Let’s face it—winter can be boring. It’s cold, wet, and dark outside, and the semester is getting busy. What to do? Winter is a great time to create, create, create. For those of you who love to do arts and crafts, this might just be the most productive and inspiring time of year. So, here are five creative things to do in the winter. If you don’t have a Pinterest board started, you’ll want one now!
Create Custom Chocolate Bars
If you’re looking for the perfect gift for coworkers or friends, look no further. Like with any DIY present, the best part about making chocolate bars is you can customize them for the recipient. No matter if they’re vegan or have a sweet tooth! Each bar is unique and insta-worthy with fun toppings like coconut flakes, candy canes, nuts, and more. Once they’re ready to go, you can use leftover paper bags, tin foil, or wrapping paper to wrap the bars and decorate them as a gift!
Materials:
- White, milk, and/or dark chocolate
- Toppings
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Baking sheet or mold
- Recycled brown bags or wrapping paper
Make Holiday Cards
Does anyone else have piles of stationery card stock lying around their house for no reason? Cards are a great way to be creative, and use up those leftover craft supplies from fifth grade. Holiday, New Year, and thank you cards are a great way to get started, but don’t be afraid to get ahead on summer birthdays either! I love this 3D card idea made with pleated paper.
Materials:
- Card stock
- Scissors
- Glue
- Whatever you have lying around!
Perfect Your Hot Chocolate Recipe
Girl, there is so much more you can do with your hot chocolate than what you’re doing now. If you’re anything like me, you’ll immediately add coffee. But when perfecting your recipe, it’s all about the basics. Do you like whole milk or almond milk? Cocoa powder or Swiss Miss? After that, you can get creative, and mix in things like peanut butter, hazelnut spread, cinnamon, or caramel. Rumor has it, you can microwave milk and Lindt truffles for the creamiest dorm hot chocolate ever. Pinterest also has great recipe ideas for people who are ready to take it to the next level.
Materials:
- 1 cute mug
- milk of choice
- cocoa powder
- mix-ins and toppings
- marshmallows
- whipped cream
Assemble Cookie Tins
Cookie tins are also great gift ideas if you’re looking for things to do in the winter. If you’re still in the middle of the semester, you can set up a cookie swap with friends. Everyone brings a batch of treats and goes home with one of everything. Keep in mind, you don’t need to make just cookies! The ideal tin might be a tasty combination of cookies, candy, and fudge. You can separate the cookies with DIY cardboard slots of festive cupcake liners.
Materials:
- Tins or boxes
- Cupcake liners
- 3-6 cookie recipes
- Decorative string
Learn a New Skill
If you love DIY, it means you’re always itching to create something new. As things (hopefully) slow down this winter, you can try a new craft or revisit an old skill. We’re talking embroidery, lettering, knitting, or even candle-making. This new hobby will certainly inspire other fun things to do in the winter. Remember that arts and crafts are for fun, and you should do what you find interesting!
Are you working on a DIY project? Show us on Instagram @cfashionista.
Opening image by Yusra.
