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.
 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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 Monday, August 15, 2011

Monday Funday: Pencil Box


By: Candie Cooper - See more of Candie's crafts on her blog Candie Cooper's Journal

When I was in about sixth grade, my grandma let me set up a little table outside her store to sell my crafted wares during a local festival.  I had a little bit of this and that, but one of the things I remember were decorated pencil boxes. The recessed rectangle in the top makes them perfect for embedding whatever you like. So, gather up your buttons, trims, papers, and what not!





Cut a piece of funky paper to fit inside the rectangle and Mod Podge in place.





Collage stickers and more papers and use the Mod Podge to put those in place also. Who doesn't smile when they see a sock monkey? Shape hole punches and sequins would also be fun here too.





Once your Mod Podge is dry, you can fill the recessed area with Dimensional Magic! This is my first time using Dimensional Magic over here, so I'll tell you my favorite things about it.  It gives you a resin like finish, it's non-toxic, and it dries really quickly.  For this project, give it about 6 hours (for smaller projects 3). You can use it on jewelry pieces too.

*If you have a dog that sheds like a maniac, you may want to put a hood over your project so it stays dust and fur free while it dries.*


Once the Dimensional Magic is dry, you can add ribbon trim around your border. Maybe even a couple of buttons? You can never go wrong with buttons, honestly.  



Now you've got a sweet box to hide all your treasures in! Mine is going to house my favorite colored pencils.


#  Posted in: Mod-Podge | Monday Funday | school-crafting Comments [9]   Trackback

 
 Friday, August 12, 2011

Freelance Friday: Styrofoam Dog


Happy Friday :) Here is a great craft we found on Factory Direct Craft. It is a great project to do over the weekend. This is great project for kids who are longing for a pet, but may not have one yet. This is made from easy to find materials, including Apple Barrel paint, Styrofoam, and Felt. Also feel free to make another pet, such as a cat, and use different Apple Barrel paint colors. To learn how to make this adorable cute pup click, here.


#  Posted in: Apple-Barrel | Freelance-Friday Comments [9]   Trackback

 
 

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