Cozy Up With Winter Crafts

"Oh, the weather is outside is frightful, but the fire is so delightful..." Now that Thanksgiving has passed, we're ready to bust out our favorite sweaters and cozy up next to the radiant heat of a fireplace. We're going to listen to our favorite tunes, make delicious hot beverages, and bust out craft projects to add a festive "Ho Ho Ho," no matter if you're living in upstate Maine or sunny Miami.

We've got a few projects that are easy to make, require relatively easy-to-find ingredients, and will take advantage of some supplies you already have on hand.

A Snowman For Everyone

If you're anything like us, the idea of a snowman conjures up childhood unlike most winter symbols, probably because of the classic Frosty the Snowman. Even if you never get snow where you live, you can bring a snowman in your home and have your kids of all different ages help you make them.

Originally designed as a school art assignment, the cutout snowman is one of the most adaptable craft projects. You can also leave it as simple by using colored paper, a marker, some felt for a scarf, and a little glitter to mimic snow. If you're adventurous, you can add little buttons, create a ribbon scarf, or make paper snowflakes to fill out the winter scene.

How would you want to design your snowman? Check out these inspirations from Pinterest if you're looking for something that requires a little more time or additional harder-to-find supplies.

Paper Snowflakes Galore

if you're dreaming of a white Christmas, a paper snowflake chain is the perfect substitute in the event it doesn't happen to snow. If you are a coffee drinker, the best way to make snowflakes is by using coffee filters. If not, white construction paper will do. The other items you need are scissors, yarn or ribbon, and some tape to hold the string in place.

You know the old saying 'no two snowflakes are identical'? Even if that isn't entirely true, you can fold the coffee filters and create an endless number of patterns by cutting with your scissors, which means that at least in your house, none of the snowflakes will look alike. If you want to add a little extra color, you can even dye them using watercolor paint.

Using Ornaments to Display Items

The last craft we wanted to suggest is pretty simple one, but it can add unique visual impact to your space, even if you don't celebrate Christmas or have a Christmas tree.

The idea is to display small feathers in clear acrylic ornaments. The ornaments, which are found in local craft stores in variety of sizes, have a metal top that can be taken off and an item can be added inside. It doesn't have to be just feathers, but the opening of an ornament is usually narrow, so you will be limited to objects that are both small in size and have a narrow profile. Beads, sand, or faux crystals might be other suitable items that also add a little sparkle.

These are just some of the ideas we have to help you cozy up to this holiday season. Feel free to share your own favorite winter crafts, or check out our fall craft post to see if you get any new inspiration. Most importantly, be sure to stay warm when you do decide to venture out!