With family getting together over the next few weeks, we thought it’d be a great idea to share some easy and fun holiday craft ideas that we absolutely love. There’s nothing better than gathering around the table with your loved ones, sipping hot cocoa, and getting creative! These natural crafts are quick, simple, and a perfect way to make memories. Here are four quick and easy holiday craft ideas to inspire your creativity:

Herby Salt Scrub

After a long day digging in the dirt, give your hands some well-deserved TLC with a luscious herbal coconut oil salt scrub! This scrub combines sea salt for gentle exfoliation, rich coconut oil for hydration, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs like lavender, rosemary, or mint to make it smell heavenly. It’s like a mini spa treatment right at your kitchen sink! Just scoop a little into your hands, scrub away the grime, and rinse to reveal soft, happy hands. It’s the perfect way to pamper yourself after a rewarding day in the garden!

Recipe:

1/4 cup coconut oil

1 cup salt (Himalayan, sea salt or epsom!)

15-20 drops essential oil of your choice (I like 10 drops rosemary, 10 drops peppermint)

Finely chop rosemary or mint and add

Blend and scoop!

Herb Infused Simple Syrup Recipe

I love holiday cocktails, especially when I can utilize seasonal items from the garden. This herb infused simple syrup is a versatile recipe that adds a unique touch to your favorite cocktail classics. Try a whiskey sour with thyme simple syrup and Meyer lemon juice, or a gin fizz with pomegranate and rosemary. The possibilities are endless! 

Ingredients:

1/2 cup water

1/2 cup sugar

Small handful of fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, sage, lavender or basil), one variety or a mix

Add all ingredients to a saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer until all of the sugar is dissolved. Let cool at room temperature for 30 minutes, then strain through a fine-mesh strainer into a jar. 

This recipe can easily be doubled for a larger batch. Pour into a cute bottle and add a bow, and you have yourself a homemade gift for friends and family! 

Glitter Pinecones

They say, busy hands, quiet minds.  That's why I love having crafts and projects for my family over the holidays.  Glitter Pinecones are a favorite because people of every age enjoy them.  First, you get to walk the neighborhood and forge pinecones, then you come inside, have hot cocoa and tea, and decorate the treasures you found.

Materials:

Elmer's School Glue or spray glue

Paint Brush 

Glitter

Paper Plate

Apply glue with a paintbrush to the pine cone tips, gently sprinkle or roll the pine cone in glitter, hold the pinecone over a plate, and shake off any excess glitter.  Let dry.

DIY Twig Ornaments: Bringing Nature Indoors This Holiday Season
Materials Needed
- Straight twigs of various lengths
- Twine or jute string
- Hot glue gun and glue sticks
- Scissors
- Optional decorative elements (dried berries, ribbon)
- Clear sealant spray (optional)
- Small red bead or pom-pom (for reindeer nose)

Adorable Twig Reindeer
Create a charming reindeer ornament that captures the magic of the season:
1. Head and Face (2-3 inches)
   - Create a triangle using three small twigs for the face
   - Add two tiny twigs for ears at the top corners

2. Antlers (2-3 inches)
   - Attach two branching twigs at the top of the head
   - Look for naturally forked twigs for authentic-looking antlers
   - If needed, add small twig pieces to create more branches

3. Body (4-5 inches)
   - Use one longer twig for the body
   - Add four small twigs for legs
   - Attach a tiny twig for the tail

4. Final Touches
   - Glue a small red bead or pom-pom for Rudolph's nose
   - Secure all joints with hot glue
   - Wrap major connections with thin twine for stability
   - Add a twine loop at the top for hanging

The beauty of natural ornaments lies in their imperfections. Each twig has its own character, making every ornament unique. This project is perfect for getting children involved in holiday preparations while teaching them about nature and creativity.

Happy crafting!