Two DIY Nativity Scenes

   From various online sources using items from the woodpile and craft barrels below deck.

https://www.pinterest.com/search/pins/?q=popsicle%20stick%20nativity&rs=typed&term_meta%5B%5D=popsicle%7Ctyped&term_meta%5B%5D=stick%7Ctyped&term_meta%5B%5D=nativity%7Ctyped

http://little-inspirations.blogspot.com/2011/11/wooden-doll-nativity.html

Cost: $O




________________________________________________________

Shadow Box for Plundered Treasure

   To create your customized Shadow Box: 


-shadow box (Some shadow boxes are hinged with a front opening. The one I purchased has a back opening just like a picture frame.)
-Christmas ornaments; or other trinkets and tchotchkes for the shadow box
-ribbon, trim, other Christmas decorations
-background paper, optional 



This very simple craft project took care of a major problem I had with an overabundance of inherited vintage Christmas ornaments. I poked around Google for various craft project ideas that did not include or involve:

-glue/hot glue guns (not a fan of hot glue guns!) or hours of time

Cost: $19.99 for shadow box ($39.99 original price and shadow boxes were 50% off the day I visited Michaels' crafts. What luck!) In addition, the shadow box was already painted a light gold color which saved another step. 

____________________________________________________________________

Pomandeering: December 2015 Edition

I don't know why I hadn't thought of this before, but tiny kumquats make an excellent canvas for pomanders (or as the Cap'n Mad Ellen says : "pomandeering"). The peel on a kumquat is soft, too which makes inserting the whole cloves very easy!

                                                                                 +

Gather:

-kumquats (usually less expensive by the pound than pre-packaged)
-whole cloves (typically cheaper in bulk rather than purchased in those small spice bottles)


To do: Insert whole cloves in the kumquats in any pattern or decoration. That's it!

___________________________________________________________________

Mini Christmas Wreath

   Craft items for the Mini Christmas Wreath:

-round wood purse handle, set of 2 for $7.99 and 50% off (I used a sturdy purse handle instead of styrofoam or florist foam wreath forms which don't hold up well.)
-ribbon, to wrap the wreath
-pink iridescent tulle, " 
-glue
-scissors
-spray paint, color of choice for the wreath form: I used white although I wanted to paint it silver metallic but was out of that color spray paint!
-to decorate: buttons-many vintage, sequins, self-adhesive rhinestones, fake pearls, jewelry findings
-ribbon, to tie (optional)
-Krylon clear gloss/spray adhesive (optional but recommended)

  Cost: about $7.00 for the wreath form, tulle and ribbon
_____________________________________________________________________________

Team Turkey USA

Inspired by an image I found online yesterday.

  To make:

-background paper
-a printout of an outline of the USA (found on Google)
-markers or crayons
-scissors
-glue
-pencil, to trace the design (optional but recommended)




Cost:  $O

___________________________________________________

Thanksgiving Turkey Hat

Source:  http://www.parents.com/holiday/thanksgiving/crafts/super-cute-thanksgiving-hats/#page=1

  Gather together:

-paper plates (we also made a turkey hat using a smaller paper plate)
-scissors
-glue
-paint, markers, crayons, etc. for coloring
-(paintbrushes)
-tape
-construction paper or similar
-googly eyes, buttons or beans/legumes, for the eyes or you can use scrap paper
-pencil, to trace
-ribbon, string or similar to tie the hat to the back of the head
-3" diameter circle template (I used a Fiestaware cup)

Cost: O

_________________________________________ 

Acorn Cap Napkin Holders

   Source: based upon various projects scoured from the internet including Family Fun/Parent Magazine. 

Used:

-clean, dry acorn caps
-glue (E6000)
-ModPodge
-various craft items to decorate: glass/plastic beads, craft pearls, antique buttons, sequins, craft wire, pom poms, jewelry findings/charms, etc.
-scissors
-ribbon 1/2" wide
-package of Thanksgiving/autumn-themed paper/dinner napkins

Cost: Approximately $2.00 for a spool of Thanksgiving/Autumn-themed ribbon and paper napkins.

___________________________________________________