Crafty Christmas Countdown: 9

Having been raised in a Bible believing family, sheep will always be the animal I most associated with Christmas. I've wanted to make a sheep puppet for a while. I consider this little fellow a first attempt. He's fairly basic, though I'm fond of the fluffy yarn for his fleece.

 

Crafty Christmas Countdown: 10

Decorations don't have to be complicated. I fixed up this cheap artificial wreath with a dollar store scarf and a handful of felt penguins.

 

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.