Candy Cane Vase

"I wish we could put up some of the Christmas spirit in jars and open a jar of it every month." -Harlan Miller

I have missed two days this month already, so it is the 22 crafts til Christmas blog, but I think I have enough to finish out the task.  Here is a simple one for the day.

Materials:

• Small Glass Vase
• Candy Canes
• Hot Glue Gun
• Green Ribbon of String

Directions:

1. Glue candy canes to the vase.
2. Tie decorative bow onto it.

That is it.  Add floral elements for finishing touches.

Two for one: Wheatley and Pikachu ornaments

"A man wrapped up in himself will always suffocate. But his loved ones forever hold in their hearts the memory of that Christmas." -Bauvard, Some Inspiration for the Overly Enthusiastic

Pikachu

Materials:

• Gold ornament
• Black. red, and white paint
• Paint brushes

Directions:

1. Paint two black oval eyes.  Paint the mouth/nose. Let dry.
2. Paint Red cheeks. Let dry.
3. Paint on white pupils. Let dry.

Wheatley

Materials:

• White ornament
• Blue and white paint
• Black Puff paint

Directions:

1. Paint a blue circle in the middle of the bulb. Let dry.
2. Outline details in black puff paint. Let dry.
3. Paint a white circle in the middle of the clue circle. Let dry.

Star Earrings

"Christmas, children, is not a date. It is a state of mind." -Mary Ellen Chase

Materials:

• Yellow Polymer Clay
• Black Polymer Clay
• White Polymer Clay
• Toothpick
• Earring loops

Directions:

1. Mold two yellow stars out of clay.
2. Mold a 4 small black ovals.  Attach two per star for eyes.
3. Mold 4 tiny white balls.  Attach to the pupils.
4. Using a tooth pick to poke holes through the top of the star.
5. Bake in oven for 15 mins at 250 degrees.
6. Attach to earrings.

Boo ornament

"Everyone wants a Christmas tree. If you had a Christmas tree Santa would bring you stuff!  Like hair curlers and ... shoes." -Janet Evanovich, Visions of Sugarplums

Materials:

• Christmas Bulb Ornament
• Red, White, and Pink Paint
• Black Puff Paint
• Paintbrush

Directions:

1. Paint bulb white (if not white already). Let dry.
2. Paint red mouth on. Let dry.
3. Paint pink tongue. Let dry. 
4. Draw on black eyes, top of mouth, and arms. Let dry.
5. Paint on teeth and pupils with white paint. Let dry.

Classic Boo for your Beau.

Olaf and Minion Christmas Paintings

"It snowed last year too: I made a snowman and my brother knocked it down and I knocked my brother down and then we had tea." -Dylan Thomas, A Child's Christmas in Wales

With the popularity of Frozen and the Despicable Me movies there is likely to be a child (or a late 20 something friend) who would love getting one of these paintings.  

Materials:

• Canvas Panels
• Acrylic Paint
• Paint Brushes
• Pencil

Directions:

1. Paint the background of the paintings. Let dry.
2. Using a pencil, lightly etch the outline of the image you want.
3. Paint the image the colors you want.
4. Paint details over it.
5. Paint any finishing touches.  Let dry.
6. Frame if desired.

Sorry for the blurry Olaf, but you know he is always on the move. So, do you want to build a snowman? (Or paint a minion?)

Prayer or Worry Stones

"When we recall Christmas past, we usually find the simplest things-not the great occasions- give off the greatest glow of happiness." -Bob Hope

Christmas is a time to pray and hope for things for the next year. Use these to help you focus on your prayers.

Materials:

• Polymer Clay
• Tooth picks

Directions:

1. Mix different colors of polymer clay together.  Shape into the rock design you want.
2. Write the phrase or word you want to focus on into the clay using the tooth pick.
3. Bake at 250 degrees F for 10-15 minutes.

Pointsetta Leaf Flowers

"There are some wonderful aspects to Christmas. It's wonderful.  And each year, from at least November, well, September, well, if I am honest, May, I look forward to it hugely." -Miranda Hart, Is it Just Me?

Pointsetta's are the flowers of the season.  If you have some silk leafs left from fall, these are easy to make and put int between ornaments can jazz up a Christmas tree.  You can also use the flowers to decorate napkin rings, or make a bunch for a floral arrangement.  

Materials:

• Red and Green Floral Leafs
• Pipecleaner or Wooden Skewer
• Floral Tape
• Hot Glue Gun

Directions:

1. Glue one end of the leaf to the end of the skewer.  Fold leaf in one third and glue in place.  Roll leaf onto itself.  
2. Glue the leafs onto each other in alternating patterns.  until you have the shape of the flower you want.
3. Glue some green leafs to the bottom of the flower. 
4. Wrap the skewer (or the pipecleaner) in floral tape.

Enjoy Straight No Chaser as you are crafting!