Simple and soothing family crafts and rituals.

We decorate our home and hearth year round with handmade garlands. Personally, I like to make intricate and elaborate seasonal paper garlands. (Check out our market to view them!) But, as a mother, I also love a garland project that can truly include my young children, without leaving us all feeling frustrated because it is over their skill level. The following garland ideas I share with you are simple, beautiful, family friendly garlands to make WITH your children. The activity of stringing small objects on a needle and thread is a great eye-hand motor skill for the children to practice. And this project can incorporate older children who might want to make longer and more elaborate patterns. Working with our hands is an old, traditional way to relieve stress… perhaps a much needed tradition for the whole family during our modern hectic holiday season. At some point in our garland making, we all drop into a sweet, creative zone together that is so soothing and simple.

Supplies:

Needles: For very young children, get book-binding needles that are dull and for older children and adults, any sewing needle will do.

Thread: Any thread will do, but thinner goes through popcorn more easily.

Popcorn: We make ours on the stove top with ghee and salt so we can eat it while we work. (Make extra for eating of course!)

Dried Cranberries or Rosehips: You will need to harvest rosehips fresh so they will be soft enough to use or cranberries are an easier and a yummy option.

Citrus: Slice and dry oranges or lemons ahead of time. Or use the pieces of a freshly peeled orange.

Apple: Sliced apples can be used fresh or dried ahead of time.