Crafty Christmas Countdown: 11

When my Tsum Tsum collection grew to include both Loki and Thor I had the idea to use them in my Christmas projects. I kept imagining them as children, examining presents under the Christmas tree. This little scene was the result.

Crafty Christmas Countdown: 12

There's something infinitely charming about a standard wooden nutcracker. I found this one at the dollar store. While the overall shape was nice, the paint job left a little to be desired. A fresh coat of acrylic paint has him looking a little tidier. 

Crafty Christmas Countdown: 13

Last year, one of my favorite Christmas decorations was a model farm house I'd treasured as a kid with some Christmas elements added. It was only natural that I add to the scene this year with some pipe cleaner trees, a sheep paddock, a hay ride, and an outdoor nativity.

 

Crafty Christmas Countdown: 14

I have, in recent years, developed a fondness for sloths so I knew I would incorporate a sloth into this list somewhere. When I came across an angel ornament in an old craft magazine I knew I'd found the opportunity. A couple of pompoms and a bumpy pipe cleaner make a pretty cute sloth.

 

 

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.