11 DIY Christmas Wreaths to be Jolly About

September 7, 2015 by FaveCrafts Leave a Comment

It’s time to get down to some serious crafting folks. With the kids back in school, the summer winding down, and the fall holidays looming over us closer and closer, we really need to prep for…Christmas! Christmas?! You’re probably thinking I’m out of my mind, but those homemade mantle crafts and DIY garlands aren’t going to make themselves! I started sewing for Christmas about a month ago because I’m still a beginner and I wanted a head start on my homemade tree skirt. Plus, I wanted plenty of crafting time and an organized craft room for all the DIY Christmas decorations I have planned.

The best part of crafting — free sewing patterns, crochet patterns, and knitting — is that you can take a tutorial or a pattern and still be able to make the craft or pattern with your own personal touch. I normally change colors or patterns, but if you’re super creative, you can imagine an entirely other use. Take wreaths, for example and an adorable deco mesh wreath tutorial. That tutorial may be for spring with bright blues and greens, but you could easily adjust it for a red and green DIY Christmas wreath. Everything can be tailored to suit your needs and tastes.

Those cute deco mesh DIY wreaths are really trendy right now. Not sure what they are? They’re the homemade wreaths that look ruffled like an unraveled roll of ribbon. These were all over my sorority hallways with the names of the sisters in each room. They had these cute wreaths with their letters at the bottom and their names in sparkly letters. A DIY wreath would be a really cute dorm room decor to give as a graduation gift!

Excited for the holidays, I’m checking my supply list twice and heading straight off to the craft store to gather supplies for a few different DIY Christmas wreath ideas. I need to make at least two to cover the whole season. I can’t wait to learn how to make a wreath for every single one of my doors!

11 DIY Christmas Wreaths to be Jolly About

Ho Ho Ho Wreath

Ornament Wreath Video

Walnut Wreath

Fancy Feathers Wreath

Yarn Snowball Wreath

Red Green and White Christmas Berry Wreath

Joyful Ornament Wreath and Sign

Candy Cane Wreath

Light Up Frosted Glass Ball Wreath

Winter Willow Wreath

What do you use for outdoor decorations?

Get A Head Start with Christmas in July Crafts

July 16, 2015 by FaveCrafts Leave a Comment

I love Christmas as much as the next person, but it seems like every year, craft stores put out the holiday materials earlier and earlier. Just the other day I was at Michael’s and they had an aisle dedicated to Christmas ornaments already! It is absolutely crazy, but if you’re like me and have a strict budget, and just like to glitter everything on a daily basis, then you have to get started. I make hand-painted, homemade Christmas cards, so I have to get started early. I’m not quite sure when “Christmas in July” became such a trend, but it once it started, it has taken hold of July as a pre-season preparation. Christmas crafts have so many themes between a “White Winter Wonderland” to just the traditional colors of red and green. Since rustic crafting is still going strong, I wanted to focus on some rustic Christmas crafts.

Rustic Christmas in July Crafts

Crafting is the easy and cheap way to change your decor more often. With holidays, they tend to stick to typical themes. Fourth of July is obviously themed red, white, and blue; Halloween is black and orange with pumpkins everywhere and scary stuff, and Easter typically sticks with pastels. Christmas? Christmas is such a big holiday that you can do anything to your taste. I always like a lot of color in my apartment. On a typical day, it has neutral colors with an accent color to make items pop. So when Christmas rolls around, it is easy to decorate because I just switch out the accent color for some cute DIY pillows and homemade centerpieces.

All of these crafts would look fabulous together. What I love about rustic themes is that they use “natural” materials to make beautiful and classic decor. I use that lightly, only because you can make anything rustic-looking. You always find burlap crafts and rustic weddings, but we need a rustic Christmas. If you’re already rocking the country home decor, then these will fit right into your home. They are super easy Christmas crafts that can easily be put up and put away.

5 Fabulous Rustic Christmas Crafts

Woodland Winter Centerpiece

Winter Wonderland Candle Jars

All Is Calm Winter Wreath

Jaw Dropping Scrabble Tile Ornament

Sparkling Christmas Joy

My personal taste for Christmas decor? I grew up with the lights that had all the colors: red, green, yellow, some blue, and white. I feel those colors make my small space decorating just a little cozier, as long as I don’t go overboard on the decorations. Whatever is on my tree (usually those string of lights with the colors above) along with the general consensus of colors from my ornaments (my collection doesn’t have a theme—I’ve gotten a LOT since I was small), is the theme and color scheme that I choose.

What is your typical theme for Christmas? What is a staple item that you center it around?

Not Too Late To Decorate! 13 Christmas Crafts

December 5, 2014 by FaveCrafts 1 Comment

Wait, how is already December? Just five minutes ago, I was laying out in the sun, soaking up the last few rays of the season. Almost overnight, the days became darker and the air became chillier. I feel like the holiday season arrived before I could fully prepare! Do you feel the same way?

If you’re a little behind on your holiday crafting, you’re not alone. Luckily, you can still make plenty of crafts before December 25th. Decorating your space for the holiday season is by far one of the best aspects of Christmas, so don’t miss out on the fun! These holiday projects aren’t too complicated or difficult – if you have some crafty skills and an urge to decorate, you’ll be well on our way to finishing at least one of these projects. Wreaths in particular are a great seasonal treat – you can hang out on your door or simply add it to a blank wall for a pop of cheer. Additionally, there are plenty of handmade garlands, stockings and tabletop trees to help you show off your spirit. Don’t let the holiday season pass you by – sit down, relax and make a few Christmas crafts before it’s too late.

Easy DIY Christmas Decorations

Holly Jolly Christmas Reindeer Sign – Rudolph makes a surprise appearance in this clever Christmas craft project.

Simple Striped Santa Stockings – A great project to work on leading up to Christmas Eve. You can also make one and give it as a meaningful gift.

Grandma’s Angel Garland – Grandma would love this country-inspired Christmas craft.

Dazzling Christmas Centerpiece – An eye-catching design that’s sure to please. Place this sparkly table topper on your Christmas party table.

Felt Sweater Christmas Trees – Save old sweaters and use them for something fun and practical.

Knit Christmas Stocking – This is a more advanced project but that doesn’t mean it isn’t so much fun to make.

Frilly Paper Trees – The more colorful the paper, the better! Cover your table with these Christmas trees and make it a memorable holiday season.

How to Make a Christmas Wreath

Rosy Cozy Christmas Wreath – This wreath is both pretty and traditional. The beautiful posies add an unexpected dimension to an otherwise unexciting Christmas wreath.

Vintage Winter Wreath – Take a trip back in time! Homemade Christmas decor can help you feel warm, toasty and oh so cozy.

Peppermint Sweets Christmas Wreath – All the sweetness, none of the cavities! Satisfy your sweet tooth with this handmade wreath.

Mesh Christmas Wreath – An unexpected take on a traditional project, this wreath will change the way you look at DIY Christmas crafts. Who wouldn’t want to hang one on a door?

Christmas Cool Ornaments Wreath – Kids and adults alike will surely appreciate this fun and festive wreath design.

Candy Cane Crochet Wreath – This project may look complicated, but it’s so easy to complete. Everyone will love his handmade Christmas wreath and will want to know where you bought it!

What Christmas crafts will you make this year?

11 Angel Craft Ideas That Will Warm Your Heart

October 24, 2014 by FaveCrafts 1 Comment

Even if you aren’t religious, you Christmas just isn’t complete without a few angels. You’ve seen them atop a Christmas tree or lining a mantel, but there are also a ton of non-traditional angel craft ideas. From tampons (yes, tampons) to Barbie dolls, you can use so many unexpected supplies to create a Christmas angel. Crocheters, there are plenty of patterns for you, too!

Pick one of these angel craft projects and start your countdown to Christmas. It’s never too early to start decorating for the holidays and these sweet and simple projects will put you in the jolliest of moods.

Super Easy Angel Craft Projects

Unique Tampon Angel – Okay, this project is a little controversial. Yes, you do use a tampon and it is displayed on a Christmas tree. Would you make one? Leave a comment and tell us why or why not – we want to hear from you!

Wire Ribbon and Pearl Angel – This project is deceptively easy and looks really sophisticated. You only need a few supplies to get started, making this ideal for frugal crafters. I would definitely hang this on my tree – the delicate and unique look make it a true standout.

Itty Bitty Angel – How ridiculous cute is this little angel? I love the addition of synthetic doll hair – it makes the angel come to life! If you plan to give this away as a gift, model your angel after the recipient and personalize the face. Glasses, moles and other distinctive features will take this project to the next level.

Doily Angel – If you plan to throw a holiday party or festive gathering, make sure your table is perfectly decorated. You only need one paper doily per angel, so you can create a bunch in a short time. Plus, paper doilies are super cheap, so you won’t break the bank when you work on this project.

Little Angel – Crochet beginners will love working on this adorable angel. In just a few minutes, you can crochet both the wings and body. The stitches aren’t intricate and the pieces aren’t huge, so you don’t have to worry about messing up. Use this as an excuse to test your crochet skills and see what you can accomplish.

Extra Glamorous Angel Tree Topper – Who knew a Barbie could be a Christmas crafting MVP? This is the ultimate recycle craft – you’re repurposing an empty plastic bottle, toilet paper roll and yes, a Barbie to create a one-of-a-kind angel. This is a standout craft you won’t soon forget.

Our Favorite Angel Crafts to Make

Puppy Angel Christmas Ornament – Immortalize your four-legged friend with this delightful polymer clay ornament. The tiny halo and sparkly eyes are will help your ornament stand out on the tree. If you’re new to the world of clay, this is the perfect project for you.

Cinnamon Angel Garland – Rustic, country-themed crafts are always popular, but this one is especially meaningful. The cinnamon sticks and bay leaves used to string the garland and decorate the angels will make your home smell positively delicious. The subdued colors and small features make this an ideal craft if you just want a tiny touch of holiday flair.

Clay Angel Ornament – Grab that polymer clay – it’s time to get to work! I love the heart motif used throughout this adorable Christmas craft project. This may look like a complicated project, but it’s actually pretty easy to complete.

Ruffled Angel Statue -Use fleece or felt to complete this genius angel craft. Simply wrap your ruffles around a Styrofoam cone for a textured look. If you’re looking for a creative tabletopper or mantel display piece, be sure to work on this project.

Angel Ornament Pattern – Use this as a coaster, wall hanging or tabletop display – it’s that versatile. I love the traditional look of this design and the basic stitches used to complete the piece. Best of all, this is a true one skein pattern, making it ideal for waiting room and long car trips (as long as you’re not driving, of course).

What’s your favorite Christmas tradition?

Christmas Craft Show & Tell: Cast Your Vote!

December 12, 2013 by FaveCrafts 16 Comments

Thanks to all of the talented crafters who have shown off their amazing Christmas creations so far – we’ve received some really awesome entries!

Now it’s time to vote for your favorite project. Cast your vote below and help us decide who will receive this fantastic craft prize package!

Voting ends Friday December 13th 11:59 p.m. EST and a winner will be announced on Monday, December 16th – be sure to cast your vote before it’s too late.

***Also, share this post so all of your crafty friends can vote for their favorite crafts, too!

An InLinkz Link-up

How To Make a Shiny Santa Topiary

December 11, 2013 by FaveCrafts 4 Comments

This tutorial is brought to you by Latrice Murphy from Any Occasion.

Hey there, FaveCrafts readers. I know you all have been crafting away this holiday season – I certainly have been. I just loved browsing Pinterest for ideas to use as a starting point. Recently, I came across a topiary and took it in my own direction. I used colors from around my house, so it worked into the decor seamlessly.

Materials:

Clay pot
Floral foam bricks
Styrofoam circle
Push pins
Tulle
Dowel rod
Hot glue gun
Mini ornaments
Ribbon
Red and white paint
Black elastic
Silver glitter tape

Instructions:

First you’ll want to place your foam brick in the bottom of the pot with hot glue. You may need to shave some pieces off to get a good fit. I used a serrated knife.

Next, you’ll created a hole with your dowel rod. Fill that hole with hot glue and place your dowel rod. Let the glue cool.

Now you can place your Styrofoam circle on top. You’re ready to add the ornaments now.

Take off the silver or hanger portion off the ornaments and discard. Using the hot glue gun add each ornament to the circle by pushing them in a little bit to secure.

After the entire circle is filled you’ll go back with push pins and small ribbon pieces to fill in the spaces. I use 3” pieces for my ribbon loops.

Paint your pot with the red and white paint. Let it dry completely.

Add your elastic around and create a square for the buckle. Add that to the front of the pot.

Finish it off by gluing the tulle into the pot and covering up the floral brick.

You could add glitter to the tulle as well to make it really shine. This project is a bit time consuming but for around $15, I created a custom piece for my home that I really love.

Link Love: Easy Christmas Ornament Crafts

December 5, 2013 by FaveCrafts 4 Comments

I love the holiday season for a lot of reasons. The sights, the smells, the goodwill – this is simply the most magical time of the year. However, there is one thing that I love the most during this time of year – the decorations. Specifically, I love seeing how different families and individuals choose to dress up their trees. Since I don’t decorate my own tree, I love to admire other people’s hard work.

FaveCrafts features a variety of fun ornament crafts, but it seems that the quick and easy projects are always the most popular. These are the ornaments you make in an afternoon or even in a few minutes. These ornaments are also kid-friendly, so you can work on the projects as a family and use this time to teach valuable lessons about the holiday season. If you want to include the kids in your Christmas crafting fun, look no further than the Easy Icicles Ornament. Use beads, sequins and pipe cleaners for this simple project – it’s perfect for elementary-aged children. Similarly, the Reindeer Ornament doesn’t require any expensive material or hard-to-use supplies, but the finished product is too cute to miss. If you are looking for a more adult-friendly craft project but simply don’t have a lot of time to get creative, a Cute Santa Hat Ornament or a Glitter Filled Ornament will get you in the holiday spirit.

Ornaments are the perfect craft for the holiday season – you can hang them on your own tree or give them to someone you love. No matter what, the piece you create is sure to become an heirloom that will be displayed each year. Gather up the family and get to work – Christmas will be over before you know it!

DIY Acorn Ornaments from Say Yes To Hoboken
Clay Thumbprint Snowman Ornament from Lines Across
Wood Etched Ornament from Hello Wonderful
Old Fashioned Salt Dough Candy Cane Ornaments from Fun at Home With Kids
Rainbow Dip Dyed Christmas Lights from Two-daloo
CD Snowman Ornaments from Happy Hooligans
Fabric Christmas Tree Ornament from Haberdashery Fun
Ribbon Tree Ornament from Simply Kelly Designs
Hazelnuts Turned Mini Wreath Ornaments from North Story

Which ornament on your tree is the most meaningful and why?

14 Best Homemade Elf On a Shelf Ideas

December 5, 2013 by AllFreeChristmasCrafts 6 Comments

How to Make an Elf on the Shelf

The elf on the shelf is a holiday tradition that can be passed down through a family for generations! Have you ever thought about making your own magical little elf? A homemade elf on a shelf can become a whimsical family heirloom, and here are some ideas for how to make them!

How to do Elf on the Shelf

Once you make your elf on the shelf, you’ll need some ideas for what to do with it! In case you aren’t already in the know, an elf on a shelf is a magical little guy who travels to and from the North Pole during the Christmas season. According to elfontheshelf.com, there are two simple rules kids must know for having an elf: the elf cannot be touched, and the elf does not move if anyone in the house is awake. During the night, the elf travels back to Santa to report on how naughty or nice the kids have been, and when he returns, he usually sits in a different spot!

As a parent, you don’t need to just move around the elf at night and leave it at that. Instead, your elf could get into some mischief! Here are some fun ideas from Pinterest to get inspired with your elf on the shelf:

What is the most creative thing you’ve done with your elf on the shelf?

Delicious DIY: Use PEEPS® to Make a Christmas Candy Sleigh

November 27, 2013 by FaveCrafts Leave a Comment

This project is brought to your by Maria Del Pinto.

Here is a fun and easy way to share the holiday spirit with friends and family. This project features adorable Christmas holiday PEEPS® treats on a candy sleigh.

Materials:

PEEPS® (Gingerbread Man and Reindeer)
Two Candy Canes
Rice Krispies square
Skittles
Royal icing (white and red)
Icing piping bags and tips
Assorted Christmas Candy

Instructions:

Using your favorite royal icing recipe (or purchase pre-mixed at cake supply store), mix up the royal icing. Split batch in half and add red food coloring to one batch and mix. Place the icing in piping bags to use to build and decorate the sleigh. If you have egg sensitivities, you may wish to use melted white chocolate instead (make sure to follow manufacturers direction to properly melt chocolate).

Before starting, make sure to unwrap all the candy to make the decorating process faster. Then using a piping bag, draw two lines of white royal icing on the rice crispy square. Lay the two candy canes on top of the Rice Krispies square equally spaced to create the base of the sleigh. Allow icing to dry.

Once the icing has dried, turn the base over. Tthe Rice Krispies square should be facing up. Take the PEEPS® Reindeer and using the red royal icing, attach a red skittle to his nose to make it bigger. Allow to dry.

Take the PEEPS® Gingerbread Man and using both colors of the royal icing, add a few candy accents to add color to him. Use the red icing to make a line at his feet and hands. Don’t forget to put a little red icing on his mouth so you can see his smile. Once the icing dries, poke a toothpick into him to help support him (and hold him in place) when you put him onto the sleigh.

Using the two colors of royal icing, begin to attach some of the Christmas candy to decorate the sleigh. To finish, use the icing to attach the PEEPS® Reindeer to the front of the sleigh.

Make sure to leave room for the PEEPS® Gingerbread man at the top of the sleigh. Remove the toothpick from the PEEPS® Gingerbread man. Use the toothpick to carefully push through the candy bar into the Rice Krispie square.

For more PEEPS® recipes, crafts and other fun holiday ideas visit www.Facebook.com/PeepsBrand/adventcalendar

Christmas Tree Skirts: A Secret History

November 10, 2013 by AllFreeSewing 2 Comments

DIY Christmas tree skirts are hugely popular during the holidays. They’re functional, decorative, and add a little extra something to the living room decorations. Christmas home dec projects are among my favorite homemade gifts to make for newlyweds, rather than just purchasing them a new blender from their registry. It’s a great unexpected gift idea that people love; building up a collection of Christmas decorations can be expensive, and it’s nice to have ornaments and decor that is tied to a memory.

I love to learn about the history behind traditions, so as I was updating AllFreeSewing with new Christmas projects this week, I found myself adding a bunch of new Christmas Tree Skirt patterns and got to thinking: where on earth did the tradition of tree skirts come from?

The Early Days

I did a little research and as it turns out, tree skirts actually have a pretty storied history! Though their exact origins are still unknown, historians believe that Christmas tree skirts were likely invented in Germany (also the birthplace of general tree decorating).

In those days, trees were decorated with actual candles. In order to prevent a little Christmas bonfire from breaking out in the living room, families would put a mat under the base of the tree. The mat served to collect wax and fallen needles as well. These mats weren’t at all decorative; in fact, they were rarely more than just a piece of fabric placed beneath the tree, to be washed and recycled at the end of the holiday.

Tree Skirts Get A Makeover

The earliest recorded use of a Christmas tree stand as we use them today was in 1879, and the tree mat evolved into the tree skirt, which did double-duty collecting wax and leaves while obscuring the unsightly tree stand. It was during this time that Christmas tree skirts began to become more ornate and decorative. Families began to embroider or quilt their tree skirts to match their home decor.

At this point, tree skirts also served as the location of additional tree decorations like a nativity scene or Christmas village. As Christmas tradition evolved and gifts were placed under the tree instead of being hung upon it, the tree skirt became an important place for gifts to be arranged. Usually gifts were hung on the tree in early December and then added around the skirt on Christmas Eve.

Modern Christmas Tree Skirts

Today, skirts are mostly used as decorative ways to hide the tree stand. Most nativity scened and Christmas villages have moved elsewhere in the house, and gifts are piled up under the tree from day one. However, over a century of sewing tree skirts has given the internet a plethora of great homemade Christmas tree skirt ideas and tutorials. So with your new knowledge of its long past, sew a beautiful new skirt to add to your own family’s Christmas tradition with one of these ten festive free DIY Christmas tree skirt patterns!

PLUS! Want some extra presents under your tree this year? You can win a copy of Handmade Leather Bags & Accessories from AllFreeSewing and Design Originals and make tons of cute bags and more! Enter to win once a day, every day until November 25th right here!

11 DIY Christmas Wreaths to be Jolly About

What do you use for outdoor decorations?

Rustic Christmas in July Crafts

5 Fabulous Rustic Christmas Crafts

What is your typical theme for Christmas? What is a staple item that you center it around?

Easy DIY Christmas Decorations

How to Make a Christmas Wreath

What Christmas crafts will you make this year?

Super Easy Angel Craft Projects

Our Favorite Angel Crafts to Make

What’s your favorite Christmas tradition?

This tutorial is brought to you by Latrice Murphy from Any Occasion.

Materials:

Instructions:

Which ornament on your tree is the most meaningful and why?

How to Make an Elf on the Shelf

How to do Elf on the Shelf

What is the most creative thing you’ve done with your elf on the shelf?

Materials:

Instructions:

The Early Days

Tree Skirts Get A Makeover

Modern Christmas Tree Skirts

Do you have any Christmas traditions with interesting histories?

Crochet

Jewelry

Knitting

Paper

Sewing

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