How do you make Homemade Christmas Ornaments and Centerpieces for Kids

It’s that time of year again.  Time to get out the Christmas tree and start decorating for this holiday season.  What’s better than  buying Christmas ornaments?  You guessed it, make your own.  This easy Christmas Ornament craft is fun and easy for children of all ages.  They are great for adults too.  Not only can this craft be used as ornaments for the tree but you can make small table centerpieces, wall decoration and even name tags for presents.  So follow the simple steps below and get started on your holiday decorating.  

 

Clay Ornaments/Centerpieces  

Pre-heat oven to 225 ( you can either cook the clay for 30-50 minutes or let dry for 1-2 days)

Materials: For the clay: 2 cups flour, 1 cup salt, 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, bowl, mixing spoon; For decorating: Paints, paintbrush, optional glitter, gems, cookie cutters, ribbon and other decorating items

Step 1:  First your going to make the clay.  Add 2 cups of flour and 1 cups of salt to a bowl and mix together

 

 

 

 

 

Step 2: Next you are going to add the water and vegetable oil.

 

 

 

 

 

Step 3: Knead the dough with your hands (kids love this part) until you have a nice smooth ball.  If the dough is too sticky add some more flour.  If the dough is too rough (not getting smooth) add a little more vegetable oil. You can also add glitter to the dough now to if you would like some extra glitz!

 

 

 

 

 

Step 4: After the dough is in a nice smooth ball divide between children and start creating.  You can roll it out flat and use cookie cutters to make shapes or you can create your own shapes.

 

 

 

 

 

Step 5: Next place shapes on cookie tray and bake for 30-50 minutes or let dry for 1-2 days.

 

 

 

 

 

Step 6: Once clay is finished drying start creating.  You can paint your shapes, add ribbons, gems, ornament hooks, the

possibilities are endless.  These also make great gifts from children to loved ones and friends.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Apple Sauce and Cinnamon Ornaments

 

These ornaments are my favorite because they smell so good. When you hang them from the tree it smells like Christmas.  Please note these take approximately 2-4 days to dry before you can decorate them.

Materials: 1/2 cup apple sauce, 1/2 cup cinnamon, 2 tablespoons glue, bowl, wax paper, cookie cutter optional glitter; Decorating Materials: glitter, craft sequins/gems, pipe cleaner or ornament hook, other decorating items

Makes about 6 ornments

 

Step 1: Pour a 1/2 cup of apple sauce into a medium size bowl.

 

 

 

 

 

Step 2: Add 1/2 cup of cinnamon to the applesauce.

 

 

 

 

 

Step 3: Add 2 tablespoons of glue to the applesauce, cinnamon mixture.

 

 

 

 

 

Optional: add glitter to the mixture.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Step 5: When all the materials are added mix well.  Over wax paper roll out dough with rolling pin. Use cookie cutter to form shapes.  If making a hanging ornament add hole on top of shape with a pencil.  Let dry for 2-4 days then decorate.