Christmas Banner Project for Kids That Costs Little to Nothing

From the Community…

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  Posted by Hearthside Economics by Devonia Thu Dec 4, 2008 1:25pm PST

  I think it's wonderful when you include kiddos in the decorating. When my boys were little, they loved it. Now I can't get the stinkers to help with any but the heavy work. Great project!

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  Posted by Nancy Thu Dec 4, 2008 1:45pm PST

  Yupper, but you are lucky they are around to lift! I have a project with little handprints from a 1 year old on a cloth wreath! Now that would make a great banner, too.

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  Posted by Hearthside Economics by Devonia Thu Dec 4, 2008 4:34pm PST

  I thought the sleep-over "decorating party" was a great idea. Guess that's a girl thing though and I was always a bit envious of moms who had daughters to help. Bet the handprints are sweet - you kept them, then?

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  Posted by Nancy Thu Dec 4, 2008 5:12pm PST

  Yes, I did. It is a poly stuff wreath shape out of natural canvas with green seam binding and red little handprints. It is a pattern from an older Leisure Arts book.

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  Posted by hol.graham Wed Dec 10, 2008 6:05am PST

  This is a great idea! I'm always looking for projects for my kids. We usually make holiday cookies while listening to Christmas music, but this might be a nice change. While I'm writing I thought I would share my shopping experience the other day. I went to this new women's boutique, Pink Tulip Clothes and Accessories (http://www.pinktulip.com). It was such a fun place to shop. The lights, high ceiling, and cool music make the store very welcoming. We needed a store with unique merchandising, it makes you feel like you're in a boutique in mid-town Manhattan. I got two shirts that I plan on wearing for the holidays from Fashionista and Fabrizio Gianni. I also got some black pants to go with the shirts and I am now set for the holiday season, in terms of outfits. One more thing I can check off my list!

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  Posted by Hawaii Mom Wed Dec 10, 2008 1:31pm PST

  Hey Nancy, that handprint wreath sounds really cute. Any chance of a link to a similar craft or a picture of yours? I'm trying to think of a unique craft for my 3 kids to make for their Dad for christmas... to help teach them that it's not about buying gifts, but giving of yourself. Christmas is so commercial now, I'm trying to make it more personal and start some family traditions (like making gifts instead of buying). Thanks!

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  Posted by Nancy Thu Dec 11, 2008 5:22am PST

  Hawaii Mom: That sounds like a project post for me! Mine is almost 20 years old, still gorgeous, but not sure how the pic would come out. Take about a yard of natural canvas, maybe a bit more, double it over, make a big circle the size of a wreath, cut out the center leaving enough fabric to stitch (or I guess you could "glue stitch"). With child friendly red paint in low bowls, dip those cuties' little hands. Set the handprints down over and over until you fill the wreath fabric up. Air dry. Stitch up the outside of the ring, then the inside of the ring, leaving space to stuff with polyfill. Add colorful bias tape around the edges which you could actually do on the first stitch. We used green. Fill with polyfill. Hand stitch closed. Add a pretty ribbon! Let me see if I can get a pic for you. My little "baby" is away at college now so this is a great keepsake.

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  Posted by Nancy Thu Dec 11, 2008 5:24am PST

  hol.graham: Thanks for stopping by and thanks for the tip on the boutique, Pink Tulip! And, it is so close by. I'm always looking for a little bit of Manhattan during the winter months when we tend to stay closer to home.

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