I stink at playing.
The whole getting down on the floor thing and “playing house” or being a student in my 4-year old’s “school” ranks right up there with a dentist’s appointment for me.
Don’t get me wrong – I love my kids, and I love spending time with them, but give me a book to read, a puzzle, or a craft any day, and let them do pretend-play with people their own age. I must have used up all my imagination when I was a kid.
The holiday season lends itself easily to all sorts of crafts and activities, and we’ve been able to find time for a couple from the eBook Truth in the Tinsel. I loved them because each activity used simple supplies that I could forage for in our home without having to buy anything to add to the clutter around here.
Here’s a very simple paper craft that turned out beautifully, especially once hung on a tree with lights shining through it.
Supplies Needed:
- whitepaper
- black marker
- scrap paper
- glue sticks
- scissors
- tissue paper, cut into strips (orange, red and yellow are best colors)
- tinsel (optional)
How to:
1. I used the candle template from Truth in the Tinsel, but you’ll have to freehand something with a thick marker – about 5×5 inches is perfect, and keep the ring around the image about the width of your finger.
2. Cut around the candle ring. This is good practice for preschoolers learning cutting skills.
3. If your child is under 5 years old, I recommend that the adult cut out the center. Older kids could handle that part with instruction about not cutting through the candle or the ring.
4. Flip the cut-out face down on the scrap paper and use the glue stick to cover all the back side. Another good fine motor skill for little ones.
5. Lay tissue paper strips over the glue, covering the entire back.
6. Turn the image over and check to make sure you like the look. We chose to add some orange in, sneaking it under the red.
7. Cut the excess tissue paper from around the edges. We made this an adult job, as tissue paper is too soft for little-kid scissors and hands.
Ta da! We added tinsel for extra sparkle and also used a piece of tinsel to make the loop for hanging the ornament up.
We don’t have our tree up quite yet, but our neighbors did the craft with us, and the stained glass effect really looks fantastic with lights shining through it.
What are your kids’ favorite crafts?
Disclosure: I am an affiliate for Truth in the Tinsel by Amanda White.