The weather outside is frightful, which means it's time to break out all the indoor games, DIY projects and cold weather-friendly activities you can think of to help pass the time. The next time you're snowed in (or, ya know, too chilled to step outside), cozy up with a mug of hot cocoa and get creative with any of these winter crafts. With ideas tailored to toddlers, kids and adults, these easy DIYs embrace all that the season has to offer a.k.a. snow, snow and more snow.
Since it may be best to stay inside and off the roads, a lot of these craft ideas call for supplies that you already have at home, including upcycled Amazon boxes, popsicle sticks or pinecones from your own backyard. Most of these projects also double as decor, so you can swap out the red and green for something that ushers in a feeling of cozy and calm — snow-dusted wreaths, cut-and-fold paper snowflakes and other whimsical winter decorations.
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1
Snowball Wreath
Round up a bunch of styrofoam balls and turn them into a winter-ready wreath. One by one, attach styrofoam balls to a wreath form with hot glue and top it off with a bow when it's time to hang.
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2
Popsicle Stick Snowflakes
Bring the outside in by painting a stack of popsicle sticks and arranging them to look just like falling snowflakes. Once glued and completely dry, weave colored embroidery thread around the popsicle sticks to create an" X" pattern. Tie the thread at the back of the snowflake and trim any excess. Glue a ribbon loop to the back of the snowflake to hang or stick 'em directly to the wall with Command strips.
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3
Winter Scene Candles
This one's for Cricut crafters only: Using your Cricut machine, cut out the tree design template on white vinyl. Then, simply peel off the design and stick it around the base of the hurricane candle holder.
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4
Winter Shakers
Transform empty salt and pepper shakers into a winter wonderland with teeny-tiny evergreens, plastic deer and salty snow drifts.
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5
Pinecone Wreath
Rely on nature's beauty to make an eye-catching door decoration. Start by gluing the main circle of pinecones around a wire wreath form, then adding five pointed-star shapes as you go along. Loop a pretty ribbon around it to hang it on your front door.
6
Snowman Spoons
Because the best crafts are the ones you can eat! Swirl these chocolate-covered candy cane spoons in a mug of cocoa for a minty twist.
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7
Winter Magnolia Leaf Wreath
Take a grouping of magnolia branches and arrange them around a florist's foam wreath. To keep them in place, soak the wreath foam in water and push the leaves in the foam until they're secure. Paint select leaves silver or gold for a wintery finish.
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8
Magical Winter Scene
Give a hat box (or any ol' shipping box, really) new life by filling it with fake snow powder, mini bottle brush trees and figurines until it resembles a Hallmark-worthy winter village.
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9
Winter Snow Votives
A dusting of Epsom Salt gives these mason jars a snow-covered effect — and wait until the light hits 'em just right, they'll cast the perfect wintery glow.
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10
Winter Ice Wreath
If the weather outside is frightfully cold (below freezing, at least), hang this ice wreath. Fill a bundt pan with water and other forest finds (cranberries, pine needles and so on), then stick it in the freezer until its completely solid. Hang it somewhere visible, so the birds in your neighborhood can spot it and enjoy its natural flavors.
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11
Paper Bag Stars
Paper stars are a sign of the season even after Christmas wraps. Create a neutral medley by mixing plain brown paper stars with a few dip-dyed cut-outs.
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12
Mitten Garland
For a practical yet pretty display, string everyone's mittens together and hang it somewhere within reach. Keep skis, snowboards or other winter gear nearby for easy access.
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13
Snowman Handprint
Further proof that five snowman are always better than one. Give each hand-drawn creation a different colored scarf, so they can stand out from the rest.
Get the tutorial at The Best Ideas for Kids »
RELATED: Cute Handprint Crafts You'll Want to Keep Forever
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14
Jar Snow Globe
Make a charming snow globe in a jar using clear Elmer’s glue in the water to help the glitter settle more slowly to the bottom for that swirling flurries effect.
Get the tutorial at Hey Let’s Make Stuff »
RELATED: DIY Snow Globes That Are Completely Charming (and Totally Doable!)
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15
Craft Stick Winter Characters
Kids as young as preschoolers can make these cute wintertime characters using craft sticks. Customize them with simple supplies like buttons, googly eyes, pompoms and paint.
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16
Flamingo Snow Globe Ornament
Flamingo figurines and white pompoms fill plastic ornaments for a tropical twist on the wintertime theme in this whimsical project.
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17
Grinch Slime
Slime is a crowd-pleasing activity for kids in all seasons, but this version is extra festive for winter. Elmer’s clear glue, liquid starch, and water form the basis of this simple slime recipe; green food coloring and tons of green glitter give it the Grinch touch.
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18
Handprint Penguin
Trace kids’ hands onto construction paper for this handprint penguin project. Give it as a gift, send as a card or save as a special keepsake to remember how tiny those hands once were.
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19
No-Sew Sock Snowman
Find a perfect match for your odd socks with this easy, no-sew snowman project. Use as decor, or even as a seasonal doorstop; it’s filled with rice so it has some weight to it.
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20
Novelty Snow Globes
Use oven-bake clay to create whimsical and unexpected objects inside of these snow globes: Think cacti, donuts, pineapples and hot dogs.
