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Christmas is only twenty days away and for once I've actually got a handle on things.  Money is tight this year so we're cutting costs as we can.  Free Christmas cards, coupons for pictures, new limits on Secret Santa and implementing a new "rule" for gifts for Cristian are just a few of the ways we've made things work thus far.  Add on some wonderful deals from Kohl's and some sales that just couldn't be beat and things are looking pretty good.

There were a few people that are very important in our lives that we wanted to get for from Cristian.  I'm sure if he had it his way that he'd get them a BRAND NEW CAR like in a game show or some of Oprah's FAVORITE THINGS.  It's a shame I know what's in his piggy bank, and mine for that matter.  We figured that homemade would be the way to go, but after that we were kind of lost.

Paging through a catalog, I found a very cute idea...

The busy and tired mother in me saw that we could bang out these gifts easily with precut foam pieces for the low low price of $13.00 (plus shipping and handling).  The crafty and thrifty mother in me saw a project that could be done for way less with a little more effort (and a lot more fun).

One trip to JoAnn's (my safe haven, if you will) was all it took and in an hour and a half we had our own creations.  Let me take you through a step by step (kind of) trip through this project so that you can make this with your little ones as well!

1. Gather supplies.

For this project you will need craft foam, thick paper (like a cardstock), paint (we used acrylic), glue dots, a permanent marker, ribbon, a scissors and a piece of computer paper with the poem printed on it.

2. Get your handprint on.

A little paint is all you need to get your child to immediately come and help you.  If only everything was this easy.  After they've completed their part, do your part by cutting around their messy but adorable little print.

Note: A bath will most likely be needed after this step for your child.

3. Cut out the "candy" from cardstock.

This paper had me at glittery...but it was on sale too!  I know what you're thinking -- it's not red.  Ever hear of the spearmint mints?  Yeah, we're going for artistic liberties here.  By the way, we used a bowl as a template for the circle.

4. Print the poem and attach to the candy circle.

We printed the poem on computer paper, cut it out and attached it with glue dots.  The poem reads "I think you are sweet as candy.  Your love always makes me smile.  Please keep these hands to remind you, of when I was a sweet little child."  Insert your sniffles and awwws here.

5. Start attaching the "wrapper" (or hands).

Two glue dots towards the bottom of each handprint should be all you need for the candy center to attach itself to the hand wrapper.

6. Attach the ribbon for hanging purposes.

One glue dot (which were my best friend during this project) on the back of each foam handprint allowed for the ribbon to attach evenly and quite nicely (not to mention evenly).

7. Add your child's name and date and relish your their homemade gift!

Voila!  Instant cuteness for a fraction of the price!

Let's determine how much this project cost.

• Craft Foam: On sale for $.48 a piece = $1.44 (3 pieces)
• Ribbon: On sale for $.50
• Cardstock: On sale for $.20 a piece = $.80 (4 pieces)
• Acrylic Paint: On sale for $.69
• Glue Dots: $2.99 with coupon and I only used 80 of 400 = $.60

We already had the permanent marker, scissors and printer and ink.

This project cost a grand total of $4.03.  We made 8 of these projects so each one only cost about $.50 to make!

There are many different ways to make the project yours, but regardless of how you dress up your candy it will definitely be appreciated by aunts, uncles, grandparents and Godparents alike.  By the way, if you are of that relation to Cristian and reading this -- act surprised.  :)

If you are looking for more craft projects to keep your kids busy, check out this post from another Kitchen Table Blogger.

How are your Truth in the Tinsel crafts going?

Have a very merry crafty and thrifty Christmas from our house to yours!