Looking for enjoyable indoor activities? Brighten your home for the holidays with easy DIY projects made from supplies you may already have on hand. Here are some creative crafts the whole family will want to join in on, plus tips to keep your oral health in mind as you DIY.
Fun + Inspiration
Make your own kind of fun this winter
Paper snowflakes
Creative a festive flurry in minutes with just paper and scissors.
Supplies:
Paper
Scissors
Directions:
1. Fold a square piece of paper in half diagonally to create a triangle.
2. Fold paper in half again so pointed corners meet.
3. Fold paper in half again.
4. Cut folded paper using different shapes to make your own unique patterns.
5. Unfold. Each snowflake is one-of-kind!
Healthy smile tip:
Crafting has been shown to reduce stress and improve your mood. Stress can have an effect on your health, including oral health problems like mouth sores and teeth grinding.
Popcorn and cranberry garland
This colorful creation will really pop when you add it to your tree, mantel or door.
Supplies:
Cranberries
Popcorn
String
Needle
Scissors
Directions:
1. Wash cranberries and select the firm ones.
2. Make popcorn.
3. Thread needle and tie a knot at one end of string. (Don't hold the needle with your teeth!)
4. Thread a cranberry and push to the end of the string.
5. Add popped popcorn and push it down to the cranberry.
6. Keep adding cranberries and popcorn.
7. Tie a knot at the end when you’ve reached the length you need.
Healthy smile tip:
It’s OK to sneak some pieces of popcorn. Just avoid unpopped kernels that can damage your teeth and popcorn hulls that can get stuck under your gums. Brushing and flossing can get rid of any popcorn left in your mouth.
Stovetop potpourri
Make your home warm and cozy with this easy-to-make potpourri that combines an attractive look with an enticing aroma.
Supplies:
1 cup fresh cranberries
2 sliced oranges
1 tablespoon whole cloves
4 cinnamon sticks
3 to 4 small pieces of fresh pine
Water
Directions:
1. Fill a large pot with ingredients and top with water until ingredients are covered.
2. Bring to a simmer and continue adding water until it evaporates.
Healthy smile tip:
Fresh cranberries help prevent cavity-causing bacteria from sticking to your teeth, so enjoy some of these tart berries as a snack.
Homemade gingerbread house
You can also make your home look and smell great with this recipe for a cute but sturdy gingerbread house.
Supplies:
4½ cups flour
3 teaspoons ground ginger
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon pepper
1 cup vegetable shortening
1 cup sugar
1 cup molasses
Choice of decorating supplies
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 325 F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Sift together flour, spices, baking soda, salt and pepper in a large bowl.
3. Melt shortening over medium-high heat for about 4 minutes.
4. Whisk sugar and molasses in shortening until well combined.
5. Remove from heat and stir in flour mixture until just combined.
6. Put dough onto large piece of plastic wrap. Cover and let cool in refrigerator for 10 to 15 minutes.
7. Roll dough to a ⅜-inch thickness and cut into desired shapes. Place on baking sheets.
8. Bake 30 minutes, rotating sheets halfway through.
9. Cool before decorating with frosting, gumdrops, candy canes, peppermints and anything else you like.
Healthy smile tip:
Decorations like gumdrops and candy canes make your gingerbread house look great. But they’re not so great for your smile! Resist the urge to munch on these sugary cavity-causers.
