Thursday, January 23, 2025

20 Winter Crafts to Warm Your Heart & Home

Winter is a magical season, filled with cozy moments, hot cocoa, and, of course, the perfect opportunity to get crafty. Whether you’re looking to create holiday decorations, gifts for loved ones, or simply to embrace the beauty of the season, there are endless ways to get creative during the winter months and keep the winter blahs away!

Here are 20 winter crafts to inspire you to embrace the chill and make something beautiful this season! Fire up your hot glue gun, bust out the glitter, paper, and scissors, and let's craft something amazing together.

This post contains affiliate links which means if you click on a link and make a purchase I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. For more information please see my Disclaimer page.

20 Winter Crafts to Warm Your Heart and Home

1. Snowflake Decoration

Bring the beauty of winter indoors by making paper or glittery snowflakes to hang on your windows or walls. You can cut intricate designs from paper or use a craft stick to make larger snowflakes that sparkle with glue and glitter. Here is a fun way to recycle those empty wrapping paper cardboard tubes or empty toilet paper rolls from the Oh Oh Deco blog.

2. DIY Felted Wool Mittens

Use felted wool to create cute, miniature mittens that can be turned into ornaments, garlands, or even keychains. They're a great way to add a handmade touch to your holiday decorations or gifts. To make your own felted wool use a thrifted 65 % (or higher) wool sweater and wash it in hot water then dry on the hottest dryer setting. Follow this tutorial at OCD: Obsessive Crafting Disorder to learn how to make your own pair!

3. Snowy Mason Jar Lanterns

Transform a mason jar into a glowing lantern with white paint, add glitter for a snow-like effect, and place a candle inside. These can be used as centerpiece decorations or placed outside to light up your porch.

caligirlinasouthernworld.com

4. Pine Cone Craft Projects

Pine cones are abundant during the winter months and make great craft materials. You can turn them into wreaths, table centerpieces, or holiday garlands by painting them, glittering them, or even adding little embellishments like beads and ribbon. This rustic burlap & pine cone garland is perfect for your winter decor. Measure a few lengths of twine and cut to your desired length. Tie small strips of burlap at evenly spaced intervals and then hot glue a small pine cone to the center of the tied piece of burlap. Easy and affordable DIY winter craft!

5. Outdoor Bird Seed Ornaments

Combine a few simple ingredients with any kind of bird seed to make these little bird seed ornaments. Kids can have fun pressing the seed mixture into a variety of shapes like stars, hearts, or circles. Once the seed mixture firms up hang these bird seed ornaments outside from a tree branch and watch the birds devour their new treat! Here is the full tutorial to make your own little outdoor birdseed ornaments.

6. Knitted Scarves & Shawls

If you're into knitting, winter is the perfect time to create soft, cozy scarves and shawls. Use chunky yarn for a quick, fashionable project, or try out intricate patterns for something a bit more challenging. If you have never knitted before I highly recommend learning how to finger knit! This is a simple and perfect way to introduce kids to knitting. Here is a great YouTube video tutorial showing you how to finger-knit a scarf. Also here is an easy-to-follow beginner knitting tutorial from The Snugglery teaching you how to make a scarf.

7. Mini Stuffed Sock Snowman

Create a cute, no-sew snowman using a sock, fiberfill stuffing, and fabric scraps. Add little buttons, scarves, and hats for a personalized touch. This is a fun winter-themed craft to keep the winter blahs away! Also, this craft is fun to make as a group craft at a birthday party or for a youth group activity. Click on this link to learn how to make these cute little snowmen.

8. Snow Globe Jars

Make your own snow globe by filling a mason jar with glitter, water, glycerin (for the slow-falling snow effect), and mini figurines or winter scenes. Glue the lid securely, and you've got a festive winter decoration. Little Bins For Little Hands has a great step-by-step tutorial for this project to follow!

9. No-Sew Fabric Strip Garland

Create a cozy & colorful fabric garland using fabric strips in winter shades like white, cream, and grey, or use a variety of colors to cheer up a room during the gray days of winter. Hang it on your mantle, across windows, or in a child’s room for a playful, warm touch. Check out my full tutorial for this project and see what my fabric garland looks like!

10. Winter Wreaths

Design a winter wreath for your door using artificial or real greenery, twigs, pinecones, and ornaments. Or really mix it up and use scrap fabric strips to make a unique winter-themed wreath. Whether it's a traditional evergreen wreath or a more modern twist, it's a wonderful way to greet guests with seasonal cheer.

11. Winter Paintings or Watercolors

Get your paints out and capture the beauty of winter landscapes with watercolors or acrylics. You can paint snowy forests, frozen lakes, or even abstract representations of winter through color and texture.

foxfarmhome.com

12. Button Snowman Decorations

Upcycle old buttons into adorable snowmen. Fold a pipe cleaner in half and thread buttons onto it in a snowman shape, add a little felt for a scarf, and top it off with a tiny hat and twig arms.

13. Icicle Decorations

Create your own "icicles" by shaping hot glue into icicle-like drops on wax paper. Once they dry, you can use them to decorate your tree, hang them in windows, or even string them together for a shimmering garland.

14. DIY Customized Hot Chocolate Mugs

Personalize mugs by decorating them with winter or holiday-themed designs using paint markers. Once baked, the designs become permanent. Fill them with your favorite hot chocolate mix or small winter treats for a perfect holiday gift. I put together this tutorial on how to personalize and decorate a plain coffee mug with Sharpie markers for you to follow and make your own customized mug. By the way these make great gifts too!

15. Winter Porch Pot

Incorporate winter florals like white poinsettias, holly, and evergreen boughs into elegant porch pot arrangements. Use empty planters or containers from the summer as a beautiful way to embrace the season. House of Hawthorns has a great tutorial instructing you on how to make your own winter porch pot.

16. Recycled Sweater Mittens

Turn an old sweater into a new pair of usable & cozy mittens. Upcycling is so trendy right now and these mittens are the perfect project to make this winter. Find a full tutorial and pattern at See Kate Sew.

17. DIY Holiday Cards

Use stamps, watercolors, or embossing techniques to create custom holiday cards for friends and family. Personalize the design with winter imagery, holiday greetings, or even a special note for each recipient.

My kids helped me make these watercolor process art cards for Valentine's Day and they were a huge hit!

18. Winter Candle Holders

Repurpose mason jars or small glass containers by turning them into beautiful winter-themed candle holders. Decorate the outside with fake snow, pinecones, or twine, then place a tealight or battery-operated candle inside for a cozy glow. Here is an easy & fun tutorial from

19. Handprint Snowmen

A fun project for kids! Use their handprints to create snowman shapes on paper, then decorate them with buttons, scarves, and little faces. These make excellent keepsakes for parents or even adorable winter-themed holiday cards.

20. Winter Scene Shadow Boxes

Create your own 3D winter scene inside a shadow box. Layer faux snow, trees, and little animals to create a miniature winter wonderland. You can even add a small LED light to make the scene glow in the dark.

Winter is the perfect time to get creative, whether crafting with kids, making homemade gifts, or adding a bit of handmade charm to your home decor. From snowy ornaments to cozy knit accessories, the possibilities are endless. So, gather your supplies, put on your favorite holiday playlist, and let your creativity flourish this winter!

Saturday, January 11, 2025

How To Make a No-Sew Fabric Banner

Decorating on a budget can be challenging no matter what room in your house you are looking to update. Instead of a complete room overhaul sometimes a few small, simple changes or additions can have a big impact. Little pops of color, patterns, and texture can really change the feel of a room without breaking your budget.

A little imagination and a few supplies are usually all you need to make a room feel updated. This no-sew Fabric Rag Strip Banner is a perfect way to add color and texture to a room that just needs a little boost. Not only is this banner inexpensive to make but it is really fun and whips up fast. The colors and size of the banner can easily be adjusted to match your room decor and fit your room’s space.

Customizable Banner Ideas

Because this rag strip bunting is so versatile you could make one in pastels for a nursery and another in bold geometric shape printed fabric for your teen’s room!

Here are some more ideas for color selection for your rag strip banner:

Favorite sports team colors
Holiday colors: red/green for Christmas, black/orange for Halloween, red/pink/white for Valentine’s Day, red/white/blue for the 4th of July
Ombre

No matter what pattern or color you choose I guarantee it will turn out amazing!

Cricut, the ultimate crafting tool!

How to Display Your Fabric Strip Banner

These banners can be displayed across the top of a curtain rod like a valance or draped across curtains for a pop of color. If you are looking to spruce up your living room decor you could attach the bunding across a fireplace mantel. Draping around a bedroom mirror in your teen’s room is also a great way to display a rag strip banner.

A little imagination can really go a long way with this simple project. I promise once you make one you are not going to want to stop!

How To Make A No-Sew Fabric Rag Strip Banner

Gather up the following supplies and follow this step-by-step tutorial.

Supplies:

Scissors or rotary cutter & self-healing mat (optional)
Various strips of colored cotton fabric cut into 1 ½” x 8” long strips
Twine or thin macrame cord rope cut to the length needed + 8” for hanging

Tutorial:

1. Cut your fabric into strips 1 ½” wide by 8” long. Any cotton fabric will work including old sheets or even men’s dress shirts - just use what you have on hand!

2. Measure 4” in from one end of the twine and begin looping the fabric onto the twine. I find it best to fold the strip of fabric in half matching the cut ends together then take the loop part of the fabric and lay it on top of the twine. Tuck the fabric strip cut ends under the twine then put them through the loop and pull to tighten the fabric strip to the twine. Continue to loop the fabric strips onto the twine leaving 4” of twine at the other end.

3. Once all of the fabric strips have been tied to the rope or twine hold up the banner and trim the ends of the strips to the same length if you want a more uniform-shaped banner. If you want some variety in the length of the strips you can skip this step.

I just love these types of useful DIY projects that can be customized to fit your colors and decor. These fabric strip banners make a great gift for a baby shower, birthday, or a special holiday.

More DIY Projects To Check Out

If you liked this project I know you will like these other DIY projects too -

DIY Rock & Wire Picture Holder

How To Make Round Fabric Coasters

My latest fashion obsession!! Check out these quilted boots!!

Monday, November 4, 2024

How To Make An Easy DIY Fabric Cactus Succulent

I love succulents but have a really hard time taking care of them. I never know when to water them or how much water to give them, and since I live in the north the lack of sunshine during winter always forces them to get leggy searching for more sun.

I'm not going to give up on the real thing because I love plants, but I decided to add some easy-to-care-for faux fabric cactus to my home decor. By easy to care for I mean REALLY easy to care for - no watering or sunshine needed! I had a lot of fun making this fabric cactus so I put this tutorial together so you could make a few too!

The cactus is made from cotton fabric but honestly, you could use almost any kind of fabric. I don't recommend knit, jersey, or super light or delicate fabrics though. You don't even need green-colored fabric if you want a colorful faux succulent. I chose to make mine from some olive green cotton fabric that I had on hand.

How to Make a Cactus Pattern

Before I get to the tutorial I also want to mention that the shape of your cactus is totally up to you! I wanted a tall(ish) elongated cactus-shaped plant so I folded a piece of white printer paper in half, and just drew the shape I wanted, cut it out, and used it for my pattern. Since you are making a faux succulent the shape doesn't have to be perfect. Actually the more unique the shape the more real it will look! You just can't mess this part up (yeah!).

You will need the following supplies to make your own DIY fabric cactus succulent:

Supply list

Paper (8.5" x 11)
Cotton fabric
Scissors (I prefer these PINKING SHEARS)
Fiber-fill stuffing
Wood skewers
Flower pot (ceramic or terra cotta)
Floral foam block
Decorative stones
Ribbon
Sewing machine & notions

Faux Fabric Cactus & Succulent Tutorial

Step 1

Draw a cactus shape on the paper and cut it out.

- optional - you could trace the pattern with chalk or lightly with a pencil if you prefer.

Step 2

Next fold your fabric in half to double the layer, pin the paper template to it then sew around the perimeter of your template. Repeat this step two more times. Use your pinking shears (or scissors) to cut around each of the sewn cactus shapes making sure to leave a 1/4" seam allowance around the perimeter of each shape.

Step 3

Lay all three sewn cacti pieces on top of each other. Mark the center and fold it in half pressing it with your hand. Open the stack back up then sew down the creased center line. (My favorite pinking shears in the pic below! I love those scissors!!)

Step 4

Stuff each of the six sections making sure to shove the stuff all the way to the top of each section.

- hint - use the wood skewers to help push the stuffing into the sections

Step 5

Gently insert a wood skewer into three or four of the cactus sections pushing it to the top. You may have to adjust the fabric and stuffing so the wood skewer doesn't show through the fabric.

Cut a block of the floral foam slightly larger than the inside of the flower pot. Then press the skewers into the center of the cut piece of floral foam. Trim any extra length of the wood skewers so that the base of the cactus is flush with the floral foam.

Step 6

Carefully press the floral foam + cactus into the pot. It should fit snugly. Then spread decorative stones over the top of the floral foam to cover it completely.

- optional - you can hot glue the stones together inside the pot to prevent them from falling out if you plan to move the pot around a lot.

Step 7

Tie a small piece of ribbon into a knot, then hot glue or stitch it to the top of your fabric cactus or along the edge to create cactus flowers.

Congratulations you just made your very own low-maintenance succulent! Your new little faux cactus will thrive in any environment - sunny, dark, hot or cold!

More Fun Faux Cactus Crafts -

If you enjoyed this tutorial check out my other cactus & succulent tutorial No-Sew Mini Plastic Egg Cactus Craft that requires no sewing and instead uses a mini clay pot and a plastic egg! This is the perfect craft for older kids, teens, and adults.

Here is another cactus craft project you will love too!

For more great online arts/crafts classes checkout Craftsy - discount code below:

Saturday, November 2, 2024

15 Healthy Meal Prep Ideas for Busy Parents

Balancing work, family, and personal time demands can be challenging for busy parents. One way to ease the daily stress of meal planning and ensure your family eats healthy is through meal prepping. Preparing meals in advance saves time during the week, reduces food waste, and makes nutritious choices easier.

In addition to meal prepping another big help is having the right containers to keep your pre-made homecooked meals in so they are ready to feed your family.

Here are 15 healthy meal prep ideas that are perfect for busy parents

1. Quinoa & Veggie Stir-Fry

Quinoa is a fantastic base for a quick, nutrient-packed meal. Cook a large batch of quinoa and mix it with sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots. If you are really short on time toss a bag of frozen stir-fry veggies into the microwave for 5 minutes to use as your veggie. Add a simple sauce of low-sodium soy sauce and sesame oil for flavor. Divide into containers for easy lunches or dinners.

Quinoa freezes well so to save time in the future you can double your batch, add the veggies, and pop it into the freezer to use for another day.

2. Chicken & Sweet Potato Bowls

Roast chicken breasts and sweet potatoes together on a sheet pan make my mouth water just thinking about it. Add a side of steamed green beans or spinach. Sweet potatoes provide complex carbohydrates, and chicken offers lean protein, making this a balanced meal option.

3. Turkey & Veggie Muffins

Mix together cooked ground turkey with finely chopped vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, and onions. Prepare a box of Jiffy cornbread muffin mix as directed on the box then stir in the meat and veggie mixture. Grease a muffin tin and divide the mixture evenly into each well. Bake in muffin tins for convenient, protein-packed muffins that are great for snacks or quick meals on the go.

4. Greek Yogurt Parfaits

Layer Greek yogurt with fresh berries and a sprinkle of granola in mason jars. Check out this amazing cinnamon orange granola recipe to use in this meal prep plan.

These parfaits are high in protein and perfect for a quick breakfast or snack. You can prepare several jars at once for easy grab-and-go options.

5. Chickpea Salad

Combine a can of chickpeas with diced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red onions, and a simple lemon-tahini dressing. This salad is rich in protein and fiber, making it a filling and nutritious option for lunch or a light dinner.

6. Beef & Veggie Stir-Fry

Cook lean beef strips with a variety of colorful vegetables like snap peas, bell peppers, and mushrooms. Serve over brown rice or cauliflower rice. This meal is packed with protein and fiber, and it stores well in the fridge.

Did you know that rice freezes well? I always double it when I make rice and freeze half for later. Just another time-saving trick when life gets busy!

7. Egg Muffins

Whisk together eggs, cottage cheese, spinach, tomatoes, and a bit of shredded cheese, then pour into greased muffin tins and bake for 20-25 minutes. These egg muffins are easy to make in advance and provide a protein-rich breakfast or snack option.

8. Italian Sausage & Lentil Soup

Make a big pot of this Italian sausage and lentil soup with carrots, zucchini, and tomatoes. Lentils are a great source of plant-based protein and fiber. Portion the soup into individual containers for easy reheating throughout the week. This recipe also freezes well so make sure to double it so you can enjoy it again later on.

9. Stuffed Bell Peppers

Fill bell peppers with a mixture of cooked turkey, brown rice, and vegetables. Bake until the peppers are tender. These are great for making ahead and can be easily reheated for a nutritious meal.

10. Salmon & Asparagus Foil Packs

Season salmon fillets and asparagus with herbs and lemon, then wrap in foil and bake. These foil packs are easy to prepare and clean up, and the salmon provides healthy omega-3 fatty acids.

11. Overnight Oats

Combine oats with milk or a dairy-free alternative, chia seeds, and your favorite fruit or nuts. Let it sit overnight in the fridge. This easy breakfast option is perfect for busy mornings and can be customized to your taste.

12. Chicken Fajita Bowls

Cook chicken with fajita seasoning and mix with sautéed onions and bell peppers. Serve over brown rice or quinoa with a side of black beans and avocado. These bowls are flavorful and can be portioned for several meals.

13. Vegetable & Hummus Wraps

Spread hummus on whole-wheat tortillas and layer with fresh vegetables like spinach, cucumbers, and shredded carrots. Roll up and slice into pinwheels for a quick, nutritious lunch or snack.

14. Baked Ziti with Spinach

Prepare a batch of whole-wheat ziti with marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, and spinach. Bake until bubbly and portion into individual servings. This dish combines whole grains, veggies, and protein in a family-friendly meal.

15. Fruit & Nut Energy Balls

Mix oats, nut butter, honey, and dried fruit or nuts, then roll into balls. These energy balls are great for a quick snack and can be stored in the fridge for easy access throughout the week. Get the printable recipe here for my no-bake oatmeal peanut butter energy bite recipe!

Tips for Successful Meal Prep

Plan Ahead: Choose a day each week to plan and prepare your meals. Sunday works well for many families.

Batch Cooking: Cook large quantities of staple ingredients like grains, proteins, and vegetables that can be used in multiple dishes. Freeze any extra to use for the next time you meal prep.

Storage: Invest in quality containers that are microwave and dishwasher-safe. Glass or plastic containers work well.

Variety: Mix up your meals to avoid boredom and ensure you're getting a range of nutrients.

Helpers: Encourage your kids to help with your weekly meal prep! Not only will they get to spend time with you but they can learn how to make healthy meals too!

By incorporating these meal prep ideas into your routine, you’ll find that managing family meals becomes much more manageable. Healthy eating doesn’t have to be time-consuming—it's all about preparation and making smart choices. Happy prepping!

The perfect gift for every mom. Extra points if you make her the pancakes.

Monday, September 16, 2024

Yummy Beginner Crochet Kit - Easy & Fun Crochet Project

I have to confess that crocheting has been a struggle for me over the years. My brain just can't seem to figure out how to crochet so it is a very big challenge for me when I pick it back up again to try for the millionth time! I still consider myself a beginner crocheter so tackling a new crochet project, especially for a beginner was something I was ready to try.

Crochet Kit

This super cute kit from Lion Brand Yarns & Ribblr (@yummyfriendsworld) just captured my attention and so of course I had to give it a try.

For full disclosure I am an affiliate therefore if you purchase anything through the links provided I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. I do want you to know that my opinions are my own and I promise to be honest with you as to how this kit went as I worked my way through the crochet pattern. I made plenty of mistakes but I learned so much and I'm really proud to show you the finished results.

Before I get to the finished project let's walk through what is in this kit and what to expect if you choose to purchase your own kit.

Lion Brand Yarns & Ribblr shipped the kit directly to me and I was very excited to open it up. I was happily surprised with the kit box which reminded me of a mini cardboard to go box - it is so cute!

These kits become available on September 16 so make sure to get your kit right away!

The little box was stuffed with all kinds of goodies too.

Kit Supplies

Here is a list of all the supplies that came in this kit:

Brown yarn
black yarn
light pink yarn
dark pink yarn
small pair of scissors
darning needle & case
felt squares in a variety of colors
red mini pom pom
fiberfill stuffing
3 stitch markers
plastic eyes
glue
crochet hook 4mm
plastic storage case with printed-on ruler

Lion Brand is Counting down to Christmas: 30% off Yarn/Kits when you use code 24CTC30 at checkout. Offer valid 9/27-9/29.

Along with all of these supplies, the kit had a sticker sheet with the three cute little characters you can make for each individual kit, a QR code to scan to access the online video and written instructions, a collectible character card, and the GOLDEN TICKET CARD! The Golden Ticket card has a tag for socials which you can post and then claim a prize. How fun!

Get your kit HERE and crochet along with me!

After I unboxed all the supplies I scanned the QR code which brought me to a site with the instructional videos and typed instructions for the project. Let me just say here that I have watched and tried to follow numerous how-to crochet videos over the years and I feel reasonably confident that I have found really good ones but the video from Ribblr was so far the best one I've watched. I went into this project pretty skeptical that this video series would successfully teach me how to crochet and I was pleasantly surprised that it did its job! I actually was able to follow along and understand the steps. Great job Ribblr!

How To Crochet

The project starts off teaching how to chain, single crochet, and how to start a magic circle. Not going to lie but that magic circle with added stitches took me several tries. I finally got mine to look like the one in the video and I was so proud of myself. What is really cool about these online lessons is that the written portion includes very detailed instructions and then it also has the crochet pattern instructions so you can learn that as well to use on future projects. As you go along the program tracks your progress and crosses off what you complete so you can just easily jump back in where you left off too.

The Yarn

Let's talk yarn for a quick second. In my past attempts to crochet, I tried a variety of yarns to help me catch on but the only thing that kept happening was my crochet hook getting stuck on frayed or pulled sections of yarn.

The yarn in this kit is different! It is silky smooth kind of like a mix between thick embroidery floss and parachute cord but not as stiff. It is VERY easy to work with and VERY forgiving for a beginner. Thank you Lion Brand Yarns for putting this fabulous yarn in this kit. I think this made all the difference in my ability to successfully complete this project!

Yummy Friends Crochet It Yourself Kit

Here is the start of my magic circle and how the cone portion of the project was progressing after a few rounds of single crochet and adding stitches.

The ice cream top is coming along now! I have to admit that somewhere along the line I made a mistake on the cone and so my finished cone is different than the final project pictures on the box and instructions. I decided to use my mulligan at this point and just leave it rather than unravel the top and start over. I personally like how my version turned out and so that's all that matters, right?

Time to add the dripping chocolate sauce to the ice cream top! The colorful felt pieces became the chocolate sauce with sprinkles! The cherry on top is the little red pom pom. (sorry - I forgot to take pics of the sprinkles and cherry step but you can see it in the final pics at the end)

Now it was time to start on the cone part of the project with another magic circle! I think I got the hang of this now.

After the crocheting was done it was time to stuff the cone with the fiberfill stuffing. This kit came with plenty of stuffing!

After the cone was stuffed I attached the ice cream top to the cone using the glue and for extra stability I added some stitches around the perimeter to keep it securely attached (always looking for a reason to sew something!)

Time to turn this cone into an axolotl with some side gills! I learned how to half double crochet for this step and I think I did a good job with this new stitch.

Here is where I went a little rogue with the project instructions. See that frilly layer of dark pink between the cone and the ice cream? Yeah, that is what I did to "cover up" my mistake with the ice cream. I crocheted two rows of single crochet until it was long enough to go around the cone then I stitched it onto the ice cream just above the cone.

Here is the finished Ice Cream Azolotl Ari - Complete with sprinkles and a cherry on top! He is so cute and my kids just love it. I'm proud of my attempt at this project and I really think the key to it turning out as good as it did was the fabulous instructions from Ribblr.

Crochet It Yourself Kits

These crochet it yourself kits consist of three options - Ice Cream Axolotl Ari, Cookie Turtle Tim, and Boba Cow Charlie. I highly recommend you check them all out and pick the one (or all) you want to make. These kits are perfect for older children and adults who want to learn how to crochet something fun other than just making a wash cloth. I think they would also make a great Christmas or birthday gift to give to that crafty someone in your life too.

Thank you Lion Brand Yarns and Ribblr for this really fun and unique crafting opportunity.