Are you in the holiday spirit yet? We had a great time decorating the tree over the weekend. Everyone is old enough now that they can help hang the ornaments. It’s a special and magical year for us and I love that all of my kids are so into the Christmas spirit. This week I helped my 4 year old make his handmade gift. He stamped these spice bags to give as gifts to his brother and sisters. This is really easy to do, but will keep a 4 year old busy for a chunk of time.

My son was so excited to finish stamping the bags and then fill them with CANDY! I bought some Brach’s classic candy mix, somehow it just tastes like Christmas and Grandma’s house!

Supplies:

• Spice Bags
• Stamping Ink Pads
• Stamps
• Candy

How To:

1. Lay bag flat.
2. Choose stamp and ink it up.
3. Stamp onto bag. Continue to add stamps to build a cute scene!
4. Fill with candy or treats.

The post Handmade Holidays | Stamped Spice Bags with Candy appeared first on Alanna George | The Craft Nest.

Christmas seems to be just around the corner! My kids are so excited to make Christmas related crafts. I came up with these easy to make Holy Family figures for my daughter to create and display in her room.

The creation of this Holy Family incorporates a few natural items found outside. We used a dried milkweed pod for Jesus’ bed and acorn tops for their halos. Here in Michigan the milkweed pods are still hanging on the stalks and are all dried out, just waiting to be picked and used in a craft.

Supplies:

• Red and blue and light blue felt
• 4×4 piece of cream fabric or muslin
• Brown ribbon
• Milkweed pod
• 3 acorn tops
• 3 sizes of peg people/game pieces (I found mine at Michaels in the wood section)
• Acrylic paint for faces and hair
• Gold paint for halo
• Paintbrush
• Scissors
• Craft glue

How To:

1. Paint the faces and hair on each peg person, let dry.
2. Paint the acorn tops gold, let dry.
3. To create baby Jesus’ clothes, lay him on the piece of fabric. Trim the fabric to be slightly taller than the height of the peg body. Fold over all raw edges. Put a small line of glue on the peg body and roll the fabric around Jesus to create his clothes (all raw edges are tucked under). Glue the remaining edge down. Let dry.
4. Glue the gold acorn top to Jesus’ head, let dry.

5. 

   To create Mary’s clothes, cut out a blue square of felt. To get the correct size, when folded the felt should be the same height as the peg body. With the felt square folded in half trim off the corners to form a circle. Cut a small X in the center of the circle. Slide the felt circle over the peg head.

6. 

   To finish off her dress, pinch each side of the dress together. Place glue in between the layers. Use a clothespin to hold it in place while it dries.

7. Cut Mary’s veil out of lighter blue felt. Glue the veil onto her head, let dry. Glue gold acorn top over veil, let dry.

8. 

   To create Joseph’s clothing, cut out a red rectangle of felt. To get the correct size, when folded the felt should be the same height as the peg body. Cut a small X in the center of the felt. Slide the felt rectangle over the peg head.

9. Use glue to hold the felt clothes in place, let dry. Tie a ribbon around the middle of his body to make a belt. Glue gold acorn top onto his head, let dry.
10. To create a stable my daughter used construction paper, toilet paper tubes and tape (lots and lots of tape!). Have your child use their creativity to create their own stable for the Holy Family.

The post Advent Activity | Holy Family Figures appeared first on Alanna George | The Craft Nest.

This is a quick craft you can do with your kids during the holidays. This festive wreath is perfect to wear on a coat or backpack to show some holiday cheer!

Supplies:

• 9 x 12 Stiff Felt Sheet (found by regular felt)
• 3/4″ Green Pom-Pom Balls
• Mini Pom-Pom Balls in Assorted Colors
• Red Ribbon
• Coil-less pin (found in jewelry section, also used to make friendship pins!)
• Scissors
• Glue

How To:

1. Draw a circle on the back side of the felt. Cut out circle with scissors, I used scalloped fabric scissors.
2. Glue 6 or more pom-pom balls onto right side of felt circle. Let dry.
3. Glue assorted mini pom-pom balls onto green pom-pom balls. Let dry.
4. Make small bow from red ribbon and glue to wreath. Let dry.
5. Add coil-less pin to back of felt.
6. Pin to coat, backpack or shirt and spread some holiday cheer!

The post Advent Activity | Pom-Pom Ball Wreath Pin appeared first on Alanna George | The Craft Nest.

I know a porcupine really has nothing to do with Christmas, but my boys love to make things out of pine cones, so this is perfect. They had so much fun creating these little critters to hang on the Christmas tree. (Yes, the little one has a tiny pebble glued on its head…) We are still laughing at them!

How To | Porcupine Pine Cone Ornament

Supplies:

• Pine Cone
• Googly Eyes
• Black Pom-pom ball
• Small Piece of Brown or Black Felt
• Embroidery Floss or Ribbon
• Craft Glue
• Scissors

How To:

1. Cut a 6 inch or so piece of ribbon or floss. This will be use to create the ornament hanger. Tie it up around the pine cone and then tie it in an open loop so it can hang from a tree branch.
2. If your pine cone has a stem on one end carefully break it off. This side will be the face.
3. Cut out a face size circle from the felt. Glue on googly eyes and a pom-pom ball nose.
4. Glue entire face to the end of the pine cone.
5. Cut out 4 small feet from felt. Glue those in the appropriate spot to make feet.
6. Hang on your tree and laugh at your funny new friend and ornament!

The post Advent Activity | Porcupine Pinecone Ornament appeared first on Alanna George | The Craft Nest.

Are you getting ready for the countdown to Christmas? I am getting everything prepared here. My kids look forward to the Advent crafts and activities we do every year while we count down the days of December!

If you visited here last year you have probably seen my Jesse Tree for Kids Ornament Tutorial. We are looking forward to reading our Jesse Tree book again this year and hanging up our ornaments. It was so fun to pull each one out day by day as we made our way to Christmas. (Hopefully this year will be a little less crazy than last year, we had a brand new baby in the house!) If you would like more information about the Jesse Tree Tutorial please click here.

I am also introducing a new book this year, The Advent Storybook – 24 Stories to Share Before Christmas by Antonie Schneider. If you have small children they will enjoy following little bear and his long journey to Bethlehem. I really can’t say enough about how perfect this book is for small, pre-schoolish age kids. (See the link at the bottom of this post.)

You can download a supply list of the craft supplies you will need if you follow along with our Advent Activities.

Click Here to Download: Advent Countdown 2011 Master Supply List

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ADVENT COUNTDOWN CALENDAR

Nov. 27th

• Light Advent Candle and Recite Advent Prayer
• You can craft your own Advent wreath with your kids – visit this post

Thurs. Dec. 1st – Calista’s First Birthday

• Set up Fisher Price Nativity Set
• Color Your Own Nativity Sticker Scene from Oriental Trading Co.
• Create Cards with Colored Stickers to Send to Soldiers
• SEND CARDS TO: postmarked by December 9th, more info at American Red Cross
  Holiday Mail For Heroes, P.O. Box 5456, Capitol Heights, MD 20791-5456
• Read The Nativity Pop-up Book by Francesca Crespi
• Read The Jesse Tree book – Jesse Tree Symbol Sun and the Moon (Creation)
• Read The Advent Storybook before bed

Fri. Dec. 2nd – Visit Santa at the Mall (My daughter has school off this day!)

• Hang Stockings and Decorate Mantel
• Read The True Story of Santa Claus by Paul Prokop
• Read The Jesse Tree book – Jesse Tree Symbol Apple w/ Snake (Adam and Eve)
• Read The Advent Storybook before bed
• Watch Christmas Movie and Have Popcorn and Hot Chocolate

Sat. Dec. 3rd –

• Decorate Our Christmas Tree
• Trim-A-Tree Activity – find download in my SHOP
• Read The Tale of Three Trees retold by Angela Elwell Hunt
• Read The Jesse Tree book – Jesse Tree Symbol Noah’s Ark w/ Rainbow (Noah)
• Read The Advent Storybook before bed

Sun. Dec. 4th –

• Make Christmas Cookies with Family
• Light Advent Candle and Recite Prayer
• Read The Jesse Tree book – Jesse Tree Symbol Camel (Abraham and Sarah)
• Read The Advent Storybook before bed

Mon. Dec. 5th –

• Make Beaded Nativity Story Charm Bracelet from Oriental Trading Co.
• Read The True Story of Santa Claus by Paul Prokop
• Read The Jesse Tree book – Jesse Tree Symbol Sheep (Isaac)
• Read The Advent Storybook before bed

Tues. Dec. 6th –

• Open Stocking Gifts from St. Nick (German Tradition)
• Everyone Choose a Toy to Donate
• Read The Jesse Tree book – Jesse Tree Symbol Ladder (Jacob)
• Read The Advent Storybook before bed

Wed. Dec. 7th –

• Make Mitten Snowman Frame – everyone decorate their own snowman. I was inspired by this blog.
• Read The Jesse Tree book – Jesse Tree Symbol Coat of Many Colors (Jacob)
• Read The Advent Storybook before bed

Thurs. Dec. 8th –

• Make Bird Seed Pine Cones (My kids love to do this every year!)
• Read The Jesse Tree book – Jesse Tree Symbol Silver Chalice (Joseph)
• Read The Advent Storybook before bed

Fri. Dec. 9th –

• Make Toilet Paper Tube Reindeer – Free Download (Toilet Paper Tube Reindeer Template)
• Watch Rudolph Movie and have Popcorn and Hot Chocolate
• Read The Jesse Tree book – Jesse Tree Symbol Whip (Moses)
• Read The Advent Storybook before bed

Sat. Dec. 10th –

• Cut and Color 3-Dimensional Christmas Houses – Free Download by Rebecca Bischoff (Cut and Color 3D Christmas House)
• Read The Jesse Tree book – Jesse Tree Symbol Sheaf of Corn/Wheat (Ruth)
• Read The Advent Storybook before bed

Sun. Dec. 11th –

• Light Advent Candle and Recite Prayer
• Read The Jesse Tree book – Jesse Tree Symbol Jar of Oil (Samuel)
• Read The Advent Storybook before bed

Mon. Dec. 12th –

• Decorate Nativity Sticker Scene from Oriental Trading Co.
• Read The Jesse Tree book – Jesse Tree Symbol Slingshot (David)
• Read The Advent Storybook before bed

Tues. Dec. 13th –

• Make Porcupine Pine Cone Ornament – how to will be posted on blog
• Read The Jesse Tree book – Jesse Tree Symbol Crown (David the King)
• Read The Advent Storybook before bed

Wed. Dec. 14th –

• Make Snowman Sock Ornament – how to will be posted on blog
• Read The Jesse Tree book – Jesse Tree Symbol Temple/Pillars (Solomon)
• Read The Advent Storybook before bed

Thurs. Dec. 15th –

• Make Magic Reindeer Food – find download in my SHOP
• Read The Jesse Tree book – Jesse Tree Symbol Raven (Elijah)
• Read The Advent Storybook before bed

Fri. Dec. 16th –

• Watch Christmas Movie and have Popcorn and Hot Chocolate
• Make Truffles to Give to Friends and Family

Recipe from Kraft Family Magazine
Ingredients:
- 2.5 pkg. (20 squares) Baker’s Semi-Sweet Chocolate, divided
- 1 pkg. (8 oz.) Philadelphia Cream Cheese, softened
- Multi-colored sprinkle or nuts to decorate tops or Powdered Sugar or Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
Directions:
• Melt 8 chocolate squares. Beat cream cheese with mixer until creamy; stir in melted chocolate. Refrigerate until firm.
• Shape into 36 balls. Place on wax paper-covered tray.
• Melt remaining chocolate. Use fork to dip truffles; return to tray. Decorate (see below), then refrigerate for 1 hour.
• Decorate the tops with finely chopped nuts or sprinkles. Or, coat truffles with powdered sugar or unsweetened cocoa powder instead of dipping in chocolate.

• Read The Jesse Tree book – Jesse Tree Symbol Bear (Elisha)
• Read The Advent Storybook before bed

 Sat. Dec. 17th –

• Make Pretzel Hugs

Recipe from Becky Higgins as seen in CK Magazine

Directions:
Put a layer of square pretzels on a cookie sheet and place an unwrapped Hershey’s Hug (or substitute a Rolo) over each pretzel. Bake at 200 degrees for eight minutes. Remove them from the oven and place a red or green milk chocolate M&M in the center. Let the cookies cool.

• Read The Jesse Tree book – Jesse Tree Symbol Candle (Zachariah)
• Read The Advent Storybook before bed

Sun. Dec. 18th –

• Make Hand Print Snowman Ornaments – following directions on this blog.
• Light Advent Candle and Recite Prayer
• Read The Jesse Tree book – Jesse Tree Symbol Olive Branch (Mary)
• Read The Advent Storybook before bed

Mon. Dec. 19th –

• Make Snowman Poop – find download in my SHOP
• Read The Jesse Tree book – Jesse Tree Symbol Tablet w/ Stylus (John the Baptist)
• Read The Advent Storybook before bed

Tues. Dec. 20th –

• Write and Mail Letter to Santa – Fill-in the Blank Santa Letter Free Download (Letter To Santa)
• Read The Jesse Tree book – Jesse Tree Symbol Baby in Manger
• Read The Advent Storybook before bed

Wed. Dec. 21st –

• Paper Maché Christmas Bulb Using Child’s Artwork – how to will be posted to blog
• Read The Jesse Tree book – Jesse Tree Symbol Shepard
• Read The Advent Storybook before bed

Thurs. Dec. 22nd –

• Wrap Up Handmade Ornaments for Friends and Family from Kids
• Read The Jesse Tree book – Jesse Tree Symbol Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh
• Read The Advent Storybook before bed

Fri. Dec. 23rd –

• Watch Christmas Movie and have Popcorn and Hot Chocolate
• Read The Jesse Tree book – Jesse Tree Symbol Angels (Herod)
• Read The Advent Storybook before bed

Sat. Dec. 24th –

• Put out Magic Reindeer Food – find download in my SHOP
• Read The Jesse Tree book – Jesse Tree Symbol The Brightest Star
• Read The Advent Storybook before bed

Sun. Dec. 25th – Christmas – CELEBRATE WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY!!

The post Advent Activities | Countdown for 2011 appeared first on Alanna George | The Craft Nest.

{Handmade Holiday Idea}

This year we are making some Snowman Poop to give out as a joke to Uncles and Grandpas. I am sure they will think this is a fun gift from my kids. Don’t you know a silly Uncle or co-worker who deserves some Snowman Poop? My kids usually eat as many marshmallows as they dump in the bag. I love this project because it creates very little mess.

Advent Activity | Snowman Poop

Ingredients:

• Snowman Poop Label (In my SHOP)
• Sandwich or Zip Top Bag
• Mini-Marshmallows
• Stapler

1. Purchase and print the Snowman Poop Label from my SHOP.

2. Cut out the label and fold it in half.

3. Fill your baggie with mini-marshmallows. Seal the bag closed.

4. Place label over top of baggie and staple it onto the bag.

5. Give as gifts to Uncles and co-workers.

*Find the Snowman Poop Label in my SHOP titled Kids Advent Activities Printables. You get three activities in one download!

The back of the Snowman Poop label reads:

You’ve been naughty
That’s the scoop
So all you get is
Snowman poop!

The post Advent Activity | Snowman Poop appeared first on Alanna George | The Craft Nest.

{Handmade Holiday Idea}

Isn’t this a magical Christmas season? My kids are enjoying every minute of the craziness here at our house. One project we love to make year after year is Magic Reindeer Food. We make a special trip outside on Christmas Eve to sprinkle our special mixture all over the front lawn.

We also love to create extras to give out to friends to enjoy. It’s an easy project for small children to make for others.

Advent Activity | Magic Reindeer Food

Ingredients:

• Magic Reindeer Food Label (In my SHOP)
• Sandwich or Zip Top Bag
• Oats/Oatmeal
• Colored Sugar
• Crushed Candy Canes
• Sprinkles
• Stapler

1. Purchase and print the Magic Reindeer Food label from my SHOP.

2. Cut out the label and fold it in half.

3. Fill your baggie with oats, colored sugar, crushed candy canes and sprinkles. Seal the bag closed. (I like to use only food based products to make sure it is safe for any curious animals that may try a bite.)

4. Place label over top of baggie and staple it onto the bag.

5. Give as gifts to friends and classmates.

*Find the Magic Reindeer Food Label in my SHOP titled Kids Advent Activities Printables.

The back of the label reads:

Sprinkle on the lawn at night
The moon will make it sparkle bright
As Santa’s reindeer fly and roam
This will guide them to your home.

The post Advent Activity | Magic Reindeer Food appeared first on Alanna George | The Craft Nest.

{Handmade Holiday Idea}

I love to have this project ready the day we put up our tree. My kids love to help decorate our tree, but at some point I have to finish up with the breakable bulbs and other trimmings I don’t want them to touch. That is when I sit them down at the table and bring out the Trim-A-Tree Activity. The best part is they can do all the decorating on this tree by themselves. After the trees are decorated we leave them as decor on the dinner table or put them on their nightstands.

Advent Activity | Trim-A-Tree

Ingredients:

• Trim-A-Tree Download (In my SHOP)
• Stickers, 5mm Pom-poms, Glitter Glue, Sequins
• Glitter
• Glue
• Scissors

1. Purchase and print the Trim-A-Tree Activity from my SHOP.
2. Cut out the trees along the dotted lines.
3. Decorate all sides of cut trees using fun embellishements.
4. Slide trees together as shown.
5. Set up tree on table as decoration.

*Find the Trim-A-Tree Activity in my SHOP titled Kids Advent Activities Printables. You get three activities in one download!

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Each year, for the past 3 years,  I have tried to do 24 days of activities with my kids to celebrate the Christmas and Advent season. This year we will be focusing on the Jesse Tree. I would love for all of you to follow along with us and enjoy the spirit of the holiday by teaching your children about the Jesse Tree.

We will be reading from a book each day of December to learn the history and stories of the Jesse Tree and then then we will add a symbolic handmade ornament to our own Jesse Tree. The book I will be using is called The Jesse Tree by Geraldine McCaughrean and can be ordered from Amazon by clicking on the link below. The book is appropriate for ages Pre-K and up. The stories are adapted from the Old Testament and they read like a bedtime storybook.

I have a Jesse Tree Ornament Tutorial available for download in my Store. Please consider purchasing the tutorial if you want to make your own ornaments with your children. (You can read more info. about tutorial at bottom of this post.)

The tree we will be hanging our handmade ornaments from (shown above) can also be found at Illuminated Ink.

I look forward to reading and enjoying this book and our handmade ornaments for many Advent seasons. My kids are already excited because they have seen me creating the ornaments for my tutorial and they are looking forward to reading the stories from the book and hanging the ornaments on our special tree each day in December.

Jesse Tree Ornament Tutorial Information:

The tutorial comes as a downloadable .pdf file. It includes a detailed photos and instructions for each handmade ornament symbol that corresponds to the book The Jesse Tree. The tutorial also includes a master list of supplies and ornament templates for your use. Most of the ornaments can be made by children ages 5 and up. A few of the ornaments require more precise cutting, younger children may need some help.

Please consider supporting me and my blog by purchasing the downloadable tutorial. – Thanks

TO PURCHASE TUTORIAL CLICK HERE or visit the STORE: Jesse Tree Ornament Tutorial

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