This is a craft to make a simple & personal microphone machine that you wear on your back. There are no wires or technology here, it is made simply with a box, hose, funnel, and a few other items. Any boy or girl can make this simple home broadcasting system, through which you can really “broadcast.” However, mom or dad should probably be there to assist you. This might be good to include with a Halloween costume as you can make creepy sounds broadcast out of your back…depending on what your costume is.

How to Make Your Own Personal Microphone Broadcast System

CRAFTS MATERIALS NEEDED:

Large cardboard box

Brass paper fasteners

Piece of garden hose (ask mom or dad first)

Piece of window screening (ask mom or dad first)

Funnel

Scotch tape

Old belt or strap

Paints & brush

Scissors

Long nail (ask mom or dad first)

Glue

How to Make Them:

Step 1

Remove the cover from the box and throw it away as you will not need it. On the opposite side of the opening, cut out a window, leaving a 2 inch margin all around.

Step 2

Cut a piece of window screening a little larger  than the window opening, and glue it over the opening from the inside, as in illustration A.

Step 3

Make a small round hole in the bottom of the box, and pull a piece of garden hose up through the hole. Insert the snout of the tin funnel into the end of the hose inside the carton. Make the hose fit tightly over the funnel snout by wrapping Scotch tape around it. Drive a long nail through the hose to prevent it from slipping out of the hole in the carton, as in illustration B.

Step 4

Fasten the belt shoulder straps to the top and the bottom of the carton with brass paper fasteners, as in Illustration C.

Step 5

To broadcast thru the system, the user slips the straps over his shoulders, with the open end of the device to his back, and the loose end of the hose in his hand. The person who is broadcasting speaks into the loose end of the hose in the operator’s hands, as in illustration D.  His voice is transmitted through the hose, through the funnel, and out through the screened window at the back of the Walkie-Talkie Like Microphone Machine.

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admin · Cardboard Boxes, Crafts for Boys, Halloween Crafts for Kids, Make Your Own Toys · 0 Comments

You can make a whole dance studio filled with boys and girls who will jump and dance about as if they were really alive. The trick is causing enough static electricity to make these little guys jump and dance. Find out how to make cellophane dancers below.

How to Make Cellophane Dancers

Crafts Materials Needed:

Large deep cardboard box

Light cardboard

Cellophane

Scotch tape

Silk handkerchief

Glue or paste

Scissors

Tissue paper

Pencil

How to Make Them:

Step 1

To make the dancers, cut 2 strips of tissue paper, 5 inches long and 3/4 of an inch wide. Fold the strips back and forth, as in illustration A.

Step 2

You will have 2 square tissue paper packets, as in illustration B.

Step 3

Fold each packet down the center. On the fold of one packet, draw and then cut out, the half figure of a girl, and on the other packet, the half figure of a boy, as in illustration C.

Step 4

Open up the strips, you will have one continuous row of girls, and one of boys.

Step 5

Cut 2 strips of light cardboard 1/8 of an inch wide. Glue a standing row of dancers to each cardboard strip, bending back the feet of the dancers about 1/8 of an inch to make them stand firmly, as in illustration D.

Step 6

Cut the hands of the dancers apart, and cut the cardboard between them. Each dancer will be standing on a separate cardboard platform, as in illustration E.

Step 7

Stand the dancers in the cardboard box ballroom. Cut a piece of cellophane to fit the top of the box, and fasten with pieces of Scotch tape, as in illustration F.

To make the dancers jump and dance, rub a silk handkerchief over the celluloid top. This will generate enough static electricity to make the dancers come “alive.”

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admin · Cardboard Boxes, Cellophane, Make Your Own Toys, Making People Figures and Dolls, Tissue Paper · 0 Comments

Here is a unique pencil holder made from recycled toilet paper rolls (or paper towel rolls). It is also a special pencil holder  for boys, because every boy is a knight who need a castle… of course 😉 Laura from  Dacian Moon Handmade  will show you, step by step, how to make it.

How to make a Castle Pencil Holder

CRAFTS MATERIALS NEEDED:

– recycled paper rolls
– scissors
– glue
– paints
– paintbrush
– rectangle cardboard box lid

Step 1.

Cut every roll in half.

Like this.

Step 2.

Use green paint to give the cap color – like grass. You also can use grey for paved roads…

Cover all the surface with paint.

Add as many layers of paint until you are happy with the result.

Step 3.

Let’s give shape to the rolls.

On two bigger rolls draw battlements and one window…

… on the other bigger rolls draw only battlements. Like this.

Cut them off.

Finally, our towers will look like this.

Step 4.

Let’s paint the castle. Mine will be white with some black decorations.

Paint them like this…

Let them dry, then draw your decorations using a toothbrush.

Step 5.

Apply a layer of glue on a tower base

… and put it in its place.

Do the same with all rolls. Let them dry well.

Now your castle is ready to be populated with pens and pencils 😀

Technorati Tags: castles, castle crafts, pencil holders, pencil holder crafts, toilet paper rolls, cardboard tubes, toilet paper roll crafts

Laura · Back to School Crafts, Buildings & Structures, Cardboard Boxes, Cardboard Tubes Rolls, Crafts for Boys, Recycling and Upcycling Crafts · 0 Comments

Here is a craft for making a great drawstring bag out of a cylinder oatmeal container, fabric, some cardboard, and a few other items. This bag turns out looking beautiful and would make a great bag for yourself or as a gift to mom, grandma, or someone else you love.

CRAFTS MATERIAL NEEDED:

Fabric

Oatmeal Container

6″ x 6″ cardboard square

Glue

Magazine pictures

Knitting needle (size 3 or 4)

White shellac

Scissors

Pencil

Ruler

How to Make These Drawstring Bags:

Step 1

Cut cereal box to 4″ height, as shown by broken line in Figure 1.

Step 2

Make cardboard pattern, 4″ wide at base and 5″ high to center point, as in Figure 2.

Step 3

Using cardboard pattern trace triangles on colorful smooth magazine pictures. Cut triangles out, and lay, face down, on work table. Apply glue lightly down middle of triangle, making sure the top point is well covered to prevent unrolling. Place the knitting needle along the 4″ base, and roll triangle tightly around the needle to make a tube, as in Figure 3. Slip the tube off the needle and set aside to dry. It will take about 90 tubes to cover a box, 5 1/2″ in diameter.

Step 4

Apply a liberal amount of glue to the outside of the cereal box. Stand tubes, side by side, around the box. Hold in place with rubber bands. When dry, apply several coats of shellac over tubes. Make a drawstring top from a piece of material and sew around top of tube-covered box. Cut a circle of the same material, 1″ larger than bottom of the box. Center and paste circle to bottom of the box with fabric glue. Bend the extra inch of material over and sew to base to cover ends of tubes, as in Figure 4.

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admin · Bags & Purses Crafts, Cardboard Boxes, crafts for girls, Fabrics & Materials, Gifts Crafts for Kids, Magazines, Mother's Day Crafts · 0 Comments

Today we will show you how to make a moving carousel / merry-go-round. You will be able to make this moving toy with some spools, some string, a pencil, and a few cardboard boxes. The motor works by winding string around a spool by spinning the pencil…then it moves on its own. Pretty cool…and you don’t have to use any difficult-to-use materials. Learn how to make your very own working carousel with the following step by step tutorials.

How to Make Wind-Up Moving Cardboard Carousels or Merry-Go-Rounds

CRAFTS MATERIALS NEEDED:

2 boxes (A shoe box and a small pill box)

2 spools (A button hole twist spool and a regular size spool)

A new pencil with an eraser

Cardboard

String

Glue

Paints

Step 1

1. Cut a shoe box with cover in half. It will measure 6″ square and about 31/2″‘ high. With a pencil, make a small hole in the center of the shoe box cover (A ). Glue a small pill box with cover (about 1″ high) to the center at the bottom of the shoe box. With a pencil, punch a hole in the cover of the small box, directly under the top hole, as in Figure 1.

Step 2

2. Cut a cardboard circle 6 1/2 ” in diameter. In the exact center, on the underside, glue the small twist spool, as in Figure 2.

Step 3

3. Cut 6 small colored pictures of animals from a magazines or from the Internet (with parental assistance or permission) and mount on coardboard. Make small cardboard easel backs and glue to backs of animals to make them stand, as in Figure 3.

Step 4

4. Glue animal pictures, easel side in, around edge of cardboard circle, as in Figure 4.

Step 5

Tie one end of a four-foot piece of string tightly around the regular sized spool, as in Figure 5.

Step 6

For the canopy, cut a circle of heavy white paper, about 8″ in diameter. Scallop the edges. Paint red stripes radiating from the center of the canopy to the middle of each scallop. (shaded area) Make a straight cut from the edge to the center of the canopy, as shown by the broken line in the illustration. Lap over the cut edges about 1″ and glue together, as in Figure 6.

Step 7

To assemble merry-go-round, stick pencil through center cardboard circle; through the twist spool; through the cover of the large box; through the spool wound with string, and then through the hole in the pill box. Stick a thumb tack through the center of the canopy and pin firmly to the maser at the top of the pencil, as in Figure 7.

Step 8

Paste colored paper around three sides of the merry-go-round, and decorate with paint, as in Figure 8.

Step 9 : MAKING THE MERRY-GO-ROUND TURN!!!

Pull the string at the open end of the box. To rewind, remove canopy top and twirl pencil so that the string rewinds around spool. Make sure end of string is at the right, otherwise animals will whirl around backwards when string is pulled.

And there you have it…enjoy making your moving merry-go-round carousels!!! Don’t forget to post your pictures!

Technorati Tags: merry-go-rounds, carousels, circus, circus crafts, cardboard crafts, spool crafts, pencil crafts, string crafts, moving crafts, motor crafts

admin · Animal Crafts Ideas, Cardboard Boxes, Make Your Own Toys, Moving Toys, Pencils, String, Thread Spool · 0 Comments

When I was a little girl I would have so much fun dressing up paper dolls.  You know…. the paper dolls you buy in a book at the store where you cut out the clothes to put on them?  I loved them.  I used to spend hours dressing up the paper dolls and changing their clothes over and over again.  Well, today I’m going to show you how to make with your children a stand-up dress-up doll.  I got the idea from a post I saw on another site ( ikatbag.com). You are going to make the doll out of cardboard… it is much stiffer and will hold up to many, many clothes changes.  Also, in this craft you will find 4 different template sheets of different accessories for your dress-up doll.  That means hours of fun for you and your children dressing up the doll.  So, grab the few materials needed and let’s get started.

Check out our other Doll Making Crafts.

Materials Needed

Printer & Paper

Scissors

Black Marker

Cardboard

Paste or Glue (optional)

Glue Dots

Click on template images below to open and to print off.

Accessories Template 1

Accessories Template 2

Accessories Template 3

Accessories Template 4

Stand Up Dress Up Doll Template

Step 1

Print out template.  Cut it out.  Then trace it or paste it onto cardboard.

Step 2

Draw a face with ovals for eyes.  A letter “C” for the nose.  A curved line for the smile.

Step 3

Cut around the figure.

Step 4

Cut two cardboard rectangles out.  Then cut the following slits out…. On one cardboard cut a slit on the top and a slit on the bottom.  On the other cardboard rectangle cut two slits on the top.

Step 5

Now put the cardboard rectangle’s slits into the doll’s feet slits.

Step 6

Turn doll around.  Put these two slits into each other.  One rectangle has a slit on the bottom and one has a slit on the top.

Like this.

Here is a different view.

Step 7

It should stand.

Step 8

Print out accessories.

Step 9

Cut them out.

Step 10

I used glue dots to stick the clothes on the doll.  They stay sticky time after time of changing clothes.

Here are some examples of how to dress up your new stand up dress up doll.

Example 1

Example 2

Example 3

Example 4

Example 5

I bet you and your children had fun making these stand up dress up dolls….. but wait till you see the amount of fun they have dressing them up too.  They will love it.  I gave you 5 examples of ways to dress up your doll…. How many other ways can your child come up with?  Have fun!!

Technorati Tags: doll crafts, how to make a doll, paper dolls, paper doll crafts, cardboard doll, dress-up dolls, paper dress-up dolls, toy crafts, girl crafts, crafts for girls, dress-up activities, dress-up crafts, kids crafts, crafts for kids, stand-up dolls, cardboard crafts, cardboard activities, paper toys, paper toy crafts

Shana · Cardboard Boxes, crafts for girls, Doll Making, Free Paper Toys, Make Your Own Toys, Making People Figures and Dolls, Paper, Stand Up Figures · 2 Comments

Valentine’s Day is next month.  Now is the time to start getting your Valentine’s Day Mailboxes ready for February.  Valentine’s Day mailboxes are a great way to collect your Valentine’s Day cards from all your friends and family members.  I have searched the internet and found some really wonderful and awesomely cool Valentine’s Day Mailboxes.  Surely, out of all the Valentine’s Day mailbox crafts I have listed in this post you will find one that fits your needs…. plus, it promises to be tons of fun for you and the kids.

Check out our other Valentines Day Crafts.

Awesomely Cool Valentine’s Day Mailbox Craft Ideas

(1)  Valentine Stick Box

Here is a super cute way to hold all your Valentine’s Day cards this year.  Made from 65 skill sticks this Valentine’s Mailbox will surely be a ton of fun to make.  I found this craft over at Making Friends…. check it out for yourself.

(2)  Cardboard Box Valentine Mailbox

Now, isn’t this Valentine Mailbox super cute?  It really is.  Spoonful shows us how to take a rectangular cardboard box and make it into something very useful…. collecting your Valentine’s Day cards.  Sounds like a lot of fun to me.

(3)  Robot Valentine’s Day Box

Oh boy…. this Valentine Mailbox is outrageously adorable.  I found this craft at eHow and I just love the idea.  Here they use recycled materials… like shoe boxes and toilet paper rolls to make this mailbox.  Gotta love that!!

(4)  Crepe Paper Flowers Valentine Box

Wow…. what girl wouldn’t just love this Valentine Box.  Plus, it is so much fun to make.  Using crepe paper streamers of different shades of pink Todays Fabulous Finds shows you step-by-step how to make this beautiful Valentine Mailbox.

(5)  Valentine’s Day Suitcase Mailbox

Here is a unique Valentine’s Day Mailbox craft…. and it is one of ours from a previous year.  In this post we show you how to take a recycled cereal box and transform it into this functional suitcase Valentine Mailbox to hold all your cards.  Check out How to Make this Valentine’s Day Suitcase Mailbox for yourself.

(6)  Valentine’s Day Card Holder

Here is a great way to make a Valentine’s Day card holder using a couple of plastic plates.  Plastic plates are very durable and a great way to hold all of your Valentine’s Day cards.  Plus, this craft is not only easy, but also a lot of fun to make.  Check out Free Kids Crafts for all the details.

(7)  Card Stock Mailbox

Wow, this mailbox is really beautiful…. and perfect for holding your Valentine’s Day cards.  Splitcoast Stampers shows you how you too can make this Card Stock Valentine Mailbox.  Check out the site to find the link to her very own template to make one for yourself.

(8)  Conversation Heart Mailbox

Here is another Valentine Mailbox that is made from a cereal box.  I love the crafts that use recycled materials…. it just makes me feel so good.  Kaboose shows us how to make this adorable Valentine Mailbox that promises to be not only easy, but a lot of fun as well.

(9)  Paper Doily Heart Valentine Box

Here is another Valentine Mailbox that came from our site last Valentine’s Day.  Here we show you how to take some paper doilies that you can get at a dollar store or discount store and also use our printable template to make this fully functional and adorable heart mailbox.  Check out How to Make a Paper Doily Heart Valentine Box for all the craft details.

(10)  Valentine Card Holder Purse

Okay, I know that most girls are just going to love this Valentine card holder.  Made from a half gallon ice cream container this card holder purse is simply adorable.  I found this craft over at AllCrafts.net and it is amazing.  What a great way for any little girl to hold on to her Valentine’s Day cards.

(11)  Crazy Card Carrier

Here is a wonderful way to carry your Valentine’s Day cards to and from your Valentine’s Day party destination.  Made from card stock and a gift bag this Valentine’s Day Mailbox Craft is just simply adorable.  Check out Spoonful for all the fun details.

(12)  Bear Valentine Bag

This bear is a cutie patootie and will surely be helpful carrying your Valentine’s Day cards back and forth.  Made from a small brown gift bag it will surely be a lot of fun to make.  The kids can use their imagination to decorate the bear bag as they wish.  Check out All Kids Network to see the craft for yourself.

(13)  Tin Valentine Boxes

Here are some Tin Valentine Mailboxes…. a craft I found at The Dating Divas.  They are super cute and perfect to have for each one of your family members to collect their Valentine’s Day cards.  Make one for each of the members in your family.  They are durable enough to use every Valentine’s Day.

(14)  Kleenex Box Valentine’s Day Mailbox

Here is another fun and easy Valentine’s Day Mailbox that you can make with your kids.  Made from an empty tissue box it is another great way to make something from recycled materials.  Education.com shows you how to make this adorable Valentine’s Day mailbox step-by-step.

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Shana · Box and Container Crafts, Card Stock, Cardboard Boxes, Cardboard Tubes Rolls, Cool Finds and Tips, Doilies, Oatmeal Containers, Parenting Articles, Valentines Day Crafts · 2 Comments

Decoupage is a French word which means “cutting out”. It applies to any material that can be cut out. We are going to do paper decoupage.

How to Decoupage Trays Baskets and Boxes

CRAFTS MATERIALS NEEDED

A tray, basket or box

Magazine Pictures

Scissors

Glue

Old playing card

Varnish

Enamel

HOW TO DO PAPER DECOUPAGE

Step 1

Give the article to be covered, a coat of glossy or flat-finish enamel. Allow it to dry.

Step 2

Cut out pictures, or parts of pictures, from magazine pages printed on heavy paper. (Thin paper will show the printing on the reverse side).

Step 3

Arrange the cut-outs on the surface of the article. Shift pictures around until you arrive at the most effective arrangement.

Step 4

Remove a single cut-out, and spread a thin layer of glue on the back of it. Put the cut-out back into position and press down firmly and evenly, using edge of playing card to smooth out wrinkles. Carefully remove excess glue with a damp cloth.

Step 5

Do each cut-out in the same manner, until entire surface is covered.

Step 6

Allow glue to dry for several hours. Then give entire article a coat of clear, waterproof varnish in glossy, semi-gloss or dull finish.

Technorati Tags: decoupage, decoupage crafts, decoupage for kids, decorate boxes, boxes, trays, baskets

admin · Cardboard Boxes, Magazines, Playing Cards · 0 Comments

One thing you see at most houses at Christmas time is a Nativity Scene.  But, the problem with the store bought Nativity Scenes is that they are usually very delicate…. too delicate for the children to actually play with.  And, the thing about that is…. children love to play with the Nativity Scenes.  I mean, what’s not to want to touch…. there are small people, animals and a manger.  There is an entire scene for the kids to want to act out with the characters.  Well, why not make a Nativity Scene craft ….. put together a Nativity Scene of your very own that the children can actually play with.  So, today I have put together a bunch of Fun Nativity Scene Crafts that I have found around the internet.  All are a ton of fun…. and they are all meant to be played with.

Check out our other Christmas Crafts.

A Collection of Fun Nativity Scene Crafts for Kids

(1)  Pipe Cleaners & Yarn Nativity Scene

Here Spoonful shows us how to make an entire Nativity Scene using such materials as yarn and pipe cleaners.  She is very detailed, so this nativity craft is very enjoyable.  This Nativity Scene would look wonderful as a Christmas decoration and it surely will be so much fun to make.

(2)  Printable Nativity Scene

I love this idea.  I found this Nativity Scene Craft at Catholic Icing and it is so cute.  Here you will be able to print off about 8 pages of templates.  Cut them out, decorate them and glue them to toilet paper tubes.  It’s so much fun.  check it out.

(3)  Flower Pot Nativity Scene

Ok, this is really cute, right?!  Suite 101 shows us how to transform 3 terra cotta flower pots (along with some other materials) into a ridiculously cute Nativity Scene.  The craft promises to be a lot of fun.  Plus, no doubt, you will be tempted to keep this Nativity Scene out year round.

(4)  Basket Nativity Scene

This Nativity Scene craft is one of ours from last Christmas.   This Nativity surely will be one that you will keep for years to come.  We show you how to make each of the figures in great detail including the Three Wise Men, Baby Jesus & Cradle, Mary & Joseph, sheep and the donkey.  It’s so much fun.  Check it out for yourself.

(5)  Rock Nativity Scene

Here is another super cute and original Nativity Scene Craft.  Here Roper 5 shows us how to make this fantastic Nativity Scene completely out of backyard rocks and markers.  So, no need to buy any craft materials…. you can have fun with the kids hunting in the backyard for the perfect rocks.

(6)  Wooden Block Nativity Scene

Here is an awesome Nativity Scene craft you can make with your kids with some wooden blocks, felt, glue and a few embellishments.  Imagine the fun you will have putting this craft together with your kids.  Fun part is that they are durable enough the kids can even play with this Nativity Scene.  Check out The Pioneer Woman for all the details.

(7)  Lego Nativity Scene

This is such a clever idea for all you Lego fans.  Here Johan van Benthem shows us all how to make an entire Nativity Scene out of Legos.  Imagine the excitement of your kids as well as anyone who sees your Nativity Scene made completely out of Legos.  They will absolutely love it!!

(8)  Nativity Hand Puppets

What child doesn’t love hand puppets?  They all love them.  Here eHow shows us how you and your children can make these Nativity Hand Puppets for yourself.  Imagine the fun Christmas show your kids can put on with these hand puppets?  They will love using their imaginations to put on their very own program.

(9)  Nativity Blocks

These blocks are just simply adorable.  I am a Momma – Hear Me Roar came up with this idea and I love it!!  She used homemade blocks, stickers and modge podge to make her Nativity Scene, but you can also print off Nativity Scene characters from the computer and do it that way as well.

(10)  Sun Catcher Nativity Scene

Here is a clever idea by Peace Creek on the Prairie.  She uses wax paper, crayon shavings and an iron to make this beautiful Sun Catcher Nativity Scene.  Because of some of the materials used in this craft it does require some adult help.  You will have so much fun doing this Nativity Scene with your kids.

(11)  Gingerbread Nativity Scene

This Nativity Scene is absolutely delicious!!  Made from some of my most favorite treats this Nativity Scene craft is sure to be a big hit with the kids.  I found this craft at AOK Corral and it looks like so much fun.  You and your kids will surely enjoy putting this together.

(12)  Cardboard Tubes Nativity Scene

Here is a simple yet fun Nativity Scene craft that all children will love putting together…. plus they can even play with this Nativity Scene once they are done.  Nurture Store shows us how to make this Nativity Scene out of toilet paper rolls.  How fun is that?!

(13)  Clothespin Nativity Scene

This is truly a clever idea and almost all the materials used in this Nativity Scene craft can already be found in your home.  Our Dish shows us how to use a cardboard box, sharpie and a couple of clothespins (as well as a few other things) to put together this fun Nativity Scene craft.

(14)  Foam Nativity Craft

Craft foam is a wonderful material that children love working with.  And, this Nativity Scene craft will be no exception.  Piggy Giggles shows us how to make a unique Nativity Scene out of craft foam.  The craft is wonderfully detailed, so believe me when I say they have covered everything.

(15)  Egg Carton Nativity Scene

Made from egg carton bottoms and beads this Nativity Scene is really cute.  Plus, the great thing about it is the kids will have just as much fun playing with this Nativity Scene as they had making it.  I found this craft at April Showers.  Check it out for all the craft details.

Technorati Tags: Christmas crafts, xmas crafts, Christmas activities, xmas activities, December crafts, Holiday crafts, Holiday activities, decorations, Christmas decorations, Christmas decoration crafts, nativity scene, nativity scene crafts, Baby Jesus Crafts, Jesus Crafts, nativity activities, nativity scene activities, nativity crafts

Shana · Beads, Bible Crafts, Cardboard Boxes, Cardboard Tubes Rolls, Christmas Crafts, Clothespins, Cool Finds and Tips, Crafts Foam, Decorating and Design, Egg Cartons, Making People Figures and Dolls, Parenting Articles, Popsicle Sticks, Table Decorations Crafts · 2 Comments

I have a fun Christmas craft for even the youngest of crafters.  Today I’m going to show you how to make a Christmas Paper Toy.  With just some paper, printer, scissors and a few other materials you and your child will be able to make this cute Christmas paper toy that they will enjoy playing with…. just as much fun as they will have making the craft.  If you want, feel free to color the templates before cutting them out to add even more fun to this craft.  So, let’s get started.

Check out our other Christmas Crafts.

Materials Needed

Printer

White Paper

Green Paper

Scissors

Tape

Pen

Glue

Cereal Box

Click on the template images below to open a new page and to print.

Christmas Background Template

Christmas Presents Template

Christmas Table Template

Christmas Characters Template

Christmas Tree Extras Template

Step 1

Print Templates.

Step 2

Cut out items from template.

Step 3

This is the background.

Bend both dotted lines away from you.  Crease.

Now fold the next line (solid) towards you.  Crease.  Do this on both sides.

Fold both of these tabs away from you so it acts as a stand.

Cut slits.

Fold tabs up.

Place the paper in the slits on both sides.

Step 4

Place each character in the stands.

Step 5

To make the Christmas tree… get some green paper and… Fold green paper in half twice.

Use the template to… draw half of the tree along fold.

Cut both trees apart between both of them.

Cut down center… one on top of one and one at bottom of the other.

Now use the slits to slide the tree together to look like the tree above.

Tape some seams together.  Draw on tree if you want to.

Write family member’s names on ornaments or draw a design on each one.

Glue both stars together and put on top of tree.  Glue ornaments on tree.

Step 6

Cut out each of the legs.

Glue on cereal box cardboard.

Cut out and fold and crease very well.

Cut out cardboard long and wide enough for legs.

Glue on white paper like this.

Have adult cut slits in the top of the table.

Put the food tabs in the slit.

On the bottom of table push tabs in opposite directions.

Step 7

Cut out presents.

Fold on dotted lines and cut on slits.

Put tab in slit.

Completed present.

Step 8

Finished.

Awesome job!!  You just finished making your Christmas Paper Toy.  Have fun playing with it…. Christmas will be here in no time.

Technorati Tags: Christmas crafts, xmas crafts, Christmas activities, xmas activities, December crafts, Holiday crafts, Holiday activities, decorations, Christmas decorations, Christmas decoration crafts, paper crafts, paper activities, paper toys, Christmas paper toys, Christmas paper crafts, Christmas paper activities, Christmas paper toy crafts

Shana · Cardboard Boxes, Christmas Crafts, Free Paper Toys, Make Your Own Toys, Paper, Stand Up Figures · 0 Comments

How you present your gifts this holiday season is so important.  The right gift wrap, the right bows and of course the right gift tags.  But, instead of buying store bought gift tags why not do something more original.  In this post I will show you how to make a simple gift tag for your gifts.  Whether you celebrate Christmas or Hanukkah you can make this gift tag craft work for you.  Simply alter the design on your gift tags to fit your needs.  So, let’s get started.

Check out our other Christmas Crafts.

Today, Laura from  Dacian Moon Handmade will show you how to make a simple but beautiful gift tag.

Materials Needed

– transparent paper
– cardboard
– green pen
– glue
– scissors
– glitter glue
– card punch
– thick thread

Step 1

Cut a rectangle from the cardboard (3 cm x 4.5 cm)

Cut another rectangle of the same dimensions from the transparent paper. You can measure or you can use the cardboard as a template.

… like this.

Try to cut a pattern out of the transparent paper – at about 1 cm of the lower side…

… like this.

Step 2

Apply a layer of glue on the cardboard…

… and place the transparent paper over it, like this. Let it dry.

Step 3

Using your green pen…

… draw two holly leaves on the transparent paper..

Add three red berries with glitter glue.

Let it dry.

 Step 4

Using the card punch make a hole on the upper part.

… like this.

Take the thread and fold it in half…

Put it through the hole, like in the picture…

…then bring the back through the loop, like this.

You can round the corners and your gift tag is ready.

And, there you have it….. simple gift tags that won’t look simple at all on any gift.  How did your gift tags turn out?  Let me know in the comments below.

Technorati Tags: Christmas crafts, xmas crafts, Christmas activities, xmas activities, December crafts, Holiday crafts, Holiday activities, Hanukkah crafts, gift tags, gift tag crafts, how to make gift tags, gift wrap crafts, holiday gift wrap crafts

Laura · Cardboard Boxes, Christmas Crafts, Gifts Crafts for Kids, Glitter Glue, Hanukkah Crafts for Kids, String · 0 Comments

Many people wonder how to keep the kids at the children’s Thanksgiving table entertained.  Sure, you will have the Thanksgiving meal which will occupy them for a little bit.  But, what about all the other time they will spend at the table?  How do you keep them entertained and safe from boredom?  Well, today I have a craft for you and the children that will keep the little ones entertained.  In this post I will show you how to make Paper Thanksgiving Table Toys.  This will surely keep them happy…. for a little while anyway.

Check out our other Thanksgiving Crafts.

Materials Needed

Printer & Paper

Scissors

Tape

Glue

Cereal Box

White Paper

Click on template images below to make larger and to print.

People Template 1

People Template 2

People Template 3

People Template 4

People Template 5

Pilgrims Table Food Template

Step 1

Print out the templates.

Step 2

Cut out each individual piece.

Step 3

Fold on each line…

Fold like this.

Step 4

Tape in back.

Step 5

Now it stands.

Step 6

For the two guys who have arms… glue together.

Glue basket on hands.

Step 7

Print template.

Step 8

Cut out each of the legs.

Step 9

Glue on cereal box cardboard.

Step 10

Cut out and fold and crease very well.

Step 11

Cut out cardboard long and wide enough for legs.

Step 12

Glue on white paper.

Like this.

Step 13

Have an adult cut a few slits on the table top… spaced out.

Step 14

Cut out bowls of food and put tabs into slit.

On bottom of table push tabs in.

Like this.

Step 15

And, there you go…. you just finished your Paper Thanksgiving Table Toy.  This will be perfect for the children at the Thanksgiving kids table to play with.  They will really enjoy it.

Technorati Tags: fall crafts, autumn crafts, Thanksgiving activities, thanksgiving activity, thanksgiving crafts, thanksgiving, thanksgiving crafts for kids, thanksgiving activities for kids, thanksgiving decoration crafts, paper crafts, Thanksgiving Paper Crafts, Pilgrim crafts, paper toys, thanksgiving table toys

Shana · Cardboard Boxes, Doll Houses & Doll House Furniture, Free Paper Toys, Make Your Own Toys, Stand Up Figures, Table Decorations Crafts, Thanksgiving Crafts · 1 Comment

Thanksgiving will be here in no time at all.  And, one of the lessons we try to teach our children about the Thanksgiving Holiday is the Pilgrims and the Mayflower.  What I found during lessons is that teaching them visually is the easiest way to get them to understand…. hence doing a craft.  So, today I thought I would show you my Favorite Mayflower Craft Ideas for Thanksgiving.  I found these Mayflower crafts while searching the internet.  They are all really incredible and a ton of fun.  Surely, you will be able to find some Mayflower craft ideas from this list….. use them to help teach your children about the Pilgrims and their travel on the Mayflower.

Check out our other Thanksgiving Crafts.

My Favorite Mayflower Craft Ideas for Thanksgiving

(1)  Model Mayflower

Here is a wonderful way to make a model Mayflower.  Made from disposable coffee cups and coffee stirrers this is a great way to recycle items as well as teach your children about the Mayflower.  I found this Mayflower craft over at Parenting.  Make sure to check it out.

(2)  Hand Print Mayflower

I love this Mayflower craft.  It is just simply adorable.  And, any young crafter will have a lot of fun making it.  I found this Thanksgiving craft over at Almost Unschoolers.  Make sure to check out her site to get all the Mayflower craft details.

(3)  Mayflower Walnut Boat

Even we have our own Mayflower crafts.  Here is our first one.  We will show you how to make a Mayflower out of a walnut.  And, what is really cool about this Mayflower craft is that the boat will actually float in water.  Check out How to Make a Mayflower Walnut Boat to make one for yourself.

(4)  Mayflower Paper Plate Craft

Here is a fun Mayflower craft that your little ones will really enjoy.  The Crafty Classroom will show you how to take two paper plates and a popsicle stick and make it into this awesome Mayflower.  Oh boy, this sounds like fun.

(5)  The Mayflower Simplified

I love this bloggers idea.  Her idea was to come up with a Mayflower craft that she could make with young children.  I Can Teach My Child came up with this idea and it is a great one.  Made from a paper towel roll, a straw and some other materials this craft will take on a life of its own.  Share it with your child…. they will love it.

(6)  Mayflower Sandwich

I just couldn’t pass this one up.  I know it’s not technically a craft, but it is a Mayflower recipe that you and your little ones can have fun putting together.  Little Nummies put this one together and it is just precious.  Made from bread, cream cheese and pretzels this yummy recipe will be a whole lot of fun to put together… almost as much fun as eating it.

(7)  Mayflower Photo Craft

This is a great Thanksgiving craft to enhance your teachings of the Pilgrims, Mayflower and the first Thanksgiving.  Here Classified Mom adds actual photos of her own children to better engage her children in the lesson.  You can do the same.

(8)  Mayflower Crayon Holder

I love, love, love this idea.  Made from a creamer container this Mayflower actually holds crayons.  I think this Mayflower craft will be perfect for the Thanksgiving Kids Table.  Imagine every child having one of these Mayflower Crayon Holders on Thanksgiving…. the fun they will have.  Check out It’s Overflowing for all the craft details.

(9)  Mayflower Milk Carton Craft

Made from a milk carton and some tissue paper this Mayflower Craft is sure to be a fun one.  Hidden underneath the tissue paper are some apples…. perfectly festive for the fall season.  Check out Creative Holiday Gift Ideas to find out how you too can make this with your children.

(10)  Mayflower Hats

What kid doesn’t love hats?  They just all do.  And, these Mayflower hats will be no exception.  Spoonful shows you step-by-step how to make these adorable and festive hats.  Make a few and have them ready for the kids table at Thanksgiving.  All the children will love to wear them.

(11)  Mayflower Centerpiece

Why not center your entire Thanksgiving Meal around the Mayflower…. or perhaps the kids table.  Martha Stewart shows you how to with these very detailed instructions on how you too could have a Mayflower Centerpiece.

(12)  Mayflower Cut, Tape & Play

Homespun With Love shows you how you can print off this really cool Mayflower and let your kids cut, tape and then play with this Mayflower.  Use this as a visual tool when teaching your children about the Mayflower, the Pilgrims and the first Thanksgiving.

(13)  Mayflower Popsicle Craft

Here is a fun Mayflower craft that all the children will love.  Made from Construction Paper and Popsicle Sticks it is very likely you have all the craft materials needed right in your home.  Ramblings of a Crazy Woman will show you in detail how to make this craft…. she even shows you how to make waves to remind us how the Pilgrims endured a lot to find their way here.

(14)  Moving Mayflower

Here is another of our Mayflower crafts from our very own site.  This Mayflower craft is a little bit different than the others because it can actually move.  Made with items like a paper towel roll, craft sticks and string this moveable mayflower will make the kids smile.  Gotta love something that actually moves.  Check out our site to find out how to make this Moveable Mayflower.

(15)  Mini Mayflower

Get the kids excited about the Pilgrims and the Mayflower with this mini mayflower craft.  Made from a milk container this mayflower is the perfect size for little kids hands.  The kids will love to play with this mayflower and it also makes the perfect Thanksgiving decoration.  Check out Parents Connect for all the details.

(16)  Cardboard Tube Mayflower

When I found this Mayflower craft I thought it was quite original.  I found this Thanksgiving craft over at Naturally Educational.  Here she uses a cardboard tube along with some twigs to make her original Mayflower craft.  Make sure to check out her site for all the step-by-step details.  She also adds some Mayflower book choices to help you teach your children about the Mayflower.

Technorati Tags: Thanksgiving crafts, Thanksgiving activities, fall crafts, autumn crafts, Mayflower, Mayflower crafts, pilgrim crafts, mayflower craft ideas, Thanksgiving decorations, Thanksgiving decoration crafts, Mayflower activities, boat crafts

Shana · Cardboard Boxes, Cardboard Tubes Rolls, Cool Finds and Tips, Decorating and Design, Educational Learning Crafts, Fall Crafts, Milk Cartons and Containers, Parenting Articles, Popsicle Sticks, Sticks and Wooden Dowels, Thanksgiving Crafts · 0 Comments

Yesterday I showed you how to make a Glue Stick Man out of your recycled glue sticks.  Today I’m going to continue showing you how to make toy figures out of recycled materials.  In this post I’m going to show you how to make Cardboard Little People Figures.  Just simply use pieces of used cardboard boxes.  This craft is a great way to recycle those cardboard boxes that you would normally throw away.  These Cardboard Little People Figures are fun to make…. almost as much fun as they will be to play with.  So, let’s get started.

Check out our other Green Environmental Crafts.

Materials Needed

Thin Cardboard

Small Circles to Trace…. One Smaller than the Other (like buttons)

Pencil

Scissors

Glue

A Couple Different Colors of Paint

Button

Step 1

Trace a bunch of circles onto thin cardboard.

Step 2

The thinner the cardboard, the more circles you will need to cut.

Step 3

Cut them out.

Step 4

Glue together all pieces.

Step 5

Press down until dry.

Step 6

Get a smaller circle to trace and trace a bunch of these circles.

Step 7

Glue together.

Step 8

Glue smaller circles on top of large circles.

Step 9

Paint it.

Step 10

Paint other details…

Step 11

Add button or other item for hat or hair.

Step 12

Make them all different sizes.

Aren’t these adorable little people?  Make a whole family of little people figures to play with your friends.  They will surely love it.

Technorati Tags: recycled crafts, crafts made from recycled materials, green environmental crafts, green crafts, environmental crafts, toy crafts, recycled toy crafts, cardboard crafts, cardboard box crafts, crafts made from cardboard, crafts made from cardboard boxes, recycled cardboard box crafts

Shana · Buttons, Cardboard Boxes, Earth Day Crafts, Green Environmental Crafts, Make Your Own Toys, Making People Figures and Dolls, Recycling and Upcycling Crafts, Stand Up Figures · 0 Comments

Halloween is coming up quickly.  After all, it is at the end of this month.  When you think of Halloween what do you think of?  Probably bats, jack-o-lanterns and witches.  But, don’t forget the place they all live.  That’s right…. I’m talking about a Haunted House.  There is not much scarier than a Haunted House.  So, with that being said I am dedicating today’s craft to Haunted Houses.  I scoured the internet looking for an assortment of different kinds of Haunted House crafts perfect for Halloween.  With all 17 of these Haunted House crafts I have listed here you are sure to find one you will love.  So, without further ado….

Haunted House Crafts Perfect for Halloween

(1)   Haunted House Centerpiece

If you are throwing a Halloween party and you are looking for something to have as a centerpiece…. then I have the perfect craft for you.  Busy Bee Kids Crafts shows you how to make this spooky Haunted House Centerpiece step-by-step.

(2)  Paper Bag Haunted House

This Paper Bag Haunted House is perfect for decorating your house for Halloween, but it is also wonderful to use as party favors for a Halloween party.  You can fill these bags with goodies for the kids…. they will love it.  I found this craft over at Kaboose and it looks like a ton of fun.

(3) Haunted House Milk Carton (You can Fill This One with Treats)

This one is on our site and is made from a simple milk carton or creamer carton. All you have to do is fill with treats or candy, tape closed, wrap with paper, and decorate. Here are the craft instructions.

(4)   Popsicle Stick Haunted House

Here is a great Haunted House craft perfect for the youngest of children.  All Kids Network shows you how to make this Halloween craft and it is almost totally made up of Popsicle sticks.  And, we all know how much kids love making things with Popsicle sticks…. almost as much as they love eating the Popsicles.

(5)   Haunted Gingerbread House

Now, tell me how awesome this Haunted House is!!  It is just incredible…. and it is totally edible.  Gotta love that!!  I found this Haunted House craft over at Sisteroo and I hope you love it as much as I do.  This Gingerbread Haunted House makes for a perfect decoration or an edible treat for a Halloween party.

(6) Haunted House Pop Up Cards

Here is another Haunted House craft this from this site. Everyone loves pop up cards and this is one of the simplest types that you can make. We will teach you how to make these with just a few slits and a bit of folding. Find out the instructions here.

(7)  Cardboard Box Haunted House

How cute is this Haunted House?  So cute!!  And, it is made out of an item you probably have laying around the house…. a cardboard box.  I found this Halloween craft over at Spoonful and it is a great find.  Check out this craft and get all the haunted details.

(8)  Spooky S’mores Haunted House

YUMMY!!  Here is another edible Haunted House craft.  I love the edible crafts.    If you love S’mores then you are going to surely love this craft.  Check out Kitchen Fun with my 3 Sons for all the yummy spooky details.

(9)  Shoe Box Haunted House

I just love those crafts where you can find the materials needed right in your home.  And, this craft is one of them.  Scribble Press shows you step-by-step how to make this creepy Haunted House out of a shoe box….. very clever!!

(10)  Poster Board Haunted House

I love this Haunted House craft!!  I think what I love so much is the fact that this Haunted House is very narrow and tall…. it gives it a very creepy vibe.  Perfect for a Halloween decoration.  I found this Haunted House craft over at Crissy’s Crafts.  You have to check it out for yourself.

(11)  Paper Mâche Haunted House

Kids love working with Paper Mâche…. and making this Paper Mâche Haunted House will be no exception.  And, this haunted house really turns out amazing.  Get all the Halloween craft details over at Woman’s Day.

(12)  Mod Podge Haunted House

How amazing is this Haunted House?  So amazing!!  Mod Podge is a material that kids love working with…. they just do.  I know my children do.  Here B-Inspired Mama shows you how you too can make this incredible Haunted House using Mod Podge.

(13)  Spooky Haunted House

 AllYou shows you how to take an old dollhouse and make it into this awesome Haunted House.  Your kids are sure to get a kick out of using their old dollhouse and making it into a Haunted House.  Check out the website for all the craft details.

(14)  Heebie Jeebie Haunted House

I found this Haunted House craft over at Crayola.  This Halloween craft is perfect if you are having a Halloween party.  Make a bunch of these Haunted Houses and use them to store candy…. hand them out as a Halloween Party favor.  How fun is that?!

(15)  Cardboard Boxes & Rolls Haunted House

Isn’t this a rock’n Haunted House?!  Or, should I say…. Haunted Mansion?!  I love it.  Patheos used different sized cardboard boxes and cardboard rolls to make this Haunted House craft.  It is a clever idea and it came out amazing.  Check out her site to see it for yourself.

(16)  Cereal Box Haunted House

What a great Haunted House.  And, what it totally cool about this Halloween craft is that it is simply made from a cereal box.  I love when you can find your craft materials right at home…. and in this case you can.  Check out Fun Lab Blog for all the Haunted House Craft details.

(17)  Glow in the Dark Haunted House

You know what is spooky?  Something that glows in the dark….. like this Haunted House.  I’m not sure why, but an item that has a glowing effect is just 10 times spookier.  And, it’s perfect for Halloween.  Make sure to check out Craft Project Ideas for the step-by-step “how-to” on making this Glow in the Dark Haunted House.

Technorati Tags: Halloween crafts, haunted house, haunted house crafts, haunted house arts and crafts, make a haunted house, how to make a haunted house, haunted house activities, halloween activities, haunted house crafts for halloween

Shana · Candy and Food, Cardboard Boxes, Cardboard Tubes Rolls, Cool Finds and Tips, Decorating and Design, Doll Houses & Doll House Furniture, Halloween Crafts for Kids, paper bags, Parenting Articles, Table Decorations Crafts · 0 Comments

Today I have a fun and festive Halloween craft.  It can be either a spooky Halloween decoration as well as a fun Halloween toy for the little ones.  In this post I’m going to show you how to make a Trick-or-Treat Paper Toy.  Using the 4 templates included in this craft you are going to make a little town with people that you can actually pretend they are going Trick-or-Treating.  Kids love pretending and even more than that they will love pretending to trick-or-treat with this toy because they made it themselves.  Let’s get started.

Check out our other Halloween Crafts.

Materials Needed

Printer & Paper

Scissors

Cereal Box

Tape

Black Paint

Glue

Thread

Click on template images below to make larger and to print off.

Template 1

Template 2

Template 3

Template 4

Step 1

Print out first three templates.

Step 2

Cut out parts.

Step 3

Cut both slits.  Then fold sides in to center.

Like this.

Step 4

Place a person in the slots…

Step 5

Here’s the line up of figures.

Step 6

The cat and pumpkin just need to be folded in half.

Step 7

Cut everything out…. Leave a white outline around the edges…

Step 8

Cut off the front of a cereal box so you get this…

Step 9

Tape outside of box together.

Step 10

Paint the inside of box black…

Step 11

Glue pieces of cardboard to back of paper cutouts so they appear like they are sticking out from box.

Step 12

Like this.

Step 13

Tape thread to back of moon and clouds and tape to top of box.  Now, they pop out at you.

Step 14

Print out houses paper (template 4).

Step 15

Cut out like this… then fold on the dotted lines.

Step 16

If first dotted line is folded towards you… then fold the next away from you.

Step 17

Like this…. Notice you also fold the right and left side away from you…

Step 18

Here are all the pieces… Now you can play pretend Trick-or-Treat games.

Technorati Tags: halloween crafts, halloween paper crafts, halloween paper toys, halloween paper figures, halloween figures, crafts for Halloween, Halloween decorations, Halloween games, Halloween toys, trick-or-treat crafts, trick-or-treat toys, trick-or-treat games, trick-or-treat paper toys

Shana · Cardboard Boxes, Decorating and Design, Halloween Crafts for Kids, Make Your Own Toys, Making People Figures and Dolls, String · 1 Comment