Teens

During the chilly winter months there is not much you can do outside and getting a severe case of "cabin fever" can be an inevitable problem. When even watching re-runs and checking you e-mails for the tenth time seem entertaining, you're in need of some advice. Think your craftiness left when you recycled your tempura paints, glitter, and stencils back in elementary school? Well, think again. Crafts are a fun way to prepare for the holidays and enjoy your free time off with friends and family, especially on a lazy day when you have nothing to do but send a postcard to your best friend who is skiing in Aspen.

Collage

Like many teenagers, celebrities are a major source of interest. Chances are (if you are like me) you have a huge stack of outdated magazines collecting dust under your bed. Here is a simple solution: cut out pictures of your favorite celebs, funky advertisements, inspiring quotes, interesting stories etc. out of your outdated, under-used periodicals, tape them onto your closet door, and voila! You have just created a gigantic collage! It personalizes your space, and it's a great conversation starter for guests. But make sure to use clear tape (just in case a piece happens to wrangle its way on a picture). Mom won't let you decorate your closet door? Try the same technique on a piece of cardboard, and insert it into an acrylic frame! It can't get any easier than that!

Knitting

Can't think of any homemade holiday gifts to give to your loved ones except for the old chocolate chip cookies? And how often can you get the accomplished feeling of actually making something useful? Try Knitting! Popular among many teenagers, knitting is a fun, stress-relieving activity that looks much more complicated then it actually is. And don't worry about little holes or missed stitches in the item. Those little imperfections are what make the gift unique, and the receiver will definitely know it's a gift from the heart. Go to your local craft store and pick up a knitting starter kit; it should clear up all of your questions so you can get knitting in no time!

Beading

Just like knitting, beading is a very fun way to make something totally amazing look very professional, when in reality only minimal skill is needed for fantastic results. Bracelets, necklaces, rings, etc. make great homemade presents, which can be enjoyed by all. Whether you like chunky, colorful beads or pastel pearls are more your style, it is very easy to do. All you have to do is go to a craft or specialty bead store, buy the beads of your choice, pick up some clear, stretchy plastic string, and start beading! Just make sure to tape down the starting end so the beads don't fall off and all of your hard work will be ruined!

Now make some instant hot cocoa and enjoy!

Sharon Scott's best-selling book for teens, How to Say No and Keep Your Friends, 2nd Ed., empowers kids to stand out—not just fit in!