WHO’S FEELING CRAFTY?

FUN PROJECTS TO MAKE YOUR CHRISTMAS BREAK MORE INTERESTING

Words Hailey Kirchner

DIY or “do-it-yourself” projects have become wildly popular due to their creative, crafty nature. They make great gifts for the holidays or just for yourself! These three DIYs are perfect for a cozy winter season.

CHUNKY BLANKETS

Chunky Blanket

Graphic by Hailey Kirchner

• Using a spool of thick yarn, add a twist near the end to make a loop. • Hold the tail and push the yarn partially through the loop to make another loop. • Repeat the previous step to form a braid to the length of your desired width. (About 30 loops) • Lay the tail down across the top of the braid and pull yarn partially through the top half of the braid to form a loop. • Repeat previous step until reaching end of braid, then lay yarn behind braid and continue creating new loops on a new row. (Repeat until you have achieved the desired size for your blanket) • For the final row, guide yarn through two loops at a time throughout the entire row. (This creates an edge for your blanket) • Use the tail to tie a final, secure knot with the last loop. • Enjoy!

HOT CHOCOLATE BOMBS

Hot Chocolate Bomb

Graphic by Hailey Kirchner

• Melt some chocolate chips or chocolate candy in the microwave until smooth. • Pour into half circle baking molds, then spread around the sides of the molds to create a durable layer. • Freeze chocolate half spheres for 5-10 minutes, then gently push them from the mold. • Warm a microwaveable plate for one minute, then place a shell face down for a couple seconds to melt its edge. • Fill your half shell with one tablespoon hot cocoa powder, some mini-marshmallows and any other add-ins you desire. • Melt another chocolate shell’s edge using your microwave-safe plate, then push together the filled and unfilled half circles’ melty edges. This will seal your bomb. • Decorate your hot chocolate bombs with drizzled chocolate, crushed candy canes or anything you wish. • Enjoy!

CANDLES

DIY Candle

Graphic by Hailey Kirchner

• Melt two times the amount of candle-making soy wax needed to fill your candle container. This should take 10-15 minutes. • If desired, add fragrance oil to the melted wax. • Dip your candle wick into the melted wax and quickly stick it to the bottom of your container. • Adhere dried flower petals to the container’s sides, if desired. • Once your wax has cooled to 140 degrees (indicated by a candy thermometer), pour the majority of it into the new container. • Sandwich the wick with two pencils, placed on top of the jar to keep the wick upright. • Add the remaining reheated wax to the previously-hardened wax and let it solidify. • Enjoy!

Layout Ava Ayers

Graphics Hailey Kirchner