New Year, New Challange

Alright. So I am blogging daily over at http://maudesmysteries.com, but because I like to torture myself, I am recommitting to this blog as well. Actually, it is not torture--crafting with kids is something that I enjoy immensely! This time around, I am going to come up with a stock of posts first, so I am not writing the day of. That should keep me going when I am feeling uninspired.
So, there will be changes. They will be good ones. I am thinking of having a contribution section where you can submit your crafty ideas and pictures. Definitely pictures. So keep me to task and stop in (often) starting Jan. 1.
Happy Holidays!
In the meantime, enjoy this fabulous holiday craft! We made this ornament last year and to date, it is my favorite, hands down.

Supplies Needed:
Green Acrylic Paint
Old Puzzle with missing pieces (I found the smaller 1000 piece puzzles were too small and difficult for the kids to manipulate. Larger pieces, like from a 24, or 100 piece kid's puzzle, should work much better.)
Colorful buttons or beads
Glue--tacky or white
Ribbon
Any other holiday themed swag

To Begin:
Paint the puzzle pieces green and let dry. Do this the day before you want to make the wreath.

The Craft:
1. Take the painted green puzzle pieces and glue them, one on top of another in a circular shape.
2. To simplify for the littler kids, cut out a piece of cardboard from a paper plate or cereal box in a doughnut shape. They can glue the puzzle pieces directly to the cardboard.
3. Pile on several layers of puzzle pieces. I used four in the example.
4. Let dry for a few minutes to give the glue time to set.
5. Glue on the buttons, beads, and swag in an appealing manner.
6. Tie a bow out of the ribbon and glue it on. If your child is having trouble with the ribbon, you can tie it and have them glue it on.
7. Cut a length of ribbon to act as the hanger for the tree. Glue it to the back of the wreath, using another puzzle piece on top of it to secure it.


This is a fun, quick and easy craft that can be passed down as a keepsake.

So tell me, what is *your* favorite holiday craft? Feel free to include images! I love to see what others are up to!