Winter is a great time to cuddle up and read some books. Today we decided to share a couple of projects inspired by some of our favorite children’s books. This is a great opportunity to head over to the library, grab these stories, and then spend an afternoon reading and making craft projects.

We love the classic story The Elves and the Shoemaker. This is a fun, fanciful story about how wonderful the gift of giving is. It is about helping and taking care of each other.

One day after reading The Elves and the Shoemaker, we decided to make our own ears and be the elves that helped. This is especially fun around Christmas time. But it is important to learn that giving can be a year-long event.

Here is our fun Elf Ear project that is sure to have your little artist wanting to help.

Elf Ears

Supplies:

1. Copy of ears
2. Card stock
3. Paint to match your child’s skin tone
4. Sponge
5. Small paper plate
6. Scissors
7. Construction paper 12″x18″
8. Glue stick

Directions:

1. Print copy of elf ears onto card stock.
2. Pour small amount of paint onto paper plate.
3. Teach children to use sponges to paint the elf ears.
4. While they dry, cut a strip of construction paper to fit child’s head.
5. Cut out dry elf ears.
6. Glue onto paper strip.
7. Wear.

Another classic we like is ‘The Three Billy Goats Gruff”. We designed this fun Billy Goat head band project so that kids could act out the story as we read. This is a great idea for little artists that don’t like to sit still for a story time. While you read the story, they can act out the parts of the goats.

Billy Goat

Supplies:

1. Copy of goat pattern
2. Black construction paper 12″x18″
3. Crayons or Markers
4. Glue stick
5. Scissors

Directions:

1. Print off a copy of goat.
2. Color goat.
3. Cut black paper into a strip long enough to fit child’s head.
4. Cut out goat.
5. Glue goat to head band.

We hope these craft project ideas will add to your story time in any season. To find more projects about stories and books, click HERE.

Remember that whatever story or project you choose, we hope you will be telling your little artist, “You’re so creative!”