Last-Minute Holiday Crafts

I can’t believe it’s almost Christmas! I was recently introduced to the word “pro-craft-inating.” I believe there are several possible definitions. Sometimes you decide not to buy gifts because you want to give something handmade—but then you leave it till the last minute and suddenly realize you have to get going if you want to get it done in time. Or maybe you have lots of important things to do, but instead of getting those done, you spend an afternoon crafting. I am guilty of both this year, LOL.

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While I do have some work to do, none of it is urgent, so I’m trying to slow down this holiday week. I’ve been wanting to make more ornaments this year. I guess today is as good a day as any. I made some simple gingerbread-inspired ornaments out of cardboard. I created and cut out cardboard shapes with my Cricut and drew on them with a white gel pen. Easy peasy, and super cute.

If you are a procraftinator like me and think these look like fun, here are some free cut files for you to have fun with! Some tips…

  • I made these with recycled cardboard/box board (i.e., cereal boxes, cracker boxes, etc.).

  • I found these work best with the Cricut Explore Air (or Maker). I couldn’t find good settings with the Cricut Joy that would cut all the way through the cardboard. I used the Custom/Light Chipboard setting with pressure set to More.

  • No cutting machine? These shapes are simple enough that you can print out the PNG shapes to use as a template for cutting by hand.

  • To make them sturdier and double-sided, cut two of each shape and glue the wrong sides together.

  • I’ve provided both PNG and SVG files. Most cutting machines take SVGs. There are two versions of each—the ones labeled as “ornament” include holes to hold strings, while the others are just the shape.

  • I used a white gel pen to decorate, but feel free to get creative with other colors and materials!

Download here:

GINGERBREAD SVG/PNG CUT FILES

(Personal use only please)

Merry Christmas, everyone!

Nicole