Christmas Ornaments for Kids to Make: Think Nature and Go Green

Depending on where you live in the country, seasonal changes bring an abundance of materials from nature. These items can be transformed into holiday ornaments, both traditional and unique in design. Decorating from nature can be rewarding starting from the collection of the objects to the finished artistic creation. Below are a few Christmas ornaments for kids to make.

-Acorn Decorations

Make adorable tree decorations by painting acorns with tempera (poster) paints. Sprinkle these with glitter, sequins, tinsel and such. An adult can help screw in a cup hook at the top for a permanent hanger. Use these on holiday trees or around the house.

-Under the Sea

Seashells can be turned into glamorous holiday ornaments. Children can paint them with poster paints or leave them as is. Most shells have a natural hole to thread colorful yarn through or you can glue on a hanger with hot glue. If you're lucky to find sand dollars or starfish, these can be very impressive as decorations..

-Berry Ornaments

Collect non-poisonous berries from trees and bushes or purchase cranberries at your market. Mold floral wire into shapes. String the berries on the wire, closing the top to form a hanger. Hang these on a holiday tree.

-Leaf Holly Ornament

Collect an amount of small green leaves. Cut out a circle of cardboard. Glue on the leaves, point to point, resembling a holly sprig. Cut out small circles of red construction paper and glue on these imitation holly berries. Hang these ornaments around the room or on a tree.

-Seed Ornaments

Buy or collect squash seeds, sunflower seeds, birdseed, etc. Cut an ornament shape from cardboard. Poke a hole at the top for the hanger. Spread a thin line of white glue along the bottom and lay the first row of seeds on the ornament. This will dry quickly and then you're ready for the second row. Continue varying the rows of seeds until completely covered.

-Pine Cone Evergreen

Give each child a pinecone; making sure the bottom stem is removed for it to stand securely. Submerge the cone in water and after removing it, sprinkle evenly with grass seed. Place the pinecone in a shallow container with at least half an inch of water. Place this in a sunny location, keeping water in the base. As the greens grow, trim them to emphasize an evergreen shape.

-Eggshell Ornaments

Poke a hole in the top and bottom of an egg. Blow gently through one hole so that egg comes out the other end. (Use the eggs to make holiday recipes). Rinse the inside shell with water and let it dry thoroughly. Paint the eggshell to create unique designs. Decorate the egg with glitter, sequins, lace, and so on. Glue on a loop of ribbon to use as your hanger.

Decorating green will teach children to be frugal and to use Earth's natural resources to make beautiful creations. The idea of Christmas ornaments for kids to make is that together you and your child will do projects and bond - enjoy the quality time with one another.

NOTE: According to the age of the child, adult supervision may be necessary. Use safe materials and tools. Refrain from glitter with very young children, as glitter can cause eye irritation. Think about other options that sparkle. Make sure hands are washed thoroughly after each project.

Source: Personal Experience