Crafting Cherished Memories: Holiday Wreath Keepsake Craft and More

Festive Beginnings: Introducing the Magic of Holiday Crafting with Your Toddler

As the holiday season approaches, there’s nothing more heartwarming than engaging in festive activities with your toddler. In this blog, we’ll explore an enchanting holiday wreath keepsake craft that captures the essence of the season. Additionally, we’ll delve into other simple yet delightful holiday keepsake ideas, including thumbprint ornaments, to help you create lasting memories with your little one.

Unveiling the Magic: Holiday Wreath Keepsake Craft

Materials:

• White cardstock
• Washable paint
• Sponge brush
• Red ribbon
• Glue
• Scissors

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Dip your child’s hands and one foot in green paint, ensuring even coverage. 
2. Gently press the painted hands onto the white cardstock to create handprints, and use the painted foot to make footprints. 
3. Allow the prints to dry thoroughly.
4. Once the prints are dry, carefully cut them out, preserving the unique shape of each handprint and footprint.
5. Arrange the handprints and footprints in a circular wreath pattern on a flat surface. Experiment with different layouts until you find a design you love.
6. Use glue to secure the handprints and footprints in place. Press down gently to ensure a secure bond.
7. Complete your holiday wreath keepsake craft by attaching a festive red ribbon bow. 

Beyond the Wreath: More Holiday Keepsake Ideas

1. Thumbprint Ornaments:

Check out a full blog post for this keepsake craft here!

Materials:

• Store-bought ornament hand kit 
• Rolling pin
• Cookie cutters (Christmas-themed shapes)
• Drinking straw (for making a hole for the ribbon)
• Acrylic paints (assorted colors)
• Paintbrushes
• Ribbon or twine

Instructions:

1. Knead it until soft and pliable. 
2. Roll out the clay or dough to your desired thickness (around 1/4 inch). Use Christmas-themed cookie cutters to cut out shapes. For each ornament, make a hole near the top with a drinking straw for the ribbon.
3. Invite your kids to press their fingers gently into the ornaments to create fingerprint impressions. Encourage them to get creative and make multiple fingerprints on each ornament.
4. Allow the ornaments to dry thoroughly. If using air-dry clay, follow the recommended drying time on the packaging. If using salt dough, bake the ornaments in the oven according to the dough recipe.
5. Once the ornaments are dry, add colorful designs and details to their fingerprint impressions. Let the paint dry completely.
6. Thread a ribbon or twine through the hole in each ornament and tie it securely to create a hanger.

2. Family Handprint Tree Skirt:

Check out a full blog post for this keepsake craft here!

Materials:

• Burlap tree skirt
• White fabric paint
• Paintbrush
• Smock or old clothes to protect your kids’ clothing
• Wipes or damp paper towels for easy clean-up

Instructions:

Now that you’ve gathered your supplies, it’s time to dive into the crafting process. Follow these simple steps to create your Handprint Christmas Tree Skirt:

1. Designate a cozy and well-lit area for crafting. Lay down a plastic tablecloth or newspapers to protect your workspace.
2. Pour a small amount of white fabric paint onto a plate or paint tray.
3. Put on old clothes or smocks to protect your kids’ clothing.
4. Dip your kids’ hands into the white fabric paint one at a time. Help them press their painted handprints onto the burlap tree skirt. Create a pattern or let them express their creativity freely.
5. After the kids have finished making their handprints, an adult can go in with a paintbrush to touch up any smudges or uneven areas. Use the paintbrush to fill in any gaps and ensure the handprints look crisp and clear.

Painting with Kids: Fostering Creativity and Connection

Crafting holiday keepsakes with your toddler goes beyond creating beautiful decorations—it’s an opportunity to foster creativity and strengthen your bond. Painting with kids not only enhances their fine motor skills but also allows them to express themselves in a fun and engaging way.

Craft Your Way to Lasting Memories

This holiday season, dive into the world of crafting with your toddler and create not only beautiful decorations but also lasting memories. The holiday wreath keepsake craft and other simple projects are not just about the finished product—they’re about the journey of creating together and the joy that comes with making memories as a family.

Embrace the spirit of the season, capture the magic of your child’s creativity, and let the joy of crafting become a treasured part of your family’s holiday traditions. Happy crafting and Happy Holidays from A Pop of You!

White Cardstock

Washable Paint

Sponge Brushes

Red Ribbon

Red Ribbon Variety Pack