Christmas Crafts for Kids -  Page 2

Paper Christmas Tree Craft

What you will need: One TP roll (or paper rolled to the size of a TP roll), green paper, scissors, glue, sequins or other decorative items.

What to do:

1. Cover a TP roll with brown paper to make the trunk of the tree.

2. Make five cone shapes each a little smaller than the other (Patterns for this craft are available to members.) using green paper.

3. Cut one-inch slits all the way around the bottom edge of each cone and curl up the edges by winding the edges around a pencil.

4. Place the largest cone shape on top of the TP roll. Then stack the remaining four on top of the largest, placing the smallest on top. Glue them all together.

4. To finish glue a star or pompom to the top of the tree and glue sequins to the branches of the tree.

©2007, Carolyn Warvel -* See Copyright Information

Secret Message Christmas Craft - The receiver of this beautiful Christmas tree takes the branches apart to reveal a Christmas message.

1. Follow the directions as above, but do not glue the pieces together.

2. Glue a star to the top of the tree and write the person's name to whom you will give the tree. Write words on the cones where they will be covered up by the cone that is placed on top. The first word of your message should be on the next to smallest cone. The last word/words should be on the largest cone. ©2007, Carolyn Warvel

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Ribbon and Bell Cardinal

What you will need: 5/8" polyester ribbon, scissors, glue, bright orange card stock, 3/4" jingle bell, black Sharpie marker, and wire.

What to do:

1. Cut a piece of ribbon ten inches long and fold it in half. Fold in the folded end of the ribbon to make a triangle shape at the end as shown in the top, right diagram.

2. Make a loop at the same end like you are going to make a knot at the end, tucking the folded end into the loop. As shown in the picture to the right.

3. Press the knot flat and place a little glue inside to keep it together. This is the bird's head. Cut a small triangle shaped beak from orange card stock and inserting the beak through the back of the head and pushing it all the way through to the hole in the front as shown in the picture above.

4. Cut another piece of ribbon about six inches long and tie it to the head piece right below the head as shown in the pictures to the left. Cut the ends of the wings so they are curved as shown in the picture above.

5. Scrunch up the back of the bird (tail) so that you can insert it through the top of the bell. Pull the tail all the way through so that the wings and head meet the top of the bell as shown in the picture to the right. Cut the tail feathers in a V-shape as shown in the picture above. Attach a wire to the bell to hang up the bird.

6. Use a black Sharpie marker to draw in the eyes and black around the beak. ©2007, Carolyn Warvel

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Reindeer Treat Cup

What you will need: Card stock, scissors, glue or tape, and/or colored pencils or crayons, Christmas cups, and candy.

What to do:

1. Draw a reindeer or other Christmas character on card stock similar to the one in the picture. (A pattern for this craft is available to members of Danielle's Place.)

2. Color the picture and cut out it out. Cut slits up along the inside of the legs as shown so it looks like your character is holding onto the cup.

3. Place the reindeer cutout on the edge of cup with its legs hanging over. Secure with tape or glue. Add candy canes or other candy. ©2007, Carolyn Warvel

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Stick Nativity Scene Craft

What you will need: Sticks, vines, berries, dried grass, and natural decorative items, glue gun, rock, and leaf.

What to do:

1. Start by making the house shape. Use your widest sticks first. Cut them to about 8" and glue them together to form the 5-sided shape. The bottom sticks are about 7" long. Glue another layer or two of sticks around the shape. You can also use vines to wrap around the sticks. The star in the picture is hanging from the curled up end of a vine.

2. Glue dried grass or grains to the bottom of the shape for hay.

3. Baby Jesus is made from a rock that was wrapped in a leaf. He is laying bark manger.

4. The star was made from a long piece of reed. It was bent into the star shape and glued together.

5. Add berries and other decorative items to finish.

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Feather Christmas Tree Craft

What you will need: Card stock (Heavy paper), green feathers, glue, and tiny pompoms, sequins, buttons, etc to decorate the tree.

What to do:

1. Print out the cone pattern onto card stock and cut it out.

2. Glue it into a cone shape.

3. Glue green feathers to the cone shape starting at the bottom of the cone. Make one row of feathers all the way around the bottom placing the feathers so that the end of the feathers extend over the bottom of the cone as shown in the picture. Made another row of feathers just above that row, placing the feathers so they overlap the bottom row about half way.

4. Keep placing rows of feathers until you get to the top of the cone. Glue decorative items on top of the feathers to finish. ©2007, Carolyn Warvel

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Christmas Bow Tree Craft

What you will need: Green bows of different sizes, tiny colored bows, card board or green poster board.

What to do:

1. Form a cone shape from a piece of green poster board that is about 8 inches tall.

2. Tape or glue green bows on the cone shape starting at the bottom of the cone with the biggest bows. Finish at the top with the smallest bows you have. When you have the whole cone covered add some tiny bows onto of the green bows to look like ornaments.

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Christmas Butterfly Crafts for Kids

What you will need: nylon butterflies, (You can buy these from Oriental Trading Company. Type 57/9091 in the search box at the top of the page to find this item. They are $5.95 per dozen, less if you buy more than three dozen.)

Feather Butterfly

White feathers - 57/3002 from Oriental Trading
Rhinestones - 57/7014 from Oriental Trading or
Jewels - 48/2089 from Oriental Trading
Clear Gemstones - 48/1337 from Oriental Trading
Pearl Beads - 48/3726 from Oriental Trading
Crayola White Glitter Glue

1. Cover the butterfly with white glitter glue. Use a stiff paintbrush to even the glue out. let it dry.
2. Cut the feathers to fit on the butterfly and glue them to the butterfly with tacky glue. Let it dry.
3. Cut the looped ends off the butterfly antennae. Stick beads on the antene. Apply tacky glue to the end of the antennae and stick pearl beads on the end.
4. Add jewels, gemstones, and pearl beads to the butterfly's wings.
5. Stick rhinestones on the butterfly's body.

Snowflake Butterfly

White Crayola Glitter Glue
Clear round faceted beads
Snowflake Jewels - 48/1580 from Oriental Trading Company
Clear Gemstones - 48/1337 from Oriental Trading Company

1. Cut the looped ends off the butterfly antennae. Apply tacky glue to the end of the antennae and stick pearl beads or clear round faceted on the end. Let it dry.
2. Cover the butterfly with white glitter glue. Use a stiff paintbrush to even the glue out.
3. Stick the clear gemstones of the butterfly's body and the snowflake jewels on the wings.

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Folded-Paper Angels

What you will need: Printer paper, paper punches (Optional), 1 1/2 inch white pompoms , ribbon, and scissors.

What to do:

1. Print out the angel wing pattern and use it to cut wing patterns from printer paper. Fan-fold the pattern starting at one of the straight edges. Make the folds about 1/2" wide. Fold the fan-folded wings in half and staple in the middle as shown in the picture below.

2. Cut printer paper into 6" lengths. The papers should measure 6" x 8 1/2".

3. In class have your children use paper punches to punch shapes into the angel's dress. They should punch along the two short ends as shown in the picture on the right. You may want to draw light lines on the ends that they should punch on.

4. When your children are done punching, fan-fold the papers starting at a long edge using 1/2" folds. Fold the fan-folded paper in half (shown in the picture below) so the punched edges meet. Glue the edges that meet together to make the dress.

3. Glue the wings on the dress by placing a line of glue along the edge of the bottom fold as show in the picture above.

4. Glue a 1 1/2" white pompom on for the head.

5. Glue some ribbon to the back so the angels can be hung on the tree.

Comments about this craft:

I teach a children’s church class of 24+ children ages 3-6.  We loved the folded paper angel craft, but with so many children (and varying spans of attention), I found it difficult to work with glue.  As an alternative suggestion, pipe cleaners work very well.  We used glitter pipe cleaners to wrap round the middle of the angel’s body and wings and then attached a pompom ball.  The children absolutely loved the angel lesson. Thank you for all you do to make teaching fun! Pam

One thing I love about the lessons and crafts are that they can be adapted to different situations.  Living in Uganda we don't have access to all of the supplies listed, but there is usually something I can substitute.  In making the folded paper angel, I used a cotton ball for the head instead of a pom-pom.  For the decoration at the bottom, I cut shapes into the "skirt" while it was still folded just as you would do for a snowflake.  It came out very nice.  Thank you for your work!  It sure makes the teachers' preparation and teaching go easier. Sally Jo

This craft goes with The Christmas Story Tree Lesson Series on The Resource Room. Each week children make Christmas tree decorations that will remind them about part of the Christmas story. They will add more decorations to the tree for each new lesson, and will enjoy seeing the tree changing and getting more beautiful each week.

©2006, Digital by Design-* See Copyright Information

Glowing Nativity Cross

What you will need: Bright yellow computer paper, oil (such as canola oil or olive oil), paint brush, and paper towels.

What to do:

1. Print out the cross pattern (Large file or small file) onto bright yellow computer paper and cut it out. If you have a printer that has water soluble ink, print out the pattern onto white computer paper and then use a copy machine to copy the pattern onto yellow paper.

2. Place a small amount of oil (1 teaspoon) into a cup. Use a paint brush to brush the oil over the back of the cross. When you have covered the entire cross with oil use paper towels to soak up any left over oil by pressing the cross pattern between to sheets of paper towels. The oil on the paper will make the paper translucent.

3. Tape the cross on a window. The images in the cross will seem to glow. ©2006, Carolyn Warvel

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Reindeer Bell Ornament

What you will need: Bell ornaments from Kmart (I got a package of 20 for $5.00 in the Christmas ornament section.), googly eyes, tiny red pompoms, tan foam sheets, scissors, and glue.

What to do:

1. Cut out antler shapes from foam sheets and glue them to the top of the ornament.

2. Glue on the googly eyes, and pompom to finish.

 

Marshmallow Reindeer Craft for Kids

What you will need: Foam marshmallows from Oriental Trading Company (You can buy 48 of them for $4.95, $3.95 if you buy 3 or more packages.) (Type in 57/2058 in the search box on the left-hand side of the page.), golf tees for the legs, brown, red, and black paint, brown fun foam for the ears, tan fun foam for the antlers, glue, magic markers, ribbon, jingle bell and decorative trim.

What to do:

1. Glue two marshmallows together for the body. Glue the head to the body as shown in the diagram.

2. Stick four golf tees in the body for legs. Paint the body and legs brown. Paint the hooves black.

3. Cut ears and a tail from brown fun foam and glue them to the head as shown. Cut antlers from tan fun foam and glue behind the ears.

4. Use a permanent black marker to draw on the face. Paint the nose red.

5. Tie a ribbon with a bell on it around the deer's neck. Add a gold trimmed collar. ©2006, Carolyn Warvel

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Sitting Elf Paper Craft for Kids

What you will need: Card stock or construction paper, colored pencils, and tape.

What to do:

1. Print out the patterns and color them. Cut them out. (Large file or small file)

2. Fold up the legs and fold the arms down over the body. Form the body into a cone shape and tape at the back. Tape on the head.

3. This little elf would look great on the top of Christmas packages. You can place a gift tag behind it's arms. Print out the smaller patterns to use as a gift tag.©2006, Carolyn Warvel

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Sitting Reindeer

What you will need: Card stock or construction paper, colored pencils, and tape.

What to do:

1. Print out the patterns and color them. Cut them out. (Large file or small file)

2. Fold up the legs and fold the arms down over the body. Form the body into a cone shape and tape at the back. Tape the rectangle shape to the back of the reindeer's head at about eye level. Place the tape at the top of the rectangle letting the rectangle shape hang down behind the mouth, sort of like a neck. Place the rectangle shape inside the reindeer's body, the top of the cone shape, so that the cheeks and mouth hang over the arms. Secure it with tape.

3. This little reindeer would look great on the top of Christmas packages. You can place a gift tag behind it's arms. Print out the smaller pattern to use as a gift tag. (Large file or small file) ©2006, Carolyn Warvel

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Isaiah 7:14 Bible Scroll Craft

What you will need: tan paper, cardboard, brown water color paint or tea water, red ribbon, decorative objects and glue.

What to do:

1. Print out the verse patterns (available to members only) or print out the verse, Isaiah 7:14, onto the center of a piece of paper.

2. Crinkle up the paper and then straighten it out several times to make it look old. You can also rip the edges of the paper.

3. Curl the ends around a pencil and glue the curled ends to the paper so they don't uncurl.

4. Glue the back or the scroll to a piece of cardboard to keep it rigid.

5. Paint the scroll with brown water color paint that has been watered down or tea water that is very concentrated and let it dry.

6. Glue on a red ribbon to hang the ornament and some decorative Christmas things to make it look festive. ©2006, Carolyn Warvel

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 Heart Christmas Tree with Poem

Hearts of Love Christmas Tree
Written by Carolyn Warvel

I made my tree with three special hearts:
The first one reminds me of God's love for me.
He created me just the way he wanted me to be.
The second one reminds me of when he sent his son.
His wonderful plan for my salvation had just begun.
The third heart reminds me of that eventful day
when Jesus gave his life so my sins can be taken away.
©Carolyn Warvel, www.daniellesplace.com

©2006, Digital by Design -* See Copyright Information .

To request permission to copy this material for any other use contact me by e-mail.

What you will need: Computer paper or card stock, Christmas fabric with different designs or green construction paper, brown construction paper or brown material or felt, button, sequins, stars, pompom balls or other decorative items, and sticker or snowflakes (from Oriental Company).

What to do:

1. Print out the poem and tree pattern onto blue paper. Print the heart patterns onto computer paper. Cut out the hearts and use them to cut hearts from green construction paper or different patterns of material. Cut the rectangle from brown paper or material.Glue the patterns on to the poem sheet starting at the bottom with the tree trunk and then the largest heart. Glue sequins, buttons, or pompoms onto the tree to decorate it.
2. Glue or stick snowflakes in the sky or use them as a border. ©2006, Carolyn Warvel

Feather Christmas Tree Craft - Young children will love this project because of the soft textures. Bring in a real pine branch and let your children compare the textures. Another version of this tree is available to members only. It has a Christmas prayer at the bottom of the picture that says,

"Lord, make me a light like the one on my tree that shines so bright for all to see." Written by Carolyn Warvel

©2006, Digital by Design -* See Copyright Information

(Non-members have permission to use this prayer, (see conditions below), but you must include the author's name after the poem. This project also comes with a picture of a Christmas tree that children will love coloring and decorating if you don't want to use feathers.

What you will need: Computer paper, green feathers, glittery pompom balls, shiny stars, glue, and a jumbo craft stick.

What to do:

1. Glue a jumbo craft stick to the middle of the paper. Color it brown. Place a long row of glue down the middle of the craft stick. Glue the feathers to the craft stick starting at the bottom of the tree as shown in the picture. Cut the top feathers shorter on each row as you go up. Glue a star to the top. Then glue on pompom balls.
2. If you would like the prayer printout sheet with this craft go to the members only Christmas Craft Page. ©2006, Carolyn Warvel

©2006, Digital by Design-* See Copyright Information .

Hand Foot Angel

What you will need: paper, flesh colored paint, yellow or gold paint, black marker, and glitter glue.

What to do:

1. Print out the card pattern (large file or small file).

2. Paint your child's hand with yellow paint and have him press them on the paper as shown for the angles wings. Let the paint dry.

3. Paint your child's foot with flesh colored paint and have him step on the paper as shown. Let the paint dry.

4. Draw on a halo and face. Use glitter glue to trace the halo.

The pattern and picture for this craft was sent in by Jimmie Lanley. Thanks for sharing this great idea.

Rudolph with a Red Hot Nose Craft - Danielle brought this home from school yesterday and I had to share it with you.

What you will need: Red Hot candies for the nose, glue, markers or crayons, heavy paper, hole punch, and yarn.

What to do:

Draw a picture of Rudolph on a piece of paper or paper plate and color it in.  Cut it out into an ornament shape and punch a hole on the top. Tie a string to the top so that it can be hung up. Glue a Red Hot Candy to the nose to finish.

Paper Birds Craft

What you will need: Colored computer paper (red and orange for the cardinal) (blue and white for the blue bird) (brown or tan and orange for the robin), glue, and scissors.

What to do:

1. Print out the patterns and cut out.
2. Print the Cardinal Pattern out onto red computer paper.
3. Print the Blue Bird Pattern out onto blue computer paper and Robin Pattern out onto tan computer paper.  (The Blue Bird and Robin Pattern are the same pattern)
4. Print the Robin belly pattern out onto orange computer paper and Blue Bird belly pattern out onto white computer paper.
5. Cut a black beak for the blue bird, an orange beak for the cardinal and a yellow beak for the robin.
6. To assemble fold the body and head patterns in half. Fold the belly patterns in half and glue them to the inside of the blue bird and the robin bodies.  Do not glue the bodies closed.  Glue the beaks to the inside of the folded heads and glue the heads onto the bodies.  You can glue the heads closed.  Glue the wings onto the bodies. Set the birds in your Christmas tree. 

©2006, Digital by Design -* See Copyright Information .

Baby Jesus in an Envelope Manger - This pattern is available to Members Only.

What you will need: Letter-sized envelope, yarn or straw, crayons, pencil, and glue. What to do: Use the pattern (available to members only) or cut out a manger shape as shown from an envelope. Color the envelope to look like a manger. Draw a picture of baby Jesus, cut him out and place him in the manger with cut up pieces of straw or yarn.

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Baby Jesus in a Soft Bed Craft

What you will need: Paper, yellow feathers, glue, crayons, or colored pencils.

What to do: Print out the pattern for the manger and the baby Jesus (available to members only) or draw a manger and baby. Color the picture and then glue yellow feathers to the top of the manger.

©2006, Digital by Design -* See Copyright Information .

Reindeer and Santa's Sleigh Candy Dish Craft

What you will need:  Card stock, markers crayons, paper glue, hot melt glue, black and brown paper,  small box, toilet paper roll.What to do:

1. Print out the patterns for the sleigh and reindeer. Color the patterns and cut them out. Cover a TP roll with brown paper to match the reindeer's color.Glue the front and back of the reindeer onto the TP roll.  So that the TP roll is the reindeers back. 
2. Glue the sleigh patterns onto the sides of a small box about one inch from the bottom of the box. Color the box to match the sleigh. Cut out some sleigh runners from black paper and glue them to the bottom of the box.

If you don't have a small box you can make one out of a sheet of poster board. Use the pattern on Mother's Day page for the file box.

©2006, Digital by Design -* See Copyright Information .

M&M's Christmas Poem - sent in by Nance in Reno

Add the following poem to a bag of M&M's with a picture of the wise men.

M&M Poem with layered M&M cookie recipe gift idea -  I just wanted to let you know that I used this poem along with a layered jar M&M cookie recipe that I got off the Internet. Go to http://organizedchristmas.com/article71.html.  I sent it home with all of our Cubbies Mom's. (AWANA) I sent the poem with a thank you for being committed to bringing their kids to cubbies. A lot of these families are not involved in our church and it worked as a great outreach. THANKS! You have done a great job at this site and on The Resource Room as well. Merry Christmas! Nicki Jones

I placed the poem on a nice card stock paper with red font. I then stapled the small size bags of M & M's to the card and gave each child at our church one the Sunday before Christmas. I gave them a little Bible lesson beforehand to tie it all together, asking them questions like what letters are on an M & M candy, what do you think that stood for? I never thought I would be reminded of Christmas by seeing an M& M, but I am now. It's something I think I will use for years to come to remind myself and others the reason for Christmas. Bonnie Beecham

Snowman Banner

What you will need: card stock (thick paper), crayons or markers, tape, and ribbon.

What to do:

1. Draw snowmen so that they look like they are hanging onto a rope. Use the picture above to give you an idea of how to do this. Or print out the patterns (available to members only), color them, and cut them out. Roll out your ribbon and place the snowmen on the ribbon as shown in the order you would like them to appear.

Write letters on their bellies to spell out a message.

Hanging Snowman Gift Tag - This little snowman is holding a star in one hand and a candy cane in the other.

What you will need: Card stock, scissors, brown or white lunch bag, white and blue acrylic paint, snowflake rubber stamp, an Exacto knife, tape, and crayons or markers.

What to do:

1. Draw a snowman holding a candy cane in in one hand as shown in the picture and then color it. Also draw a star to place in the snowman's other hand. Or print out the pattern and color it. Cut out the snowmen and star.

2. Use an Exacto knife to cut out around the thumb on the lower hand.

3. Write “to:” and “from:” on the star and insert it under the thumb.

4. Decorate a lunch bag with a snowflake rubber stamp and paint. Sprinkle glitter on the wet paint. Let the bag dry and then place your gift inside. Fold down the top a couple of times and staple it closed.
Hang your snowman gift tag from the top of the bag. Tape it to the bag so it won’t fall off.

©2005, Digital by Design -* See Copyright Information .

Hot Chocolate Mix with Marshmallow Snowman

What you will need: Styrofoam cups, miniature marshmallows, card stock, crayons or markers, scissors, tape, powdered chocolate drink mix, small 2" x 3" craft storage bags (Wal-mart in the crafts section), and clear plastic party bags 4 x 9 1/2" or shorter (Wal-mart in the cake decorating section)

What to do:

1. Draw a snowman head and hands onto card stock and cut them out.  Or use the patterns (available to Members only. This pattern comes with a front and back head for each snowman). 

2. Place enough chocolate mix into the small plastic bags to make one drink according to the directions and seal the bag.

3. Place all the supplies that will be needed (except for the marshmallows and paint and crayons) for each child in a brown lunch bag (see below).

4. Prepare a craft ahead of time so the children can see what they look like.

5. Place a half a cup of marshmallows in the large party bag and seal it with tape.  Cut off the excess at the top.

6. Color the head (back and front) and the arms. Tape the arms at the bottom of the head or onto the bag. Tape the head onto the top of the bag. Tape the back of the head onto the back covering up the top of the plastic bag. Write the directions (or have the children write the directions) on how to make the hot chocolate on a piece of paper and place it in the bottom of the cup with the powdered chocolate mix. Place the snowman on top.  You can also include a plastic spoon if you would like.

Place the snowman in the cup in a decorated lunch bag (below).

©2005, Digital by Design -* See Copyright Information .

Advent Countdown

LIST OF GIFTS: (LISTED IN THE ORDER THEY ARE USED)

5. Birthday candle
6. Bell
7. Fish crackers
8. Cotton balls
9. Piece of a map
10. Soap
11. Heart sticker
12. Cross
13. Packet of salt
14. Sand
15. Flowers(silk)
16. Raisins
17. Seeds
18. Christmas carol
19. Small rock
20. Crumpled foil
21. Mustard seed
22. Dove
23. Small scrap of woolly material
24. Blue marble
25. Picture of a baby.

December 1 - A quarter! That equals 25 cents. But 25 also stands for the number of days till Christmas, when God gave us His best present. Jesus told about one woman's gift and the way she gave it. Read: Mark 12:41-44

December 2 - Grape Gum! Grapes make jelly and juice, raisins and wine. But Jesus didn't need grapes to perform His first miracle. Read: John 2:1-10

December 3 - Here's a smile! A smile usually expresses happiness. Jesus gave us many instructions to keep us happy. Read: Matthew 5:1-12.

December 4 - Fish! Well, if you were surprised to find these fish, wait till you read the story today! Others were surprised to find fish, too. Read: Luke 5:4-7

December 5 - A birthday candle? As you know, we are getting ready to celebrate Jesus' birthday. However, Jesus talked about something else that is related to this candle. Light! Read: Matthew 5:14-16

December 6 - You could make some noise with this. But it would not have bothered a certain man--until he met Jesus. Read: Mark 7:31-37

December 7 - These would not go very far if you were really hungry! But Jesus could make much out of little. Surely He knew how to multiply! Read: Matthew 14:13-21

December 8 - These cotton balls would be helpful in a thunder storm, wouldn't they? We could use them for ear plugs to muffle the loud noises that thunder makes. But we know someone who doesn't need cotton. Jesus can control the weather. Read: Matthew 8:23-27

December 9 - People needing to use the other parts of this map are in trouble! Don't you get lost today! Read: John 14:1-6

December 10 - It's soap. Do you like to wash? Behind your ears? Washing turned out to be a happy time for a man who met Jesus. Read: John 9:1-7

December 11 - Hearts. Wordlessly, they speak of love, don't they? Jesus spoke some commands about love. Read: Matthew 25:17-41

December 12 - We use the cross as a symbol, representing Jesus. Do you know why? Read: Philippines 2:1-11

December 13 - Ordinary salt. Yes, Jesus related salt to us and our behavior. He also gave us some advice. Read: Matthew 5:14 and Colossians 4:6. (Notice that He doesn't recommend pepper!).

December 14 - Don't try to eat this! It's sand. It reminds us that Jesus knows something about architecture, about buildings--and building lives. See His instructions: Matthew 7:24-29.

December 15 - Flowers are pretty, aren't they? Jesus used flowers to teach us a reassuring lesson. Read: Matthew 6:28-34.

December 16 - Raisins! Many children are given raisins instead of candy for a snack. That's because they are a health-promoting and delicious fruit. Jesus told us how we can produce good fruit. Read: John 15:1-5.

December 17 - Jesus told a story about seeds that man planted. Then He explained it, revealing its deep meaning. Read: Matthew 13:3-8 and Matthew 13:18-23.

December 18 -Christmas is just about a week away. And here is an appropriate song. Sing it loudly! Read: Psalms 100.

December 19 - A hard stone! Can you change this stone into a piece of bread? Do you think Jesus could? Jesus was asked to do just that. Do know how He handled it? Read: Matthew 4:1-4.

December 20 - Try to smooth out this piece of aluminum foil and use it as a mirror. It's hard to see your reflection plainly, isn't it? Many circumstances are hard to understand, but someday everything will be clear. Read: 1 Corinthians 13:12.

December 21 - The mustard seed is the smallest there is! When it sprouts, it grows into one of the largest plants! See what Jesus said. Read: Matthew 17:20.

December 22 - We've learned that the cross represents Christ, but do you know what the dove stands for? Read: Matthew 3:13-17.

December 23 - The threads that compose this fabric came from the wool of a sheep. Jesus called Himself the good shepherd. Do you know who His sheep are? Read: John 10:7-18.

December 24 - A marble! Do you know what is sometimes called the "Big Blue Marble"? The world. God made the world for us. What does God continue doing to the world? And who is the world? Read: John 3:16.

December 25 - Isn't this baby cute? When he was born, he made a whole family happy. Jesus was born a baby, too. He came to make the whole world happy. Read: Luke 2:1-20. Enjoy your celebration today. Continue to learn about Jesus--and love Him forever!  Sent in by Nance in Reno 

Christmas Outreach Idea

Here's a great way to get your children involved in helping others this Christmas: I go to a "downtown" church that has a fairly significant ministry to the homeless. Our First Grade Sunday School class is making little red boxes (I'm putting the box together. It's made of red card stock) that will be filled with a candy cane, two Hershey's kisses, and the Candy Cane. The words on the top of the box say: Open this box to receive a special message. In this case, the message is the Candy Cane Poem. These boxes can be used for other holidays and other purposes. You can make the boxes any color and include any type of message and/or treat. Sent in by Susan Heldebrecht.

Milk Carton Nativity Scene

What you will need:  Christmas card with the Nativity scene, small milk carton, construction paper, picture of an angel or angel stickers.

What to do:

1. 1. Cut one side out of the milk carton so that it will open up like a door.Cut the nativity scene to fit into the open space (Curve it a little so that it is back in the carton a ways.) and on the inside of the door. Staple the nativity scene to the side of the milk carton and glue it to the inside of the door. Cover the rest of the milk carton with construction paper. Glue or stick an angel at the top.
2. Cut up yellow construction paper into tiny pieces to look like straw.  Glue it to the bottom of the inside of the milk carton in front of the nativity scene.  Thanks, Sue, for this cute craft idea.

Pine Cone CD Christmas Tree

What you will need: Large Pine Cones, (If they are not opened, dry them out in your oven until they open), beads or sequins, glue, star for the top, green paint, white paint, CD's, and hot melt glue.

What to do:

1. Paint the pine cone green and let it dry. Paint white at the tips to look like snow if you would like.Glue the pine cone to the CD with hot melt glue gun. Paint on a thin layer of glue with a paint brush (I diluted the glue with water). Then sprinkle on white glitter. It looked just like snow on an ice pond.

2. Glue various sizes, shapes, and colors of sequins  or beads onto the pine cones.

This idea sent in by Ann Keeler

Snowmen Table Place Holders - These cute little snowmen make great table place holders for Christmas parties and family get-together's.

What you will need: Empty, washed drinkable yogurt bottles, stiff black felt, raffia, ribbon, pretty material, permanent markers, sequins or other decorative items, and a hot melt glue gun.

What to do:

1. To make the hat cut a circle 1 3/4" and rectangle 1" x 4 3/4" from stiff black felt. Make a cylinder out of the rectangle piece and glue to secure. Glue the cylinder to the middle of the circle to make the hat. Glue the hat to the top of the bottle.

2. Draw on the eyes, nose, mouth, arms, buttons, etc. with a permanent marker.

3. Glue on other decorative items such as sequins and felt strips for scarves to finish. If you are using these as place holders for your table, write names on each snowman.

This craft was designed by Jeanie Boland

Snowman Serving Dish Craft

What you will need: 2 - 8 3/4" Chinet Premium Strength Paper Plates, 1 - 20 oz. Dixie Paper Bowel, and 3 - 10 oz. Dixie Paper Bowels, Paint, Orange 2" pompom ball, a red pompom ball, black pipe cleaners and hot melt glue.

What to do:

1. Glue the two 8 3/4" Chinet plates together bottom to bottom. This makes the bottom circle of the snowman.

2. Glue the edge of a 20 oz. bowel face up to the paper plates to make the middle circle of the snowman.

3. To make the head, glue two 10 oz. bowels together top to top as shown in the picture. Cut an orange pompom ball into a carrot shape and glue it to the head. Draw on a mouth and eyes with a permanent marker. (Note: You can substitute a large orange gum drop for the orange pompom.)

4. Fold black pipe cleaners into arm and hand shapes and glue them to the middle circle as shown in the picture.

5. To make the snowman's hat. Draw a line from the center of a 10 oz. paper plate to the outside edge as shown in the picture. Cut on the line.

6. Bring the cut edge of the paper plate over the other cut edge to make the hat shape as shown in the picture to the left. Glue it closed with a hot melt glue gun. Smash down the hat a little as shown in the picture. Paint the hat with acrylic paint and let it dry. Glue a pompom on the top. Glue the hat to the head of the snowman as shown in the picture. Fill the snowman's body with goodies. White goodies work best.

©2006, Digital by Design -* See Copyright Information .

Pine Cone Angel Craft - This is a craft that I use with the story of Gabriel's visit to Mary to announce Christ's birth.

Bible Text: Luke 1:26-38

What you will need: Pine cone for each child (The short, fat kind not the cylinder shaped cones), white craft feathers, glue, dessert size plastic plate, wood Bead (Large marble size), glue gun, grape vine halo to fit bead or gold ring or glittery pipe cleaners or wire garland shaped into a halo), address labels (1"x 2 5/8") with the words..."An Angel Visits Mary"

What to do:

1. Before class hot glue the bead to the top of the pine cone and hot glue the halo onto the bead.
2. Put address labels at the bottom of the plastic plate. The plate is just the
means to carry the pine cone angel home.
3. Use a plastic table cloth to cover the table to protect it from the glue.
4. In class let the children choose their pine cone angel and put it on their plastic plate "base". I put glue in dessert size plastic or paper plates and
put them on the table (1 plate for 2 children). I put feathers in several large plastic or paper plates and set them in the middle of the table. Children dip the end of the feathers in the glue and slide the end into the gaps between the pine cone petals. They use as many as they like. The angel makes a beautiful reminder of the lesson.

Tip: I take my glue gun in case a bead or halo falls off for a quick, secure repair. Submitted by Carolyn Eatmon

Nativity Pictures with Real Hay

Print pictures from the nativity scene onto card stock paper. Have your children paint them with glitter paint. After they dry cut the pictures out. Put each child's pictures in an envelope with their name on it for next weeks lesson. Tell the story about Jesus' birth showing the Mary, Jesus, and Joseph figures. Then have the children glue their pictures on another sheet of card stock paper. Here's the fun part. To finish the pictures spread glue all around the figures and then put hay on it so it looks like the figures are in a stable. Sent in by Tina Rodocker

Note: The Cut and Paste Nativity Craft on The Resource Room will work well for this craft.

Graham Cracker Stars

What you will need: Graham crackers, frosting dyed yellow, gumdrops.

What to do:

1. Break a graham cracker rectangle in half to make two squares. Frost one square with frosting dyed yellow (I bought lemon frosting in a can); Frost the second square and put it at right angles to the first one so it forms an 8 pointed star.
2. Put on sprinkles if you wish. Top with a spicy gumdrop to signify the spices brought by the
   wise men

Borax Stars

What you will need: Borax found in the laundry detergent section of your store, pipe cleaners, wooden craft stick or other stick, a quart canning jar with a wide mouth, and string.

What to do:

1. Bend the pipe cleaner into an interesting shape like a star or heart. Tie a string to the top of your shape and then tie the end of the string to a stick. Make sure the string is just long enough so that when you place the stick across the top of the jar the pipe cleaner shape will hang down into the jar but not touch the bottom. Fill the jar with boiling water. Mix the Borax into the water a tablespoon at a time. You will need about three tablespoons per cup of water. Keep mixing Borax until you notice that the Borax isn’t dissolving and is settling on the bottom of the jar. Place the stick across the top of the jar so that the pipe cleaner shape hangs down into the Borax solution. Set the jar aside overnight and do not disturb it until morning. In the morning you should have a beautiful crystallized pipe cleaner shape.
2. You can add beads to the top of your crystallized shape and hang a piece of paper with the words “Let there be Light” from the bottom of the shape.

Christmas Crosses From Oriental Trading Company

To order these craft kits go to Oriental Trading Company and click on the Search box at the top of the page. Type in the Item number listed under each picture.

For even more Christmas ideas see:

Winter Crafts Page

Christmas Craft Page 1

Bible Themes - Christmas Crafts