Welcome to day 4 of my series, Life Learning Through Christmas, as part of iHN’s 5 Days of Christmas hop. Today’s focus is art and handicrafts for Christmas.
There isn’t a better time of year to indulge your artsy side than Christmas. Something about the holidays makes you want to create handmade memories and beautiful decorations.
So here are some of my favorite art and handicraft resources.
Christmas Art Appreciation
Working in a little art appreciation is easy with this beautiful book by Sister Wendy. You can approach it more formally or just leave it on the coffee table for the kids to flip though.
Norman Rockwell’s art is pure Americana and his Christmas illustrations had a profound effect on how American “see” Christmas. This book is filled with his holiday art and would be interesting in both an artistic and historical context.
Decorations
I’m not a fan of predetermined, construction paper crafts. I would much rather my children spend their time and resources on something that will be used or gifted rather than adding to my clutter. Why not enlist your children to create seasonal decorations for Christmas?
- Make beeswax Advent candles with beeswax sheets
- Create your own Advent wreath by making colorful votive candle holders
- Make these beautifully crystallized pine cones just using borax!
- These orange pomanders will add beauty and a delightful smell!
- Cinnamon ornaments are simple and have a delicious scent
Winter Wonderland Mixed Media Workshop
Alisha Gratehouse’s art courses are a family favorite. When we’ve completed one of her projects we all feel like artists.
Her Winter Wonderland Workshop is loaded with beautiful creations to gift or enjoy in your own home. I love that she gives full video instruction, yet everyone’s finished products are unique. 
Gift Giving
Handmade gifts are wonderful to give family and friends, while also helping your child learn some life skills. I love that they also see they don’t have to buy everything and can get much enjoyment from creating for others.
- What friend wouldn’t love getting Vanilla Sugar Scrub?
- Bath salts are always a great gift
- My girls love making bath bombs
- Craft Stick Bracelets
- I love these Mini Art Canvases from Hodgepodge
Chalk Pastels
Hodgepodge chalk pastel videos are my 9-year old’s favorites. She can sit and create for hours. I love that it takes little preparation and few supplies. We can decide at any moment to create art and we never need to run to the store first.
They have two video art courses specifically for Christmas and one preschool Winter course You can also buy the two Christmas courses as a bundle. You can also go to any of these pages and try out a free lesson
A Few More to Brighten Your Winter
- I can’t wait to make some window stars, here’s the paper you need.
- How cute are these melted crayon ornaments?
- My girls would love to make this crayon lip balm
- Make your own holiday scented wax tarts
- Ribbon Tree Christmas ornaments
- Swirl Paint Ornaments
- Christmas Scented Potpourri is great to give or keep!
- Anyone would love this Herbal Healing Salve
I hope you found some projects that will take you through the holiday season and on into the winter. May they bring a little brightness in the darker months ahead.
Check out my other Life Learning Through Christmas posts.
Life Learning through Christmas Literature
Life Learning Through Christmas History
Joyful Learning with Christmas Movies
Exploring Science and Nature through Christmas
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