Spread The Joy

One holiday craft at a time…

Christmas traditions keep the holiday spirit alive! For my family, a few traditions include: 

 • ALWAYS have a real tree!

• ALWAYS have freshly baked cinnamon rolls on Christmas morning!

• ALWAYS open presents in the same order. Yes, that means I go FIRST!

Christmas traditions aren’t just for close family. Whether it’s a secret Santa party or an ugly sweater get together, my friends never skip a beat. The same goes for my mom and her closest pals. A few years ago they started an annual DIY party. Each year they really do it BIG with new holiday crafts. My photog (aka Mom) captured all of the DIY happenings this past weekend, as the girls continued to keep their tradition alive. With a glass of wine in hand, their DIY designs proved impressive again. So I’ve taken a few of the party pics and shared them below. I’ve also provided tips and tools to re-create this year’s DIY projects. And who knows, maybe you’ll start a new tradition this year with a few crafts you can call your own. (Shout out to this year’s DIYers: Sheri, Julie, Tricia, Terry, Carolyn, Terri and Melanie.) Enjoy!

CANDY CANE RUDOLPH

What You Need: candy canes, red pom-poms, googly eyes, brown yarn, pipe cleaners, scotch tape, glue

Steps: 1. Place 2 candy canes in the opposite direction. 2. Tightly wrap a piece of brown yarn around the candy canes. 3. Glue a set of eyes & 1 red pom-pom for Rudolph’s face. 4. Loop a pipe cleaner through the back side of the thread & twist off to make an ornament.

CHRISTMAS LIGHT BOX

What You Need: glass box, ribbon, 70+ lights

STEPS: 1. Put lights into the glass box. 2. Tie ribbon & accessories around the box. 3. Plug in & enjoy!

PERSONALIZED GLITTER ORNAMENTS

What You Need: glitter ornaments, ribbon, letter cut-outs or paint pens

Steps: 1. Create a draft on paper of what you’r ornament will look like. 2. Use an ornament crate to hold the ornament stable. 3. Use your glitter, vinyl cut outs or paint pens to create the ornament graphics. 4. Let the ornaments dry. 5. Tie your color ribbon to top the ornament. 6. Hang & enjoy your custom-made ornament.

THE CHRISTMAS CANDY TOPIARY

What You Need: candy, floral foam, ribbon, small flower pot, wooden dowel rod, glue gun

Steps: 1. Glue your Christmas candy to the styrofoam base. 2. Insert the wooden dowel rod into the top and bottom bases of your topiary. 3. Curl and tie your ribbon (to your taste). 4. Make sure it’s stable, and use it for your table decor!