Gift Basket for Dad

You can find baskets anywhere and there are many available in cute shapes including sports themes. Find a unique basket or make one for Dad yourself then fill it with lots of things he likes. Coil Basket For a masculine touch, use denim for this project. If you have cut off a pair of jeans, the excess will work perfectly. Cut the pieces into long strips about an inch wide. Braid the strips together then tie a knot in one end. Sew the other end or apply hot glue to keep it from unraveling. Starting with the knot, begin coiling … Continue reading →

Make a Clock

While this project will make a great Father’s Day gift, it can also be made for other loved ones on other special occasions. You can find clock kits with simple instructions at most craft stores or order them online. They are far easier to put together than you might think. You will need to pick up some craft wood to use for the clock face, and you can either drill a hole in it for your child, or you can look for wood shapes that are pre-drilled especially for clock making. You can also find your own interesting objects that … Continue reading →

Father’s Day Gift Idea: CD Holder

Make Dad a CD holder that he can use in the car, keep in his briefcase, or put in his luggage if he travels. It’s a thoughtful, useful gift that’s even more special because you made it yourself. Start with a piece of thick cardboard (cut a piece from an unneeded box). The cardboard should measure about six inches wide by twelve inches long. Cover the entire piece of cardboard with soft fabric that won’t scratch CDs. Use craft glue or fabric glue (no staples that could end up scratching CDs). Make the smoothest side the front. Next, cut pockets … Continue reading →

Picture Frames

Everybody loves pictures of kids or artwork made for them by children. These cute picture frames will help you display favorite snapshots, portraits, or artwork, and they make nice gifts for grandparents and far away family friends. Use the lid from a shoebox or other heavy cardboard box to make cool picture frames. Cut center from the lid, leaving one or two inches around the edges. Cover the “frame” with fabric or ribbon, or paint it. Stamp it, stencil it, or add stickers. If using fabric, glue on some batting first, for a more substantial “upholstered” feel. Glue on beads, … Continue reading →

Do You Like Bugs?

Bugs do not thrill me, but they sure do fascinate children. I can handle a lightning bug or a ladybug, but that is about it. Still, I have made my share of bug keepers. If your child likes to collect bugs, here are some ideas for bug keepers you can make together. Making them is more fun than what comes afterward, as far as I’m concerned! Clear plastic salt and peppershakers work perfectly for bug keepers. They have screw on tops that already have holes in them so the bugs can get some air. Peppershakers have more holes, so they … Continue reading →

Typing Games

Below are two images. The first is a picture of a keyboard, with the letters showing. The rest of the keys have been removed to make concentrating on letter placement easier. The second image shows a blank keyboard. Print both pictures and help your kids memorize the placement of the letters on the keyboard. When they think they know them well enough, give them the second image and have them label the keys. Another fun way to do this is to enlarge and print extra copies of the first image and cut out the keys. Your kids can then glue … Continue reading →

Make a Picture Bingo Game

Cut out bingo cards from foam core, poster board, or cardboard. Measure and mark off squares. Instead of using B-I-N-G-O across the top, use pictures. Then, number the squares below each picture, taking care to make sure that no two cards are the same. You can draw your own pictures or collect clip art or other images from one of your software programs. When you make a picture for one of your bingo cards, make an extra one and attach it to a shoebox or other container. Fill the box with numbered squares of paper so you can pull them … Continue reading →

Learning Pal

Help your little one make a learning pal from felt or fun textured fabric such as faux fur. Cut out the shape of a bear, kitten, puppy, or any animal your child likes. You can find simple pictures in preschool age coloring books or coloring pages on line. Cut one out and trace it onto the back of the fabric. Glue on eyes made from felt or some large googly eyes. Make a smile from red yarn, felt, or a pipe cleaner. Make simple clothing (you only need the front) to dress the new pal. Make a long coat from … Continue reading →

Crafts: Cute Denim Wallet or Purse

Do you or your kids have a couple of old pairs of jeans lying around that have seen better days? This is not uncommon. The good news is these jeans can be used for all kinds of craft projects, including making a cute denim wallet or purse. Simple Blue Jean Wallet Cut one back pocket off a pair of jeans, making sure you cut through the inner layer of denim too and leave a little extra fabric at the top (you want the whole pocket, not just the outer portion). Fold over the excess and hem it to create a … Continue reading →

Another Mother’s Day Gift Idea

Does your Mom or Grandma deserve a big hand for everything she does for her family? This craft project is a cute way to show either one or both how much they are appreciated. Start by selecting a t-shirt in Mom or Grandma’s size and favorite color. Look for contrasting iron-on letters or iron-transfer paper for your computer printer. Make sure you select the appropriate transfer paper for light or dark colored shirts. You will want the lettering to contrast with the color of the shirt. The message should read something like this (or your own creative message that makes … Continue reading →