by James H. Pence
On Tuesday, we shared some easy Christmas craft ideas for you and your children to work on. If those weren't enough to keep you busy, here are five more. With a couple of these, a little imagination, some fluorescent paint, and a black light, you could have some real fun.
PAPER CHRISTMAS TREE -- If you've got some green construction paper around the house, you can make a really good-looking Christmas tree. It's easy to make, and looks great as a centerpiece on a table or in a window. If you've got a black light around the house and some fluorescent acrylic paint, you can dab "lights" on the tree that will shine brightly when the black light is on (and the room lights are off!). BTW, if you don't have a black light, you can order one from See the Light. Just click on the "Store" tab and select "Materials" from the left menu.
http://www.enchantedlearning.com/crafts/christmas/papertree/
CHRISTMAS ANGEL PAPER CHAIN -- If you're doing a lesson about the proclamation of Christ's birth to shepherds by a host of angels, why not have the children make a chain of paper "angels" to hang like a banner somewhere in your house? This craft is easy and fun--it comes with a pattern you can print out--and your children will love it.
http://www.daniellesplace.com/html/Bible_themes_-_Christmas.html#anglechain
HOLLY JOLLY HANDMADE CHRISTMAS CARDS -- Older children will enjoy making their own Christmas cards, using scrapbook paper, green and red acrylic paint and a cut-out sponge to stamp holly leaves and berries. With a little modification, this idea could also work for decorative place settings for your Christmas dinner.
http://www.holiday-crafts-and-creations.com/handmade-christmas-card-ideas-sponge.html
HOMEMADE BOOK MARKS -- Children who want to be able to give gifts, but who don't have a lot of money, might enjoy making bookmarks to give away. The page listed below has thirteen different design ideas. No matter how old they are, your children should find a design or two that will be within their abilities.
http://www.kidactivities.net/post/Make-Bookmarks-with-Kids.aspx
CRAFT-STICK NATIVITY SCENE ORNAMENT -- There are a bunch of Bible-themed craft ideas on the page listed below, but I'm particularly partial to the craft-stick nativity scene. (You'll need to scroll about halfway down the page to find it. It's the 11th item on the page.) I like this craft because with a little imagination, some fluorescent items, and a black light, you could make something that glows in the dark when a blacklight is on it. Instead of using yellow paper (as the craft page recommends), I'd suggest using yellow fluorescent card stock (you can get it at Walmart) as the background. Could be very interesting.
http://www.daniellesplace.com/html/Bible_themes_-_Christmas.html
I hope you find something in this bunch that will spark an idea and get your creative juices flowing. If you and your children do any of these crafts, send me a picture at: james@pence.com and I'll post it on a future blog.
Until next week, have fun!
