Last Saturday, I found myself with a morning alone. This doesn’t happen often, so I decided to take complete advantage of it! After a stop at the local coffee shop, I wandered down to my favorite antique store, steaming cup in hand. I don’t keep a large antique collection, but do love to run my fingers across vintage kitchen supplies, toys, magazines, and hats. I was hoping to find some vintage Christmas cards to make the boys a collection of Craft Stick Christmas Puzzles, but instead took home a damaged copy of the 1966 Christmas Golden Book, Santa’s Surprise Book, by Joan Potter Elwart. It was perfect for my project!
This post contains affiliate links. Opinions are my own.
Craft Stick Christmas Ornaments
Materials Needed:
- Glossy Mod Podge
- Scissors
- Wide Craft Sticks
- A Vintage Christmas Book
- Paintbrush
Directions:
1. Trace the shape of a craft stick onto the back of the page you plan to use. When you are finished, cut the shapes out and pair each one with a craft stick.
2. Using the paintbrush, generously spread Mod Podge onto each craft stick. Carefully place the paper cutouts over the craft sticks. Press firmly to release any trapped air.
3. After every craft stick has been decoupaged and dried, spread a final thin layer of Mod Podge over the front (and back, after the front has dried) of each craft stick.
The boys enjoyed putting these simple, beautiful puzzles together…on the refrigerator! Adhesive magnetic tape allows these puzzles to be enjoyed anytime!
Wrapped with twine and a tag, Craft Stick Christmas Puzzles are a thoughtful DIY holiday gift for a child, or a simple addition to the Christmas stocking.
Ann @ My Nearest and Dearest says
Great idea, Melissa! And it sounds like you had such nice morning. 🙂
Fireflies and Mud Pies says
It was a great morning! Thanks for stopping by, Ann!
Shaunna (@Shaunna_FFL) says
These are wonderful, Melissa! It’d also be fun to use an old book that was a childhood favorite.
Fireflies and Mud Pies says
I love that idea! Thanks for your comment!
Stephanie Haass says
How beautiful! This is something I would love to do! So glad you shared it with us!
Fireflies and Mud Pies says
Thank you so much for the compliment! I hope to make more soon, as the boys are really enjoying them.
LuAnn Meyer says
I have that very book….somewhere! I must find it.
Fireflies and Mud Pies says
It was missing a few pages and had some water damage. If it was in good shape it would’ve pained me to cut it up!
Randi says
Wow that is REALLY cool- I never would have thought of doing something like this lol…thanks for sharing! 🙂
Sonja says
After seeing this post, we are in the middle of our third puzzle to give to the young ones in our lives. My older kids (8 and 5) are having a great time making these as gifts for their cousins all by themselves! I love that this teaches them giving something hand made from the heart!
Ana says
Hi there! I’m trying to figure out which “magnetic tape” to buy since I’ve never bought it before. I’m making several of these this week. Yay! Can you post a link or at least tell me if the tape on the dispenser is heavy enough to hold the craft sticks to the fridge? Thanks!!
Fireflies and Mud Pies says
Hi there! This should work: http://amzn.to/1re010q
If it’s too wide, you can trim it! Hope that helps!
Charadee says
I would love to share this idea on my blog! I am trying to complete enough projects to feature a gift a day through December. If you’re interested in seeing what my blog is all about, please give it a look-over! Thanks!
Emma says
I love this way of giving new life to an old book! I hate to throw books away, even when they are damaged beyond repair. Next time I’ll make them into puzzles!
vera watkins says
What a cute idea… think I will make these for my grandkids next year. thank you for sharing.
LaPan-Viens says
I remember That book wish I could get it.