Happy Monday :) . This is a great time of year to make cards. Not only are they simple craft projects to create, but you can get as creative as you’d like. One of the best gifts to give for Valentine’s Day is a lovely card. A designer of Plaid's, Sherri Ragsdale made this project. This cute, whimsical monkey card makes a great Valentine's Day greeting. See below for the supplies needed, and instructions on how to make this adorable car.

PLAID Supplies

·       Simply ® Stencils - Value Packs - Tween Girl

·       FolkArt ® Acrylic Colors - Lipstick Red, 2 oz.

·       FolkArt ® Acrylic Colors - Nutmeg, 2 oz.

Other Supplies

Brown construction paper, Pink construction paper, White cardstock, 1/8" red ribbon, Glue stick, White craft glue, Scissors, and Stencil brush

Instructions

1.    Stencil monkey onto pink paper in Nutmeg. Stencil the heart in the center with Lipstick Red. Allow to dry. Cut out monkey.

2.    Cut out a piece of brown paper 1" shorter than the length of the card. Glue to card as shown in photo using the glue stick. Glue the monkey to card.

3.    Cut seven uneven 1" strips from pink paper in different widths. Glue to top of card.

4.    Cut red ribbon the width of the card front and adhere using the white craft glue in between the brown paper and the pink stripes. Tie a bow and glue onto card.

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.

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.

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.

Decorated frames make for a great gift anytime of year, especially Valentine’s Day. Show the one you love how much you care by giving them a nicely decorate frame filled with your loved one. This Love Bug Frame was created by, Julie Lewis. Here is a great simple project that you can make with your kids. This Love Bug Frame also could be a great class projects for teachers to use with students.

PLAID Supplies

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

·       FolkArt ® Acrylic Colors - Lipstick Red, 2 oz.

·       FolkArt ® Acrylic Colors - Licorice, 2 oz.

·       &VALUE FRAME HEART

Other Supplies

½” Fat brush
1 ¼” Foam spouncer
Wood love bug appliqué
Glue

Instructions

1.    Base coat frame Lipstick Red. Let dry.

2.    Apply several coats of Red Extreme Glitter paint to frame.

3.    Create Licorice dots with spouncer.

4.    Glue wood appliqué to frame.

5.    Insert picture of your love bug.

Alone or together, this gang of love bugs will sweeten your Valentine’s Day! OMG! Have you ever seen a cuter Valentine’s Day craft? I would bet you haven’t until now. These love bugs were created by one of our very talented designers, Julie Lewis. With Apple Barrel paint, and styrofoam the possibilities are endless. You and your kids are sure to have a blast creating these love bugs. So adorable, and would make a wonderful Valentine’s Day gift. To learn how to make these, click here.

Add a little a sparkle to your home with this heart wreath. Great for family time crafting, and this makes a great Valentine’s Day gift. This wreath was created by Cathie and Steve. This is such a simple project, perfect for any age. Get out your FolkArt paint, and FolkArt Extreme Glitter to make this with your kids.

PLAID Supplies

·       FolkArt ® Extreme Glitter™ - Red, 5 oz.

·       FolkArt ® Extreme Glitter™ - Hologram, 5 oz.

·       FolkArt ® Acrylic Colors - Pink, 2 oz.

·       FolkArt ® Acrylic Colors - Lipstick Red, 2 oz.

Other Supplies

9 wood hearts
Foam paintbrushes
Ribbon
Hot Glue or tacky glue
Cardboard circle

Instructions

1.    Paint 5 of the hearts pink and 4 of the hearts red. Allow to dry.

2.    Top coat the pink hearts with 3 layers extreme glitter hologram. And, the red hearts with 3 layers of red extreme glitters.

3.    Glue 4 pink hearts to the center of a circle. Layer and glue 4 red hearts over the pink hearts. Glue a pink heart in the center.

4.    On the back, glue a ribbon to serve as a hanger.

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 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.