Arts & Crafts

Holiday Projects

Now would be a great day to start some holiday crafts--yes, even before Thanksgiving because you have time to do some special things without rushing.  In this issue we will discuss several different decorative items, each with the idea of home décor or perhaps to use as gifts. Most would be suitable for either.

Collage is a favorite art expression for many artists, and the variety of shapes, colors and images associated with the holiday season are many. Create one-of-a-kind wall art by recycling holiday cards, gift wrap, decorative scrapbook papers, artists’ papers and the like to create holiday-themed collages for permanent holiday wall décor. Attach your collected items to canvas and top-coat with acrylic. They would be treasured in any home, be it yours or the recipient of your gift.

To make neat metallic-looking punch work ornaments, use white glue or painting medium to attach metallic papers to heavy card stock or poster board. When the bonding is dry, cut out shapes such as hearts or stars. Then use a dull pointed object such as a small nail to punch designs in and through the layers of paper. The tree lights will shine through the holes and the front will be reflective. These are quite nice for such a simple ornament.

Create antique ornaments by resurfacing solid-colored glass balls with contrasting, aging paint. For instance, for silver ornaments you can create the look of old mercury glass ornaments by sponging on charcoal and dusty tones to make the glass look as though the finish is aged. On green ornaments use red or rust to “age” them; on red use green; and on blue try medium and dark gray. Allow the ornaments to dry completely, and then use a top coat of clear finish to hold the “antiquing” in place.

Decorative garlands are fun to make and there are myriad ways to make them. A simple way is to use some medium weight sisal or hemp cording onto which you wire items. Determine the length you need to decorate, and then cut cording with some extra length to drape it when it hangs. You might like to do an all-natural garland with pine cones, small twig bundles and small bunches of greenery (either real or artificial). Maybe even some cinnamon sticks, dried fruit slices, ginger cookies or candy canes could be included. If you use real cookies and candy, the garland will be a one-season decoration. If you use items that are not perishable, it could last for many years. You decide.

Cut a length of heavy twine and make loops at each end. Very near the first loop, wire on a pine cone or other object, and then add items every 6 inches (or closer) to the end of the twine. When you hang it, you can make even loops by swooping the garland down evenly, or hang it asymmetrically. Rather than using natural items, you can hang antique or old collected ornaments from the twine, cut-outs from recycled holiday cards, photos, felt tree or star shapes…almost anything. Remember, this is your own original creation.

A quick idea for mantel ornaments: Cut cone shapes of different heights from nice ornamental papers such as good quality, brightly colored pastel or drawing papers. They have the body to hold up very well through many years of use. After making the cones – perhaps in shades of green – decorate the trees with paint, markers, stickers and the like and add pizzazz with glitter or metallic puff paint. Or make shapes of colored felt and glue them on the cone shapes. Be sure to make a shiny star for the top of each tree.

The list is huge when it comes to creating holiday crafts…stockings, table dressing and party favors, mantel decorations, baking and specialty personal gifts like handmade soaps and jewelry and more. ‘Tis the season to create!  Consider that most handmade crafts are well received and low cost. Enjoy your craft projects, and perhaps this will become a cherished holiday family tradition.  A visit to your local art supply/craft store to view all the materials available will surely inspire creativity!

Copyright ARTtalk Vol. 22, No. 1 — November 2011