Best Hand Painted Holiday Crafts for Kids
Holiday Gifts Kids Can Make and Give this Season
Nov 11, 2009
Hand painted holiday gifts don't have to be complicated, and they don't have to be the same old t-shirts and handmade cards. These easy holiday craft ideas for kids would make great gifts for grandparents, classmates and relatives. All it takes are a few supplies and a little time.
Craft Supplies for Holiday Gifts
Paint is usually the first supply needed for any kids' activity. These holiday craft ideas are no exception. Fabric paint can be used to decorate and personalize just about any item, making for simple hand painted gifts.
Fabric paint usually dries to shiny, raised finish. Many kids enjoy working with this "puffy paint" so liquid fabric paint is a good choice for kids' craft projects. Fabric paint also comes in many shades of glitter, another arts and crafts favorite. Plus, the plastic paint applicator bottles are easy for small hands to control so paint spills are minimized.
Depending on the age of the children, fabric markers might be a better choice. There won't be as much texture on the finished product, but kids can draw and write more easily with fabric markers. Some manufacturers recommend ironing or running materials through the drier to set the paint, so be sure to read the directions.
Other arts and crafts materials can also be used. Glue, glitter, stamps, stickers, and iron-on lettering can all be used to create personalized holiday gifts. Just keep in mind if the item is meant to be worn, like a scarf, don't use products that can fall off easily or wash off in the laundry.
Holiday Gift Craft Ideas for Kids
Next, decide on a gift. Kids can decorate any "blank" (unpainted) item. Some good craft ideas for kids include plain throw pillows, cozy slippers, flannel scarves, or any solid-colored fabric item. A few examples of holiday craft ideas for kids:
- Write a love letter to grandma on a throw pillow (with transcription by mom or dad if the child can't write yet).
- Make a scarf for each member of the family and decorate each one with the family member's favorite book, song, or activity.
- Draw a scene from a favorite family memory on a tote bag for mom or dad.
Another very simple craft idea for kids is to make patches. Self adhesive felt can be used to create custom patches for classmates and friends. To make holiday patches, simply cut out holiday shapes (a cookie cutter works well for this) and decorate. Incorporate the recipient's name on the patch to personalize it.
Self adhesive felt can be purchased from craft stores or online. The most common colors are green, white and black, but other colors are available. They're usually sold in sheets of 9" x 12". Patches can also be made by ironing or sewing heavy interfacing onto fabric or felt. Interfacing is available in any fabric store. Just cut to the desired shape and decorate.
With just some fabric markers or paint and pre-made items, kids can make hand painted holiday gifts for everyone on their list this year.
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