8 Christmas Crafts From Lynn Bywaters Cc Holiday Treasury

The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to get into the spirit than by creating some festive Christmas crafts? Lynn Bywaters, a talented crafter and author, has shared 8 wonderful projects from her Holiday Treasury that are sure to inspire and delight. In this article, we'll explore these creative ideas, provide step-by-step instructions, and offer tips and variations to make each project your own.

The Importance of Handmade Holiday Crafts

Handmade crafts have a way of adding a personal touch to the holiday season. They make thoughtful gifts, decorations, and activities that bring people together. By creating something with your own hands, you're not only expressing your creativity but also sharing a piece of yourself with others. In today's fast-paced world, handmade crafts offer a refreshing respite from mass-produced, store-bought items.

Project 1: Snowflake Garland

Create a magical snowflake garland to adorn your mantel, staircase, or windows. This project requires minimal materials and is perfect for a family activity or a relaxing evening alone.

Materials:

• White paper or cardstock
• Scissors
• Glue
• String or twine
• Tape

Instructions:

1. Cut out intricate snowflake designs from the paper or cardstock. You can use a template or create your own unique patterns.
2. Cut a length of string or twine and glue the snowflakes along the center, leaving a small gap between each flake.
3. Hang your garland in a window or along a wall, securing it with tape.

Tips and Variations:

• Use different shapes and sizes of snowflakes to create a more dynamic garland.
• Add a few beads or sequins to give your garland some extra sparkle.
• Experiment with different materials, such as foil or tissue paper, for a unique texture.

Project 2: Pinecone Bird Feeders

Create a delightful bird feeder using pinecones, peanut butter, and birdseed. This project is perfect for nature lovers and makes a great activity for kids.

Materials:

• Pinecones
• Peanut butter
• Birdseed
• String or twine
• Optional: decorative items like ribbons or bows

Instructions:

1. Spread a small amount of peanut butter on each pinecone, then roll it in birdseed until well-coated.
2. Tie a length of string or twine around the top of the pinecone, leaving a small loop for hanging.
3. Hang your bird feeder in a nearby tree, and enjoy watching the birds visit.

Tips and Variations:

• Use different types of birdseed to attract various bird species.
• Add a few decorations, like ribbons or bows, to make your bird feeder more festive.
• Experiment with different materials, such as coconut flakes or oats, for a unique texture.

Project 3: Popcorn and Cranberry Garland

Create a colorful and edible garland using popcorn and cranberries. This project is perfect for a family activity or a fun snack.

Materials:

• Popcorn
• Cranberries
• String or twine
• Tape

Instructions:

1. Thread a length of string or twine with popcorn and cranberries, alternating between the two.
2. Hang your garland in a window or along a wall, securing it with tape.

Tips and Variations:

• Use different types of nuts or dried fruits to add variety to your garland.
• Experiment with different materials, such as pretzels or cereal, for a unique texture.
• Make a few extra garlands to use as gifts or decorations.

Project 4: Handprint Reindeer

Create a cute and personalized reindeer decoration using handprints. This project is perfect for kids and makes a great keepsake.

Materials:

• Paper or cardstock
• Paint
• Paintbrushes
• Glue
• Scissors
• Markers or pens

Instructions:

1. Paint a child's hand brown and stamp it onto the paper or cardstock to create the reindeer's body.
2. Add antlers, eyes, and a nose using markers or pens.
3. Cut out the reindeer and glue it onto a piece of cardboard or a gift tag.

Tips and Variations:

• Use different colors or patterns to make your reindeer more unique.
• Add a few decorations, like glitter or stickers, to make your reindeer more festive.
• Create a whole herd of reindeer using different handprints.

Project 5: Salt Dough Ornaments

Create beautiful and fragrant ornaments using salt dough. This project is perfect for a relaxing evening alone or a fun activity with kids.

Materials:

• Flour
• Salt
• Water
• Vegetable oil
• Optional: decorations like glitter, paint, or ribbons

Instructions:

1. Mix together flour, salt, and water to create a dough.
2. Shape the dough into desired shapes, such as balls, stars, or trees.
3. Add decorations, if desired, and let the ornaments dry completely.

Tips and Variations:

• Use different shapes and sizes to create a unique ornament collection.
• Experiment with different decorations, such as sequins or beads, to add extra sparkle.
• Make a few extra ornaments to use as gifts or decorations.

Project 6: Yarn Ball Ornaments

Create colorful and textured ornaments using yarn balls. This project is perfect for a fun activity with kids or a relaxing evening alone.

Materials:

• Yarn
• Styrofoam balls
• Scissors
• Glue
• Optional: decorations like glitter, paint, or ribbons

Instructions:

1. Wrap yarn around a Styrofoam ball until it's completely covered.
2. Cut the yarn and secure it with glue.
3. Add decorations, if desired, and hang your ornament on the tree.

Tips and Variations:

• Use different colors and textures of yarn to create a unique ornament collection.
• Experiment with different decorations, such as beads or sequins, to add extra sparkle.
• Make a few extra ornaments to use as gifts or decorations.

Project 7: Recycled Paper Chain

Create a colorful and eco-friendly paper chain using recycled materials. This project is perfect for a fun activity with kids or a relaxing evening alone.

Materials:

• Recycled paper
• Scissors
• Glue
• Tape

Instructions:

1. Cut strips of paper and glue them together in a loop, making sure to align the edges.
2. Continue adding loops to create a chain.
3. Hang your chain in a window or along a wall, securing it with tape.

Tips and Variations:

• Use different colors and textures of paper to create a unique chain.
• Experiment with different materials, such as cardboard or fabric, to add extra texture.
• Make a few extra chains to use as gifts or decorations.

Project 8: Felt Christmas Tree

Create a cute and personalized Christmas tree using felt. This project is perfect for a fun activity with kids or a relaxing evening alone.

Materials:

• Felt
• Scissors
• Glue
• Markers or pens
• Optional: decorations like glitter, beads, or sequins

Instructions:

1. Cut out a Christmas tree shape from the felt.
2. Add decorations, if desired, using markers or pens.
3. Glue the tree onto a piece of cardboard or a gift tag.

Tips and Variations:

• Use different colors and textures of felt to create a unique tree.
• Experiment with different decorations, such as ribbons or bows, to add extra sparkle.
• Create a whole forest of trees using different felt shapes and sizes.

Conclusion

These 8 Christmas crafts from Lynn Bywaters' Holiday Treasury offer a delightful way to get into the holiday spirit. From snowflake garlands to felt Christmas trees, each project is designed to inspire creativity and add a personal touch to your holiday decorations. Whether you're a seasoned crafter or a beginner, these projects are sure to bring joy and cheer to your holiday season.

Gallery of Christmas Crafts

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Gallery of 8 Christmas Crafts From Lynn Bywaters Cc Holiday Treasury