MAKE IT A FAMILY AFFAIR this CHRISTMAS

The Christmas countdown is on and for many it’s the busiest time of year, full of endless ‘to do’ lists, shopping trips and present wrapping.

Clinical psychologist Renee Mill from Anxiety Solutions CBT said activities like crafting are a fantastic way to get children involved and the perfect way to have fun these holidays.

“Christmas craft activities can be a great way to involve the children in the lead-up and is a good family bonding exercise
too, be sure each child gets to express themselves,” she said.

“The focus is on creativity and fun and exhibiting your child’s art. When guests come, point out your child’s creation.
Give the children credit for their work and input – it’s a great way to encourage their confidence.”

Pilot Pen have released a step-by-step guide to decorating a Christmas bauble using their Pintor paint markers that work on any surface and come in 13 vibrant colours.

Here’s a step-by-step guide of how to make your own Christmas tree decoration:

Materials needed
• Pintor paint markers
• Christmas baubles
• Thin strip of paper (about 15cm long)
• Tape
• Scrap paper
• Wet cloth for wiping off mistakes

Instructions
1. Tape the ends of the paper strip together to make a ring
2. Using the ring as a stand, place the bauble on top to keep it still
3. Shake the paint marker 10-15 times with the cap on, hearing the ball move in the barrel, remove the cap and prime the tip. Do this by pressing it multiple times on scrap paper until ink starts to flow
4. Test the marker on scrap paper before drawing on the baubles
5. Start by drawing a triangle in the shape of a Christmas tree on the bauble, colour it in
6. Next, draw a long rectangle for the tree trunk underneath the triangle
7. Using your favourite colours, draw two squares, one on each side of the rectangle. This will be the presents under the Christmas tree
8. Next, draw a star on top of the Christmas tree
9. Allow the ink to dry before moving on to the following steps
10. Once dry, draw lines for tinsel and circles for baubles on top of the Christmas tree. Use any colours you wish
11. Draw ribbons on top the presents
12. Lastly, decorate any empty space with circles or fun shapes
13. And you’re done! Wait for your art to dry before hanging the bauble on the Christmas tree
14. In case you make any mistakes, you can use a wet cloth to wipe it off.
15. Pintor paint markers are available in broad tip (RRP $5.95) or extra fine, fine, or medium (RRP $4.95). To watch the step-by-step video and for more craft ideas, visit pilotpen.com.au.