noisemakers

Ring in the New Year with fun and festive DIY noisemakers (resolutions are optional)!

Supplies

  • Empty aluminum soda or juice cans
  • Pennies, small rocks, dried beans and/or jingle bells
  • Leftover gift wrap, ribbons/bows and assorted holiday decorations
  • New Year’s numbers and/or images*
  • Small pieces of black cardstock
  • Clear cellophane tape
  • Decorative paper tape (optional)
  • Scissors
  • White pencil or pen


Directions

  1. Add some pennies, small rocks, dried beans, jingle bells (or any small items that will make noise) into an empty and dry aluminum can.
  2. Wrap the can in gift wrap, gathering it at the top and securing it with tied ribbon and/or clear tape.
  3. Use scissors to trim the top of the paper if desired.
  4. Decorate the wrapped can by tying scraps of ribbon and garland around the gathered gift wrap.
  5. Use tape to attach an image*, such as the number 12, the year 2015, a clock, a New Year’s greeting or a first name.
  6. Cut a small rectangle from black paper and attach it with clear or decorative tape to the front of the decorated can.
  7. Use a white pencil or pen to write a New Year’s resolution on the black label.
  8. Repeat the steps above to make as many noisemakers as desired and use them to decorate for New Year’s Eve.
  9. At midnight, vigorously shake the can and resoundly ring in the New Year and the resolution!  

  10. *Images can be drawn, cut from magazines or printed from the computer.



Pamela Maxwell is an artist, author and mother of two boys. Photos by Pamela Maxwell.

Repujado: Embossed Metal Skull for Día de los Muertos

Repujado: Embossed Metal Skull for Día de los Muertos

We just love this embossed metal skull project from our “Art with Alyssa” contributor (Alyssa Navapanich). It’s perfect for Día de los Muertos, Hispanic Heritage Month or anytime of the year. . . .

Read more

Art with Alyssa: Día de los Muertos Nichos

Art with Alyssa: Día de los Muertos Nichos

Celebrate Mexico’s Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) by creating a personal nicho. A nicho is a small shadow box that features a scene, images and items that are special to the person who crea . . .

Read more

Art with Alyssa: Fall Leaves

Art with Alyssa: Fall Leaves

Celebrate the season by making fall leaves with a DIY printing plate made from Styrofoam. Print leaves onto paper just for fun or get creative and use the printing plate to make thank you cards, place . . .

Read more

Mason Jar Luminaries for Fall and Thanksgiving

Mason Jar Luminaries for Fall and Thanksgiving

Light up the Thanksgiving table (or the porch) with beautiful, glowing luminaries, easy enough for the kids to make! With some colorful tissue paper, a little Mod Podge, and whatever jars you have o . . .

Read more

Thankful Jars

Thankful Jars

Start a new family tradition by filling a decorated jar full of thanks. Expressing gratitude is (or should be) a year-round activity! Using a thankful jar at Thanksgiving? Give each guest one or mo . . .

Read more

Fall Party Favors

Fall Party Favors

These fall party favors double as place cards at the Thanksgiving table. Use them to stave off pre-feast hunger pains or take them home for later!Supplies Plastic zip top bags (snack size) Empty . . .

Read more

Party Crackers for the Thanksgiving Table

Party Crackers for the Thanksgiving Table

Party crackers (aka party favors) may be more traditional at Christmas dinner, but there’s no reason they can’t be modified for Thanksgiving for any other celebration! Make DIY Thanksgiving Crac . . .

Read more

Free, Printable Thanksgiving Bingo

Free, Printable Thanksgiving Bingo

Looking for a fun family activity while everyone is together on Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving? We created a Thanksgiving Bingo game that you can print out for free below. No bingo cage, balls or num . . .

Read more

Thankful Turkey Craft for Kids

Thankful Turkey Craft for Kids

Plan a day to craft Thankful Turkeys with your family. A little creativity combined with time reflecting on what you’re grateful for quickly transforms this adorable turkey into a festive and meanin . . .

Read more

Crayon Holder Craft for the Kids Holiday Table

Crayon Holder Craft for the Kids Holiday Table

These crayon holders are perfect for the kids’ table for Thanksgiving, Christmas or any winter-themed party or gathering. The kids can decorate the crayon holders first (two free, printable pic . . .

Read more

Make and Send a Hug to Loved Ones

Make and Send a Hug to Loved Ones

Don’t you miss hugging people? Here’s a clever DIY hug craft that lets loved ones know they are missed! Whether it’s Mother's Day, Father’s Day, Teacher Appreciation, a birthday or some othe . . .

Read more

Get Crafty for Hispanic Heritage Month

Get Crafty for Hispanic Heritage Month

  Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with kids by taking time to learn about Hispanic and Latino cultures and connecting lessons with engaging and fun art projects. Whether you’re a parent, tea . . .

Read more

Art with Alyssa: Alebrijes, Mexican Folk Art Sculptures

Art with Alyssa: Alebrijes, Mexican Folk Art Sculptures

Alebrijes, familiar to those who have seen the movie “Coco,” are brightly colored Mexican folk art sculptures—mythical creatures with body parts from varying animals. Making them is a fun way . . .

Read more

DIY Christmas Advent Calendars

DIY Christmas Advent Calendars

      Everyone loves advent calendars that reveal a daily surprise—it's also really fun to make them! Start your own family traditions in the days leading up to Christmas (or any cel . . .

Read more

Be Family Informed – Sign up for our Newsletters below!

Subscribe