Crafts 4 Kids-Made by Kids

Funny Easter Bunny

2012-03-22T20:16:00.000-05:00

This Bunny is made with the same Euro paver that the snowman is made with. When I saw the snowman I thought I would try to see how I can turn it into an Easter Bunny. It didn't take long to see how easy it would be. If you liked making the snowman you will also like this project. The brick and be found at most home improvement centers or garden center. All of the other supplies can be found at a craft store, such as Hobby Lobby, Micheal's or your local craft shop.

Supply List

1 Euro Paver brick

White craft paint

White fun foam

Pink fun foam

3 cotton balls

1 pink pom pom- (smaller than the size of a cotton ball)

1 White Chenille pipe cleaner

Ribbon- Easter or Pastel

Piece of paper- for a pattern

Foam Paint brush

Tacky Glue

First cover your work area with newspaper or an old vinyl table cloth.

1.Paint the entire brick white and let it dry. You have to paint it two to three times. It just depends on how much the paint soaks into the brick. The nice thing is that craft paint dries quickly and each coat can be done one after another.

2. Using a piece of paper you will need to make a pattern for the ears. One larger ear and one smaller ear.

3. The large ear will be cut out of the White fun foam. Cut two white ears.

4. The small ear will be cut out of the Pink fun Foam. Cut two pink ears.

5. Place the pink ear on top of the white ear and glue together. Be sure to line the bottoms together and center the pink ear in the middle of the white ear.

6. Glue each ear to the back of the brick. Once they are glued on it is easiest to lay the brick on it's back. This will help keep the ears in place while you finish the bunny.

7. Glue on the 2 googly eyes.

8. Cut the white chenille pipe cleaner into 6 pieces. Each piece should be about 1 inches long.

9. Place the 6 chenille pieces where the nose will be. Place 3 on each side to make them look like whiskers.

10. Glue the pink pom pom on top of the "whiskers" for a nose.

11. Take 2 of the cotton balls and glue them at the bottom of the brick, but on the front. These will be the bunny's feet.

12. Cut a piece of the left over fun foam the size of the bottom base of the brick. Glue this to the bottom. This will keep the brick from scratching any surfaces.

13. Carefully stand up the bunny and glue the last cotton ball on the back of the bunny, at the bottom, for a tail.

14. Wrap the ribbon around the neck and tie a bow or a square knot.

You now have a "Funny Easter Bunny". Enjoy!!

Wash Cloth Easter Bunnies

2012-03-22T19:29:00.000-05:00

These bunnies are easy and so much fun. Using an inexpensive, regular facial size wash cloth, the kids can make bunny after bunny to decorate the house and baskets. You can buy the plain white wash cloths but don't be afraid to pick up some of the pastel colors, they look great as Easter bunnies. Make sure you have the thinner, less expensive cloth's like the bundle you can buy for around $4 at WalMart. If the wash cloth is too thick they are a little harder to make look right.

Supply List

Facial size wash cloths, white or pastel

1 cotton ball

2 small googly eyes

1 tiny pink pom pom

Thin Ribbon- Spring Color

Rubber band

Tacky Glue

Lay the wash cloth flat on the table and smooth out.Starting at a corner, tightly roll the wash cloth towards the center and then stop.

Then take the opposite corner and roll to the center.

Take one end and fold in half over to the other end.

Now take the ends and fold in half back towards the fold.

Using the rubber band, wrap tightly around the last fold, to form a head. Two ears should then appear.

Glue the cotton ball onto the back of the bunny.

Glue the 2 googly eyes on the face and the small pink pom pom for the nose.

Tie the thin ribbon around the neck in a bow (to cover the rubber band).

Once you make one bunny you will want to make many more.
Happy Easter!!

Finger Weaving (Finger Crocheting)

2012-02-01T01:25:00.000-06:00

Okay, so this picture doesn't do justice to the fun the kids will have finger weaving, or as some call it, finger crocheting. This is great activity for hand-eye coordination for elementary school age kids. But once they get the hang of it they will have a good time making belts, hair ribbons, snakes and what ever other ideas they can come up with. You don't have to go out and buy new yarn, as I am sure many of you have left over yarn from projects, or maybe ask Grandma if she has any yarn scraps. Kids will have so much fun watching their weaving grow and grow. When they run out of one color just tie on another color. Short ropes can be made for tying hair into pony tails. Measure the waist of the child and have them make a belt for themselves or a sibling. Older kids can string numerous decorative beads onto the yarn before they start and can incorporate them throughout the weaving.

Supplies

Yarn scraps of any color

1. Place the end of the yarn over the palm of your hand between the thumb and pointer finger holding it in place for the first few rounds.

2. Wrap the yarn behind the pointer finger, then over the second finger, behind the third finger, over and around the little finger.

3. Now work back with the yarn, go over the third finger, behind the second finger, and over and around the pointer finger. Each finger will have one row of yarn on it.

4. Then again over the second finger, behind the third finger, over and around the little finger. The first and third finger will have one row and the second and fourth finger will have two rows.

5. Again work back with the yarn, go over the third finger, behind the second finger, and over and around the pointer finger. Each finger will now have two rows of yarn on it.

6. Starting with the pointer finger take the bottom loop of yarn and lift it over the finger to the back. There is now only one loop of yarn on the pointer. Do this to each of the remaining fingers.

7. Weave the yarn behind the pointer finger, then over the second finger, behind the third finger, over and around the little finger. Then work back with the yarn, go over the third finger, behind the second finger, and over and around the pointer finger. You now have two rows on each finger again.

8. Once again starting with the pointer finger take the bottom loop of yarn and lift it over the finger to the back. Do this to all of the fingers.

After a couple of times weaving back and forth you can take the end of yarn that you are holding in your palm and pull on it toward the back. This will lock the weaving in place.

Continue the weaving steps 2-5 over and over until you have the length you want. When you are ready to quit, cut the yarn off of the ball. Take the end of the yarn and slip it through the loop on the finger and remove the loop off of the finger. Then slip the yarn through the second finger, remove the loop from the finger and so on until each loop is off of each finger. Pull on the yarn tight, this will lock the weaving.

Additional ideas
Tie on extra yarn pieces on each end for fringe.
Tie on beads to each end.
Glue on googly eyes and make caterpillars or snakes.

I would love to hear other ideas you come up with.

Origami for Kid's

2012-01-31T23:10:00.000-06:00

Every year I have offered Origami classes at the elementary schools and every year it is one the favorites with the boys. They ask me all throughout the year when I am holding the origami class. I was planning on including origami projects and instructions here on my blog but it would actually be easier for both you and me if I just give you the sites I use instead. Over the years I have found some really great sites for beginners and they are so well done it doesn't make sense for me to duplicate it. Most craft stores (Michael's, Hobby Lobby, Jo Ann Fabrics) have Origami paper and you get 100 sheets for $4-$6. So here is my list of go to sites for Origami for Kids. At the first one on the list you do not need origami paper, you print the animals on your own printer and then fold. SO EASY AND FUN.

Origami-n-Stuff 4 Kids
www.origami-n-stuff4kids.blogspot.com

Origami Fun (Flowers, Boxes, Animals, Printable, Videos and more)
www.origami-fun.com/origami-for-kids.html

Origami Instructions-Easy
www.origami-instructions.com/origami-for-kids.html

Origami Resource Center
www.origami-resource-center.com/easy-origami.html

Paper Airplanes and Paper Boats
www.origami-kids.com

Origami You Tube Video's
http://easyorigamiforkids.com/

Activity TV
http://www.activitytv.com/origami-for-kids

Enjoy!

Pin Wheel Christmas Tree Ornaments

2011-11-23T20:33:00.000-06:00

If you are familar with my Pin Wheel Halloween Wreath, you will see that these ornaments are done the same way. The easiest way to make these is with double sided paper, but with just a little more effort, it can be done with single sided paper as well.

Supply List

Double Sided Christmas Paper -if possible,

(or single sided Christmas paper see ***)

Buttons

Thin Ribbon- matching color

Glue Stick

Tacky glue

1. You will cut 1- 5 inch squares of the double sided paper for each ornament.

***If you are using single sided paper you will need to cut 2- 5 inch squares for each ornament. Using the glue stick, rub glue along all four sides of the wrong side of one square and place a different patterned paper on top, placing wrong sides together. You will then have one doubled sided square. As you make the pinwheels you will see why you want a different pattern for each side.***

2. Using the picture below and following the black lines, have your child cut the square, from each corner toward the center but do not go completely to the center.

3. Look at the pictures below to see how to form the pinwheels. Using the glue stick, place glue in the center of the paper. Then starting at the bottom left corner, take the corner up to the middle and place in the center of the paper onto the glue. Put more glue on top of the point you just placed in the center and place the next corner in the center of the paper. Place glue in the center before each corner, continue with the next two corners.

4. Place tacky glue in the center and place one button in the middle.

5. Turn the pin wheel over.

6. Cut a piece of matching ribbon long enough to fold in half and use as a hanger for on the tree.

7. Place glue on the back of the pinwheel and place ends of the folded ribbon in to the glue.

8. Let dry. Hang on the tree!

Candy Cane and Icicle Christmas Tree Ornaments

2011-11-23T19:56:00.001-06:00

This project is one that my Grandma O. was making more than 20 years ago. Not sure where she found it, but I see you can now buy kits to make these. I prefer to buy everything separately as this is an inexpensive project that the kids enjoy, and will keep them busy for a while. Once the kids are done with these ornaments they will want to make more. All supplies can be purchased at Micheal's, Jo Ann Fabrics, Hobby Lobby or your local craft store.

Candy Cane Supply List

1 Package of White Chenille Pipe Cleaners

Tri Beads- WHITE

Tri Beads- Red or Green

1. Cut the pipe cleaners in half.

2. Place 3 colored beads on the pipe and bend one end of the pipe wire over a bead to prevent them from falling off. Next place 3 white beads on the pipe and move all of the bead to the end. Continue with 3 colored and then 3 white until the pipe is full. Leave a little pipe to bend over a bead at the other end as well.

3. Bend one end over your finger to shape it into a candy cane.

Icicle Supply List

Silver Chenille Pipe Cleaners-1 Package

Paddle Wheel Large Beads (or sunburst) -Clear

Tri Beads Clear

Facet Crystal Beads 8mm-Clear

Facet Crystal Beads 6mm-Clear

Rondelle Crystal Beads-Clear

For this ornament, we will work from the bottom up. Starting with the Rondelle beads.

1. Place 7 Rondelle beads on the silver pipe cleaner. Bend the very end of the pipe over the last bead to keep them from falling off.

2. Next place 5 of the 6mm crystal Facet beads on the pipe cleaner and push down to the other beads.

3. Place 3 of the 8mm crystal Facet beads on the pipe cleaner.

4. Place 3 Tri beads on the pipe cleaner.

5. And lastly, depending on how much of the pipe cleaner you have left, place 3-4 large Paddle Wheel beads on the pipe cleaner. Making sure to have enough of the silver pipe cleaner showing to bend over your finger for hanging on the tree.

Wintery, Wonderful Snowman

2011-11-23T18:58:00.000-06:00

I found this snowman in an old copy of the "Family Fun" magazine. It was only the picture of the snowman along with a group of children who had made them, no instructions. I am not sure if it was a craft from the magazine in a previous issue, or if it was an entry from a family, but I took the picture and just starting winging it. The first thing you must know about this project is that it is made from a paver. In other words, a brick, and it is not the lightest project to do. It is called a "Euro Paver" and can be found at home improvement centers such as Menard's, Home Depot, Lowe's, or most garden centers that also have patio building materials.

The paver looks as if it is two bricks, one brick on top of another, but it is all one piece. The shape of the paver is an octagon shaped bottom, with a square top. You can see this better in the supply picture below.

I hope the children in your life have as much fun with this snowman as did all of the children in my community education classes. This one is a big hit. In the spring I will show you how to make an Easter Bunny using this same type of paver.

Supply List

1 Euro Paver

Silver chenille pipe cleaner

White Paint-indoor/outdoor

Black Paint

Tacky Glue

2- 2 inch pom poms, any color

18 inch piece of Fleece

foam brush

small stencil brush

small art brush

carrot nose, make form orange poly clay or buy one

scrap piece of felt or soft material

***For the carrot nose you can try to find a little carrot at a craft store. (I have found them in the past.) Or you can make carrot noses out of polymer clay. Just take a small amount of the clay, roll into a ball and then roll between your thumb and finger (like a small hot dog) to make a carrot shape. Just keep one end fatter than the other end. Then bake according to the package directions. VERY EASY***

Before you get started cover the working area with newspaper or an old vinyl table cloth.

1. Paint the snowman completely, front, back and sides, with the white paint. The first time you paint it, the paint will soak into the brick. The brick will need to be painted 2-3 times before it looks good and coated well. But don't worry, kids love to paint. Let it dry for about 10-15 minutes between each coat.

2. The white paint will dry fairly quickly and once it is dry it is time to paint the eyes. Lay the snowman flat, making sure the best side is facing up. Using the small stencil brush, (or art brush) and black paint, paint two circles for eyes.

3. With the same brush and black paint, paint three coal buttons down the front of the snowman.

4. Using the small art brush and black paint, make dots to form the shape of a smiling mouth.

5. Cut the chenille pipe cleaner in half. It should reach from one side of the "head" to the other side. This will be the top part of the ear muffs.

6. Keeping the snowman laying flat, glue one end of the chenille pipe cleaner to the side of the head where an ear would be. Then glue one of the pom poms on top of the pipe cleaner. Bend the pipe cleaner over the head and glue pipe to the other side and the last pom pom on top of the pipe. Hold both pom poms for a few minutes until glue has set.

7. Glue on the carrot nose and hold in place for a moment.

8. Using the piece of fleece (approx. 1 1/2 inches wide by 18 inches long) snip both ends about 1 inch long, so that it looks like it has a fringe. Lift the snowman and lay the piece of fleece under the snowman's neck. Wrap around the neck and tie it off to the side.

9. Cut a piece of felt or soft material the same size as the bottom of the paver and glue onto the bottom.

This will keep the paver from scratching the floor or table.

You know have a wintery, wonderful, Snowman for indoors or out.

Turkey Time

2011-11-06T18:36:00.000-06:00

Turkey Time takes about the same amount of time as most of my projects, which is around one to two hours, at the most. As always, it depends on the ages of the children and how much of the project you let them do on their own. This one also take just a little more patience, both yours and your child's. But don't be put off by my comment, it is really a pretty easy project. And a fun one!

Supply List

1 clay pot 2 1/2 inch

1 Doll head/Knob 1 1/2 inch

Tacky Glue

Brown Paint

Red Paint

Yellow Paint

Light Pink Paint

Small foam paint brush

Small artist paint brush

Piece of ribbon

Raffia

Button

Black Sharpie/Marker

**Optional: Tan paint**

1. Using the small foam paint brush, paint both the pot and the wooden ball with the brown paint. The bottom of the pot will become the top for the head. So be sure to paint the bottom. As always when paint clay pots, the pot may need two coats of paint before the clay color is gone. If the wooden ball has a hole in the bottom put the ball on a tooth pick when painting. This makes it so much easier to paint.

2. It won't take long to dry. Once dry, with the pot upside down, glue the head onto the pot.

3. Now for the painting fun ! I use a sharpie or thin marker for the eyes.

4. For the rest of the painting you will use the small artist brush. Use the yellow for the beak. The best way to paint the beak is to paint a triangle, just make sure the point of the triangle is pointing downward.

5. Next, while still using yellow, paint the feet. This is very easy. First make a wide V, and then a line down the middle of the V.

6. For the turkey waddle under the beak, use red and paint two tear drop shapes.

7. For the blush on the checks I put a little paint on my finger, wipe it off a little and then rub my finger on the checks until I get the amount of color I want. Not too much. You want a light blushing.

8. Once the beak is dry, use the marker or Sharpie to make two SMALL dots, side by side.

9. Take a small piece of ribbon and tie a knot in the middle. Cut the ends to the size you want. Glue under the "chin" of the turkey.

10. Glue a button on the belly and a bow of raffia or ribbon on top of that.

11. And lastly the feathers. This can be a little more time involved only because you need to hold the feathers in place for a little bit. I like to use three different colors of feathers but any combo will do. Put quite a bit of glue on the back of the turkey at the bottom rim. lay the feathers in the glue one at a time until you have all three in place. You can rearrange them as you need to, but you may also then need to add more glue afterwards. Hold in place for a few minutes.

***Optional*** If you look closely at the turkeys, you can see some speckles. If you choose to add the speckles you would do this just before gluing on the feathers. This is done by dipping a small, firm brush in the tan paint. Hold the brush in your hand with the brush end straight up in the air with the brush level with your thumb up in the air. Using your thumb, rub your thumb across the top of the bristles of the brush. This will lightly splatter the paint. I suggest you have the child practice on some newspaper before actually splattering it on the turkey.

HAPPY TURKEY TIME!!!!

Fall Corn Cob Family

2011-11-06T17:36:00.001-06:00

Here is another fall craft that is fun, easy, and the kids will be proud of the end product. This is a project that a friend of mine and I used to do with K-4 grade kids in 4-H. They can go the simple route the way I did in the picture or they can use embellishments such as jewels, beads, buttons to add their own flair to the corn cob people. Such as adding a small piece of flannel to the baby cob for a blanket, or small jewels on the mom for earrings.
Corn cobs can be found at any feed mill. Some hardware stores carry it as well or try Menard's, Lowe's, or Home Depot. Go through your scrap material or ask family members for scraps before going out to buy material. It takes so little that it is hardly worth buying if you can avoid it. Bandannas and handkerchiefs work as well. Most everything you need can be found in your home, or Grandma's.

Supply List

3 corn cobs per family

small pieces of material

small googly eyes

scissors

ribbon

hat

yarn

raffia (or ribbon)

glue

small hearts (or bead/sequin for mouth)

The first thing you need to do before getting the kids started is to find one tall piece of corn (dad), one piece a little shorter (mom) and then cut one in half, (child). Use the cob half with the pointed small end. A small hand saw works great for cutting the corn or a large pocket knife.

1. To find out how big of a piece of material you need for the cob, place the material open and flat. Stand the corn cob up and place on top of the material. You will then take one corner and pull it up against the cob so that it is just under half way up the cob. You can then eye ball how big you need to cut out a square. Go a little bigger if you are not sure. You can always cut it down if it is too big. (A 7 inch square is USUALLY big enough for Dad.) Depending on the age of the children, I like to let them do the cutting whenever possible. Do this for all of the corn cobs.

2. Apply glue around the entire bottom 1/3 of the cob and to the bottom.

3. Place cob in the middle of the material and one by one take each corner of the material and press against the cob. Bring the corner straight up the side of the cob. Turn and do the same for the next corner and so on.

4. Once the material is pressed firmly all around, take a piece of raffia or ribbon and tie around the cob at the top of the material. Do this for all three cobs.

5. Glue eyes and mouth on each cob.

6. For Dad-Glue on a hat and make a small bow for under his mouth.

7. For Mom-You will need to make some hair from yarn. This sounds harder than it is. Have the child wrap the yarn around all of your fingers about 10 times. Remove from your hand and cut yarn at both ends. Lay a piece of yarn on the table to use to tie the hair. Place the "hair" on top of the yarn and tie in the middle of the hair. Trim hair to length desired. See helpful pictures below.

8. If you want to add extra embellishments here is when you would do that.

9. Place a long piece of raffia or ribbon on the table. Lay the Dad and Mom next to each other on top of the raffia/ribbon. Place the child cob on top of the Dad and Mom. Wrap the raffia around all three and tie in a bow.

Your family is now complete. Set it out as a center piece on the Thanksgiving table or maybe on the mantle. Enjoy all Autumn long!!!

Pumpkin Pot

2011-10-19T21:32:00.000-05:00

Here is a craft that is so, so easy. It is great for those really little ones who want to make crafts like to big kids. But the bigger kids like it as well. It does not take too much time and the cost is very minimal. As with all of my crafts you can find everything you need at most Wal-Mart’s, Michael’s, Hobby Lobby or your local craft store. I found this as I was walking through Michael's, it was on one of the free flyers they sometime have in the isles.

FYI: for crafts using clay pots I have found that the brand of paint that works the best is the Plaid Apple Barrel GLOSSY indoor, outdoor. It covers the best and leaves a very good finish.

Supplies

1-4 inch clay pot (or whatever size you want)

1 clay saucer

1-1 ½ in-2 in. wooden flat bottom ball

Orange, Green, and Black Paint

1. Starting with the clay pot, paint the entire outside of the pot with orange paint. You do not need to paint the bottom. Let dry. While the pot is drying paint the entire saucer, top and bottom also with orange paint. Set aside to dry.

2. Using the green paint, paint the wooden ball. This will be the steam of the pumpkin. TIP: Most of the wooden balls have a hole in the bottom. It is easier to paint the ball if you place the ball on a tooth pick and have the children hold the tooth pick instead of the ball.

3. Once the pot is dry it is time to paint on your pumpkin face. You can go traditional, funny, or spooky. The jar is your creation.

4. Flip the saucer over so that the actual bottom is now the top. When the green ball is dry, place tacky glue on the flat bottom of the ball and place in center of the saucer.

5. Now that everything is dry place the cover on top of the pot and you’re finished. You can fill it with Halloween candy; use it as a decoration or whatever else you come up with.

OPTIONAL For the older kids: the pot is a little plain so and idea for the older kids is to use black paint and paint lines down the side of the pot and on the top of the saucer to make it look like the grooves on the pumpkin.

Easy Decorative Plate

2011-09-06T22:48:00.000-05:00

This project is very quick and easy and but doesn't look it. As with many of my projects, this one can be made for any holiday or occasion. When my daughter was younger she made Christmas plates for her Grandparents. She was so pleased to give them something she had made that they could use and would last for a very long time. I have done this project for years with 4-H and after school community education classes. It has been a favorite of children of all ages.

You can find the clear glass plates at most Target or WalMart stores for about $1.00. The Modge Podge is a couple of dollars and can be found at any craft store. (Michael's, Hobby Lobby, Jo Ann Fabrics) If you have fabric scraps at home, look through those first. You never know what you might find. In the photo above I have a Thanksgiving, Halloween, and Easter example. This is great for Mother's Day as well. Find a pretty floral pattern and the kids can make Mom their own special gift.

This plate can be used for cookies or snacks, but be sure to read the ***IMPORTANT*** below the supply list.

SUPPLY LIST

1- 8 inch Clear Glass Plate

Modge Podge or any Decoupage glue

1- Foam Brush

10x10 inch piece of Fabric

I suggest an 8 inch plate but you can also use a 10 or 12 inch clear glass plate. If you buy a bigger plate then make sure your piece of fabric is bigger than the plate. About one inch of fabric overhang around the plate. I usually buy 1/4 yard of fabric which will be enough for 4-5 plates.

***IMPORTANT*** Once the plate is complete and dry, DO NOT get the bottom (back) of the plate wet. DO NOT put it in the dishwasher. If you get glue on the front of the plate while making it, gently wipe it off with a damp cloth. When using this plate for cookies or snacks, just wipe the front clean with damp cloth.

1. You are going to want to cover the work area with newspaper, plastic, or what works great is an old vinyl table cloth. Have your child turn the plate upside down. They will be glueing the bottom (back) of the plate.

2. Depending on the age of the child making this project you may need to cut the fabric for them. Either way the fabric should be cut large enough so that it is at least one inch larger all around.

3. Pour a little of the Modge Podge into a disposable dish. With the foam brush have your child "paint" the bottom (back) of the plate completely with the Modge Podge. It should be covered to the edges and have a fairly thick coat on it. You should not be able to see through the plate.

4. With RIGHT side of the fabric facing down, place the the fabric on top of the glue.

5. With your brush, (or fingers) smooth out all of the air bubbles in the fabric.

6. Once you are sure the air bubbles are gone, cover the fabric completely with the Modge Podge.

Just as you did in step three, only now you will brush it on to the fabric. Don't be afraid to get a lot of the glue on the fabric.

***Be sure to go all the way to the edges. You don't want the fabric to come off later.

7. Let Dry. The best way to dry it is to find a small glass and place the plate on top off the glass.(upside down) You will know it is dry when it is no longer white.

8. Trim the excess fabric from around the plate. You are done!

Let me know if you child enjoyed this project or if you have any questions.

Pinwheel Wreath- For Any Occasion (Halloween)

2011-08-23T15:57:00.000-05:00

I focus on projects for children, but as you follow my blog you will see that these projects are fun for everyone, not just kids.The Pinwheel Wreath is a project that can be made for any Holiday or special occasion just by using different papers. I have chosen Halloween papers for this wreath, but you could use Christmas, Easter, 4th of July or any other paper you choose. It is best to use double sided paper, but it can be made with one sided paper, which I will explain in the directions below. The straw wreath will cost around $3.00, papers will depend on single or double sided but should only be about $2.00.
K&Company Papers are great for doubled sided paper. This again is an inexpensive project for the kids/family and the supplies are easily found at Hobby Lobby, Michael's, Wal Mart....

****If this is a family project or your child is younger, you may want to cut the squares for them and then let them do the rest.

SUPPLY LIST

1- 12 inch straw wreath

3 sheets of 12x12 double sided paper- each sheet a different patterned paper

(OR 6 sheets of single sided paper, different patterns)

Strong Glue Stick

Straight pins

24 inch piece of Ribbon-matching color

1. You will cut 10- 5 inch squares of the double sided paper.

***If you are using single sided paper you will need to cut 20- 5 inch squares. Using the glue stick, rub glue along all four sides of the wrong side of one square and place a different patterned paper on top, placing wrong sides together. You will then have one doubled sided square. As you make the pinwheels you will see why you want a different pattern for each side.***

2. You will need to cut 10- 1 inch circles from the left over paper. If you have a circle punch this works great, if not make a sample/pattern for your child to use as a pattern for the circles.

3. Using the picture below and following the black lines, have your child cut each square from each corner to the center but do not go completely to the center.

4. Look at the pictures below to see how to form the pinwheels. Place glue in the center of the paper. Start at the bottom left corner. Take the corner up to the middle and place in the center of the paper onto the glue. Put more glue on top if the point you just placed in the center and place the next corner in the center of the paper. Place glue in the center before each corner, continue with the next two corners. Complete for all 10 squares.

5. Place glue in the center once again and place one of the circles in the middle.

6. Take the 24 inch piece of ribbon and tie around the the wreath. Ties the ends together with a double knot. Place the knot behind the wreath, it will be hidden once you put the wreath together. This will be used to hang the wreath.

7. Lay the wreath flat on the table. Take one pinwheel and place it at the top of the wreath on the front.

Using a straight pin, push the pin in the middle of the circle on the pinwheel into the straw. Do this for two more pinwheels, placing them to form a triangle. See picture below.

8. With the remaining pinwheels fill in the empty spaces. You may need to adjust the pinwheels as you go. You may also only need 9 pinwheels instead of 10. It just depends on the way it looks for you.

Now you just need to find the perfect place for your child to hang and show off their creation. REMEMBER, this can be made for any holiday or occasion! Hope you enjoyed this one.

Halloween Ghosts in a Candy Corn Pot

2011-08-22T21:17:00.000-05:00

I offer this class to grades K-8 so it is an easy project for all ages. It is a simple project but has a few options to change it up. This project, like most of my projects will take 1 1/2 hour to 2 hours. The ghost idea is about as old as I am, so I am not sure where the idea comes from. The candy corn pot idea comes from an ad I saw for a subscription to a craft magazine. Sorry, I don't remember the name but I am on the search, and will post it here as soon as I find it. All of the supplies can be found at any craft store, such as Micheal's, JoAnn Fabrics, or WalMart.

Now on to the fun. Let me know how your children like this project or any feed back you may like to give.

SUPPLY LIST

1- 4 inch Clay Pot

2-Googly Eyes-5/8 inch

1-Yellow Pom Pom-1 inch
1- 3 inch Styrofoam Ball

White Craft Paint

Yellow Craft Paint

Black Craft Paint

1- Foam Brush

1-small art type Paint Brush

3- Tootsie Roll Tootsie Pops

White cotton fabric 3-5 inch squares

Thin Ribbon or Twine

Tacky Glue

Black Sharpie or thin marker

Craft type grass

Optional: Candy corn instead of craft grass

1. Glue the Styrofoam ball into the bottom of the pot. Use quite a bit of glue, you don't want it to fall out. This will be covered later and it is what will hold the Tootsie Pop ghosts in place.

2. Picture the pot divided into three parts. The top rim is one part and then divide the rest of the pot in half. So have your child paint the bottom half of the pot with the yellow paint. Refer to the picture if this is not clear. The middle half of the pot WILL NOT be painted. This will be the orange part of the candy corn. Then paint the top rim of the pot white. Make sure to paint about half way into the pot with the white as well. This will make the pot look more finished when you decide the final finishing touch. You may need to put on a second coat of paint. If so, start at the beginning again.

Let this dry completely.

3. While you wait for the paint to dry you can make the three ghosts. Depending on the age of the children you may want to cut the squares for them. Cut three, 5 inch squares from the white cotton fabric. If you happen have flour sack towels they work great for the material. Place the Tootsie Pop in the middle of the square as if it was standing upside down. The stick is pointing upwards. Wrap the fabric tightly around the Tootsie pop and secure with white or black ribbon or a thin piece of craft twine. Using a black Sharpie or thin marker draw a ghostly face on the white fabric. Repeat this for the remaining two ghosts. Once you have the three ghosts finished, the paint on the candy corn pot should be dry.

4. Glue the eyes onto the orange part of the pot, the yellow pom pom (nose) just below the eyes. Make sure to leave enough room to paint the black mouth under the nose.

5. Using the black paint and small brush paint a spooky mouth.

6. Once everything is dry you can put it together. You can do it one of two ways. Place glue all over the Styrofoam ball and sides of the pot and cover with the grass, as I have in the picture, or you can fill it with candy corn. If you choose to use the candy corn I would put a piece of kitchen plastic wrap over the Styrofoam ball and up the sides of the pot first before filling it with the candy. Once that is done take your ghosts and press the stick down into the ball. Being careful for the grass or candy. It works best if you picture a triangle in the pot and place them one in the back and two in the front. You are now done!

Find a prominent place to display your spooky Halloween ghosts. BOO!

***Make some extra ghosts and hang them around the house.***

Gumball Jars/Treasure Jars

2011-08-15T12:57:00.000-05:00

This is always a favorite project with kids of all ages. It is very inexpensive and can be completed in about ninety minutes. As I add new projects to this blog I will always try to say where the idea came from. This is a project that I have been doing for over 15 years and unfortunately cannot say where it originated. If anyone know for sure let me know.

As you can see, this can be done in many different ways. Here I show one with Packer football colors and one for Valentines Day. Let the kids choose their theme or colors. They can make it for just about any holiday or occasion. Your child can make it, fill it with gumballs and give it as a birthday gift to a friend.

SUPPLY LIST

1-four inch Rose clay pot

1-5 inch saucer

1-glass vase

1-2 inch wooden ball. Flat on the bottom.

2 or more paint colors, Craft paints are best, they dry QUICKLY!!
1 bottle of Tacky Glue

2 or more 1-1.5 inch wide sponge brushes

Ribbon or fabric.

Tacky glue
Gumballs or Treasures

Optional: stickers, stencils, other embellishments

So the first thing you want to do is determine what colors you want your gumball jar to be. Will it be a sports team, your favorite colors, a holiday? 2-3 colors are best, any more and it may look too busy.

You can purchase all of these materials at craft stores, such as Micheal's or Joann Fabrics and of course WalMart has it all as well. The pot and saucer will run about $2.00 total, the vase, you can usually find for about $1.00. I have only found the wooden balls in a bag of 7 for about $2.00. But if you like the craft you will have plenty for another jar. Paint, brushes and ribbon just depend on what you choose. You may find some of these items already in your home.The whole project without gumballs costs around $5-7. Your child can also use this as a treasure jar instead of a gumball jar by putting all of their small, "special items" in it.

Now that you have all of your supplies you can have your child start painting. Have them pour a little paint at a time onto a paper plate, cool whip cover, plastic disposable cup or anything you can find that you don't mind throwing out afterward.

1. Decide if you will use one or two colors on the pot and saucer. As you can see in my pictures I have done it both ways. Let your child be creative and decide how they want to paint it. Once they have decided, paint the outside of the pot, including the bottom, (which will be upside down when we are finished). They have to put a second coat of paint on it so don't worry too much that the color of the pot is coming through. Paint the rim and just a little bit inside of the pot. No need to paint it all as this will be upside down when we are finished. Paint it once and set aside. We will come back to it after you paint the saucer. It drys quickly.

2. Decide how the saucer will be painted. Paint the inside of the saucer next. Just one color would be best, as this will not be seen. This too will need a second coat later. Set aside to dry.

3. Paint the wooden ball. Set aside.

4. Test the paint on the pot to see if it is dry enough for the second coat of paint. If so, go ahead and do it all over again.

5. Now paint the outside of the saucer. You can use one or two colors here. Some of the kids in my classes have chosen to paint the rim of the saucer one color and the main part the other color. As the bottom of the Packer jar.

6. Once the saucer is dry go over it again with the second coat of paint. Let dry.

OPTIONAL: Once everything is dry you can have your child add stickers, paint designs or decorate it any way they choose.

7. Putting the jar together.

Turn the saucer upside down and put glue on the flat side wooden ball. Place ball in the center of the saucer.

Place a LOT of glue on the bottom of the pot. Getting it all over and to the edge of the pot. Place the globe vase on top, and gently place pressure to help secure. If the glue comes out of the hole in the pot or along the sides just wipe the side off, it will dry clear and you won't see any sign of the glue.

Take a long piece of ribbon, or you can use fabric that you rip down to the size you want. Make it long enough wrap around the jar where the vase and pot are glued together, and to tie either in a knot or a bow. The bow will take more ribbon or fabric than tying it in a knot. Make sure you have enough either way for some ribbon/fabric to hang down a bit.

Fill with gumballs or treasures, place the cover on top and you are finished!

Let me know what your child thought of this project and I would like to know how they decorated theirs.