Last Wednesday we announced Jessica Strand’s Holiday Crafting & Baking with Kids book Giveaway, and we wanted to remind you that the deadline for this is this Wednesday, December 15, at 2:00pm (PST) / 5:00pm (EST).
Simply let us know in the CRAFT comment section (not from the Facebook comment section) what your favorite holiday memory is. We will choose 5 random winners.
Prizes include a copy of the book Holiday Crafting & Baking with Kids for the 4 Runners-Up. The Grand Prize Winner will receive a copy of the book AND a gift basket from Chronicle Books.
While waiting for next week’s announcement of the winners, here’s a shimmery project excerpt from the book for you to enjoy with the youngsters in your life!
Shimmering Snowflakes:
Pipe Cleaner Ornaments in Silver and Gold
You can make these pretty snowflakes as simple or complex as you like. To make them smaller or larger, simply adjust the length of your pipe cleaners to the size and design of your snowflake. For a more traditional look, use white pipe cleaners, or add some pizzazz by using multicolored ones. Hang them in the window, off the mantel, or on the tree! The diagram will help you with the simple process, but once you begin, it becomes rudimentary.
Materials
(For one snowflake)
Needle-nose pliers
Sharp scissors or wire cutters
6 silver or gold pipe cleaners (each 12 in/30 cm long), cut into
the following lengths: 3 pieces 6 in/15 cm long; 6 pieces 3 in/7.5 cm long; 6 pieces 2 1/2 in/6 cm long; 6 pieces 2 in/5 cm long
Piece of silver or gold Christmas metallic elastic wrapping cord about
10 in/25 cm long
Directions
1. Join the three long pieces of pipe cleaner by twisting the
centers together and then stretching the spokes out. This
will create a six-pointed star. To be sure that the pipe
cleaners are securely attached, press the twisted area with
the needle-nose pliers.
2. Begin the spoke design by taking a 3-inch/7.5-cm piece of
pipe cleaner, placing it midway on one of the arms, and
wrapping it around the arm so that the pieces cross. Make
sure each spoke projects an equal distance on either side
of the arm; if necessary, trim the ends with scissors.
Secure with pliers. Repeat with the rest of the arms to
create all six spokes.
3. Repeat the process above with the next-longest pieces,
positioning them slightly above the first set of spokes.
4. Finally, repeat the process a third time with the remaining
pieces, adding them near the tips of the arms.
5. When you’re ready to hang the snowflakes, wrap a piece of
ribbon around one of the arms–tying it close to the middle
of the arm is best for balance–then gather the ribbon to
the back and tie the ends to make a loop.
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