This past holiday season, several people participating in the Supported Living program came down with a bug—the crafting bug! To celebrate the holiday season, an ornament-making party was hosted at Barb’s apartment. Hailey Crabtree, a Direct Support Specialist, came up with the idea to have the party.

“In setting up this event, it was my goal to create an accessible, comfortable space for people to gather which was centered around art-making and holiday cheer,” said Hailey. “I had been looking for an art project for a couple of months and then I came across ‘salt dough ornaments.’ They seemed like the perfect reason to throw a holiday party! Participants painted these cookie-like ornaments while eating REAL cookies and listening to holiday music.”

Nine people came together and had a good time socializing and crafting the almost 100 ornaments. Some were intended for display on individual’s personal holiday trees, while other ornaments made were going to be given as gifts to friends and family.

Hailey made all of the ornaments ahead of time and provided paints and ribbons for hanging so that everyone participating could enjoy the creative process. “The recipe is simple,” said Hailey. “It is just salt and flour and water. The ornaments are then baked in the oven to harden. And then the decorating fun can begin!”