Christmas 🖐 Craft

A Heartwarming Christmas Craft to Do with Grandparents: DIY Christmas Ornaments

The holidays are a special time for families to come together, create memories, and share in traditions that will last for generations. One of the best ways to bond with your grandparents during the Christmas season is by making homemade crafts that can be cherished for years to come. A perfect craft idea for the whole family to enjoy is DIY Christmas Ornaments. These personalized decorations can be customized for each family member, creating a lasting keepsake of time spent together.

Making Christmas ornaments with your grandparents is a wonderful way to celebrate the season, spark creativity, and reminisce about past holidays. Whether you are using traditional crafting supplies or upcycling old materials, the process is simple, fun, and full of opportunities to share stories and laughter. Let’s dive into a simple DIY Christmas ornament project that everyone—young and old—can enjoy.

DIY Christmas Ornament: Hand print Salt Dough Ornaments

One of the most meaningful ornaments to make with your grandparents (and children, if they’re involved) is a hand print salt dough ornament. This craft is not only easy and inexpensive but also creates a cherished keepsake that captures the hand prints of loved ones. These ornaments can be personalized in so many ways, and over the years, they will become treasured mementos of family memories.

What You’ll Need:

• 2 cups of all-purpose flour

• 1 cup of salt

• ¾ cup of water

• A bowl for mixing

• A rolling pin

• Cookie cutters (optional for shapes)

• A straw (to make a hole for hanging)

• A baking sheet

• Paint and brushes (acrylic or washable paint)

• Ribbon or twine (for hanging)

• Glitter or other decorations (optional)

Instructions:

1. Make the Salt Dough:

• In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt together.

• Slowly add the water, stirring continuously until the mixture forms a dough. You may need to add a little more water or flour depending on the consistency. The dough should be smooth and easy to knead.

• Once the dough is ready, roll it out on a flat surface to about ¼ inch thick. You can sprinkle a bit of flour on your work surface to prevent it from sticking.

2. Create Handprints:

• Have your grandparents and any kids dip their hands in some flour so they don’t stick to the dough. Press their hands gently into the dough to make clear handprints.

• You can also use cookie cutters to create shapes like stars, hearts, or Christmas trees—perfect for those who prefer a bit more flexibility with their design.

• Use a straw to create a hole at the top of the ornament, so you can hang it later.

3. Bake the Ornaments:

• Preheat the oven to 250°F (120°C). Place the handprint ornaments (or shapes) on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

• Bake for about 2 hours or until the ornaments are hard and dry. If the ornaments are thick, they may need a little longer, so check them every 30 minutes.

• Once done, allow them to cool completely.

4. Decorate the Ornaments:

• After the ornaments have cooled, it’s time to get creative! Use acrylic paints to decorate the handprints or other shapes. You can paint the whole ornament or just highlight the handprints.

• Add glitter or other small decorations to give your ornaments some sparkle. Use different colors to personalize each one and make them festive!

• For a more personalized touch, write the name of the family member (and the year) on the ornament. This can be done with a fine-tip marker or paint.

5. Add a Ribbon or Twine:

• Once the paint has dried, thread a ribbon or twine through the hole and tie a knot to create a loop for hanging the ornament on the tree.

Why It’s Perfect for Christmas with Grandparents

1. Meaningful Keepsake: Hand print ornaments are a sentimental way to capture a moment in time. As the years pass, these ornaments become priceless treasures that help remember how small hands once were. Every time you hang the ornament on the tree, it’s a reminder of the love and time spent with your grandparents.

2. Great for All Ages: This craft is easy enough for young children to participate in (with some adult supervision for the baking part) and allows grandparents to actively participate in making something they can display proudly. The handprint aspect is particularly meaningful for younger children and older adults, making it a perfect intergenerational activity.

3. Simple and Low-Cost: The materials needed for these ornaments are very affordable and can often be found around the house. Plus, there’s no need for expensive tools or special crafting supplies. The beauty of this craft lies in its simplicity, making it accessible for families on a budget.

4. Conversation Starter: Crafting together gives everyone a chance to chat, share memories, and tell stories. Your grandparents can reminisce about past holidays, family traditions, and childhood Christmas memories. This sharing not only enhances the experience but also strengthens family bonds and helps pass down stories to younger generations.

5. Perfect for Customizing: These ornaments can be personalized in countless ways. You could choose to make ornaments representing each family member’s favorite Christmas theme, decorate them with symbols of the season (like candy canes, snowflakes, or stars), or even paint them with meaningful quotes. The possibilities are endless!

Tips for Making It Extra Special

• Use natural ingredients: If you’d like a more rustic feel, try using natural decorations like dried flowers, pinecones, or small twigs to decorate the ornaments. You could even press a small sprig of holly or a pine needle into the dough before baking for a special touch.

• Write Family Messages: Have each family member write a holiday message on the back of their ornament. This could be a favorite Christmas memory or a special wish for the upcoming year.

• Create a Family Ornament Tradition: Make a new ornament every year and date it. Over time, you’ll build a collection of hand print ornaments that reflect your growing family.

Making hand print salt dough ornaments with your grandparents is a perfect Christmas craft because it’s simple, meaningful, and creates lasting memories. These handmade ornaments will become treasures for years to come, reminding everyone of the special bond you share with your grandparents during the holiday season. So, gather your materials, bring out your creativity, and get ready to create something beautiful together this Christmas!

Caregivers remember this could also be a great activity for you to do with your client that they can give as well. It is a great gesture theater will be appreciated all around. What other DIY gifts do you find fun to do with your clients to surprise their families? Have fun, enjoy and keep that smile Smiling:)