Let’s Decorate & Read by Joan Reeves

Happy Pre-Holidays!

This post may be a bit longer than usual because I want to show you a picture of each craft in our wonderful free book, Holiday Decorating, available at these ebook sellers:

Amazon * iTunes * Kobo * Nook

Although only 12 of us participated in the Christmas on Main Street Romance Collection, all 13 of us Authors of Main Street contributed a favorite holiday craft to the free Companion Book, with detailed supply lists and step by step instructions for each.

Here’s a cute video about Holiday Decorating.

Sneak Peak at the Crafts

In the order that each author’s Christmas story appears in the Christmas on Main Street Romance Collection, here are the respective authors and their crafts!

Joan Reeves, Book 1

Christmas Stocking Hanging System

Yes, this is my craft. Everyone always tells me what a great idea it is when they see all my stockings hanging from the mantel.

I invented this method of hanging Christmas stockings many years ago. Now, darling hubby and I hang 19 stockings every year.

My how my family has grown!

E. Ayers, Book 2

The Kissing Ball

Like most of us, E. Ayers first made her Christmas craft many years ago when she and her husband were first married.

If you’re a romance reader, then you absolutely must make a Kissing Ball this Christmas.

Be sure and hang it prominently!

 

Kelly Rae, Book 3

Waterless Snow Globe

These are delightful, and they’re super easy to make! Plus, kid-made presents are adored by parents and especially grandparents.

Kids love these, and they love to show off their handiwork so be sure you get several jars to make a bunch.

Shake them and watch the glittery snow fall!

Tori Scott, Book 4

Salt Dough Ornaments

The little boy next door just made Salt Dough Ornaments in pre-school. He was so excited and proud when he showed his creations to me.

These are so easy and adaptable for every skill level. Small children can easily do these, and adults can have fun embellishing them to make them rise above their humble origin.

 

Mona Risk, Book 5

Manger Built By Kids

Kids will love this craft, and parents will love it too because it takes a bit of time to complete which keeps the kids occupied on a cold winter’s day.

Building a manger is great team craft that the kids will want to do each year.

From year to year, you can see how their skills improve.

Jill James, Book 6

Crafty Gift Tags

I love this craft because it’s a wonderful way to recycle Christmas cards.

So many people send digital Christmas cards now that it’s a special treat to get a print card in the mail.

This craft will be a way to share the beauty of cards with those to whom you give presents. What a lovely way to make a present even more special.

Kristy Tate, Book 7

Fan Chart

This craft was something totally new to me. It’s a way of making a family tree and incorporating that genealogy with a Bible verse.

Be sure and visit Kristy’s Blog to see her own Fan Chart.

What better time of the year to make your family tree than at Christmas.

Leigh Morgan, Book 8

Christmas Fortune Candle

Leigh’s Holiday Craft was also new to me. It combines the warm glow of candles with the good wishes we give to our family and loved ones.

This unique craft is easy to make and sounds like a good gift idea too.

I plan to make some of these as party favors for our annual Christmas Open House.

Carol DeVaney, Book 9

Christmas Tree Photo Decoration

Carol combines recycling with a great craft idea: tree decorations made from photographs and/or old Christmas cards.

The sky’s the limit with this craft. You can make them simple or embellish to your heart’s content.

Show off your kids and grandkids with a photo tree ornament.

Pepper Phillips, Book 10

Holiday Decorated Mailbox

Pepper has inspired me to decorate my mailbox. I never thought about doing that before, but it’s such a clever and cute idea.

She gives directions for decorating a mailbox next to the curb or highway and also for a mailbox mounted on your house.

Genius!

Stephanie Queen, Book 11

Drum Ornament

Stephanie’s Holiday Craft celebrates the beloved Christmas carol “Little Drummer Boy.”

You’ll notice that Stephanie may not have contributed her craft to the book yet. She’s been away taking care of family. The book will be updated when she returns.

In the meantime, just know that you can get an updated book file when her content is added.

Susan R. Hughes, Book 12  

Kid Friendly Christmas Crafts

Susan offers not 1 but multiple crafts that the kids can do, and the kids from young to older children will like these.

A Snowman. A Reindeer. A Snow Globe.

Stock up on supplies and let the kids make at least one of each. Perfect for a cold winter’s day.

 

Bella Street

Christmas Card Putz House Ornament

Bella was not able to contribute a book to the Christmas on Main Street Romance Collection this year, but I’m thrilled that she was able to participate in the publishing of Holiday Decorating.

Her idea is so darling! The picture you see to the left is one of her Putz House Ornaments she made from a Christmas card. With her easy to follow instructions, we can all make this!

All the Links

Here are all the links mentioned above.

Holiday Decorating Video

Get free book, Holiday Decorating: Amazon * iTunes * Kobo * Nook

Buy Christmas on Main Street, a Romance Collection of 12 Novels, for only 99cents: Amazon * iTunes * Kobo * Nook

Post Script

Wishing you all a very happy Thanksgiving with lots of great food, fun, family, and friends!

(Joan Reeves, author of funny, sexy Romance Novels, lives her happily ever after with her husband in the Lone Star State. Her books are available as ebooks and audiobooks. Joan publishes Writing Hacks, a free NL for writers, and WordPlay, a free NL for readers. Find Joan online: Blog, Website, Facebook, Twitter, & other social media. Her motto is the underlying theme of all her books: It’s never too late to live happily ever after!)