Sweet, spicy, full of Christmas spirit and style… gingerbread houses! Did you know an early form of gingerbread can be traced back to the ancient Greeks and Egyptians who used it for ceremonial purposes? And another fun tidbit: The popularity of gingerbread houses rose in the 1800s when the Brothers Grimm wrote the (well, not-so-Christmassy) fairytale of Hansel and Gretel, as the two children stumble upon a house made entirely of sweets. Well, no matter the history, these cookie-walled structures are a creative and tasty way to celebrate the Christmas season for kids and adults alike by decorating them with frostings and icings, gumdrops, festive sprinkles, peppermints, chocolates other candied elements. And whether you’re building the house from scratch or using a kit, blog contributorKylie Kingham has a Christmas scrapbook layout with a cute gingerbread house craft to pay homage to the sweetly spiced tradition!
For two millennia, many people from across the globe have been observing “the most wonderful time of the year” with traditions, observances and practices that are both religious and secular and filled with themes of love, goodwill, giving and others. In fact, engagements with your community can bring glad tidings of comfort and joy, like attending church and school programs, listening to glorious choral performances, partaking in charitable donations and volunteering, wrapping gifts and baking goodies for others and more. Blog contributor Karyn McDermaid-Rolfe reflected on a communal Christmas celebration that made her think of her own nostalgic experience, and in turn, made this Christmas scrapbook layout!
Candles enhance the atmosphere of a home — from placing nearby a window at Christmastime to Hanukkah and Kwanzaa — and are a glowing glimmer of decoration and celebration. (And they’re honestly just wonderful scents of goodness all year round!) Blog contributor Sachiyo Omitsu was feeling the festive fragrance and made this Christmas scrapbook layout with a candle craft upon it — will you be making it to light up your special moments?
Although many classrooms nowadays have glossy whiteboards or boards with interactive smart technology, there’s something about chalkboards and blackboards that evoke a classic, old-school aesthetic. And nowadays, chalk lettering is becoming quite the trend, from chic cafes to farmers’ market to your friend’s modern farmhouse kitchen to write down grocery lists and other reminders. Well, it’s time to chalk up your writing game — literally — with CM’s White Chalking Pen! If you have ever wanted to write or draw on a dark piece of paper or cardstock, you can! It mimics the appearance of written chalk (without any of the chalk dust haze lingering in the room!) and it’s photo-safe, too! Grab a blank paper slate and start doodling and drawing today with these scrapbooking projects that feature this brand-new chalk pen.
From family to family, there can be so many Christmas traditions. Decorating the tree. Baking cookies with grandma. Driving around to see the twinkling lights. Listening to classic yuletide songs. Wrapping and opening gifts. Sending out cards. Attending a Christmas mass. Whatever it is that you and your family does, there’s so much to enjoy about this most joyous time of year. And if you have some very special Christmas memories to highlight this year, check out these Nativity crafts — two Christmas scrapbook borders and a DIY card — and make a stable foundation for your season!
Before you adorn it with ornaments and strands of lights, rock around it or open presents under it, you’ve got to find it! Your Christmas tree, that is! Fresh or artificial, trees are an iconic symbol and decoration at Christmastime. But if you do go the fresh route, before you take your perfectly pruned timber with its unmistakable spicy scent home, stick around to take part in the many complementary activities that tree farms have to offer — visiting Santa, sipping hot cocoa or cider, seeing live reindeer and so much more. The tree-choosing process is just the tip of the iceberg (or fir!) for family fun, so tromp out to merriment and memories with this Christmas scrapbook layout!
Who out there is pining to trim a tree, don your door with a welcoming wreath, illuminate the neighborhood with twinkling lights, artfully construct a sweet gingerbread house or hang stockings by the chimney with care? Well, decking your halls and putting up Christmas decorations earlier actually makes you happieraccording to health experts.
Well, today we’re taking that very merry scientific study and putting it to the test with this Christmas scrapbook layout with a wreath making technique from blog contributor Sachiyo Omitsu! (It’s sure to bring happiness and cheer!)
To kids from one to 92, lots of people across the world celebrate Christmas. You know who else can join in the festivities and merriment? Your pets! (Ugly sweaters aren’t just for humans!) Dress up your furry friend in red-and-green attire, snap some photos and paws for a moment to make this Christmas scrapbook layout after!
Christmastime has inspired and generated so many wonderful acts and experiences — iconic songs, classic movies, letters to Santa, decorating the tree and sweet treats and more. And it’s a beautiful sight, for we’re crafting tonight… this Christmas scrapbooking layout, that is! See how you can make this sensationally snowy and wondrously winter creation for your own yuletide memories.
Oh, by gosh, by golly It’s time for mistletoe and holly
And it’s time indeed, for today’s blog is getting ready for the holly-jolly season ahead with a few holly crafts! Do you deck your halls with boughs of holly at Christmastime? Whether it’s to spruce up your door, banisters, mantelpieces, halls and more, this gorgeous greenery is a great way to fill your home with yuletide spirit… and your albums and other projects, too! Check out these two Christmas scrapbook borders and card and say “season’s greetings” to some fresh and festive style!