4 Easy Christmas Crafts

Christmas is Coming! 

Christmas time is the perfect time to break out the glue gun. Some of the best Christmas decorations and gifts are handmade.

I am sharing my three favorite Christmas Crafts I made this year. Lakelynn Salinas allowed me to share her impressive handmade Grinch faux fireplace.

I am posting a few tutorials that are easy. I am terrible at telling others how to craft. So I hope the instructions are easy to follow.

Christmas Art- 

Kohl's has similar pictures, but they were expensive. So I decided I would make my own for less. You need a small canvas and scrap booking paper. Adhesive letters if desired. Modgepodge is best to keep the paper in place.

This craft is simple you trace the canvas shape on the back of the paper and cut. Place the paper on top of the canvas use a foam or regular paint brush apply the Modgepodge.  Use Modgepodge like it is paint remember it will dry clear. The Modgepodge will take several hours to dry. After the glue has dried apply the decals to the canvas. This project is fast and easy, well if you exclude the drying overnight part.

Pillar Candle-

I wanted something to use all winter and I could change later. You can pick any candle holder you like with a smooth surface. You can use any ribbon you want for the embellishment.  I measure by wrapping the ribbon around the pillar and snip. I prefer glue tape because hot glue, may seep through and burn you. Since glue tape is cut, I use the ribbon to measure it. A glue gun works too be careful not to burn your fingers. Glue tape and hot glue will pull off. You can remove the ribbon after the holidays and apply a new one for other holidays.

Easy Skirt-

This one is easy you can sew it from memory with no pattern. Measure the waist where the waistband sits on the child. If the measurement is 21 inches, I add about 1/4 of an inch for when I sew the seams together, so the skirt will not be too tight.

Measure how long you want the finished skirt to be. Here is where it can get complicated. There are two ways of handling the elastic casing and the hem. If you own a serger, you can serge the raw edges. You need to make seam allowances for the hem and the casing. If you do not own a serger, you will need to fold down the hem twice and the casing. You must remember to double those seam allowances.

For example, let's say I serge the raw edges, and I need the skirt to be 21 inches. If my elastic is 3/4 an inch and I want a 1/4 inch hem, I add an inch and cut 22 inches long. I leave a little extra space for the elastic casing. If the tube is too tight, you won't be able to thread the elastic. The gist is your fabric will need to be 22 inches long. I add a pinch for the casing.

For example, let's say you do not own a serger, and the elastic is one inch, and you want a half an inch hem. You want a 23-inch long skirt. You need to double the hem measurement and add a quarter inch to the casing. So you add an inch for the hem and 1.25 for the elastic casing. So that's 25.25 inches.

The width is what you want. I use the width of the yard for bigger skirts. Cut the fabric and sew the edges together. Use a zig-zag stitch to finish the raw edges if you do not use a serger.

If you are not using a serger measure, the length you desire for the hem. To hem the skirt, fold the hem over then pin the hem with glass pins and press. You must repeat the hem directions again. By pressing the hem twice this prevents the raw edges from fraying. Then sew the hem.

At the waistband if you want an inch first measure 1/4 inch fold and press. This is so the raw edges are tucked away to prevent fraying.  The waistband needs to be slightly longer than the elastic. I measure one and 2/16 an inch.  You then fold the fabric, pin, and press again. This will be your waistband so pin and press. If you serged the raw threads, you only need to fold and press once.

Use a straight stitch but do not close the waistband. An inch of the waistband casing must be left open. You need this gap for the elastic.

Mark the elastic, so you know you are sewing the right sides together to prevent twisting. What you want to do is use an elastic threader or use a safety pin. Pin one side down and feed the elastic through until the opposite end comes out.

The sew the elastic together. Push it into the casing and close the gap. The tight elastic will gather the skirt for you! Wolla you have a skirt!

Another skirt I made with this method.

These skirts make great gifts. Once you have made a few it becomes a very easy project.

Last, I love this Grich Faux Fireplace. Lakelynn Salinas is incredible. Here is a link to Pinterest where she has written a tutorial. Her twist on the faux fireplace is the best Christmas craft I've seen in forever. She had to get creative this year. Her daughter was worried that Santa would not visit because their new home did not have a fireplace. Is this not one of the best parenting wins?

Lakelynn is from Tennessee she works, she has four kids, and is pregnant with her fifth and made that! She is a supermom. Her husband helped her with the painting. This craft may seem elaborate, but it's easy. I love this so much. This is perfect for Christmas! Lakelynn is on Pinterest so follow her. 

Which craft is your favorite? Are you making any gifts this year? 

Did you like this post? Want to read more?

Read on to learn how to get your kids to bed early on Christmas Eve.

My top 10 family Christmas Movies.

Obnoxious Disneyland and Walt Disney World Pass Holder Behavior

As an annual pass holder and Parent of a Cast Member some things I have read in AP’s discussion groups are bothering me. A hot topic is how our fellow AP’s are acting. Most pass holders are nice, but the rude behavior is out of control.

Before I became a stay at-home parent, I worked in retail management. Most of my adult life I handled rude people at work. Once someone has decided they are unhappy, it’s tough to make them happy. Sometimes even the most helpful worker is accused of rudeness.

Many people are complaining online in pass holder groups about cast members. Most stories make the AP look bad. Other pass holders will dive in and troll them.

I’ve had plenty of practice dealing with negativity. I try my hardest not to pass judgement. In all honesty, even I’ve been rude before too. We are all guilty of being rude at least once.

The thing is when we interact a Cast Member we forget we don’t know them in real life. What we perceive as a rude tone of voice could be their actual voice.

I notice people who think the Cast Member is at fault was the one being rude. When someone’s offended, they can overreact.

A small fraction of people feel a sense of entitlement at Disney because the trip or pass can be expensive.

We all pay admission though so no one’s entitled to special treatment. If you want special treatment, hire a guide for the day. 

I’ve seen children not tall enough to go for a ride and Cast Member trying to explain this to the parent. Who says but I’m a pass holder let my child on. A woman got mad at a Space Mountain Cast Member when she told her that her child was not tall enough to ride. The woman picked up her child and ignored the Cast Member and went through the queue. The child was at most three. When she approached the second checkpoint, she was told the same.

People spew the line I’m a pass holder as a validation to get what they want. If they run out of something they use the pass holder line as if that will make the item appear.

If an attraction or restaurant is closing people use the pass as a bargaining chip. Like, they won’t renew the pass or will complain if they do not get what they want.

The ride ran out of FastPasses? But I am a pass holder get me one. I have to get off? Can I go around once more? I’m a pass holder.

The phrase becomes a threat. An annual pass does not grant you exclusive rights. A Cast Member is not fearful of reprisals because of a complaint but a complaint from an annual pass holder.

This has to stop. A Disney annual pass is not a status symbol. Most people do not care what kind of pass you or if you paid in full. Why does your pass matter enough to be a part of your Instagram bio?

I do not care if I make people mad. Spend enough time at Disney you see behavior like this often. Some Disney bloggers need to stick their neck out and focus on issues no one discusses.

People expect Disney Bloggers and Vloggers always to be positive. The fact is, we are human too, and we get annoyed.

As pass holders take for granted we are privileged to go to Disney. We go whenever we want and get exclusive perks a few times a year. Having a pass does not mean you get to do whatever you want.

This behavior does not occur at Knotts Berry Farm at all. I do not hear these stories about Knott’s. This is a Disney issue.  

On a side note someone has asked me several times to address an issue. I am told people are screaming on the Haunted Mansion elevator. It’s rude. People yell to be annoying. It’s worth mentioning. Because I board these rides with a FastPass, I see many of the screamers are AP’s. Because they scan their passes before mine. In the Haunted Mansion, it’s easy to spot an AP. They line up in front of the elevator door and scream when the scream happens on the ride. I wish people would stop doing this. They scare the kids, and it’s annoying. It is not funny or cool cut it out.

I dislike being negative. So if you want to read a unique and positive perspective on the crowds read my post on the plus side of the crowds. You can read my post about that here. 

Knott's Merry Farm 2018

Knott's Berry Farm is a former Berry Farm. Walter Knott helped perfect the boysenberry. Knott's Berry Farm has an interesting and rich history.

Knott sold berry preserves and pies roadside and later started a little restaurant. The fried chicken became such a prominent draw people waited hours to get the chicken. Water built the ghost town in 1940 to give keep visitors busy while waiting for their chicken.

Knotts Berry Farm is older than Disneyland. If you research Walter Knott and Walt Disney the men were friendly. Walt Disney used to come to Knotts to ride the train. Walt Disney loved trains as did Walter Knott.

Knotts Berry Farm thrives because Disneyland is expensive. Knott's becomes swamped when Disneyland has blackout dates. Before we go onto why I love Knott's Merry Farm, I must warn you of something.

To be honest, Knott's has outdated restrooms. Cedar Fair has not invested money into rejuvenating this crucial aspect of the park. Knott's bathrooms often run out of toilet paper, soap, towels, and seat covers. 

Knott's lacks clean and welcoming facilities for babies who need feeding and changing. The baby care center is two stainless steel changing tables. A curtain with a chair behind the curtain is the nursing or pumping area. Anyone can walk in.

It disappointed me when they renovated the Ghost Town. Knott's put a lot of money into making that more appealing to visitors. I also expected them to upgrade the bathrooms.

That is my primary criticism. I contemplated leaving the issue with the bathrooms out of this post. I however felt I had to be honest. The bathrooms are bad. I would give Knott's a glowing recommendation if they would remodel the bathrooms.

On to what is excellent about Knott's Merry Farm. Which runs November 16th to January 6th.

The Peanuts Guide to Christmas show in Camp Snoopy is adorable. Overall the Peanuts Guide to Christmas is cute family friendly show. The characters are singing and dancing. It’s easy to get a seat and Knott's offers plenty of performances during the day. 

They also offer a show at the Calico Saloon. Which is fun and differs from typical Christmas entertainment. It's a little kitschy but fun.

A Christmas Carol and Gift of the Magi are live at the BirdCage theatre. I have yet to watch either show. I have heard they are outstanding shows and the Bird Cage theater is impressive. 

The Christmas Crafts Village is one of my favorites. I love the Glass Blowers, and people who carve wood with chainsaws. They sell great handmade items you can spend an hour or two perusing the booths. 

I love when they convert the Wilderness Dancehall to Santa's Christmas Cabin. Typical treats are for sale like cookies. Chocolate-dipped cheesecake on a stick and pastries are what I recommend you try. Craft beers and spiced holiday wine is available for the adults. You also can buy gift packages of preserves and syrups. You can also warm up with hot chocolate with marshmallows. The kids can meet Santa and have pictures taken.

It’s The Merriest Christmas Show Ever, Charlie Brown is fun and a great family show. This show is standing room and if you want a spot close to the stage arrive early.

I’ve never seen the Snoopy on Ice, and the reason is stupid. The line is long you must arrive early. I wish they would offer a fast lane for some shows because I don’t want to stand in line for two hours. 

The Calico Tree lighting Ceremony is wonderful. Performance by Calico Bell Choir and the Citizens of Calico are wonderful. I love watching the tree lighting. The tree lighting is one of the best things Knott's offers.

What I love the most though is when it snows in Ghost Town’s Main Street and School House Road! They play music, and it snows while the lights twinkle. Disneyland does this at the castle but people are shoulder to shoulder. It's hard to enjoy yourself when you can't see anything.

The Ghost Town experience is terrific and the Calico Carolers are the highlight. You cannot miss them. 

I guess the Disneyland Bell Ringers are here this year. Lol. 🔔 🎄👏🎅🏻 #bellringing #bellringers #christmascarols #christmascarolers #amusementpark #christmas #knotts #knottsmerryfarm #knottsberryfarm

A post shared by Megan (@practicallyperfectmeg) on Dec 20, 2016 at 4:16pm PST

I love Knott's Merry Farm which is a great alternative to Disneyland. The atmosphere will put you in the Christmas Spirit. With low admission prices and such affordable dining packages, Knott's is budget friendly. I recommend visiting this holiday season.

If you will be visiting Knott’s Merry Farm I also recommend visiting Disneyland. Here are some helpful Disneyland posts.

Here are some helpful posts to help prepare for your Holiday visit to Disneyland. 

Disneyland with babies.

Bringing preschool-aged children to Disneyland

How to avoid losing your kids at Disneyland

Wondering if a MaxPass is worth the cost?

Line Tips

Christmas At Disneyland Guide