I’m not much into doing crafts. But my son loves art, so this Christmas I wanted to make some crafts, including this DIY Noel plate. So I stocked up on craft supplies. My son’s eyes lit up as I started to unpack my bag.
Plates
Paint
Glue Sticks
Glitter
Painting canvas
and lots more craft supplies…
Sadly, my artsy son didn’t get a very crafty mom. He doesn’t see products like this emerge from my bags too often. But the look of delight on his little face was worth the extra expense and extra work to plan out some Christmas crafts.
Why This Not-So-Craftsy Mom is Making Crafts a Priority
If you’re like most Christian families I know (present company included) you desire to slow down, spend time with your family, and focus on Christ at Christmas. But unfortunately, it seems the opposite often happens. It becomes all about the gifts and the decorations. We get wrapped up in the busyness of the season.
Crafts can be a great way to combat many of these things.
- Crafting with your family forces you to slow down. You have to schedule it into your week. You have to put the iPhone or computer down and focus on what you’re doing. You’re giving your time and attention to your family and the project you’re working on together
- Hands on activities can be used to point your family to Christ. Use this time to together to talk about Christ and Christmas. I’ve included a few discussion points at the end of this post that you may want to use while you’re working on this craft.
- Use crafts to focus on others. Kids can give crafts they’ve made away as gifts to family members, neighbors, or you might consider visiting some shut-in’s or a local nursing home to help brighten someone’s day. Fill this plate up with cookies before you give it away and you’re sure to get some extra bright smiles!
Let me encourage you to slow down. Intentionally slow down just for a couple of weeks during the Christmas season. I know this season of shopping, baking, planning, decorating, and parties can be one of the busiest, but if we want to intentionally take time to focus on Christ with our families, we have to learn to say “no” to some things. Even good things.
We say “no” to good things so we can say “yes” to the best things.
DIY Noel Plate Craft
This DIY Noel plate craft is a fun way to slow down and make some memories at Christmastime. You can use the plate in your own home every year, or make several to give as gifts. Better yet, stock up the plates with Christmas treats and give them to neighbors and loved ones!
DIY "Noel" Plate Craft
Ingredients
- Plain white plate
- Oil-based permanent markers
- Alphabet stickers
Instructions
- For long term use, be sure to use oil-based permanent markers. I recommend Sharpie brand, because they are non-toxic and xylene free.
- Use alphabet stickers to spell "Noel" on the center of the plate. Press each letter firmly onto the plate, paying special attention to the edges.
- Using a green marker, dab gently all around the letters. Make sure all the edges have paint on them so the lettering is clear and sharp.
- Draw the rest of the tree design freehand or sketch it out with a dry erase marker first. Color it in well.
- After the tree is completely dry, peel off the lettering. It will take approximately one hour for your paint to dry.
- Place the plate in a cool oven, turn oven to 350 degrees and bake plate for 30 minutes. Turn off the oven. Let the plate cool inside the oven, then remove.
- The cookie plate should be washed by hand after use.
Ideas for Discussion
Be sure to use this time with your kids to talk about Christmas. Here are some discussion ideas:
- The word Noel is used a lot around Christmas-time. Do you know what it means? Noel is the the French word for Christmas. This word originated from the Latin word “natalis” which means birthday.
- Can you think of any Christmas songs where you hear the word Noel? “The First Noel.” Sing the song together and talk about what it means. Remind your kids, the reason we celebrate Christmas is to celebrate Jesus’ birthday.
- What does the star on the tree we’re making remind us of? The star reminds us of the Star of Bethlehem that guided the wise men to the east, where they could see and worship Jesus.
The Stories Behind the Music: Christmas Carol Devotions and Activities for Your Family
If you are looking for more crafts to help your family for on Christ this Christmas season, check out The Stories Behind the Music.
This devotional uses the Bible, classic Christmas carols, and hands-on activities to speak to your family’s minds and hearts the truths of the gospel.
Each lesson includes:
- A story about how the carol was written
- Lyrics to the carol
- A scripture reading
- An explanation of the Bible passage
- Discussion questions for the family
- A short prayer
- Sheet music for each carol
- A craft that can be completed together as a family
You can buy a softcover, full-color edition, or if you want to save some money, just purchase a digital, full-color copy of the book.
Buy the Digital Version Here
Buy the Softcover Book on Amazon
It’s a lovely idea, and something the kids can make for grandparents and other family members.
If you can, come and join the Holidays Celebration Link Party and share your holidays posts! (http://keepingitrreal.blogspot.com.es/2016/12/welcome-to-2016-the-holidays-celebration-link-party-1.html)
Thank you and have a wonderful weekend!