winter solstice crafts – Page 2

14Nov 2024 by catbird 1 Comment

Mother’s Night Bath Bombs

Treat yo'self! This is one of the most cliche parts of self-care for moms, but honestly it's a cliche for a good reason. So rather than fighting it, I decided to lean it and make some Mother's Night bath bombs. So take a fancy bath, read a book or do whatever brings you a little joy this holiday season. These also make great gifts for other stressed out moms. To make it even easier you could just add the herbs to some epsom salt and make bath salts without the bomb or the drying time. A little more about the ingredients: evergreen is a powerful symbol of long life and the Winter Solstice season. Rose reminds us to practice self love. Chamomile grants patience, wisdom and long life. Linden soothes and…

13Nov 2024 by catbird 2 Comments

Jolabokaflod

Winter, Winter Solstice

A few years ago pinterest was flooded with adorable memes about Jolabokaflod, otherwise knwn as the Icelandic Book Flood. As we Americans tend to do, this beautiful tradition has been distilled down into a soundbite so dug in and spent some time researching what Jolabokaflod is all about. It is indeed a flood of books that are all published around the holidays, that people exchange with friends and family, but the rationale behind it is kind of beautiful. Icelandic is not a widely spoken language, so less books are printed in the language. As an english speaker, this isn't something I had ever really thought about before. Whole languages could disappear because they aren't profitable. So the publishing companies in Iceland decided to make the release of their new titles…

13Nov 2024 by catbird 1 Comment

A Modern & Magical Mother’s Night

Craft Project, Mother's Night, Recipes, Winter Solstice

Mother’s Night or Mōdraniht is a lesser known holiday shrouded in mystery. Different people celebrate it on different dates. Some mark it as one of the twelve days of Yule, and there is some historical evidence that it was once celebrated this time of year, however there is only one direct mention of it in scholarship and it is exceedingly brief. It comes from the historian Bede who was an English monk and historian living in the early middle ages. Historians at that time did not, of course, remain impartial and his accounts, particularly of pagan customs, are often viewed through the lens of his occupation. All of that said, there is no reason to disbelieve his account of Mother’s Night, and there are some corroborating references that, while they…

13Nov 2024 by catbird 3 Comments

Candlelit Winter Solstice Fireplace Picnic

Recipes, Winter Solstice

Every Winter Solstice my family turns off all the lights in the evening, lights a fire in the fireplace, lights a million candles, spreads a blanket in front of the fireplace and has a special dinner on the living room floor. Not only is it a lovely way to celebrate the darkest night, but it’s also a great opportunity to turn off electronics and lights and just enjoy each other’s company. We do this every year, no matter what else we do (or don't do.) The kids think it’s hysterical to walk around the house with a lantern and it’s an incredibly relaxing night in a busy stressful season. We always have Swedish meatballs (which are referred to as ikea meatballs in my house... ) with mashed potatoes, green beans…

13Nov 2024 by catbird No Comments

Magical Winter Solstice Rituals & Traditions

Folklore, Winter, Winter Solstice

The Winter Solstice is the day that the earth is tilted the furthest away from the sun and consequently has more hours of darkness and less hours of light than any other day of the year. Every day after the Winter Solstice there is gradually a little more light until the Summer Solstice. Ancient people thought that the sun was dying and being reborn on this day. The Winter Solstice most often falls on December 21st and has long been a day of celebration. In fact, it was a whole season of celebration in ancient times. The sun is at its lowest point in the sky on the Winter Solstice and shadows become stretched out and longer than usual. The word solstice comes from the Latin, sol means sun and stitium…

28Oct 2024 by catbird 11 Comments

2024 Winter Solstice Countdown Calendar

Play, Recipes, Winter, Winter Solstice

Countdown to the Winter Solstice with activities, recipes and crafts. Come back each day for a new surprise! The doors won’t open until the correct day (So 1 opens on December 1st, on December 5th you’ll be able to open 1-5, etc.) The calendar includes a new exclusive excerpt from my Winter Solstice book that will only be available through this calendar and only in December 2024. It also includes four guest blogs from other talented makers! This calendar is now closed. Look for a new calendar in November 2025!! Click Here for the materials list– there are some spoilers here, but I tried my best to give you the info you needed without giving away all the surprises! Click Here for the accompanying Picture Book Countdown. Happy Winter Solstice!

14Dec 2023 by catbird 2 Comments

Winter Solstice Pomander Bath Bombs

Bath & Body, Craft Project, Folklore, Winter, Winter Solstice

One of the things that love the most about the Wheel of the Year is that it celebrates nature and the changing of the seasons. It is often thought of as a strictly Celtic/ Gaelic construct, but in reality people all over the world celebrate these midpoints in nature is surprisingly similar ways. (Those that are in reasonably similar climates that is.) Ancient people in temperate climates were observing generally the same seasonal changes, the same fluctuation in light and it was understandably important to them. The longest night of the year, and the return of lighter days was noteworthy not just in Europe, but also in Iran, China, and Japan. In Japan, the Winter Solstice is called Tōji. With roots in the Chinese philosophy of ying & yang, the…

11Dec 2023 by catbird No Comments

Winter Tree Weaving

Craft Project, Foraging, Nature Art, Nature Collection, Play, Winter, Winter Solstice

This is another great simple craft for littles to do as a part of my Winter Walk party or just for a fun afternoon! This pretty decoration is easier for little hands to make than a wreath, but just as pretty! My kiddos aren't that little anymore, but they were both very excited to make these as well. A grown up or older friend can put together the frame and then younger friends can collect pieces of evergreen and herbs to weave in. We used evergreens, holly and some sage and rosemary that are still going strong in the garden. You don't need a proper weaving technique here, just wiggle the pieces in enough to hold things in place. This look awesome on a winter nature table, or equally lovely…

11Dec 2023 by catbird 3 Comments

Magic Crystal Geode Lanterns

Craft Project, Winter, Winter Solstice

Fall and winter are prime lantern time, and I am constantly thinking of different ways to make lanterns this time of year. It feels like it suddenly gets dark at 4 or 5 pm so the desire for more light is almost instinctive I think. Winter and Winter Solstice seem like the perfect time for sparkly magical lanterns, and they have serious snow queen vibes. It was really hard to capture the extreme sparkliness in photos, so I did my best, but these are way more sparkly in person. This is actually a pretty simple craft, but will need too cool overnight and dry out for at least another day.These little lanterns are perfect for a Winter Solstice lantern walk or party! Magic Crystal Geode Lanterns I’ve always loved making…

09Dec 2023 by catbird No Comments

Fun Winter Solstice Craft Ideas for Kids

Craft Project, Nature Art, Nature Collection, Winter, Winter Solstice

Looking for fun crafts to do with (or without...) kids for the Winter Solstice? Click the text next to the images for the tutorials. Save for later! Lanterns & Light Crafts: Make a star shaped Winter Solstice lantern to light the longest night! Craft these simple snowy tree lanterns from a recycled jar and some unexpected evergreen plants. Geode Lanterns Make ice lanterns with natural materials! Orange Pomander candles are the perfect way to decorate a winter nature table Ornaments & Decorations: Make Winter Solstice Tree & sun ornaments with a golden sun tree topper Make beautiful spice mosaic ornaments Craft some stars from twigs Make some woodsy mushroom ornaments Craft dried orange garlands to decorate your home Decorate your windows with lovely stars that also diffuse scent Gifts &…

Tag: winter solstice crafts