Savor the Season with Holiday Crafting

What is wonderful about crafting during the holidays is that it allows us to create not just beautiful things but also space for connection, reflection, and wonder. Whether it’s baking cookies to share with a neighbor, assembling an Advent calendar for a loved one, or simply making a handmade tag for a gift, these little gestures carry with them the warmth of tradition. Each project becomes a memory in the making, something you’ll look back on with the same fondness. Below, you’ll find a handful of simple holiday projects to help you savor the season.

JENNY ROBERTS⎟ A SOMERSET HOLIDAY VOLUME 15

Cinnamon Christmas Trees

I suppose that these cinnamon trees are a reflection back to the traditions of my childhood holidays, where handmade and creative decor was an important part of our family celebration. — Jenny Roberts

Using a small tree template, cut out two tree pieces from vintage chenille. Cut the desired length of twine for hanging. Attach the twine ends with a dab of glue to the top point of the right side of one of the trees. Fasten the bottom of the twine loop in the center of the tree with a bit of tape to avoid catching it in the side seams. Pin the trees right sides together, and sew with a ¼-inch seam allowance, beginning at the bottom left side of the tree. Stitch around the tree, double-tacking at the top to secure the bit of twine, and finish, leaving a 1½-inch opening centered at the tree bottom.

Turn the tree right side out, and remove the tape. Stuff the tree with polyfill, and insert a cinnamon stick into the opening at the bottom, making sure to center the trunk; secure with a bit of glue. To close the ornament, either hand-stitch it or fasten the fabric around the trunk with glue. Finish the ornament with any decorative items you wish or simply top with a bow. Enjoy!

CHRISTEN HAMMONS⎟ A SOMERSET HOLIDAY VOLUME 19

Festive Holiday Cards

Art stamps make it incredibly easy to create a card that looks intricate with ease. First, stamp the image onto patterned paper. Use a sponge to apply various colors of ink to the paper. Apply ink to the eraser of the old pencil and stamp dots onto the paper. Color the berries with a red colored pencil to add a pop of color. When happy with everything, splatter white and black paint or ink onto the paper. Attach a metal word tag using twine, and adhere the stamped paper to a folded card or gift bag.

SHARON LEE LOUK⎟ A SOMERSET HOLIDAY VOLUME 17

All-Natural Wreath

While for some holidays I decorate with glitz and glamour, sometimes I go all natural for my holiday decor. — Sharon Lee Louk

Spread out wax paper to protect your work surface. Dry-brush chalk paint onto the grapevine wreath; you can always add more later, if desired. Mark the center of the wreath with a clothespin. Remove the wooden base from the trees, completely cover the wire bottom with stronghold glue, adhere it to the center spot, and let it dry. Attach clothespins on either side of the tree to hold it straight and in place while drying. Repeat this process for the other trees. Make a loop of the metal wire, and attach it to the back top of the wreath for hanging.

JILL GEYER KIRKS⎟ A SOMERSET HOLIDAY VOLUME 18

Glamorous Shell Ornaments

The coastal Christmas theme is always very beautiful, and I wanted to create a “glam” look for these shells to go along with my crystal and metallic themed tree. — Jill Geyer Kirks

Paint a medium shell with two coats of metallic paint, letting it dry between coats. Begin by gluing the larger pearls into the cavity of the conch shell, and then follow with the smaller pearls. Add a crystal gem and tiny shells until it looks pleasing to your eye.

To make a hanger for the ornaments, cut about 5 inches of twine, and knot at the bottom of the cut ends to make a loop. Glue the twine loop into the top grooved area of the shell, pressing the knotted end into the grooves. Glue on one or two tiny shells to cover the knot. Embellish the tiny shells and accent the curves of the conch shell using glitter glue. Finally, cut a strip of tulle or ribbon and tie it tightly around the twine hanger, trimming if necessary.

Discover more unique holiday projects in A Somerset Holiday Volume 19.