The holiday season is in full swing here at Poppet & Fox, and we’re brimming with festive cheer! Our fabulous designer and creative mastermind, Jenn, has officially entered her “Little Women” era, and the results are pure magic. A few weeks ago, the team gathered at Jenn’s home for a cozy morning meeting. We were greeted by the warm, nostalgic scent of Christmas wafting through the air. Jenn had whipped up cinnamon-infused salt dough to craft the most adorable ornaments imaginable, using antique wooden cookie molds to give them a charming vintage touch. And if that wasn’t enough, she also created delicate yarn stars and a stunning dried orange garland. Somebody call HGTV and get this girl her own show—stat!
These crafts aren’t just gorgeous; they’re also perfect for getting your little ones involved. Whether they’re mixing dough, cutting shapes, or helping thread garlands, it’s an easy way to keep tiny hands busy and make some sweet holiday memories.
Cinnamon-Scented Salt Dough Ornaments
Ingredients:
- 3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour (plus extra for coating molds)
- 1 cup (132 g) ground cinnamon
- 1 cup (225 g) kosher salt
- 1 ½ to 2 cups (360 to 480 ml) water
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 200°F (94°C). Line two large baking sheets.
- In a large bowl, mix flour, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add water, stirring until a dough forms. Knead for about 2 minutes until pliable but not sticky.
- Let the kids help flour the cookie molds (messy fun!) and press dough in while you supervise. Gently remove shaped dough, or let them use cookie cutters for simpler shapes.
- Use a toothpick to make a hole at the top of each ornament for hanging. Place on baking sheets, leaving space between ornaments.
- Bake for 30 minutes or until hardened. Cool completely on a wire rack before threading with string or twine.
Let your little helpers thread the string—great for practicing those fine motor skills!
Dried Orange Garland
This simple and vibrant craft adds a cheerful pop of color to any space and makes for the perfect family activity. Gather around the kitchen table, pop on a holiday movie (preferably one with singing elves or reindeer), and let your kiddos join in on the fun.
Insider Tips for Perfect Orange Slices:
- Use slightly underripe oranges or lemons—they’re easier for you to slice thinly while your kids watch with fascination.
- Let them help lay out the slices or press them between tea towels to soak up juice.
Drying Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 200°F.
- Arrange slices on baking sheets. Older kids can help place the slices while younger ones cheer you on. Bake for 2 hours. Flip each slice, then bake for another 2 hours.
- Once dried, give the little ones yarn or twine to thread the slices. They’ll love creating their own “masterpiece” garlands to hang proudly around the house!
Yarn-Wrapped Star Ornaments
These cozy stars are as easy as they are adorable. Even tiny crafters can get in on the action!
Supplies Needed:
- Yarn (let the kids pick their favorite colors)
- Star template (printed or hand-drawn)
- Cardboard or foam core
- Twine for hanging
- Hot glue and scissors (for grown-ups only!)
Steps:
- Trace the star template onto cardboard and cut it out. Let kids color or decorate the cutouts before wrapping.
- Tape down the twine hanger and the starting end of the yarn.
- Show your little ones how to wrap the yarn while you handle the glue. They’ll love deciding how much yarn goes where!
- Secure the end of the yarn with glue, and let them admire their creations before hanging them on the tree.
Handmade holiday crafts aren’t just about creating something beautiful—they’re about making memories with your family (and maybe sneaking in some quiet time while the kids focus on threading oranges or wrapping stars). These simple projects are fun, festive, and a great way to channel some of that endless kid energy. So roll up your sleeves, grab some supplies, and make this holiday season extra special with your little ones. Trust us—your tree and your heart will be fuller for it!
