Festive nut bowls
Add seasonal colour to everyday wooden bowls and use them to serve wrapped candies or nuts in the shell.

To make:
If necessary, wash bowls to remove any oil; let dry. With fine-grit sandpaper, sand inside of each. With artist's fine-tip paintbrush, paint desired colour inside; let dry. With artist's fine-tip paintbrush and gold or silver metallic paint paint rim and pedestal; let dry. Spray with clear acrylic varnish; let dry.

Click here to see enlarged image of Festive Nut Bowls and Coasters in a Box.

Coasters in a box
Choose pretty glazed tiles -- plain or patterned -- then paint on some shine and package them in a gilded container.

To make:
Buy 6 to 8 glazed 4-in square ceramic tiles. With artist's paintbrush and gold or silver metallic paint, paint edge of each tile. From 6 mm (1/4-in) thick cork, cut 9.5 cm (3 3/4 in) square for each tile; with contact cement, glue to bottom of tile.

Choose a sturdy, shallow wooden box or ceramic planter that will accommodate tiles set on edge. If necessary, wash to remove any oil; let dry. Following manufacturer's directions, apply gold or silver leaf to all surfaces.

Have a look at our other favourite holiday crafts.