Hip Craft Projects for Your Teenage Daughter

Teenage girls love to express themselves through the clothing and accessories they wear. And many of them also enjoy decorating their rooms. So if you want to get your teenage daughter interested in crafting, all it usually takes is a project that fits in with those activities.

Creating hip clothing, accessories and room décor is a hobby for many teenagers. And it's one that they can participate in no matter what their skill level. Here are some projects your teenage daughter will find irresistible.

* Friendship bracelets – These tokens of friendship were originally made by Native Americans. Today, they're a favorite project of teens and preteens. They can be made out of yarn or embroidery floss, and patterns range from extremely simple to highly detailed. And since they are small, they make great projects to work on in the car or on the bus.

* Embellishing clothing – If your teenager has clothes that still fit but just don't fit with her style any more, she might enjoy changing them up a bit. She could remove the pockets of jeans and sew on new ones in a different fabric, add new sleeves to an old shirt, or add jewels to spruce up any article of clothing. Such projects do not require a great deal of sewing skill, so they're ideal for beginners.

* Knitting – Knit accessories, from scarves to purses, are all the rage these days. And you don't have to know everything there is to know about knitting to create them. You can make a nice scarf with just one or two simple stitches, and envelope purses are nearly as simple.

* Dream catchers – Here's another Native American craft that teens love. Dream catchers add a beautiful decorative touch to any room. You can find kits that include the instructions and everything needed to make them in craft shops. Or you can find free instructions online and buy the materials yourself. Either way, this is a great project for you and your teen to work on together.

* Lip balm – If there's one thing that almost every teenage girl enjoys, it's make-up. And making your own lip balm is very easy and inexpensive. All you need is a small empty tub, some petroleum jelly and some Kool Aid or other flavoring.

* CD crafts – Most teens have some old CDs lying around that they've either scratched or gotten tired of listening to. These can be used to make some great crafts such as clocks, lamps and coasters.

* Your teenage daughter may also enjoy making pretty things with silk painting for her room or for her to wear. Have a look at: Silk Painting Is Fun for some ideas.

These crafts are great for any teenage girl to create for herself or to give as gifts. They also present an opportunity for you and your daughter to do something together. If you can pique her interest, you might help her discover a hobby that she will enjoy for years to come.

Squiggles: A Really Giant Drawing and Painting Book

The Squiggles: A Really Giant Drawing and Painting Book was written by Taro Gomi, who is also the author of over 350 children’s books, including the very popular Scribbles and Doodles. Squiggles: A Really Giant Drawing and Painting Book is a coloring book with a difference. It invites kids of all ages to draw, paint and use their imagination.

It comes with fun instructions that inspire kids to keep painting and drawing. The kids essentially create the pages with their own artistic expressions and imagination. The coloring book is organized under different themes, including Time to Eat, Ocean Voyage and Adventures and others. Every page has a basic outline with drawing prompts at the top of each page. Whether finishing incomplete pictures, adding details to scenes or drawing and painting on blank pages, there is something fun for everybody. 

This is a fun filled Squiggles: A Really Giant Drawing and Painting Book designed for all ages. It will bring endless enjoyment and artistic freedom. A fantastic gift for any child and even an adult.

Leapfrog Tag Reader - Hours Of Fun

With a Leapfrog Tag Reader your kid will have hours of fun learning to read. The Leapfrog Tag Reader is easy to use and your kid will get the hang of it very soon and he or she will not be able to wait before they go off on their own to read.

By using an amazing touch technology the leapfrog tag reader makes learning to read an exciting experience as words talk, pictures sing and stories live out loud. There are more than 20 books and games available for the Leapfrog Tag Reader, so you will be able to keep your kid happily reading for a long time!

With the Leapfrog Tag Reader kids will not even know they are learning! Whilst having a lot of fun, your kid's vocabulary and phonics skills increase in a playful manner. Your kid's comprehension of what he or she is reading also increases in an easy way with the Leapfrog Tag Reader.

The Leapfrog Tag Reader is designed for kids four to eight years of age. The "pen" fits into little hands perfectly and you cannot believe that there is actually a little camera in it!

Even though it appears small, the Leapfrog Tag Reader holds enough memory for up to five books at a time. Imagine a long drive with the kids happily occupied! Well, that need not be a dream with the Leapfrog Tag Reader.

This is also the ideal toy to get your kid if you do homeschooling. Imagine how much time you can save by letting your kid get on with it on his or her own!

So, Go and have a look at the Leapfrog Tag Reader now!

Make Your Own Dreidel Out of Recycled Milk Cartons

Dreidels are toys that are often seen on Hanukkah. They are similar to tops, but they are created for the purpose of playing a traditional Jewish game. Here's how to make your own dreidel out of a milk carton, and how to play the game.

What You Need

• Small, empty paper milk or juice carton
• Masking tape
• Kitchen knife or sharp-tipped scissors
• Light blue acrylic paint
• Small paintbrush
• Sharpened pencil
• Styrofoam ball
• White craft glue
• Loose gold glitter
• Newspaper (to cover work area)
• Pie pan
  

Instructions

1. Rinse out the milk or juice carton and dry thoroughly. Close the spout, and secure it with a small piece of masking tape.

2. Use the kitchen knife or scissors to poke one hole in the top of the container and one in the bottom, each as close to the center as possible. (If a child is doing this project, the adult should do this part.)

3. Paint all four sides of the milk carton with the blue paint. Let dry. While you're waiting, clean the paintbrush thoroughly.

4. Squeeze some glue out onto the newspaper. Using the paintbrush, spread a layer of it evenly onto the bottom of the milk carton. Then hold it over the pie plate and sprinkle with glitter. Tap to remove the excess. Repeat with the top of the carton, including the indentations on the side, and let dry.

5. Use the paintbrush to write the Yiddish letter Nun in glue on one side of the carton. Hold the carton over the pie plate, sprinkle with glitter, and tap to remove the excess. Repeat on the other sides, using the letters Hay, Gimel and Shin. Let dry.

6. Insert the eraser end of the pencil into the styrofoam ball. Use the paintbrush to cover it with a uniform layer of paint, sprinkle with glitter and shake off the excess. Let dry. Clean the paintbrush thoroughly so that no glue dries in it.

7. Insert the pencil into the bottom of the milk carton.

How to Play

The Dreidel game is played in groups of four. Each player should be given the same amount of pennies or candy, known as gelt. Some gelt should also be put in the “pot.” Then the players take turns spinning the dreidel. If it lands on Nun, nothing happens. If it lands on Hay, the player receives half of the amount in the pot. If it lands on Gimel, he gets everything in the pot. If it lands on Shin, the player must put one penny or piece of candy in the pot.

Potato Printing Fun

Potatoes are a favorite vegetable for many kids. Most love French fries and potato chips, but healthier preparations such as mashed and boiled potatoes are also popular. But potatoes aren’t just tasty. They can also be lots of fun.

Did you know that spuds make great artistic tools? It’s easy to make stamps out of raw potatoes. Kids large and small love to create their own unique stamps. Here’s how.

What You Need

• Raw potatoes
• Sharp knife
• Pencil
• Construction paper or card stock (optional)
• Scissors
• Paper towel
• Newspaper
• Saucers
• Paint

Instructions

1. Cut potatoes in half widthwise.

2. Have kids make shapes on the inner part of each piece of potato. Small children can draw shapes on construction paper or card stock, cut them out, and trace them onto a potato with a pencil. Older kids can carve directly onto the potato if they like, with a sharp pencil or knife and adult supervision.

3. Have an adult carve all around the shape so that it is about ¼ to ½ inch higher than the rest of the potato.

4. Place the stamp surface on a paper towel to absorb excess moisture before using.

5. Cover the work area with newspapers. Put paint in saucers, dip the potato stamps into it, and make prints. You could also use an ink pad, or color the design with a marker and stamp it.

Potato prints can be used in a wide variety of projects. Here are some ideas.

* Use potato stamps to paint designs on walls. Kids can create a whimsical border with their home-made potato stamps.

* Create unique clothing designs. Potato stamps and fabric paint can easily spruce up a plain t-shirt or pair of jeans. They also work very well on canvas sneakers.

* Make limited edition wood furniture. Potato stamp designs go great on unfinished pieces, as well as those that are painted a solid color.

* Make your own stationery. Use ink pads in different colors to make designs on a plain notepad or loose sheets of paper. This makes a thoughtful and inexpensive gift.

* Design your own gift wrap. Just stamp designs onto solid colored gift wrap, craft paper or plain white paper.

* Use potato stamps to decorate greeting cards. They’re great for making uniform borders and patterns.

* Make plaques. Stamp designs onto premade plaques found in craft stores, or use scrap wood from other projects.

Potato printing is an easy and inexpensive project for kids. It’s also a simple way for adults to create their own stamps. If you have some potatoes and a knife, you can create any kind of stamp that you can imagine.

Make Your Own Playdough, Paint and Other Craft Materials – Easy Recipes to Use With Young Children

Make Your Own Playdough, Paint and Other Craft Materials is a book full of recipes for art materials, including playdough, paint, glitter and other crafty materials. By using ingredients from your own kitchen, you’ll save money. The recipes use non-toxic ingredients so that children can be involved in the making of the materials, which is fun and educational.

The recipes include more than 20 different playdough recipes, including cooked and non-cooked playdough, scented dough, cinnamon dough, salt dough, nature’s playdough, bumpy textured dough, sawdust dough and many more. It also gives ideas on how to use playdough with children and what they learn from using it.

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Other recipes include homemade clay recipes, paint recipes, paste and glue recipes and goop and glob recipes. Ideas on how to make discovery bottles, i.e. glitter bottle, rain bottle, bubble bottle are also provided. You can read up on recipes for papier-mâché, bath salts, perfume, invisible ink, various bubble recipes, sidewalk chalk, art gems, flower transfers, suncatchers and tips on creatively using chalk and bubbles.

This book is a super way of spending less on art supplies and at the same time having tons of fun with your children. The kids will love to be involved in the process of making the material, they will learn to measure, learn about science and the effects of various materials and will be able to experiment with texture, scent and different colorings.

Make Your Own Playdough, Paint and Other Craft Materials – Easy Recipes to Use With Young Children

How to Create Beautiful Leaf Prints

The great outdoors holds many treasures that we can use in crafting. Flowers, pine cones and rocks can be used as the basis for many crafts, and they also make lovely accents. Even simple leaves can add a nice touch to our projects.

Leaf prints can bring a hint of nature to the most sophisticated of crafts. Yet they’re so easy to do, even children can create them expertly. Here are two simple ways to capture the beautiful intricacies of leaves.

Leaf Rubbings

Supplies

* Paper
* Leaves
* Crayons

Instructions

1. Lay a pretty leaf flat on the table, with the veins facing upward.
2. Lay a piece of paper on top of the leaf, positioning it so that the leaf is where you want its impression to be.
3. Peel the wrapper off of a crayon in the desired color. Holding the paper down around the leaf, gently rub the side of the crayon over the paper on top of the leaf.

4. Reposition the leaf, or place another type of leaf under the paper and repeat with a different color. Continue to create a pattern, or just make rubbings at random to complete your work of art.

Painted Leaf Prints

Supplies

* Paper, poster board, card stock or fabric
* Leaves
* Paint (acrylic, tempera or fabric, depending on the material you’re working on)
* Paintbrush or sponge
* Newspaper
* Paper towels

Instructions

1. Lay the leaf on top of the newspaper, with the veins facing upward.
2. Use the paintbrush or sponge to thoroughly apply paint to the leaf. Alternatively, you could simply put some paint on the newspaper and dip the leaf into it.
3. Carefully lift the leaf off of the newspaper, and place it paint side down onto the material you want to make a print on.
4. Place a paper towel over the leaf and press down gently but firmly.
5. Remove the paper towel, and peel the leaf off of the material, taking care not to tear it.
6. Repeat to create prints of the same leaf in the same color. Let dry.
7. Use a new leaf for each different color, and let each new color dry before adding another one.

There are also other ways to create leaf prints. Pressing leaves onto ink pads and then onto paper is a simple way to make them. It’s also possible to make imprints of leaves on clay by gently pressing the leaf into it. These techniques present all sorts of crafting possibilities.

Leaf prints are simple enough for toddlers to create with little assistance. They make wonderful rainy day projects on their own, or they can be used to enhance all kinds of crafts. So if you’re looking for some inspiration from nature, look no further than that tree in your back yard.

Ten Easy Knitting Ideas for Children

 Ten Easy Knitting Ideas For Children:

Knitting is often viewed as an activity for elderly ladies. But young adults have taken quite an interest in it as well, knitting fashionable sweaters and funky scarves for themselves and their friends and families. And did you know that knitting is a wonderful activity for kids, too?

Children tend to become bored easily, and knitting is a very effective remedy. During car trips or while waiting for dinner, kids can occupy themselves by knitting. It helps them develop longer attention spans and improves their fine motor skills, and most kids find it enjoyable and relaxing.


There are many simple knitting projects that kids can do. Here are ten ideas:

1. Bookmarks 

You can quickly and easily create a yarn bookmark by finger knitting. This is a great first project, as it requires no needles and no fancy stitches. All kids have to do is make a row of stitches.

2. Scarves 

Simple scarves are among the easiest knitting projects. Using one color and the basic stitch, this provides excellent practice for young knitters. And the finished product makes a useful accessory for your child, or could be given as a gift to a grandparent or other family member to cherish for years to come.

3. Belts 

Knitting a belt is very similar to knitting a scarf. The main difference is that it’s not as wide. Just knit a rectangle long enough to go around the waist and tie, and you’re done.

4. Squares 

Knitted squares can be used in a variety of projects. If you need some for something you’re working on, let your child make them. This is a great way to practice making nice, even stitches that aren’t too tight.

5. Bean bags 

A basic bean bag is easy to make out of two knitted squares. And if your child is interested in sewing, it provides an opportunity to practise that as well. Just have your child knit two squares of the same size, sew them together on three sides, put some beans in an old stocking and insert it in the bag. Sew the fourth side up, and it’s all done!

6. Coasters 

Knitted squares can be used as coasters. Your child can knit up a set to use at home or give as a gift. If she would like to try a different shape, patterns can be found online and in beginners’ knitting books.

7. Dishcloths 

Knitted dishcloths are great for getting those stubborn plates clean. And they make wonderful projects for young knitters. The broken rib pattern is a good choice for this project, and it’s an easy new stitch pattern to introduce to kids.

8. Envelope purses 

An envelope purse is very easy for kids to make. Just knit a large rectangle, fold it together leaving a flap at the top, and sew the sides together. Add a knitted strap, and you have a stylish new bag.

9. Baby bibs 

If there’s a baby in the family, big sisters, brothers or cousins will jump at the chance to make something for him. Knitting a baby bib can be as easy as stitching a large square and a cord, then sewing the cord on.


10. Animals 

Knitting stuffed animals is a good way to introduce shapes to kids. They can knit two simple animal shapes, sew them on all sides but one, stuff and finish for a cute new toy.

Enjoy  these Easy Knitting Ideas For Children

Five Safety Tips for Children Learning to Sew

If you enjoy sewing, chances are good that your child has expressed interest in your hobby. The thought of our kids with sharp scissors and needles makes most parents cringe, but we don’t want to discourage their interest in a useful and rewarding pursuit, either.

Sewing is great for building fine motor skills and math skills, and sewing itself is a skill that everyone can use at some point in life.

With proper safety precautions, kids can start learning to sew at a young age. While it doesn’t make much sense to let a three-year old loose with a sewing machine, even young kids can get started with the right tools and close supervision.

Here are five safety tips to remember when dealing with budding tailors and seamstresses:

1. Use age-appropriate supplies.

Sewing scissors are too sharp and too large for young hands, and regular sewing needles present a laundry list of dangers. Let your child work with safety scissors and a plastic needle. If you give him a loosely knit, porous fabric, they will work just fine.

2. Watch your child closely, especially during the first few attempts.

For the youngest children, swallowing small parts such as needles and spools of thread is a concern. And even safety scissors could cut little hands. Until your child gets the hang of things, careful supervision is of the utmost importance.

3. Maintain strict control over the sewing machine.

Children younger than eight years old probably don’t have the motor skills and good judgment to attempt machine sewing. At eight years of age, it’s up to the parent to decide whether the child is ready. If you feel that she is, provide plenty of guidance and stay right with her while she makes those first stitches.

4. Make sure the sewing machine is secured and inoperable when you’re not around.

Put the needle and pressure foot down when done sewing, cover the machine and turn it off. You may even want to unplug it as an added precaution. Kids who are curious about sewing might try to use the machine when you’re not around, and if it’s not properly secured, they could be seriously injured.

5. Keep scissors, needles and pins put up and out of kids’ reach when not in use.

These things create a temptation for young, unsupervised kids as well. It’s also wise to keep a magnetic pin cushion in case of spillage.

Encouraging your child’s interest in sewing may help him develop a lifelong interest in the hobby.

This could serve him well when he’s older. He might decide to sew clothes for his own family, saving lots of money in the process. Or he could be a future fashion designer!

Home Crafts For Kids - Three Home-Made Playdough Recipes

Home Crafts For Kids - Three Home-Made Playdough Recipes

Playdough is a favorite artistic medium of kids everywhere. This is why it makes the ideal example for home crafts for kids.  Parents love it because it encourages creativity and provides a fun, quiet indoor activity. Another reason why it is the ideal example of home crafts for kids. Playdough can be used over and over again if kept in its container, or kids can let their creations dry and keep them.

You can find playdough in almost any store that sells toys. But it’s also very cheap and easy to make. You probably have everything you need to make at least one type of playdough in your kitchen cupboard. Some recipes are even edible. Here are three fun and simple ways to make playdough.

1. Authentic Playdough

Ingredients

• 1 cup flour
• 1 cup water
• 1 tbsp. oil
• 1 tbsp. powdered alum
• ½ cup salt
• 2 tbsp. vanilla
• Food coloring
  

Instructions

1. Mix dry ingredients together thoroughly in saucepan.
2. Add oil and water.
3. Cook at medium heat, stirring constantly. It’s done when it has a consistency similar to that of mashed potatoes.
4. Remove the dough from heat and stir in vanilla and food coloring. Work the color in by kneading the dough.
5. When completely cooled, store in an airtight container. This dough will keep for at least two months.

This home-made playdough has a look and feel very similar to the store-bought kind. It is not intended to be eaten, but is not toxic to humans.

2. Peanut Butter Playdough

Ingredients

• 3 ½ cups creamy peanut butter
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 4 cups powdered milk
• 3 ½ cups corn syrup
  

Instructions

1. Combine ingredients in a bowl. Mix thoroughly.
2. Place the dough onto wax paper and model with it. When the kids are through playing, they can eat it.

Tip: For more edible fun, use sprinkles and candies to decorate creations made with peanut butter playdough.

3. Kool Aid Playdough

Ingredients

• 3 cups flour
• ½ cup salt
• 2 packages of unsweetened Kool Aid
• 2 cups water
  

Instructions

1. Boil water.
2. While the water is heating, combine dry ingredients in a bowl. Add boiling water and stir.
3. Knead the dough on a floured board. Add small amounts of flour until you reach the desired consistency.
4. When completely cool, store in a tightly covered container.

This playdough will last a few months if stored properly, and it has a wonderful scent.

Making playdough with the kids is a fun rainy day project. It’s a great way to get them involved in cooking, and the finished product can provide hours more of fun. And recipes such as the one for peanut butter playdough serve yet another purpose: they make a delicious snack! So when your child runs out of playdough, don’t run to the store. Just head to the kitchen! so, finally, because it is always available, it is yet another reason why it is the ideal example of home crafts for kids,
 

Homemade Kids Crafts - How to Make Colorful Pasta Jewelry

Homemade Kids Crafts - How to Make Colorful Pasta Jewelry

When it comes to homemade kids crafts using craft supplies from the cupboard, few things are as cheap and versatile as pasta. Kids have probably been making art out of noodles since noodles were invented. One of the most popular uses for them is jewelry making.

The macaroni necklace, as an example of homemade kids crafts, is a perennial favorite of the younger set. It's easy to make and fun to give as a gift for any occasion. Kids can color the noodles with food coloring to make a lovely piece. This makes a great rainy day project or an inexpensive birthday party craft for small children. Here's how to do it.

Supplies

• Macaroni or other stringable pasta
• Rubbing alcohol
• Food coloring
• Small food storage bowls with lids
• Spoon
• Paper towels
• Fishing line or dental floss

Instructions

1. Pour just enough rubbing alcohol into a bowl to cover the amount of pasta you wish to color. Add enough food coloring to create the desired shade and stir.

2. Pour pasta into the alcohol mixture. Cover and let sit for about 15 minutes.

3. Drain alcohol mixture off of pasta. Lay out paper towels in a safe place, and spread pasta out on them to dry. Let sit for a few hours to ensure that the dye does not come off when handled.

4. Cut a piece of fishing line or dental floss long enough to make a necklace that can be put on over the head. String on pasta in alternating colors.

5. Tie ends of string together securely.

Tips

* Use pasta that is as light in color as possible. Pasta with yellow coloring will not turn out exactly the same color as the dye.

* If you prefer not to dye the pasta, use pasta that is already colored.

* Try using different shapes and sizes of pasta for variety.

* Add some Cheerios or other O-shaped foods to your necklace as accents.

* For a more refined look, add some clay or plastic beads.

* For a bracelet or anklet, substitute elastic string for the fishing line or dental floss.

* For darker color, leave the noodles in the coloring solution overnight. Keep in mind, however, that they will take longer to dry.

* Try painting the pasta. Use a thin paintbrush and poster paint to add designs or lettering.

* Make some pasta earrings to go with your necklace, bracelet or anklet. Just poke a small hole at the top of two pieces of pasta, and add an ear wire to each to make a unique pair of dangle earrings.

* Keep in mind that pasta jewelry won't last forever. It will eventually break or start looking shabby. The good news is that it's easy to make more.

Well, enjoy these homemade kids crafts ideas!

Halloween Kids Crafts - How to Make a Halloween Handprint Spider

Halloween is a time of fun costumes, candy and ghost stories. And what would it be without spooky decorations? Scary stuff hanging around the house sets the mood for the holiday much like decorated trees and mistletoe set the mood for Christmas.

Spiders aren't supernatural creatures like ghosts or goblins, but they are pretty scary. Yet they are not too scary for the little ones. Plus, spider crafts provide an opportunity to learn about living things.

Here is a cute and fun spider decoration for preschoolers to make. In fact, it's easy enough for even toddlers to do with a little assistance. It makes a great decoration to put on your front door or window to greet trick or treaters!

What You Need

*Card stock or construction paper (any color but black)
*Black tempera or poster paint
*Paintbrush
*Googly eyes
*Glue

Instructions

1. Using the paintbrush, paint your child's palm and all fingers except the thumb with black paint.

2. Have your child press his or her hand down firmly on the paper.

3. Paint the child's other hand in the same manner.

4. Have your child press that hand down on the paper, overlapping the first handprint and making sure the fingers are across from the ones in the original print. This will form the spider's body.

5. Have your child use the paintbrush or his or her fingers to paint any areas of the spider's body that are not filled in. Let the paint dry.

6. Glue on googly eyes. Let dry.

Tips

Cover the work area with newspapers. This project could get messy!

If you prefer, you could use black construction paper and a different color of paint.

If you want a spider cutout, trace the child's hand (minus the thumb) onto a piece of construction paper. Place the other hand so that it overlaps the first handprint, trace all but the thumb, and cut around the edges. Glue on googly eyes, punch a hole in the top, and hang up with a piece of string.

Your child might like to use paint in a different color to add a mouth and/or nose.

To really make the spider stand out, let the paint dry completely and embellish with glitter glue or metallic paint. Or you could glue on some pom poms or stick on some stickers.

To add to the educational aspect of this project, find a book or website that has lots of pictures of different kinds of spiders to look at with your child. Then encourage him to make a spider that looks like his favorite one.

Have fun with this, one of the many Halloween Kids Crafts! You can also go and have a look Easy Pumpkin Painting.

Craft Idea for a Group: Make a Mural - Even A Halloween Mural

Make a mural, in any theme you want. For Halloween you can use a Halloween theme as part of your Halloween decorations.

Most craft ideas are geared to individuals, whether kids or adults. Sometimes you'd like to have a craft idea that works for a group of kids working together. Making a mural together is an idea that works for a group. By working together, you are creating something to decorate a shared area.

Individual crafts can be displayed, but one unique item is often more effective than a group of items that are almost identical. In addition, sometimes kids' crafts like it or not, just become clutter when they are taken home, and it isn't long before Mom throws it out. This craft idea of making a group mural can be displayed for several weeks and will not become clutter in anyone's home.

The basic materials for a kids' group mural is freezer paper. Freezer paper is about 18 inches wide, and it is very tough. One side is plastic coated. That is the side that is designed to be placed against the food. You will have better luck drawing on and gluing things onto the other side.

Class or group murals can feature a number of different design elements:

• You can mix up some finger paint and let the children make hand prints (or even foot prints!) on the paper.
• You can let them scour old cast-off magazines and color catalogs for pictures they like and let them cut the pictures out and glue them on.
• They can add scribbles, designs, signatures, slogans, or pictures using markers, crayons, or gel pens.
• They can attach stickers to the mural as well. This craft idea is very flexible!

For making the mural, choose a topic that relates to the group in some way. If the group are girl scouts, for instance, and have been learning to camp, the mural can feature pictures of items related to camping. If you've been learning about dinosaurs, you can use them as a theme.

Here is an idea that is very suitable for a Halloween theme:

If you want a really messy project that makes a cute mural for fall, mix up finger paint in fall colors. The children can each make a tree by first laying their forearm in brown paint. Then they lay their arm on the paper to make the trunk of the tree. They should spread out their fingers so their arm print has five short branches at the top.

To make the leaves, the children make fingerprints all around the top of the tree using paints in other fall colors. If you add a few drops of dishwashing detergent to finger paint when mixing it up, it will be easier to clean off the children's arms. Do make sure they have old clothes or smocks for this craft idea.

Little preschoolers will like making a mural with an animal theme. You should probably find and cut out animal magazine pictures to start with, and then let the children choose the ones they like for gluing down.

Glue sticks are neat to use with small children. They will paste some of the pictures upside down. Expect it and do not scold them. It is the process that is important in this craft idea. The children can also use animal cookie cutters dipped in finger paint to stamp animals on the mural, too. You may need to tape the paper to the table so it doesn't slide around while the children work.

As Halloween Id approaching you can of course use a Halloween theme for these murals.

How to Carve Your First Pumpkin

So you’re ready to carve your first pumpkin? Congratulations in joining the ranks of many who rank pumpkin carving as one of their favorite Halloween activities. To avoid a huge mess you’ll have to clean up later, the first thing you’ll need to do is prepare your workspace.

Choosing Your Pumpkin Carving Space

Select a flat work area. Lay down several layers of newspaper being sure to overlap them.

Gather Your Supplies

• Pumpkin
• Pumpkin Carving Kit or Butcher Knife & Serrated Paring Knife
• Permanent Marker
• Container lined with a garbage bag to deposit your waste
• Lighting Source of Your Choice (Candle, glow sticks, etc.)

Preparing Your Pumpkin for Carving

Turn your pumpkin on its side. Using your permanent marker, draw a large circle on the bottom of the pumpkin. Be sure it’s large enough to fit a large spoon and your hand inside. By cutting out the bottom (instead of the top) you’ll make it easier to place your light source in it. Using your large butcher knife carefully cut out the circle. Make note of the best side for carving your chosen design or face.

Let the Fun Begin

It’s time to clean out your pumpkin. Using your hands, scoop out the seeds and put them in the garbage bag, unless you want to put them in a bowl for later roasting. Using either a wooden spatula or serving spoon, scrape out the meat. Hopefully you have already decided on which side you will be carving the face, as this will need extra removal of the flesh.

Draw Your Design

After the pumpkin has been cleaned out, it is time to draw the design of your choice. Use a semi-permanent marker or a pencil and draw your design on the pumpkin.

If you don’t have an artistic mind it’s ok. You can use a stencil available on several Internet sites or one that may have come in your tool kit. Take a copy of the design and place it over the pumpkin. Secure this with masking tape. With a needle, push pin or nail, start poking small holes through the paper and into the pumpkin. Make sure you do them close enough as this is the pattern from which you will carve.

It’s Finally Time to Carve

Preparation pays off. Now, let’s get carving this pumpkin. Be particular in your carving as any little slip with the knife is likely to ruin your design and may cause injury. With your paring knife or other preferred choice of carving tool, carve along the pattern lines cutting all the way through the rind. Cut away from yourself and into the pumpkin. After each feature has been cut out slowly push out the cut pieces from inside the pumpkin.

Hint: Keep your blades as sharp as possible to ensure accuracy and ease of carving.

Clean Up

Take your newspaper and fold it over on all sides, keeping your pumpkin “gunk” on the inside. Once folded, throw it in the trash can or garbage bag.

Congratulations! You’ve now carved your first pumpkin. Once you’ve finished and cleaned up the mess, place that baby out on the front porch and add your lighting. Show it off for the entire neighborhood to see. Don’t forget to take a picture too – after all you only have a first carved pumpkin once. Enjoy!

If you feel pumpkin carving is a little dangerous for the kids, why not do pumpkin painting instead? Kids love it and there are now sharp knives around! Easy Pumpkin Painting has all the info, templates and more that you need.

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If you are looking for more Halloween Crafts, you will find some very good ones at Fun Kids Crafts.

Fun Kids Crafts - Colorful Pom-Poms for Your Cheerleader Party

Even though this craft is for a party, there is no reason why you cannot invent a party in order to have the kids make them!

Birthday parties with a cheerleader theme are lots of fun. They encourage the honoree and guests to run, jump and play, creating their own cheers and acrobatics. Cheerleading outfits are not necessary, as any comfortable clothing will do just fine. But there is one thing that every aspiring cheerleader needs: pom-poms.

You can find inexpensive plastic pom-poms at most discount stores. But did you know that you can make them at home for next to nothing? With a few simple supplies, you can quickly whip up enough pom-poms for a cheerleading party. And best of all, you can use any colors you like.

Supplies

* Tissue paper in two or more colors
* Scissors
* Dowels or popsicle sticks
* Vinyl tape


Instructions

1. Place four sheets of tissue paper on top of one another. Fold them in half widthwise.

2. Starting at the open end, cut inch-wide strips through all layers. Stop about an inch from the fold so that the strips stay together at the folded end.

3. Starting at either folded corner, roll the edge of the tissue paper around the end of a dowel or popsicle stick. Roll all the way to the other folded corner. Tape the tissue paper securely to the dowel or popsicle stick with vinyl tape.

4. Place four more sheets of tissue paper on top of one another, and fold in half widthwise.

5. Repeat steps two and three, rolling this tissue paper around the first.

6. Repeat the process to make a nice, fluffy pom-pom.


For best results, alternate two or more colors. You could use the birthday girl's favorite colors, or school colors. You could even use up to eight different colors to make rainbow pom-poms.

If you want fuller pom-poms, just keep adding layers of tissue paper. You can use as many as you like, as long as you can still tape them to the handle.

Miniature pom-poms also make great party favors, and they are very quick and easy to make. Simply arrange pieces of basket stuffing in the desired colors together, and make a handle by tightly wrapping a small amount of vinyl tape around them. Trim the stuffing even with one end of the tape, and trim to about an inch long on the other side. If the handle is too long, trim to the desired length. Attach safety pins to make pom-pom pins, or leave as-is for decorative use. These also make great doll accessories.

These projects make great party favors. They also work well as crafts for party attendees. Provide lots of different colors of tissue paper and/or basket stuffing so that each child can make her own unique set of pom-poms.

Do go and have a look at the Fun Kids Crafts Ebook

The Importance of Art and Self-Expression in Toddlers

The Importance of Art and Self-Expression in Toddlers

The toddler years are full of discovery for a child. Not only is she learning about the world around her, she’s also learning about herself.

One of the most discussed aspects of toddlerhood is how children learn to use words to convey their thoughts and feelings. But children also learn to express themselves in other ways during the early years.

One of the most intriguing ways that youngsters express themselves is through art. If you hand a young child a crayon and a piece of paper, she will almost certainly start scribbling away contentedly. While this may not look like art to an adult, it’s fascinating to young minds.

Toddlers are not consciously aware of color co-ordination and spatial relationships. But art can give them a sense of these things. And this is only the beginning.

Some of the many benefits of art for toddlers include:

* Art boosts a child’s confidence. Even monochromatic scribbles on a piece of paper give kids a sense of accomplishment, because they've created something that wasn’t there before. And as they progress toward using multiple colors and forming recognizable shapes, they gain even more confidence.

* Artistic activities are soothing. Being a toddler can be frustrating, and participating in a quiet activity provides a chance to calm down. Art takes a child’s mind off of the source of frustration and channels it into something enjoyable and productive.

* Art lengthens a child’s attention span. The simple act of putting crayon to paper or squeezing a ball of clay requires a child to pay attention to what she’s doing. And while toddlers tend to spend most of their waking hours on the run, art can keep them sitting still for several minutes at a time. As their skills develop, so will their attention spans.

* Art builds motor skills. Holding a crayon, finger painting, squeezing and flattening clay or play dough, and gluing shapes onto paper all require kids to use their hand muscles in different ways. Such activities also promote hand-eye coordination.

* Creative activities promote abstract thinking. When a child takes an idea and puts it on paper or models it in play dough, she is creating a physical representation of something that exists in her mind. Learning to use this type of thinking early will help your child learn more efficiently throughout life.

Self-expression is a critical part of every child’s development. Speech can help toddlers convey what they’re thinking and feeling, but it can hardly keep up with their constantly evolving brains.

Art provides another much-needed outlet for budding young minds, and at the same time it teaches important skills. It’s also lots of fun for them. With all of these benefits, it’s easy to see why encouraging toddlers to be artistic is so important.

101 Kid Summer Activities

Kid Tested Activities to keep them Happy, Engaged, and Entertained

Just take a look at some of the great benefits:

• 101 separate and distinct activities means that you always have something fun to do with your kids
• Most activities are based on objects you already have at home
• Active and engaged children are too busy to look for trouble
• Inspirational and imaginative activities get the kids off the couch and away from the T.V.
• Active kids are less likely to have weight problems, develop into more active adults, and learn to lead healthier lives
• Less time in front of the television lets kids use their imaginations, gives them the capacity to think creatively, and helps them develop better problem solving abilities
• Simple activities require little, if any, preparation so you can pick an activity and do it on the spur of the moment
• Activities that easily adjust to virtually any age or ability means you can use this resource for years to come!

Instant access -- you can begin using these activities right now!

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Kid's Craft Ideas - How to Make a Birthday Piñata and Have Fun

Kid's Craft Ideas - How to Make a Birthday Piñata and Have Fun

How to Make a Birthday Piñata and Have Fun

Piñatas are all the rage at kids' birthday parties. There's just something about getting blindfolded, trying to hit a brightly colored object with a stick, and picking up the candy that falls when someone succeeds that young people (and the young at heart) love.

Piñatas have become must-haves for birthday celebrations, but unfortunately they're not cheap.

But did you know that piñatas are really easy and fun to make? You can create a colorful piñata with just a few supplies, and you can find some of them around the house. Here's how to make a simple one.

Supplies

* Newspaper
* 1/4 cup flour
* 6 cups water, divided
* Large balloon
* Large bowl
* Poster paint
* Twine or other strong string
* Candy and/or small toys


Instructions

1. Cut or tear newspaper up into strips 1 1/4 inches wide. Make more than you think you'll need to cover the piñata, because several layers must be applied.
2. Mix up some papier-mache paste. Mix the flour with 1 cup of cold water, and press out all lumps. Then put the other 5 cups of water in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Add a spoonful of boiling water to the flour and water mixture, and mix well. Continue stirring while slowly pouring the mixture into the boiling water. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes and let cool.
3. Blow up the balloon and tie securely. Set it down in the bowl.
4. Soak a strip of newspaper in the paste until soaking wet. Smooth it onto the balloon, wiping off excess paste with your fingers.
5. Add more newspaper strips soaked in paste, overlapping each by about an inch and crossing the strips. Cover all but the tied end with two layers of newspaper.
6. Let the piñata dry for 2 to 3 days.
7. Pop the balloon and remove it.
8. Decorate the piñata with poster paint. Glue on construction paper accents, streamers and other decorations if desired. Let paint and glue dry.
9. Using an ice pick, carefully poke a hole on each side on the top. Thread a length of twine through the holes and tie the ends together to make a hanger.
10. Fill the piñata with candy or toys. Cover the hole with masking tape, and paste some newspaper over the tape. Let dry for 24 hours, and paint to match the rest of the piñata.

If you like, you can use a large balloon and a smaller one to make a body with a head. Just cover the balloons separately, let dry and decorate as desired, then put the open ends together after you've added the candy. Attach with more newspaper and paste, and let dry.

Making piñatas is rather messy, but it's also lots of fun. A homemade piñata is also much less expensive than a store-bought one, and it is completely customizable.

The next time you're planning a birthday party, why not try your hand at papier-mache?

Fun Kids Crafts

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There are over 370 pages filled with fun crafts for kids to make. If you are looking for some more easy mother’s day crafts for the kids to do I very sure you will find it in this newly released craft e-book.

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The name of this excellent e-book again: “Fun Kids Crafts E-book”

Have a look at all the crafts included in “Fun Kids Crafts E-book:”

• Fathers Day Crafts
• Easter Crafts
• Valentines Crafts
• Christmas Crafts
• Crafts Without Glue
• Easy Crafts
• Egg Crafts
• Halloween Crafts
• Holiday Crafts
• Mothers Day Crafts
• Preschool Crafts
• Thanksgiving Crafts
• Themed Crafts
• Toilet Roll Crafts

This is only a few of the crafts in this e-book, there are many, many more. Have fun this year with lots of easy mother’s day crafts for kids and crafts for all the other holidays to come.

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These Crafts Are Specifically designed to be:

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Even your little 3 year old will be able to do these easy crafts and make a mother’s day gift for mom

Have a look at all the benefits of Fun Kids Crafts e-book for making gifts and other crafts, “Fun Kids Crafts E-Book.”

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Make Your Own Birthday Banner

Make Your Own Birthday Banner

Every birthday party needs a banner. Just go to any party supply shop, and you'll see all sorts of styles to choose from. But why buy the same banners everyone else is using when you can easily make a unique handmade one?

These birthday banners can showcase your kids' budding artistic ability, or they can be the picture of elegance. It's all up to you.

Supplies

* Different types of paper - construction paper and plain white paper work well, or you could use a patterned scrapbooking paper with a coordinating plain paper.
* Ruler
* Pencil
* Glue stick or other type of glue that works well with paper
* Markers
* Glitter glue, stickers, stick-on gems and other decorative items
* Hole punch or notching tool
* A piece of ribbon that is long enough to run through the banner and be used to hang it

Instructions

* Determine what shape you want to use for each part of your banner. Pennants are often used, but squares look nice too (and they're very easy to cut). You could also use two or three different shapes.
* Cut one type of paper into shapes of the desired size. Cut the other paper into the same shape, but make it an inch or so smaller.
* Draw one letter from the words "Happy Birthday" on each of the smaller squares, or have kids do it. Make sure each letter is large enough and dark enough to see from a distance.
* Glue each letter onto the middle of a corresponding shape. Decorate with glitter glue, stickers, stick-on gems or anything else you like.
* Use the hole punch or notching tool to make holes in the top of each shape, about an inch or so from each end.
* Put the letters in order. Thread the ribbon through each hole. When all of the letters are on the ribbon, center them. Tie knots or use glue to keep the letters on each end in place.
* Hang the banner by tying the ends of the ribbon to something, or by using thumbtacks.

Tips

* Use card stock or construction paper for the larger shapes. They will hold up much better than regular paper.
* For an elegant look, try using a solid piece of card stock for the larger shapes and a coordinating patterned piece of scrapbook paper for the smaller ones.
* If you're not good at making large letters, use a stencil or large foam alphabet stamps.
* If you want to be able to reuse your creation, fold it up so that the letters are stacked on top of one another and store it in a box in a safe place.

101 Kid Summer Activities

Kid Tested Activities to keep them Happy, Engaged, and Entertained

Just take a look at some of the great benefits:

1. 101 separate and distinct activities means that you always have something fun to do with your kids
2. Most activities are based on objects you already have at home
3. Active and engaged children are too busy to look for trouble
4. Inspirational and imaginative activities get the kids off the couch and away from the T.V.
5. Active kids are less likely to have weight problems, develop into more active adults, and learn to lead healthier lives
6. Less time in front of the television lets kids use their imaginations, gives them the capacity to think creatively, and helps them develop better problem solving abilities
7. Simple activities require little, if any, preparation so you can pick an activity and do it on the spur of the moment
8. Activities that easily adjust to virtually any age or ability means you can use this resource for years to come!
9. Instant access -- you can begin using these activities right now!

Go to 101 Kid Summer Activities now, you will not be sorry!

The Importance of Art for Finger and Hand Muscles

The Importance of Art for Finger and Hand Muscles

Kids love art because it gives them opportunities for self-expression and a sense of accomplishment.

Parents love it when their kids create art because it keeps them quietly and productively occupied.

Little thought is usually given to the physical benefits of art, but they are significant.

It’s easy to see how art promotes hand-eye coordination. The simple act of putting crayon or pencil to paper and scribbling requires the hands and eyes to work together. Once that’s mastered, the child can take it a step further to begin to form lines and shapes.

Another important benefit of art involves the development of muscles in the hands and fingers. If you think about it, this makes as much sense as the relationship between art and hand-eye coordination.

Going back to the drawing example, a child must learn to properly hold a crayon in order to successfully use it. Doing so requires him to use specific muscles in the hand that may have previously been rarely utilized. These are the same muscles that he will use later in life to perform everyday tasks such as writing.

Drawing isn’t the only type of art that develops muscles in the hands and fingers. Virtually every type of visual art offers such benefits in one way or another. Finger painting, for instance, requires controlled movement of the fingers. Painting with a paintbrush requires kids to grip in a different manner than that used when drawing or writing. And modeling clay or play dough involves squeezing, mashing and rolling.

Using scissors is another activity that is great for building muscles in the hands. The motions required to open and close the scissors work the hand in ways that few other activities do.

Children can also build important muscles by beading. Using chenille stems and large beads makes it easy enough for small hands without compromising the benefits of the activity.

Even music can help develop hand and finger muscles. The most obvious example is playing the piano. The motions used to strike the keys directly correlate with those used in typing, which is an important skill later in life. Wind instruments also require certain hand motions. Even gripping drumsticks offers unique benefits.

Art in any form provides more benefits for young children than most of us realize. It’s good in a number of ways for cognitive and emotional development. And those simple tasks that we take for granted can help children build a good foundation for skills that they will use in coming years.

From a simple pen and paper drawing to an intricate clay figurine, any art project can provide opportunities for kids to use hand and finger muscles in ways that they may not have used them before.

Now for something that will be invaluable during the summer:

101 Kid Summer Activities

Kid Tested Activities to keep them Happy, Engaged, and Entertained

Just take a look at some of the great benefits:

• 101 separate and distinct activities means that you always have something fun to do with your kids
• Most activities are based on objects you already have at home
• Active and engaged children are too busy to look for trouble
• Inspirational and imaginative activities get the kids off the couch and away from the T.V.
• Active kids are less likely to have weight problems, develop into more active adults, and learn to lead healthier lives
• Less time in front of the television lets kids use their imaginations, gives them the capacity to think creatively, and helps them develop better problem solving abilities
• Simple activities require little, if any, preparation so you can pick an activity and do it on the spur of the moment
• Activities that easily adjust to virtually any age or ability means you can use this resource for years to come!
• Instant access -- you can begin using these activities right now!

Go to 101 Kid Summer Activities now, you will not be sorry!