Hey ya'll:

Well, I know that a lot of people are feeling down and out celebrating the Christmas time without their loved one, as I know their loved one is having a hard time in prison/jail (either)...well, we get to celebrate the time with our families and so we have some comfort. Now, our men/sons/daughters/friends (whoever it may be) don't get to do so. I was searching the net and I found some pretty cool ideas for Christmas cards and other things, to bring a little joy to their lives maybe! Maybe this could give you something to pass the time with and them something to look forward to and smile about. I hope ya'll like them, and maybe you'll use them, if not, they are here to look at! :D You might need to replace some of the things they use with something else (depending on what your particular prison allows and does not allow!) Here you go:

1. Card
What You Need

Pretty paper like wrapping paper, or old Christmas cards, or shiny magazine page (print won't show)
Hot glue gun or scotch tape
Your choice of decorative effects
How To Make It

I found a great way to recycle cards and leftover wrapping paper. I received raves and requests for them!!



Fold desired length of paper in half. I used 20 inches long and 5 inches wide, when all folded.
Fold paper or card accordion style.
Hot glue or tape short end. Fluff out into fan shape.
Decorate with anything!! I use ribbons, bows, tiny ornaments and spray with glitter, hang a ribbon on top for hanger.
2. Bookmark
What You Need

Clear Con-Tact Paper® < you might have to do without this!
Old artwork
Scissors
Ruler
Pencil
How To Make It

Measure and mark back of artwork into rectangle(s) of bookmark size. (1 1/2 inch by 5 inches (4 by 12 cm) is a good size.)
Cut out bookmark carefully.
Cut out 2 rectangles of Con-Tact Paper for each bookmark that are 1/2 inch (1 cm) wider and longer. (2 inches by 5 1/2 inches or 5 by 13 cm)
Remove backing from one piece of Con-Tact Paper and carefully center artwork rectangle on sticky side. Press down.
Remove backing from the other piece of Con-Tact Paper and carefully place on other side of artwork, making a sandwich.
Air bubbles can be smoothed out using the edge of the ruler.
If the edges of the Con-Tact Paper are not even, they can be trimmed slightly after first drawing a new straight line as a guide.
3. Hand print Elf
Materials


felt - green, red, pink
wiggle eyes
fine line permanent marker - black
tacky glue
red pompoms
small jingle bells


Directions:
Trace each girl's hand onto green felt and cut out.
Cut out an oval of pink felt for the face, and glue into the palm of the hand cutout. (The fingers of the hand cutouts are at the bottom.)
Cut out a red felt triangle for the hat and glue to the wrist section of the hand cutout.
Glue on wiggle eyes and use marker to draw on a smile.
Fold the tip of the hat down and glue on a red pom pom.
Glue a small jingle bell to the tip of each finger.
Add a hanging loop to the top and write the date on the back.


Ummm, there are more things guys, but I don't know how long I can make this really! Well, maybe this will give your minds a chance to branch out too and get other ideas! I hope you all have a great Christmas and, even though it's hard, find a way to have a good time!