How To Make Christmas stockings?

Handmade ornaments, stockings or gifts have an eternal charm about them. Even today while rummaging through the drawers, when I suddenly chance upon a mitten carefully knit by my grandmom, it stirs within a wave of emotions and memories of childhood. Handmade stockings have an equally emotive quality. Though stockings are available in the market but some families like to adhere to the spirit of a traditional Christmas. It is based on an individual's choice for sure but for those who are looking for some tips on how to make Christmas stockings, I decided to put in a few inputs myself:

STEP 1: Use an old or inexpensive purchased Christmas stocking to make your own stocking pattern. Lay the stocking on a piece of brown paper and trace around the stocking with a pen or pencil, a 1/2 inch from the stocking edges. This will give you a 1/2-inch seam allowance.

STEP 2: Choose 1 yard of fabric for each Christmas stocking to be made and 1/4 yard of fabric for each cuff. Use a holiday print, quilted holiday fabric, or solid-color fabric or felt for your stocking. Make sure you have a coordinating thread color on hand.

STEP 3: Lay the stocking fabric on a flat work surface and fold it in half, lengthwise, right sides together. Pin your paper pattern to the fabric and use dressmaker shears to cut through the paper pattern and fabric along your marked line. Make sure you cut through both layers of fabric. Set these two pieces aside.

STEP 4: Place the stocking cuff fabric on your work surface. Use a fabric cutting board, a yardstick or ruler, and a fabric-marking pen to measure out two pieces of fabric that each measure 14 inches long. Use the top measurement of your stocking pattern for the width.

STEP 5: Fold each cuff piece in half, wrong sides together, so that you now have two pieces that are 7 inches in length and the top width of your stocking pattern.

STEP 6: Pin each folded cuff piece to the wrong side of a stocking piece so that all raw edges meet. Place pins at 1/2-inch intervals.

STEP 7: Use a sewing machine to stitch the cuff pieces to the stocking pieces. Sew 1/2 inch from the raw edges. Press the seams open with an iron.

STEP 8: Pin the two sewn stocking pieces together. Make sure that all edges match up evenly and that the right sides of the stocking pieces are facing each other. The pins should be perpendicular to the fabric edges.

STEP 9: Insert a folded length of ribbon or cording between stocking layers at the upper left cuff seam (to hang the stocking). The toe of the stocking should be pointing to your right. The ribbon or cording should be angled upward and inserted far enough between the layers to be caught in the 1/2-inch seam allowance.

STEP 10: Stitch along the edges of your stocking, 1/2 inch from the raw fabric edges. Remove the pins as you sew.

STEP 11: Turn the stocking right-side out and fold the cuff down so that the seam line is hidden inside the stocking.

For more check out:

http://msms.essortment.com/makechristmass_rebw.htm

http://www.ehow.com/how_9280_make-stocking.html

http://www.christmascarnivals.com/christmas-stocking/

Patterns:

• Christmas stockings coming in rich velour needs to be properly handled. Follow the pattern steps to bring out beautiful designs on the stockings. Suppose if you are planning to knit the figure of Santa Claus on the stocking, use bright cotton threads to carry on the sewing process. Beads, sequins and metallic threads can also be used. Santa Claus dressed in red and white attire reflects the traditional spirit of Santa. A blue cap on his head with works of beads should be finely dealt with to reach the perfect level. The background of the stocking should properly match with the color of the threads used to knit the entire body of Santa.
• You can depict the picture of your pet dog on the stockings. Along with the dog knit the figure of a dog bone that your pet might be delighted to see. The color should go with the background of the stocking. Colorful silk ribbons may be applied as dog collar.
• The ideal traditional patterns are small fir and pine trees, the bear, toy trains, reindeer, snowmen, the gingerbread man, rocking horse, sleigh and bells.
• The spirit of freedom is reflected in a knitting pattern of a deer running into the night sky over the chimney, or with the design of a snowman with a scarf around his neck and a miniature broom in his hand.
• Is music your passion or sailing through the waves your hobby, let it be patterned in your Christmas stockings. The black and white keys of the piano and the notes of a piece can feature as patterns. The sailing boats or the riding horses will also be quite attractive designs.
• Personalize the Christmas stocking with your name.
• Make an elegant Christmas stocking by using cotton velveteen for your stocking fabric and a quilted satin fabric for your cuff.
• Add any trim or embroidery to the cuff and body of the stocking before you sew the stocking edges.
• A man's stocking could be made in the shape of a work boot or sewn from plaid flannel with a pocket on the front. Use an old shirt.
• A gardener's stocking could be made from burlap.
• An executive's stocking could be made from striped shirting with a tie in front.

Paper Stockings

Materials: Thick brown paper (like grocery bag paper) or brown felt
Pencil, Scissors, Glue, A holepunch, Yarn, Markers or crayons

If you don’t want to spend much on fabrics, paper can also be a good medium for attractive stockings. With the most common things readily available at home, like thick brown paper, glue, yarn of any color and scissors, you can create magic. Make an outline of any stocking on a brown paper, and cut out two pieces of the same shape. Then join the two with glue, and pierce holes on the edges. You may weave ribbons or yarn through these holes, which may appear as laces. Ultimately, decorate it with poster colors by making patterns.

Dog Paw Stockings:

Materials:

Scissors, pieces of light tan faux fur, each 24 by 13 inches, 2 pieces of dark tan faux fur, each 24 by 13 inches, Sheet of dark brown felt, 9 by 12 inches, Long sewing pins, Large-eye sewing needle, Dark brown embroidery floss, Clear tape, 9 inches of tan twist cord.

Cut 1 paw shape from each piece of the light tan fur and 1 from each piece of the dark tan fur. Cut paw pads from the brown felt. Pin the paw pads to the furry side of a dark tan paw and use the floss to whipstitch the pads in place. Pin together the 4 paws with the dark tan paws on the outside, furry sides out, and the light tan paws on the inside, furry sides in. Using the floss, whipstitch around the edges, sewing the paws together. Leave the top edges unsewn. At the top, sew together the front 2 edges, then the back 2. Fold down the top to make a cuff. Tape the ends of the cord to keep them from fraying, then sew the cord to the stocking for hanging.

The Secret Behind Santa's Ho ho ho

Santa is famous for his hearty ‘ho ho ho’ greeting and laughter. But have we ever asked ourselves why? Yes, it goes well with the spirit of the season but there is more to it than just that. Research tells us that laughter provides a boost to all components of our immune system. It reduces stress and improves health! Laughter is a tremendous healing activity that Santa has been advocating since his inception. Santa maintains a happy disposition using laughter to keep our mood positive. He has been showing us how to handle life’s daily stresses with the magical health benefits of laughter.

Laughter protects the adrenal glands which are the major shock absorber hormones in the body, protecting us from the potential mental and physical impact that stress can cause. No wonder Santa is always healthy and has never missed a Christmas yet!

Have you ever seen a child laughing while watching cartoons? The ecstatic outburst of free flowing happiness is so infectious that it forces us to smile. A child exists within all of us, but social norms and our prosaic lives bring about early maturity stifling all hopes of innocent childish laughter. So lets promise this festive season to loosen up and shake hands with Santa committing ourselves to laughter and make the child within us happy...to be back.Just remember to ‘ho ho ho’ where ever you go and say goodbye to woe. Enjoy good hearty laughter this festive season and throughout the year!

Christmas Gifts For Dad

How about gifting dad an acre of land on the moon this Christmas? His deepest desire has always been to embark on a tour of the space and this unusual yet original gift will certainly pump up his spirits. Well I really dont have any plans to send him off so far, but to keep my loving dad smiling and living life king's size as he always does, here are a few gift ideas I came up with. Check them out and let me know your views:

• Personalised Photo Frames ($59.99- $79.99) with touching poems and a childhood picture of mine with dad when we used to go fishing or camping together.
• Digital Photo Frames

• Elvis Drinking Glasses ($7.50) – A set of two Elvis Rock n Roll drinking glasses in a sturdy acetate box, would make a great Christmas Gift for the Rock n' Roll Dad.

• Abbey Road Beatles Alarm Clock ($8.95) – Is your dad crazy about Beatles? Mine is. He has collected innumerable records and plays them for all his friends whever there is a party at his place. Guess this gift will remind him of the rock rock rocking 60s and the tantalising concerts he once attended.

• Bar Butler ($29.95)- Bar butler 4 shot loaded receptacles to hold bottles of various sizes up to 1 Litre on a revolving stand. Each leakproof dispenser pours 2 half ounce measures approx. So why not enjoy your drinks in style with this fabulous heavy duty revolving drink dispenser, just get a glass and place it beneath the leak-proof dispenser and enjoy.

Check out:

http://www.countryactivities.co.uk/acatalog/Christmas_Gifts_For_Dad.html for more interesting ideas.

• Eye Massager- The Eyezone Massager ($14.99) – My dad simply loves to read. He also spends quite a large portion of his time working on the computer. So I thought this eye massager would be a perfect stress reliever. What do you feel?

• Shine on Electric Shoe Polisher ($39.95) – I am seriously getting this one for me as well. It is a perfect gift for any man who is simply tired of polishing his shoes every morning. Its handy and can be used right before an important meeting, a party and so on.

• Yello Birch Scottish Salmon Server ($37.85)- My dad's a really good cook, and whats more his favorite dish is salmon. So how about getting him a dish to serve his favorite fish in?

• Santa Wine Caddy- ($69.00)- Hand crafted from recycled steel and copper that is cut, bent, welded and brushed, the Santa Wine Caddy is truly a unique gift. Pair it with a favorite wine and your dad will be saying a toast of thanks to you this holiday season!

• Retro Music System ($299.00)- I can already visualise the smile on his face when he sees this one. I would say its a perfect Christmas gift for any dad.

• World's Best Hammock ($109.95)- This hammock beats all, providing that ultimate tropical holiday experience. Will surely turn into any daddy's favorite retreat.

• Viatek My Masseur-Portable Four Mode Contouring Back Massager ($34.99)- Provides soothing relief to tired and aching shoulders.
  

For Sporty Dads

• Macro Blade Putter for the Golfer Dad($129.95)- Its revolutionary patented design features a unique grip that eliminates wrist break and gives one greater control of the putter head. It even features alignment lines on the top of the grip so you can hit it right where you want.

• iSun Portable Solar Charger – Silver ($74.95)

• Gone Fishing ($54.99)- Includes: Eagle Claw Snelled Fish Hooks, Fishing Bobbers ~ Assorted Sizes for All Fishing,"Fish Bait" Candy Gummy Worms, Blue Crab Bay Clam Dip Packets, Blue Crab Bay Seafood Marinade & Grilling Sauce, Brook Trout Classic Fishing Mug, de Geneve French Vanilla Coffee, Smoked Salmon Cheese Spread, Grissini Traditional Original Breadsticks, Honey Roasted Peanuts,...in a Round Galvanized Tin Bucket with Brass Handles.

• Boots- Yaktrax Walker ($17.97) for winter activities, Yaktrax Pro ( $24.97) for winter sports.

• 101 Piece Tool Set ($117.95)- Components: Screwdrivers Bit sets, Allan wrenches, Pliers, Hammer Wrenches, Adjustable wrench, Retractable box cutter, Mini screwdriver set, Ratchet set Tape measure etc.

Peep into http://fatherhood.about.com/cs/toppicks/tp/sportsgifts.htm for more.

For tech savvy dads

• Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX1K Black Digital Camera $329.99
• USB cup warmer $9.95- This USB-powered mug warmer keeps flat-bottomed ceramic or metal mug warm at your desk. For dads who love to have their coffee or tea steaming hot all morning long.

• Laptops, DVD players, or iPods

For book lover dads

• John Bunyan's Pilgrims' Progress

• Micheal Ondaajte's Collection of Poetry

• Stephen Hawking's Black Hole Mystery

• Pens- Monteverde Jewelria Cardon Fiber Rollerball ($49.95)

Check out the following for more:

http://www.piecesofvermont.com/gifts4dad.html

http://www.shop.com/op/a-landing-hot-fathersday-1&lp=1

http://www.theydeserveit.com/christmas-gifts/gifts-for-dad.html

http://www.paramountzone.com/gifts-for-men.htm

Christmas Gifts For Mom

What is the magical word that symbolizes selfless love, endless affection, devotion, pain and sacrifice? Mother. She brings us into this world, molds us into worthier human beings, knows instantly when something is amiss and spends all her time and energy trying to fulfill our dreams and desires and make better our lives. There is simply no end to her patience and fortitude. Even today my sister and I look towards mom for emotional support and confide in her when in trouble. She has never asked for anything but has given us all without asking for it. Christmas is the best opportunity to show this gentle and unassuming woman the love, respect, and gratitude that we as kids feel for her; and to shower her with countless gifts.
Here is a carefully compiled list of gift ideas that might help you as well:

• Chicken Soup for the Mother's Soul Gift Basket ($49)- Chicken Soup for the Mother's Soul II filled with heartwarming and endearing stories. Each story is sure to touch Mom and remind her how special she truly is!Also includes: A lightly scented pillar candle, potpourri, 6 oz. green tea body lotion, a tea single and yummy Too Good Gourmet dessert cookies.

• Heated Massage Mat with Neck Therapy ($149.95)- With 10 massage points, soothing heat therapy, a luxurious velour cover and integrated neck cradle that provides a comforting Shiatsu neck massage, this body-length massage mat relaxes the entire body.

• Heated Seat Cushion ($24.95) - This heated cushion will allow your mom to enjoy a more comfortable driving experience during the cold winter months. It heats the lower back/lumbar area as well as the bottom of the seat cushions enveloping the passengers in warmth.
  
• Bath and Spa Gift Baskets – Foot Fetish Cream for Dry Feet ($24), Monogrammed Bath and Spa Shower Wraps ($42), Apple Cider Bath and Spa Gift Baskets ($45), and so on. Each can be individually bought or in entirety.
  
• Spa Wish gift certificate for that ultimate pampering experience.
  

• Ultimate Foot Spa, bath and pedicure ($69.95)
  

• Chocolate Therapy Gift Set for Mom ($44.00)- To satisfy all your mom’s secret chocolate cravings, this pack which includes a 1 pound box of assorted gourmet chocolates and the award-winning book Chocolate Therapy: Dare to Discover Your Inner Center is the best Christmas gift that will soothe all her senses.
  

• Almond Butter English Toffee Cheesecake ($24- $45)
  

• Sewing Kit ($17)
  

• Knitting needle case holder Paisley Knit Kit pocket ($21.95)- Moms are best at everything but knitting is certainly their forte. With this wonderful case made exclusively for holding needles of all sizes, she would be the topic of discussion and envy in her knitting circle of friends.
  

• Do Not Disturb Relaxation Wrap (29.95) - After just one minute in the microwave, this Relaxation Wrap warms and appeases all the pain and stress in the neck and back providing comfort and inner peace.
  

• Phone Sets- It is the best and the most handy device that connects us to mom. I found some really interesting collections you can also take a look at http://customphones.com/productCat0.ivnu
  Antique and Vintage Telephones, Decorator or French Style phones, Novelty Phones etc with accessories that come in beautiful shapes and styles and affordable prices as well.

• Garden gifts–
  
  
  · Handpainted Garden Decor Tools Set ($30),
  · Gardeners Hand Soap - Herbal & Natural - Gift Set ($18)- A perfect ending to a day spent getting your hands dirty in the mud. Each Handmade Gift Set includes a 3 oz. bar of Gardener's Hand Soap, a natural fiber nailbrush, and an Ayate Cactus natural fiber washcloth.

• Special Teddy Bear Gifts- THESE ARE NOT TOYS! They are decorative items that will ornament mom’s bedroom and bring back memories of her childhood and the journey from adolescence to motherhood.
  A guardian Angel Bear for Mom, Sophisticated Lady Bear, Gardener Bear (under$50)
  Administrative Professional Mom Bear, Work at Home Mom Bear, Veterinary Mom Bear
  ($30- $50)
  Fun in the sun bear for beach loving moms, sunflower bear, Karate Mom Bear (under$30)
  For more information on these unique, cute teddy bear gifts, check out http://www.bearfamilygifts.com/gifts-for-mother.html
  

• Ultra LED Booklights ($19.95)- No shadows, no hot spots, no squinting, no strain on the eyes! Just smooth, even light across the whole page. This clip-on book lamp utilizes new-patented LED Floodlight Technology for a wider, brighter swath of light.
  

• Smart Candle Votive 2 Pack ( $24.95)- Candles are an essential part of any Christmas celebration. But with traditional candles come hot wax, mess, smoke, and a potential for burns and fires. This faux flame candle is "fueled" using triple-A batteries and simulates the soft natural glow of real candles.
  

• Yoga Bags ($68) or Personalized Embroidered Yoga Mat Bags ($52)- Health conscious moms would truly love these trendy bags which include straps on the bottom designed to carry a yoga mat, a sweater or jacket. Then there is an aluminum key ring inside, water bottle/phone holders on outer sides of bag, specially-designed pockets to hold CDs and so on.
  

• Vintage Style Brooch – They are highly popular this year and will accentuate your mom’s beauty reminding her of the good old days of yore. Penelope’s Vintage CZ Brooch ($115), Sterling Silver Vintage Style ($12.99)
  

• Burberry Nova Check Cashmere Scarf ($139)
  

• Mugs – You’re the greatest mom mug, Mom in any language mug, To a wonderful mom mug ($ 7.95)
  

• Personalized Bracelets and necklaces

• Flowers and Ecards
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Music Videos - The Christmas Collection

John Lennon - Happy Xmas (War Is Over)




Happy Xmas (War Is Over) is a song that was "written" (see Skewball) by John Lennon with partial help from Yoko Ono (best known as the widow of John Lennon). It was recorded at Record Plant Studios in New York City in late October of 1971, with the help of producer Phil Spector. It features soaring, heavily echoed vocals, and a sing-along chorus. The children singing in the background were from the Harlem Community Choir and are credited on the song's single.
Closely related to the song: in late 1969, John Lennon and his wife Yoko Ono rented billboards and posters in eleven cities around the world that read: "WAR IS OVER! (If You Want It) Happy Christmas from John and Yoko." Five of the eleven cities included in the billboard campaign were New York, Tokyo, Rome, Amsterdam, and London.
In addition, it's been covered by Sarah McLachlan on her 2006 Christmas album, Wintersong.


Mariah Carey - All I Want for Christmas Is You




"All I Want for Christmas Is You" is a song written and produced by American singer Mariah Carey and Walter Afanasieff, and recorded for Carey's fifth album Merry Christmas (1994). Its protagonist declares that she doesn't care about Christmas presents or lights; all she wants for Christmas is to be with her lover. It was released as the album's first single in December 1994 (see 1994 in music), and reached the top ten in several non-U.S. countries.
According to The New Yorker, it is "one of the few worthy modern additions to the holiday canon".
In 2000 the song debuted on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number eighty-three for one week. This was because after 1999, singles were capable of charting on the Hot 100 without a commercial release and the song had received enough radio airplay to appear on the chart. Billboard magazine has since added restrictions to Christmas songs, but with the growth of all-holiday-music formats in the U.S., the song is played on the radio at the end of every year. Although the song is ineligible for the Hot 100, it peaked high on the Hot Digital Tracks chart during the 2003 and 2004 Christmas seasons. In 2005 it rapidly ascended to number one on Billboard's Hot 100 Singles Recurrents chart (for songs no longer eligible for the Hot 100), giving it a new peak. It also reached number one on the top 100 downloads chart at iTunes UK and iTunes USA, and became Carey's first number-one single on the Billboard Hot Digital Songs chart. In mid-November 2006 the song again entered the U.S. iTunes top 100.



You could also check this video featuring the Best Christmas Lights Display Ever

Handmade Christmas ornaments

I am quite taken with these handmade gifts and crafts ideas. The whole process of cutting beautiful shapes and designs, then glueing them together to create lovely Christmas ornaments is really exciting. I tried a few ideas I came across on the net and must say, my girlfriend and mom were both quite impressed with my work.

Glass Ornaments

Materials:
Clear Glass Ball Ornaments, Dye-Based Ink Refills, Glitter (ultra fine and any color)Ribbon, Raffia etc...Small paper or plastic cup (ornament needs to sit on top)

Take clear glass ball ornaments and remove the top. Rinse ornament out with water, drain water. ink Drop about 18-22 drops of one color of ink refill into the ornament. Swirl ink around the inside of the ornament until inside is covered.(Only add one color ink refill (dye based ink)) If there is excess ink, turn the bulb upside down and let the excess ink drain off into a paper/plastic cup.While draining, take a business card size piece of cardstock and fold in half hotdog style. Pour approximately 1/2 teaspoon glitter into the cardstock that is folded. Pour glitter into glass bulb, put a small piece of paper or plastic over opening, to protect your finger, now ...SHAKE vigorously. Shake the glitter around so that it doesn't form a big blob. Pour excess dyed glitter into a different paper/plastic cup. Put the top back on the ornament. Tie Organdy or Grosgrain Ribbon, Raffia or whatever you would like aroundthe top or just leave it plain.




Heavenly Angels

Materials:
Sugar ice-cream cone, Three-ring pretzel, Royal icing (blend 1 egg white with 1 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar), Colored sugar, Tootsie Pop, Life Saver and red candy heart.

Using scissors, cut off 1/2 inch from the cone's point. Ice the cone and pretzel, then roll them in colored sugar. For the head, insert the lollipop's stick into the cone. Using the icing, affix the Life Saver to the head and the pretzel to the back of the cone. Add icing features and a candy heart.

Light Bulb Santa
Materials: Burnt out light bulb, Acrylic (craft) paint in white, red, flesh, black, and pink, Gold cord or ribbon, Hot glue, Black marker, Newspaper or paper towel, Paintbrush

Paint an oval for Santa's face with flesh acrylic paint in the center of the round part of the light bulb. Paint entire remaining round portion of light bulb with white acrylic paint. Paint neck of bulb red, and top (socket) of "hat" white. Allow to dry completely. Using black acrylic paint, dot on two eyes. Using black marker, draw on smile. Dip clean paintbrush into pink acrylic paint, dab off excess paint onto newspaper or paper towel. Gently blotch on pink cheeks. Touch up Santa's beard and hat brim with more white paint. Hot glue a loop of gold cord or ribbon to the back of the bulb. Craft glue is not recommended as it does not adhere as well as hot glue does. Hang!

Spoon Snowshoes

Materials:
Wooden ice-cream spoons, Glue, Button, Toothpick, Ribbon, String

Draw a simple crisscross snowshoe pattern on 2 wooden ice-cream spoons. Hot-glue a length of pipe cleaner around the edge of each spoon, then glue together the spoons at the top. For each pole, glue a small button onto one end of a toothpick, then glue a loop of ribbon to the top of each pole. Finally, glue the poles to the snowshoes, tie a ribbon around the set, and tie on a string loop for hanging.

Mice Ornaments

Remove the tags from two Hershey's Kisses. Cut out mouse ears from pink felt, about 3/8-inch high. Using double-sided carpet tape, affix the bottoms of the ears to the flat side of one of the Kisses. Tape an 8-inch loop of fishing line behind the ears to form a hanger. With more double-sided carpet tape, join together the two flat sides of the Hershey's Kisses, with the mouse ears and fishing line loop pointing up. Add a pair of self-adhesive googly eyes. Slip a tail -- a 4-inch piece of curling ribbon -- under the foil. Now, see how they run (or disappear) from your tree!



Wishing Spool

Materials:
Acrylic paint and brush, Wooden thread spool, Marker, Paper strip, cut to fit the width of the spool, Double-sided tape, Ribbon, Self-sticking label

Paint the spool and let it dry. Have your child write her Christmas list on the strip of paper. Roll the paper around the empty spool, using double-sided tape to fasten it, and leave some of the list hanging down (so Santa notices). Thread the ribbon through the spool's center and tie a knot at the top for hanging. Write your child's name on the self-sticking label. Affix it to the ribbon.


Other ideas
*To make a very economical, shiny ornament, take the top of an aluminum can and punch a design with holes using an awl or other pointed tool. Glue a decorative trim around the edges. Hang with a ribbon, yard, or dental floss.
*Bring out your child's pictures and place them on a piece of supported felt and hang. You can also insert them into clear bulbs.
*Use old Christmas Cards. Cut them into the desired shape, and then use a hole punch around the edges. Whip stitch ribbon or yarn through the holes, or crochet around the edge.
*Get the whole family involved, and make colorful, old-fashioned paper chains. If you are going to use popcorn, be sure and let it sit a day after you pop it before you string it.
*Candy canes are great by themselves, and can also be made into reindeer by using pipe cleaners and gluing on eyes.

Christmas Gifts Kids Can Make

The holidays are here and its a gala time for the kids. So what are you guys doing to keep them busy?
Know what I came up with to keep my 5 and 7 year old niece and nephew absorbed this holiday season? Making Christmas gifts! With cute photo frames and CD boxes, felt and ribbon bookmarks, personalised clocks or ornaments for the Christmas tree and more unique gift ideas available on the net, its time to enliven the atmosphere with this wonderful opportunity for the kids to enjoy fashioning creative gifts.

• Felt and Ribbon Bookmarks
  
• Required
  Scraps of felt and ribbons, PVA (white) glue, Sharp scissors, sequins, buttons or other adornments.
  

Mark and cut the felt into bookmark-sized pieces. Cut a length of ribbon for each bookmark so that it extends 5cm beyond the end of the felt, and carefully stick it down with white glue. Cut a heart shape out of matching or contrasting felt to cover the top of the ribbon. Stick the heart to the bookmark and embellish further as you like. The main part of the bookmark should be flat so decorations must be restricted to the top portion. Allow to dry thoroughly.

• Photo Frames and CD boxes
  

Required
Empty CD boxes, Scissors and glue, Craft supplies and household bits and pieces.

Cut a photo to a size smaller than the CD box. Fix the photo against the plastic with tape. Find a nice piece of cardboard/gift wrap. Cut this to fit snugly behind the photo and to the edges of the frame (4 ¾ inches wide, 5 ¼ inches high). Fix with glue or tape facing into the box. When the frame is finished, open the box out to stand it up, so that the backing protects the photo. Draw a line of glue on the outside edges of the front of the CD box and decorate with:
Tinsel, Little cut-outs of old cards, Small ornaments, Little ribbon bows, Gold and silver braid and ribbons, Red or green gingham ribbon. Christmas shapes of trees cut out of craft foam, Dried cranberries, Spices (cloves, star anise, cinnamon sticks), Glitter, Miniature wrapped-up presents.

• Christmas Card Handle Holder
  

Required
Old Christmas Cards, Baby Food Jar ,Glue, Rubber Band, Salt

Cut out a pretty picture from an old card; small enough to fit on the side of a baby food jar. Cover the back of the picture with glue and stick it to the jar. Put a rubber band around the jar to hold picture in place till glue dries. Remove rubber band. Using a paintbrush, cover the outside of the jar with glue. Sprinkle salt over all of it to make the jar glisten. Let dry. Tie a piece of curling ribbon around the rim. Place candle inside.

• Chocolate melting Spoons
  

Dip colored plastic spoons in melted dark, milk or white chocolate and top with glitter and sparkles. Wrap in clear or colored cellophane, tied with ribbon. For a special addition to this yummy gift, glue a photo onto a square of paper for a unique gift tag.

• Personalized Ornaments
  

Kids can paint plain glass or plastic ball ornaments with fabric paint to make wonderful snowflakes or snowballs for a white Christmas indoors. The balls can be filled with curling ribbon to add color. A holiday message can also be inscribed.

• Personalized Clock
  

Pop the plastic cover off an inexpensive clock and remove the clock face. Cut prepared artwork to the same size as the clock face and add numbers around the edge. Slide the artwork in place and replace the plastic cover.

• Footprint T shirt
  

Step into a shallow dish with fabric paint in it (each kid in a differnt color) and then step on the t-shirt. Once the footprints are dry, a personalised message can be written using a black marker.

• Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer
  

Kids can trace their hand onto a piece of brown craft foam or card stock. Cut this shape and add black marker hooves to the fingertips. Next, add red glitter glue collar with gold sequins for bells, then glue on a googly eye, a red pompom nose, and a tail cut from the brown craft foam/card stock. For the reindeer's antlers, cut a brownpipe cleaner in half, bend each half into two and curl the ends. Glue together the pipe cleaner pieces, holding them in place with a paper clip or clothesepin until the glue dries. Finally, glue in the antlers on the reindeer.

• Sand Candles
  

Put sand in a bowl, pour water in it. Make a hole in the wet sand for placing the candle. Place shells on the sides. Take the smallest shell you can find and tie it to the wick and put it in the center bottom. Melt wax in a tin can. Pour the wax in the sand mold while holding the wick up to keep it straight. Hold the wick until the wax hardens. Dig about an inch away from the candle, a trench 6-10 inches deep and gently pull the candle out. Place the candle on the plate.

Find more ideas at

http://familycrafts.about.com/cs/giftgiving/a/120400a.htm

http://www.amazingmoms.com/htm/christmasgifts_from_kids.htm

If you have any ideas and suggestions, feel free to share them with me and others as well by dropping them in the comment box.

Click on the links below for related posts on :

Christmas gift ideas for small kids.

A Child's dream Christmas party

Christmas stockings

Christmas with Santa Claus dolls