The workweek is officially over and now the weekend can begin. This weekend we want to encourage you to get creative, and craft something with your kids. Weekends are the best time to craft with your little ones. You have ample amounts of time to clear off that kitchen table, get to work on something amazing.

Since spring is in the air we wanted to share with you these easy DIY wind chimes. This by far is one of the easiest and enjoyable crafts for kids to make. Don’t take our word for it, check out Abigail over on Lovin’ Our Chaos. She and her kids created these chimes one afternoon, using Mod Podge Washout and Apple Barrel paints. We hope you have a blast creating these wind chimes, click here to learn how to make them.

We are keeping our celebration going, and celebrating Earth Day all week long. One great way to peak your child’s interest in becoming more earth friendly is by having them plant a flower. But don’t just stop with simply planting a flower decorate the flowerpot. MaryLea did exactly that with her little ones. Her family had a blast creating these flowerpots using Mod Podge washout and Apple Barrel paints. This is a very easy project to make, and one that is perfect for this spring season. Click here to find all the supplies used, along with their instructions on her blog Pink and Green Mama.

You’ve made it to the weekend. Aren’t you excited? We sure are, the weather is finally getting warmer and this weekend we are expecting to see some nice weather. If you are expecting something similar in your neck of the woods, then we want to suggest you take sometime out to craft. Today we wanted to share with you this bright and colorful project. Check out these Dinosaur Jar lids. This is a great project that is kid friendly. We discovered these lids on the blog Lolly Jane. How creative are these lids? To create this for yourself you will need Apple Barrel paints and Mod Podge washout. This Mod Podge formula is perfect when crafting with children, because if they spill it on furniture or on their clothes it will come right out with soap and water. To see all the supplies used in this project, and the step by step instructions visit Lolly Jane. Have a craftastic weekend.

Do you have a little daredevil? You know the type of kid who is not afraid to climb a tree, jump into a lake, or play in the mud. If this sounds like your little boy or girl then we have the perfect project for them. Have them create this hand painted mini skateboard. How cute and fun is this project? Breanna from Dollar Store Mom created this project with her daughter. To create this skateboard they used Apple Barrel paints and Mod Podge Washout. This Mod Podge formula is great for kids’ crafts, because if they get in on their clothes it will wash out easily. If you want to see step-by-step, how they made this project visit the Dollar Store Mom blog here.

Spring is officially in the air, however we here in Atlanta are experiencing some winter like temperatures. So to stay in a warmer spirit we wanted to share these adorable spring butterfly buddies with you. Trenice Bishop, a talented freelance designer, created this buddies using Mod Podge and Apple Barrel. This would make a great school project to do in an arts and crafts class, or as an after school project. Below are a full list of supplies you will need to make these buddies, along with their instructions. Happy crafting!

Plaid Supplies

Apple Barrel Acrylic Paint – 20216 Fuchsia, Apple Barrel Acrylic Paint – 20662 Black, Apple Barrel Acrylic Paint - 20247 Caribbean, Apple Barrel Acrylic Paint – 20764 Apricot, Apple Barrel Acrylic Paint – 21176 Grape Jam, Apple Barrel Acrylic Paint – 20516 Ivory, Mod Podge

Other Supplies

Toilet paper rolls, Paintbrushes, Scissors, Water bowl, 4 Sheets of card stock, Hot glue gun, Wiggle eyes, Pipe cleaner,

Instructions

1.    Paint a thin layer of Mod Podge to one side of each piece of card stock. Let dry

2.    Paint the toilet paper rolls with Apricot, Caribbean, Fuchsia and Grape Jam and let dry.  Add a second coat for better coverage.  When dry add a “V” shaped mouth with Black paint and set aside.

3.    When the Mod Podge has dried on the card stock, paint the other sides with Apricot, Caribbean, Fuchsia and Grape Jam. Let dry.

4.    When paint is completely dry on toilet paper rolls, add a layer of ModPodge to seal and let dry again.

5.    Fold dry card stock in half and cut desired shapes for “wings.”

6.    Decorate “wings” as desired. When “wings are dry seal painted side with Mod Podge.

7.    Hot glue toilet paper rolls to dry wings. Add wiggle eyes with hot glue.

8.    Cut pipe cleaners and bend into “V” shape for antenna. Secure with hot glue.

Project Tip

Be sure to cut wing sizes down so these beautiful butterflies can stand on their own.

Bring in the spring season with these adorable bunny and chick pots. The creative team here at Plaid designed these Easter pots using several Apple Barrel paints. These pots would be great for kids to store yummy candies or a few decorated eggs inside. The vibrant colors used throughout are sure to catch anyone’s attention and will be a hit at your upcoming Easter egg hunt. This project is an intermediate level craft, however it is one where your kids can definitely lend a helping hand. To recreate this project you will need all the supplies listed below, and click here to see the complete instructions.

PLAID Supplies

·       Apple Barrel ® Colors - Fuchsia, 2 oz.

·       Apple Barrel ® Colors - White, 2 oz.

·       Apple Barrel ® Colors - Bright Yellow, 2 oz.

·       Apple Barrel ® Colors - Light Pink, 2 oz.

·       Apple Barrel ® Colors - Harvest Orange, 2 oz.

Other Supplies
Foam plate for paints 1 ¾” foam spouncer brush Scissors Pencil Black fine tip permanent marker Lo-temp glue gun #2 round paintbrush ¾” flat paintbrush 4” high clay pot for each design For bunny: Two 23mm wiggle eyes White and pink craft foam For Chick: Two 15mm wiggle eyes Yellow bump chenille stems Orange craft foam

Good morning! Welcome back from the weekend, and welcome to the beginning of a crafty week. Are you ready to begin crafting? This week we want to start you off with these clay pot animals. Aren’t they soo cute? Clay pots are a great surface to craft on all year round, but even more so during the spring season. These pots are versatile and with a little imagination can be transformed into amazing projects. You can create this project with your kids. It is a very easy project and would be great to make in an arts and crafts class. You will need a few supplies including some Apple Barrel paints. A full list of supplies can be found below, and click here to see the complete instructions.

PLAID Supplies

·       Apple Barrel ® Colors - Black, 2 oz.

·       Apple Barrel ® Colors - Nutmeg Brown, 2 oz.

·       Apple Barrel ® Colors - Papaya, 2 oz.

·       Apple Barrel ® Colors - Vanilla Ice Cream, 2 oz.

·       Apple Barrel ® Colors - Sunny Day, 2 oz.

·       Apple Barrel ® Colors - Chestnut, 2 oz.

·       Plaid ® Art Materials - Spouncers™ Set

Other Supplies

Standard clay pots – 2” (2 ea.)
3” (2 ea.)
1½” (1 ea.) And 1” (1 ea.)
Wood doll head - 2” (2 ea.) And 1¾” (1 ea.)
Craft foam – brown and tan
Chenille stems – orange (2 ea.) and brown (2 ea.)
Paintbrushes - #6 flat brush
#12 flat brush and liner brush
Scissors
Scalloped scissors
E-6000® craft adhesive
Foam plate
Water container

Can you believe the month of February is almost over? The first two months of the year are nearly done. With winter coming to a close, that means spring is upon us. Get a jump start on some cute spring projects, like these Styrofoam flowers and butterfly. Kindra Boroff designed this project. It is a pretty and easy to make bouquet of flowers and spring critters. This spring craft is a great one for kids to help create. Apple Barrel paint and Styrofoam go together like peanut butter and jelly. All the supplies you'll need, are below along with their instructions. Enjoy!

PLAID Supplies

·       Apple Barrel ® Colors - Hot Pink, 2 oz.

·       Apple Barrel ® Colors - Turquoise, 2 oz.

·       Apple Barrel ® Colors - White, 2 oz.

·       Apple Barrel ® Colors - Black, 2 oz.

·       Apple Barrel ® Colors - Leaf Green, 2 oz.

·       Apple Barrel ® Colors - Canary Yellow, 2 oz.

·       Plaid ® Brush Sets - Learn-to-Paint - Brush Set with DVD

Other Supplies

Styrofoam –variety egg shape pack
Wood hearts
24 gauge wire
Black seed beads
1” half wood ball
2- 2” teardrop wood shapes
2- 1 ½” teardrops wood shapes
4-1” oval wood shapes
Green & white gingham fabric
2 ½” terra cotta pot
Dowel rod
Spanish moss
Hot glue
Knife
Toothpicks
Satin sealer.

Instructions

1. Cut three small foam eggs in half and basecoat with Turquoise.

2. Using the end of a brush handle and White, add polka dots to the foam as shown. Paint the half wood ball with Canary Yellow. When dry hot glue the Turquoise petals to the ball as shown. 

3. Mix Turquoise and White together to create a light blue and basecoat the terra cotta pot. Allow to dry and seal with the satin sealer.

4. Shape one large egg to make the butterfly body and paint with the light blue mixture.

5. Cut the fabric to cover the outside edge, hot glue around the pot and fold the rest inside the pot. Push foam into the pot leaving a ½” for the Spanish moss. Hot glue moss to the top of the foam as shown.

6. Cut the dowel rod to 8”for the butterfly and 6” for the small flower. Basecoat with Leaf Green.

7. Mix Hot Pink and White to create a light pink and paint the wood hearts. Paint the 2” teardrops with Hot Pink; Paint the 1 ½” teardrops with Canary Yellow; Paint the 1” ovals with Turquoise.

8. Insert the hearts into the sides of the butterfly body to create wings, hot glue if needed. Hot glue the painted shapes to the wings as shown.

9. Using the end of a brush handle and White, paint polka dots to the wings.

10. Paint Turquoise stripes to the body of the butterfly. Using Black and a liner brush paint the eyes and mouth.

11. Bead the seed beads onto the wire to create 3” antennas and stick into the foam.

12. Hot glue the flower to the 6” dowel rod and the butterfly to the 8” dowel rod. Insert into the flower pot.

Welcome back from the weekend. Can you believe that February is almost over? Before you know it spring will be here. The birds will be singing, and the flowers will begin to bloom. With a new season, come new things to craft. There are tons of great kids friendly spring crafts and one of the most popular surfaces to craft with is clay pots. Julie Lewis, one of Plaid’s designers, created this project. These pots were made using FolkArt Chalkboard paint. It is a beginner level craft and will only take an hour at most to finish. All the supplies can be found below along with their instructions.

PLAID Supplies

·       Apple Barrel ® Colors - Bright Yellow, 8 oz.

·       Apple Barrel ® Colors - Leaf Green, 8 oz.

·       Apple Barrel ® Colors - Barn Red, 2 oz.

·       Apple Barrel ® Colors - Bright Blue, 8 oz.

·       FolkArt ® Chalkboard Paint - Black, 8 oz.

Other Supplies

2 medium size clay pots
Chalk
#12 flat brush
Sponge brush
Liner brush

Instructions

1.    Paint first pot body Bright Blue – rim with Leaf Green.

2.    Paint oval with Black Chalkboard paint.

3.    Dot around oval area with red dots using end of brush to apply.

4.    Use #12 flat brush to make color circles with red and Yellow. Use Liner brush to paint black leaves, stems and spiral on flowers.

5.    Paint second pot body Barn Red – rim with Leaf Green. Paint circle with Black Chalkboard Paint. Paint yellow petals around black center. Use liner brush to outline all petals with black. Using handle of brush, dot around black center with Leaf Green. Add Curly-Q’s and leaves with Black. Fill in leaf shapes with Leaf Green. Note: Let cure for 24 hours. Rub lightly with chalk to condition.

The clock is ticking down, and Valentine’s Day is just 24 hours away. All over the web there are so many cute Valentine’s Day projects, and definitely not enough time to create all of them. So with a limited time left to craft, we wanted to suggest a last minute project for you make. Create this sweet nothings DIY photo frame. Mel from Mama Buzz made this photo frame using Apple Barrel paints, and Mod Podge Rub on Transfers. This is a great project to make with your tweens and teens. It is simple to make and perfect for beginners. To see how this was made and to make one for yourself click here.

Kids really love Valentine’s Day. On this day they receive all kinds of goodies. One of the things they get is tons of cards from their teachers and classmates. Instead of throwing those cards into a backpack why not have your little ones create this Frog Prince Valentine Card Holder? This cute frog is sure to bring a smile to both your face and your kids. Trenice Bishop, a talented freelance designer, designed this project using Apple Barrel and Mod Podge. It is a great beginner craft, perfect for kids to also do in an art class. A list of the supplies you will need are below, along with their instructions. Have you made a Valentine card holder before?

PLAID Supplies

·       Apple Barrel ® Colors - Black, 2 oz.

·       Apple Barrel ® Gloss™ - White, 2 oz.

·       Apple Barrel ® Colors - Parakeet, 2 oz.

·       Apple Barrel ® Colors - Red Apple, 2 oz.

·       Apple Barrel ® Colors - Strawberry, 8 oz.

Other Supplies

Spray Primer
Garbage bag box
Craft wood pieces
Popsicle sticks
Paper plates
Wiggly eyes
Paint brushes
Water bowl
Hot glue

Instructions

1.    Spray box with primer. Allow time to dry. Paint the box with Parakeet. When dry Apply Mod Podge and set aside. Paint the inside of the box Black and the flap opening with Red Apple.

2.    Hot glue circle pieces to end of popsicle sticks for toes. Paint toes with Parakeet and let dry.

3.    Cut paper plates in a heart shape and cut the heart in half. Paint both sides of both halves with Parakeet allowing each side to dry in between painting.  Apply Mod Podge and set aside.

4.    Cut the crown shape out of a paper plate as well. Paint with Sunny Day. When dry apply Mode Podge Sparkle   Paint a heart shape and two small circles with Red Apple to decorate crown.  When the Sparkle Mod Podge is dry attach the heart to the center of the crown and the smaller circles to the outer points.

5.    Paint a small heart shape with Strawberry for the frog’s tongue.  Paint two large circles White for eyes.  Hot glue the wiggle eyes to the White painted circles when dry.

6.    When the box is completely dry, hot glue the heart halves (legs) to the front of the box and, hot glue the toes to the bottom of the box. Attach the crown to the box with hot glue, followed by the eyes. Hot glue the Strawberry painted heart to the flap.

Looking for an adorable kid friendly Valentine’s Day project? You’ve come to the right place. Stuff this cute panda full of Valentine's treats. Trenice Bishop designed this project using various craft supplies including Apple Barrel and Mod Podge. This makes for a great family project to do this weekend, or a wonderful classroom arts and crafts project. A list of all the supplies you will need are below. To find the complete instructions so you can recreate this project click here.

PLAID Supplies

·       Apple Barrel ® Colors - Black, 2 oz.

·       Apple Barrel ® Gloss™ - White, 2 oz.

·       Apple Barrel ® Colors - Strawberry, 8 oz.

Other Supplies

Old cereal box
Paper plates
Paint brushes
Assorted wood shapes
Wiggly Eyes
Hot Glue
Scissors Water bowl
Marker pen

Welcome back from the weekend. We hope you had a good one, and were able to finally clean up all your holiday decorations. Now that is out the way we want you to focus on an adorable project for your little one. Kids always want to be taller than they are, and with this stepstool it will help them reach some things a bit easier. This project was created using Apple Barrel paints. It is a great craft for beginners, and will take up to two hours to complete. Below are the supplies you will need along with their instructions.

PLAID Supplies

·       Apple Barrel ® Colors - Melted Chocolate, 2 oz.

·       Apple Barrel ® Colors - Strawberry, 2 oz.

·       Apple Barrel ® Colors - Caterpillar, 2 oz.

·       Apple Barrel ® Colors - Vanilla Ice Cream, 2 oz.

·       Plaid ® Stencils - Value Packs - Letter Stencils - Genie, 2"

Other Supplies

Wooden Stepstool
Paintbrushes – stencil brush
¾” flat brush and #1 liner brush
Craft tape
Water container
Foam plate

Instructions

1. Use the flat brush to paint the top of the stepstool in Vanilla Ice Cream.  Paint the legs in Strawberry and the edges in Melted Chocolate.

2. Use the tape to mask off a 1” border around the edge of the stool.  Paint the edge in Caterpillar.  Remove the tape while the paint is wet.

3. Use the tape to mask off a 2 ¾” band across the center top of the stool. Paint the stripe using the flat brush and Melted Chocolate. Remove the tape while the paint is wet. 

4. Using the stencil brush and stencils, paint “princess” across the top of the stool in Vanilla Ice Cream.  Stencil the heart in Strawberry.

5. Use the liner brush to create “stitching” on the top of the stepstool.

6. Use the handle end of the liner brush to add Strawberry dots inside the stenciled letters.

Tip:  Be sure to allow the stepstool to dry thoroughly between each painting step.

By Candie Cooper (She more projects from Candie on her blog, Candie Cooper’s Journal)

Here's an idea for building a crafty snowman! This little guy was sold as a kit at the craft store. I changed it a bit to use some things from my stash.

You will need: Acrylic Folk Art paints, Mod Podge, dictionary paper, paint brushes, scissors, buttons, flat back crystals, ribbon, wire, white pom-poms or whatever embellishments you like.
 

Cut and tear dictionary paper to fit the snowman and use Mod Podge to attach. Dictionary paper is one of my favorite things to Mod Podge because it's so thin.

Use a foam brush to rub white Apple Barrel paint over the snowman. This technique tones down the dictionary paper. Optionally, you can paint the hat and arm areas with black and brown paint.

Martha Stewart glitter paint showed up great on the snowman's base because of it's larger flakes.

This is where your imagination can cut loose and the snowman come to life--sparkly eyes, a striped ribbon scarf, tinsel hat band and bird cut from the dictionary are a few ideas. You can also string some pom-poms on wire and fasten them to the arms. I used hot glue to secure the pieces in place.

As you can see, he fits right in with all the snow we've gotten the past few days. Wishing you a happy and crafty New Year!
 

**Please note, this is an indoor snowman. However, Plaid makes lots of fun outdoor formulas including Mod Podge and Folk Art brands.

Christmas is less than a week away and we are sure you’re very busy getting last minute holiday prepping done, but don’t be so busy you forget to craft. Today we wanted to share with you a wonderful and adorable kids craft project created using Apple Barrel paints. Laura Bray from Laura Bray Designs made these delightful Toyland Soldiers. How cute are they? This is a great project for your little ones to help make. Once finished place these little soldiers around your home. To see all the materials needed along with their instructions click here.

With the kids getting out of school for the winter break shortly you are going to need something to help keep them occupied. Craft projects are the just the thing you will need, and lots of them. Kindra Boroff designed the perfect project for your little ones to help create. This project was made using several supplies including Apple Barrel paints. The snowman within the globe was made with fingerprints. This is a project your kids will love making.

PLAID Supplies

·       Apple Barrel ® Colors - White, 2 oz.

·       Apple Barrel ® Colors - Black, 2 oz.

·       Apple Barrel ® Colors - Pumpkin Orange, 2 oz.

Other Supplies

Mason jar
Aqua plaid scrapbook paper
Lime green stripe cardstock
Clear packing tape
Iridescent glitter
Scissors

Instructions

1.    Cut two 4 ½”x 1 ½” pieces of aqua paper. Cut two pieces the same size of lime green striped paper.

2.    Paint your child’s thumb with White and press on the aqua paper, repeating two more times to create a snowman.

3.    Using the end of a paintbrush and Black add snowman eyes and buttons. Paint the nose with Pumpkin Orange.

4.    With a piece of tape attach the two pieces of paper together. Cut the paper to the shape of the snowman.

5.    Repeat with the green paper but cut the tree shape.

6.    Laminate with the packing tape. Cut a piece of packing tape longer then the paper. Put the snowman paper on the sticky side of the tape. Cut another piece of tape the same size as the first piece of tape and place over the snowman pressing down the edges. Trim the packing tape leaving an edge of tape. Repeat the same with the tree.

7.    Attach the tree and the snowman to the lid of the Mason jar. Make sure you do not get tape on the seal around the rim of the lid.

8.    Fill the jar with water and add the glitter.

9.    Put the lid with the snowman and tree on the jar and tighten the lid. Turn upside down.

Can you believe it? Thanksgiving is just a few weeks away. This time of the year flies by so quickly, that you can easily forget to create some ways to occupy your little ones. Crafts are a great way to let your kids be creative, and keep their hands busy. This festive turkey is a perfect craft project to make with kids for Thanksgiving or fall. This turkey was made with Apple Barrel paints. All the supplies needed are below, along with their instructions. Happy crafting!

PLAID Supplies

·       Apple Barrel ® Colors - Bright Red, 2 oz.

·       Apple Barrel ® Colors - White, 2 oz.

·       Apple Barrel ® Colors - Nutmeg Brown, 2 oz.

·       Apple Barrel ® Colors - Orange, 2 oz.

·       Apple Barrel ® Colors - Cardinal Crimson, 2 oz.

Other Supplies

Paintbrushes
Craft glue
Pencil
Poster board
Craft foam sheets – yellow and red
Styrofoam® ball & cone

Instructions

1.    Trim 1” off top of cone. Paint ball and cone Nutmeg Brown.

2.    Trace child’s hands onto poster board.  Cut around traced lines to create two poster board cutouts. Paint one side of cutouts solid Orange and let dry. Flip cutouts and paint in a variety of colors using Orange, Bright Red and Cardinal Crimson.  Dip handle end of paintbrush in White paint then add small dots to cutouts as desired.   Set aside to dry.

3.     Cut a beak, feet and a rough circle from yellow foam.  Paint white lines on circle.  Cut wings and wattle from red craft foam.

4.    Paint eyes on ball then glue wattle and beak to create turkey head.

By Candie Cooper (See more from Candie on her blog, Candie Cooper's Journal)

With the weather getting chilly, these little guys are looking for a place to hide out! How about on your craft table under the work lamp?

I've looked at these reptile surfaces a thousand times in the wood section of the craft store. The cracks and crevices kept me away (and they were lizards and snakes after all). But! I know how much fun little boys and girls would have painting these creatures so I took stab (with a paint brush). Pick your favorite Apple Barrel and Folk Art paint colors and base coat, keeping a little water on your brush so the color seeps into the cracks.

Use a sponge to add a textured second color of green to the top or....

head outdoors to experiment painting with an old toothbrush. I flicked, brushed and splotched paint onto the lizard. It was messy, but so fun! Get really crazy and use a few colors.

The lizard came with a faux leather back piece, but I replaced it with colorful tie dyed felt. You can add more painted details and then outline them with a permanent marker so they show up. 

The snake got more painted stripes and dots with a felt tongue. Thick craft glue was used to hold the felt embellishments. Snakes usually give me the "willies," but not this one! He's too cute.

Friends forever. I ended up loving this craft so much. Now, I've got my sights set on the plain wooden car surfaces with moving parts. Stay tuned.

*If you want your creatures to be shiny, use a spray varnish before adding felt embellishments.

Black cats during Halloween don’t have to be scary they can also be very cute. Take this black cat clay pot. It is an adorable and easy craft for kids to create. Clay pots are a versatile craft surface, and painting them with Apple Barrel is a breeze. This project will only require a few supplies and up to one hour to complete. The full list of supplies needed are below, and to see the instructions for this project click here.

PLAID Supplies

·       Apple Barrel ® Colors - Yellow, 2 oz.

·       Apple Barrel ® Colors - Black, 2 oz.

·       Apple Barrel ® Colors - Orange, 2 oz.

Other Supplies

Spouncers
Paintbrushes
Craft glue
Scissors
Craft foam sheets – orange black and yellow
Chenille stem – orange
Pompom – black
Wiggle eyes
Clay pot
Recycled plastic container
Clear plastic wrap

Preserve school day memories with this bright and playful frame. For many parents back to school time is a very monumental time. It marks the passing of another year, and the beginning of a new one. Your little ones are growing up right in front of your eyes. This back to school frame is a great way to document your children growing up over the years. A perfect project for beginners all you will need is a wooden frame, and some Apple Barrel paint. Below is a list of supplies you will need, and to see the complete instructions for this frame click here.

PLAID Supplies

·       Apple Barrel ® Colors - Black, 2 oz.

·       Apple Barrel ® Colors - King's Gold, 2 oz.

·       Apple Barrel ® Colors - Flag Red, 2 oz.

·       Apple Barrel ® Colors - Palm Leaf, 2 oz.

·       Apple Barrel ® Colors - Key West, 2 oz.

·       Plaid ® Art Materials - Bottle Tops - Spouncer Painters

·       Plaid ® Wood Surfaces - Letter Packs - Cursive

·       Plaid ® Wood Surfaces - Frames - Square

Other Supplies

Craft paint brushes
Craft glue

Tweens want what their teen counterparts have. They want to feel they are a teenager, before it’s their time. One-way tweens like to feel like teens, is by the way they dress. At this age they begin to come more into their own style, and want to express themselves through their dress. Here is a project your tweens are sure to love. These cute and trendy cuff bracelets are fun to make. These accessories will allow them to express themselves. See below for all the supplies they will need, and their instructions.

Other Supplies

Paper towel tuber
Hole punch
Pink satin ribbon
White ribbon
Heart rhinestone
Clear rhinestones
Yellow buttons
Scissors
Craft glue or hot glue
Ruler
Pencil

Instructions

1. Measure the paper towel tube and cut into 4 ½” pieces. Cut a slit on one side.

2. Paint the heart bracelet with Black. Paint the flower bracelet with Hot Pink.

3. Mix some White to the Hot Pink and paint a heart in the center of the Black bracelet. Using the end of a brush handle and White, add polka dots as shown.

4. Glue clear rhinestones to the border of the heart.

5. Paint the flowers with White. Add small Black polka dots on the petals. Outline the petals with Black.

6. Hot glue the yellow button to the center of each flower.

7. Cut the corners of the tube and punch three holes on each end.

8. Lace the ribbon into the tube and tie into a bow.

Give any current photo a time worn look by creating this monogrammed antique photo canvas. All the pictures we take nowadays are so crisp and clear. It is a complete contrast to how pictures used to look back in the day. While it’s great to have clear photos, a vintage image is nice to add to your collection. Debbie Saenz created this adorable project using Apple Barrel paint and Mod Podge. This is a very simple project that will only take an hour to make.

Supplies

Other Supplies

8x10 stretched canvas, Black and white photo, Black and white damask scrapbook paper, White scrapbook paper with subtle color/pattern, Template, Wood letter, 3 small colored brads, Distress Ink, Hot glue, Drill, and Paintbrush

Instructions

1.   Paint sides of canvas and wood letter with Black Gloss paint. Allow to dry.

2.   Use white scrapbook paper and template to measure and cut out design. Ink edges with distress ink.

3.   Cut photo into an oval shape that fits inside of design.

4.   Apply black and white scrapbook paper to canvas with Mod Podge. Smooth out all bubbles with your hands. Allow to dry.

5.   Use sandpaper to sand away excess scrapbook paper from edges of canvas. Ink edges with distress ink.

6.   Use Mod Podge to apply design and photo to canvas using. Smooth out all bubbles with your hands. Allow to dry.

7.   Give entire front of canvas a coat of Mod Podge. Allow to dry.

8.   Sand some paint off letter to distress then drill 3 small holes along one side (refer to photo) and insert brads.

9.   Glue letter to right lower bottom corner of canvas referring to photo for placement.

Happy Monday! Now that summer is here and your kids are out of school, you’re going to have to find some activities to keep them busy. Try having them create this adorable Soup Can Bowling project. This is a great make-and-play activity for kids! Kindra Boroff designed this project. All you will need are some Apple Barrel paints, and few other craft supplies. See the full list below along with instructions.

PLAID Supplies

·       Apple Barrel ® Colors - Hot Pink, 2 oz.

·       Apple Barrel ® Colors - Banana, 2 oz.

·       Apple Barrel ® Colors - Cool Blue, 2 oz.

·       Apple Barrel ® Colors - White, 2 oz.

·       Apple Barrel ® Colors - Black, 2 oz.

·       Apple Barrel ® Colors - Green Clover, 2 oz.

·       Apple Barrel ® Colors - Apricot, 2 oz.

Other Supplies

Soup cans
5” Styrofoam ball
Gloss sealer

Instructions

1.  Paint the Styrofoam ball with Black. Add three White dots with the spouncer.

2.  Paint each can Banana, Apricot, Green Clover, Hot Pink, and Cool Blue.

3.  Add White polka dots, large and small, with the spouncer and the end of a brush handle.

4.  Paint numbers on the front with Black. Seal the cans to prevent the paint from chipping.

A pretty and easy to make bouquet of flowers and spring critters. Kindra Boroff made this adorable project. This is a very easy craft to make, and perfect for beginners. These critters  and flowers would make for an excellent summer camp craft project. Below are all the supplies and instructions you will need. Enjoy!

PLAID Supplies

·       Apple Barrel ® Colors - Hot Pink, 2 oz.

·       Apple Barrel ® Colors - Turquoise, 2 oz.

·       Apple Barrel ® Colors - White, 2 oz.

·       Apple Barrel ® Colors - Black, 2 oz.

·       Apple Barrel ® Colors - Leaf Green, 2 oz.

·       Apple Barrel ® Colors - Canary Yellow, 2 oz.

·       Plaid ® Brush Sets - Learn-to-Paint - Brush Set with DVD

Other Supplies

Styrofoam –variety egg shape pack, Wood hearts, 24 gauge wire, Black seed beads, 1” half wood ball, 2- 2” teardrop wood shapes, 2- 1 ½” teardrops wood shapes, 4-1” oval wood shapes, Green & white gingham fabric, 2 ½” terra cotta pot, Dowel rod, Spanish moss, Hot glue, Knife, Toothpicks, and Satin sealer.

Instructions

1. Cut three small foam eggs in half and base-coat with Turquoise.

2. Using the end of a brush handle and White, add polka dots to the foam as shown. Paint the half wood ball with Canary Yellow. When dry hot glue the Turquoise petals to the ball as shown. 

3. Mix Turquoise and White together to create a light blue and base-coat the terra cotta pot. Allow to dry and seal with the satin sealer.

4. Shape one large egg to make the butterfly body and paint with the light blue mixture.

5. Cut the fabric to cover the outside edge, hot glue around the pot and fold the rest inside the pot. Push foam into the pot leaving a ½” for the Spanish moss. Hot glue moss to the top of the foam as shown.

6. Cut the dowel rod to 8”for the butterfly and 6” for the small flower. Base-coat with Leaf Green.

7. Mix Hot Pink and White to create a light pink and paint the wood hearts. Paint the 2” teardrops with Hot Pink; Paint the 1 ½” teardrops with Canary Yellow; Paint the 1” ovals with Turquoise.

8. Insert the hearts into the sides of the butterfly body to create wings, hot glue if needed. Hot glue the painted shapes to the wings as shown.

9. Using the end of a brush handle and White, paint polka dots to the wings.

10. Paint Turquoise stripes to the body of the butterfly. Using Black and a liner brush paint the eyes and mouth.

11. Bead the seed beads onto the wire to create 3” antennas and stick into the foam.

12. Hot glue the flower to the 6” dowel rod and the butterfly to the 8” dowel rod. Insert into the flower pot.

Happy Monday! I hope you all had a great weekend, and for all you Moms out there I hope you had a great Mother’s Day. Today I wanted to share with you all a very simple kid’s craft. One of Plaid’s talented designers, Sherrie Ragsdale, created this Garden Snake Sign. This project is great for a class to do. Below are a list of the supplies you will need, and the instructions. To see more kid’s crafts click here.

PLAID Supplies

·       Apple Barrel ® Colors - Christmas Green, 2 oz.

·       Apple Barrel ® Colors - Spring Green, 2 oz

Other Supplies

Rectangle wooden plaque
Two large wiggly eyes
Small sticks
Large stick
Black fine permanent ink marker
White craft glue
Large flat brush

Instructions

1.   Base-coat plaque Spring Green. Allow to dry.

2.   Using the pattern provided, add snake and paint Christmas Green. Allow to dry. Outline and write 'garden snake' and add spots to snake with black permanent ink marker.

3.   Glue eyes in place using the white craft glue.

4.   Find sticks in yard and glue around the plaque.

5.   Find a large stick to make a stake and glue to the back.

It’s Monday! Hope you had a wonderful weekend and were able to create a craft project. If you were not able to craft this weekend, no worries here is an easy craft you can create with your kids during the week. These chalkboard painted clay pots are very easy to create, and make for a great springtime project. For this project you will not need many supplies. Aside from the clay pots, you will only need some Apple Barrel and chalkboard paint. So simple and so fun.

PLAID Supplies

·       Apple Barrel ® Colors - Bright Yellow, 8 oz.

·       Apple Barrel ® Colors - Leaf Green, 8 oz.

·       Apple Barrel ® Colors - Barn Red, 2 oz.

·       Apple Barrel ® Colors - Bright Blue, 8 oz.

·       FolkArt ® Chalkboard Paint - Black, 8 oz.

Other Supplies

2 medium size clay pots
Chalk
#12 flat brush
Sponge brush
Liner brush

Instructions

1.   Paint first pot body Bright Blue – rim with Leaf Green.

2.   Paint oval with Black Chalkboard paint.

3.   Dot around oval area with red dots using end of brush to apply.

4.   Use #12 flat brush to make color circles with red and Yellow. Use Liner brush to paint black leaves, stems and spiral on flowers.

5.   Paint second pot body Barn Red – rim with Leaf Green. Paint circle with Black Chalkboard Paint. Paint yellow petals around black center. Use liner brush to outline all petals with black. Using handle of brush, dot around black center with Leaf Green. Add Curly-Q’s and leaves with Black. Fill in leaf shapes with Leaf Green. Note: Let cure for 24 hours. Rub lightly with chalk to condition.

Like Plaid on Facebook and let us know you entered the giveaway

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Like Plaid on Facebook and let us know you entered the giveaway

Become a follower of ours on Twitter

Like Plaid on Facebook and let us know you entered the giveaway

Become a follower of ours on Twitter

To enter this giveaway, all you have to do is leave a comment below telling us what you would use this product to create? For extra entries (leave a separate comment for each):

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Become a follower of ours on Twitter

This giveaway will end tomorrow Friday March 2nd, 2012 at Noon EST. We will announce the winner tomorrow afternoon.

Hey teachers are you looking for a great simple kids craft? Create these potted Styrofoam orb flowers. Kids are guaranteed to love this project. Create this at school or at home. Apple Barrel paint goes very well with any Styrofoam surface. Enjoy!

PLAID Supplies

·       Apple Barrel ® Gloss™ - Pumpkin Orange, 2 oz.

·       Apple Barrel ® Gloss™ - Light Blue, 2 oz.

·       Apple Barrel ® Colors - Satin Cream, 2 oz.

·       Apple Barrel ® Colors - Apricot, 2 oz.

·       Apple Barrel ® Colors - Aquamarine, 2 oz.

·       Apple Barrel ® Colors - Haystack, 2 oz.

·       Apple Barrel ® Colors - Caterpillar, 2 oz.

·       Apple Barrel ® Colors - Khaki, 2 oz.

Other Supplies

Styrofoam balls – four 1 ½”- three 1”- one 3” cut in half, Found branches, Clay pot 3” x 3 ½”, Glue, Moss, Foam spouncer ¾”, and Flat brush ½”

Instructions

1.    Paint clay pot with Pumpkin Orange.
2.    Apply one each of the remaining paint colors to Styrofoam balls with spouncer. Let dry.
3.    Glue Styrofoam half ball inside pot.
4.    Insert branches into painted balls and then into pot with glue.
5.    Top with moss to finish.

Happy Monday, and Happy President’s Day. You know it is never to early to begin teaching your children to reach for the stars. Encouragement, and inspiration can be huge positive factors that will guide a child down a fulfilling, and happy path. Let them know that there is no limitation on what they can achieve. This inspire plaque is a great way to remind them of what they can be. This is a great plaque to create with your child. Motivational words can go a long way. Create this plaque today, and hang in a place your child can see it easily everyday. This plaque was designed by, Holli Long.

Other Supplies

Small Rectangle Wood Plaque, 8 X 10” Stencil Pack Blanks, 5/8” Stencil Brush, Medium flat brush, Small flat brush, Ribbon, Scissors, Craft knife,
Circle template, Cutting mat, and Craft glue

Instructions

1.    Paint plaque Leaf Green. Paint edge Hunter Green.

2.    Paint letters and circle shape White. When dry, use a fine liner brush to paint the peace sign on the wood circle shape. Set aside to dry.

3.    With your craft knife, cut polka dot pattern out of the stencil blank. Paint the polka dots White on the front of the plaque.

4.    When dry, glue the letters and peace sign on the front of the plaque.

5.    Attach the ribbon with craft glue or hot glue on the back of the plaque.

Alone or together, this gang of love bugs will sweeten your Valentine’s Day! OMG! Have you ever seen a cuter Valentine’s Day craft? I would bet you haven’t until now. These love bugs were created by one of our very talented designers, Julie Lewis. With Apple Barrel paint, and styrofoam the possibilities are endless. You and your kids are sure to have a blast creating these love bugs. So adorable, and would make a wonderful Valentine’s Day gift. To learn how to make these, click here.

By: Candie Cooper (To see more of Candie's work visit her blog, Candie Cooper's Journal)

Valentine's Day is about a month away!  This is a project especially geared for little ones, but I had a ton of fun making it so let's just say it's for kids of all ages. ;)  It's carefree and fun, no skills required.  Do you like it already?

You will need:  Apple Barrel paints in pink, light pink and purple, pink Martha Stewart glitter paint, paint brushes, a canvas in desired size, Mod Podge, and paper doily hearts.  You will also need a frame to fit your canvas.

Base-coat the canvas in desired color and then while it's still wet, let your child do the painting with a lighter color (i.e. dark pink and light pink).  I channeled my inner 3 year old here.
 

As the layer's dry, you can add the purple.  Here's where you have to be careful, because if you put the purple on, while the pink is still wet, you may get a "muddy" look.  You know the one.  I plugged in a hairdryer next to where I was working to quickly dry the colors.
 

Add a touch of sparkle with Martha's glitter paint.  This stuff is so fun!  Look at what it does to the surface in the next photo!

Just the right touch!  It is shiny when it dries, but don't worry because the Mod Podge in gloss will make everything shiny.
 

Lay the paper hearts however you wish on the canvas.  Here's one idea I thought about.  You can also use big paper hearts!

Use Mod Podge to adhere the hearts to the canvas.  Have you tried the Mod Podge brayer?  It smooths out all the air bubbles and wrinkles.  Very handy!
 

Optionally, you can use a paint marker to add initials, date, or sentiment.  Artists of all ages can sign their work, right?!  
 

You can leave it like this or paint a frame to match.  

Ta daaaa!  Sweet Heart Valentine's Art!

Get your own Mod Podge Brayer right here:  http://www.createforless.com/Plaid+Mod+Podge+Tools+Brayer/Squeegee/pid173914.aspx

Check out this great kid friendly Christmas project. Isn’t the snowman and reindeer so cute? This is a perfect project to create on a cold winter’s day. Grab your craft supplies, and get ready to have some fun. See how to make this project by following the steps below.

PLAID Supplies

·       Apple Barrel ® Colors - Pool Blue, 2 oz.

·       Apple Barrel ® Colors - Pink Parfait, 2 oz.

·       Apple Barrel ® Colors - Bright Red, 2 oz.

·       Apple Barrel ® Colors - White, 2 oz.

·       Apple Barrel ® Colors - Black, 2 oz.

·       Apple Barrel ® Colors - Nutmeg Brown, 2 oz.

·       Apple Barrel ® Colors - Leaf Green, 2 oz.

·       Apple Barrel ® Colors - Pewter Grey, 2 oz.

·       Apple Barrel ® Colors - Pumpkin Orange, 2 oz.

Other Supplies

6” Terracotta pots
4”-4x4 wood posts
2” Pieces of landscape timber
White chenille stem
Electric blue yarn
Small wood circles
Felt scraps
White thread
Hot glue
Ice glitter
Small sticks
Spray sealer
Sandpaper
Adhesive brown felt

Instructions

Snowman:
1. Hot Glue the wood block to the bottom of the pot.

2. Base-coat the clay pot and the wood block with Pewter Grey. Base-coat same pot and block with White. When they are dry lightly sand to create a distressed look.

3. Paint the two wood blocks with Pool Blue. When they are dry, hot glue the yarn to them as shown. Hot glue the chenille stems to the tops of the yarn wrapped wood blocks. Wrap the yarn around the stems adding a few hot glue dots to secure the yarn.

4. Paint the wood circles Black and add White dots to create the look of buttons.

5. Paint the bottom of the pot Bright Red. Add White dots and sprinkle glitter on the dots before the paint dries.

6. Paint the sticks White. Add Pool Blue stripes and Bright Red polka dots. Lightly spray the arms with sealer and sprinkle with glitter.

7. Stitch the felt scraps with the white thread and add yarn to the ends.

8. Paint the eyes Black and the carrot nose Pumpkin Orange.

9. Hot glue the earmuffs, scarf, arms, and buttons to the snowman.


Reindeer:
1. Hot Glue the wood block to the bottom of the pot.

2. Base-coat the clay pot and the wood block with Black. Base-coat same pot and block with Nutmeg Brown. When they are dry lightly sand to create a distressed look.

3. Paint the wood block with Black and then Nutmeg Brown. When they are dry, hot glue to the face of the reindeer as shown.

4. Paint the wood circle Bright Red and add White dots.

5. Paint the bottom of the pot Bright Red. Add White dots and sprinkle glitter on the dots before the paint dries.

6. Paint the sticks White. Add Pool Blue, Bright Red, Pink Parfait and Leaf Green stripes. Lightly spray the arms with sealer and sprinkle with glitter. Hot glue to the head as shown.

7. Stick two pieces of felt together and cut into the shape of an ear. Hot glue to the top of the head

8. Paint the eyes and mouth with Black.

Here is a unique Christmas wreath that was designed by Margaret Riley. This adorable wreath is a great Christmas project to create with your kids. Make this wreath with a mixture of Apple Barrel, and FolkArt paint. See below all the materials you will need to create this, and the step by step instructions.

PLAID Supplies

·      

      Apple Barrel ® Colors - Turquoise, 2 oz.

      Apple Barrel ® Colors - Plum Kiss, 2 oz.

·       Apple Barrel ® Colors - Yellow, 2 oz.

·       Apple Barrel ® Colors - Black, 2 oz.

·       Apple Barrel ® Colors - Pumpkin Orange, 2 oz.

·       Apple Barrel ® Colors - Grape Jam, 2 oz.

·       Apple Barrel ® Colors - Caterpillar, 2 oz.

·       FolkArt ® Extreme Glitter™ - Gold, 2 oz.

·       FolkArt ® Extreme Glitter™ - Peridot, 2 oz.

·       FolkArt ® Extreme Glitter™ - Tourquoise, 2 oz.

·       FolkArt ® Extreme Glitter™ - Purple, 2 oz.

      Other Supplies

4 2-inch snowmen, hat and body are pre-painted, 4 Snowflake buttons, 2 buttons of each of these colors: Yellow, Purple, Green, and Turquoise or Blue
Shank cutter (to remove backs of buttons), Clear drying glue, Foam glue, 1-1/2-yards of 5/8-inch wide wired edge ribbon, No. 8 fabric round scrubber brush
No. 10/0 liner brush, Stylus, 12 inches silver 22-gauge galvanized steel wire, 4 4 inch Styrofoam™ stars, 6 x 1-1/4 inch wreath,5 Floral u-pins
Palette paper, Paper towel, 6 inch piece of floral wire

Instructions

1. Paint each star one of the following colors and let dry: Caterpillar Plum Kiss Turquoise Yellow
2. Paint each star with Extreme Glitter as follows, then let dry Let dry: Caterpillar—Peridot Plum Kiss—Purple Turquoise—Turquoise Yellow—Gold
3. Attach stars with U-pins to wreath (refer to photo for placement).
4. Cut wire into 2-inch pieces and wrap around liner brush to curl them. Stick one end into glue and attach into top of top star.
5. SNOWMEN:  Paint hat bands of each snowman a different color to coordinate with a star.
6. Glue on buttons to coordinate with painted hat band.
7. Paint a Black scarf around neck.
8. Using stylus, dot on Black eyes.
9. Using liner brush, add Pumpkin Orange nose.
10. Cut off shanks from snowflake buttons and glue to hat on each snowman.
11. ASSEMBLY: Create a 10 loop ribbon bow and secure center with floral wire.
12. Press floral wire/ribbon into wreath.
13. Bend U-pin and place in back of wreath for a hanger. 4. Glue color coordinating snowman onto each star.

Write away the winter on this snowman slate. One of my favorite winter holiday characters, is the snowman. They are just so cute to me. Here is a cute project to create with your kids. This craft project is perfect for this time of year. Not only is it adorable, but it is also functional :)

PLAID Supplies

Apple Barrel ® Colors - Turquoise, 2 oz.

FolkArt ® Chalkboard Paint - Black, 8 oz.

FolkArt ® Acrylic Colors - Wicker White, 2 oz.

Other Supplies
Rectangular Wood plaque
2 inch STYROFOAM™ ball
2.5 inch STYROFOAM™ ball
11 brads - 1 orange; 3 blue; 7 black
2 blue pom-poms
1 silver chenille stem
Blue and white ribbon or scrap material (for scarf)
Blue ribbon (for hanging)
Tacky glue
Hot glue

Instructions

1.     Paint edges of plaque with Wicker White. Allow to dry.

2.     Paint dashes around plaque with Turquoise. Allow to dry.

3.     Paint front of plaque with Chalkboard paint. Allow to dry.

4.     Paint snow along bottom of plaque and snowflake on upper right of plaque (refer to photo).

5.     Cut Styrofoam balls in half.

6.     Glue larger Styrofoam ball to bottom left side of plaque.

7.     Tie ribbon or scrap material to create scarf and glue in place; glue on small Styrofoam ball (Refer to photo).

8.     Glue pom-poms and chenille wire in place to create ear muffs.

9.     Add buttons and face with brads; use tacky glue to secure.

10. Use hot glue to attach ribbon for hanging.