As the festive season approaches, a delightful craft idea is capturing the imaginations of families across the country: melted crayon Christmas ornaments. This innovative project not only repurposes those broken and leftover crayons cluttering drawers but also creates beautiful, personalised decorations for the tree.

To embark on this colourful journey, one needs a simple array of materials: old crayons, a silicone mould in festive shapes, and an oven. First, the crayons are peeled and broken into small pieces, allowing children to get creative by mixing and matching colours. Once the moulds are filled, they are placed in the oven until the crayons have melted into a vibrant pool of colour. As they cool, the anticipation builds – will it be a stunning swirl of hues or a bold single shade?

Once the ornaments are set, a little string or ribbon can be threaded through for hanging, transforming these handmade treasures into unique festive accents. Not only do they add a personal touch to the tree, but they also serve as a joyful reminder of creativity and sustainability during the holiday season. Each ornament tells a story, making your Christmas tree a tapestry of cherished memories, one melted crayon at a time.

As the festive season approaches, there’s no better way to build excitement for Christmas than with a unique DIY Advent calendar. Gone are the days of standard chocolate-filled options; this year, why not craft something truly special? Here are ten delightful ideas that will transform your countdown into an unforgettable experience.

1. The Reusable Fabric Calendar: Sew or stitch pockets onto a festive fabric backdrop, filling each one with personalised treats or notes. This sustainable option can be used year after year, making it both a beautiful and eco-friendly choice.

2. The Storybook Calendar: Create a personalised book with a festive story for each day. Fill the calendar with various tales that capture the spirit of Christmas, allowing your family to relive the magic of storytelling.

3. The Photo Countdown: Decorate a large board with envelopes containing cherished family photos from past Christmases. Each day, reveal a new memory that serves as a heartwarming reminder of times shared together.

4. The Treasure Hunt Calendar: Each day unveils a clue leading to a small gift hidden around the house. This interactive twist adds an element of adventure and keeps the excitement flowing throughout the month.

5. The Acts of Kindness Calendar: Each pocket contains a suggestion for a small act of kindness to perform throughout the festive season. This idea not only fills the countdown with joy but also encourages giving back to the community.

6. The Scented Calendar: Fill jars with different scented items like cinnamon sticks, dried orange slices, or pine needles. Each day, open a new jar to inhale the delightful scents of the season, creating a truly immersive experience.

7. The DIY Puzzle Calendar: Each day reveals a puzzle piece, leading to a complete image by Christmas Eve. Choose a festive or family photo to create a memorable keepsake.

8. The Advent Jar: Decorate a jar and fill it with different activities or challenges for each day, ranging from festive crafts to baking sessions. This calendar is perfect for families eager to make memories together.

9. The Countdown Wreath: Create a stunning wreath by attaching little bags or envelopes filled with goodies. Hang it on your door for a decorative and festive countdown that guests will admire.

10. The International Treats Calendar: Explore global holiday traditions by filling each slot with snacks, recipes, or trinkets from different countries. It’s a delightful way to celebrate diversity while indulging in seasonal flavours.

Each of these DIY Advent calendar ideas promises to add a touch of creativity, excitement, and warmth to your festive countdown, making this Christmas one to remember!

Making salt dough ornaments is a fun and creative activity that children will adore! Here’s a simple guide to help you craft charming keepsakes together.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups plain flour
• 1 cup table salt
• 1 cup water
• Optional: food colouring, glitter, or essential oils for added flair

Instructions:

1. Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Gradually add the water, stirring until the mixture forms a dough. If you want to add some colour, this is the moment to mix in a few drops of food colouring.

2. Knead the Dough: Turn the mixture onto a floured surface and knead it for about 5 minutes until it’s smooth and pliable. This is a great time for the kids to get their hands in and feel the dough!

3. Roll Out the Dough: Use a rolling pin to roll the dough to about 1 cm thick. It’s best to work on a floured surface to prevent sticking.

4. Cut Out Shapes: Let the children unleash their creativity by using cookie cutters to make fun shapes—think stars, hearts, or even seasonal motifs! Don’t forget to use a straw to poke a hole at the top of each ornament for hanging later.

5. Drying: Place the shapes on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and let them air dry for 24-48 hours. Alternatively, you can bake them at a low temperature (around 100°C) for a few hours until hardened.

6. Decorate: Once dried, it’s time to let their imagination shine. Use paints, glitter, or even natural twine to embellish the ornaments.

7. Hang and Enjoy: Thread some ribbon through the holes and hang the ornaments around the house or on a Christmas tree. These delightful creations are not only a fantastic way to spend time together but also make lovely gifts for family and friends!

Gather the kids, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy this wholesome craft that will bring joy and a personal touch to your space!