Easy-to- make projects Over 200 projects in clay, fabric, paper, paints and wood
Easy-to-Make Projects Over 200 projects in clay, fabric, paper, paints and wood
Visit: www.pioneerclubs.org
Copyright ©2014 Pioneer Clubs®. All rights reserved.
Produced by Pioneer Clubs®; Rebecca M. Allen-Powell, Jan Moles, Hollis Pippin, Gary L. Wall, project editors Cover design and contents by Nikki Peters
First printing 2014 | ISBN 978-1934725-37-5, softcover | Printed in the United States of America.
Table of Contents CANDLES & WAX Wax Melting Procedure.........................................9 Candle in a Glass.......................................................9 Floating Candle.........................................................9 Hand-Dipped Candle..............................................9 Ice Candle................................................................. 10 Molded Candle....................................................... 10 Sand Candle............................................................. 11 Scented Candle....................................................... 11 Wax Variations....................................................... 12
CLAY & DOUGH ART
Dough Recipe.......................................................... 13 Cooked Soda Clay Recipe................................... 13 Candle Holder......................................................... 13 Dough or Clay Animals....................................... 14 Dough or Clay Ornaments................................. 14 Dough or Clay Wall Hanging............................. 15 Name Plaque........................................................... 15
FABRIC & YARN
Autograph T-shirt.................................................. 16 Award Backpack or Totebag............................. 16 Award Banner......................................................... 16 Beanbag..................................................................... 17 Beanbag Ben........................................................... 17 Bookmark................................................................. 17 Customized T-shirt............................................... 18 Fabric Frame........................................................... 18 Felt Book Cover...................................................... 20 Friendship Bracelet.............................................. 20 Hair Scrunchee....................................................... 21 Magnetic Pocket.................................................... 21 Needle Holder......................................................... 21 Nylon Netting Scrubber...................................... 22 Pillow......................................................................... 22 Placemats or Napkins......................................... 22 Spice Rope................................................................ 23
String Doll............................................................... 23 Teddy Bear.............................................................. 24 Tie-Dyed T-Shirt.................................................... 24 Travel Tic-Tac-Toe Game................................... 25 Wastebasket........................................................... 25 Yarn Picture............................................................ 25
Holidays
Advent Calendar...................................................26 Advent Wreath .....................................................26 Antique Glazed Wreath ....................................27 Christmas Bells ....................................................27 Christmas Log Centerpiece . ...........................27 Christmas Tree Lantern ...................................28 Clothespin Angels ...............................................28 Cork Nativity Scene . ..........................................28 Edible Christmas Tree........................................30 Glitter Globe...........................................................30 Glitter Ornaments................................................30 Greeting in a Bottle ............................................30 Pinecone Christmas Wreath ..........................30 Pinecone Ornaments .........................................31 Popcorn and Cranberry Ornaments ...........31 Snowman Craft Stick .........................................31 Straw Garland . .....................................................31 Bookmark . .............................................................32 Card Holder ...........................................................32 Doorknob Decoration .......................................32 Plant Sticks ............................................................32 Tissue-Decorated Eggs .....................................33 Corn Husk Wreath ..............................................33 Paper Turkey ........................................................34 Pinecone Turkey .................................................34 Turkey Mobile ......................................................34
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Table of Contents Nature & Campcraft Juice Carton Bird Feeder.....................................35 Log Bird Feeder......................................................35 Paper Roll Bird Feeder .......................................35 Pinecone Bird Feeder . ........................................35 Wooden Birdhouse . .............................................36 Buddy Burner .........................................................36 Friendship Stick ....................................................36 Hobo Stove . .............................................................37 Indoor Greenhouse ..............................................37 Insect Catcher . .......................................................37 Insect Net .................................................................37 Lady Bug Rock . ......................................................38 Leaf Coaster ............................................................38 Leaf Kid .....................................................................38 Leaf Spatter Painting............................................38 Milkweed Pod Ornaments ................................38 Nature Rubbing .....................................................38 Packing-Tape Bookmark ....................................39 Peanut People . .......................................................39 Photo Paperweight . .............................................39 Pinecone Owl ..........................................................39 Plaster Leaf Print ..................................................40 Rock Creature .........................................................40 Rock Paperweight . ...............................................40 Seed Necklace . .......................................................40 Solar Woodburning . ............................................41 Terrarium .................................................................41 Trench Candle ........................................................41
Paints & Prints
Can Canisters ..........................................................42 Colored Sand Painting ........................................42 Cookie Cutter Prints ............................................42 Elbow Macaroni Lamb . ......................................42 Fingerprint Pictures ............................................43 Foot Painting . .........................................................43 Hand Printing Press . ...........................................44
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Ink Blots . ............................................................... 44 Sponge Painting . ................................................ 44 Sponge Stamps . .................................................. 45 Straw Painting ..................................................... 45 String Painting .................................................... 45 Styrofoam Prints ................................................ 46 Time Capsule ....................................................... 46 Vegetable Prints ................................................. 46 Wet Paper Painting ........................................... 47 Woodblock Printing........................................... 47
Paper
Bedroom Note Board ...................................... 48 Butterfly Mobile ................................................ 48 Calendar . .............................................................. 48 CD Picture Frame .............................................. 48 Creation Mobile ................................................. 49 Dot Doodle Note Cards ................................... 49 Juice Can Bank . .................................................. 49 Paper Lion . .......................................................... 49 Paper Mosaic ...................................................... 50 Papier-Mâché ..................................................... 50 Placemats for Pets ............................................ 51 Pinwheel ............................................................... 51 Snowflakes . ......................................................... 51
Puppets
Animal Finger Puppets . ................................. 52 Cardboard Puppet Head ................................ 52 Cardboard Roll Puppets ................................. 52 Chick Puppet . ..................................................... 52 Folding Paper Puppet ..................................... 53 Glove Puppets . ................................................... 53 Handkerchief Puppet ...................................... 53 Paper Bag Puppet ............................................. 54 Paper Plate Puppet . ......................................... 54 Sawdust Puppet Head . ................................... 54
Table of Contents Missions Sock Puppet..............................................................55 Spoon Puppet .........................................................55 Stocking Puppet Head . .......................................55 Styrofoam Puppet Head .....................................55 Handkerchief Robe . .............................................56 Shaped Robe ...........................................................56 Cardboard Box Stage ...........................................57 Doorway Stage .......................................................57 Shoebox Stage ........................................................57
Wood & Nails
Belt Rack . .................................................................58 Book Rack ................................................................58 Cheese Board ..........................................................59 Chinese Checker Board ......................................60 Clothespin Refrigerator Magnet .....................60 Flowerpot Wind Chimes ....................................60 Hand Pingpong Game .........................................61 Heart Art . .................................................................61 House Number Sign .............................................61 Luminaria . ...............................................................62 Napkin Holder . ......................................................62 Nuts and Bolts Chess Pieces . ...........................62 Paddlewheel Boat .................................................63 Pegboard Key Holder ..........................................63 Picture Puzzle . .......................................................63 Potholder Rack ......................................................64 Storage Box . ............................................................64 Tic-Tac-Toe Game ..................................................66 Tile Mosaic Trivet .................................................66 Tin Ornament .........................................................66 Tool Holder ..............................................................67 Toy Train . .................................................................67 Wood Plaque ...........................................................68 Wooden Welcome Sign........................................68
Country Flag . .........................................................69 Culture Scrapbook . .............................................69 Missionary Puppet...............................................69 Missionary Scrapbook .......................................69 Missions Mobile . ..................................................69 Origami Cup ...........................................................70 Piñata ........................................................................70 Suitcase ....................................................................70 Tentmaker Collage ..............................................70
Recipies
Basic Bubbles ........................................................71 Colored Pasta . .......................................................71 Colored Sand . ........................................................71 Finger Paint ............................................................71 Invisible Ink ...........................................................71 Play Clay ..................................................................72 Papier-Mâché ........................................................72 Variations with Powdered Tempera Paint . ....72 Washable Finger Paint . .....................................72 Washable Window Paint ..................................72
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INTRODUCTION TO EASY-TO-MAKE PROJECTS
Tap into your children’s creative interests with this easy-to-use resource. Easy-to-Make Projects contains more than 200 craft projects to make with kids. For the teacher, activity leader or parent, encouraging kids’ imaginations while teaching them how to do woodworking, candlemaking, sewing and other skills is invaluable.
Here are ideas for projects made out of a variety of materials— wax, clay, fabric, paper, wood and more. All of these projects can be done in public and private settings and are perfect for school, camp, children’s clubs, Sunday school and other venues where kids gather to have fun, learn and grow personally.
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INTRODUCTION TO EASY-TO-MAKE PROJECTS
The chapters of Easy-to-Make Projects are divided by the crafting material used or, in the case of “Holidays,” by event. For your safety and the safety of the kids, we have included a special symbol on some projects to caution you that adult supervision is needed due to potentially dangerous materials or tools.
We hope you will use this helpful resource for many fun-filled hours with children. Consider doing some of the projects at special events as well as parties, vacation Bible school, day camp and fun fairs. However you decide to use these projects, we want them to meet your group’s needs, so feel free to alter any of the craft materials and instructions in any way you need to. Consider what materials you have on hand, what materials are available and what’s affordable.
Happy crafting!
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CANDLES & WAX Wax Melting Procedure Supplies: double boiler (or large pan and coffee can), wax (or paraffin or old candles), wax dye (or crayons), old spoon, ice, water, potholders
• Put wax in a double boiler (or in a coffee can placed in a pan of water). • Heat until water boils. • Turn down heat, and let wax melt. Do not let wax boil. • Add wax dye (or a crayon), and stir. • To test color, put a drop of hot wax in ice water. • Clean wax off equipment by pouring boiling water over it, but do not let wax go down sink drains.
Candle in a Glass
Supplies: glass (sherbet glass, custard cup, jelly glass, etc.), melted wax, candle wicking, pencil, scissors; optional: small washer, paint, paintbrush, pictures, sequins, trim, glue
Tie wick to a pencil, and lay pencil across top of glass so wick touches bottom. Pour in a little hot wax while keeping wick in place. If necessary, tie washer to end of wick to keep wick on bottom. After wax has set, pour in more hot wax. Trim wick after candle has cooled completely. Decorate outside of glass with paint, or glue on sequins, pictures or trim.
Floating Candle
Supplies: small gelatin or cookie mold, melted wax, candle wicking, scissors
Pour hot wax into mold. Or model soft wax into flower or leaf shapes. Put wick in candle while molding. After candle has cooled, remove from mold. Trim wick. Float candle in a bowl of cool water.
Hand-Dipped Candle
Supplies: burned-down candle about 6 inches (15 cm) tall, 2 large cans, melted wax, cold water Fill one can with hot wax and the other with cold water. Dip the candle in wax and then in cold water. Continue dipping back and forth between wax and water until candle reaches the size desired.
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CANDLES & WAX Ice Candle Supplies: cardboard juice carton, knife, ice, sharp scissors, candle the height of carton (cut if necessary), melted wax; optional: hammer and rag
Cut top off juice carton. (A half-gallon carton should be cut to half its height.) Place candle in center of carton, and fill carton with ice. (If using ice cubes, break them up into large chunks by placing cubes in a rag and pounding with a hammer.) Quickly pour hot wax into carton while someone holds the candle straight. The ice hardens the wax quickly and gives candle an interesting shape. After half an hour, pour off water. When candle is completely cooled, peel off carton.
Molded Candle Supplies: candle mold (or margarine tub or foil-lined juice can), melted wax, pencil, strong tape, candle wicking, thin nail, metal measuring cup, scissors; optional: hammer
Make a hole in bottom of mold. For plastic molds, use a thin, heated nail. For metal, use a hammer and thin nail. Thread wick through the hole, and tape end to outside of mold. Tie the other end around a pencil. Rest pencil on top of mold so wick is in middle of mold and pulled tight. Use a measuring cup to pour a little wax into mold. Let it set. Then fill mold with hot wax. Let stand for several hours until wax is completely set. Remove tape from mold bottom. For a plastic mold, gently push on bottom to get candle out. (Put under hot water for a few seconds, if necessary.) For a juice can, tear away the sides. Trim wick.
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CANDLES & WAX Sand Candle Supplies: damp sand (in container or sandbox), melted wax, candle wicking, pencil, candy thermometer, metal measuring cup, scissors; optional: shells
Make a hole in sand the shape you want candle to be. If sand does not hold its shape, dampen it. Firmly press down loose sand. Press shells upside down into sides of hole, if you wish. Tie wick to a pencil, and lay pencil across the hole so that wick touches bottom. Push the wick end into the sand to anchor it. For sand to stick evenly, the wax must be very hot—300o F (150o C). If necessary, carefully (wax can catch fire easily) put can over a low, direct flame to bring temperature up. Pour a little hot wax into the hole, keeping the wick in place. After wax has cooled, pour more in to fill the hole.
Allow candle to cool completely. Remove it from sand, and brush off loose sand. Trim wick.
Scented Candle Supplies: melted wax, empty baby food jar, candle wicking, pencil, vanilla extract (or candle scent), scissors; optional: foam shapes, glue or glue dots, stickers
Tie wick to a pencil, and lay pencil across jar top so that wick touches bottom. Add vanilla or candle scent to melted wax. Pour a small amount of wax into jar, keeping wick straight. After wax hardens, fill jar with wax. After candle is completely cool, trim wick. Decorate outside of jar with foam shapes or stickers, if you wish.
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CANDLES & WAX Wax Variations Blobs of Color Melt crayons in wax without mixing very well so that color is uneven. Pour into candle mold in small quantities, letting each harden before adding more. Or melt wax in one container. Partially melt crayons in small amounts of wax. Pour white wax into mold, and add partially melted crayons. Do not stir. Dipped Color Chill white candles in refrigerator. When thoroughly cold, dip quickly in barely melted colored wax. Dripped Colors Using a teaspoon, drip cool, thick, melted colored wax down sides of a candle. Or drip various colors of wax down sides of an empty bottle; put small white candle in bottle’s neck.
Garlands Soften wax until it is like modeling clay. Roll wax into ropes with your hands, and use to festoon candles. Layers of Color Pour layers of colored melted wax into candle mold, letting each layer harden before adding the next. Whipped Wax When melted wax is just beginning to harden, beat it stiff with an eggbeater. To keep wax from hardening too fast, set wax container in a bowl of warm water. Spread whipped wax on candle with an old fork.
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Clay & Dough Art Dough Recipe Supplies: 4 cups (900 ml) flour, 1 cup (250 ml) salt, 11/2 cups (375 ml) water, large bowl, spoon, plastic bag
• Mix ingredients. Dough should be not too sticky, but wet enough so that it does not flake. Add more water or flour to get desired consistency. • Store in plastic bag in refrigerator. • Bake dough art at 325o F (163o C) for 15 to 30 minutes.
Cooked Soda Clay Recipe
Supplies: 1 cup (250 ml) cornstarch, 2 cups (450 ml) baking soda, 11/4 cup (300 ml) water, pan, spoon, plastic bag • Mix cornstarch and baking soda in a pan. • Add water and stir well. • Cook over medium heat for four minutes, stirring constantly. Mixture should be as thick as mashed potatoes when done. Cool. • Knead clay until it is smooth. • Store in a plastic bag in the refrigerator. • Dough can be air dried, or heat oven to 200o F (95o C), turn off, and put in clay on a cookie sheet. When oven is cold, take clay out and finish drying on a rack.
Candle Holder
Supplies: dough or clay, candle, tempera paint, paintbrush, newspaper, acrylic or shellac spray; optional: cookie sheet
Roll a ball from dough or clay, and flatten its bottom on a table top. Use a candle to make a hole in the top of the ball. Place dough holder on a cookie sheet and bake at 325o F (163o C) for 15 to 30 minutes. Let clay holder dry until hard. Cover work area with newspaper. Paint dough or clay holder, and when paint is dry, spray with clear finish.
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Clay & Dough Art Dough or Clay Animals Supplies: dough or clay, pencil or toothpick, newspaper, tempera paint, paintbrush, acrylic or shellac spray; optional: cookie sheet
Make dough or clay balls and cylinders. Stick them together to form animals. On the dough or clay, carve in features such as eyes, ears, nose and paws using a pencil or toothpick. On a cookie sheet, bake dough animals at 325o F (163o C) for 15 to 30 minutes. Let clay animals dry. Cover work area with newspaper. Paint animals. When paint is dry, spray with clear finish.
Dough or Clay Ornaments Supplies: dough or clay, rolling pin, flour (or cornstarch), cookie cutters (or paper patterns and a knife), comb, bottle caps, toothpicks, paper clips, buttons, tempera paint, paintbrush, newspaper, acrylic or shellac spray; optional: cookie sheet
Roll dough or clay into a ball and flatten. Use a rolling pin to roll dough or clay into a slab about 1/4 inch (.5 cm) thick. Dust rolling pin with flour or cornstarch if dough or clay sticks. Cut dough or clay with cookie cutters (or trace around paper patterns with knife). Use a toothpick to poke a hole in the top of each for hanging.
Make designs on the cutouts by scratching lines with a pointed object or by pressing buttons, bottle caps or other objects into clay. Or roll bits of dough or clay between fingers to make finishing touches such as leaves and facial features, and stick on cutouts. Bake dough cutouts on a cookie sheet at 325o F (163o C) for 15 to 30 minutes. Set clay cutouts aside to dry. Cover work area with newspaper. Paint cutouts. When paint is dry, spray with clear finish.
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Clay & Dough Art Dough or Clay Wall Hanging Supplies: dough or clay, rolling pin, 2 pieces of wood 1 foot (30 cm) long and 1/4 inch (.5 cm) thick, knife, acrylic or shellac spray, tempera paints and paintbrush and newspaper (or yarn, ribbon, sequins, and glue), wax paper, toothpick, cord; optional: cookie cutters, cookie sheet Lay the two wood pieces on wax paper, and place a ball of dough or clay between them. Resting the rolling pin on wood, roll dough or clay flat to an even thickness to make the background piece.
Decide on wall hanging design. Cut out the background with a knife (or cookie cutters). Cut out a pocket shape or designs such as a boat, cross, or flowers. Moisten these shapes with water, and stick them on the background piece. Use a toothpick to make a hole(s) near the top.
Place dough wall hanging on a cookie sheet and bake at 325o F (163o C) for 15 to 30 minutes. Let clay wall hanging dry. Cover work area with newspaper. When dry, paint, and then spray wall hanging with clear finish when paint is dry. Or spray first, and then glue on yarn, ribbon, or sequins. Insert cord through the hole(s), and then tie.
Name Plaque Supplies: dough or clay, rolling pin, knife, toothpick, tempera paint, paintbrush, newspaper, acrylic or shellac spray; optional: cookie sheet
Roll a ball of dough or clay flat. Cut out a rectangle shape. Carve a name into dough or clay. Using a toothpick, poke holes in the top edge for hanging the plaque. Bake dough plaque on a cookie sheet at 325o F (163o C) for 15 to 30 minutes. Let clay plaque dry. Cover work area with newspaper. Paint plaque, and spray with clear finish when paint is dry.
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Fabric & Yarn Autograph T-shirt Supplies: T-shirt, different colors and types of permanent fabric paint Let other people autograph a T-shirt with fabric paint. Or draw a design or write a message on it. Let T-shirt dry according to fabric paint directions.
Award Backpack or Totebag Supplies: backpack or totebag, awards, scissors, badge adhesive (or fusible web and iron and ironing surface, or needle and thread) Stick awards onto backpack or totebag with badge adhesive. Or sew or iron them on.
Award Banner
Supplies: large piece of felt, trim, scissors, awards, badge adhesive (or fusible web and iron and ironing surface, or needle and thread)
Cut a large piece of felt into a banner shape (such as a rectangle or triangle). Cut letters for your name from felt scraps, and stick them on with badge adhesive (or sew or iron them on). Attach awards and trim.
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Fabric & Yarn Beanbag Supplies: piece of felt 4 inches by 8 inches (10 cm by 20 cm), beans, funnel, needle, thread
Fold felt in half. Using small, tight stitches, sew around two open sides and part of third side. Put funnel into opening, and pour in beans. Sew beanbag shut.
Beanbag Ben
Supplies: knitted mitten, scissors, 2 cups dry beans, felt scraps, yarn, needle large enough to thread yarn, fabric or glue
Fill the mitten with dried beans until it is plump but still movable. Using needle and yarn, stitch the open part of the mitten closed with small, tight stitches. From felt scraps, cut eyes and a mouth. Hold the mitten upside down so that the seam is at the top. The thumb of the mitten is the nose. Glue eyes and mouth in place.
Bookmark
Supplies: imitation leather, vinyl or felt; ruler; scissors; hole punch; heavy yarn; markers Using a ruler, draw a bookmark 11/2 inches by 7 inches (4 cm by 18 cm) on the fabric. Cut bookmark out. At one end, crease bookmark in the middle, and fold the two corners together. Cut one end into a point. Punch a hole in the pointed end. Cut fringe at other end. Draw a design or write a verse on the bookmark. Decorate, using markers.
Loop a 10-inch (25-cm) piece of heavy yarn through hole. Stick yarn ends through loop, and pull tight. Tie knots 1 inch (2.5 cm) from ends of yarn pieces, and fray each end.
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Fabric & Yarn Customized T-shirt Supplies: light-colored T-shirt, paper, pencil, cardboard the size of shirt, pins, crayons, wax paper, iron, ironing surface, pressing cloth; optional: alphabet stencils On paper, draw a design or message (for shirt front only, not extending to sides). Put cardboard inside shirt, and pin the corners. Sketch or trace the design on the shirt. Using crayons, color in the design heavily.
Place T-shirt on ironing surface, and cover design with wax paper. Using a pressing cloth, gently iron over wax paper with barely warm iron until crayon melts. Remove cardboard. Design will last through many washings in warm water if bleach is not used.
Fabric Frame
Supplies: for a 4-inch by 5-inch (10-cm by 12-cm) frame—1/4 yard (22 cm) of fabric: one piece 4 inches by 5 inches (7 cm by 12 cm), two pieces 6 inches by 7 inches (14 cm by 16 cm), one piece 21/4 inches by 9 inches (5 cm by 22 cm); carbon paper (check office supply store); cardboard: two pieces 4 inches by 5 inches (7 cm by 12 cm), one piece 13/4 inches by 4 inches (4 cm by 10 cm); cotton balls, stuffing; 3 inches (7.5 cm) grosgrain ribbon 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide; glue; scissors; pencil; optional: 20 inches (51 cm) piping trim Use carbon paper to trace the solid line of the pattern (figure 1) on one of the large cardboard pieces. On one large fabric piece, center the pattern and trace all lines.
Cut an opening in the fabric piece by cutting along the dotted inside line. Make small cuts on the short lines. Cut an opening in the cardboard by cutting on the solid line. Lay fabric down with the wrong side facing you. Center cardboard piece on it. Fold edges of fabric opening through cardboard opening, and glue (figure 2).
Spread stuffing evenly around front side of cardboard (figure 3). Tightly pull fabric over stuffing to back of cardboard so front is even and smooth. Glue fabric in place.
Figure 1
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Figure 2
Figure 3
Fabric & Yarn If using piping, glue around outside edge of back so piping shows on front side (figure 4). Center remaining large cardboard piece on wrong side of remaining large fabric piece. Fold over edges and glue down (figure 5). If necessary, clip corners before gluing so they lie smoothly. Glue medium-size fabric piece over back to finish it. Piping
Figure 4
Figure 5
Place narrow cardboard piece on wrong side of narrow fabric piece. Fold sides over cardboard and glue to form frame’s stand (figure 6). Fold over remaining overlap on top and bottom to cover cardboard, with raw edges tucked under. Make a crease 11/4 inches (3 cm) from one end of stand. Position stand on the nonglued side of frame back and glue down (figure 7). Cut notches in ends of grosgrain ribbon, and glue to top of stand for extra strength (figure 8).
To assemble the frame, put glue around side and bottom edges of frame back (figure 9). Do not put glue on top edge. Press wrong side of frame front to glued edge. Wipe off excess glue. When frame is dry, slip desired picture into it through open top edge. Figure 6 Glue
Figure 7
Figure 8 Figure 9
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Fabric & Yarn Felt Book Cover Supplies: piece of felt larger than book, needle, heavy embroidery floss, pencil, pins, scissors, button, tape measure
Place book in center of felt (figure 1). Mark felt and trim to size. Turn in 3 inches (7.5 cm) on each side to make flaps. Pin each flap at top and bottom. Put book in, and open and close it. Adjust width of flaps if necessary.
Use an overcast stitch (figure 2) along the top and bottom. For a strap, sew a strip of felt to the back of the cover, and wrap it around to the front. To make a buttonhole in the strap, fold the end that laps over the cover, and cut a slit in fold (figure 3). Sew on a button (figure 4). 1"(2.5 cm)
3" (7.5 cm)
1"(2.5 cm) Figure 1
Figure 3
3" (7.5 cm) Figure 2
Figure 4
Bring needle through fabric. Go over top edge, and bring it through again. Don’t pull too tight.
Push needle through felt and through one hole of button. Then bring needle down through other hole and felt again. Repeat about ten times. Wrap thread around up-and-down threads several times. Push needle through cloth to back side, and run needle through pile of threads several times. Cut off end.
Friendship Bracelet Supplies: embroidery floss in different colors, scissors; optional: tape
Cut three different color strands of floss into lengths of about 15 inches (37 cm). Or make three thick strands by tying several strands of the same color together.) Tie strands together about 1 inch (2.5 cm) from one end.
For a braided bracelet, tape tied end down to a flat surface, braid strands together, and tie. For a bracelet with twisted bands of color, hold two strands taut between knees while sitting. Hold a loop of the third strand off to one side, bring it around in front of vertical strands, pass it through loop from behind, and pull knot tight (see sketch). Switch to another color strand about every 1/2 inch (1 cm). Tie ends when done. Measure around wrist, tie strands into a bracelet to fit, and cut off excess.
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Fabric & Yarn Hair Scrunchee Supplies: strip of fabric about 20 inches by 5 inches (50 cm by 13 cm), pins, needle and thread, scissors, rubber band, unsharpened pencil, piece of 1/4-inch elastic about 14 inches (35 cm) long, safety pin
Fold fabric in half lengthwise, with right sides together. Pin the long edges together. Use the backstitch (see below) to sew them together to make a tube. To turn the tube right side out, put the pencil in tube, and rubber band the fabric to it. Push the pencil down the tube and pull it out. Attach the safety pin to one end of the elastic. Use the pin to work the elastic through the tube. Sew the ends of the elastic together. Put one end of the tube inside the other. Fold under the unfinished edge of the fabric that is on top. Stitch all around the folded edge.
Magnetic Pocket
Supplies: pocket (cut off the back of old jeans), hot glue gun and glue, cardboard, adhesive magnet, scissors
Trace the shape of the pocket onto cardboard. Cut out the cardboard shape. Put hot glue along the pocket’s three edges and stick it onto the cardboard. Stick magnet to the cardboard. Use pocket on the refrigerator (or other metal surface) to hold pens, notes, coupons and so on.
Needle Holder
Supplies: 2 different colors of felt: each piece 41/2 inches by 6 inches (11 cm by 15 cm), large sewing needles, heavy-duty thread, felt animal design, scissors, pins, tiny button
Lay felt pieces on top of each other. Backstitch them together across the middle. Fold felt along the backstitched line. Attach a felt animal design to the front of the holder using the running stitch. Sew around the edges of the design, sewing only through the top layer of felt. Sew on a tiny button for an eye on animal design. Fold holder like a book, and keep needles by sticking them through felt. Backstitch
To backstitch, poke the needle up at B. Push it down at A. Come back up at C. Go down down again at B. Come up at D.
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Fabric & Yarn Nylon Netting Scrubber Supplies: nylon netting: 2 lengths of 4 inches by 48 inches (10 cm by 120 cm), darning needle, heavy nylon thread or twine, paper clip, scissors Lay one piece of nylon netting on top of the other. Thread needle, and knot thread at end. Use a paper clip at the knot to keep it from slipping through the net. Sew with a loose running stitch down the center from one end to the other. Pull, gather, and tie as tightly as possible. Pull out edges to shape.
Pillow
Supplies: fabric twice the size of finished pillow, stuffing, needle, matching thread, pins, scissors, iron, ironing surface; optional: large piece of paper and pencil For a pillow in a special shape (boat, ice cream cone, football, etc.), draw the shape on paper to make a pattern to place on fabric. For all pillows, cut out two pieces of fabric the same size. Pin pieces together inside out. Backstitch (see previous page) around the edges, leaving a small opening for stuffing.
Trim corners, and turn pillow right side out. Press with iron, and stuff. Turn in edges at the opening, and sew closed.
Placemats or Napkins
Supplies: washable fabric: 11 inches by 14 inches (28 by 35 cm) for each placemat or 12 inches by 12 inches (30 cm by 30 cm) for each napkin, matching thread, needle, iron, ironing surface, scissors, pencil, pins
Iron fabric until edges are straight. On the underside, make a light pencil line around all sides 1/4 inch (.5 cm) from edge. Turn material under along lines, and pin in place. Press with iron. Use the hemming stitch to hem the four sides.
Hemming Stitch Push needle through fold
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Take tiny stitch below folded edge
Go though fold again
Fabric & Yarn Spice Rope Supplies: 3 yards (3 m) heavy yarn, yarn or ribbon scraps, scissors, fabric scraps, pinking shears, 4 safety pins, whole spices (cinnamon sticks, cloves, nutmeg, allspice, etc.)
Cut three 1-yard (1-m) lengths of yarn. Hold them together, and fold in the center to make a loop. Tie near loop with yarn or ribbon. Braid strands, using two strands for each section of braid. Tie braid at the bottom with yarn or ribbon.
Using pinking shears, cut four 6-inch (15-cm) circles or squares of fabric. Place spices in center of each piece, and tie with a ribbon or yarn bow. Attach spice packages to yarn braid at equal intervals with safety pins.
String Doll Supplies: yarn, fabric; optional: wiggle eyes, glue Cut 50 strings of yarn the same length, and tie them together in the middle. (To make doll fatter, tie more strings together.) Fold string in half, with the tied string at the top. Tie another string below the top string to make a head. Take 20 strings from each side and tie to make arms. Tie another string where the waist should be. Leave the rest of strings to make the dress, or divide the strings to make pants. Sew fabric on doll for clothes. Glue on eyes or yarn hair, if you wish.
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Fabric & Yarn Teddy Bear Supplies: large piece of paper and pencil, scissors, 2 pieces of fabric larger than the size of bear, pins, needle and thread, stuffing, felt, wiggle eyes, glue, marking pen; optional: ribbon For a pattern, draw a teddy bear on a sheet of paper, and cut it out. Pin fabric pieces together with right sides facing. Trace pattern on the top piece. Using small stitches, sew on the line around the shape of the bear, leaving one of the legs open. Cut around the stitching, leaving a narrow hem. Pull fabric through the leg opening to turn bear right side out. Stuff the bear through the leg opening, making all parts firm. Sew the leg closed.
Cut ears and nose from felt, and glue or sew on. Glue on eyes. Draw mouth with a pen. Tie a ribbon around the neck, if you wish.
Tie-Dyed T-Shirt
Supplies: T-shirt or piece of fabric (not synthetic), fabric dyes, pots, spoons, salt, rubber bands (or string), rubber gloves, cold water; optional: marbles (or beans)
In pots, mix dye according to package directions, if needed. Make strong colors by using less water. Add a bit of salt to make dyes more colorfast.
Tie fabric tightly with rubber bands (or string) to form patterns when dyed. To make lines, fold fabric accordion-style and tie. To make small circles, tie fabric around marbles (or beans).
Dip tied fabric in dye until it looks a little darker than desired shade. Rinse out excess dye in cold water. Allow fabric to dry completely before untying.
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Fabric & Yarn Travel Tic-Tac-Toe Game Supplies: piece of cardboard 6 inches by 6 inches (15 cm by 15 cm), piece of felt 6 inches by 121/2 inches (15 cm by 31 cm), four 6-inch (15-cm) pieces of yarn in a color that shows up on felt, 2 pieces of felt (in different colors) about 11/2 inches by 71/2 inches (4 cm by 19 cm) each, scissors, glue, ruler To make playing board, spread glue on one side of cardboard. Glue it to the large piece of felt, leaving 1/2 inch (1 cm) of felt sticking out on one side (figure 1). Fold this piece around end of cardboard, and glue it down. Put glue on the other three edges of the cardboard. Fold the rest of felt over onto glue to form an envelope to hold playing pieces.
Figure 1
Figure 2
On the front of board, mark 2 inches (5 cm) in from each edge. Glue yarn in place (figure 2). To make playing pieces, cut out five l-inch (2.5-cm) squares from each color of felt.
Wastebasket
Supplies: cardboard box or large round ice cream carton, cloth or wallpaper scraps, glue, scissors; optional: foam pieces Cut cloth or wallpaper to size of carton and glue on outside. Option: Glue on foam decorations.
Yarn Picture
Supplies: 6-inch by 8-inch (15-cm by 20-cm) piece of 1/4-inch (.5-cm) plywood (or hardboard), paper the same size as board, pencil, carbon paper (check office supply store), glue, yarn, scissors, craft stick Make a design (one using a central figure works best) on paper, and transfer it to board with carbon paper. Spread glue in one small section at a time on the board. Make picture border first, using a craft stick (or scissors point) to get yarn to turn sharply at corners. Outline the figure with one or two colors of yarn, and fill them in with contrasting colors. Fill in background last. Apply yarn in one continuous strand, starting with the outside of an area and filling in toward the center. Place strands as close together as possible.
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Holidays
Christmas Advent Calendar Supplies: cork board (or particle board or MDF) at least 16 by 22 inches (41 by 56 cm), flannel in Christmas print twice the size of board, piece of felt 15 by 20 inches (38 by 50 cm), old Christmas cards (or index cards), 25 upholstery tacks, string (or ribbon), scissors, paper punch, glue, sequins (or other decorations); optional: small edible treats, wrapping paper, tape Glue flannel to front and back of board. Cut Christmas tree shape out of felt and glue to front of board. Hammer tacks into tree, leaving enough tack out to tie string or ribbon on.
Cut pictures out of Christmas cards (or cut up index cards). On backs of cards, write references of Bible verses that tell of God’s giving. Punch a hole in tops of cards, put string (or ribbon) through them, and hang them from tacks. Wrap up small treats, and hang one on each tack, if you wish.
Advent Wreath
Supplies: green Styrofoam ring 12 inches (30 cm) in diameter and 4 inches (10 cm) thick (or metal ring with 4 candle holders), artificial or real evergreen branches, holly, pinecones, florists wire, scissors, four purple candles, one white candle, single candle holder Press purple candles into Styrofoam at equal distances around the ring (or place in metal candle holders). Press white candle into separate candle holder and place in center of wreath.
Stick ends of greens into ring at angles so that they lie flat (or weave greens around metal ring, and attach with wire). Arrange some to hang over edges and cover Styrofoam. Wire pinecones in among greens.
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Holidays Antique Glazed Wreath Supplies: Styrofoam wreath, newspaper, clear varnish, dark oak varnish stain, gold powder, measuring spoon, container, small artificial fruits and nuts, greens (artificial or real), pinecones, dried seed pods, wheat sprays, glue, rubber gloves, wax paper, hair pins, florists wire, ribbon Wire together small clusters of fruits, nuts, greens, and other materials, leaving at least a 3-inch (8-cm) length of wire on each cluster.
Cover work area with newspaper. Wearing gloves, mix one cup clear varnish, one cup dark oak varnish stain, and two tablespoons gold powder in a container. Dip clusters in mixture, stirring often to keep gold powder from settling to bottom. Let each cluster drip well. Lay clusters on wax paper, turning them occasionally to prevent glaze from collecting in one spot. After clusters are dry, poke wire stems into wreath, so that wreath is completely and evenly covered. Secure each stem by looping a hair pin diagonally over it and poking the pin into the wreath at an angle. Place a drop of glue where each stem or wire piece enters the wreath. Make bow from ribbon for top of wreath, and attach it with wire.
Christmas Bells
Supplies: 3 thermal cups, glue, red and green braid, red and green ribbon, glitter, small Christmas tree balls, Christmas stickers, scissors; optional: holly Decorate cups with glitter and stickers. Glue braid around top and bottom edges of cups. Poke a hole in the bottom of each cup. Thread a ribbon through and tie a Christmas ball to end of ribbon. Tie another knot about 3 inches (8 cm) above ball, inside cup, to keep ball from slipping up inside cup. Tie ribbons together and decorate with holly sprig.
Christmas Log Centerpiece
Supplies: birch log at least 18 inches (45 cm) long, drill, 3 red candles, greens, pinecones, safety goggles/glasses
Lay log horizontally, and drill three holes across top, wide and deep enough to hold candles. Insert candles. Lay greens and pinecones across log to decorate.
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Holidays Christmas Tree Lanturn Supplies: large empty thread spool, gold or silver wrapping paper, red or green ribbon, red cellophane, glue, scissors Cut a 3-inch (8-cm) circle from gold or silver wrapping paper. Slit circle from outer edge to center. Overlap slit edges and glue to form a cone.
Cover spool cylinder with cellophane. Cut four gold or silver strips to form upright bars and one to go around middle of spool. Glue strips to spool to look like windows.
Pull a 10-inch (25-cm) red or green ribbon through spool from bottom. Cut off a small piece of the cone’s tip and pull ribbon through cone, making a loop. Pull ribbon down through bottom of spool. Tie so knot will just fit into spool shaft, and apply a small amount of glue to keep it in place. Cut a circle out of gold or silver paper, and glue to spool bottom as a covering.
Clothespin Angels
Supplies: wooden clothespins, small jar lids, clay, paints, paintbrushes, toothpick, blush, curly hair, fine gold wire, small twigs, wire, glue (or hot glue gun and glue), thread, newspaper Cover work area with newspaper. Paint the head of the clothespin. Paint the remainder of the clothespin (the dress of angel). Paint the lid the same color as the dress. Use a toothpick to dot the eyes black. Blush the cheeks.
Shape a small piece of curly hair in a ball and glue to top of the head. For the halo, cut a 2-inch (5-cm) piece of gold wire and bend it into a circle. Twist ends together and glue to the back of the head. For wings, cut four 3-inch twigs and wire together in the center. Glue wings to back of the angel. Glue a small thread bow to the dress under chin. Fill the lid with clay, and stick the bottom of the clothespin into it.
Cork Nativity Scene
Supplies: old nylons, cotton balls, large corks, silver and pastel-colored paper cupcake liners, heavy thread, needle, black thread or felt, white tissue paper, skincolor markers (or crayons), glue, scissors, cardboard, straw (or strips of paper) Head and body: Cut a piece of nylon at least 5 inches (13 cm) square. Cut off a small piece of cotton ball, and roll it into ball to form nose. Place in middle of stocking piece, and tie thread around it (figure 1). Roll two cotton balls together. Place them behind n ose, and gather stocking to make a head. Tie with thread at neck (figure 2). Spread glue on small end and partway down sides of cork. Center head on cork and stretch Figure 1
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Holidays stocking around it. Hold in place while glue dries. Cut off any stocking that hangs more than halfway down cork (figure 3). Using black thread, sew two dots for eyes (or glue on bits of black felt). Robe: For Mary, Joseph, wise men and shepherds, use pastel-colored cupcake liners. For angels, use silver liners. Cut cupcake liner down one side, and cut a hole out of the bottom (figure 4). Turn upside down, wrap around cork, and glue together at back.
Arms: Make arms from same color liner as robe. For Joseph, wise men and shepherds, cut arms using pattern in figure 5. For Mary, cut arms using pattern in figure 6. After cutting arms, color hands skin-color and glue to sides of robe. For angels, make wings by cutting a silver liner in half. Fold each piece in half, and trace wing pattern on each folded piece (figure 7). Cut out wings. Glue on angels’ backs.
Headpieces: For Joseph, Mary and shepherds, use a third of a pastel liner. Then cut the bottom only of liner in half, and bend sides of liner so they fit around head (figure 8). While liner is bent, glue bottom flaps on top of each other. Round off top of headpiece on head of figure. For wise men, make crowns by cutting a silver liner as if making a robe. Turn upside down, form into a small cone, and glue on head. For angels, make halos by cutting a long strip from a silver liner. Fold strip in half lengthwise, and make a loop with half of it. With the other half, make a stem to support the halo, and glue to back of neck.
Baby Jesus: Use half a cotton ball to form head, and cover it with stocking. Tie thread underneath head. Make eyes from thread (or glue on felt eyes). Wrap tissue paper around stocking to form body in swaddling clothes. Manger: Trace patterns for manger and legs onto cardboard (figures 9 and 10). Cut out one manger and two sets of legs. Fold manger in half, and fold legs accordionstyle. Glue legs to bottom of manger. Fill with bits of straw (or tiny strips of paper). Figure 3
Figure 2
Figure 9
Cut
Fold
Figure 5
Figure 4 Fold
Fold
Manger
Fold
Fold
Fold
Figure 6
Figure 7
Overlap top Figure 8
Figure 10 Legs
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Holidays Edible Christmas Tree Supplies: pointed ice cream cone, round paper doily, wax paper, green frosting, spatula, tubes of red or white decorator icing, tiny cake decorations (nonpareils, red cinnamon candies, silver balls, colored sugar, etc.) Place cone upside down on wax paper. Spread green frosting on cone.
Decorate cone with small candies and sugar to look like a Christmas tree. Drape thin strings of red or white icing around tree for garlands. After frosting has hardened, place tree on doily.
Glitter Globe
Supplies: small baby food or jelly jar, polymer clay, small plastic or rubber figurines appropriate for the season, glycerin (check drugstore or nutrition store), glitter (ultrafine); optional: aquarium gravel Use a small lump of clay to stick each plastic item to inside of lid. Also stick on aquarium gravel, if desired. Fill jar almost to top with water. Stir in a few drops of glycerin and 1/2 teaspoon of glitter. Screw lid on tightly. Invert globe, and enjoy the glittery show.
Glitter Ornaments
Supplies: wax paper, yarn of various colors, glitter, glue Dip yarn in glue, wiping off excess with fingers. Place yarn on wax paper so it overlaps in abstract patterns. Sprinkle glitter over yarn. Let dry overnight before carefully removing wax paper.
Greeting in a Bottle
Supplies: clean 1-liter plastic bottle, stapler (or tape), colorful shredded paper, small items (confetti, small bells, stickers, erasers, pencils, wrapped candy, sheets of stickers, etc.), ribbon, your message; optional: utility knife, tape
Fill bottle with shredded paper. Staple (or tape) one end of a ribbon to your message, and tape the other end of the ribbon to the inside of the bottle top so the message is easy to remove. Put message in bottle. Then add other items. (To enclose large items, slit the bottle and then add gifts. Tape the slit closed.) Once the bottle is filled, tighten the cap.
Pinecone Christmas Wreath
Supplies: pinecones and nut shells (walnuts, pecans), heavy cardboard, scissors, glue, gold paint, mahogany stain, rubber gloves, newspaper, paintbrushes, acrylic or shellac spray, red bow, hook
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Holidays Cut a ring out of cardboard the desired size of wreath. Cut an inner circle out of this ring. Using plenty of glue, attach pinecones and shells to cardboard until completely covered. Let dry overnight.
Cover work area with newspaper. Wearing gloves, stain wreath, and let dry for three days. Lightly brush inside of some cones with gold paint to give an antique look. Spray with clear finish, let dry, and spray again. Attach a large red bow. Attach hook to back.
Pinecone Ornaments
Supplies: pinecones, white tempera paint mixed with soap flakes (check in detergent aisle or online), paintbrush, glitter, yarn, newspaper
Cover work area with newspaper. Brush outer surface of pinecone with white paint mixture. Sprinkle glitter on edges of pinecone while still wet. After paint dries, tie yarn to top of cone.
Popcorn and Cranberry Ornaments
Supplies: popcorn, cranberries, medium gauge wire, ribbon, glue; optional: cookie cutters String popcorn and cranberries on medium gauge wire. Bend the wire in simple shapes such as a bell, heart, or star (or bend around a cookie cutter). If popcorn breaks off after the ornament is made, glue another piece in place. Tie on ribbons and bows.
Snowman Craft Stick
Supplies: jumbo craft stick, black pipe cleaner, white and black paint, paintbrush, newspaper, large and small nails, small orange pom-pom, glue, piece of fabric 1 inch (2.5 cm) by 8 inches (20 cm)
Cover work area with newspaper. Paint stick white, leaving about 1 inch (2.5 cm) not painted. When dry, paint the unpainted part black for the snowman’s hat. When dry, cut pipe cleaner about 11/4 inches (3 cm) long and glue across stick where white and black paint meet. Use nail and black paint to dot on eyes and 3 buttons on snowman. Use a smaller nail to make 5 or 6 dots for the mouth. Glue on pom-pom for the nose. Tie fabric piece on snowman for a scarf.
Straw Garland
Supplies: colored cellophane straws
Slightly pinch one end of a straw and slide into the other end at least 1/2 inch (1 cm). Put the next straw through this link before connecting. Follow this pattern to make a chain. The chain is made stronger by pinching the loops into rectangles.
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Holidays
Easter Bookmark Supplies: construction paper, magazine pictures, clear self-adhesive paper, yarn or ribbon, scissors, glue
From construction paper, cut bookmark of desired size. Decorate by cutting out pictures and bits of construction paper and gluing them to bookmark. Cover completed bookmark with clear self-adhesive paper. Poke a hole through the top with scissors. Put a loop of yarn or ribbon through hole and tie.
Card Holder
Supplies: 2 white paper plates, stapler, glitter, yarn, ribbon, scissors, glue, markers
Cut one plate in half. Place whole plate and one half plate facing each other, and staple along outer edge. Poke two holes at the top, and run yarn through to hang. Decorate with glitter and yarn or ribbon.
Doorknob Decoration
Supplies: lightweight cardboard, yarn or ribbon, markers, foam pieces, stickers, scissors, glue
Cut cardboard in shape of doorknob hanger. Cut length of yarn or ribbon, and glue around edges of hanger. With markers, write a message on hanger. Decorate with stickers or foam pieces.
Plant Sticks
Supplies: dowel rods (or wire), construction paper, scissors, stickers, markers, glue (or tape) Cut a shape out of construction paper suitable for Easter (cross, egg, etc.). Write a short Easter message on it, such as “Jesus is alive” or “Happy Easter.” Decorate with stickers. Glue to dowel rod (or tape to wire). Place stick upright in a potted plant.
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Holidays Tissue-Decorated Eggs Supplies: tissue paper in assorted colors, hard-boiled or blown eggs, starch (check in detergent aisle or online), paintbrush; optional: acrylic or shellac spray
Tear tissue paper into 1/2-inch (1-cm) ovals, about 50 per egg. Put small amount of starch in a bowl. Starting at top of egg, lightly brush on starch and then lay one tissue paper oval on starched spot. Repeat process, overlapping ovals, until egg is covered. Apply starch thinly as colors will run when tissue is wet. When egg is dry, spray with clear finish, if you wish.
Thanksgiving
Corn Husk Wreath Supplies: Styrofoam ring 9 inches (23 cm) in diameter, dried corn husks (check Mexican grocery store or online), straight pins, 11/4 yards (1.2 m) of ribbon, glue, 2 metal brads (brass fasteners), string, old scissors, large bowl, warm water; optional: dried flowers (or grain stems) If husks are green, dry by laying them flat for several days, until they turn light brown or pale yellow. Soak dried corn husks for 5 to 10 minutes in warm water. When soft, tear them into strips 11/4 inches to 2 inches (3-5 cm) wide.
Loop a corn husk strip lengthwise (figure 1). Cut the doubled strip so that it is no more than 2 inches (4-5 cm) long. Make a small pleat by pinching end A toward end B (figure 2).
Pin loop to Styrofoam ring by sticking a pin through the pleat at an angle. Make two or three more loops, and pin them next to each other so they cover a 2-inch (5-cm) section of the ring. Dab glue across bottom of row just attached. Overlap rows in order to hide pins (figure 3). Scatter loops of ribbon throughout the wreath, and add a bow. Optional: Tie dried flowers (or grain stems) behind bow before gluing and pinning them into place. Poke two metal brads straight into back of wreath top. Tie a short string around them to hang the wreath (figure 4).
A Figure 1
Figure 3 B
Fold
Figure 2
Figure 4
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Holidays Paper Turkey Supplies: brown, tan, orange, and yellow construction paper; scissors
Fold brown construction paper in half and trace pattern, placing turkey head on fold. Cut out body, and cut slits shown on pattern. Cut feathers from other colors. Slip feathers into slits.
Tan Orange Yellow
Cut
Brown
Pinecone Turkey Supplies: pinecone, construction paper (or felt), glue, scissors, pipe cleaners
Copy turkey tail and head patterns on construction paper (or felt) and cut out. With pinecone horizontal, glue head and tail on. For feet, bend and glue on pipe cleaners.
Tail Cut
Head
Turkey Mobile Supplies: wire coat hanger, nylon stocking, construction paper, glue, yarn
Bend hanger into a circle, leaving the hook in place. Cover hanger with nylon. Cut feather, beak, wattle, eyes and feet from construction paper and glue onto hanger. Hang from ceiling with yarn.
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Nature & CampCraft Juice Carton Bird Feeder Supplies: juice carton, sharp knife, dowel twice as long as carton is wide, birdseed, string
Cut windows in opposite sides of carton. Just below windows, poke two small holes to put dowel through carton. Fill carton with birdseed up to windows. Poke a small hole through the top, and tie a string through it to hang feeder.
Log Bird Feeder
Supplies: log about 3 inches (8 cm) in diameter and 8 inches (20 cm) long, drill and 3/4-inch (2-cm) bit, dowel rod 3/4 inch (2 cm) in diameter and about a foot (30 cm) long, saw, wood glue, screw eye, 3 feet (1 m) of wire, mixture of peanut butter and birdseed, safety goggles/glasses Drill eight holes 1 inch (2.5 cm) deep, sloping down into log. Drill holes in pairs, so that one hole in each pair is about 2 inches (5 cm) below the other. Cut four perches about 3 inches (8 cm) long from dowel. Glue a perch into bottom hole of each pair. Put food mixture in remaining holes. Attach screw eye and wire to top of feeder, and hang about 7 feet (2 m) from ground.
Paper Roll Bird Feeder
Supplies: toilet paper roll, paper plates, peanut butter, knife, string, birdseed; optional: newspaper
Put string through hole in paper roll. Lay roll on paper plate or newspaper. Spread peanut butter on outside of roll. Put birdseed on paper plate. Roll the paper roll in birdseed. Tie knot in string, and hang feeder on a tree.
Pinecone Bird Feeder
Supplies: pinecone, peanut butter, knife, birdseed, string, paper plate (or newspaper) Lay pinecone on paper plate or newspaper. Spread pinecone with peanut butter, and roll in birdseed. Tie string to top of pinecone to hang.
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Nature & CampCraft Wooden Birdhouse Supplies: 5 feet (1.5 m) of 6 inch (15 cm) wide rough board (or hollow log and 2 feet [60 cm] of 6 inch [15 cm] wide rough board), pencil, saw, drill, 3/4-inch (2-cm) bit, nails, hammer, safety goggles/glasses; optional: screw eye, wire Cut four 12-inch (30-cm) pieces of board. (Or cut one 12-inch piece of board, and cut off part of hollow log.) Drill a 1- to 2-inch (2.5- to 5-cm) hole near top of one side (or in top of log). Nail sides together (figure 1). (Or nail log to piece of board—figure 2.) Mark a piece of wood to fit inside bottom of birdhouse, and cut it. Drill four holes in floor piece, and nail inside bottom of birdhouse (figure 3). Cut a top piece to extend 3 to 4 inches (8 to 10 cm) over birdhouse, and nail in place. Insert screw eye in top, and hang in tree with wire, or nail birdhouse to post.
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
Buddy Burner Supplies: corrugated cardboard, scissors, tuna can, wax or paraffin or old candles, large pot, small can, string Cut a strip of cardboard about half the height of tuna can. Roll up strip and place in tuna can. Put wax in a small can set in a pot of water. Heat pot over low flame until wax melts. For wick, dip string in melted wax, and place it in the center of tuna can. Pour melted wax into can, filling all gaps in rolled-up cardboard. Use in a hobo stove.
Friendship Stick
Supplies: dead tree branch 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) long, pocketknife, paint, paintbrush, twine, yarn, glue, newspaper Cut bark off branch. Cover work area with newspaper. Paint and decorate stick. Tie yarn to end for hanging.
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Nature & CampCraft Hobo Stove Supplies: #10 can (check warehouse club, restaurant supply), tin snips, can opener, punch-type can opener, hammer, buddy burner or wood fuel
With tin snips, cut a 3-inch (8-cm) doorway at can’s open edge. At the other end, punch holes in side of can with punch-type can opener. Pound in the bottom of can slightly to keep food from spilling over rim. Use with buddy burner or wood fuel.
Indoor Greenhouse
Supplies: 2 clear 2-liter bottles, sand, soil, seeds, scissors
Cut one bottle so that the bottom is about 4 inches (10 cm) high. This is the base. Cut the second bottle so the bottom is about 9 inches (23 cm) high. This is the lid. Put a small amount of sand in bottom of base. Add soil and seeds, and water them. Squeeze the lid over the base to create your own greenhouse. Put in sunny place, and wait for plants to appear.
Insect Catcher
Supplies: 2 jar lids the same size, 81/2- by 11-inch (21- by 28-cm) stiff window screen, clay, large needle, heavy thread, string, nail, scissors Roll window screen into a tube that will stand up straight in one of the jar lids. Thread needle, and sew the two rough edges together. Fill one jar lid with clay. Force one end of screen tube into clay. Make two small holes near top of screen with a nail. Attach string for a handle by knotting ends inside each hole. Put second jar lid on top for a cover.
Insect Net Supplies: wire coat hanger, strong stick, strong tape, mosquito netting (or cheesecloth or old sheet) 20 by 40 inches (50 cm by 1 m), scissors, needle and thread (or heavy cloth tape) Bend coat hanger into a circle. Fold netting inhalf. Sew or tape along two sides of netting, leaving one end open. Fold edges of open end over hanger circle, and sew or tape netting to hanger. Tightly tape hanger to stick.
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Nature & CampCraft Lady Bug Rock Supplies: smooth oval rock, red and black paint, paintbrushes, pipe cleaners, glue, wiggle eyes, newspaper
Wash the rock, and let it dry. Cover work area with newspaper. Paint the rock red and add black dots. Let the paint dry completely. Glue on pipe cleaners for the antennae. Glue on wiggle eyes. Clear sticky side down
Leaf Coaster
Supplies: clear and colored self-adhesive paper, posterboard, scissors, two leaves
Cut circles 4 inches (10 cm) across as follows: two from clear self-adhesive paper, two from colored self-adhesive paper and one from posterboard. Peel backs off clear circles, and lay a leaf facedown on sticky side of each. Lay colored circles (colored side down) over each leaf. Peel backs off colored circles. Press a colored circle onto each side of posterboard.
Leaf Colored sticky side down Posterboard Colored sticky side up
Leaf Kid
Leaf Clear sticky side up
Supplies: leaf (or paper leaf); markers, crayons or colored pencils; glue; white or colored paper
Glue leaf to center of paper. Use crayons, markers or colored pencils to add face, arms, hands, legs, feet and so on.
Leaf Spatter Painting
Supplies: leaves (pressed flat), paper, toothbrush, tempera paint, water, small stick, newspaper Cover work area with newspaper. Place leaves on paper. Dip toothbrush in paint. Scrape stick across brush bristles to spatter paint around leaves. Let dry, and remove leaves.
Milkweed Pod Ornaments
Supplies: dry milkweed pods, small figurines, small trims, paint, paintbrush, glue, glitter, newspaper Cover work area with newspaper. Lightly paint the inside of the dry pod. Add sprinkles of glitter to wet paint. After paint is dry, glue in small figurine. Glue small trim around edge of pod. Loop trim at top to form a hanger.
Nature Rubbing
Supplies: crayons or chalk, thin paper, rough nature objects
Place paper over object, and rub crayon gently back and forth on paper. Remove wrapper from crayon and use the side for wide strokes.
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Nature & CampCraft Packing Tape Bookmark Supplies: clear 2 inch (5 cm) wide packing tape, small pressed flowers, scissors, yarn, hole punch; optional: glitter, construction paper Cut a piece of tape about 16 inches (40 cm) long. Lay on work surface with sticky side up. Arrange flowers, some face up and some face down, on about half of the tape. (Bookmark will have two “right” sides.) Fold tape in half, and stick the two halves together. If edges don’t match exactly, trim them later. The folded end of the tape will be the bottom of the bookmark. Cut opposite end of bookmark into a point. Punch hole in point, and tie two 5-inch (13-cm) pieces of yarn through holes to make tassel. Option: Add glitter, stars, or shapes cut from construction paper to the flower design.
Peanut People
Supplies: peanuts in shell, nail, pipe cleaners, felt tip pens
Lay peanut on its side. Using nail, make holes in middle and bottom of peanut. Thread pipe cleaners through holes for arms and legs. Make facial features and decorations with felt tip pens.
Photo Paperweight
Supplies: large smooth flat rock, photo, white glue, water, container, paintbrush, acrylic or shellac spray
Mix glue and water in equal parts. Dip photo in glue mixture until soft. Smooth wet photo over rock. Let dry overnight. Apply a clear finish.
Pinecone Owl
Supplies: pinecone; scraps of construction paper, felt or fabric; pencil; scissors; glue Copy patterns onto construction paper, felt or fabric. Cut out pieces, and glue to pinecone to make owl. Outer eyes
foot Wing (make 2)
Beak Inner eyes
foot
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Nature & CampCraft Plaster Leaf Print Supplies: non-toxic craft plaster, large container, water, Styrofoam veggie tray, paper clip, leaves or flowers, sand Mix plaster with water, following package directions. Pour into Styrofoam tray. Push paper clip halfway into top edge of plaster to make a hanger.
Quickly lay an arrangement of leaves or flowers in wet plaster. Press them down gently. Sprinkle a thick covering of sand over entire mold. After 10 minutes, see if print is set enough to pull leaves off. If so, carefully remove them. After mold is hard, take it out of tray and brush off excess sand.
Rock Creature
Supplies: rocks of different sizes, glue, felt tip pens (or paint and paintbrush); optional: yarn, pine needles Put rocks together to make a rock creature. Glue rocks together one part at a time, letting each part dry before adding another part. Make features and decorations with felt tip pens or paint. Glue on yarn or pine needles for other details.
Rock Paperweight Supplies: large rounded rock with flat base, tissue paper, wax paper, diluted glue, paintbrush
Spread wax paper on workspace. Lay a square of tissue paper on rock, and paint over it with diluted glue. Continue adding tissue paper and painting with glue until rock is completely covered.
Seed Necklace
Supplies: various seeds (sunflower, pumpkin, cantaloupe, watermelon, corn kernels, apple, coffee beans, allspice), large needle, carpet thread; optional: wax paper, warm water
If necessary, separate seeds from pulp, wash and spread out to dry on wax paper. If seeds are too hard to push the needle through, soak them for several hours in warm water. Using needle and thread, string seeds in a pattern for necklace. When necklace is long enough, tie ends.
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Nature & CampCraft Solar Woodburning Supplies: magnifying glass, saw, dead branch about 31/2 inches (9 cm) in diameter, acrylic or shellac spray, safety goggles/glasses; optional: eye hook, string Saw a 1/2-inch (1-cm) ring off one end of branch. Face the sun, and put tree ring on ground. Focus a ray of sunlight through magnifying glass onto tree ring. Move magnifying glass to burn a name, initials, or design into wood. Add a clear finish. When dry, insert hook and hang with string, if desired.
Terrarium
Supplies: clean glass container, clean gravel, horticultural charcoal (check garden stores), clean sand, potting soil, small plants, moss, rocks, trowel or large spoon, large rubber band, spray bottle, water, plastic wrap
Spread a layer of gravel in bottom of glass container. Add a layer of charcoal, spoon a thin layer of sand on top, and add soil. Place plants, moss and rocks in an uncrowded arrangement in container. Spray them and sides of container with water without soaking everything. Cover terrarium with plastic wrap, leaving a small opening for air. Hold wrap in place with rubber band. Set terrarium near but not in sunlight. Water terrarium rarely. If drops form on inside of terrarium, pull off plastic for a few hours to dry.
Trench Candle
Supplies: newspaper, string, wax, can, pan, water, sharp knife
Melt wax in a can set in boiling water. Roll up two sheets of newspaper, and tie the roll every few inches with string. Cut between ties. Soak each piece in melted wax, and let cool. Use to start a campfire instead of using a lot of kindling.
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Paints & Prints Can Canisters Supplies: assorted large cans with plastic lids, paint, paintbrushes, unfinished wood ball knob for each can (check craft stores), stickers, glue, newspaper Clean and dry cans and lids. Cover work area with newspaper. Paint cans, lids and knobs. When paint is dry, glue knobs to lids for handles. Label front of cans in a different color paint. Decorate with stickers.
Colored Sand Painting
Supplies: colored sand, natural (uncolored) sand, large containers, cardboard, glue, paintbrush, drawing charcoal Color sand according to directions in “Recipes� section. (Or buy colored sand.) Paint entire surface of cardboard with glue. Dip cardboard into a container of natural sand, covering cardboard completely. Tap it lightly, letting loose sand fall back into container. Let dry.
Lightly sketch a simple design on sand with charcoal. Paint one section of one color area with glue. Sprinkle colored sand on that part. Shake off excess sand. Follow the same procedure for the rest of the sand painting.
Variation: Use paper. Spread glue on different color areas one at a time, and sprinkle sand on glue. Let set for a moment, and shake off excess sand.
Cookie Cutter Prints
Supplies: cookie cutters, tempera paint, shallow flat container, drawing or construction paper, newspaper Cover work area with newspaper. Pour a 1/4-inch (6-mm) layer of thick tempera paint in container. Dip cookie cutters in paint, and press firmly onto paper to print shape.
Elbow Macaroni Lamb
Supplies: wood or heavy cardboard; scissors; elbow macaroni; glue; black felt; 2 large spring-type clothespins; wiggle eyes; white, black and pink paint; paintbrushes; newspaper; optional: saw and safety goggles/glasses
From wood or heavy cardboard, cut a 3-inch (8-cm) circle and a 11/2-inch (4-cm) circle. Cover work area with newspaper. Paint larger circle white. Paint bottom of
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Paints & Prints smaller circle black and the top third white. Paint clothespins black. When dry, clip them to larger circle for legs. Glue elbow macaroni to front and back of larger circle. Glue macaroni to white area of smaller circle. Take off clothespins, and paint macaroni white. When macaroni is dry, glue clothespins in place. Glue wiggle eyes to face, and paint nostrils pink. Cut ears from black felt, and glue to head. Glue head to body.
Fingerprint Pictures
Supplies: paper, pencil, felt tip pens (or crayons), rubber-stamp ink pad
Press fingers and thumbs on ink pad, and print fingerprints on paper. Using a pencil, lightly draw pictures around fingerprints. Use felt tip pens or crayons to darken lines in pictures.
Foot Painting Supplies: tempera paint, water, large pan, large piece of paper; optional: newspaper
Put paint in pan. Put paper on ground outside (or on floor covered with newspaper). Use feet to paint on paper.
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Paints & Prints Hand Printing Press Supplies: tempera paint, shallow containers, paper, newspaper
Cover work area with newspaper. Put different paint colors in different shallow containers. Create pictures using hands and fingers. Dip fingers, thumbs, sides of hands, knuckles and fists into paint, and print on paper.
Ink Blots Supplies: thick tempera paint, water, paintbrush or craft stick, paper, newspaper.
Cover work area with newspaper. Fold paper. Open paper, and drop thick paint onto it from a paintbrush or craft stick. Refold, and open again.
Sponge Painting
Supplies: tempera paint, pieces of sponge, white or colored paper, newspaper
Cover work area with newspaper. Dip sponge pieces into paint. Use to dab paint on paper.
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Paints & Prints Sponge Stamps Supplies: sponge, water, scissors, wooden blocks or pieces of large dowels, glue (not water soluble), tempera paint, liquid detergent, shallow container, drawing or construction paper, newspaper, spoon Moisten sponge with water to soften. Cut a simple shape out of the sponge with scissors. Let sponge dry, and then glue block on it for a handle.
Cover work area with newspaper. Mix a small amount of detergent into thick tempera paint. Pour a shallow layer of paint into container. Dip the sponge stamp into paint, and print several shapes before dipping again.
Straw Painting Supplies: tempera paint, paper, paintbrush, drinking straw, newspaper Cover work area with newspaper. Using paintbrush, drop paint onto paper. Blow through straw onto paint to create designs.
String Painting
Supplies: tempera paint, bowls, paper, string, newspaper, scissors
Cover work area with newspaper. Put paint in bowls. Dip short lengths of string into paint, and drip paint from string onto paper. Or fold paper, place dipped string inside it, and pull string out while holding paper shut.
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Paints & Prints Styrofoam Prints Supplies: Styrofoam veggie trays or disposable plates, scissors, pencil, tempera paint, dishwashing liquid, large brush or brayer (roller), paper, newspaper, spoon
Cover work area with newspaper. Cut tray or plate into a rectangular shape, cutting away its raised rim. With a dull pencil, draw a design or picture on tray or plate. Or write a message, printing words backward. Press firmly so pencil makes indentations.
Add a small amount of dishwashing liquid to thick tempera paint. Use a brush or brayer to cover design with paint. Lay paper over tray or plate, and rub paper gently. Carefully remove print.
Time Capsule
Supplies: box, canister or potato chip can, paint, paintbrushes, newspaper; optional: decorations (stickers, construction paper, etc.)
Create and save special memories. Cover work area with newspaper. Paint a box, canister or potato chip can. Add other decorations, if you want. Collect special things, and store them in the capsule. Put the capsule in a safe place for a certain length of time, such as a year or maybe 10 years. Then open it up and enjoy looking back on what was important to you. Items to save: coins, newspaper articles and other things from the year you were born; special cards or letters; family tree; baby picture; cards; poems; artwork; awards; school things and so on.
Vegetable Prints
Supplies: tempera paint, shallow containers, assorted firm vegetables, paper towels, construction paper, paring knife, newspaper
Cover work area with newspaper. Cut a vegetable in half. Or cut a raised design, such as a circle, star or triangle, in a cut vegetable. Press cut surface onto paper towel to dry. Dip cut vegetable in small amount of tempera paint, and blot excess paint on paper towel or newspaper. Press vegetable onto construction paper. Lay art on newspaper to dry.
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Paints & Prints Wet Paper Painting
Supplies: tempera paint, paper, water, sponge, paintbrush, newspaper
Cover work area with newspaper. Wet paper with a sponge. Drop paint on it with a brush.
Woodblock Printing
Supplies: block of thick soft wood without knots (or piece of linoleum), paper, pencil, carbon paper (check office supply store), marker, woodcutting (or linoleum) tools, water-based printing ink, piece of glass or tile, brayer (roller), paper, newspaper; optional: wooden spoon Draw a design on paper the same size as block, and transfer it onto block with carbon paper. Make lines darker with a marker. Using tools, cut away wood or linoleum around design, leaving design raised. Important: Cut away from the hand holding the block. Cover work area with newspaper. Squeeze ink onto glass or tile, and roll with brayer until it becomes sticky. Transfer ink to block with brayer, picking up more ink until block is covered. Make a print by placing paper on top of block and rubbing well with the side of hand or a wooden spoon. Lift corners of paper to check if block is inked well and paper rubbed evenly. Add more ink or cut block more if necessary.
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Paper Bedroom Note Board Supplies: paper, pencil, large piece of posterboard, scissors, glue, 12-inch (30-cm) square of bulletin board cork, utility knife, nail, yarn or twine
Draw outline of a picture on paper. Draw same outline on posterboard and cut out. With utility knife, cut cork to fit outline. Glue cork to posterboard. Using a nail, make a hole in each top corner of note board. Thread yarn or twine through holes and tie ends together on back side of board.
Butterfly Mobile
Supplies: construction paper, clear self-adhesive paper, scissors, wire coat hanger, crayons or markers, yarn
From construction paper, cut out outline of butterfly. Decorate both sides with crayons or markers. Put butterfly on self-adhesive paper. Place sticky side of another piece of self-adhesive paper on top of butterfly. Cut out butterfly shape. Make hole at top of butterfly, and insert yarn to hang it from hanger. Make more butterflies and hang them from hanger.
Calendar
Supplies: calendar pad, construction paper, stickers, markers, scissors
Cut a shape out of construction paper. Glue calendar to middle of shape. Print a short message or Bible verse above calendar. Decorate with stickers.
CD Picture Frame
Supplies: empty CD case, glue, decorations (buttons, small hardware items, puzzle pieces, shells, etc.), wrapping paper, wallet-sized picture, scissors, ribbon or twine Decorate front of CD case with wide ribbon, buttons, puzzle pieces, shells or whatever. Insert a piece of wrapping paper as a border. Glue picture in center of border. Close case, and glue on ribbon or twine as a hanger.
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Paper Creation Mobile Supplies: 10-inch (25-cm) metal ring or metal coat hanger, cafe ring 11/2 inches (3.5 cm) in diameter, lightweight cardboard, scraps of felt and fabric, ribbon or twine, pencil, glue, scissors Decide on a shape to represent each day of creation, such as stars, plants and animals. Draw a shape for each day on cardboard and cut out outline. Decorate shapes by gluing on bits of felt and fabric. Punch a hole in top of each shape and thread through a long piece of ribbon or twine. Tie end of each ribbon to cafe ring. Tie all ribbons but one to metal ring. Hang from ceiling with another long ribbon.
Dot Doodle Note Cards
Supplies: construction paper, paper punch, felt tip markers, glue, scissors
Punch holes of various colors out of construction paper. Cut another sheet of paper to note-card size. Arrange punched holes to form shapes, glue down and draw in details with markers.
Juice Can Bank Supplies: juice can with plastic lid, construction paper, wide plastic tape, stickers, glue, scissors
Cut construction paper to size of can and glue on. Cut slit in lid wide enough for coins to go through. Place plastic tape around bottom of can, letting half the width hang over bottom. Cut several slits in overhanging tape and fold onto bottom of can. With lid attached to can, put tape around top of can as on bottom. Decorate bank with stickers.
Paper Lion
Supplies: yellow or tan construction paper, yarn, markers, scissors, glue Fold construction paper in half. Cut a half circle from open side of paper, forming body and legs. Invert half circle and glue to one end of lion body to form head. Glue short pieces of yarn around face for mane and one long piece at end of body for tail. Draw on face and claws.
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Paper Paper Mosaic Supplies: construction paper in assorted colors, scissors, glue
Cut several colors of construction paper into 1/2-inch (1-cm) squares. Glue squares on a dark-color sheet of paper to form a picture. Squares should be close together but not touching.
Papier-Mâché
Supplies: newspaper; flour; water; large bowl; spoon; cooking oil; scissors; acrylic or shellac spray; tempera paint; paintbrushes; sharp knife; oval dish; two round balloons; two 1/2-inch by 11-inch (1-cm by 28-cm) dowel rods; dried split peas, rice or other small seeds; large-headed tacks; hammer Cover work area with newspaper. Make a thick paste from flour and water. Cut newspaper into long, narrow strips and soak in paste.
To make a face mask: Turn oval dish upside down, and lightly oil it so mask can be easily removed. Layer paste-soaked strips back and forth across dish (figure 1). When dish is covered, build on facial features with wads of rolled up newspaper (figure 2). Let mask dry for several days. Remove from dish. Cover work area with newspaper. Cut out eyes and mouth and paint on face. After paint dries, coat with clear finish. To make maracas: Inflate two round balloons to about 5 inches (13 cm) in diameter. Cover each with at least four layers of papier-mâché, leaving balloon knot uncovered. Let dry for several days. Pop and remove balloons. Put a spoonful of dried split peas, rice or other small seeds into each hole. Insert dowel rods as far as they will go. With maraca upright on handle, hammer the tack through papier-mâché into dowel rod. Cover maracas and dowels with three more layers of papier-mâché. When dry, cover work area with newspaper, and paint in bright colors. Figure 1
Figure 2
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Paper Placemats for Pets Supplies: light-colored posterboard at least 9 by 14 inches (23 by 35 cm), markers, clear self-adhesive paper
Draw a picture of the pet and write its name on the posterboard. Cover with clear selfadhesive paper.
Pinwheel
Supplies: construction paper, plastic straw, straight pin, scissors, clear tape
Cut an eight-inch (20-cm) square of construction paper. Draw a three-inch (8-cm) line from each corner toward the center (figure 1). Fold each end marked X to the center (figure 2). Place pin through center of paper points and into straw. Bend pin to straw and wrap with tape (figure 3).
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
Snowflakes Supplies: thin white paper, scissors
Make paper into a square by folding it diagonally and cutting off excess (figure 1). Fold paper in half diagonally and in half again. Holding closed corner, cut design in paper. For best results, cut in one continuous line (figure 2). Unfold. Figure 1 Figure 2
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Puppets Animal Finger Puppets Supplies: felt, glue, wiggle eyes, felt or fabric scraps, scissors
Cut two 13/4- by 3-inch (4.5- by 8-cm) felt rectangles for front and back of animal. Glue side and top edges together. Leave bottom open for a finger. When glue dries, use scissors to round the top of the puppet’s head. Glue on eyes. Cut two felt ovals for ears. Fold them in half lengthwise and glue the lower edges together. Glue bases of ears to back of puppet. Add other details.
Cardboard Puppet Head
Supplies: heavyweight cardboard, scissors, masking tape, stapler, self-adhesive paper of different colors, colored tape or stickers, glue, yarn Cut cardboard into an oval for puppet’s head. Stick two pieces of tape together. Staple the tape across the lower middle of the oval, leaving room for index finger to slide through. Cover opposite side of puppet head with self-adhesive paper. Use other colors of paper, tape or stickers to make facial features. Attach yarn with glue for hair.
Cardboard Roll Puppets
Supplies: toilet tissue or paper towel rolls, craft sticks, glue, construction paper, other craft supplies (felt, wiggle eyes, yarn, etc.), scissors
Cut cardboard rolls to different heights. Decorate them to make people or animals. Use craft supplies to make hair, clothes, mouths and so on. Glue craft stick inside bottom edge of cardboard roll for a handle.
Chick Puppet
Supplies: yellow cotton balls or pom-poms, glue, craft stick, black and orange construction paper scraps, hole punch, scissors
Glue a yellow cotton ball or pom-pom on a craft stick. Use a hole punch to punch holes in black paper for eyes. Cut a diamond shape out of orange paper for a beak. Fold shape in half to make beak. Glue on eyes and beak.
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Puppets Folding Paper Puppet Supplies: 9- by 12-inch (20- by 30-cm) piece of construction paper, additional construction paper, crayons or markers, scraps of felt and yarn, scissors, glue
Fold
Fold
With the long side at the top, fold construction paper into three equal parts. Fold bottom up to meet top. Fold each side down once again to meet center crease. The two middle folds form the puppet’s mouth. Use crayons or markers and additional construction paper, felt and yarn to create the puppet’s features.
12”
Fold
Fold
Glove Puppets Supplies: glove; felt tip pens; scraps of fabric, yarn, paper, string, lace and other trim; glue; optional: tiny beads, needle and thread
Using markers and scraps, make thumb and each finger of glove into a different puppet that faces the palm side of glove. Sew beads on for eyes or dot them on with a marker.
Handkerchief Puppet
Supplies: large handkerchief, tissue, rubber bands, felt tip pens
Fold one corner of handkerchief to the middle to form the head. Roll up tissue to make a small ball. Put tissue ball in head, and secure with rubber bands. Tie off hands with rubber band. Draw on hair and facial features. Insert index finger in head and thumb and middle finger in arms to use puppet.
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Puppets Paper Bag Puppet Supplies: paper lunch bag, markers, yarn, glue
Draw a face on bottom of lunch bag, making mouth on both sides of fold. Glue on yarn for hair.
Paper Plate Puppet
Supplies: two large paper plates, scissors, glue, crayons or markers, red construction paper Fold one plate in half, and cut a notch about 1/2 inch (1 cm) wide along fold (figure 1). Unfold notched plate, and glue it on top of the other plate, gluing only the rim. Let dry.
Draw puppet face on one half of notched plate (figure 2). Cut a circle from red construction paper. Turn plates over, and glue circle in center of unnotched plate for inside of mouth. Fold plates in half. Slip fingers into top pocket and thumb into bottom pocket to work puppet. 1"
1"
½" Cut away Figure 1
Figure 2
Sawdust Puppet Head Supplies: for four to six heads: 4 cups (1 l) of sawdust (check home improvement store or lumberyard), strainer or sifter, 11/2 cups (360 ml) dry wallpaper paste, water, bowls, stiff cardboard tube (from plastic or foil wrap), masking tape, toothpicks, bucket, clothespin, tempera paint, paintbrush, scissors, newspaper
Sift or strain sawdust. Mix sawdust with wallpaper paste. Add enough water to make a stiff dough. Slit side of cardboard tube lengthwise. Pull tube together to fit loosely around a finger, and tape. Form a ball of sawdust dough into the shape and size of a large egg. Push tube into back of dough head behind chin area. Pull out any dough sticking inside tube. Roll small balls of dough, and stick on for facial features. Smooth out dough with wet hands. Use toothpicks to etch in eyes and mouth. To form the neck, cover about 1 inch (25 mm) of tube with dough, and blend it to head. Weight bucket so it will not topple over, and fasten a clothespin to its side. Slip tube over clothespin, and let puppet head dry for about one week. If cracks form while head dries, fill them in with sawdust dough and smooth with wet fingers. Cover work area with newspaper, and paint head when completely dry. Cut away tube below neck.
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Puppets Sock Puppet Supplies: thick sock, scissors, piece of red felt, needle, embroidery or button thread, fabric or felt scraps, trim (such as ball fringe, buttons, ribbon); optional: glue
To form puppet mouth, cut a slit across toe of sock (figure 1). Cut an oval piece of felt for inside of mouth, fold it in half and stitch into mouth opening (figure 2). Make facial features and decorate puppet with scraps and trim. Slit
Crease
Figure 1
Figure 2
Spoon Puppet Supplies: wooden spoon, felt tip pens, scraps of fabric and felt and yarn, trim (fringe, ribbons, tiny buttons, beads, etc.), glue
Draw facial features on spoon with pens. Glue on yarn for hair and buttons or beads for eyes. Decorate with fabric scraps and trim.
Stocking Puppet Head
Supplies: nylon stocking, stuffing, small piece of lightweight cardboard, scissors, tape, markers, yarn
Stuff toe section of the stocking to form a ball for puppet head. Cut a strip of cardboard to wrap around a finger, and tape it to base of head inside stocking. Use markers to make facial features, and glue on yarn for hair.
Styrofoam Puppet Head
Supplies: 3-inch (8-cm) Styrofoam ball, teaspoon or table knife, trim (such as buttons, scraps of felt, yarn), scissors, glue Using spoon or knife, hollow out a finger-size hole in Styrofoam ball. Glue on trim to make facial features.
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Puppets
Puppet Clothes Handkerchief Robe Supplies: handkerchief, bandanna, or handkerchief-size square of lightweight fabric; two rubber bands or scissors
Drape fabric over index finger and hand. Use rubber bands to fasten fabric to thumb and middle finger, or cut holes for the three fingers. Place puppet head over index finger.
Shaped Robe
Draw pattern for garment on paper. Fold fabric. Place pattern on center fold, and cut two pieces. Sew garment pieces with right sides together, leaving neck, wrists and lower edges open.
Turn right side out. Cut two hands from felt, and insert into wrist openings. Fold unfinished fabric edges to inside, and stitch hands in place. Fold neck seam to inside, inserting string. Stitch around neck without catching string in stitching. Leave small openings for drawstring ends. Fold lower edges to inside along hemline and stitch. Decorate garment with scraps of felt and trim. Attach garment to puppet head by tightening drawstring around neck. Sew or glue in place.
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Place on fold
Supplies: piece of fabric, paper, pencil, scissors, needle, thread, 6-inch (15-cm) piece of string, scraps of felt and trim; optional: glue
Puppets
Puppet Stages Cardboard Box Stage Supplies: large cardboard box, scissors or craft knife, two C-clamps, wire, pins, table, sheet, scarf or piece of fabric, lightweight cardboard, tempera paint, paintbrushes, water, newspaper Cut out an arched opening from solid bottom of box. Cut away stage floor, leaving edges all around for strength.
String wire on front over arched opening, and pin scarf along it for curtain. Turn a table on its side, and drape table with sheet to conceal puppeteers. Fasten stage to table edge with C-clamps, with arched opening facing audience. Cover work area with newspaper. Cut pieces of cardboard to fit back of stage. Paint scenery on them, and place in stage.
Doorway Stage
Supplies: two short curtains or pieces of fabric, tape (or hammer and small nails)
Hang one curtain from the top of a doorway between two rooms. Leave a 20- to 30-inch (50- to 75-cm) opening, and hang the second curtain down to the floor.
Shoebox Stage
Supplies: cardboard shoebox, pencil, craft knife, tempera paint, paintbrush, newspaper Draw a window in box bottom, and cut it out. Cut off one end so stage can stand upright. Cover work area with newspaper, and paint stage.
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Wood & Nails Belt Rack Supplies: rectangular piece of wood, sandpaper, wood stain, paintbrush, 8 nails, hammer, 2 screw eyes, string, newspaper
Cover work area with newspaper. Sand and stain front and sides of wood. Pound nails into wood in a row, leaving 2 inches (5 cm) of nail sticking out. Put screws in top edge of wood. Tie ends of string to screws.
Book Rack
Supplies: 6 feet (180 cm) of 1 x 8 pine board, try square, pencil, 20 finishing nails 11/2 inches (4 cm) long, hammer, nail punch, wood filler, medium and fine sandpaper, saw, acrylic or shellac spray or stain, paintbrush, newspaper, safety goggles/glasses Cut board into two pieces 24 inches (60 cm) long and two pieces 83/4 inches (22 cm) long. Use try square to mark a line for each cut (figure 1). Place one long board on the edge of the other at a right angle with edges even. Draw a line along the edge of the upright board (figure 2). Lay upright board aside.
Figure 1
Figure 2
Start five or six nails along the middle of marked nailing area (figure 3), with first and last nails at least 2 inches (5 cm) from ends of board. Hammer until nails just poke through the other side. Have someone hold the two long boards in position, and nail them together.
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Figure 3
Wood & Nails Hold one short piece against the end of the rack, with edges lined up (figure 4). Mark a nailing area on it using the inside of the rack for a guide. Do the same on the other short piece. Start five or six nails in the nailing areas of each end piece. Nail end pieces in place, making sure edges line up. Use a nail punch to make all nails sink into the wood (figure 5).
Figure 4 Figure 5
Figure 6
Push wood filler into nail holes, leaving a little mounded up on top. Let dry for at least an hour. On the inside of each end piece, draw a diagonal line (figure 6). Cut end pieces along diagonal lines. With medium sandpaper, sand rack in same direction as grain. Sand wood filler even with wood. Once rough edges are off, switch to fine sandpaper. Cover work area with newspaper, and shellac or stain book rack.
Cheese Board
Supplies: 1 inch (25 mm) thick pine, ash, or walnut wood about 8 by 8 inches (20 by 20 cm); cardboard; pencil; scissors; coping saw or jigsaw; sandpaper; mineral oil; rag; safety goggles/glasses; optional: woodburning kit On cardboard, draw a pattern for cheese board, such as a fish, seashell, circle or rectangle. Cut out shape, trace onto wood and cut shape out. Sand well. Leave board plain, or decorate with woodburning tool. Rub in several coats of mineral oil.
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Wood & Nails Chinese Checker Board Supplies: hardwood board 6 by 8 inches (15 by 20 cm), newspaper, pencil, transparent tape, ruler, carbon paper (check office supply store), drill, 1/8-inch drill bit or nail, 7/16-inch drill bit, sandpaper, colored pencils, acrylic or shellac spray, 12 marbles in 2 colors (6 of each)
Make paper pattern as in illustration. Tape pattern and carbon paper over board, and mark through dots on paper with sharp pencil or point of nail. In each marked spot, start a hole with a nail or with a 1/8-inch drill bit. Then enlarge holes with a 7/16inch drill bit. Make depressions just deep enough to hold a marble.
1½" (3 cm)
1" (2 cm)
Sand board. Draw lines and color the end sections with colored pencil. Put a clear finish on the board.
Clothespin Refrigerator Magnet
Supplies: wooden spring-type clothespin, 6 miniature pom-poms, adhesive magnet(s), 2 wiggle eyes, glue
Glue five pom-poms along one side of clothespin. Glue sixth pom-pom on top in between second and third pom-poms. Glue eyes to first pom-pom. Stick magnet(s) on opposite side of clothespin.
Flowerpot Wind Chimes Supplies: flowerpot with hole in bottom, rope, string, scissors, seashells or empty spools or plastic spoons, glue or tape
Tie a large knot in one end of a long piece of rope. Thread rope through hole in bottom of pot, using knot to keep rope from pulling through. Cut several strings 8-10 inches (20-25 cm) long. Tie or glue shells, spools or spoons to ends of strings. Tape or glue the opposite end of each string to inside edge of pot.
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Wood & Nails Hand Pingpong Game Supplies: lightweight stick of wood 10 inches (25 cm) long, sandpaper, plywood 10 by 5 inches (25 by 13 cm), 2 wood pegs 2 inches (5 cm) long, drill, bit the same size as peg width, nylon netting, glue, pingpong ball, safety goggles/glasses
To make handle, sand edges of wood stick smooth. Glue handle across bottom of plywood, at the halfway point. Drill holes near edges of board at the middle, and glue in pegs. When glue is dry, cut net to size, leaving a little excess to wrap around pegs. Glue to pegs.
Heart Art Supplies: 7-inch (18-cm) piece of 1 by 6 wood, sandpaper, paint, paintbrush, pencil, finishing nails, hammer, string or yarn, newspaper; optional: glue, old magazines, scissors
Cover work area with newspaper. Sand and paint the wood. When it’s dry, draw a heart shape on it. Hammer nails halfway into wood and evenly spaced along heart outline. Intertwine string or yarn around the nails outlining the heart. If you want a message, cut out words from a magazine, and glue them inside the heart.
House Number Sign
Supplies: plywood of desired size, paint or stain, paintbrush, pencil, hammer, nails, wooden numbers (or stencils or small hardware pieces or wire), newspaper
Cover work area with newspaper. Paint or stain wood. When dry, nail house numbers to board. Paint numbers in a contrasting color. Variations: Stencil numbers onto sign. Or form numbers by twisting pieces of wire or attaching small pieces of hardware such as nuts and bolts.
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Wood & Nails Luminaria Supplies: can, water, hammer, nails, marker, clear self-adhesive paper, pencil, scissors, tea candle, paper, paintbrush, paint
Fill a clean can with water to within 1 inch (2.5 cm) of the top, and freeze. Draw a pattern on a piece of paper that will fit around the can. Use marker to put small dots on the pattern to show where to punch holes. Cover the pattern front and back with clear self-adhesive paper. Attach the pattern around the can. Hammer a nail into each dot to punch holes in the can. When finished, remove pattern and allow ice to melt. When dry, paint inside the design. Place a tea candle in bottom of can.
Napkin Holder
Supplies: 7- by 12-inch (18- by 30-cm) piece of 1/4inch plywood, 7- by 2-inch (18- by 5-cm) piece of 1-inch scrap lumber, 4 finishing nails, scissors, hammer, sandpaper, saw, stain, paintbrush, soft cloth, acrylic or shellac spray, pencil, patterned paper napkins, newspaper, safety goggles/glasses
Cut plywood into two pieces—one 7 by 7 inches (18 by 18 cm) and one 7 by 41/4 inches (18 by 11 cm). Round off top of each piece. Cover work area with newspaper. Sand and stain plywood and scrap lumber. Cut design from a paper napkin and arrange on wood. Put clear finish over the design to stick it in place, and let dry thoroughly. Nail side pieces to bottom.
Nuts and Bolts Chess Pieces
Supplies: assorted nuts and bolts, heavy-duty glue
Decide on a design for each chess piece. Arrange nuts and bolts, and glue into place.
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Wood & Nails Paddlewheel Boat Supplies: 5- by 10-inch (13- by 25-cm) piece of 1/4-inch plywood, saw, pencil, ruler, sandpaper, non-toxic enamel paint, paintbrush, heavyweight rubber band, newspaper, safety goggles/glasses
Cut plywood into shape shown. Cut a scrap piece to fit loosely into the opening. Cover work area with newspaper. Sand and paint. Put a heavy rubber band across paddle end. Wind up paddlewheel, set in water and release. 10" (25 cm) 7" (18 cm)
Rubber band 5" (12 cm)
1½" (3.75 cm) 1¾" (4.25 cm) Paddlewheel 1½" (3.75 cm)
Pegboard Key Holder Supplies: pegboard, saw, paint, paintbrush, small hooks, self-stick labels, felt tip pens, newspaper, safety goggles/glasses
Cut pegboard in shape of large key. Cover work area with newspaper. Paint and let dry. Insert small hooks, and place a label by each hook.
Picture Puzzle Supplies: 1/8 -inch (3-mm) hardboard of desired size, paints (or picture and glue), paintbrushes, acrylic or shellac spray, jigsaw, sandpaper, newspaper
Cover work area with newspaper and paint a picture on hardboard. Or glue a picture on and dry under pressure. Put a clear finish on the board, and cut into random shapes with jigsaw when dry. Sand edges.
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Wood & Nails Potholder Rack Supplies: piece of pine or plywood, coping saw or jigsaw, sandpaper, drill, cuphooks, acrylic or shellac spray, paintbrush, safety goggles/glasses
Using coping saw or jigsaw, cut wood into desired shape. Sand smooth. Drill either one hole at top center or a hole at both top corners for hanging. Screw cuphooks into rack. If wood is hard, use drill to start holes for cuphooks. Put a clear finish on rack.
Storage Box
Supplies: 6-foot (2-m) piece of 1 x 8 board, 26 11/2-inch screws (or nails), glue, tape measure, saw, power drill, 1/4-inch bit, power screwdriver (or hammer), pencil, square, C-clamp, safety goggles/glasses, sandpaper, paint, paintbrush, 1/4-inch (6-mm) clothesline or rope, newspaper Step 1—See figure 1. Measure and mark the board. Saw on your lines. Lightly write letters on the pieces. End A
End B
Bottom C
Side D
Side E
10"
10"
15"
16½"
16½"
Scrap
Figure 1
Step 2—See figure 2. Mark a dot halfway across a short end of End Piece A. Make it 1 inch (25 mm) from the top. On the dot, drill a 1/4-inch hole. Do the same for End Piece B. Step 3—See figures 3 and 4. On the edge of End Piece A with the hole, make a dot 3 inches (8 cm) in from each side. Set a short side of Side Piece D up against the side of End Piece A. Mark a dot on End Piece A where Pieces A and D meet. Do this on both sides of End Piece A. 3" (8 cm)
3"
1" (2.5 cm)
A
Figure 2
A
D
Figure 3
A
Figure 4
Connect the dots on each side of End Piece A with a diagonal line. Cut along these lines. Do the same on End Piece B.
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Wood & Nails Step 4—See figure 5. Put End Piece A against the end of Bottom Piece C. Draw a light line on End Piece A where it meets Bottom Piece C. Do the same with End Piece B. Space three screws (or nails) evenly in the marked area on End Piece A. Screw in the screws until the points just start to come through. Mark Line
B A
C Figure 5
Spread glue evenly on End Piece A and Bottom Piece C where you want them to stick together. Put End Piece A in place on Bottom Piece C, and finish screwing in the screws. Do the same for End Piece B.
Step 5—See figure 6. Put Side Piece D up against Bottom Piece C. Draw a light line on Side Piece D where it meets End Pieces A and B and Bottom Piece C. Start six screws, glue the edges, put Side Piece D in place, and finish screwing in the screws. Do the same for Side Piece E.
Step 6—Sand box in the direction of the wood’s grain. Wipe off dust. Cover work area with newspaper. Paint the box, and let it dry. Figure 6
Step 7—See figure 7. Put clothesline through the two holes in the box. Tie a knot close to each end on the outside of the box. Figure 7
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Wood & Nails Tic-Tac-Toe Game Supplies: square piece of wood, wood stain, paintbrush, sandpaper, 9 headless nails, hammer, 2 sets of 5 beads (each set a different color), newspaper Cover work area with newspaper. Sand and stain wood. Pound nails into wood in three rows, leaving 2 inches (5 cm) of nail above wood. Put colored beads on nails.
Tile Mosaic Trivet
Supplies: plywood the desired size of trivet, 4 strips of pine molding to fit around perimeter of trivet, glue, hammer, nails, felt the size of trivet plus molding, paper the size of trivet, drawing charcoal, ceramic tiles, newspaper, safety goggles/glasses, grout, cardboard, damp sponge, fine sandpaper, masking tape, stain, paintbrush; optional: magazines
Glue and nail pine molding to edges of plywood to make a frame. Glue felt to bottom. Sketch a simple design on paper with charcoal, and transfer design to top side of plywood. Place ceramic tiles between layers of newspaper or magazine pages. Wearing goggles, use hammer to break tiles into small pieces. Spread glue on backs of tile pieces and place on design, leaving about 1/8 inch (3 mm) of space between tile fragments. Let dry overnight.
Spread grout over entire mosaic. Use a flat piece of cardboard to force grout into cracks. Scrape surface of mosaic as clean as possible, and wipe with damp sponge. After grout has dried, use sandpaper to remove any remaining grout and make a smooth surface. Place masking tape on mosaic surface where edges meet frame. Cover work area with newspaper. Stain frame, and wipe off excess. Let dry before removing tape.
Tin Ornament Supplies: metal pie plates, nail, hammer, wood or heavy cardboard, marker, paper, scissors, tape, twine or yarn
Cut paper into a circle to match the pie plate. Draw a design (a saying, picture, etc.) on the paper with marker. Tape paper to pie plate. Place wood or several layers of cardboard on table under pie plate. Use nail and hammer to punch holes along the lines of the design into the plate. Punch hole in top of plate, and use twine or yarn to make hanger.
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Wood & Nails Tool Holder Supplies: rectangular piece of plywood, tools to be hung, nails, hammer, labels
Lay tools on plywood to measure distances between them. Hammer nails into plywood at spots appropriate for hanging tools, leaving several inches of nail sticking out. Put a label by each tool’s spot.
Toy Train
Supplies: pine wood scraps; saw; pencil; drill with 17/32 - and 5/8 -inch bits; sandpaper; 1/2-, 1Âź-, 2-, and 21/2-inch (12-mm, 3-cm, 5-cm, 6.25-cm) dowels; ruler; nails; screw hooks and eyes; bright paints; paintbrushes; string; glue; safety goggles/glasses
Flat Car: Cut scrap board into a 5- by 3-inch (13- by 8-cm) rectangle. Mark two spots, 11/2 inches (3.75 cm) from each end (figure 1). Drill each spot using 17/32 -inch bit, about halfway through the board. Cut 1/2-inch (12 mm) dowel into two 21/2 inch (6.25 cm) long pegs. Glue them in holes (figure 2). Figure 1
Holes 11/2" (3.75 cm)
Figure 2
3" (8 cm)
5" (13 cm)
Box Car: Start with a flat car. Cut a 41/2 inch (11.5 cm) long block from 2- by 2-inch (5by 5-cm) wood. On the block, mark in pencil where pegs on flat car would connect to it. Drill holes there with 5/8 -inch bit. Put box on flat car (figure 3).
Figure 3
Tank Car: Start with a flat car. Cut a 2-inch (5-cm) dowel 41/2 inches (11.5 cm) long. Mark where pegs on flat car would connect to it. Drill holes with 5/8 -inch bit. Put tank on flat car (figure 4).
Figure 4
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Wood & Nails Engine: Start with a flat car. Cut a 2-inch dowel 21/2 inches (6.25 cm) long. Cut a 21/2-inch dowel 21/2 inches (6.25 cm) long. Drill so they fit end to end and sit over flat car pegs (figure 5).
Figure 5
Finishing: For wheels, cut slices off 11/4-inch (3-cm) dowel. Drill centers to fit loosely on a small nail. Drive nail through wheel into sides of cars. Add a screw hook at one end of each car and a screw eye at other so train sections can be connected. Cover work area with newspaper. Sand, paint and tie on a pull string.
Wood Plaque Supplies: wood scrap or cross section of tree trunk, sandpaper, woodburning kit, acrylic or shellac spray, paintbrush, old rags, newspaper, two eye hooks, wire Sand wood. Burn a design or phrase into the wood. Put a clear finish on plaque. When plaque is dry, attach hooks and wire to back.
Wooden Welcome Sign
Supplies: seven wooden cutouts of one design, drill, paint, paintbrushes, letter stencils, twine or narrow ribbon, safety goggles/glasses; optional: stain, newspaper
Drill a hole in the top and bottom of each cutout. Cover work area with newspaper. Paint or stain cutouts. Using stencils, paint the letters for WELCOME on cutouts. Tie cutouts together with twine or ribbon.
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Missions Country Flag Supplies: large rectangular piece of paper (or felt), construction paper (or felt), picture of flag of another country, scissors, glue
Using a picture of the flag as a guide, cut paper (or felt) shapes in the colors of the flag. Glue them on the large rectangular piece of paper (or felt).
Culture Scrapbook
Supplies: notebook, pictures of country, items from or about that country (postcards, stamps, maps, newspaper and magazine articles, etc.), glue (or tape), felt tip pen Glue (or tape) the pictures and items to notebook pages. Write in titles, captions and other notes.
Missionary Puppet
Supplies: old sock, 2 small buttons (or wiggle eyes), stuffing, yarn, felt, scissors, glue
Stuff toe of sock with stuffing to form head. Tie yarn around neck to hold stuffing in place and to make a tie or bow. Glue on buttons for eyes. Cut hair out of felt, and glue on. Cut two holes in front of puppet so fingers can extend through them for the puppet’s arms.
Missionary Scrapbook
Supplies: notebook, information about your church missionaries (photos, newsletters, addresses, their favorite colors, their special interests, their birthdays, etc.), pictures and maps of the countries your church missionaries serve in, tape, glue Glue or tape pictures, maps and other items to notebook pages. Write information about the missionaries in the scrapbook.
Missions Mobile
Supplies: four plastic drinking straws, tape, pictures of other cultures or missionaries, scissors, glue, construction paper, needle, thread Tape two straws together end to end to form a long straw. Do the same with the other two straws. Tape the two long straws together to form a cross. Cut construction paper shapes slightly larger than the pictures. Glue a picture to each side of each shape. Using needle and thread, sew through top of a picture shape and end of a straw, leaving a length of thread so the picture hangs. Attach a picture shape in this fashion to each straw end. Tie a length of thread around the center of the cross to hang the mobile.
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Missions Origami Cup Supplies: 6-inch (15-cm) square of thin smooth paper, water
Fold the paper square in half diagonally, forming a triangle, and letter the corners as shown in figure 1. Fold corner A across the triangle, with line CA parallel to bottom of triangle (figure 2). Fold corner B to corner C (figure 3). Fold point D down in front and point E down in back. Pull top open to form watertight cup (figure 4). E
C A
A
B Figure 1
D
C
B
B Figure 2
Figure 3
Figure 4
Piñata Supplies: balloons, cardboard tubes, papier-mâché mix, colored tissue paper, streamers, glue, wrapped candy, string, newspaper
Decide on an animal shape for the piñata (burro, llama, parrot, etc.). Inflate balloons and cut cardboard tubes to make that shape. Cover work area with newspaper. Use papier-mâché to join balloons and tubes, leaving a small opening at the top of the animal. When dry, pop the balloons. Decorate piñata by gluing on tissue paper and streamers. Fill piñata with wrapped candy through the opening at the top. Attach string and hang.
Suitcase
Supplies: manila folder, scissors, tape (or stapler), marker Make a “suitcase” to keep missions papers and information in by tracing and cutting out a handle on folder. Tape (or staple) sides closed. Draw a luggage tag on the suitcase, and fill it in.
Tentmaker Collage
Supplies: paper, magazines, scissors, glue
Cut out pictures from magazines of people doing the kinds of work that tentmakers* do. Arrange pictures on a sheet of paper, and glue.
*Tentmakers are people who go to countries where missionaries are not allowed. They work regular jobs while looking for opportunities to share their faith with people of that country.
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Recipes Basic Bubbles Supplies: ¼ cup (60 ml) dishwashing liquid (grease-cutting type is best), ¾ cup (180 ml) water, 1½ tbsp (22 ml) light corn syrup Mix all ingredients, and let bubbles settle before using.
Colored Pasta
Supplies: 2 cups (1/2 l) macaroni, 2 tbsp (30 ml) rubbing alcohol, food coloring, gallon plastic zipper bag, newspaper Mix 10 drops of food coloring and 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of rubbing alcohol in zipper bag. Add 2 cups (1/2 l) of macaroni. Close bag and mix thoroughly. Remove macaroni from the bag and spread out on newspaper to dry overnight.
Colored Sand
Supplies: clean sand, tempera paints or food coloring, newspaper, containers, spoons
Put sand in several containers. Add a small amount of tempera paint or food coloring, and mix thoroughly. Spread sand out on newspaper to dry, and store in containers.
Finger Paint
Supplies: 1/3 cup (80 ml) powdered laundry starch*, cold water, 2 cups (1/2 l) boiling water, pot, ½ cup (120 ml) soap flakes*, bowls, spoon, food coloring, glossy paper; optional: powdered tempera paint, liquid starch*
Dissolve laundry starch in a little cold water. Add boiling water, and cook until clear, stirring constantly. Add soap flakes, and stir until dissolved. Divide into several bowls, add a little food coloring, and cool. Dip paper into cold water to wet both sides. Lay on surface, and smooth out bubbles. Apply small amounts of paint, and paint with fingers.
Easier variation: Wet the paper, and pour 1-2 tablespoons (15-30 ml) of liquid starch on it. Sprinkle on about 1/2 teaspoon (3 ml) powdered tempera paint. Mix and spread with hands. *check in detergent aisle or online
Invisible Ink
Supplies: baking soda, paintbrushes, blow dryer, cotton swabs, purple grape juice, white paper, measuring spoon, cups
Combine in a cup 1 tablespoon (15 ml) baking soda and 1 tablespoon (15 ml) water. Dip cotton swabs into the mixture and make designs on sheets of white paper. Use a blow dryer to dry.
When papers are completely dry, paint over them with purple grape juice. The designs will become visible.
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Recipes Play Clay Supplies: 1 cup (1/4 l) all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup (120 ml) salt, 1/2 cup (120 ml) very warm tap water, food coloring, container
Mix flour and salt. Pour in water, and stir well. Knead for 5 minutes, adding color as desired. Store in sealed container. Keeps up to a week. Air dry, or bake small or thin pieces at 200o F (100o C) for 2 hours.
Papier-Mâché
Supplies: 1/3 cup (80 ml) white glue, 1/3 cup (80 ml) water, newspaper, paintbrush
Mix glue and water. Tear newspaper into 1- by 6-inch (3- by 15-cm) strips. Brush the glue on the item to be covered, and then put on a paper strip. Smooth strip with fingers. Continue, laying down three to four layers of strips. Let dry for two to three days.
Variations with Powdered Tempera Paint • For textured paint, add salt, sawdust, coffee grounds, sand or rock salt to paint before adding water. Add a little glue to ensure sticking. • Mix dry paint with salt, and pour into a shaker. Shake over wet paper for an interesting color effect. • Make a thin wash by mixing three parts water to one part tempera.
Washable Finger Paint
• For an oil paint effect, add a large dose of liquid detergent to paint. Use paint in large globs. • Add liquid starch (check in detergent aisle or online) to paint to make it thicker. • For a “sand” look, add dry cornmeal to paint. Sprinkle paint over paper painted with thin glue. • Add liquid detergent to paint. Beat with egg beater to make thick, foamy paint.
Supplies: 1 cup (1/4 l) all-purpose flour, 4 cups (1 l) cold water, food coloring, large pot, 3 heat-resistant bowls
In large pot, mix flour with 1 cup (1/4 l) of cold water. When smooth, add 3 more cups (3/4 l) cold water. Cook over medium heat, stirring until mixture thickens and bubbles. Reduce heat and simmer 1 minute more while stirring. Divide into three bowls. Tint with food coloring. Cover and cool.
Washable Window Paint
Supplies: tempera paints (powdered or premixed), clear dishwashing liquid, paper towels, bowls, spoons, masking tape, newspaper
Mix powdered paint with dishwashing liquid until it resembles house paint. (Or mix just a little dishwashing liquid into premixed paint.) Line a window sash with masking tape, and spread newspaper to protect the area. To remove paint or touch up mistakes, wipe paint with a dry paper towel.
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Need some new ideas to help you and your children’s ministry program? Well, we have a few extra pages open at the end of this book and we filled them with fun excerpts from some books we think you will find practical and useful. So turn the page and find out about games, more games, skits and talks that kids relate to….
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Games Galore Get more than 290 games for your children’s ministry! Games include classic, hiking international, get acquainted, relay, races, musical, nature, camping, outdoor, holiday, indoor and noncompetitive. Here’s an idea of games you’ll find…
Water Balloon Sandwich Age-group: Grade 1 and up Number of players: 8 or more
Have players pair up and stand back to back at the starting line. Place a water balloon between their backs. At the signal, each pair heads for the finish line. If the balloon pops or drops, they have to return to the starting line for a replacement.
Bridge of Doom
Age-group: Kindergarten and up Number of players: 6 or more
Construct the Bridge of Doom by placing an 8-foot (2.5 m) 2 x 4 on the ground over an imaginary deep pit. Divide players into two teams and put them at each end of the bridge. The goal is to have the teams change places by crossing the Bridge of Doom using teamwork to keep from falling off. The first two people meet in the middle of the bridge and work together to trade places on the bridge. Other players follow suit. Players who fall go to the back of the line to try again. Play until everyone has successfully crossed the Bridge of Doom. Time teams and play again to see if they can improve their time. Variation: Have two or three people from each team try to cross at the same time. To learn more about these books or to purchase them, visit: www.pioneerclubs.org/resources
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Funtastic Games More than 100 fun games for kids of all ages! This is a great resource to have on hand for fresh game ideas that engage children and keep them active. Here are a few to try‌
Foam Softball
Age-group: Grade 3 and up Number of players: 8 or more
This game is similar to softball. Soak two foam balls in a bucket of water kept near the pitcher’s mound. Keep one ball in the bucket while the other one is being pitched. Divide players into two teams. Instead of using a bat to hit the ball, use a tennis racket. Players get three chances to hit the soaked ball. An out is called after three missed hits or when a player is tagged with a wet foam ball while trying to make it to base.
Bubble Gum Relay
Age-group: Grade 3 and up Number of players: 6 or more
Divide players into teams. Place a piece of bubblegum for each player behind the goal line. At the signal, the first person from each team runs to the bubblegum pile, unwraps a piece, chews it, blows a bubble and then runs back to touch off the next teammate. Have an adult at the goal line to monitor the bubble-blowing efforts. Even little bubbles count.
OR call a ministry consultant at 800-694-CLUB (2582).
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Skits Your kids can show their dramatic flair with this great resource. More than 50 skits cover topics including holidays, Bible stories and just for fun.
Wild West Story
(Divide the AUDIENCE into five groups. Assign each group one motion from the list below. Each time a cue word is read in the story, the NARRATOR pauses while a group makes its motion. Cue words are capitalized.) Cue Words and Motions: HORSES: slap leg once and say, “Giddyup”
STAGECOACH: click tongue to make clip-clop sound
FAIR MISS LILA: place hands on cheeks and say, “My, oh my!” BRAVE CAPTAIN TED: pretend to tip hat, saying, “Howdy-do”
INDIANS: make drumroll by slapping floor (or legs) with hands NARRATOR: It was a hot and sunny day in the frontier town of Dry Gulch. In front of the little post office stood four strong HORSES, hitched up to the STAGECOACH, waiting for FAIR MISS LILA to board. BRAVE CAPTAIN TED stepped gallantly up to the
STAGECOACH door to help FAIR MISS LILA. “Oh, my BRAVE CAPTAIN TED,” exclaimed FAIR MISS LILA, “I am so afraid to make this journey because of the INDIANS.”
“Don’t you worry, FAIR MISS LILA,” responded BRAVE CAPTAIN TED. “This STAGECOACH route has never been attacked by INDIANS. And besides, as
To learn more about these books or to purchase them, visit: www.pioneerclubs.org/resources
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soon as I hear of INDIANS in the area, I will gather my men and my HORSES, and be off to rescue this STAGECOACH quicker than you can wink.”
“Cease and desist!” cried BRAVE CAPTAIN TED. “You shall not harm FAIR MISS LILA!”
Shortly after leaving town, the driver of the STAGECOACH saw in the distance INDIANS on their HORSES riding straight for the STAGECOACH! The driver yelled and slapped the reins, and his strong HORSES broke into a gallop.
BRAVE CAPTAIN TED ceased to look so gallant for just a moment. But he quickly regained his composure and his manners and ordered his men to dismount from their HORSES and shake hands with the INDIANS.
“Oh, my BRAVE CAPTAIN TED,” sighed FAIR MISS LILA as the STAGECOACH rolled off. “You are so strong and gallant.”
“My, oh my!” exclaimed FAIR MISS LILA from inside the STAGECOACH. “Whatever is the matter?” “INDIANS!” called the driver. “I just hope our HORSES are faster than theirs!” But the INDIANS drew closer and closer, though the STAGECOACH tried to outdistance them.
“What are you talking about?” said the chief of the INDIANS. “We’re only trying to warn the STAGECOACH that the bridge is out up ahead!”
So the STAGECOACH driver found another route to travel, BRAVE CAPTAIN TED and his men returned to town, and FAIR MISS LILA sighed, “My heroes!” as the INDIANS galloped off into the distance on their HORSES.
Suddenly a bugle was heard! The STAGECOACH driver looked behind him. He saw the INDIANS gaining on them, but behind them was another group of galloping HORSES. It was BRAVE CAPTAIN TED with his men, come to defend FAIR MISS LILA! The driver pulled his HORSES to a stop, the INDIANS surrounded the STAGECOACH, and BRAVE CAPTAIN TED’s men surrounded the INDIANS.
OR call a ministry consultant at 800-694-CLUB (2582).
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Talks that teach This resource has 40 devotional talks to use at special events. Here’s a sample....
REPORT CARD
Theme: God doesn’t grade you as teachers do Scripture: Romans 3:22-24 Do Ahead: Bring a report card and a newsprint pad and marker. Instead of the references to A’s in the talk, substitute number grades if the schools in your area use them.
OBJECT TALK Teachers come up with grades for your report card (show report card) by adding up scores from things like tests. Let’s say on one math test you get 8 out of 10 problems right. Write “8 out of 10” on the newsprint pad. What grade do you think you deserve? Write kids’ response(s). On the next test you get 2 out of 10 problems right. Write “2 out of 10.” What grade do you think you deserve? Write response(s). On the next test you get 9 out of 10 right. Write “9 out of 10.” What grade do you think you should get now? Write response(s). An 8, a 2, and a 9. What grade do you think you should get on your report card? Let kids make suggestions. Write them on the newsprint.
It can be tough figuring out grades, especially when you think you deserve a better one than you got. BIBLE TALK What if God gave grades? Write “GOD?” on the newsprint. His reward is not a report card (show report card), but eternal life—life that lasts forever. What grades do you need to get eternal life?
To learn more about these books or to purchase them, visit: www.pioneerclubs.org/resources
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God doesn’t count your math or English grades (cross out grades). But what if He graded in other areas, such as how often you are kind or show patience or accept people you don’t like? Okay…let’s say you were kind 9 times out of 10 when you talked to your little brother last week. What grade do you think you deserve? Just think, if you were kind 90 percent of the time, you might get an A from God! But God’s grading system is very different. To have eternal life, you must score 100 percent in every area of your life all your life long (under GOD write “100% ALWAYS”). Pretty tough, huh? The fact is that no one can do that—we all will fail. Read Romans 3:23. But there’s good news. Jesus earned all those straight A’s of life for you and He’s giving them to you as a free gift. Write “JESUS A+.” Read Romans 3:22-24.
TALK TO GOD Dear God, we realize we can’t earn eternal life because we’ll just never be good enough. We have done wrong things and not always obeyed You. Thank You for offering us forgiveness and the free gift of eternal life. In Jesus’ name, amen.
TALKING POINTS (optional) • Discuss salvation in more depth. • Pray a prayer for salvation that kids can repeat silently or softly after you if it says what they want to say to Jesus.
God doesn’t really give out report cards (hold up report card). But He does offer you life forever through Jesus Christ (hold up Bible). To accept His free gift, you have to admit to Him that you can’t earn it yourself. Ask Him to be your Savior and Lord. He’ll give you eternal life, which means He’ll be your special friend forever!
OR call a ministry consultant at 800-694-CLUB (2582).
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Kids love to make things! Easy to Make Projects is filled with more than 200 projects and activities that are fun for kids and great for teaching them new skills. And when they’re done, they’ll have something special to show family and friends.
Most of the projects use ordinary materials that can be found anywhere—fabric, paper, clay, paint and wood. But some introduce children to unfamiliar materials like carbon paper and liquid starch. Plans for puppets, candles, games, ornaments, bookmarks and more can be found in Easy to Make Projects. You’ll have hours of fun with these low-cost ideas. Kids will love them—and you will, too!
2723 PO Box 788 | Wheaton, IL 60187-0788 | www.pioneerclubs.org | 800.694.CLUB (2582)