Decorations With the Kids

Icicle Ornaments

Materials:

pipe cleaners
pencil
string
3 Tbs. borax
1 cup water, boiling
large glass jar

Steps:

1. Shape the pipe cleaner into any desired form, such as a heart, star or Christmas tree.

2. Attach the pipe cleaner shape to a pencil with string.

3. An adult should carefully mix borax and boiling water to create a solution that will form crystals on the pipe cleaner. Up to four cups of water will likely be needed to fill a large jar, so mix accordingly.

Materials:

red and green construction paper
scissors

Steps:

1. Cut construction paper into strips approximately eight inches long and two inches wide. The strips should resemble a tongue depressor in shape.

2. Fold the strip over and cut a slit into the middle about three inches deep.

Materials:

paper towel tubes
wrapping paper
ribbon
candy
trinkets

Steps:

1. Cut the paper towel tubes in half and fill with candy and trinkets.

2. Wrap in colored paper and secure each end with ribbon. Present on plates at dinner time for a festive surprise.

Materials:

old candles or paraffin wax
metal can
ice chunks
cardboard juice container
taper candle
candle coloring (if using non-colored candles)

Steps:

1. Shave down wax into the metal container and melt using the can as a double boiler. Keep an eye on the wax because it is flammable. If using non-colored wax, add some candle coloring (available at most craft stores).

2. Center a taper candle in the juice container and surround with ice.