Recently, I posted a Glass Photo Ornament craft. They make great gifts, but are definitely a grown-ups only kind of craft. Here is another ornament tutorial that allows children to be part of the fun. Whether your own or kids your babysitting, these cute ornaments are sure to delight as simple present for family members.
This is a good craft for a variety of ages, because kids can be as involved as you want them to be. I did this craft with a 7-year-old and a 3-year-old while babysitting. I did most of the prep work and then had them color pictures to put inside the ornament.
Supplies:
Small box (cracker box)
Scissors
Glue
Hole punch
Paper clip
Hot glue gun and glue
Large plastic bottle with flat sides (or flat sheet of see-through plastic)
“Snow” (I used bead filler from a broken sensory toy)
1. Cut partway down the corners of the box. The ornament will run from the bottom of the top to where you stopped cutting. You can make the ornament as short or as tall as you would like (just be sure you have a piece of plastic sheeting that will fit the front of the box).
2. Fold the flaps down to close the box, cutting off anything that overhangs.
3. Next, cut a window in the front of the box. Again, this can be as big or as small as you want, just make sure that your plastic is big enough to cover it.
4. Decorate as desired. This is one of those steps the kids can help you will, if you so desire. Cover any edges and corners with clear tape to prevent ripping if you are using decorative paper such as wrapping paper.
Be sure to cover all sides of the box.But don’t worry about the flaps on the side. These will be on the inside, so you won’t see them.
5. Use the hole punch to make two holes in the top flap of the box.
6. Bend a paperclip to form a hook and insert through the holes. Alternatively, you can also use a piece of ribbon or string instead if you like.
7. If using a plastic bottle as your window, follow the next two substeps. If you already have a flat piece of plastic handy (clear back of sticker sheet, window from boxes, etc.), skip on down to Step 8.
7a. Cut off the top of the bottle.
7b. Carefully, cut down the corners of the bottle. The cut them from the bottom. Trim any rough edges. Use one of these are your window for the ornament.
8. Once you have your plastic sheet, use hot glue to attach the plastic over the inside of the box to create a window. Glue all the way around and fill in any gaps with glue. Make sure there are no openings so that your ornament doesn’t start leaking “snow”.
9. After all that gluing, you may have some ugly edges. You can cover these will ribbon or washi tape if so desired.
10. Next, you will insert the picture into your ornament. To make it easier, cut a piece of scrap cardboard to fit the back of the ornament. Test the cardboard to make sure you can easily slip it inside the ornament.
Ready to babysit and decorate!
11. Once you have your desired picture, glue it onto the scrap piece of cardboard. The kids and I each colored a page out of a coloring book. Your kids can be as creative as they want to be- draw, color, make a collage, whatever.
12. Put hot glue on the back of the cardboard and secure the picture inside the box against the back wall.
13. Add a generous helping of your “snow”.
Allow your kids to add any finishing touches to their masterpieces and hang those works of art up.
