What do you call an elf who sings?

A wrapper

Here’s a simple and fun craft idea for making homemade wrapping paper:
Bing and his friends call it “Stamping with Sponges”

Materials Needed:

- Brown kraft paper, plain white butcher paper or leftover unused leaf bags (inside out)

- Sponges (cut into shapes)

- Paint

- Paintbrush

- Optional: Glitter, markers, crayons or ribbons for decorations

Steps:

1. Prepare the Paper:
Roll out your kraft or butcher paper to the size you want for wrapping.
Tape the edges down on a flat surface to keep it from rolling up.
You can even use leftover leaf bags (just turn them inside out).

2. Create Your Sponge Stamps:
Cut shapes out of sponges if you want softer, reusable stamps.

3. Paint the Stamps:
Dip the sponge into the paint… or apply the paint directly to the stamp using a paintbrush or dip it lightly into the paint.
Be careful not to overload the stamp with too much paint to avoid smudging.
Bing does this all the time!

4. Stamp the Paper:
Press the stamps onto the paper, leaving a fun pattern.
Let the paint dry before adding more layers and colors of decoration.

5. Decorate (Optional) Add extra details with markers, glitter, or even splashes of paint to make the paper more festive.
Draw elves, candy canes, or stars.

Once everything is dry, you have a wonderful custom, homemade wrapping paper!!

♥ BinG!

Presented by McLaren Health Care

Bing.. yes… well that’s me.. the Silly Elf. As you all know, I found myself signed up for the 1^st annual Run Elf Run 5K race that went straight through the Holiday Extravaganza’s Magical Parade Route. The race was held just before the annual parade, with floats, marching bands and so many spectators smelling of gingerbread.

Well.. on race day, I was full of excitement (and a little too much hot cocoa). I was bouncing at the starting line, my jingle jangle elf shoes ringing with every step. Then.. it was time! The racers were off, and so was I!

The first 20 yards, was a blur of green and red, as I was dashing through the streets. That was until… I spotted something – shiny and spectacular!! A Christmas tree with real candy canes hanging all around it and what must have been 1000 cookies! My stomach grumbled. Without thinking, I quickly swerved off the race path and dove straight into the tree, sliding under a float, so fast and quick! I grabbed some cookies and a candy cane, and took off again. But instead of heading back to the race, I ran beside a marching band, accidentally knocking over some tubas.. I moved fast.. I twirled around, still chewing on my candy cane while stashing the cookies in my pocket.. I ran and ran…. Uugh..right into a float, covered in icing. That lovely sugary icing stuck to me like glue. There were so many distractions I focused on running and quickly sped back on with my adventure, zigzagging between elves, waving at the crowd, feeling like the star of the show!! I continued down the parade route, a trail of candy canes, icing and cookie crumbs in my wake.

The other runners had long since finished, but I didn’t mind. I made it!! I really did it! My first race! As I crossed the line, the crowd cheered – not for my speed of course, but for my silly elf entertainment.

So.. you ask…how the race went?
Well…. "I think I won the parade!"

Presented by McLaren Health Care

Mark your calendars for this year’s event! December 7, 2024 

The 2024 Holiday Extravaganza is in preparation to be an experience like no other! We will have FUN adventures, giggles and celebrations to leave you with excitement and joy!

My friends and I hope to see you there!

♥ BinG!

Presented by McLaren Health Care