Are you planning ahead in November so that you can relax and focus on the things that really matter in December? Don't worry. I'm not pulling out my decorations yet. This month is all about gratitude, but you will be seeing a lot of Christmas prep on my blog. That's because I want to make sure that my Christmas ideas make it to you in time! Today I'm sharing a fun Christmas craft for kids -- these adorable yarn Christmas trees that double as holiday decor!
My "helper" just couldn't resist sneaking her hands into the pictures. It was driving me crazy, but this one actually turned out to be my very favorite picture.
When I started making my Knotted Yarn Christmas Tree decor last year, the kids wanted to get in on the action. It wasn't too difficult to adapt the project into something a little more kid-friendly. I originally shared the project on Juggling Act Mama, and now I'm sharing it here.
With a little yarn and glue, we created these fun trees in no time. Since the decorations are attached with pins, the kids can redecorate the trees as often as they want.
Let's get started on the tutorial!
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Materials:
- Yarn of any color. (Hint-The larger the weave of the yarn, the easier it will be to work with. Don't choose a super thin yarn for young kids. They'll be wrapping forever, and the glue will make a big mess!)
- Foam cone (I always buy them at craft stores with a 40-50% off coupon.)
- Craft glue
- Straight pins with colored tops
- Beads and buttons
Instructions:
- Begin at the bottom of the cone by drawing a bead of glue across the bottom edge of the cone.
- Press yarn into the glue, and continue wrapping it completely around the bottom of the cone.
- Continue to add more glue as you go, making a continuous "snake" of yarn around the entire cone. If you are working with young children, you will need to help them with the first few loops around the cone until they get the hang of it.
- When you reach the top of the cone, continue gluing and wrapping until your reach the top center-making a neat coil across the top. (I love how the top looks like a peppermint candy in the picture!)
- Decorate the trees by attaching buttons and beads with decorative straight pins. My girls were pretty tame with their decorations. The possibilities are endless.
- Add stars to the top. We created ours with card stock and glitter glue and attached them with toothpicks.
- If your tree needs a pedestal, use the yarn wrapping technique to cover just about anything! Ours is created with a plastic sauce container. You could use a dixie cup, an empty yogurt container or whatever you have laying around your house.
- Now the fun part - - display the trees all over the house or in your children's rooms. They'll be so proud to see Christmas decorations that they created themselves.
This craft works for young kids and teenagers. My youngest was 7 at the time, and although she started out needing help, she caught on and was eventually able to finish by herself. With help, I'd say kids at least as young as five will have fun creating their own Christmas trees. My teenager wanted hers to be a little different. The red tree (with the added knots) is hers.
Do you have any Christmas crafts planned with your kids this year? Thanks for stopping by today. Follow my Awesome Christmas Crafts, Recipes and DIY Board on Pinterest for more ideas!
Be sure to check out more fun crafts, projects and recipes by clicking on the images below.
linda spiker
So cute and simple and I love that star topper!
Heidi
Thanks, Linda. The girls loved using glitter glue for the stars!
Heather Mecham
What a great way to use leftover yarn! I have a little bit, okay, a lot!
Heidi
I have so much yarn! It would be fun to mix the colors on a tree.
kim
These are so very cute!! Inexpensive too! I think I saw the foam cones at the dollar store.
Heidi
Thanks, Kim. I've never thought to look for foam at the dollar store. I'll have to check that out!
Camille
I love the red one. My kids always want a Christmas tree in their rooms but there just isn't room. Maybe we'll do these this year and everyone can have their own!
Heidi
What a fun idea, Camille! The kids can decorate them over and over, too.
Mandy Al-Bjaly
These are so cute, and even little kids can try this out. :)
Heidi
Thanks, Mandy. It was a really fun project with the kids.
Lydia Ritchie
What a cute idea and so fun for kids to do too.
I can just imagine making some in a few years with my little guy (perhaps not yet, he's only 2)
#createlinkinspire
xx
Heidi
Thanks, Lydia. Your little guy is probably still a little young for this project, but he'll get there!
Aileen @ Aileen Cooks
We have actually started putting out a few Christmas decorations in our home. My son saw a decoration at a shop that he feel in love with and his dad surprised him and bought it. He is really excited about decorations this year and I think he would really like making this tree.
Heidi
When I was growing up, my mom was the one in charge of buying us gifts most of the time. When Dad bought us something, it was usually pretty special. I bet your son will really love that decoration! (Sometimes Dads are good at splurging at just the right time!)
Lara
I actually have a few styrofoam cones leftover from a different Christmas tree project. This will be super easy for my girls to do and they will love it. Putting yarn on my list.
Heidi
For years I've saved extra craft stuff and never let my kids touch it. I'm finally getting to the point where I can say, "Yes! Let's use it!" I don't know why I've held onto things for so long!
Warren buffett
What a fun idea! I love it!