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Christmas Crafts

Candy Bucket

Materials:
Tin can*
Printed paper (i.e. for scrapbooking) or decorative contact paper
Holiday rub-on transfers
Miscellaneous buttons, paper scraps, etc. (optional)
Craft glue
Hole punch
Florists wire (use a fairly thick but flexible one for the handle of the can)
Candy canes or holiday candies
Pencil or pen

Laying the can on its side, cut a piece of printed paper to fit the can, slightly overlapping the seam to ensure coverage.
With the paper on a flat, smooth surface, apply rub-on transfers towards the center of the paper, to create a decorative holiday scene.
Glue paper (or apply if using contact paper) to the can.
Using hole punch, punch two small holes opposite each other on the top edge of the can. Be sure to punch inward so there are no sharp edges outside. File the punched area to ensure no sharp edges are exposed.
Cut a piece of floristąs wire approx. three times the height of the can.
Loosely wind the wire around the pen or pencil to give it a curled effect. Remove the pen or pencil, tug at the wire a bit for a imperfect wind, and attach each end through a hole punched at the can top. Twist to attach, then point any edge downward into the can for safety.
Add decorations using buttons, paper scraps, ribbons, etc. as desired.
Fill with candy

*10-16 oz can. When using canned food items, use a can opener that leaves the upper rim intact. Clean and dry the can thoroughly. Using a file, smooth the inside edge to ensure there are not sharp edges left.

Christmas Whisks

These make inexpensive, quick and easy gifts for teachers, coworkers, neighbors, etc.

Materials:
Wire whisk
Hershey's® Kisses
Cellophane
Ribbon
Blank gift tags
Marker
Scotch tape

Fill the wire whisk with Hershey's® Kisses.
Wrap in cellophane wrapping and ribbon.
Using a marker, write "We Whisk You a Merry Christmas" on each tag and attach with ribbon.

Personalized Pillows

Materials:
Large cloth napkins (easiest) or fabric cut in desired shapes, 2 of each size/shape (squares are easiest)
Pillow forms to fit the size of the fabric/napkins minus 2" in height and width, or Polyfil to stuff pillows
Sewing thread/needle or machine
Buttons, ribbons, etc. to adorn as desired
Fabric Puff Pens or Paint Pens if desired

Sew two napkins together. As the edges are already finished, you can do so with the wrong sides together or you can put them right sides together and sew with a small seam, leaving a side open to insert the form or a small opening to stuff.
If using fabric, sew two pieces of the material together right sides together, aligning them. Sew a seam of 5/8-3/4", leaving an opening large enough to turn and insert the pillow form or Polyfil. Be sure to clip the corners or curves with small slits, being careful not to cut the threads, to allow flexibility of curves and pointed corners.
If inside out, turn fabric.
If desired, sew on buttons or ribbons for added decor.
Insert the pillow form or stuff.
Sew opening shut, turning in edges if necessary.
If desired, use Fabric Puff Pens or Paint Pens to add writing/decorations and allow to dry thoroughly overnight before wrapping.