It is never too early to begin teaching kids the importance of recycling. A great way to do this is by showing them how they can make something from recycled goods. Here is a great project that displays this. This recycled paper bracelet is a great project to have them create. The bracelet was designed by, Cathie and Steve.

 

PLAID Supplies

·       Mod Podge ® Matte, 16 oz.

Other Supplies

Cardboard from a Cracker Box, Ruler and Pencil, Scissors, Scrapbook, Paper, Foam Paintbrush, 25” Ribbon for Ties, Scrap Ribbon, Glue,
Paper Flowers, and Buttons

Instructions

1.    Using a ruler, pencil and scissors, cut the cardboard in a rectangle shape that measures 1.5” x 5”.  Cut the scrapbook paper to 3.5” x 5”.

2.    Apply the paper to the cardboard with Mod Podge. Coat the back of the paper with Mod Podge. Center the paper over the cardboard rectangle.  Press to secure. Wrap the ends of the paper around to the back of the cardboard. Press and overlap the ends. Top coat both sides with a coat of Mod Podge. Use your fingers to press out any air bubbles. Smooth your brushstrokes. Allow to dry. Bend a gentle curve in the bracelet. 

3.    Cut the 25” piece of ribbon in half. Glue each piece to the ends of the cardboard. Glue scrap ribbons around the ends of the cardboard.

4.    Add flower embellishments to the bracelet. Using glue attach the flowers to the top center of the bracelet. Add a button to the center.

5.    To wear, wrap around your wrist and tie the ribbons into a bow.

 

Valentine’s Day has come and gone, and now next up on the Holiday list is, St. Patrick’s Day. I feel that this year people are very excited about St. Patrick’s Day. Have you seen all the St. Patrick’s Day crafts on Pinterest? People have been pinning tons of amazing and creative crafts. Well we here at Plaid are going to add these St. Patrick’s Day Coasters. These are very simple to make, all you really need is some Mod Podge. This project was designed by, Sherrie Ragsdale.

 

PLAID Supplies

·       Mod Podge ® Matte, 8 oz.

Other Supplies

Square cork coasters
St. Patrick's Day napkins
Green glitter
Foam brush

Instructions

1.    Base-coat the top of the cork coaster with Mod Podge. Allow to dry.

2.    Measure the part of the napkin that will be glued to coaster. Cut out slightly smaller than the coaster. Glue to coaster. Add top coat. Allow to dry.

3.    Apply Mod Podge to the edges of coaster and sprinkle glitter on edges. Remove extra.

 

Happy Friday! Boy am I glad the work week is coming to a close. I just returned from CHA, and I am in need of some rest and relaxation :) In case you feel like I do, and just want to unwind this weekend here is a great craft project you and your kids can create. Have your kids be the envy of all their classmates, by sending them to school with these DIY Mod Podge pencils. I found these adorable pencils on a blog called, Omiyage. To learn how to create these click here. Have a great weekend!

In less than a month your kids are going to begin bringing home tons of Valentine candies. Don’t wait until the last minute to figure out where to store all these goodies. These Valentine Candy Boxes will definitely come in hand. Help create these boxes with your kids. They will enjoy making them, and you will enjoy having a place to store their candy. These adorable boxes were made by, Cathie & Steve.

 

PLAID Supplies

·      

     FolkArt ® Extreme Glitter™ - Hologram, 5 oz.

·       FolkArt ® Acrylic Colors - Pink, 2 oz.

·       Mod Podge ® Matte, 8 oz.

Other Supplies

2 clear heart shaped favor boxes, Foam paint brush, Scissors, Hot glue gun, Decorative paper, Wood heart, Ribbon or trim, Silk or paper flower, and Rhinestones

Instructions

1.    Trace the lid of the candy box onto decorative paper. Apply a layer of Mod Podge on the box lid and to the back of the paper. Place the paper on the lid. Apply more Mod Podge to the top, press with your finger until smooth. Apply more Mod Podge as necessary. Smooth your brush strokes.

2.    Paint the wood heart pink. Topcoat with 3 coats of Hologram Extreme Glitter. Allow to dry.

3.    Using hot glue, add trim across the box, the heart to the top of the box and a silk flower and rhinestone to the heart.

 

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

What do you get when you put two hearts together? Wings! And love, of course which is what these little Hearts a' Flutter Bugs are all about!


Here are the basic supplies, but you'll also need some Mod Podge, paint brushes, buttons, sticky dot magnets, pink paint and thick glue.

 
Paint each heart silver and then decorate in a variety of ways. One way is by sponge painting as seen here. I'm using the Martha Stewart sea sponges with Metallic Pink Folk Art paint. This is one of my favorite ways to add surface decoration because it's so easy!


These craft sticks came decorated like this, but you could always cover plain ones with scrapbook paper. I'm using love themed K and Co. die cut strips to jazz em' up even more. Look for them in the scrapbook section of the craft store and use Mod Podge to adhere them to the stick.


Another way to decorate the wings is with Hologram Extreme glitter. Oh yeah!


Or with the Martha Stewart pink glitter paint that I used in last weeks, "Sweet Heart Art" post. I put it around the edge and a little in the middle. Glue the heart wings to the upper half of the craft stick followed by two magnet dots.


Fold a pipe cleaner in half and twirl the ends to create antennae. Use thick or cool temp hot glue to attach to the back of the head. See the picture above where I added mini pom-poms and big sequins to the end of the antennae for more pep.


You can also add a few buttons on the wings. These bugs are easy going and perfectly ok being decorated with the extra craft supplies you have laying around. Glue two wiggle eyes and suddenly your Flutter Bug is alive and ready to fly, spreading love to all!

 

Everyone is looking to get organized this time of year. When you tend to think of getting organized, you typically think of adults first, but kids need organization help too. Here is a great project that can help get your kids organized. This Chalkboard Pencil Box is a beginner level craft, perfect for all ages. After you create this, they will have a place to store their school pens and pencils. This pencil box was created by, Kirsten Jones. See below for a list of supplies needed, and instructions. Enjoy!

 

PLAID Supplies

·       FolkArt ® Acrylic Colors - Bright Baby Pink, 2 oz.

·       FolkArt ® Acrylic Colors - Glazed Carrots, 2 oz.

·       FolkArt ® Acrylic Colors - Wicker White, 2 oz.

·       Mod Podge ® Gloss, 4 oz.

Other Supplies

Chalkboard and wood pencil box, 1 piece of scrapbook paper- desired pink and orange pattern, #12 paintbrush, Pencil, and Scissors

Instructions

1.    Base-coat box with Wicker White, let dry. Paint inside of box with Glazed Carrots, and all edges that will show with Bright Baby Pink. Let dry.

2.    Using box as a pattern, cut paper to fit on all four sides.

3.    Following general directions on Mod Podge bottle, apply paper to pencil box. Let dry.

 

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

The beginning of the year is usually all about organizing your home. Well here is a great project that your kids can help you create. Warm up your kitchen with this fun canister set. This set was created by, Sherrie Ragsdale. This is a beginner level craft that uses Chalkboard paint, FolkArt Paint, and Mod Podge. See below to see all the supplies you will need, and the instructions to create this project.

 

PLAID Supplies

·       FolkArt ® Acrylic Colors - Apple Orchard, 2 oz.

·       FolkArt ® Chalkboard Paint - Brown, 8 oz.

·       FolkArt ® Acrylic Colors - Tangerine, 2 oz.

·       Mod Podge ® Matte, 4 oz.

Other Supplies

Three graduating containers, Three 1 3/4" wooden knobs, Coordinating scrapbook paper, Candle, Sandpaper, 3/4" flat brush, Masking tape, Hot glue

 

Instructions

1.    Base-coat the canisters with Apple Orchard and the lids with Engine Red. Allow to dry. Tape of the desired length and width of the chalkboard rectangles on the fronts of each canister.

2.    Rub candle all over tops and bottoms of canister set except for where the chalkboard paint will be painted. Add three coats of Tangerine to the bottoms and three coats of Brown chalkboard paint to the tops. Allow to dry to touch in between each coat. Do not wait until completely dry, this will allow the paint to rub off easily.

3.    Rub off some of the paint from the canister bottoms and just on the tops of lids to give the appearance of peeling paint. Do not rub off the sides of lids only the tops leaving the sides solid so you can write on.

4.    Remove the tape and paint the rectangles on the fronts of each canister with Brown chalkboard paint along with the three knobs.

5.    Cut three separate pieces of scrapbook paper for the tops of each canister. Mod Podge to the tops.

6.    Glue the knobs on each lid.

 

Valentine’s Day is a great holiday for kids to craft. There are so many simple craft projects for them to make to celebrate this day. Take this Tissue Paper Valentine project. This is so cute and simple. All you need is some glitter Mod Podge, and tissue paper. See below for a full supply list, and instructions.

PLAID Supplies

·       Mod Podge ® Glitter - Hologram Silver, 8 oz.

Other Supplies

-Glass vase any shape – clean and dry
-1 sheet each of tissue paper in colors of choice (used on this project: pink; red; purple; silver)
-Scissors
-#12 flat brush
-Liner brush

Instructions

1.    Cut or tear tissue paper in small random shapes.

2.    Paint thin coat of Mod Podge onto outside of vase in a 6” square area.

3.    Place small pieces of random colors of tissue paper into wet Mod Podge letting them overlap slightly. Brush on Mod Podge over top of applied tissue. Brush more Mod Podge adjacent to the area just completed and continue to place tissue until vase is covered with tissue.

4.    Cut heart shapes from silver paper. Use Mod Podge to attach to project where desired.

5.    Use liner brush to apply Mod Podge around hearts and write “LOVE.”

 

By: Candie Cooper - To see more crafts from Candie, check out Candie Cooper's Journal.


2012 is almost here! I can't believe it either! Like many of us, I grew up watching Dick Clark celebrate in Times Square (rarely awake to actually see the ball drop though). This New Year, you and your kids can bring the famous Times Square tradition to your home with this easy project.
 

You'll need a foam disc in desired size, paint and a stiff brush. You can use any color of Folk Art or Apple Barrel paint you like.  I opted for classic Apple Barrel White in Gloss. I've mentioned this before, but Apple Barrel rocks for painting foam surfaces!


I like to squirt out a spiral of paint directly onto the styrofoam and then dip my brush in water while spreading the paint around. The water helps the paint to seep into the foam pores even more, creating a nice coat.
 
Fiskars and Martha Stewart punches are handy to create polka dots and snowflakes on the ball. I used old wrapping paper and scrapbook paper in layers. Tiny mirrors and crystals can be added for sparkle.


Use Mod Podge to glue the layers together. To glue the final pieces onto the foam, use cool temp hot glue. Also if you look just next to the Mod Podge, I hot glued a hook into the foam so it can hang.



Find some sparkly ribbon and tie it to the hook and hang it up! You could also set it in a book shelf if you've no great places to hang it.


I added a little bauble above it from the dollar store just for fun. Stay tuned for another fun project to light your New Year's Ball up! And just for fun, here's an article about the history of the New Year's Ball via TIME:  
http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1867116,00.html

By: Candie Cooper

Hello, whoooo's there?!? How about letting this little owl greet visitors at the door for this Thanksgiving?



You will need: paint brushes, Red Folk Art paint, Green Apple Barrel Paint, foam wreath, silk leaves pack, Extreme Glitter in autumn colors, Mod Podge, wood letters and owl, thick glue or glue gun.



Paint the letters red and seal with a coat of Mod Podge. I put the letters on plastic so they don't stick to the paper when dry.



The dollar store is a great place to get packs of silk leaves. Paint a coat of Extreme glitter on each leaf. Don't worry, the glitter will dry clear and sparkly.



Paint the foam wreath with Apple Barrel paint. Apple Barrel is awesome because it's a thinner paint base so it runs into the pores of the foam.



Glue the leaves around the wreath, followed by owl and F A L L letters. If you use thick glue, you may want some pins to hold the leaves in place while they dry.



How sweet is that? You can find the owl and letters in the wood crafts and surfaces section of the craft store. Happy remaining days of Fall!

This Thanksgiving maybe the first for your little bundle of joy, so why not capture this moment by making this first Thanksgiving ornament? This is the perfect keepsake ornament that your can store forever. Re-use this ornament over the years as your little one grows up.

Plaid Supplies FolkArt ® Acrylic Colors - Dark Brown, 2 oz. Mod Podge ® Sparkle, 8 oz.

 

Other Supplies
Wood leaf shape
Flat craft brush
Fall color plaid/patterned scrapbook paper
2” diameter circle cut from plain scrapbook paper
18” small gold braid
Craft knife
Hot glue gun
Fine line permanent ink marker
Color photocopy or print of baby

 

Instructions

1. Paint edges of wood ornament with Dark Brown. Let dry.
2. Using the flat brush, coat the wood shape with Mod Podge. Press firmly onto the back of scrapbook paper. Let dry.
3. Cut around the wood shape with craft knife.
4. Coat the other side of wood shape with Mod Podge and press firmly onto the back of scrapbook paper. Let dry.
5. Cut around wood shape with craft knife.
6. Paint back of yellow paper circle with Mod Podge. Press into place on leaf. Use fingers to rub out air bubbles.
7. Hot glue ends of gold braid to either side of leaf stem.
8. Paint Mod Podge Sparkle over entire leaf ornament and hang to dry.
9. Hot glue gold braid around yellow circle.
10. Hot glue gold braid bow at top of circle.
11. Use Mod Podge to attach baby picture in center of circle.
12. Use marker to write name and message.

 

By:Candie Cooper - To see more crafts by Candie, please visit her blog, Candie Cooper's Journal.

Reversible domino necklaces can be whipped up for any holiday!  You'll need Mod Podge, Mod Podge Dimensional Magic, dominos, Apple Barrel paint in Limeade, card stock, paint brush, scrapbook paper scraps, embellishments, spider paper punch, cobweb rubber stamp, black permanent ink pad, eye screws, Dremel tool with small drill bit, ribbon or elastic, beads and mult-purpose adhesive... 


Swipe some paint onto white card stock a paint brush and leave to dry.
 

 
I found this cobweb stamp and hole punch for $1 each at the super-store!  Great craft "staples."  Use a permanent ink pad to stamp cobwebs onto the green painted section.


Punch out as many spiders as you like from purple or blue scrapbook paper.
 


Cut the cobwebs to fit the back of the dominos and Mod Podge to the back side.  Repeat to attach the spiders.



Apply a coat of Mod Podge Dimensional Magic on top of the cobweb paper and leave to dry.  Be sure not to shake the DM before applying.



These super cute brads were $1 also!  Use wire cutters to remove the brads and glue on the front of the domino.



Use a tiny drill bit and Dremel tool to drill a hole in the top middle of the domino.

 

Twist the eye screw into the hole.  If the hole is a little larger than the screw, you can apply a dot of glue and push in the hole (this has happened to me if you can't tell).
 

 
Look at this perfect orange and black cord you can find in the ribbon section of the craft store!


String the domino alone on the ribbon or along with beads on black elastic.  Knot the ends and slip over your head!  Trick or treat either way!

Kids always need a place to store their candy, and I know some of you adults do too. With Halloween right around the corner you are going to need something your kids can put their candy in. Why not create these cute Halloween treat boxes? These were created by one of our talented designers, Connie Lanham. These adorable boxes are very easy to make. Just break out the Mod Podge and some FolkArt paint colors to get started. For more Halloween project ideas check out Plaid online. See below to find out the supplies, and instructions on how to make these spooktacular boxes. Click here to find all the supplies needed to create this project in one place.

Supplies

PLAID Supplies

• FolkArt ® Acrylic Colors - Apple Orchard, 2 oz.
• FolkArt ® Acrylic Colors - Perfect Purple, 2 oz.
• All Night Media ® Embellishments - Pop Dots™ Micro
• FolkArt ® Acrylic Colors - Licorice, 2 oz.
• Plaid ® Wood Surfaces - Letter Packs - Cursive
• Mod Podge ® Sparkle, 8 oz.
• Mod Podge ® Hard Coat, 8 oz.

Instructions

1. Paint each box inside and out a different color: Apple Orchard, Licorice and Perfect Purple, let dry.

2. Use pencil to trace shape of lid on to scrapbook paper. Cut out shapes.

3. Cut a strip of paper to fit around each box.

4. Using Gloss Mod Podge adhere the papers to the lids and boxes, let dry. Apply second coat, let dry.

5. Paint Wood Letters, let dry.

6. Attach letters to top of boxes with Pop Dots.

7. Apply 1 to 2 coats of Sparkle Mod Podge to lid and box, let dry.

8. Glue Wiggly eyes to boxes.

Clipboards are a great organizational tool for an adult, but how can they be kid friendly? Well here's how, use miniature clipboards and some mod podge to create this fun kids' craft. I came across this project on The Mud Pie Makers. It is so simple, and creative. These mini-clipboards are so cute for kids. In case you have not seen mini clipboards around, check out Walmart or Staples to find them. To learn how to make this project click, here.