Easy Heart Garland Craft

Posted on January 10, 2012 by Ann

Since my 6 year old daughter already has her Valentines made up, I thought I better get my act together and start my Valentine’s preparation!

Today I am sharing an easy to make heart garland. It is versatile and you only need construction paper, staples, and scissors. You can also use an Xacto knife to cut the strips which makes cutting faster and more accurate. You can create a vertical or horizontal version. I also made some singles to just play with, stack, and have fun arranging. You will need several sheets of construction paper (2 or more colors) and lots of staples! Continue reading →

Stockings Hung with Care

Posted on December 22, 2011 by Ann

Christmas Stockings (felt-tip pen on marker-paper; rendered in Gimp)

When I was a kid, stockings were my favorite part of Christmas morning; which is why it is so ironic that I despise them now that I am a parent. Well maybe that is a little too strong. I don’t despise them. I like how they look hanging up near the chimney. I enjoy watching my children pull small gifts out with so much anticipation. I just don’t like shopping for them and filling them. Continue reading →

Christmas Carols Booklet

Posted on December 18, 2011 by Ann

Caroler (felt-tip pen on marker paper)

I think it’s kind of funny when you start out strong singing a Christmas song then as you realize you only know the first couple lines, start mumbling to the tune and then follow it up with loud chorus singing. Even with many of the classics I really only know the first and maybe second stanzas.

Christmas music gets me into the holiday spirit! One of my favorite activities is to light a pine scented candle (a necessity with an artificial tree) and listen to Christmas music while arranging holiday decorations, wrapping gifts, or any other holiday prep activity. Continue reading →

Gifts are Love

Posted on December 17, 2011 by Ann

Printable gift-tags and bows in assorted colors

My 3 year old son has more than once said he loves Grandma, Mommy, & Daddy because we buy him things! I don’t think he is spoiled. I don’t think we BUY him too much. I was mildly disgusted until I thought about it for a while. Giving gifts has been around since the beginning of mankind. People give gifts to show appreciation, generosity, and caring. That is love isn’t it? Continue reading →

Paper-doll Printable

Posted on December 16, 2011 by Ann

Here is a holiday gift from me to you! Click on this link to download a color and black & white PDF paper-doll printable: Annabelle’s Holiday Party

Annabelle's Holiday Party

I love paper-dolls! Here are a few from Amazon that are hard to resist! Continue reading →

Hand-made Gifts for Kids

Posted on December 6, 2011 by Ann

hand-made doll's wardrobe

If you are low on cash and have some spare time and if your kids are young enough to not know the difference you can make a lot of their Christmas gifts.

I know, because I did it 2 Christmases ago when I met all three criteria! It was a lot of work but also a lot of fun! Consider it… Use your imagination, the internet, and the materials you already have. I made it a GOAL to buy a little as possible and use materials I already had from past projects, etc. Continue reading →

Pretty-easy Holiday Prints!

Posted on December 4, 2011 by Ann

holiday print (styrofoam, tempera, & craft-paper)

Styrofoam Printmaking

Save those to-go Styrofoam containers or well cleaned meat trays! Here is a kid-friendly art project that you will enjoy too: A print-making method which is great for making holiday cards, gift-wrap, or customized gifts. The great thing about prints is once you have a design you like, you can make multiples! Everyone on your list this season will love getting a personalized gift with your artistic touch (or at least they will say they do)!

Ideas for personalized gifts…

Journal, tote-bag, keepsake box, ornaments, t-shirt, apron

Continue reading →