Cute Crafts, Great Gifts

Here is a project that most anyone can make and it isn’t expensive to do. Your child can make adorable, custom crafts that will make cute accents for your home or great gifts for grandparents, friends, or Mother’s Day or Father’s Day gifts for Mom or Dad. Using a simple spindle from a banister or table leg (which you can find at a salvage center, thrift store, or antique shop), or pieces of 2″ x 2″ posts, 4″ x 4″ posts, or round wood posts, you and your children can make great candleholders. They can be very sleek or distressed … Continue reading →

Easter Basket Filler

When I decided to discuss Easter basket fillers, I had in mind items that could be given as holiday gifts and trinkets, instead of simply filling baskets up with candy. I still plan to cover these kinds of ideas, but I also want to include “fillers” that you and your kids can make to use instead of Easter grass. One idea is to use curling ribbon. Nearly any corrugated ribbon, the kind used for wrapping packages, can be curled by scraping a pair of scissors against it. Obviously, you’ll want to use round-nosed scissors with small children and make sure … Continue reading →

Got Floam? Got Slime? Make Some!

Sure, Borax works well when used as a laundry aid, but you might be surprised what else you can do with it. Did you know you can make your own versions of the trademark brands of Floam and Slime? You can! Micro Bead Craft Foam (like Floam) Items Needed: 2/3 (up to one cup) warm water 1 cup glue (craft/”Tacky Glue” or look for Polyvinyl alcohol in the ingredients) 2 teaspoons Borax (near laundry aids and laundry detergents) 3 cups* of micro beads (stuffed animal or bean bag stuffing found in craft stores) 2 packets unsweetened powdered instant drink mix … Continue reading →

Edible Craft Projects

Okay, Mom and Dad, here are some fun ways to get your kids to eat, although you will have to lift the rule about playing with food, at least temporarily. Sunny Snack Place a pancake or waffle in the center of each child’s plate. Give your children blueberries to make eyes and a nose for the face. Use thin slices of cantaloupe for the smile. Slice strawberries and surround the outside edge of the pancake or waffle with the slices, all the way around the plate. Make sure the wide end is near the pancake or waffle and the point … Continue reading →

Make a Collage or Montage

While the word montage generally refers to a collection of photographs combined together to make a large piece of art, it can also be the combination of other elements. A collage generally represents pieces of elements combined to make an artistic work, instead of whole pictures. However, the two can be mixed together to create a unique, interesting art piece. Choose a favorite item. It may be a trademark character that your child adores, or something less specific like horses or kittens. All you need to do is find several representations of the image. These can be just about anything, … Continue reading →

Make a Magazine or Folder Holder

This is a good project for bigger kids as well as little ones. These holders are great for storing small books, magazines, school folders, and notes. You and your kids will have fun making them and they will also help kids keep things organized. Your kids can decorate these holders using their favorite colors, items that coordinate with their bedroom decor such as fabric, wallpaper, or border, or posters and pictures of their friends or their favorite bands and celebrities. Items Needed: Boxes (large cereal or laundry detergent boxes) Scissors Spray paint Craft paint Paintbrushes, sponges, or rags Pictures or … Continue reading →