It Came Upon a Midnight Craft

In the story of the nativity, the wise men brought frankincense, gold and myrrh, but I have one question: did they hot glue somethin’ for Jesus? Didn’t think so. Because if I were living B.C., I would have gone homemade and carved some wood into a teether and stained it with figs because Lord knows (literally) the homemade gifts get you front row manger seats. I kid, I kid–everybody loves gift cards. But, if you like to craft, can’t afford gold and myrrh or have kids in your life that might not be enthused over a decanter of frankincense, here are a few fun crafty gifts that are easy to make (promise) and allow you to scratch your paint itch without changing your living room walls and eliciting another eye roll from your husband.

Enter Exhibit A.

Funky Hangers

This isn’t necessarily a big wow for kids (unless you tie chocolate onto them), but if you’re buying clothes for a baby who doesn’t know the difference this holiday, this is a fun really inexpensive way to add some personalization to a clothing gift, and mamas will love it.

Also, all that doodling was unnecessary, but sometimes I get carried away with my Wacom pen.

Here’s what you need.

Wooden Children’s Hangers (I ordered these nice heavy duty ones–a 6-pack for less than $10)
Sandpaper
Acrylic Paints
Small Paintbrushes

The hangers I purchased had a glossy finish to them, so I lightly sanded them before I painted. Here’s where the super difficult instructions come in. Ready? Paint hangers. Let dry.

Exhibit B:

Restaurant Blocks

Technically, they’re just block blocks but “restaurant blocks” make them sound like an official toy. Plus, they are perfectly packaged to slip into a mama’s purse for a family night out, providing table-sized entertainment for a restaurant. Or you could go our route and let your kids just poke the creamers and jellies left out at the restaurant. Either way, here’s what you need:

Unfinished Blocks (like these)
Acrylic Paints
Gold Leaf Paint (if you want add some geometric metallic flair like the ones shown)
Small Paintbrushes
Small Burlap Bag for storage (available at craft store)

*These are more toddler friendly–if you are making these for babies who might put them in their mouth, I’d get a bigger block (these are 1.5 in.) and use beeswax for a wood finish.


Again, really detailed instructions here, so pay close attention. Paint blocks. Let dry. Put in bag.

I let Nella play with hers early, and she loves them.

And now, my favorite. Exhibit C.

The (insert fancy made-up official name) Spoon Dolls Collection

I’m super excited to give this one to the girls this year, and these were a blast to make. I suggest watching a Christmas movie while you make them because I suggest doing that with everything. Here’s what you need:

Wooden Spoons (I ordered this 12-pack for around $5)
Acrylic Paints
Small Paintbrushes
Sharpie Markers
Collector’s Cards: Printed with some other photos at Social Print Studio.



I started with a white base coat on each of the spoons and then painted different hair styles on each and decorated the bottom stick part of the spoon with shapes, polka dots, stripes, etc. The faces and outfits of each doll I finished with colored Sharpie markers because they made drawing tiny features much easier. I finished the dolls, loved them and decided to up the ante with collector’s cards to give the dolls personality. I was printing some Instagram prints with Social Print Studio, so I just took some pictures of the spoons and added them in my order (and they came three days later!). I think Lainey will love adding to this collection later and creating her own personalities for new dolls.

Want to take your gift to new levels? Print some of these stickers and slap ’em on a few.

A little lesson from the Shopkins, eh?

Craft away, my friends. Craft away.

*************

Want to skip the crafts and go right for the hot chocolate?  I’m over @eHow this week with how to set up a hot chocolate bar for a holiday party or a fun after school get together.