12 Days of Making (Part One)

Something about Christmas time just inspires me to create! This year, we decided to take a beak from our routine studies a bit early and venture into learning through creating. Maybe we'll even create a new tradition while we're at it!

Each day, I we picked something to make. These ideas aren't all baking, or crafting, or sewing- they are a big mixture, hence my odd grammatical choice of a title ;)

I hope you'll get some inspiration to make things of your own!

Happy making!
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Day One: Pop-Up Christmas Cards

I normally skimp on Christmas cards, because, really, what would you rather get? A card or a gift? But, my kids LOVE to make cards and I wanted to help them make cards this year that, well, popped!

It might be a 20 minute video, but the pop up cutting instructions are in the first 5 minutes, then we cut out some cute Christmas trees and snowmen to decorate instead of drawing our own.

  ​You can download the print out below!

Print Out

Day Two: #Paperbob Coloring Contest

We loved coloring in our paper Bob's, and my kids are excited about the chance to win a $200 Lego gift card. They already decided they'd share it if one of them won :) This contest is fun for kids and adults and runs until the 20th!

You can get the print out by visiting:
Bob's Red Mill

​Day three: gingerbread houses

We were given silicone ginger bread house molds last year and have loved them! Instead of buying pre-made houses for the same cost, we can make our own year after year! 
 
For the dough, we used this recipe from Sally Bakes Blog. If you're using the same Silicone Ginger Bread Molds, I'd recommend doubling the recipe- but if you don't have them, Sally offers printable templates to use! 

​The results were yummy and fun!

Day Four: Hand Lotion

This was a different type of Christmas craft for us, but my skin has been so dry lately and I wanted to make some lotion and teach my kids how to do it too! 
 
We reused baby food jars to make the perfect cute little gift jars to give to friends and family. And for the recipe, I use a Wellness Mama inspired recipe:

1/8c of a light liquid oil such as jojoba, olive, or fractionated coconut oil
1/4c Coconut Oil
1/4c beeswax
2tbs shea butter
2 capsules of vitamin e oil (for moisture and preservation)
10 drops of essential oils.

If you've never made lotion, check out her simple recipe here!

Day Five: Pipe Cleaner Candy Canes

These are cute and super simple to make. You just need pipe cleaners, and red and white beads. It kept my little busy for hours and made a fun ornament or gift to give!

Day Six: Popsicle Star Ornaments

I started out by letting my kids paint these Popsicle sticks and allowing them to dry. 
Then, I did most of the gluing, as it was a little challenging for my younger kids. 
The results were a lovely ornament to decorate our tree!
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You can find a great how to at Little Bins for Little Hands

Next week, I'll share our final 6 days of making! What's your favorite thing to make this time of year? Tell me about it in the comment section!