Natural Christmas Crafts to do with Children

It's December 1st and time to get crafty! It's lovely to involve little ones in the preparations for Christmas, so we've scoured the internet for some great ideas of things to make with your toddler -  all using things that you can collect on a wintery walk through the woods...


1. Pine Cone Creatures

Pine cones look really effective covered in glitter and hanging from a Christmas Tree, but why not go further and create little animals, elves or snowmen? We love this reindeer, found at www.firefliesandmudpies.com - just add pipe-cleaners, a little pom pom and some googly eyes!



2. Mini Christmas Trees

These really effective mini Christmas Trees can be made using little sprigs of yew or off-cuts from Christmas Trees and a cork or two (great excuse to open a bottle!) - you will need to make a small hole in the cork, before giving it to your child to start creating! They can make whole forests which you could even cover with glitter if you're feeling brave!

Just remember not to leave your toddler alone with the corks or the sprigs - and when they're finished, put them on display somewhere where they can't be reached.



3.  Icy Candle Holders

These ice candle holders look beautiful and are simple to make:  

i. Find 2 freezable containers and put one inside the other so that there is a gap of about an inch all around.  

ii. Put leaves, twigs and anything else that you have collected into the gap before filling the gap with water. 

iii. Tape a stock across the top to keep the smaller container in place. Then place upright in a freezer to freeze! 

iv. When frozen, remove the containers (fill the inner one with hot water if you need to), and pop in a small candle or tea-light.

4. Twig Christmas Trees

What is it about toddlers and sticks?! If your back door constantly has a collection of favourite sticks that your little one has found, put them to good use and help them create their very own Christmas Tree! This is so easy to make and your child can choose to decorate them with leaves and moss, or things that they find in the house. 

If you're feeling really adventurous, why not have a go at this one...

5. Log Santas

Ok, so it's not often that you come back from a walk with 3 or 4 logs, but we couldn't resist including these sweet little log santas! If you have any cut logs, perch them up on end, paint the hats, beards and eyes, and glue on a round pom pom for the nose!

Send us images of any Christmas craft that you do with your children and we'll put it on our facebook  and pinterest pages!