Last night I was searching for some online inspiration for decorating ideas. I came across a post on the Multiyork blog about making a handmade countdown for the 12 Days of Christmas. I love the idea of making a festive keepsake, especially one that the family love to bring out each year.

Throughout November and December my focus is on Christmas Day and I feel a little deflated on Boxing Day. So this year I have found 12 sweet crafts, each connected to one of the 12 days of Christmas in the song. Next year I hope to be a little more organised and be able to post 12 of our own 12 Days of handmade Christmas crafts.

The 12 Days of Christmas crafts

On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me:

A Partridge in a Pear Tree
I love this tutorial for a sweet bird in a (cardboard roll) tree. The instructions are in Hungarian but there are lots of photographs so it should be easy enough to follow.

Two Turtle Doves
How about making a simple handprint dove craft? My children love drawing around their hands so I know they’d love to make one of these with me.

Three French hens
I found a cute handmade French hens ornament for your Christmas tree from Fire Flies and Mudpies

Four Calling Birds
If you love transforming paper plates then how about crafting four paper plate calling birds?

Five Gold Rings
I couldn’t find many ideas for making a gold ring but I love this sparkly ring craft, sure to be a hit with any boy or girl.

Six Geese-a-Laying
I have a free printable for a colouring sheet for six geese

Seven Swans-a-Swimming
paper crafting is always fun and these origami swans are great for practising fine motor skills

Eight Maids-a-Milking
you now have I love to make bento for my children, well how about this festive bento lunch with mini cow face sandwiches and cheese sticks?

Nine Ladies Dancing
Pipe Cleaner Dancing Princesses

Ten Lords-a-Leaping
bake and decorate an edible jumping jack

Eleven Pipers Piping
make a wind instrument pipe

Twelve Drummers Drumming
a lovely craft to decorate wooden clothespin into Christmas soldiers

I’ve created a Pinterest board to start me off, it’s a little empty at the moment but I look forward to adding to it.

Follow Jenny Makes’s board 12 Days of Christmas crafts on Pinterest.