It’s never too early to start prepping holiday decor! This twinkling star craft will help add some sparkle to your Christmas tree, and the finished product can be a lasting holiday heirloom passed down and reused through the years.

While you’re crafting this one with the family, sing along to “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” and our holiday songs for inspiration!

Materials:

All the materials you need are below. Most everything can be found around the house or at your local store. Get creative, improvise and let us know what works for you!

• 4 craft sticks (per star)
• Toy jewels
• Ribbon (for hanging)
• Yellow marker
• Glue

Step 1 – Color:

Start by coloring your craft sticks yellow. You’ll need at least 4 craft sticks per star.

Step 2 – Glue On Your Ribbon:

Glue both ends of your ribbon, which should be around 4-5 inches long, to the back end of one of your craft sticks. You’ll use the ribbon to hang your finished twinkling star.

Step 3 – Glue Your Star Together:

Glue your 4 colored craft sticks into the shape of a star, just like our example.

Step 4 – Decorate:

Time to accessorize! Glue your toy jewels onto your star.

Step 5 – Hang Them Up!

Once everything is dry, hang up your new Christmas tree decoration! Have each member of the family make their own, and encourage creativity by mixing up the colors and accessories!

Share With Us!

What are your favorite holiday crafts to do with the family? Share your thoughts and creations with us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter using #mothergooseclub!

Happy Holidays!

During the cold, winter months, it can be challenging to keep the family active (and off Netflix). This pine cone snowman craft is a good excuse to explore the backyard or neighborhood a bit. Gather up some pine cones and then cozy back up indoors with a fun family craft!

Materials:

All the materials you need are below. Most everything can be found around the house or at your local store. Get creative, improvise and let us know what works for you!

• Pine cone
• Orange and black construction paper
• White paint and paint brush
• 2 pipe cleaners
• Scissors
• Glue
• Wooden circle (or similar sturdy material)

Step 1 – Paint the Snowman:

Paint your pine cone (snowman’s belly) and circle (snowman’s head) white.

Step 2 – Snowman’s Face:

Cut out a smile and pair of eyes using your black construction paper, and cut out a long, pointy nose using your orange construction paper. Glue them onto your white surface.

Step 3 – Snowman’s Accessories:

Twist and turn your pipe cleaners into the shape of a stylish hat and scarf.

Decorate and Share!

Do you have your own favorite winter-themed crafts? How do you keep the family active during winter? Share your thoughts and creations with us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter using #mothergooseclub. We love getting crafty and celebrating with Mother Goose Club families around the world!

Repurpose empty water bottles and toilet paper tubes into a fun family activity! These musical shakers are fun to make and can introduce rhythm, melody and instrument-playing to young kids. They’re also festive – so perfect for the holidays!

Use them when caroling to Mother Goose Club songs, pass them out for your New Year’s Eve countdown, and keep them in the car for when the kids are rocking out during a road trip.

Materials:

All the materials you need are below. Most everything can be found around the house or at your local store. Get creative, improvise and let us know what works for you!

• 8 oz. plastic water bottles
• Toilet paper rolls
• Bells
• Glitter
• Red and green tape
• Scissors

Step 1 – Fill the Bottles:

Fill your plastic water bottles with bells and glitter. Leave enough breathing room for the bells to jingle!

Looking to experiment with different sounds? Mix it up with other household materials, like rice or paper clips!

Step 2 – Construct the Handles:

Cut the toilet paper roll vertically, then wrap one end around the cap of the bottle. Secure the tube with tape.

Step 3 – Decorate the Handles:

Wrap colorful tape around the tube in the pattern of your choice!

Share With Us!

Did you have fun jamming out with these musical shakers? Share your thoughts and creations with us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter using #mothergooseclub. We love getting crafty and celebrating with Mother Goose Club families around the world!

Happy Holidays!

The lights, decorations and ornaments are signaling that the holiday season has begun! While the season is about much more than material things, ornaments seem to collect holiday memories and release them in a wave of nostalgia year by year. As such, we like to add some homemade ornaments to the mix! Try making these Christmas tree ornaments for some wholesome fun with your family or classroom. Kids will love working with natural materials and hanging their ornaments!

Materials:

All the materials you need are below. Most everything can be found around the house or at your local store. Get creative, improvise and let us know what works for you!

• Thin tree branch
• Craft glue
• Green acrylic paint
• Scissors
• String
• Sequins
• Paint brush
• Brown construction paper

Step 1 – The Base:

Cut a piece of string that is approximately 15 inches (38cm) long and fold it in half. Tie a knot to create a loop at one end (large enough to hang the ornament from). Cut out a rectangular piece of construction paper that is about 4 inches (10cm) long and 0.5 inches (1.3cm) wide. Paste your knotted string to the paper so that the mid-section under the loop is attached.

Step 2 – Building Your Tree:

Cut your tree branch into segments of decreasing length. Glue the segments onto your knotted string starting with the smallest piece under the loop.

Step 3 – Paint:

Paint the tree branch segments green using acrylic paint. Your tree branch segments should resemble an evergreen tree.

Step 4 – Decorate:

Paste sequins onto your tree for ornaments. Allow them to dry and then find a place to hang it!

We love this craft because it’s simple, affordable and educational! If your kids enjoy it too, consider making a few at a time and giving them to friends and relatives as a gift.

Kids who are old enough to write can write their name and the name of the recipient, or full sentences in a letter to the recipient. Writing letters is great for developing emotional regulation and great practice for school assignments!

Share With Us!

What are your favorite Christmas tree ornaments? Did you try making this one? Share your thoughts and creations with us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter using #mothergooseclub. We love getting crafty and celebrating with Mother Goose Club families around the world!

Happy Holidays!

What do you know – the holidays are here again! Get your kids involved in spreading holiday cheer with handmade holiday cards your friends and family will cherish. This craft is super simple with basic materials, minimal clean up, and you can tailor it to kids of almost any age. Put on your favorite Mother Goose Club holiday songs and enjoy flexing your creative muscles and imagination (while your little ones practice fine motor skills)!

Materials:

All the materials you need are below. Most everything can be found around the house or at your local store. Get creative, improvise and let us know what works for you!

• White construction paper
• Watercolor paint
• Paint brushes
• White (or other light-colored) crayons
• Tape

Step 1 – Fold Your Card:

To start, fold a piece of construction paper – first horizontally and then vertically. This will make a card shape.

Step 2 – Tape and Decorate:

Tape the corners of the card onto your work surface to keep it in place and from unfolding. Then, using a light-colored crayon (white, yellow, etc.), draw a design.

Step 3 – Paint to Reveal:

Paint over your design with watercolor and your design will pop! Use a glass of water to clean your brush between colors. Allow your card to dry, then carefully remove the tape. Write a personal message inside and send to your friends and family!

Share With Us!

What are your favorite holiday crafts to do with the family? Did you try this one? Share your thoughts and creations with us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter using #mothergooseclub. We love getting crafty and celebrating with Mother Goose Club families around the world!