How to Organize a Family Crafting Day with DIY Holiday Projects 



A family crafting day is a wonderful way to bond, spark creativity, and get into the holiday spirit. With the magic of the season as inspiration, you can create beautiful decorations, meaningful gifts, and cherished memories. Here's a guide to organizing a family crafting day, including five fun and festive DIY holiday projects to try together.



Step 1: Plan Ahead

  1. Choose a Date
    Select a day when everyone is available and set aside a few hours for crafting.
  2. Gather Supplies
    Make a list of the materials you'll need for each project and shop ahead of time. Consider eco-friendly or budget-friendly options, such as using items you already have at home.
  3. Prepare the Space
    Set up a crafting station with enough space for everyone. Cover tables with old sheets or plastic to protect surfaces, and keep scissors, glue, and other tools handy.
  4. Set the Mood
    Play holiday music, serve festive snacks like cookies and hot cocoa, and decorate the space to make it feel cozy and cheerful.

5 DIY Christmas Crafting Projects for Families


1. Hand-Painted Ornaments
Add a personal and artistic touch to your Christmas tree this year with DIY painted ornaments. These unique decorations are not only fun to create but also make cherished keepsakes or thoughtful gifts for loved ones. Let your creativity shine as you design ornaments that reflect your 

style and holiday spirit.

Supplies Needed

  1. Plain ornaments (glass or plastic in clear, white, or neutral tones).
  2. Acrylic paints (festive colors like red, green, gold, silver, or metallics).
  3. Paintbrushes (variety of sizes for detail work).
  4. Paint pens or markers (optional for fine designs or lettering).
  5. Palette or disposable plate for mixing paints.
  6. Painter’s tape or stencils (optional for patterns).
  7. Glitter, adhesive, or Mod Podge (for added sparkle).
  8. Ribbon or twine for hanging.
  9. Paper towels and water for cleanup.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Prepare Your Workspace

  • Lay down newspaper or a tablecloth to protect surfaces.
  • Set up your paints, brushes, and water for easy access.

2. Clean and Prep Ornaments

  • Wipe each ornament clean with a damp cloth to remove dust or oils.
  • For clear ornaments, remove the top cap, and consider painting the interior for a frosted or vibrant look.

3. Choose a Design

Here are a few creative painting ideas to try:
  • Abstract Swirls: Use a small brush to create swirling patterns in metallic paints for a modern touch.
  • Holiday Scenes: Paint tiny snowmen, reindeer, or Christmas trees. Use fine brushes for details.
  • Snowflakes: Use white or silver paint pens to draw intricate snowflake designs.
  • Marble Effect: Drop different paint colors inside a clear ornament and swirl them gently for a marbled look.
  • Names or Dates: Add a personal touch by painting family names, special dates, or holiday greetings.

4. Paint and Decorate

  • Secure your ornament in a small cup or egg carton to prevent it from rolling as you work.
  • Apply base layers and let them dry completely before adding details.
  • Use painter's tape or stencils to create clean lines for geometric or striped designs.
  • Sprinkle glitter onto wet paint or seal your designs with Mod Podge and glitter for a sparkling effect.

5. Let Them Dry

  • Allow ornaments to dry thoroughly (at least 24 hours) before handling or hanging them.

6. Add Ribbons or Hooks

  • Thread ribbon or twine through the ornament cap and tie a knot or bow to create a hanger.

Tips for Success

  1. Test Your Paints: Acrylic paints work best on ornaments; make sure they adhere well and dry evenly.
  2. Layer Your Colors: Start with light base coats and layer darker colors or details on top.
  3. Personalize for Gifts: Include a short message, the year, or the recipient’s name for added meaning.
  4. Mix Textures: Combine matte and glossy finishes for a striking effect.

Why You'll Love This Project

  • Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy painting ornaments together.
  • Eco-Friendly Options: Repurpose old ornaments with a fresh coat of paint.
  • Unique Décor: Create one-of-a-kind pieces that stand out on your tree.
These DIY painted ornaments will fill your tree with color, personality, and love. Start crafting today and enjoy the holiday creativity! 🎨✨

2. DIY Christmas Wreaths


Bring holiday magic to your home with a dazzling Christmas Ornament Chandelier! This creative project transforms a basic wreath form and ornaments into a stunning centerpiece that can hang above your dining table, in your entryway, or even in a cozy corner of your home.

Supplies Needed

  1. Metal or foam wreath form (choose a size based on your space).
  2. Ornaments (a mix of colors, sizes, and finishes—around 30-50).
  3. Fishing line, ribbon, or ornament hooks.
  4. Battery-operated fairy lights.
  5. Strong twine or decorative ribbon for hanging.
  6. Hot glue gun and glue sticks (optional for securing).
  7. Scissors.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Wreath Base

  • Lay the wreath form on a flat surface.
  • If desired, wrap fairy lights around the wreath to add a magical glow.

2. Choose and Arrange Ornaments

  • Gather ornaments in coordinating colors to match your holiday décor.
  • Arrange them loosely around the wreath form to visualize the design. Mix matte, shiny, and glitter finishes for dimension.

3. Attach the Ornaments

  • Use fishing line, ribbon, or hooks to hang ornaments from the wreath form. Vary the lengths for a cascading effect. Secure with knots or loops.
  • For a fuller look, glue ornaments directly onto the wreath form, focusing on covering any gaps.

4. Add Final Touches

  • Incorporate additional embellishments like small pinecones, faux greenery, or bows.
  • Drape more fairy lights or ribbons around the wreath if desired.

5. Hang the Chandelier

  • Tie strong twine or decorative ribbon to three or four points on the wreath form, gathering them at the top.
  • Securely hang the chandelier from a ceiling hook or light fixture.

Tips for Success

  • Use shatterproof ornaments for safety, especially if you have kids or pets.
  • Opt for lightweight materials to prevent the chandelier from becoming too heavy.
  • Experiment with themes, such as a frosty winter look with silver and white ornaments or a bold and colorful vintage style.


3. Festive Candle Holders


Cranberry and Pine Floating Candle Centerpieces

Supplies Needed:
  • Glass jars or vases (mason jars or cylinder vases work great)
  • Fresh cranberries
  • Sprigs of evergreen (pine, cedar, or fir)
  • Water
  • Floating candles
Instructions:
  1. Fill your jar halfway with water.
  2. Add a handful of cranberries and a couple of sprigs of evergreen.
  3. Place a floating candle on top and light it for a cozy glow.
  4. Arrange multiple jars of varying sizes on a table for a stunning centerpiece.
Supplies: Cardstock, markers, stamps, stickers, and decorative paper.
Each family member can design and write personalized cards for loved ones. Encourage creativity with drawings, handprints, or festive phrases.Tip: Use these cards as a thoughtful touch when giving gifts.

Cinnamon Stick Candle Holders

Supplies Needed:
  • Pillar candles
  • Cinnamon sticks
  • Twine or ribbon
  • Hot glue
Instructions:
  1. Wrap cinnamon sticks around a pillar candle, securing them with hot glue.
  2. Tie twine or ribbon around the sticks for a rustic, festive look.
  3. Light the candle to fill the room with a delightful holiday aroma.


4. DIY Gingerbread Houses (Non-Edible or Edible)

Making gingerbread houses is a holiday classic, but why stop at just the edible version? Combine creativity and practicality with both edible gingerbread houses to enjoy as treats and non-edible versions for decorations that last all season. These projects are perfect for family fun and festive décor.

Project 1: Edible Gingerbread Village
Create a delightful, delicious display of mini gingerbread houses.

Supplies Needed

  • Pre-baked gingerbread panels (store-bought kits or homemade).
  • Royal icing (as glue).
  • Candy decorations: Gumdrops, candy canes, M&Ms, sprinkles, etc.
  • Food coloring (optional, for colorful icing).
  • Baseboard or tray to display your village.

Steps

  1. Assemble the Houses
    Use royal icing to glue the gingerbread panels together. Let the walls set before adding the roof for stability.
  2. Decorate
    Get creative with candies! Use icing to attach sweets, draw windows, or add snow-like effects.
  3. Create a Scene
    Arrange the houses on a tray and sprinkle powdered sugar for a snowy effect. Add edible trees made from upside-down sugar cones and marshmallow snowmen.

Tips

  • Let each family member decorate their own house for a personalized village.
  • Use graham crackers for a smaller, simpler project.

Project 2: Non-Edible Gingerbread Centerpiece

Craft a gingerbread house that lasts the whole season as a charming decoration.

Supplies Needed

  • Cardboard panels or foam board (cut into gingerbread house shapes).
  • Brown paint or faux gingerbread sheets.
  • Hot glue gun for assembly.
  • Non-edible decorations: Faux candies, beads, glitter, fabric, or miniature Christmas lights.
  • Acrylic sealer spray (optional, for durability).

Steps

  1. Build the House
    Assemble your "gingerbread" walls and roof using cardboard or foam board. Secure with hot glue.
  2. Decorate
    Paint the structure brown to mimic gingerbread. Attach faux candies, beads, or fabric to add detail. For windows, try translucent paper or cellophane.
  3. Add Lighting
    String battery-operated fairy lights inside for a warm glow. Create snow effects with cotton batting or glitter.
  4. Display
    Place your non-edible house as a centerpiece on your dining table, mantel, or shelf.

Tips

  • Use templates online to ensure your house pieces fit perfectly.
  • Add a base, such as a wood plank, for stability.

Combine Both Projects for a Festive Scene!

Why not make a gingerbread holiday village with edible houses for fun and non-edible ones for durability? Arrange them together on a decorated table with fairy lights, pinecones, and faux snow for a magical holiday display.This project is a fantastic way to blend creativity with practicality, and it can become a cherished family tradition. Whether you snack on your creations or keep them as decorations, the memories made will be the sweetest part!

Bonus Tips for Success
  • Encourage Teamwork: Pair up family members for more intricate projects or to help younger kids.
  • Keep It Relaxed: Focus on fun, not perfection. Celebrate everyone’s creativity!
  • Clean As You Go: Set up a cleanup station with wipes and bins to keep the mess manageable.


A family crafting day is not just about creating decorations—it's about creating memories. The DIY projects become keepsakes and reminders of the joy you shared. Whether it’s painting ornaments, building gingerbread houses, or crafting holiday cards, these activities bring the family closer together while adding a personal touch to your holiday season.Enjoy the festive fun and let your creativity shine!