Felt Snowflake Wreath

I have wreaths for Christmas, Valentine's Day and Easter, but I am always looking for something I can hang on my front door when  holiday wreaths aren't appropriate.  So... I decided to make something for the winter months... a felt snowflake wreath.

Isn't it pretty?  I cut a snowflake shape out of foam core from the dollar store {using an x-acto knife}.  Then, I made a ton of felt roses and used a glue gun to attach the flowers to the snowflake.  I finished it off by attaching a silver ribbon for a little sparkle.

If you want to make one, here is a tutorial on how to make the flowers:

1)  Using a CD as a template, cut out a bunch of felt circles.  {The number you need will depend on the size of your snowflake.}

2)  Using sharp scissors, cut each circle into a "swirl".  {See the picture below.}

3)  Start on the outside of the "swirl" and wrap the felt until you form a flower.

4)  Apply some glue to the bottom of the flower, and secure the end of the felt "swirl".  {You can give the flower a little "trim" if you like, or you can leave it as it is.}

What do you put on your front door in between "holidays"?  Now that I have a winter wreath I like, I better get to work on one for Spring.  :-)

♥ 
Gina Bell (aka East Coast Mommy)

* You can find me on facebook here.

Note:  Because the base is made of foam core... make sure the wreath is sheltered from the elements.  Foam core does not hold up well if it gets really wet.

{Snow Day} Fun!

We have yet to have an official "Snow Day", but we have still managed to have some snowy winter fun.  Check out these simple and inexpensive winter activities you can do with kids.

Snowflake Pancakes - To make these adorable pancakes:  Make some pancake batter, and color half of it blue.  Then, use a cookie cutter to cut out a snowflake shapes, and switch the pancake centers.  It is really simple, and your little ones will definitely be impressed. 

Snow Painting... and a Fun Way to Warm Up - Put a little food coloring and water into spray bottles, and set your little artists to work on the freshly fallen snow canvas.  Then, when it is time to come in and warm up, stick some glow sticks in a nice warm bath.  Your little ones will thank you.

Snowflake Book Page Banner - It's always fun to have decor to fit the season, especially when it is handmade.  This snowflake banner is so cute that it will make your little crafters beam with pride.  {Click on the link for the full step by step tutorial.}

Toilet Roll Snowman - This adorable snowman craft is a perfect indoor activity on a stormy afternoon.  {Click on the link for the full step by step tutorial.}

Snowman Kisses - This tiny box is just big enough for one Hershey's Kiss.  Isn't this a great little treat for someone special?  {Click on the link for a free printable box.}

These are a few of our favorite winter activities.  What are some of yours?

♥ 
Gina Bell (aka East Coast Mommy)

* You can find me on facebook here.

Snowflake {book page banner}

Christmas is over, and Valentine's Day is a month away, so now is the perfect time to do some "winter" crafting.  Yesterday, my three year old and I made this fantastic snowflake book page banner.

Isn't it cute?  It is simple to make, and your little one will love all the glue and glitter.  :-)

Want to make one?  Here's what you do:

1)  Cut out five snowflake shapes.  {I used some blue construction paper and a cookie cutter.}
2)  Use some glue to make designs on each of the snowflakes.
3)  Glue buttons or other embellishments onto the middle of the snowflakes.
4)  Pour glitter onto the snowflakes and shake off the excess.

Then, after the snowflakes are completely dry, use glue or double-sided tape to attach them to book pages.  Cut a "V" shape out of the bottom of each book page, hole punch the tops, and string the banner together with some yarn.

Do you like making "winter" crafts this time of year, or do you jump right into Valentine's Day crafting?

♥ 

Gina Bell (aka East Coast Mommy)

 

* You can find me on facebook here.

 

Simple is Better {Winter Fun}

My boys teach me a lot of things -- the most recent lesson being -- "often, simple is better".  Today, I want to share two REALLY simple and super-fun things you can do with your kids.

1)  Snow Painting -  All you need is a spray bottle filled with water and a few drops of food coloring.  The kids will have a ball using the snow as their canvas.  {I know mine did.}

2)  Glow in the Dark Bathtime - All you need to do is throw a bunch of glow sticks into the bathtub.  Does it get any easier than that?  We did this last night, and my boys thought it was awesome!  {Seriously awesome!}

So... this weekend, give one of these activities a try.  It takes very little effort, and your kids will have a ball... guaranteed.

♥ 

Gina Bell (aka East Coast Mommy)

Toilet Paper Roll Snowman

Who doesn't love a good toilet roll craft?  And this toilet roll snowman is totally adorable and perfect for a cold winter day.

To make your own, here's what you do:

1)  Paint the toilet paper roll with white paint, and allow it to dry completely.

2)  Glue on two "googly eyes" and a nose cut from orange craft foam or construction paper.

3)  Make a hat out of an old baby sock in three easy steps.  (per pictures below)  a)  Cut off the top of the sock.  b)  Pull the sock onto the top of the toilet paper roll.  c)  Twist an elastic onto the top of the hat.

4)  Use a black marker to draw a mouth.

5)  Tie on a scarf made of felt, and you're done!

"Snow" fun... and no mittens required!  :-)

♥ 

Gina Bell (aka East Coast Mommy)

Snowman Kisses... with free printable

Don't you just love Hershey's Kisses?  When I found this blue and silver foil wrapped version, it made me think of snowflakes and snowmen.  So... I thought it would be cute to make a little box for it, and call it a "Snowman Kiss".

{Cute, right?}  To make your own... all you have to do is cut out the box I designed and fold on the dotted lines.  Easy!

You can find the free template for this adorable box here.

May your cold winter days be filled with lots of "kisses"!  xo

♥ 

Gina Bell (aka East Coast Mommy)