on how you celebrate the season. Put a treat in each box and stack.

Tacky Trim as Glittering Garnish

Transform over-the-top tinsel garland into a tasteful trimming with a few quick snips.

What You'll Need:

• Old tinsel garland
• Clear glass ornaments
• Scissors
• Ribbon

Directions:

1. Cut 4-inch strands from the garland, then feed them through the opening of a clear glass ornament until full.
2. Attach a ribbon to the ornament's loop to create a napkin holder or a gift topper.

Pinecone Centerpiece

With a few simple adjustments, an unused natural wood disposable plate gets new life as a centerpiece for your holiday table. Traditionalists might consider using natural pinecones instead of ones that have been painted red.

What You'll Need:

• Disposable bamboo plates (or balsa wood)
• Scissors
• Craft aluminum
• Red pinecones (homemade or store-bought)
• Hot glue gun and glue

Directions:

1. Cut bamboo plates into strips, about 1-inch wide. (You can use balsa wood, though the strips won't have the same natural curve the plates do.) Glue together to form the shape of a branch.
2. Cut leaf shapes from craft aluminum. Fold in half, then unfold to get create a crease down the center. Glue two leaves to the end of each branch.
3. Glue one red pinecone atop each duo of leaves. Place in the center of your table and surround with small votives.

Craft developed by Blake Ramsey.

Straw Star Burst Ornament

Done with plastic straws? Put any leftovers to good use—and not in our oceans— by repurposing them as Christmas ornaments with this easy craft.

What You'll Need:

• Colorful plastic straws
• Small zip ties
• Scissors
• Pin or needle
• String

Directions:

1. Cut off the bendy portion of each straw.
2. Use a small zip tie to secure 12 straws together at the center, like a bouquet. Trim the end of the zip tie.
3. Thread another small zip tie through the first zip tie and secure another 12 straws at the center. Trim the end of the zip tie.
4. Use a needle or pin to pierce a hole through end of one straw. Thread a string through the holes and tie to make a loop.

Craft developed by Morgan Levine.

Poinsettia Napkin Rings

You don't need to purchase real plants to enjoy the season's most prevalent flower. (In fact, the live version can be poisonous to curious pets!) Instead, create embellishments for each place setting using a few simple craft supplies. These look lovely as present toppers, too.

What You'll Need:

• Bumpy pipe cleaners
• Hot glue gun and glue
• Beads, marbles, or jingle bells
• Pom poms
• Ribbon
• Scissors

Directions:

1. Fold each bumpy pipe cleaner in half on a slight angle, pressing down so the two "petals" appear to be next to one another. Repeat four times to create a poinsettia with eight petals. Glue each set of two together in the center to create the flower shape.
2. Glue a bead, marble, or jingle bell to the center.
3. Glue six pom poms around the center embellishment.
4. Cut a piece of ribbon to about 4 to 6 inches. Flip the flower and glue the center of the ribbon to the underside. Tie around folded napkins.

Craft developed by Blake Ramsey.

Festive Ornament Fillers

Dreaming of trimming a colorful tree, but sick of those gorgeous vintage glass baubles falling and breaking? So are we. The kids will have a ball filling plastic ornaments with their favorite finds. Try ribbons, strips of leftover wrapping paper, pom poms, tinsel, garland, or even tiny toys. There's no glue involved, so this is the perfect craft to set up for the kids to complete while you're taking care of other household chores.

What You'll Need:

• Clear plastic ornaments
• Ribbon, strips of wrapping paper, pom poms, and more colorful items for filling

Directions:

1. Remove caps from ornaments.
2. Fill each with ribbon, wrapping paper, or other fillers.
3. Replace the caps and hang the ornaments.

Festive Balls of Yarn

Meet the modern version of mistletoe: Dangle a few fluffy skeins of yarn from doorways, knobs, or hang on the tree.

What You'll Need:

• Styrofoam balls
• Yarn
• Scissors
• Glue

Directions:

1. Wrap a styrofoam ball with yarn. Stick to a single shade or criss-cross assorted hues together.
2. Leaving a loop loose for hanging, glue down the ends of the yarn.

Wine Cork Reindeer Ornament

If the season of plenty has led to plenty of wine drinking, repurpose a few of those wine corks (and have an enjoyable few hours of crafting) with this homemade ornament craft.

What You'll Need:

• Wine corks
• White paint
• Toothpicks
• Scissors
• Needle
• Black marker
• Glue
• Red pom poms
• Pipe cleaners (brown or glittery ones are best)
• Small bell
• Ribbon
• Screw eye
• String

Directions:

1. Paint two wine corks white. Let them dry. While you're waiting, trim the toothpicks—the four legs won't need to be much shorter, but the toothpick that connects the head and body can be cut in half.
2. For the head, pierce the bottom of one of the corks with a needle so that the toothpick will fit. Draw on eyes and a mouth with a black marker, and glue a pom pom on the end for a nose. Then, pierce two holes in the head for the antlers, near the eyes.
3. Bend the pipe cleaners into antler shapes (you may need to trim them) and insert them into the head.
4. For the body, pierce four holes in the bottom of the cork for the legs, and once on top for the neck. Connect the head and body using the short toothpick, and insert four toothpicks as legs.
5. Tie a tiny bell around Rudolph's neck. Insert a screw eye into the body cork, and tie a loop of string through it.

Craft developed by Morgan Levine.

Ornament Chandelier

Repurpose old Christmas ornaments and hanging trinkets with this colorful DIY chandelier.

What You'll Need:

• 16 glass ball ornaments or hanging trinkets
• Eye-hook hardware or plant hook
• Ribbon
• Blu-Tack (or another reusable adhesive)

Directions:

1. Mount eye-hook hardware to the ceiling (or use a preexisting plant hook).
2. Tie two 3-foot-long ribbons to the hook, knotting a glass ball at each end. Then cut four more ribbons two inches shorter than the first; tie them to the eye hook, so they surround the center balls. Attach ornaments to the ends.
3. Build the next tier (again, two inches shorter than the last) with four more ribbons to create an upside-down pyramid.
4. Use Blu-Tack to secure each ball to the one next to it. After the holidays, store the arrangement in a large box stuffed with tissue paper.

Clothespin Snowflake Ornament

It may be too chilly to hang sheets to dry outdoors, but you can still put those clothespins to good use with this smart craft.

What You'll Need:

• 8 clothespins
• Glue
• Paint
• Paint brush
• Screw eyes
• Silver string

Directions:

1. Disassemble the clothespins. You can discard the metal and just keep the wooden pieces.
2. Glue two wooden pieces together, back-to-back. It will no longer look like a clip, but should be rounded on one end and pointed on the other. Repeat with all 16 wooden pieces. Let them dry.
3. Once they've dried, glue all eight pieces together in a snowflake shape. It doesn't matter which ends make up the center, but we chose the rounded ends in the middle.
4. Once dry, paint the entire snowflake—we used blue gauche.
5. Insert a screw eye into one of the spikes, and attach a loop of silver string.

Craft developed by Morgan Levine.

Paper Snowmen

This adorable craft is reminiscent of something you might have brought home as a child, but is pretty enough to set on an entryway table or dessert buffet.

What You'll Need:

• Honeycomb balls in two sizes
• White craft glue or hot glue gun and glue
• Black cardstock
• Red cardstock
• Scissors

Directions:

1. Expand the larger honeycomb ball and place it on a flat surface. Expand the smaller honeycomb ball and glue it to the top of the larger one.
2. Hold your black cardstock sideways, so the paper is horizontal. Cut off the top ½ of the paper. Bring the ends around to meet one other (this forms the top portion of the snowman's hat). Secure with glue. From another sheet of black cardstock, trace and cut a circle (this forms the brim of the snowman's hat). Glue the two pieces together.
3. Hold the red cardstock sideways, so the paper is horizontal. Cut two strips. Glue one around the base of the hat. Trim any excess.
4. For the second strip of red cardstock, use scissors to make small cuts to either end. Then, approximately 1 inch from one end, cut three-quarters of the way through the strip, being careful not to cut all the way. Wrap the strip around the place where the two honeycomb balls meet. Place the uncut end into the cut on the other end to secure.
5. Using the scraps of black cardstock, cut out eyes, a nose, and a mouth. Secure to the top honeycomb ball with glue.

Craft developed by Blake Ramsey.

Holiday Hats

Who says Santa is the only one who gets to wear the fancy headwear? Party hats are required at the kids' table.

What You'll Need:

• Patterned paper
• Glue
• Hole punch
• Ribbon
• Pom poms

Directions:

1. Create the cone-like shape by adhering one side of the sheet of paper to the other side with glue.
2. Punch two holes on opposite sides of the base of the cone (the base is the wider portion).
3. Finally, string ribbon through and add a pom pom on top.

Dressed-Up Pillar Candles

Neutral toned candles deserve brightening up. Begin with a grouping of three or five pillar candles. Wrap a few with thick grosgrain ribbon; accent the others with gold push pins.

What You'll Need:

• Plain pillar candles
• Think grosgrain ribbon
• Glue
• Gold push pins
• Scissors

Directions:

1. Wrap ribbon around the base of a few candles; glue to hold.
2. Stick push pins into candles in a festive pattern. Arrange candles into a pretty grouping.

Trifle Bowl Terrarium

Terrariums are a great way to show off little bits of greenery, and this festive spin results in a green piece of holiday decor that deserves a place of honor on a side table or console.

What You'll Need:

• Trifle bowl
• Moss
• Fake snow
• Pinecones
• Artificial berries
• Christmas tree branches (these can be artificial or real)

Directions:

1. Layer moss, pinecones, artificial snow, berries, and tree branches in the trifle bowl.

Craft developed by Morgan Levine.

Holly Centerpiece

Plastic greenery tends to look, well, plastic. But place boughs of holly, evergreens, or mistletoe in clear glass jars or vases, and they make for a glossy yet understated table decoration. Group various sizes and shapes together for a stronger statement.

What You'll Need:

• Plastic greenery
• Clear glass jars or vases

Directions:

1. Place greenery in jars or vases, cutting to fit as necessary. Arrange on table, shelf, or another visible spot.

Goody Bag

It's a big night for Santa. Rumor has it that he really enjoys those plates of cookies waiting for him but....sometimes even his belly gets full. So send Santa off with his own goody bag with this easy Christmas craft. The kids will love the idea of giving the man in the big red suit a little something special this year.

What You'll Need:

• Festive treat bags
• Scissors
• White paper
• Glue or tape
• Crayons, stamps, and stickers

Directions:

1. Cut a rectangle from white copy paper to fit the craft bags, then glue or tape it on the bag.
2. Have each child write sweet messages for Santa with crayons, stamps, or even stickers. Fill the bag with cookies—and don't forget to add some treats for his reindeer, too.

Patchwork Frames

Swapping out seasonal snapshots is a fast, no-fuss, and affordable way to update those favorite photos over the holidays—and you'll get some fun Christmas crafting out of it, too.

What You'll Need:

• Solid-colored picture mats (available at craft stores)
• Stickers, markers, washi tape, and other decorative items

Directions:

1. Decorate picture mats.
2. Place each in a frame with a photo to help make everything feel a little more festive.

Sponge Ornaments

This craft puts standard kitchen sponges to work as decor instead of cleaning tools. Sponges are pretty affordable, so buy as many as you please and let everyone in the family decorate away. By the time you're all finished, you'll have more than enough to cover a tree.

What You'll Need:

• Colorful sponges
• Scissors
• Permanent markers
• Needle
• String

Directions:

1. Cut sponges into assorted ornament shapes.
2. Decorate the cut shapes with permanent markers. Curved lines will trick your eye into thinking the sponges are actually round (we tricked you, right?).
3. Poke through the top of each ornament with a needle, then use string to create a hanging loop.

Craft developed by Morgan Levine.

Bright Present Topper

Want the kids to help with the piles of presents that need wrapping? Let them pitch in with the presentation. Strings of paper lights make unexpected touches to solid gift wrap.

What You'll Need:

• Construction paper
• Scissors
• Twine
• Markers

Directions:

1. Cut bulb shapes out of construction paper.
2. Adhere to twine and wrap around or attach to wrapped gifts. Write the recipient's name on one of the bulbs.

Decorative Boxes

Brightly colored boxes get an even more seasonal spin (and become even more functional) with the addition of a metallic pinecone handle. The containers look great on an entryway or coffee table. And they don't have to be put away once the holidays are over—they'll look right at home all winter.

What You'll Need:

• Pinecones
• Spray paint
• Hot glue gun and glue
• Lacquered boxes

Directions:

1. In a well-ventilated area, spray pinecone liberally with spray paint, making sure to hit all the nooks and crannies.
2. Use a hot glue gun to attach pinecones to the top of the lacquered box. (Alternatively, as a more cost-effective option, you can use a shoebox covered in seasonal wrapping paper.)

Craft developed by Blake Ramsey.

Candy Cane Garland

Yet another clever use for paint chips. For this Christmas craft, have kids trace and cut out candy cane shapes from leftover paint chips. Using twine, string them together and hang along the mantel, stairwell, or on a bedroom wall.

What You'll Need:

• Paint chips or cards
• Scissors
• Hole punch
• Twine or string

Directions:

1. Trace and cut out candy cane shapes from the paint cards.
2. Punch a hole in the top of each card.
3. Run string through the holes to hang. To keep the candy canes from slipping, tie a large knot on either side of each cane before stringing the next one.

Christmas Card Table Runner

Rescue last year's heartfelt wishes by turning them into a festive table runner of winter wonderlands.

What You'll Need:

• An assortment of holiday cards from years past
• Copy machine
• Colorful fabric or paper
• Double-sided tape

Directions:

1. Place the cards facedown on a color copy machine (they should cover most of the glass). Put a piece of colored fabric or paper on top of the cards to serve as a border.
2. Print out multiple copies (enough to cover the length of your table) on 11-by-17-inch paper. With double-stick tape, join the copies along the top and the bottom and place on your table.

Gumdrop Place Card

Need permission to play with your food? Consider it granted. Create a place card idea that is bursting with sweet charm with this Christmas craft.

What You'll Need:

• Gumdrops
• Toothpicks
• Coconut
• Paper
• Scissors
• Markers
• Glue or tape
• Small dish or paper plate

Directions:

1. Stack a bunch of gumdrops in the shape of a tree (use toothpicks to keep them together) on the plate or dish. Sprinkle the tower with coconut.
2. Cut out small banners or flags and write someone's name on each. Attach to a toothpick and perch on the top of the stack.

Pinecone Present Topper

With a few simple additions—adhesive letters, some ribbon—natural pinecones add seasonal flair to wrapped presents.

What You'll Need:

• Pinecones
• Fillable clear plastic balls
• Ribbon
• Adhesive glitter letters
• Hot glue gun and glue
• Baker's twine
• Scissors
• Mini pinecones

Directions:

To make pinecone globes:

1. Open the fillable plastic ball, place the pinecone inside, and close. Thread the ribbon through the hanging loop, and tie it around the present. Tuck in a sprig of evergreen, if desired.

To make monogrammed pinecones:

1. Stick adhesive glitter letter onto the pinecone. (For extra security during transport, use a dab of glue instead.)
2. Glue to the top of a wrapped present.

To make pinecone ribbon:

1. Cut baker's twine so it's long enough to wrap around the gift.
2. Wrap twine around each mini pinecone, hiding ribbon inside the scales, about an inch apart. (Pro tip: Only use enough pinecones to cover the top of your present—otherwise it won't sit right under the tree.)
3. Wrap the garland around your present, pinecones facing up. Secure with a bow.

Craft developed by Blake Ramsey.

Sparkly Winter Scene

Not crazy for DIY projects that make a mess? This winter scene is worth every last piece of confetti. Build sparkling snowmen and shimmering trees in no time. If you're OK with a blizzard blowing through (that's where the confetti comes in), we'd suggest setting your project up on plenty of tabletop space.

What You'll Need:

• Styrofoam balls (in two sizes)
• Pipe cleaners
• Black construction paper
• Hole punch
• Wire cutter
• Glue
• Toothpick
• Glittery green paper
• Scissors
• Toothpick
• Glue
• Confetti (if desired)

Directions:

1. For the snowmen, stack the small styrofoam ball on top of the larger one. Secure together with a toothpick. (Glue will also work.)
2. Using the hole punch and construction paper, create eyes, mouths, and buttons.
3. Tie pipe cleaner around the neck and pop on as the nose.
4. For the trees, cut circles out of the paper. Cut one piece of a pie from the circle. Form a circle, which will be a layer of the tree, and attach the two sides together.
5. Make a hole through the pointy side of the paper. Slide toothpick through.
6. Make two additional levels like this and add to the toothpick.

Candleholders

Repurpose old jars—and get a fresh centerpiece at the same time—with this easy guide to festive holiday candleholders. You'll need a long lighter to set the candles alight, so make sure you're prepared before the grand reveal of your craft.

What You'll Need:

• Jars of different sizes and shapes (from jams or sauces)
• Twine, string, or patterned ribbons
• Assorted greenery
• Tea light candles

Directions:

1. Clean and remove labels from the jars.
2. Use the twine, string, or ribbons to tie the greenery to the jars.
3. Place the tea light candles in the jars.

Craft developed by Morgan Levine.

Paper Trees

These faux tabletop trees are made from green paper cut into circles, embellished with office dots, and topped with a tinsel pom-pom.

What You'll Need:

• Green cardstock
• Scissors
• Dot stickers
• Glue
• Tinsel pom poms

Directions:

1. Cut paper into circles.
2. Decorate circles with stickers for ornaments.
3. Carefully fold and crease circles to create standing trees.
4. Glue a pom pom on the top of each tree.

Pinecone Butterfly Ornaments

These whimsical creatures make a surprisingly sophisticated addition to any Christmas tree. Hang each one by the antennae—the slight angle makes them look like they're really flying.

What You'll Need:

• Gold floral wire
• Wire cutters
• Pencil
• Pinecones
• Pushpin
• Craft glue
• Colored feathers
• Scissors

Directions:

1. Cut two 1 ½-inch pieces of floral wire. Wrap one end of each piece around a pencil to curl.
2. Using the pushpin, poke two holes at the base of the pinecone (use a long, skinny pinecone for the best results). Put a dab of craft glue on the uncurled ends of the wire, then insert into the two holes you created at the base of the pinecone.
3. Cut feathers down (two for each side) to desired wing size. Place a dot of glue onto the ends of each feather, then insert into the scales on the side of the pinecone.

Cupcake Liner Tree Centerpiece

Once all the cupcakes have been baked—or if you just find yourself with excess cupcake liners—put those papers to good use with this festive Christmas craft.

What You'll Need:

• Styrofoam cone
• Green cupcake liners
• Yellow cupcake liner
• Skewer
• Magna Tac glue
• Pencil

Directions:

1. Wrap the green cupcake liner around the pencil so the eraser is in the center of the liner. Apply glue to the center of the liner and press it into the cone. Repeat these steps until the entire cone is covered.
2. Glue the yellow liner to the top of the skewer and pierce it through the top of the cone.

Craft developed by Morgan Levine.

Balloon Snowman

There's no worrying about this cold weather friend disappearing.

What You'll Need:

• White balloons
• Paper
• Glue
• Scissors
• Black marker

Directions:

1. Blow up two white balloons (one slightly larger than the other) and tie them together.
2. Cut two thin strips of paper. Glue one into a ring for the base, and cut thin tassels into the other for the scarf fringe. Cut a small triangle out of a third piece of paper and fold it in half for the nose.
3. Attach the balloons to the ring of paper and add the fringed paper scarf around the neck.
4. Finish Frosty off by making a face with a black marker and attaching the nose.

Branch in a Vase

For a low-effort DIY decoration that still looks impressive, pair your favorite vase with some natural elements and homemade ornaments you can personalize.

What You'll Need:

• Cardstock
• Washi tape
• Embroidery floss
• Awl, hole punch, or thumb tack
• Scissors
• Branch
• Vase

Directions:

1. Cut out ornament shapes from the cardstock.
2. Apply washi tape to the paper ornaments and trim any rough edges.
3. Pierce a hole with the awl, hole punch, or thumb tack at the top of the ornaments and string with embroidery floss.
4. Hang them from the branch and place in the vase.

Craft developed by Morgan Levine.

Modern Paper Ornaments

Ornaments were meant for the tree but look great dangling just about anywhere. Let the kids create their very own paper decor by tracing our easy-to-follow templates.

What You'll Need:

• Paper
• Scissors
• Pencils
• String
• Tape
• Ornament template

Directions:

1. Print and cut out shapes from the ornament template.
2. Trace shapes onto colorful paper.
3. Cut out ornaments and tape string to the back to hang.

Pom-Pom Garland

For a less organic—and more pest- and pet-friendly—garland, swap colorful pom poms in for cranberries and popcorn.

What You'll Need:

• Pom-poms (1 or 1 ½-inch)
• Embroidery floss
• Sewing needle

Directions:

1. Use a needle and embroidery floss to thread through the pom poms. Knot the ends to secure.
2. Hang on a mantel or on a wall.

Craft developed by Morgan Levine.

Cookie Cutter Garland

Tinsel and strands of popcorn aren't the only options when it comes to trimming the trees.

What You'll Need:

• Holly leaf–shaped cookie cutters
• Green cardstock
• Pencil
• Scissors
• Hole punch
• String or twine

Directions:

1. Trace cookie cutters onto paper and cut out the shapes.
2. Punch a hole through each leaf and string the twine through it. (Tie a knot around each to keep them from sliding.)

O Christmas Tree Cards

The massive holiday mailing may have already gone out (phew), but the kids might have some cards they'd like to give out. To help them make cards for all the special people on their lists (friends, teachers, cousins), all you need is construction paper and stickers.

What You'll Need:

• Construction paper
• Stickers
• Scissors
• Envelopes
• Pencil

Directions:

1. Use a pencil to trace trees onto green construction paper (though bonus points for creatively colored pink, blue, or purple trees, too!).
2. Cut the shapes out and then decorate each one with stickers. Write a note on the back before placing in envelopes and mailing or handing out.

Bow Napkin Rings

Need help setting the holiday table? Recruit the kids by giving them creative ownership over the napkins.

What You'll Need:

• Thick satin ribbon
• Scissors
• Traditional present bows with sticky backs

Directions:

1. Roll up table napkins.
2. Tie each with the ribbon, then top with the bows.

Snowflake Stirrers

No snowflake is alike. And no snowflake is quite as spectacular as this bunch of flakes. The secret ingredient behind putting these together? Leftover coffee stirrers glued together.

What You'll Need:

• Coffee stirrers of different colors
• Glue
• Scissors
• String

Directions:

1. Cut the stirrers into different lengths (we recommend long and short lengths).
2. Glue three long stirrers in the shape of a star or snowflake, attaching glue at the center.
3. Glue two short stirrer pieces to the ends of each flake.
4. If desired, glue a piece of string to the back of each flake to hang.

Washi Tape Ornaments

When it comes to trimming the tree, let your kids do the styling. Start with unbreakable plastic balls (available at local craft stores) and let them decorate with tape in fun patterns and bright colors.

What You'll Need:

• Plastic ornament balls
• Colorful washi tape

Directions:

1. Decorate each ornament with tape.

Candy Cane Card

Holiday cards come in all shapes and sizes. While you're busy addressing your labels, let the kids create their own unforgettable designs.

What You'll Need:

• Paper or cardstock
• Scissors
• Crayons, ribbon, and other decorative tools

Directions:

1. Start with simple paper stock and embellish with seasonal favorites like a candy cane, reindeer, or snowman.

Gingerbread House Placemat

A mealtime masterpiece with no assembly required (phew). Print the gingerbread house and let your little artists decorate during dinner.

What You'll Need:

• Gingerbread house template 
• Crayons, colored pencils, and more colorful drawing tools

Directions:

1. Print a color-able placement for everyone at the table and supply each spot with coloring tools.