Christmas Crafts with Crayola Model Magic

Steve Pitt is a Toronto-based freelance writer and an award-winning journalist. He has written many young adult and children's books, including Day of the Flying Fox: The True Story of World War II Pilot Charley Fox.

Those who prefer to deck their halls with home-made Christmas ornaments
will find plenty of neat ideas in this book-and-model-clay kit. The
projects featured can be made out of such basic household materials as
cardboard tubes, pipe cleaners, clear plastic wrap, and wrapping ribbon,
but the main creative medium is Crayola fast-drying modeling clay, which
can be shaped and painted to please. Although the clay is nontoxic and
washes off skin easily, the color can stain clothing or furniture. The
manual also warns that finished objects should be kept away from an open
flame. (Fortunately, most Christmas trees and small children come with
the same restrictions.)

Suggested projects include skinny Santas, holiday drink coasters, tree
ornaments, spinning tops, baskets, pencil puppets, napkin rings, and
even a clay-figure Nativity scene. Parents will appreciate the book’s
easy-to-follow instructions, abundant illustrations, and beautiful color
photos. Most projects are well within the capabilities of the average
preteen, and with minimum help from mom or dad even toddlers can be part
of the fun. Highly recommended.