By Candie Cooper

So it's the day of the big birthday luau celebration.  The tiki torches are set, grass skirts await and the next thing you know the weatherman is calling for an 89% chance of rain.  Luau canceled.  Now what?!?  Rainy day paint party, that's what! 



This is a hit for kids of all ages and there are many ways to go about it.  For my birthday, everyone took turns painting on a large 5'x5' canvas which I have in my studio (makes me smile every time I walk by it).  The other option is to buy mini canvases in which everyone paints there own picture to keep (party favors---check!).



I chose a Folk Art pallet of paint ahead of time (this still doesn't mean party guests won't get in your delicious stash of paint though---also makes me smile).   For a large painting, it's good to have 1" to 3" brushes available.  Paper towels, paper plates, water buckets, and smocks were also on hand.



It was so neat seeing the painting evolve.  People painted on and off throughout the evening, adding their special touch.



When it was finished, I sealed it with Folk Art gloss varnish.  Check out these detail shots!







It ended up being the best birthday in a really long time.  I got to hang out with my friends, create and laugh.  I really can't think of a better way to turn 32.  Thanks to all my friends for playing.

Here is a super cute and easy project from our friend, Debbie Saenz that you can do with kids. Check it out!



Supplies:
Apple Barrel Colors Limeade
Pom Poms in coordinating colors
Paper Mache boxes in varying sizes
Paint Brush
Craft Glue
Glue gun and glue



Paint your boxes Limeade, or whatever color your kiddos want.



Once the paint is dry smooth glue over the largest and medium sized lids. Then adhere the bottom of the medium and small boxes to them.



Put your boxes together, then break out the glue gun and the pom poms! Put dabs of glue where you want a pom pom.



Then stick the pom poms on. That's it!

Once the glue is dry you'll have a fun and functional tower for the bedroom, playroom, or any other room in the house that needs a whimsical touch.

by Candie Cooper



With the hot days of summer on our heels, my mind takes me back to swimming at Grandma's pool, Popsicles on the porch swing, hose fights with my sister (when we were really supposed to be washing the car), flip flops, lightning bugs, and trips to the lake.  My mom always had little craft projects for us to make with our friends on the front porch.  With that in mind, here is a quick and easy jewelry project that you can make together this summer.



Materials:
Mod Podge
Paint brush
Fabric scraps
Clear acrylic pendants
Large jump ring
Extra bead embellishments, head pins, jump rings (optional)
Ribbon or leather (20" for each necklace)
Scissors
Tapestry needle



Cut a piece of fabric slightly larger than your pendant.  I used 100% cotton because it's super flexible which formed around the pendant easily.



Paint a coat of Mod Podge on the back of the crystal and place fabric on top.  Roll the crystal on it's side to burnish the fabric in place.  Set aside to dry.



Trim excess fabric around the edge of the pendant.



Seal the fabric with 2 more coats of Mod Podge and leave to dry. (tip: you can use a hair dryer to speed the drying process a bit)



Use a tapestry needle to poke a hole through the fabric where it hangs from.  Beaded embellishments can be added as well with extra jump rings, bits of chain, etc...  (Another tip: Mis-matched earrings make great added dangles, too, because they are essentially pre-made.)  If you want more tips on how to make your own jewelry, check out my jewelry making video on PlaidOnline.



String the pendant onto a piece of leather, ribbon or cord of your choice.
Tie around your neck with a bow for summer fun style!