Crafty Christmas Countdown: 15

Today's craft is one that you could easily do with small children. All you need is some tongue depressors, markers, and a little glue. This version has only Mary, Joseph, and the baby Jesus but it wouldn't take much to add some shepherds, sheep, and Magi if you desire. The adults are a little less than half a stick, Jesus more like a third.

 

Crafty Christmas Countdown: 16

I've had this project from the book Puppet Mania on my list for a while now. While the book shows how to make a chicken puppet, I figured it would work for several different Christmas designs. I had originally thought to make it a penguin or nutcracker but the design really came together once I settled on a snowman. The base of the puppet is a wooden spoon with the addition of a layer of Model Magic clay.

 

Crafty Christmas Countdown: 17

I'm a fan of craft kits, even really simple ones like this one which was built entirely out of pre-cut, self adhesive foam pieces. In my experience, the key is to add your own elements. Even something as simple as the garland I added to this penguin.

Crafty Christmas Countdown: 18

I've been known to occasionally attempt to replicate something I saw on Pinterest. This project wasn't meant to be a replication, exactly. It was certainly inspired by a pin. Either way, it was a fun way to use the top of a stretched out sock.

 

Crafty Christmas Countdown: 19

I've been experimenting of late with what you might call childhood craft supplies, in particular crayons and construction paper. While a part of the appeal is the low cost of these materials I also genuinely enjoy the combination of these two textures. I'd hoped to do this picture on black but I am apparently out of black paper. It works almost as well on yellow.

Crafty Christmas Countdown: 20

Who doesn't love egg carton animals? They're simple, yes, but there's something endlessly appealing about that simplicity.

Crafty Christmas Countdown: 21

Doctor Who has this amazing ability to give us monsters that are as likeable as they are terrifying. The robotic Santas from The Christmas Invasion are pretty creepy, yet when I found an empty Santa shaped tin among my craft supplies I knew that was the transformation waiting inside.

The original:

My version: