Creating Christmas salt dough ornaments using handprints and footprints is a delightful way to capture precious memories of your little ones during the festive season. To make the salt dough, simply combine flour, salt, and water, then knead until smooth. Roll the dough out to about 0.5cm thick and use cookie cutters to create festive shapes like stars, Christmas trees, or snowflakes.

Once you've cut out your desired shapes, carefully press your child's handprints or footprints into the dough to create beautiful imprints. This not only adds a personal touch but also serves as a lovely keepsake for years to come. After baking the ornaments in the oven until hard, you can decorate them with festive paint, glitter, or ribbons for an extra special touch.

Hang these charming creations on your Christmas tree or gift them to family members as heartfelt presents. Each ornament tells a story, capturing the joy and whimsy of childhood during the most wonderful time of the year.

36 Creative Things to Make with Cardboard

Cardboard is one of those wonderfully versatile materials that often gets overlooked. Whether you’re an avid crafter or just looking for a way to keep the children entertained, here are 36 creative ideas to transform plain old cardboard into something truly special.

1. Cardboard Playhouse: Create a delightful playhouse for kids by cutting out windows and doors, and let them paint it to add their personal touch.

2. Storage Organisers: Construct stylish organisers for desks or drawers using cardboard boxes, covered with decorative paper or paint for a customised look.

3. Greeting Cards: Design unique greeting cards by folding and cutting cardboard into shapes, then embellish them with drawings or cut-outs.

4. Wall Art: Use thick cardboard to make stunning wall art pieces. Experiment with layering and paint to create a three-dimensional effect.

5. Sculptures: Channel your inner artist and craft abstract sculptures by stacking and gluing pieces of cardboard together.

6. Board Games: Design your own custom board games, complete with a game board, pieces, and dice, all crafted from cardboard.

7. Gift Boxes: Skip the shop-bought options and create personalised gift boxes for special occasions, decorated to match the theme of your celebration.

8. Mini Furniture: Build miniature furniture for dolls or action figures, from chairs to tables, allowing for hours of imaginative play.

9. Costumes: Get creative with costumes, using cardboard to make hats, masks, and other accessories for fancy dress parties.

10. Animal Masks: Craft animal masks by cutting out shapes from cardboard and using string or elastic to wear them, perfect for school plays or parties.

These initial ideas are just the tip of the iceberg. The beauty of cardboard lies not only in its accessibility but also in its potential to spark creativity. Whether it’s an afternoon project with the kids or a solo endeavour, there’s no limit to what you can achieve with just a few pieces of cardboard and a bit of imagination. Ready, set, craft!

23 Practical DIY Drawer Projects: Maximising Storage and Style

If you’re looking to enhance your living space while keeping it organised, there’s no better way than by embarking on some DIY drawer projects. From repurposing old furniture to crafting bespoke storage solutions, these 23 practical ideas will inspire you to get creative.

For instance, consider transforming an old wooden crate into a charming under-bed storage drawer. With a bit of sanding and a coat of paint, it can blend seamlessly with your décor. Or, for a more modern touch, try building a sleek, wall-mounted drawer system to hold your favourite books and trinkets, saving floor space and adding a unique aesthetic to your home.

If you're feeling ambitious, why not design custom drawer dividers for your kitchen or office? These handy inserts will keep everything neatly organised, making it easier to find what you need. Not to mention, they can be tailored to fit specific items, ensuring you make the most of every inch of space.

Whether you’re a DIY novice or an experienced crafter, these projects offer something for everyone. Get ready to roll up your sleeves and turn clutter into customised, stylish storage solutions!

How to Make Easy Light-Up Snowflake Wall Art

Transform your living space into a winter wonderland with this simple and enchanting light-up snowflake wall art. Perfect for adding a touch of festive charm, this project requires minimal materials and can be completed in just a few steps.

Materials Needed:

• White cardstock or snowflake templates
• LED fairy lights (battery-operated)
• Scissors
• Tape or adhesive glue
• Hole puncher
• String or ribbon (optional)

Instructions:

1. Create the Snowflakes: Begin by cutting out various snowflake shapes from your cardstock. You can either design your own or use templates available online. Get creative with different sizes and patterns to add dimension to your wall art.

2. Prepare the Lights: Take your LED fairy lights and carefully unwrap them. You'll want to ensure you have enough length to arrange them across your chosen wall space.

3. Attach the Snowflakes: Position your snowflakes on the wall, experimenting with arrangement until you find a composition you like. Use tape or adhesive glue to affix them securely. If you desire a more suspended look, consider attaching the snowflakes to the fairy lights directly.

4. Punch Holes for Lights: For an enchanting glow, use a hole puncher to create small openings in the centre of each snowflake. This will allow the light to shine through beautifully.

5. String Up the Lights: Carefully thread the fairy lights through the holes you've created, positioning them to illuminate each snowflake. If you prefer, you can also drape the lights casually around the snowflakes for a more whimsical effect.

6. Final Touches: Once everything is arranged to your satisfaction, step back and admire your handiwork! If you’ve used ribbon or string, you can hang additional snowflakes from the ceiling to enhance the effect.

Now, with a flick of a switch, you’ll have a stunning light-up snowflake display that captures the magic of winter and adds a cosy glow to your home. Enjoy your festive creation!

Making your own playdough at home is a delightful and straightforward activity that requires no cooking whatsoever. All you need are some basic ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. Start with one cup of plain flour, half a cup of salt, and two tablespoons of cream of tartar. In a large mixing bowl, combine these dry ingredients well.

Next, add one tablespoon of vegetable oil and a cup of water. To enhance the fun, you can mix in a few drops of food colouring of your choice. Stir everything together until it forms a dough. If the mixture appears too sticky, simply add a bit more flour until you achieve the perfect consistency.

Once the dough is ready, knead it on a clean surface for a couple of minutes. The result is a wonderfully soft playdough that's perfect for endless hours of imaginative play. Best of all, it’s quick to make, and you can easily whip up a fresh batch whenever the mood strikes! Remember to store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh for your next session of creativity. Happy playing!

Creating a super quick table runner in just 15 minutes is easier than you might think! First, gather your materials: two pieces of fabric—one for the top and one for the backing—each measuring approximately 30 cm by 150 cm. For a touch of flair, you can opt for a contrasting fabric or a complementary pattern.

Begin by placing the fabrics right sides together, ensuring that the edges align perfectly. Pin the fabric along the length, leaving a small gap of about 15 cm at one end to allow for turning it inside out later. Once pinned, use a sewing machine to stitch along the edges with a 1 cm seam allowance, reinforcing the corners for added durability.

After sewing, trim the corners to reduce bulk before carefully turning the runner right side out through the gap. Give it a good press with an iron to flatten any stubborn folds. Finally, tuck in the raw edges at the opening and sew a straight stitch along the edge, closing the gap neatly. Voilà! You now have a stunning table runner that can transform your dining space in no time at all.

Creating DIY mini accordion books is a delightful way to explore your creativity while crafting a unique keepsake. At Crafty Nest, we adore the charm of these petite volumes, perfect for journaling, sketching, or simply showcasing your favourite quotes and memories.

To begin, gather your materials: a few sheets of sturdy paper, some decorative cardstock for the cover, and a pair of scissors. The beauty of these books lies in their simplicity—cut your paper into consistent strips, then fold them into a concertina shape, adhering them together at one end to form the spine.

Once your accordion structure is ready, it's time to let your imagination run wild! Use stamps, washi tape, or hand-drawn illustrations to bring each page to life. You might even consider adding pockets for mementoes or tags that hold special messages.

Finally, cover your book with the decorative cardstock, securing it with a lovely ribbon or some twine for an added touch of whimsy. Whether a gift for a friend or a personal project, your DIY mini accordion book will be a treasured creation to flip through time and again. Happy crafting!

Upcycling used soap scraps is a fantastic way to reduce waste while adding a touch of creativity to your home. One of the simplest methods is to collect leftover pieces and melt them down to create new bars of soap. To do this, grate the scraps and gently heat them in a double boiler, adding a splash of water or glycerin to achieve the desired consistency. Once melted, you can pour the mixture into moulds for a fresh batch of soap, infused with whatever scents and colours you choose.

Another delightful idea is to craft your own soap sachets. Gather the smaller pieces and place them in a muslin bag or an old pair of tights. These sachets can be tucked away in drawers or hung in wardrobes, releasing a lovely aroma that freshens up your linens. Alternatively, you can add soap shavings to your laundry for a subtle fragrance boost.

For those with a penchant for crafts, consider using soap remnants to create decorative pieces. The remnants can be shaped into various forms, such as flowers or animals, adding a unique touch to your home décor.

By embracing these innovative methods, you not only give new life to your soap scraps but also contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle.

Making paper snowflakes is a delightful and simple craft that can bring a touch of winter magic indoors. Here’s how to create your own frosty designs.

Materials Needed:

• A square piece of paper (white is traditional, but any colour will do)
• Scissors
• A pencil (optional)
• A decorative surface to display your snowflakes

Instructions:

1. Prepare Your Paper: Start with a square piece of paper. If you have a rectangular sheet, simply fold one corner down to the opposite edge to form a triangle, then cut off the excess paper.

2. Fold the Paper: Once you have a square, fold the paper in half diagonally to create a triangle. Then, fold it again in half to form a smaller triangle. For more intricate designs, you can fold it a third time, bringing the two outer corners together.

3. Create the Design: Use scissors to cut shapes along the edges of the triangle. You can make small notches, curves, or even geometric shapes. Remember, the more you cut, the more intricate your snowflake will be; just be careful not to cut all the way through.

4. Unfold Your Snowflake: Carefully unfold the paper to reveal your unique snowflake. Each one will be different, showcasing your creativity.

5. Display Your Work: You can tape your snowflakes to windows, hang them from the ceiling, or use them to adorn cards and gifts.

Enjoy the charm of your handmade paper snowflakes as they dance in the winter light!

Etched glass is a captivating craft that merges artistry with practical elegance, making it a popular choice for both hobbyists and professional artisans. This technique involves the meticulous application of acid or abrasive materials to create intricate designs on glass surfaces, resulting in stunning pieces that can serve both decorative and functional purposes.

From personalised glassware and bespoke window panels to striking wall art, etched glass items have a unique charm that appeals to a wide audience. Vintage-style coasters, elegant candle holders, and customised wedding gifts often feature etched designs, making them top sellers in the marketplace. The demand for handcrafted pieces continues to rise, particularly at craft fairs and online platforms, where consumers seek distinctive items that add character to their homes.

For those looking to venture into this craft, establishing a signature style and promoting quality craftsmanship can lead to a thriving business. As sustainability becomes increasingly important, using recycled glass adds an eco-friendly element that can further enhance the appeal of etched glass creations. Whether for personal enjoyment or entrepreneurship, the art of etching glass offers endless possibilities and the chance to create pieces that resonate with buyers across the UK.