Preparing for the New Year begins with decorating your living space. For this, purchased or homemade toys are used: creating unusual figures or balls is a fascinating process that adults and children will enjoy.
Crafts made from foam plastic on the eve of the New Year create a special mood, unite the family, and help create an unusual design.
Foam crafts
Homemade toys have been gaining popularity in the last decade: if 5-10 years ago home decorations were bought and classic New Year’s motifs were chosen, then modern people are moving away from the old way of life.
Craftswomen and just people with a well-developed imagination can create unique decorative elements. This requires simple materials and new ideas.
Advantage of crafts:
- raw materials are cheaper;
- Any size and appearance of the craft can be selected;
- Younger family members get involved in an exciting activity - this activity develops motor skills and helps children concentrate their attention;
- The family can make the process of creating a craft a fun test - whoever makes the best toy will receive an incentive prize.
Crafts made from polystyrene foam for the New Year are lightweight and do not become deformed if dropped or in the event of another misfortune.
It is necessary to exclude injuries to children when creating homemade elements. Every person is capable of creating a real masterpiece from available, cheap materials - this does not require special skills or qualifications.
Penofol
This material is very easy to work with. It can be cut with a knife, scissors, attached with glue or screws. To insulate rooms, penofol is used in uncompressed form. It is fixed on top with reliable structures. The material allows steam to pass through well without losing its thermal insulation qualities.
Among the presented foam plastic substitutes, it is easy to choose a material suitable for each individual type of work. When purchasing, it is important to consider the properties, advantages and disadvantages of each option.
Christmas balls
The most popular Christmas tree decorations are balls. They are made from various materials and are stored for a year.
New Year's crafts made from lightweight polystyrene foam are useful for decorating your home, decorating a holiday table, or decorating a wreath that hangs on the front door. In this case, foam balls are universal.
To make the balls, only dense foam is used. For this, a solid material is selected: its thickness determines the size of the craft.
The larger the foam briquette, the more similar toys you can make. Additionally, a sharp stationery knife and scissors are used. Younger family members are not involved in this stage to avoid cuts or injuries.
The first step is to cut out a ball of the correct shape, after which it is cleaned and decorated. The design of the figure directly depends on the style of the tree or living space.
It is better to maintain one color scheme and use a minimum number of additional elements so as not to burden the figure.
Forming a ball
Forming the basis of a figure is a simple matter, but only if the work is properly organized. Experienced craftsmen recommend using two equivalent methods to create a perfectly shaped ball. It is unprofitable to cut a figure from different parts, because it can become deformed at any time.
A cylinder or glass is selected for the first process of creating a craft. The larger the container, the larger the ball will be. Using strong pressure, the vessel makes a hole in the foam base. The result is a cylinder the same size as the vessel.
After this, the foam is taken out and cleaned of excess pieces that remained or were crushed during “pushing.” At the second stage, the process is repeated, but the resulting cylinder is turned sideways. The base is pressed through again.
The resulting ball is imperfect, but its further design will take no more than 5-10 minutes. Using a stationery knife, the irregularities are cut off and the surface of the ball is polished.
A New Year's craft made from polystyrene foam from parts will come in handy in cases where it was not possible to find a solid foam base. Thin sheets are easier to find and will cost less. Additionally, a plate or object of the correct round shape is selected.
It is necessary to make a convex semicircle: the foam is pressed with a plate. One ball is formed from two such parts - the ends are glued together, and after the base has dried, the irregularities are sanded. For a quick version of the craft, ready-made foam balls are used. They are sold in specialized stores and are ready for further decoration.
Ball decoration
The finished bases must dry completely. For decoration, any materials found in the house or remnants of elements that were used to decorate the New Year tree are used. For the New Year, a variety of colored ribbons, beads, sparkles, artificial snow and pieces of multi-colored foil are purchased.
Choose one of the popular options for decorating balloons:
- Using threads. Thick wool thread is used to make a simple but colorful decoration. Previously, a place is allocated on the base for a hanging element - a pin or a purchased button is inserted, using which the ball is hung on the Christmas tree. After this, using a thread of any color, the ball is divided into 6 equal parts. Each part is wrapped in its own color. You cannot leave gaps: the denser the layer of thread, the more beautiful the decoration.
- Fabric. The easiest way to decorate a foam base is to cover it with a piece of fabric. A bright material is chosen, with iridescent threads or a variegated pattern. The ball turns around like candy. The edges of the fabric are tied with a bright bow or thread. At this point the hanging part of the toy is formed. After this, the fabric can be further decorated: sew on buttons, beads or glue bright details.
- With sparkles. The finished base is repainted and coated with acrylic varnish in order to use fewer decorative elements in the future. Sequins of different sizes and textures are glued on. After the base has dried, confetti or figures cut out of colored paper are glued onto its surface. The base of the figure is draped with ribbon or twine.
The versatility of a homemade toy is that its decor can be catchy or simple, complementing other crafts.
If it is necessary to follow the general style, paints or sparkles are chosen to help adhere to the color scheme. Each family member comes up with their own unique decor, then the Christmas tree will turn out unique and the most beautiful.
Santa Claus pants
What if all the pots in your house are filled with flowers, but you still want to create? Simply paint them red, add cotton wool or faux fur to the stand, and tie the two pots together with a belt attached to a gold buckle. If painting the pots is not possible, you can simply wrap them in colored film or cardboard of the desired color.
Foam Christmas tree
Polystyrene foam is a good material for crafts such as Christmas trees or figurines of fairy-tale characters.
For these purposes, thin polystyrene foam or pieces of suitable material are selected. Christmas trees are used to decorate real pine needles, to create an unusual garland, or for quickly painting windows or doors. Such elements go well with candles, spruce branches and any paper. Foam blanks are complemented with bright details.
Foam crafts are made from already used containers. Disposable containers or bases that are installed in boxes to secure equipment or other purchases are useful. The larger the base, the greater the volume of the Christmas tree itself.
A layout is prepared in advance - a figurine is printed from the Internet, or a Christmas tree is drawn with your own hands. The layout is cut out and the base is formed from it. Prepare scissors, a stationery knife or a regular sharp kitchen knife. You will need markers, paints and fixatives. Decorative elements are chosen to taste.
Blank - herringbone
The layout is attached to the foam plastic cut. It is necessary to fix it with pieces of tape so that the figure does not move. After this, the layout is outlined with a simple pencil.
Have you done this with a child?
Not really
The transferred Christmas tree is carefully cut out. Uneven edges are sanded and smoothed. If you are planning a Christmas tree decoration, you need to make a small hole through which the thread is pulled.
At the end, the finished foam base is decorated. It is covered with 2-3 layers of green paint, which dries for at least 10-12 hours. After this, beads are glued on: they can be used to make garlands or imitation toys.
Bright figures cut out of foil or small pompoms are used to add color to the craft. The finished toy is hung on the Christmas tree - its main advantage is safety. Even small children can play with the craft if there are no small figures glued on it. Instead of paint, felt-tip pens are used, then the craft is created in half an hour and is ready to decorate the pine needles.
Bell using decoupage technique
A more complex version of the Christmas bell. This time we need a larger pot and paint it in the desired colors. Any napkins with a Christmas pattern are perfect for decoration. It is better not to cut out the desired ornament, but to carefully tear it off along the edges - this way the decoupage looks more interesting. Then, using PVA glue, the design is applied to the pot and secured with the same glue as with varnish. The bell tongue can be made from a wooden ball, secured with ribbon or a metal ring.
The best toys for the New Year
For the New Year, a variety of toys are created for the general decoration of the house. You don't have to give all your attention to the needles. Garlands hanging around the house or additional decorations on a wreath will allow you to create a unique New Year's design.
Figurines in the form of fairy-tale characters will allow for a real installation on a window or to decorate a holiday table. Unusual crafts made from foam plastic are used as gifts for children: finding such a surprise under the Christmas tree will be pleasant for all family members.
What toys are best to choose on the eve of the New Year:
- supporting the general theme;
- if fairy-tale characters are chosen, then they must be recognizable - Father Frost, Snow Maiden or a snowman will always be appropriate in New Year's decor;
- You cannot overload the craft with a large number of elements, so as not to spoil its simple appearance.
If children participate in the creative process, they can, like adults, choose the appearance of the craft. You cannot limit the imagination of young masters: through such crafts they reveal their hidden talents.
Making a New Year's toy from foam plastic
The main advantage of foam plastic crafts is that they can be of any size and shape. Due to the lightness of the material, even massive figures retain their shape, last through the New Year holidays, and do not deform even from strong pressure. Damaged polystyrene foam can be thrown away, and figures made from it are stored until the next New Year.
A good option for decorating your home is a large Christmas tree made of polystyrene foam. It is installed on the floor, in the nursery or in the office. Children will love these artificial pine needles because they can be decorated with garlands or small colorful figures.
For a stable three-dimensional figure, two large identical bases are cut out. They are flat - Christmas trees are cut out with sharp, even corners. A cut is made in the center of the base to its middle. This is how two parts are fastened together - one part is threaded into the cut of the second part.
The cuts are always made from the bottom to improve the stability of the craft. There is no need to change the color of the craft: it can be decorated and installed in any room. This product requires minimal cash outlay.
Jugs with sweets
In some countries, traditionally shaped jars of sweets are not a popular holiday attribute. To make it you will need a glass flask, a pot, a stand and a wooden ball. You just need to attach the flask to an inverted pot, and glue the ball to the stand, which will be used as a lid. It is convenient to paint pots with acrylic paint from a can. Snowflakes can be drawn or cut out using self-adhesive film. The jugs look great decorated with satin bows.
Homemade snowman
Your favorite New Year's character, the snowman, will decorate the bottom of the Christmas tree or the festive table. Traditionally, a snowman consists of 2-3 balls of different diameters. The larger the snowman, the more massive its base. The character always has a cap on his head. He is decorated with a scarf, and usually holds a broom or a sprig of pine needles in his hands.
Foam snowmen are very practical - they complement the mantel if socks for gifts are installed on it, and are suitable for decorating windows or the outdoor part of the house. The base of the snowman can withstand temperature changes and any weather conditions.
3 foam balls are made for the snowman. The principle of preparing parts is the same as for Christmas balls. Semicircular plates or elongated vessels are used. After this, the balls are cleared. To fasten them together, wire is used. It passes through the center of each foam blank.
To make the craft stable, use a regular music disc or a cut out cardboard circle. When the parts are fastened, eyes and buttons are glued on: beads, beads, and cardboard cutouts are used.
A good option for a hat and scarf is felt crafts. Durable and bright material ensures the stability of the parts. Even on the street the hat does not deform. You can make a snowman's nose from felt. Wood, cardboard, and massive beads are used instead of carrots. The character's arms are cut out from leftover foam. The mouth is formed using a felt-tip pen or thread. The New Year's snowman is ready.
Christmas bells
For this idea you will need the smallest size pots. These are often sold not in flower shops, but in special departments for creativity. A bead on a string is glued to the bottom of the pot (it is better to choose a large wooden one). If the pot has a hole for draining, a thread with a bead can be pulled through, secured inside at the base. These bells can be hung throughout the house or used as Christmas tree decorations. Even children can handle this kind of work!
Funny New Year's sheep
Polystyrene foam can be given any shape. Sheep are not traditional New Year's characters, but children will also like them. Such animals are friendly, sweet and friendly. The same principle is used to create a pig.
The patron of 2020 will attract success, prosperity, and joy into your home. Each family member prepares one animal and leaves it on the table near them. The craft will become the best talisman for the whole next year.
Making the animal:
- Lamb. The creation of the craft is divided into 2 equal parts: first, the base is made of foam, and then the top trim is made of threads. The body is being prepared - it is an elongated oval. After this, the head is cut out of foam plastic. The craft is held together with wire. The upper part of the sheep is made of threads tied together: the appearance of wool is created. The animal's face and legs are knitted from wool thread. Buttons serve as eyes.
- Piggy. The patron of the year is assembled from an oval base and a round head. All parts are made of foam plastic. After this, the animal is painted. At least 2-3 layers of paint are used. You can choose any color you like, but most often the pigs are made pink. After this, ears, eyes, and “nickels” are cut out of cardboard. The legs can be made of foam, and the tail is wire.
The animal cannot be portrayed as evil: it will attract joy if it looks friendly.
Angel
To create such a cute angel, in addition to a pot of the required size, you will need a wooden ball, fabric for a scarf, accessories for decoration and suitable material for creating a hairstyle. The author of the work chose decorative moss, but the hair can be made from thread or natural flax. Wings and decorations can be cut out of plywood or thick cardboard and painted in the desired color. You can create a whole family of angels from pots of different sizes.
Fairytale house for the New Year
A house is built for the finished animals from the remains of polystyrene foam. It can be small, made from one piece, or made from different, cut-out elements. If it is a solid structure, it is cut evenly on all sides from the layouts: square sketches are used, which are easier to cut out.
Another option is a house made of separate walls, roof, and foundation. Such parts are held together with glue and then decorated. Doors and parts of the roof are made from cardboard, and foil or tinsel is prepared for the windows.
Another Santa, but in a completely different form...
One of the simplest crafts that looks very impressive! You need to paint “bricks” on the pot with acrylic paints to depict a chimney. Santa's legs can be easily made from Christmas tree garlands or wire wrapped in tinsel. Snow on the pipe is well imitated by white polyurethane foam. You can attach a sign to the “chimney” with the name of the child or friend for whom this gift is intended.
