This year we got Hunter his own little Christmas Tree for his room. I decided it would be fun for him to make all of the ornaments for his tree. Here is what we made and how we made them:
Fill Ornaments
What you need:
Clear Plastic Ornaments
Fillers (see below)
Glue (if needed to close ornaments)
String or Ribbon
This is an easy and clean way to make ornaments! Even the baby who is 1 was able to participate. You can use anything you have in the house! We used pom-poms, curled pipe cleaners (just wrap it around a pencil), little bells, and mini santa hats! You could also use beads, feathers, fake snow, and really anything else little you can find!
Birdseed Ornaments
What you need:
1 1/2 cup Bird Seed
2 packets unflavored gelatin
Cookie Cutters
String or twine
Baking Sheet
Wax Paper or Parchment Paper
Line a baking sheet with wax paper or parchment paper. Place cookie cutters on top. I sprayed them lightly with oil to ensure it was easy to remove them. Boil water and add gelatin. Stir until dissolved. At this point, I moved it to a bowl so that Hunter could help because he loves mixing! Let cool for 1 minute and then add birdseed. Stir until birdseed is fully coated. If you have extra liquid you can add a little bit of extra bird seed but too much will cause the ornaments to fall apart. Have your little one help you scoop the mixture into the cookie cutters. Press down to pack it in tight. Use a straw to poke a hole in each ornament for your string. Allow to dry overnight. Push out of cookie cutters and add the string!
Popsicle Stick Ornaments:
What you need:
Popsicle Sticks
Elmer's Glue
Paint
Embellishments
This can be done a few ways depending on your child's age and ability level. Hunter just turned 2 so I decided to paint and glue to popsicle sticks together before we got started. I knew he would not have the patience to wait for paint to try so he gets to do the fun part: decorating! With a child that is a little older, you can have them help paint the sticks and glue them together. For embellishments, you can use pom-poms, sequins or beads!
Paint Ornaments:
What you need:
Clear Plastic Ornaments
Paint & Brushes
1 Pom-pom
Glue (if needed to close ornaments)
String or Ribbon
There are 2 different ways to make these. If you use plastic ornaments that open in half, have them paint the inside with a paint brush and glue closed. If you have ornaments that just open at the top, have your toddler pick 2 colors of paint. Squeeze a little in of each color and throw in a small pom-pom. Then put the top back on and let them shake, shake, shake! It comes out with a great marble effect!
Salt Dough Ornaments:
What you need:
1 Cup Table Salt
4 Cups All-Purpose Flour
1 1/2 Cups Warm Water
Rolling Pin
Parchment Paper
Cookie Tray
Paint
Cookie Cutters (optional)
String
This is a classic DIY tradition and fun because the kids can help make the dough, shape it and paint it! They can really be involved every step of the process. You can use cookie cutters or cut out handprints and footprints. If doing hand or footprints, make sure to push down hard to make a good imprint so that you can still see it after they bake!
Directions: Add Flour and Salt together in a large bowl. Have your little one help you mix it together. Slowly add the water while mixing. Then knead it together with your hands. Roll out your dough on parchment paper. Place parchment paper with dough on cookie sheet. Cut out shapes, peeling away the excess. If you do a hand or footprint, I suggest doing the print before cutting the shape around it. Bake at 300 degree F for 1 hour. Once completely cooled, they can be painted.
Hope you enjoy making some of these DIY ornaments with your little ones!
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