christmas crafts Archives - Falcon Ridge Farm

Holiday Rag Banner

Add a touch of rustic charm to your holiday decor with a simple and fun-to-make Christmas rag banner! This scrappy garland is perfect for draping across your mantel, windows, or tree.

You’ll Need:

Yarn or string
Tape measure
Fabric scissors
A heavy object (like a thick book)
Fabric strips
Wooden beads

To make:

Gather Fabric Strips: Cut fabric strips about 16 inches long and 1 inch wide. A little variety in width (from 1/2 inch to 1 1/2 inches) can add texture and character to the banner.
Layout Your Colors and Textures: Start laying them out as you gather or cut your fabric strips. Mix and match colors, patterns, and textures to get a feel for the final look.
Measure and Cut Strips: For a garland that spans 6 feet, you’ll need approximately 240 strips of fabric. You can add more or less depending on how long you want your banner to be.

Assembling the Banner:

Prepare the String: Reel a long lead of yarn or string and place it on a flat surface. Secure one end with a heavy object, like a thick book, to keep it taut and in place.
Tie the Strips: Fold each fabric strip in half. Hold the string taut with your left hand. With your right hand, position the folded strip across the string, with the fold facing to the right. Create a “birdie beak” with your right hand and poke through the loop under the string. Grab the two tails of the fabric strip and pull them through the loop, securing the fabric to the string. Continue until your garland is full.
Finishing Touches: Make a loop at each end of the garland for easy hanging. Cover the knots with wooden beads or festive accents for added charm if desired.

Display and Enjoy!

Hang your rag banner across your fireplace, stair railings, or over doorways to add cozy, handmade flair to your holiday setup. This project is simple, customizable, and a great way to use up fabric scraps while creating beautiful, personalized decor. Happy crafting!

You can find more holiday recipes and crafts on our farm blog!

Orange Pomanders

Orange pomanders are a timeless tradition that combines natural beauty with a warm, festive scent. These decorative orbs studded with cloves make excellent ornaments, centerpieces, or gifts. Plus, they’re fun to make with the whole family!

Follow these easy steps to create orange pomanders and cheer your home with holiday cheer.

You’ll need:

Fresh oranges (any size)
Whole cloves
Ribbon (optional for hanging or decorating)
A toothpick or skewer (to make holes for cloves)

To make:

Select fresh, firm oranges. Avoid overripe or soft ones, as they may not hold up during the process.
Decide on a design for your pomander. You can create spirals, lines, shapes, or a fully studded orange.
Use a toothpick or skewer to pre-poke holes in the orange skin where you’d like to place the cloves. This makes inserting them easier and prevents sore fingers.
Push whole cloves into the pre-made holes. Continue until your design is complete.
Cover the entire orange with cloves for a richly scented pomander, leaving little to no space between them.
Tie a decorative ribbon around the orange for hanging or as a festive touch if you plan to display it in a bowl or centerpiece.
To cure, place your pomander in a dry, well-ventilated area for a few days. This helps the orange dry out and prevents mold. Turn the pomander occasionally to ensure even drying.

Creative Ideas for Using Your Orange Pomanders:

Ornaments: Attach a ribbon loop and hang them on your Christmas tree.
Centerpieces: Arrange several pomanders with greenery, pinecones, or candles in a bowl or platter.
Gifts: Wrap a few pomanders in cellophane with a festive ribbon for a thoughtful holiday gift.
Air Fresheners: Place pomanders in closets or drawers for a natural, long-lasting scent.

You can find more holiday recipes and crafts on our farm blog!

Paper Chain Garland

Looking for a fun and creative way to decorate your Christmas tree as a family? This simple craft is a charming way to add a personal touch to your holiday decor. With just a few supplies, you can create a beautiful paper chain that the whole family will have fun making.

You’ll need:

Craft paper
Glue stick (we love Scotch permanent glue sticks)
Paper cutter or scissors, clear ruler, and cutting mat (thick cardboard works, too)

To make:

Cut strips roughly 8.5 inches long and 1 inch wide.
Take one strip and apply glue to one end.
Bend the strip into a loop and press the glued ends together. Hold for a few seconds to let the glue set.
Add More Loops

Repeat this process, threading and gluing strips, until your chain is as long as you’d like. When you’re all done, hang it along a mantel, wrap it around a tree, or use it as a festive centerpiece for a party.

You can find more holiday recipes and crafts on our farm blog!