There are many types of crafts from paper projects to yarn, tile, paint, clay and any number of other mediums. Take a stroll through your local craft supply store for some good inspiration. Crafts can be done to decorate the home, use as gifts or to keep hands busy.

Here are two fun Christmas Craft Gifts to make:

Supplies:

• 3 Clothespins (the wooden spring kind)
• Glue
• Magnet Strip
• Paint
• Paint Stir Stick

What to do:

1. Paint the paint stir stick any color you wish.
2. Paint the 3 clothespins a matching color or a contrasting color.
3. Wait for the paint to dry
4. Glue the 3 clothespins onto the stir stick (one in the middle, one about 2" from each end).
5. Paint or use a marker to decorate. You can also write a message on the remaining sections of stick.
6. Attach the magnet strip to the back of the paint stir stick.
7. Wrap in holiday gift and give as a great homemade Christmas present.
   

Cookie Mixes in a Jar:

These are big hits with all cookie lovers and are super easy and fun to make and decorate.

Supplies you will need:

• Mason Jars for the number of gifts you are making (Quart size canning jars with lids)
• Scrap Fabric in Christmas colors and patterns
• Christmas Ribbon
• Paper (to write the recipe on)
• Glue

The recipe and the required ingredients:

Jar

1. Make sure you carefully wash the jar and lid (even ones you just bought), then make sure you thoroughly dry the jar and lid.
2. Pick your favorite recipe

Filling the jar

1. Gather together all of the dry ingredients for the recipe.
2. Make sure you measure the ingredients accurately (small kids will need help with this).
3. Add each ingredient carefully to the jar.
4. Decorate the Jar with Christmas fabric and ribbons. Don't forget to decorate the lid by cutting out a circle of the fabric that is 6 - 8" across (trace a bowl if it is easier).
5. Next, place the round section of the jar's lid on the jar and center the fabric on that.
6. Screw the other section of the lid in place to hold the fabric.
7. Fluff out the ends of the fabric that sticks out from under the lid.
8. Print out the recipe on a card/gift tag or index card
9. Punch a hole in the recipe card/gift tag or index card so that you can tie a ribbon through it.
10. Attach the ribbon and recipe tag to the neck of the jar.
11. You can secure the ribbon with a small dab of glue

This gift is great because it is its own gift wrapping!

For more great Christmas information and ideas, please visit: http://www.thingsforchristmas.com