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.

It’s the last day of 2012, and in case you are in the mood to make one more craft with your kids we have an easy one for you to try. Create this Girls Night New Year’s Eve door décor. This project is perfect for your kids and tweens to make, and your probably already have most the supplies needed. End the year the same way you started, by crafting!

PLAID Supplies

·       Mod Podge ® Matte, 8 oz.

Other Supplies

Round wood disk - large
Foam paint brush
Scissors
Scrapbook paper – pink
Scrapbook paper – black
Circle punch
Chipboard letters –“happy new year”
Sticky rhinestones
Trims: feathers and silk flowers
Hot glue

Instructions

1.    Using the round disk as a guide, trim the pink paper to fit the disk. Apply a coat of Mod Podge to the base of the disk and to the back of the paper. Place the paper on the disk and press out any air bubbles.

2.    Use the circle punch to create small circles from the black paper. Apply a small amount of Mod Podge to the back of the circles and position in a random pattern on the pink-papered disk.

3.    Hot glue the chipboard letters to the papered disk. Add a few rhinestones.

4.    Create a hanger by hot gluing a strip of trim (in a u-shape) to the back of the disk. Add fluff to the door décor by hot gluing trims around the disk. Add a flower pop, by gluing a few feathers and a glittery flower to the top center.

For many of you, you are still on holiday vacation nibbling away on left over holiday treats. One of the treats many people may have many left over, are Candy Canes. Put those sweet treats to use and create these Candy Cane Chalkboard place cards. Cheryl from That’s What Che Said created these adorable cards. What a creative way to use candy. This is a very simple craft project that uses only a few supplies including FolkArt chalkboard paint. To learn how to make these place cards visit Cheryl’s blog here.

Are you in an area of that received snow recently? If you are then you will love this snow princess T-Shirt. Sherrie Ragsdale designed this shirt using Plaid stencils and FolkArt fabric paint. This is the perfect shirt for your very own Snow Princess! A perfect project for tweens to create, and it can serve as an introduction as their first fashion DIY craft project. Feel free to use this project as inspiration to make other T-Shirt designs. Below are all the supplies you will need. Click here to find the step by step instructions for this project.

PLAID Supplies

·       Simply ® Stencils - Value Packs - Classic Collections

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

·       FolkArt ® Fabric™ Paint - Brush On - Engine Red

·       FolkArt ® Fabric™ Paint - Brush On - Licorice

Other Supplies

Alphabet stencil 1" size letters
White T-shirt
Liner brush
Stencil brush
Masking tape

It’s the day before Christmas and all through the house you’re probably prepping food, wrapping presents, and enjoying time with family and friends. If you’re in need of a project to occupy your kids as they await with anticipation for Santa, have then make these Tissue Paper and Yarn Trees. Cathie and Steve designed this project using Mod Podge and Styrofoam. This is a project they are sure to enjoy, and one that will keep their little hands busy this Christmas eve.

Other Supplies

3 Styrofoam trees – different sizes
Scissors
Tissue paper – pink; pale green and turquoise
Yarn – raspberry; olive dark turquoise
Wax paper

Instructions

1.    Cut the tissue paper into small random shaped squares. Apply the squares to the Styrofoam tree with Mod Podge. Topcoat with a layer of Mod Podge. Add additional layers of tissue. Allow for dry time between layers.

2.    Cut the yarn into 3 to 5 feet long pieces. (Use more yarn for a fuller wrap and less yarn for an open look.) Pool some Mod Podge Glitter onto a piece of wax paper. Saturate the yarn in the Mod Podge Glitter. Wrap the wet yarn around the cones. Allow to dry.

If you’re like many of us here at Plaid you are just now beginning to wrap all your holiday gifts. For some reason wrapping gifts is always one of those last minute holiday tasks to do. While some people let professionals wrap their presents, why not try letting your kids help put their own spin on wrapping gifts. Check out this Mod Podge creative gift wrap that is perfect for kids to create. We found this project over on the popular blog, Mod Podge Rocks. The inspiration for this project came from fingerprint projects. To learn how to make this gift wrap with your kids click here.

Did you know a wreath can come in other shapes besides a circle? Try something different this holiday season by creating a unique rectangle snowman "wreath" for your door. Kindra Boroff designed this adorable craft using FolkArt Outdoor paints. This is a beginner level project that is fine for all crafters to make. Use this wreath on any door in your home to add some extra holiday cheer. Below are all the supplies you will need. To find the complete instructions for this project click here.  

Other Supplies

3 unfinished wood snowflakes
6 ½” plywood circle
Large plywood circle
11 x 14 unfinished wood frame
Faux evergreen branches
Wire hanger
Old sweater or felt
Hot glue
Pinking shears
#1 Script liner
1” flat brush
Stencil brush
Sandpaper
2 small tree branches

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.

Do your kids love gingerbread men? If so they are going to love this adorable craft project. Have them get in the spirit of the holidays by creating this Mod Podge Gingerbread Man Wreath. We discovered this easy to make project on the blog Radmegan. Megan used several Plaid products to design this wreath including Mod Podge and FolkArt paints. Since this project has a few steps to it, it is perfect for a family to create together. Maybe this weekend you can make some gingerbread cookies and this gingerbread man wreath. To learn how Megan made this project click here. 

Welcome back from the weekend. Did you get some crafting done? We sure hope so, but in case you didn’t we have a jammed packed holiday post to share with you today. Kindra Boroff, a very talented designer, created three amazing and simple to make ornaments. The best thing about these ornaments is that you can create them with your fingerprints. She made a snowy Christmas tree ornament, reindeer polka dot ornament, and a Christmas light strand ornament. To learn how to make one or all three see below for a list of supplies, along with their instructions.

Snowy Christmas Tree Ornament

Plaid Supplies

FolkArt Acrylic Paint-938 Licorice, 661 Metallic Black Sequin, 901 Wicker White, 660 Metallic Pure Gold

Other Supplies

Glass ball ornament, Green satin ribbon, Green rhinestones, Red rhinestones, Clear rhinestones, Hot glue

Instructions

1.    Basecoat the ornament with Licorice. Allow to dry. Follow with a few coats of Metallic Black Sequin.

2.    Using your fingerprints and Wicker White create Christmas trees. Start with four fingerprints on the bottom row and add one less on each row.

3.    Using a dry brush or toothbrush, lightly splatter Wicker White to the ornament to create a snowy look.

4.    Paint the star with Pure Gold.

5.    Hot glue the rhinestones to the Christmas trees. Tie the green bow to the top.

Reindeer Polka Dot Ornament

Plaid Supplies

FolkArt Metallic Paint-671 Metallic Peridot, 664 Metallic Copper

FolkArt Acrylic Paint-2578 New Leaf Green, 938 Licorice, 901 Wicker White

Other Supplies

Glass ball ornament, Green satin ribbon, Glitter, Red Rhinestone, Hot Glue, Gloss sealer

Instructions

1.    Basecoat the ornament with New Leaf Green.

2.    Using the end of the paintbrush and Peridot add polka dots to the ornament and sprinkle with glitter.

3.    Using your thumb press the nose of the reindeer in Copper. Using your finger press the head of the reindeer with Copper.

4.    With the end of the paintbrush, add two Wicker White dots for the eyes.

5.    With Licorice, paint the antlers, smile and dot in the eyes.

6.    Seal the ornament with gloss sealer. Hot glue the rhinestone nose.

Christmas Light Strand Ornament

Plaid Supplies

FolkArt Acrylic Paint- 651 Metallic Blue Topaz, 437 Lipstick Red, 227 Bright Green, 524 Calypso Sky, 2550 Daffodil Yellow, 938 Licorice

Other Supplies

Glass ball ornament, Green Satin Ribbon, Hot glue, Black rickrack

Instructions

1.    Basecoat the ornament with Metallic Blue Topaz.

2.    Using your finger, press the colors listed above around the ornament.

3.    Hot glue the rickrack to the middle of the ornament as shown.

4.    With Licorice add the light bulb details.

5.    Tie the green ribbon in bow on the top of the ornament.

Happy Friday crafters! We have made it through the workweek, and now it’s time to get excited for the weekend. Every weekend from now till Christmas is sure to be a busy one for many people. There are gifts to buy, people to see, and parties to attend. Even with all this going on you still need to make time to craft with your kids and we have the perfect project. Make this Poinsettia Headband with your little girl. We found this adorable project on the blog Moneywise Moms. Gina designed this project using Mod Podge, dimensional magic, and FolkArt paints. Click here to learn how you can make this project.

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

In case you and your kids are still looking for another craft to celebrate the New Year, we you are in luck. Turn up the tunes and get ready for an extra fun project because we are making party flashlights!!  This is also a great project to have your kids make for parties, and sleepovers.

You'll need some Plaid Folk Art Enamels in your favorite colors, a flashlight, painters’ tape, soft bristle brushes, a flashlight and cotton swabs.

Tape off the flashlight with painter's tape to create a striped effect.  Or--you can cut pieces of tape however you like and stick them to the flashlight to create your own design.

Use a soft haired brush to apply the Folk Art Enamels to get a nice and smooth coat of paint.  It's worth mentioning that the Enamels are ok for kids to use, as they are non-toxic.  Yay!  Also, the paint will fully cure after 21 days, but you can still handle it before then.
 

Use a hair dryer to speed up the drying time in between coats of paint.  You can see I peeled away the first round of paint on the big flashlight and filled in the stripes with orange paint.

Doodle some dots using the end of a paintbrush or cotton swab end.  Polka dots are always a good choice in my book!
 

You could leave the flashlight alone or add some bells and whistles with some left over bows or whimsies from the dollar store.  This blue streamer piece came from a table centerpiece I disassembled.  Wrap it around the end of the flashlight and tack with a dot of glue or rubber band even.
 

Add some batteries and you've got a party light!  I love the crazy shadows it makes on the wall.

Don't stop here though!  Add some flat back crystals with Mod Podge and more ribbons if you like!  

Here's to a happy, safe and fun New Year!!!

P.S.  Dear Mom's, While I'm thinking about it, I believe a painted flashlight would be an excellent Valentine's Day gift for dad from the kiddos.  Just pick out Dad's favorite colors and let the kids doodle away.  Make a paper Valentine with a "light" sentiment and you've got a sweet little gift.

PLAID Supplies

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

·       FolkArt ® Metallics - Pearl White, 2 oz.

Other Supplies

8” paper mache star
28 gauge gold wire
2 mm straight pins
Assorted white buttons
5 gold beads
Paint brush
Hot glue
Craft glue

Instructions

1. Paint star with two coats of Pearl White. Let dry between coats.
2. Paint over Pearl White with two thin coats of Gold Extreme Glitter. Let dry between coats.
3. Thread buttons onto wire as shown.
4. Starting at the tip of the star, hot glue buttons randomly to star. Bend wire as you go.
5. Dip straight pins in craft glue and pin gold beads onto points of the star.

By: Candie Cooper (To see more projects created by Candie check out her blog, Candie Cooper's Journal.)

This post finds me in the holiday spirit for sure!  I teach kids classes all the time.  One of my most requested classes is jewelry making.  Do you blame them?  Jewelry is so fun and Plaid's Holiday Glitz line is all about fun and festive.  Here are a few ideas for making easy jewelry with kids (and as usual, Mom's I think you'll want to make some too).

Pick out a few cards of Holiday Glitz!  Here are some of my favorites.  You will also need some special jewelry making pliers: round nose, chain nose, and wire cutters.  Grab some ball chain necklaces, head pins and jump rings too.

Open the eye pin and attach the Santa charm.  String some beads onto the eye pin.  An easy way for kids to make a dangle is to use round nose pliers and roll the end of the wire down to the bead (so it looks like a key chain ring).  You will get fun little loops and spirals this way and it makes it hard for the charm to escape the jump ring.

If you are new to jewelry making, check out the link at the end of this post for a jewelry making video with yours truly!

Open a jump ring and attach the Santa dangle to a ball chain.  Instant necklace!  Make one for all your pals!

The sparkly droplets come with jump rings so they can be strung directly onto a chain or ribbon.  So pretty!

Now the party is really going!  Back to making dangles and charms--you can attach some metal charms to eye pins with beads and put them in between the dangles like this with jump rings.

A very charming necklace!

Here's an extra fast idea to use up some spare parts.  You will need earring findings and jump rings.  Open the jump ring and hang the droplet charms.  Before closing the jump ring, attach the earring finding.

Hang a candy cane charm for a peppermint party look!  I bought a pack of real candy canes and have been stirring my hot cocoa with them---always a good after jewelry making treat!  
 
 
If you are new to making jewelry, check out this video for some basic tips!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tremClpk2qw

PLAID Supplies

·       FolkArt ® Metallics - Rose, 2 oz.

·       FolkArt ® Metallics - Antique Gold, 2 oz.

·       FolkArt ® Metallics - Pearl White, 2 oz.

·       FolkArt ® Metallics - Blue Pearl, 2 oz.

Other Supplies
2 small wooden circles medium wooden circle small wooden oval 2 XL teardrops 3” rounded star 2” x 3” rectangle ½” traditional heart 14” gold gift wrap cord Twisted silver/gold cord Curly doll hair Foam plate for paints 1/2” brush 1/4”flat brush Small round brush Ruler Scissors Black ultra fine point permanent marker Low temp glue gun

Instructions

1. Mix one part Rose with two parts Pearl White. Use mixture to paint all circle shapes; let dry.
2. Use Rose to paint heart shape and circles for cheeks on large circle; let dry.
3. Use large flat brush and Blue Pearl to paint rectangle shape. Use end of paint brush handle dipped in Blue Pearl to paint dots for eyes on large circle; let dry.
4. Use Pearl White to paint star shape; let dry.
5. Use Antique Gold to paint oval and teardrop shapes; let dry.
6. Refer to photo for placement and use ¼” flat brush and Antique Gold to paint stripe across star for sash; let dry.
7. Referring to photo for placement, glue lower two points of star over one end of rectangle.
8. For wings, glue rounded ends of teardrop shapes to back of upper star.
9. For face, glue large circle over upper center tip of star.
10. For halo, glue oval over top edge of circle, securing at back with extra glue.
11. For hands, glue small circles over middle star tips.
12. Refer to photo for placement, and glue heart on star.
13. Cut an 8” piece from cord. Fold in half to form loop for ornament hanger and glue ends to back of star/head.
14. Wrap and glue remaining piece of cord over center of sash stripe, with ends of cord meeting at back center; trim ends as necessary and secure well with glue.
15. Use marker to add dashed line for heart garland between hands, mouth on angel face, and personalization at lower front.
16. Cut doll hair to desired length and glue center of length to back of halo/head to hold in place. To hold hair in position, add small amount of glue over wing and at back of hands.

Here is an adorable and very cute ornament, your kids are going to love to create. This ornament was created by one of our talented designers, Julie Lewis. I love how cute this happy snowman ornament is. It is so unique, and just puts a smile on your face. In case you are looking for more fun Christmas projects to create with your kids, click here.

PLAID Supplies

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

·       FolkArt ® Texture Paint - White, 4 oz.

·       FolkArt ® Acrylic Colors - Sky Blue, 2 oz.

·       FolkArt ® Acrylic Colors - Lime Yellow, 2 oz.

·       FolkArt ® Artists Pigments™ - Pure Black, 2 oz.

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

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

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

·       FolkArt ® Acrylic Colors - Bayberry, 2 oz.

Other Supplies
Paper mache ornament
2mm black foam sheet
3/16” wood dowel
2 – ½” wood beads
¼” & 1/8” hole punches
3/8” black and white polka dot ribbon
¼” & ½” flat brush
#1 liner brush
Black floss
Needle
Ultra fine black marker
White craft glue
Scissors
Craft knife and blades or pencil sharpener
Transfer paper
Ruler
Palette knife

Instructions

1. Transfer hat pattern to black foam and cut out. Apply several coats of Black Extreme Glitter with flat brush. When dry, stitch together two ends of hat with floss to create tube. Put one edge of hat inside circle of brim and glue. Finish with polka dot ribbon band.
2. Base-coat wood beads and top and bottom sections of ornament Wicker White. Refer to photo for rest of color placement.
3. Cut 1” of wood dowel and sharpen end either in pencil sharpener or with craft knife to create carrot nose. Paint Glazed Carrots and apply black lines with marker.
4. Create a hole in top part of ornament large enough for flat end of dowel "nose". Insert and secure with white craft glue.
5. Cut 2 1 ½” sections of wood dowel. Sharpen one end of both. Paint as shown.
6. Use a palette knife or brush to apply texture paint to snow areas: wood beads, top and bottom parts of ornament.
7. Glue bead to ends of dowel "arms”. Create holes in sides of body, insert arms and secure with white craft glue.
8. From the black foam punch out two 1/8” dots using larger hole punch (for eyes) and seven dots with smaller punch (for mouth). Using opposite end of brush, apply white dots to eyes, then two smaller black dots as shown. Glue to face.
9. Create hanger with black floss and needle. Attach to hat and glue hat onto head.
10. Paint snowflake to front of ornament and apply orange dots with opposite end of brush.

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.