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Keeping children’s minds off of the carefully wrapped presents under the tree and the smell of fresh-baked Christmas cookies can be extremely difficult. I have two toddlers, so I know the struggle is real! However, I have found that crafts are a nice distraction from it all. Not only will you have wonderful new decorations for your home, but you also create lasting memories.
Christmas wreaths make beautiful decorations during the holidays. We hang them on our front door, windows and some mirrors around the house. This year we decided to have our kiddos make and decorate their own holiday wreaths. You can search Pinterest to find numerous ways to make one. However, my children love to paint. That’s why we chose the handprint-painted wreaths. Follow these step-by-step instructions to making your own:
Supplies:
Canvas or poster board
Paint - two shades of green and your choice of accent color.
Decorations - We used snowflakes.
Clear coat or Modge Podge
Glue gun or heavy duty glue
Bow or any other holiday accent
Instructions:
1. On an empty canvas or poster board, draw a light circle in pencil. This will help children have a visual of the pattern they’re making.
2. With two different shades of green paint - one for each hand - have your kids make their hand prints all around the circle alternating hands.
3. Allow time to dry. Dip the tip of your paintbrush handle in your accent color. Dot the paint around the wreath to create holly berries.
4. Once all the paint is dry, add your choice of other decorations. You can use snowflakes, glitter, puff balls or any other festive decor you can get your hands on.
5. Spray your canvas with a clear coat or apply a coat of Modge Podge to protect your little one’s fabulous creation.
6. Glue the bow or accent to the wreath. Don’t be afraid to change things up, it doesn’t have to go at the bottom. If you have more artistic talent than I do, you can also paint a nice bow as well.
Don’t have your Christmas card ready yet? Now you don’t have to! Take a good picture of the new art your kiddos just created. Using Amazon Prints or Snapfish, you can use it to make a fantastic
Christmas card. All your family and friends will also get to enjoy your young one’s creativity. Happy crafting!
