easy handmade ornaments for kids

We had one of those weekends, where we proclaimed it to be a fun one. We were to sleep in, go out to breakfast, make ornaments, and watch christmas movies all. day. long.

Our last Saturday before the holidaisical apocalypse to actually rest.  To stay in our pajamas. To have fun as our little family and just be.

Except then they scheduled soccer pics for one of the kiddo’s teams at 7:30 am.

via {kidding not kidding}

Um, who schedules soccer pics at 7:30 am? {On a Saturday?} When we’re already on the verge of I-give-up because of all the things for Christmas?

NOPE.

Becuase sometimes it’s okay to say no, and not feel guilty.

Or in this case, NOPE.

So in lieu of doing something nice and handmade and one of a kind with the family, we thought we’d share a few simple ornament ideas with materials we already had around the house if you’re feeling the need for a reclusive restful saturday like us!

Disclaimer: I realize that our idea of “materials already around the house” may be a few more than the average non-freak-out-make-all-the-things person, but with just a few supplies, these were simple, super fun go-tos: easy handmade ornaments for kids!

First up: Cinnamon Rudolf Ornaments

These little guys took us back to our elementary school days. And all you need is just a few supplies:

• pipe cleaners • rhinestones {or little red fuzz balls} for noses • googly eyes • cinnamon sticks {get these at the grocery or your local craft store} • glue + twine for hanging

As you can see, the pipe cleaners were also a huge hit {after crafting different shapes for about an hour, Jamin proclaimed that if this blog gig doesn’t work out, we’ll just walk around on stilts at restaurants and make things from pipe cleaners. Winning. Mad skillz. Future secured.}

Simply position your reindeer parts as you wish,

Place the twine on the back with glue, and wrap the pipe cleaners around the top for an antler shape.

Tada! Rudolf.

An entire family of rudolfs. We loved all the little variations based on their preferences!

Next up: Fingerprint Reindeer

What you’ll need: • a piece of wood (Any little crafting block of wood will do, and you can either cut your own, or grab up these little pieces at your local craft store for about two dollars) • paint • an ink pad • pens • twine for hanging

Helpful Hint: We drilled a hole at the top before painting, but you can just glue the twine to the back if you don’t have a drill.

Our youngest needed a little assistance, but we took a finger, and made finger prints with the ink pad in two different places. {One fingerprint slightly above the other} In a different color {The kids chose red} and we made a ‘nose’ with their pinky finger.

They then took the pen and gave him a neck, eyes, and reindeer antlers. They added their name at the top, and I added the date on the back.

And finally: Christmas Clay Creations

The beauty of this is that you can do whatever shape you wish. You’ll need: • sculpey clay {salt dough also works} • wax paper (or a surface to work on) • a rolling pen • cookie cutters of your choice • an oven • craft paints + brushes • twine for hanging

Simply roll it out, and cut it to your desired shape.

While the clay was still in the cookie cutter, we took the end of  a paint brush and made a hole for twine. Pull the excess clay away, and place the shape on foil via a cookie sheet for the oven.

Bake it per baking directions in the back.

When the clay was cooled, they painted them just as they wanted.

Let them dry, and you’re ready to go!

It was ornament mania at our house, this Saturday.

The kids even found these little ‘Chloe’ cookie cutters we’d forgotten we had, {I guess we purchased them a long time ago} and it was, well, just perfect for the tree.

We hope you guys try some of these – just a few basic creations they had a blast making!

Here’s to a restful last leg of the month of December.

As always, if you try it we’d love to hear.

Have an inspired day!

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