BH&G Holiday Crafts 2019

Happy Holidays! Get your crafts supplies organized! It’s time to start crafting for Halloween and Christmas. In this issue of Holiday Crafts magazine, you’ll find something—wreaths, ornaments, pillows, and more—for every room in your home and every person on your shopping list. Whether you display a creation in your home or gift one to someone special, it’s so heartwarming to receive appreciation for your handmade items. I’ve already picked out a few projects in this issue that I’ll be making for others and for myself. I’ll try hard not to start on my own favorites first! We’re crafters in our office, and we see all the trends in the crafting world. From those trends, we select the best projects to share with you. The instructions are scrutinized—and tested—until we feel confident they’re accurate…

GOOSE-BUMPS PARADE Flag your Halloween favorites in an easy-to-customize banner for your shelf or mantel. Bats, a pumpkin, a bubbling cauldron, and a skull and crossbones are only the beginning. To dress up a niche, display a single pennant on a dowel. Designer: AMY CHAPPELL SHOUT-OUT Leaving no doubt about holiday loyalties, jack-o’-lanterns frolic on this 14×28-inch pillow. In traditional black, white, and orange, the appliqués and pom-pom fringe bring fresh excitement to the scheme. Designer: JENI GOCHNOUR + Love this pillow? Check out Jeni’s coordinating project in the fall issue of Quilts & More magazine, on newsstands now. PRETTY AS A PUMPKIN Even with a cat lantern to light her way, this darling looks a little spooked. Tissue-covered foam balls form the body and head. Cardstock leaves and wire tendrils add dimension and detail. Designer: CINDY ERSKINE GRAVEYARD DANCE The…

DIAMONDS IN THE ROUND Felt diamonds and crisscrossed yarn draw on traditional argyle patterns. The unexpected application emphasizes the impact of the traditional color scheme on a creamy background. Fresh and sophisticated, the wreath requires only three basic materials, no special tools, and a simple technique. Designer: JENNIFER FITZSIMMONS STRING THEORY Hop on board for a nostalgic take on bringing home the Christmas tree. Cut from wood, the antique-style red truck gains dimension from additional wood cutouts and paint. The real attention-getter is the string-art tree. Its vibrant green pattern fills the scene with texture. Designer: DOMINIQUE RUSSELL WINTER DELIGHT Capture all the joys of the season in the delicate stitching and subdued color variations of this sweet scene. Embroider the joyful girl and swirling greenery, then make the hoop-framed piece a focal point by centering the…

ICE DREAM Shimmery snowflakes, sparkling pom-pom garlands, and a delicate paper star topper bring shivers of delight to a cool decorating scheme. Deck a flocked tree with handmade and purchased ornaments, and surround the scene with polar bears, bottle-brush trees, and easy-assemble pom-pom trees. INSTRUCTIONS Pom-Pom Trees and Garland shown right and opposite MATERIALS □ Papier-mâché cones□ Hot-glue gun and glue sticks□ Glitter pom-poms: assorted sizes and colors□ Embroidery floss□ Embroidery needle MAKE THE TREE Working from the top of a cone down, hot-glue pom-poms close together, arranging colors as desired. MAKE THE GARLAND Cut embroidery floss to desired garland length, plus extra for hanging. Thread an embroidery needle with the floss and push needle through the center of a pom-pom; push pom-pom onto floss. Repeat to add pom-poms; knot ends of floss to secure. + Make glitter pom-poms with glitter…

SNOW FAN With twinkling eyes and glowing pink cheeks, this clay-covered snowman knows that a crisp day signals time to find the perfect Christmas tree. Decked out in seasonal red, the snowman cradles tiny bottle-brush trees. Sprinkled with glittery mica, the pleasingly rounded form hides an easy-to-construct foundation. Starting with foil balls, it’s simple to smooth air-dry clay into a classic snowman shape. Designer: NANCY MALAY INSTRUCTIONS Snow Fan shown on page 34 MATERIALS □ 18-inch roll of aluminum foil□ Crafts glue□ Toothpicks□ Air-dry clay (such as Creative Paperclay brand)□ Fine-grit sandpaper□ Acrylic paint: off-white, black, orange, pink□ Artists brushes□ Clear acrylic spray finish: matte□ White marking pen□ Cardstock: red□ Scrap of velvet trim□ Small artificial greenery and berries□ Scrap of striped knit fabric□ Two miniature bottle-brush trees□ Wire cutters (optional)□ Artificial snow□ Decoupage medium (such as…

SWEET AS HONEYCOMB Airy and ethereal, tissue-paper honeycomb balls need just a few embellishments to transform them from ordinary party fare into metallic-accented holiday decor. Flock cut branches with artificial snow and hang the dressed-up honeycombs among gold ornaments for an artful display. SNAP, CRACKER, POP Parchment and tinsel turn a cardboard tube into a prize package. Until guests open the Christmas favors, crackers make charming additions to a festive table. Arrange one at each place setting or gather them in a bowl. Along with a trinket, traditional crackers often include a note, joke, riddle, or trivia. GUARD DUTY Line up sets of three wooden nutcrackers to protect your precious stockings. Embellish the unfinished figures with silver and gold uniform accents to give each soldier a distinct look that still coordinates with the others. Change…