Winter is the perfect time to explore indoor crafting activities. Crafting allows us to express our creativity and use our imagination without spending a lot of money. You’d be surprised by how many useful items can be found around the house.
I’ve always been a collector and enjoy creating seasonal centerpieces from miscellaneous items I can find in my backyard, like pinecones, acorns, and seedpods. Nature inspired centerpieces can be built on a simple base — a favorite plate, a serving tray, a large piece of bark, or driftwood. For greater interest, cover the base with different colors and textures, such as candles, greenery, dried plants, nuts, and fruits. Your centerpiece can be enjoyed all winter long.
Last winter I discovered the craft of needle felting. It doesn’t require a huge investment, just a bundle of wool felt and a felting needle (both found at fabric or crafting supply stores). This tactile craft stimulates creativity but also relieves tension. Needle felting is a perfect choice for making holiday ornaments or soft, handheld animal toys.
Ideas for crafting holiday decorations are endless. Interesting wreaths can be made from leftover thread spools hot glued to old embroidery hoops. Snowflakes can be constructed by painting, gluing, and decorating popsicle sticks with glitter and sequins. They look lovely hanging in windows or on walls.
I have fond memories of the time my mother and I made tree ornaments from my grandmother’s old slotted wood clothespins. We created characters by painting faces on each clothespin’s round top. Then we fashioned clothing by painting the clothespin base or wrapping it in felt. Our characters ranged from Santa and Mrs. Clause to a firefighter holding an ax, a hunter holding a bow and arrow, and a doctor and nurse. My kids treasure these handcrafted ornaments, and I’m sure they will be passed down for the enjoyment of future generations.
If you make candy and cookies for the holidays, you can make simple keepsake mugs to hold your goodies. Use temporary tattoos to decorate ceramic or enamel mugs, then seal them with dishwasher-safe Mod Podge. The mugs make great gifts, and your friends will enjoy them long after eating your treats.
By crafting this winter, you won’t just engage your imagination, you’ll beat the winter doldrums.
Master gardener Vicki Spencer writes on a variety of topics including gardening, electrical safety, water conservation, and more.
Photo by Taras Grebinets / iStock / Getty Images Plus
