Kids Crafts Newsletter
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Kids Crafts is full of fun, crafty projects, awesome activities, bright ideas, links to great kid-friendly sites and more, brought to you by Plaid.
 Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Web Wednesday: Spring Windowsill Garden



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.







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 Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Tuesday Tutorial: Painted Rock Owls



Since yesterday was Earth Day, we have decided to extend this holiday throughout the entire week. We will show you several Earth friendly themed projects. Take these painted rock owls, aren’t they so cute? You can make a family of owls as a fun family project with Delta soy paint. This is a beginner level craft project, and perfect for kids to help make. These rock owls would make a great school craft project to make in an art class. All the supplies you will need for this project can be found below, along with their instructions. Happy painting!

 

PLAID Supplies


·       Delta Soy Paint - White Onion, 2 oz.

·       Delta Soy Paint - Blue Sapphire, 2 oz.

·       Delta Soy Paint - Curry, 2 oz.

·       Delta Soy Paint - Butternut Squash, 2 oz.

·       Delta Soy Paint - Cocoa, 2 oz.

·       Delta Soy Paint - Turquoise, 2 oz.

·       Delta Soy Paint - Tangerine, 2 oz.

·       Plaid ® Brush Sets - Learn-to-Paint - Gold Taklon and Natural Bristle Set


Other Supplies

Polished river rocks
Outdoor sealer

Instructions

1. Basecoat the rocks as shown.

2. Using the colors listed above paint the details. Use the end of the brush handle for polka dots.

3. Seal with outdoor sealer.

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 Wednesday, April 03, 2013

Web Wednesday: A Sweet Miniature Dresser with Handmade Charlotte Stencils



We have made it half way through the week. Yay! In order to get you over the hump we wanted to share a craft project we recently discovered online. Check out this sweet miniature dresser. We stumbled across this on the site Craft Quickies. Sarah designed this adorable project for daughter, using the new FolkArt Handmade Charlotte stencils. She used this stencils and FolkArt paints to refurbish a not so pretty mini dresser. The before and after photos of this project are amazing, a definite must see. To learn how you can make this for your little one click here.


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 Tuesday, April 02, 2013

Tuesday Tutorial: Bumble Bee Buddies


When it comes to kids crafts we can understand that you may not want to spend a lot of money on supplies. Depending on what projects you and your little ones are crafting, the supply bill can quickly add up. One way you can save some money on supplies is by using things around your home. A popular kids craft surface are toilet paper rolls. Toilet paper rolls are very versatile, and can be used for projects all year round. Today we want to share an adorable project that uses toilet paper rolls. Check out these bumble bee buddies. Trenice Bishop, a talented freelance designer created them. To achieve this she used several supplies including Mod Podge and FolkArt paints. This is a very fun and simple spring project to make, and it will take about an hour to complete. See below for all the supplies you will need, along with their instructions.


Plaid Supplies

FolkArt Acrylic Paint – 735 Lemon Custard, FolkArt Acrylic Paint – 627 Tangerine, FolkArt Acrylic Paint- 713 Coastal Blue, Folk Art Acrylic Paint – 479 – Pure Black, Folk Art paint – 437 Lipstick Red, FolkArt Extreme Glitter Paint  - 2789 Peridot, Mod Podge

 

Other Supplies

3 Toilet paper rolls, 3 Square wood shapes, 2 Medium heart wood shapes, 4 Oval wood shapes, 6 Wiggly eyes, Black pipe cleaner, Liner Brush, Square craft brush, Hot glue gun, Water bowl, Foam brush, Scissors, Paper tape

 

Instructions

1. Paint each of the toilet paper rolls and square wood pieces with Coastal Blue, Lemon Custard and Tangerine. Apply another coat if desired.  And let dry.

2. When toilet paper rolls are dry, tape off with painters tape to make stripes for bee body. Paint on stripes with Pure Black. Remove tape and let dry.  

3. When the rolls are dry apply a coat of Mod Podge and set aside.  

4. Paint medium heart shapes in Coastal blue, and each pair of oval shapes in Lemon Custard and Tangerine for the wings.

5. Paint Coastal Blue “wings” with Turquoise Extreme Glitter, Paint Lemon Custard “wings” with Gold Extreme Glitter Paint and Tangerine painted “wings” with Orange Extreme Glitter. Let Dry and Coat With Mod Podge.

6. Hot glue the wings to the back or the corresponding “bee body” making sure the glitter painted sides is front facing.

7. Use the liner brush to mouths and seal painted square pieces with Mod Podge. Add wiggly eyes on top of wet Mod Podge or hot glue.

8. Cut black pipe cleaner to make antenna and hot glue to back of bee faces.

9. Add faces to winged paper rolls with hot glue to complete.

 



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 Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Tuesday Tutorial: Recycled Daisy Egg Carton for Easter Treats



Easter egg hunts are made more fun with this adorable crate for storing your finds. Kirsten Jones created this cute Easter craft, and now you can too. A great gift for kids to help create. All you will need are a few supplies including FolkArt paints. Easter will be here in less than two weeks. Crazy right? This month has flown by and this holiday comes a little early this year. There is still plenty of time to craft, and this egg carton won’t take long at all to complete. To make this project see a complete list of supplies needed below, along with their instructions.

 

PLAID Supplies


·       FolkArt ® Acrylic Colors - Seashell Pink, 2 oz.

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

·       FolkArt ® Acrylic Colors - Jamaican Sea, 2 oz.

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

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

·       FolkArt ® Acrylic Colors - Licorice, 2 oz.


Other Supplies


Paper egg carton- ½ dozen
Burlap- 1 ½ x 10”
Gift tag
Jute ribbon
#6 Flat paintbrush
Liner brush
#4 Round brush
Scissors
Hot glue


Instructions


1.   Paint burlap piece with Soft Apple. Let dry.  Using liner brush and Licorice write ‘ Happy Easter ‘. Let dry.

2.   Using #4 round brush, paint daisies with Wicker white, let dry. Dot centers of flower with Seashell Pink and brush handle.  Let dry.

3.    Paint each flower with Hologram glitter. Let Dry.

3.   Glue burlap to top of egg carton as shown.

4.   Paint gift tag Jamaican Sea, let dry.  Paint bunny as shown, referring to photo for guide.

5.   Tie to carton as shown.


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 Friday, March 15, 2013

Freelance Friday: Plaid FolkArt Stencil Table



Hooray! It’s Friday and the weekend is here. Now is a perfect time to tackle a home décor craft project. With the weekend you have some extra time to gather your supplies, and go to work on that idea you’ve been thinking about. This is exactly what was Jenny from Day of Chalk and Chocolate did. Jenny took a bland table and transformed it into an adorable table. To upcycle this table Jenny took some FolkArt paints and stencils, and the end result was fantastic. How cute is this? If you would like to see step by step how she made this project click here. What home project have you been putting off? Don’t delay a moment longer. Start crafting now!




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 Friday, August 10, 2012

Freelance Friday: Handprint shopping bag



Happy Friday :) The week is over, and for many kids they have just completed their first week back to school. If you are looking for something to occupy their time and hands over the weekend, then check out this handprint shopping bag. Isn't this bag adorable? Not only is it cute, it is green. Use this bag when grocery shopping, or to carry snacks to football games. This project uses Mod Podge and Apple Barrel paints. We discovered this project on the blog, 100 Directions. Jen Goode created this fun craft that your kids are sure to love. Handprints by the way are one of the hottest kid's crafting trends. Several projects are being created utilizing kids hands and feet. For a full list of supplies needed, and to see step-by-step instructions click here.
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 Monday, July 23, 2012

Monday Funday: Mod Podge Kid’s Tissue Dog



 

It's the beginning of a new week, and we are very excited to share with you an adorable new project that is perfect for kids. How cute is this Mod Podge Kid's Tissue Dog? Sherrie Ragsdale, one of Plaid's talented designers, created this amazing project. It features one of our newest Mod Podge formulas, Wash Out for Kids. Mod Podge Wash Out is specially formulated to wash out of clothes and off of surfaces! Now you can relax when you craft with the kids. See all the supplies and instructions you will need to re-create this project.

 

PLAID Supplies

·       FolkArt ® Acrylic Colors - Ballet Pink, 2 oz.

·       FolkArt ® Acrylic Colors - Licorice, 2 oz.

·       Mod Podge ® Wash Out For Kids, 8 oz.

 

Other Supplies
Scrapbook paper, Tissue box, 4 toilet tissue rolls, Brown craft foam, 6” Styrofoam cone, 4” Styrofoam ball, 1 1/2” Styrofoam ball, Wiggle eyes, Fine permanent black marker, Craft glue, Hot glue (Adults only), Scissors, Craft knife (Adults only)


Instructions

 

1.   Rip the scrapbook paper into pieces. Glue to the tissue box with the Mod Podge. Allow to dry.

2.   Make a flat side on the 4” ball by pushing it into a flat surface. An adult may also cut a flat side.

3.   Have an adult cut off the top portion of the cone, leaving 2 ¼” and cut the 1 ½” ball in half.  Have an adult hot glue the snout of the dog to the flat side of the ball.

4.   Cut the toilet tissue paper rolls to desired lengths. Paint the nose Licorice and the head and legs with Ballet Pink.

5.   Cut a hotdog shaped tail from the brown craft foam. Cut out two ovals from the craft foam for ears.  Have an adult hot glue to head. Cut a slit in the end of the tail that will be attach to dog. Glue tail in place. Glue legs on.  Glue eyes in place. Use the fine marker to draw a mouth.  Glue head on.

 

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 Wednesday, June 06, 2012

Web Wednesday: DIY Father’s Day Photo Pencil Holder Gift



Your tweens and teens maybe looking for a gift to give their Dad, and luckily we have found one. Have them create this DIY Father's Day Photo Pencil Holder. Isn't it so creative and fun? When I first came across this item I was amazed. This is so simple to make, and doesn't take many supplies. I wondered why I hadn't thought of this idea sooner? Oh well I am glad I found it. Vanessa from Chiquita Moms blog designed this pencil holder using a handful of supplies including Mod Podge and a soup can. This is a great upcylced frugal project that can be recreated over and over again using different pictures. To see how this project was made click here.


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 Wednesday, May 09, 2012

Web Wednesday: Headband Holder

Does your little girl adore her hair accessories? If she does I bet she has tons of them lying around your home, or busting out of an accessory box. This headband holder is a great solution to getting your little girl's hair accessories under control, and organized. I came across this project on Mom 4 Real, and immediately feel in love with it. Not only is it cute, but also it is useful. To create this project you will only need a few supplies, including some Mod Podge. It will probably take all of 30 minutes or less. Click here to see step-by-step how this project was made.

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 Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Web Wednesday: Trees on a Painted Canvas


Even though Earth Day is over, I consider everyday a good day to be earth conscious. Here is a fun and unique craft project that uses recycled materials, including newspaper and buttons. This is a simple project that will be great to get your kids involved in. If you have kids I can bet you have some Elmer's glue and some FolkArt acrylic paints. This will not be a hard project to create, and will not take too long. The finished product has great dimension and texture to it. It actually looks more complicated to make, than it really is. I found this project over on the blog, The Rusted Chain. To see how this was made click here.

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 Monday, March 19, 2012

Monday Funday: Ring Bling

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


This year at the Craft and Hobby show I got to show off Plaid's Ring Bling line. With a love for big rings, I was in heaven! Women (and a few men) stopped by to make a ring. It only took a few minutes and everyone walked away smiling. Thanks to everyone who stopped by the Plaid booth!


The line is made up of ring blanks and a few bracelet blanks with tons of embellishments to go on top. The embellishments are metal, acrylic, sparkly, beaded and matte, tiny and big. I love that the rings come in different adjustable metal colors as well as styles from vintage to modern so there is one to suit everyone's personal taste.



Here are just a few of the embellishments that you'll find in the line. I've stacked two or three pieces together so you get some ideas. Once you're happy with the layering, it's time to glue!

 



Use a multi-purpose adhesive like Quick Grip or Dazzle Tac to put them together. Put a small dot of glue on a piece of paper and dip a toothpick in it to apply small bits of glue to tiny embellishments.

 



You can prop the rings up on a tube of lip gloss while they dry. Another idea is to fill a bowl with rice and bury the ring part to hold it upright while it dries.

 



One ring leads to another and another and another. Super addictive! This is your warning!

 



For an extra idea, you can glue a pretty button or two to a ring blank. Or how about cutting the back off of grandma's old clip on earring and glue it to a ring like I did here.

 


This could be a perfect activity for girl's night out, teen slumber party, DIY prom jewelry, and rainy day activity. Plaid's new Ring Bling line can be found at Jo-Ann Fabrics and Crafts.



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 Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Web Wednesday: DIY Antiqued Apothecary Jars


Are you looking for a cost effective way to spruce up some jars? Well no need to look any further, we stumbled across these DIY Apothecary Jars that are very cute and easy to make. This would be a fun craft to perhaps make with your teenager, as opposed to your younger kids. It is a beginner level craft, and one where people can be as creative as you want. Change the color of jars, or add different stickers to the outside of the jars. This craft project was originally found over on Radcrafter. Click here to learn how to create this project.

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 Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Tuesday Tutorial: Mason Lace Jars



Need a place to store some flowers? Get rid of that traditional vase, and opt for something a little different. Have you ever thought about storing flowers in a mason jar? Now when you think of a mason jar, you may not think it is pretty enough to hold flowers but you are wrong. Glam up your mason jar by adding lace to it. We found this project on, Shop Ruche. This is a simple project to do. You will need some lace, Mod Podge, mason jars, scissors, brush, and heat gun.

Start by measuring out a piece of lace that will wrap around the entire base of the jar.




Brush mod podge all over the jar and begin wrapping the lace all around the jar.



To learn how to finish creating this project click, here.
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 Thursday, February 23, 2012

Teaching Thursdays: Recycled Paper Bracelets



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.

 



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 Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Tuesday Tutorial: Cereal Box Valentine Holders



Normally you may not think there are many recycled Valentine’s Day crafts. Well here is one you will definitely be amazed by. These Cereal Box Valentine Holders are so creative, and unique. Julie Lewis designed these. I could really see teachers creating these with their students. Kids would love this project. Not only is it a recycled craft, it is purposeful also. It’s a great way to store all your Valentine cards.

 

PLAID Supplies

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

·       FolkArt ® Acrylic Colors - Licorice, 2 oz.



Other Supplies


Empty cereal boxes, Flat brush ½”, 1 ¼” foam spouncer, Craft knife, Ruler, Brown craft paper, Red grosgrain ribbon, Assorted gems and glitter stickers, 2 large red glitter stickers, Wood valentine appliqué,
Pink and red chenille stems, Glue, Double sided tape, and Scissors


Instructions


1. Carefully cut three sides of cereal box for lid with craft knife. Cut an opening for Valentines and poke two holes into top side of box for handles. Front of box will open from top and fold down.

2. Paint one Licorice and let dry.

3. Cut Craft paper to fit all sides of box and either glue or secure with double-sided tape. Cut and ‘X’ in opening for cards, fold paper to the inside and secure.

4. Apply Wicker White spouncer dots.

5. Cut length of ribbon for handle, or twist pink and red chenille stems together. Insert ends through holes and glue.

6. Cut lengths of ribbon for straps and glue around boxes as shown. Start at the top end of the front box opening and end at the front just even with card opening.

7. Glue embellishments and wood appliqué to box. Add large adhesive hearts to end of ribbon to close.

 



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 Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Tuesday Kids' Talk: Kid Friendly Monster Mask
If you are looking for a fun and creative way to decorate with your kids for Halloween, try making these easy to create masks. Masks are a great thing to make during this time of year. You can really get as creative as you would like, and use items that you can even find lying around the house. The masks below were all made using very simple items, that should be every kids' craft boxes. We found these mask on Crafts Unleashed. Click here to see the supply list and instructions for each.







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 Thursday, September 15, 2011

Teaching Thursdays: Upcycled Initial Necklaces
By: Candie Cooper - To see more of Candie's crafts check out her blog, Candie Cooper's Journal.



I'm always asked for ideas on making jewelry with kids. It's not always easy, with the small parts. However, this is a quick and easy jewelry project you can make with kids in about an hour. My favorite thing is that they are made with recycled poker chips as the base and letters that come in a large pack. That means you can make one for you, your friend, your friend's friend and grandma.  Initial necklaces for everyone!



You will need: Folk Art Paint, wood letters (see below for source), colorful wood beads with large holes, cord, Mod Podge, washers, scissors, multi-purpose adhesive, funky paper and poker chips. The second hand stores are filled with poker chips for next to nothing by the way.



Paint your initial letter in whatever color you fancy. While that's drying...



You can cut a circle from scrapbook or magazine print to go on top of your poker chip.  Mod Podge the paper to the poker chip followed by the letter.



Glue the washer to the back of the poker chip--take care that your initial is upright.  If I were making these with a group of kids, I would do this step ahead of time so the glue was already dried.



Fold a length of cord in half and thread the looped end through the washer. Poke the tails through the loop and pull, securing the cord to the pendant.



String the beads however you like along the cords. Above are two different ideas for stringing. Knot the ends and slip over your head. No clasp needed. If you want it shorter, bows will suffice!





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 Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Tuesday Kids' Talk: Budget Crafting for Families


Many people don't realize it, but crafting can at times be costly. All the supplies you use begin to add up. The glue, trim, paint, and tools, can all begin not only to clutter up your home, but also clean out your bank account. Don't worry there are ways to be more budget conscious when it comes to crafting. Below are some helpful tips that will lessen the strain on your spending. 

Use found objects from your backyard

There are several resources to use as craft supplies, just in your backyard. Are you in need of pine cones, stones, sea shells, or sand? Well your in luck many of these natural resources are simply just a few steps away from you. Before you head out to craft store, just look outside first to see what supplies maybe right at your fingertips. Recruit your kids to help you look for craft supplies outside.

Reuse and Recycle

With the recent economy being in such turmoil the past few years, many people have begun to reuse and recycle many items. Why not do the same for crafting? Like most people, you probably clean out your closets, and gather up old clothes, nick-nacks, jewelry, and other things to donate. Well that's great, but before you get rid of anything take a second look, and check to see if you can use any of these items in craft projects you plan on making. What else can be recycled for your crafts? Old magazines are perfect for scrapbooking. Old Christmas and birthday cards can be cut up to create new greeting cards, gift tags, or even special wrapping paper. Take a look at these old items with a new eye, and you’ll be surprised at what you can save.

Make A Shopping List

I am sure you have heard this one before, mainly mentioned when people go to the grocery store. Well the same can be said when going to craft store. If you plan before you go shopping, it will help you stick to your plan and be less tempted to get off your initial shopping list. Thus you will not make any impulse purchases, that could make you over spend on necessary items.

Discounts

One of the best ways to save money on almost anything is to never pay retail. Always look for coupons, or shop when discounts are going on at your local craft store. Also don't be afraid to shop online. There are huge savings you can get in on, online. There are several online discount codes and coupons. We here at Plaid offer several online promo codes and discounts. Click here to see what's on sale now.






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 Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Web Wednesday : Going Green Crafts For Kids


It is very important to be environmentally friendly, and aware of how we can help preserve our planet. As adults its our job to teach kids at a young age the importance of being green. One great way to introduce a earth conscious lesson, is to make it apart of a craft. Take this easy to make turtle project. This was made from recycled grocery containers. We all have these lying around somewhere. This turtle is all the way green, and a great summertime project for the kids. To learn step-by-step on how to make this friendly turtle click here. Have you made any recycled themed craft projects lately?



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 Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Web Wednesday : Learn To Make A Pocket Pouch & Paper Butterflies
Often times it is not uncommon to have a brain freeze when it comes to thinking of new crafts to create. Thankfully the world wide web provides us with so many different outlets, to find new craft projects. I usually make the web the first place I go to for craft inspiration. I love to search other craft sites, and see what catches my eye. There are so many creative and unique crafters out there. The only problem is I tend to find so many new craft projects I want to try out. So many crafts, so little time. In one of my recent web searches I came across these two fun summer themed kids' crafts, that caught my attention. Both I like a lot, because they are colorful and very easy to make.

The first is a pocket pouch. This craft comes from Family Fun. It is a great recycled theme craft that shows you how to turn a pair of empty juice pouches into a simple coin purse.




To find out how to make this craft click here.

The second project are these easy to make folded butterflies from Plaid. Paper crafts are so versatile, and this one is colorful and fun to make.



To find out how to make this craft click here.



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 Friday, May 06, 2011

Fun Family Crafts -Bean Bag Toss
Our friends Chica and Jo always have fun and different ideas for using Plaid products. Take for instance this bean bag toss game that they created using old jeans and a little Apple Barrel Paint. What a great idea for spring break, field day, family reunions and just general summer fun. Get instructions and more photos here.
bean_bag_toss_game_14-1024x682.jpg

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 Wednesday, May 04, 2011

Eco Friendly Crafts - Pirate Ships
pirateship.jpg
If you have a stash of old milk cartons hanging out in the recycling bin, you'll love this seaworthy (or at least bathtub-worthy boat) craft project idea. These fun pirate ships are made completely with objects from around the house (use straws and scrap paper for the sails). The even cooler thing is that the boats float, so you can take an armada of ships to your favorite tub or kiddie pool. Find instructions here: Craftprojects.com

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 Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Homemade Recycled Calendar Mod-Podge Puzzles from Pink and Green Mama
What's recycled and crafty and Mod Podged all over? These puzzle ideas from Pink and Green Mama!



Learn to make her nifty cardboard and block puzzles from recycled calendar images here:
http://pinkandgreenmama.blogspot.com/2011/01/homemade-recycled-calendar-mod-podge.html

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 Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Creative Play for Kids
funcreativeplay.bmp
Despite all the huge motorized, electronic toys my three-year-old son received this Christmas, his favorite toys are the simplest things-blocks, weeble people, paper and crayons. That's why I love this cute idea for creative play from Creative Jewish Mom. Best of all, you can recycle old blocks or sanded wood scraps and let kids make these themselves. Blocks are easily decorated with markers, pens, or Apple Barrel paint. Check out the post here.

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 Monday, October 04, 2010
 Thursday, September 23, 2010

Witch Spoon Puppet


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This Halloween spoon witch makes a stir you can't resist!

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 Friday, August 27, 2010

Kids Love Their Pet Rocks!
This easy painting craft makes a fun addition to your garden.
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 Monday, August 02, 2010

How To Make a Sock Puppet - Video
How to make a sock puppet at home!
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 Monday, July 12, 2010

My Pet Rock


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For whatever reason, my boys love collecting rocks. It isn't unusual for me to remove several of them from their pants when I'm about to do laundry, and if I'm not careful they occasionally will make it into the wash. I don't really no why they love rocks so much, but I do think this project is a great activity and a way to transform a picked-up rock into a true 'pet-rock'. This is a great activity for camp crafting, and fun to do with themes as well like animals, aliens and people. Enjoy! 

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 Wednesday, July 07, 2010

Cool fun for summer months

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If you are looking for some cool summer crafts and want something that even the toddlers can do, visit Mini Eco for some tips on painting with ice cubes!
This is a super fun and super easy way to let the little ones paint with minimal mess.

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 Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Getting Organized for the New Year




If you are anything like me, you'll be spending the next few weeks organizing, cleaning and making room in your home for new toys and gifts. The end of the year is a great time to get organized- everone likes to start the begining of the year with a clean slate. And I, like many, love to free up mental and physical space for new creative projects that I have on the horizon.

I like to apply this concept to my children's play area as well. I'm trashing, donating, and otherise clearing out oldies, as well as doing a little winter cleeaning at home. And on Plaid Kids Crafts,  I'll be featuring projects over the next few days that combine creativity and organization. The first is this chalkboard toy box. Whether you have an old chalkboard that needs a fresh coat or paint, or you've found one at your local thrift store, you can give your box new life with FolkArt Chalkboard paint. This toy box is simple and easy to do and provides a new surface for customizing with the children. Happy crafting.

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 Tuesday, November 03, 2009

Fall Crafts for Kids - Fall Leaf Coaster



Make sure you check out Mama Jenn's blog. She always has great resources for crafts, homeschoolers and families. I especially love these leaf coasters. It is a great time of year to gather leaves, and talk about the different types of trees in your neighborhood. Top it all off by making these adorable coasters. Instructions are here!
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 Sunday, July 19, 2009

Oh the Places You Will Go...

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...with this cute travel suitcase. Great for summer vacations, sleepovers or trips to grandmas.

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 Tuesday, July 07, 2009

Easy Paper Plate Crafts

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What can you do with a paper plate? We crafted a variety of fun animals with a few paper plates and cups. Check out the goldfish here and visit Plaidonline.com to see the rest.

 

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 Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Fishbowl File Folder Matching Game/Craft

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This easy and fun summer craft idea that uses Sparkle Mod Podge was posted by Mama Jenn. It doubles as a craft and a game.
Check the site out for instructions.

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 Thursday, April 16, 2009

Recycled Crafts- Earth Day Craft Ideas for Kids

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Here is a list of our favorite Earth Day project. Use this as inspiration to
Create your own Earth Day Craft Projects

Gift Bag

Give A Hoot Container

Animal Cracker Purse

Recycled Train

Alien Bank

Chalkboard Pots

Rock Chic Memo Board

 

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 Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Earth Day Craft Ideas

Earth Day is April 22, 2009! Earth Day is  a great time to recommit to recycling, reusing and being aware of how we all use the earth's limited resources. Here are some crafty ideas for Saving the Planet and getting children involved and aware.

 

  • CraftEarth Day t-shirts and bags that celebrate the earth.
  • Craft with recycled materials-empty containters, boxes and bags. See some ideas at Plaidonline.com
  • Reuse old jewelry, clothes and other store bought goods to make new creations.
  • Use products that are non-toxic.
  • Do research on things you can do around the house-get kids to create a poster to
    remind them of changes they can make like turning off the lights, helping with recycling.
    Stay tuned for more earth day projects.
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 Wednesday, February 04, 2009

More Valentine's Day Crafts

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This post features something good to make and something great to eat. Little Birdie Secrets offers a mega post-a recipe PLUS a tutorial so you can deliver your treats in style! Follow this link for directions and LOTS of photos!
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 Monday, February 02, 2009

Make a keepsake with an old board book!

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This is a sweet idea and a great way to reuse baby's old board books once they are outgrown. This idea comes from Katie's Nesting Spot! What a great way to recycle and reuse. See her post for instructions and more photos!
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 Monday, November 17, 2008

Thanksgiving Turkey with Grateful Feathers

 

Help your children show how thankful they are with this great little turkey with grateful feathers. This projected was posted by Parents.com. The Turkey is made with yarn, scrabook paper and a few other supplies. See this project and other great project ideas here.

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 Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Fall Craft Roundup Part I

Our first fall craft roundup includes fun, simple projects for younger kids. These project are great for classroom settings or at-home crafting. Enjoy!

The photo above shows easy-to-make recipe holders from Apples4teacher.com.

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 Monday, November 10, 2008

Crafty Science

Who says that science can't be crafty? We've scoured the web to find examples of the kinds of cool things that happen when the world's of science and crafts collide. The following kid-friendly craft projects are part science, part crafts and a whole lot of fun!

 

Make a Homemade Themometer

With a few ingredients commonly found around the house, you can make a working themometer. This project is presented by education.com. Click here for instructions.

Edible Earth
Make a model of the earth that's good enough to eat. This project appears on Suite101.com and was prepared by Belinda Moody. Click here for instructions.

Eco-Friendly home-made laundy detergent
After inquiries from her children as to how laundry detergent is made, Capessa from Shine decided to brew a batch. Check out her blog entry on making detergent, along with some humorous do's and don'ts.

All these science crafts are great for kids and the entire family.

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 Saturday, August 02, 2008

Animal Puppets



Make these cute Animal Puppets from the San Diego Zoo from odds and ends around the house.

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 Monday, July 07, 2008

Get Ready for School!

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Its almost time to start planning for school in the fall. In addition to the regular back-to-school supplies that your child will need for school, consider creating a stash of extra supplies especially for special projects, reports and extra-credit assignments. Here's a list to get you started:

  • Old Magazines-Great for making collages
  • Poster Board
  • Mod-Podge - The all-purpose glue and adhesive is great for decoupage, assembling collages and makes a great sealant.
  • Texture Paint -Check out Plaid's new texture paint, great for making models, maps and more.
  • Crayons
  • Permanent Markers
  • Chalkboard Paint -Makes any surface a chalkboard-writing surface.
  • Report Covers-Keep a stash so you don't have to purchase them each time a report is due.
  • Construction Paper
  • empty bottles and containers of various shapes
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 Thursday, June 19, 2008

Easy, Breezy 4th of July Windsock


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Celebrate Independence Day at a whole new level this year!  This windsock will be a breeze to make and when you're finished be sure to let it soar free in the wind for everyone to see!

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 Monday, June 09, 2008

Play Ball!


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It's vacation time!  And you know what that means... lots of time in the car or on an airplane!  Things can get kind of boring after a while, so this is a great game to play while traveling.  With its magnetic game pieces you won't loose a thing when your mom or dad's car hits all the bumps in the road!  Because it's so small, this little game is easy to pack up; it can even fit in a pocket for anytime you want to play a little baseball while you're waiting for anything!

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 Thursday, May 22, 2008

Denim Gal


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Every little girl at some point in her life wants a cute little purse to tote around--to be just like mommy!  This small bag is perfect for her to hold all those important things, like... crayons, toys, candy, bubbles, etc.  She'll feel pretty as a princess!  This project is fun to make and she'll really want to strut her stuff when she's finished creating it!  So get out those old faded blue jeans you know you'll never wear again and get started!

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 Monday, May 12, 2008

Save that Art!


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Next week is the end of the school year for my first grader. If this year is like past years he'll come home with a folder full of papers, projects and art that he's accumulated. Then, I have the hard job of sorting through, discarding (ugh!) and organizing the keepers. So I am planning on preserving some of the best work and using it for gifts and such. Here's a cute idea for saving kid's art that started as just a plain unfinshed tray.

 

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Cute alien bank is out of this world!


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At my house we've been looking for ways to reuse household packaging whenever possible. So I love this cute alien bank because it not only encourages recycling but saving money, too. Use an empty plastic coffee jug or laundry detergent container a little Mod Podge and paint for this project.

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