We think it’s important to keep having fun no matter what age you are. Independent living in Bradenton, FL, should include plenty of lifelong learning opportunities like making holiday crafts with friends.
So get out your glue gun and your creative spirit and brighten up the holidays with these festive crafts.
1. Flannel Trees
This craft could not be easier to complete, yet it looks like you purchased it from a high-end department store. You will need:
- A foam or cardboard cone
- Small pearl-headed pins
- A hot glue gun and glue
- 1-inch wide strips of flannel from old, unwanted flannel shirts
- A rustic metal star to place on top
Wind the strips of flannel around the cone from bottom to top. If using foam, pin the fabric in place as needed, being sure to put pins in the back of the tree. Use hot-glue to attach fabric if you are using cardboard cones.
Glue a star at the top, and that’s it! These trees are cozy and cute. They make wonderful gifts, or you can use them to dress up your independent living apartment.
2. Buffalo Fleece Hand Warmers
These smart hand warmers are useful and thoughtful. We like buffalo check fleece, but you can use any pattern you like.
You’ll need the following supplies:
- Two four-inch squares of buffalo check fleece
- Needle and thread
- Plain uncooked white rice
- A funnel
- Straight pins
Place two pieces of fleece right sides together with edges aligned. Pin into place if needed. Whipstitch three of the four sides together. Use the funnel to fill the pocket with rice, and sew the last side closed.
To use, pop the hand warmers into the microwave for about 30 seconds. The rice will warm up and keep your hands toasty for a surprisingly long time.
3. Festive Candlesticks
This is a great upcycling idea if you have old candlesticks that you never use. You can also purchase inexpensive wooden candlesticks online or at the craft store for this project.
You will need:
- Candlestick(s) for taper candles
- Glass ornaments in assorted sizes
- A hot glue gun
Arrange a variety of ornaments around the candlestick to create a pleasing design. Once you have a plan in mind, begin gluing the ornaments to the candlestick, taking care to cover as much of the surface as possible. The final result will look like a circle of ornaments effortlessly surrounding a candle.
4. Salt Shaker Snow Globes
What’s winter without a snow globe? You can make your own miniature winter wonderland or share it with friends at your independent living facility.
You will need:
- Clear salt and pepper shakers (clean and dry)
- Salt
- Miniature trees, animal figurines, or other small items
- A funnel
- Long-handled tweezers
Remove the top from the shaker and fill it about one-third full with salt using the funnel. Use the tweezers to place the decorative items securely in the salt. Arrange a pleasing vignette and replace the top carefully without disturbing the design. These fun items would make a wonderful addition to the holiday décor in a shared dining room.
A “Hot” Tip from Westminster Point Pleasant Independent Living in Bradenton, FL
Hot glue can cause painful burns on your fingertips if you’re not careful. Keep a dish of ice handy just in case an accident happens. Better yet, consider investing in a safe, budget-friendly “cool glue” gun. Cool glue isn’t ideal for every type of adhesion, but it will work well for the lightweight materials used in these projects.
