Even though the tree has more than likely been up and decorated for weeks, the kids will love making these Christmas treasures. They can be personalized and even used as "special" gift tags for Christmas gifts. You think Grandma and Aunt Mary wouldn't love one too? And, with the New Year coming they can make some with a New Year theme... they can be hung like suncatchers in their bedroom windows, given to little friends with a few cookies in a little bag for a "Happy New Year" wish... maybe a new tradition will be created.
These easy little ornaments bring out the creativity in everyone and add to the whimsy of celebrating this blessed season.
Another great idea is to hot glue a silver safety pin to the back (with assistance from the adult helper) for a little gift. All, adding that very special "it's homemade" touch!
Let's get started...
Here's the easy recipe:
1 cup salt
1 cup water
2 cups flour
1 cup water
2 cups flour
Christmas cookie cutters (plus trains, teddy bears, New Year's, Christmas Story... anything in the "favorite" department)!
Pins for back
Hot glue gun
Suggestions for decorating: Glitter of all kinds (kids love glitter); puff paints; 3-D paint; acrylic paints; silver and gold stars... check your craft bins!
Note: Have the kids write their names and the date on the back of each creation!
Mix all ingredients together. Consistency will be pretty stiff. Add extra flour or water if needed. Roll the dough to 1/8-inch thickness. Cut and shape ornaments. Lift onto a cookie sheet with a cookie spatula. Straightened paper clips work great for poking eyes or adding details. Either take a toothpick and make a hole in the top of the ornament before baking so a red ribbon can be strung through or insert a small loop of flexible wire into the top before baking. Ribbons are great for attaching to Christmas gifts!
Suggestions for decorating: Glitter of all kinds (kids love glitter); puff paints; 3-D paint; acrylic paints; silver and gold stars... check your craft bins!
Note: Have the kids write their names and the date on the back of each creation!
Mix all ingredients together. Consistency will be pretty stiff. Add extra flour or water if needed. Roll the dough to 1/8-inch thickness. Cut and shape ornaments. Lift onto a cookie sheet with a cookie spatula. Straightened paper clips work great for poking eyes or adding details. Either take a toothpick and make a hole in the top of the ornament before baking so a red ribbon can be strung through or insert a small loop of flexible wire into the top before baking. Ribbons are great for attaching to Christmas gifts!
Bake at 325 degrees for several
hours or until hard. Cool on wire racks.
Paint with acrylic paints. When dry, spray with an
acrylic sealer or melt paraffin in a double boiler and dip the ornament in it.
These are great fun... let the kids use their imagination and roll candy canes or add special touches to their Christmas creations. This will keep them busy for a couple of hours while you get some "other stuff" done!
Merry, Merry!
'Tis the Season to get kids cooking,
Jan McCracken, Culinary Coach
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