This flower light bulb craft is a great way to spend a rainy weekend, and also a terrific way to teach kids about recycling and reusing everyday objects. Explain to your child that there’s more than one way to recycle one thing into something else. You can turn used soda bottles into a string of flower lights for spring!

How to Make an Earth Day Soda Bottle Flower Light

Crafts Materials Needed

String of small lights
A 16 oz soda bottle
Craft foam
Paint suitable for plastic (I used Calypso All-Purpose Acrylic Paint which dried nicely and fast)
Craft foam in green
Floral wire
Scissors
Tape (green tape or floral tape optional)

1. Cut off the top section of the bottle.

2. Trim the cut end into petal shapes. Child-size scissors (and hands!) are good for this as they can maneuver more easily inside the bottle.

3. Paint the outside of the bottle and allow to dry.

4. While the paint is drying, cut two 5″ pieces of floral wire. Wrap around the base of the flower as shown, twisting the ends on each side of the base.

5. Cut petal shapes into a 2″ x 5″ piece of green craft foam.

6. When paint is dry, wrap petal piece around the base of the flower as shown. I used green floral tape to cover the regular clear tape I had used to make it look neater and prettier.

7. Insert a light into the hole in the base. Then take each set of two floral wire ends and wrap around the light string as seen above.

Voila, you have your own flower light! Repeat the process as many times as you’d like to string the lights around the yard for a party or in your child’s room.

Technorati Tags: earth day, earth day crafts, soda bottle crafts, flower crafts, flowers, recycling, upcycling, recycling crafts

andreathatcher · Crafts Foam, Earth Day Crafts, Featured Crafts, Gardens and Plants Crafts, Plastic Bottles, Recycling and Upcycling Crafts, Wire · 0 Comments

Valentine’s Day will be here before we know it.  Kids love handing out Valentine’s Day Cards…. they just love it.  Plus, they love receiving them as well.  I don’t know about you, but every year I try to help my kids come up with different Valentine Card ideas than the year before.   It gets difficult after a while to keep coming up with unique ideas.  Well, I thought I would help you with that by showing you some really cool Candy Valentine’s Day Card Ideas for Kids.  I found them all while scrounging the internet for you.  Each are unique and a ton of fun to make.  I’m sure you and your kids will find something here that they will enjoy making and giving to their friends and family.  So, let’s get started.

Check out our other Valentine’s Day Crafts.

Cool Candy Valentine’s Day Card Ideas for Kids

 (1) Now or Later Valentines Cards

Better Homes and Gardens shows you how to combine these tasty treats with a clever written label to make a wonderful Valentine’s Day Card.  “Will You Be Mine Now or Later?”  How clever is that?!  The receivers will love it.

(2)  Dynamic Duo Valentine Cards

We’re two of a kind.   That is the saying you can use when you are putting together this tasty Valentine Card.  I found this cool candy Valentine’s Day card over at Spoonful.  They also offer some other clever sayings to use on other Valentine Cards so you don’t say the same thing to everybody.

(3)  Candy Doggy Card

Made with Tootsie Rolls this Candy Dog Valentine Card is sure to be a big hit in the classroom this year.  This is one of our fun crafts.  It is an easy craft and is inexpensive too…. gotta love that.  Check it out to find out how to make this Candy Doggy Card.

(4)  Candy Rings

Here is a fun Candy Valentines craft that the children will love…. both the receiver and the giver.  These are Candy Rings…. perfect for Valentine’s Day.  I found this over at Kaboose.  Here they use a chenille stem per ring plus a wrapped candy.  These are so cute!!

(5)  Cupcake Goodies

These are simply brilliant…. and I’m sure absolutely delicious.  Made with cupcake liners and your favorite candy these are sure to be a big hit with your family and friends.  Add a special Valentine’s note to add a loving touch.  Check out this craft at Martha Stewart.

(6)  You Rock Valentines

Show somebody how much you love them with this unique Valentines idea.  Made with Pop Rocks candy this Valentines sends out an awesome message…. that the receiver “Rocks”.  I found this Candy Valentines Card at Fiskars.  Check it out for yourself.

(7)  You Make Me Snicker

This Candy Valentine’s Day card is just simply adorable.  I found this craft over at Craft-O-Maniac.  Here she uses pictures of her daughter with the words, “I Like You, You Make Me Snicker!” on it.  Add a snicker candy and you have yourself a Valentine’s Card.

(8)  Valentines Critter

Here is another one of our very own Candy Valentine’s Day Cards.  It is an adorable little critter holding a yummy lollipop and a heart that reads, “Happy Valentine’s Day”.   That pretty much says it all, right?  Check out our How to Make a Valentines Critter for yourself.

(9)  Butterfly Valentines

This butterfly is so super cute!!  And, it is really a fun and easy Candy Valentine’s Day Card to make.  You can find the craft details at Skip To My Lou.  At that site they offer a printable template that you can print off on card stock.  Do a bit of cutting and add a lollipop.  You will be good to go.

(10)  I’ve Got a Crush on You

I just love this Valentine’s Day Card idea…. I just couldn’t pass up adding it to this post.  It is not quite a Valentine Card, but it is definitely an adorable Valentine message to give to a special someone.  Use Crush soda along with a special message…. “I’ve Got a Crush on You”  They will surely love it.  Check out all the details at Design Aglow.

(11)  M&M Tic Tac Toe

This Candy Valentine’s Day Card is really awesome.  And, it is sure to be so much fun for anyone who receives it.  I found this great Valentine idea at Shim & Sons.  Here they used 2 different color M&M’s and placed plenty in resealable bags.  They also used card stock to create the Tic Tac Toe Valentine Cards.  These are sure to be a ton of fun.

(12)  Lip & Mustache Lollipops

This is an awesomely clever idea.  Here Blonde Designs shows you how to use craft foam to trace some mustaches and lips.  Add them to a lollipop with a Valentine note and you have a fun Candy Valentine’s Day Card.  Watch how silly everybody looks sucking on the lollipop… they will look like they have mustaches and funny looking lips.  It is sure to get a lot of laughs.

(13)  Valentine Mice

I know what you are thinking…. when you think of Valentine’s Day you don’t think of mice.  I understand that.  But, take a look at these delicious mice made from Hershey Kisses and think again.  The receiver of this special Valentines gift will surely love it.  So much so that they probably will not want to eat it.  Check out Floral Showers for all the details.

(14)  Valentine’s Fuzzy Cake Balls

I found this yummy Valentine’s Day treat at Hungry Happenings and just had to share it with you.  Here they use shaved coconut to make these adorable creatures.  But, as they share with you if you do not like coconut feel free to use shaved chocolate instead.  Add a cute and loving message to your fuzzy cake ball and you have yourself the perfect Valentines.

Top photo by StuartWebster

Technorati Tags: valentines day cards, valentines day crafts, valentines, valentines day, kids crafts, crafts for kids, St Valentines Day crafts. Valentines Card Crafts, candy crafts, candy greeting cards, candy Valentine Cards, greeting card crafts

Shana · Candy and Food, Card Stock, Cool Finds and Tips, Crafts Foam, Food, Make Your Own Greeting Cards Crafts, Paper, Parenting Articles, Valentines Day Crafts · 0 Comments

Today I am going to show you a bunch of some really cool perpetual calendar crafts perfect for the upcoming New Year.  What is great about perpetual calendars is that they can be changed to show any combination of day, month, and year….. which means that the same calendar can be used year after year after year.  Sure, you can purchase a perpetual calendar at a store or online, but I am pretty sure you would spend way too much money and they wouldn’t be as awesome as the perpetual calendars I have listed here.  I have scoured the internet to find you some really cool perpetual calendar crafts.  You will surely find one here that will fit your needs.

Check out our other New Years Crafts and Calendar Crafts.

Some Really Cool Perpetual Calendar Crafts for the New Year

(1)  Nut Can Perpetual Calendar Craft

This is a super cool Perpetual Calendar.  Made from a nut can this perpetual calendar is quite unique.  If you look closely at the image above this perpetual calendar even has a choice for mood.  In this case they chose nutty.  Check this craft out at Design Sponge.

(2)  Perpetual Button Calendar

This perpetual calendar is super duper cute.  Make it once, and you can use it forever – just move the numbers to their correct location each month, and change the nameplate!  How fun is that?!  I found this craft over at MakeZine.  Check it out for yourself.

(3)  Paper Box Perpetual Calendar

This is one of our very own perpetual calendar crafts.  Here we use some colorful templates that you glue together to make boxes.  Add some popsicle sticks and you have yourself a perpetual calendar.  Check out our Paper Box Perpetual Calendar for all the details.

(4)  Corkboard Perpetual Calendar

I love the idea of this corkboard perpetual calendar.  Here they use a corkboard and foam to give this perpetual calendar a colorful look.  The corkboard is a wonderful material to use as you can easily thumbtack your notes and errands to the corkboard perpetual calendar to remind you what you need to get done.  Check out Michaels for all the craft details.

(5)  Scrapbooking Paper Perpetual Calendar 

I found this perpetual calendar craft at Our Big Earth and it is a wonderful idea.  Here they use coordinating scrapbooking paper to give this a unique look.  This is a flip chart type of calendar…. so it would be great for any desktop.  Check out the site for all the details.

(6)  Magnetic Perpetual Calendar

This is actually a cookie sheet perpetual calendar.  For this craft she spray painted the cookie sheet, duct tape the edges and used playing card numbers for the days.  She also attached a dry erase board for notes and special events.  Being that everything is on magnets things can be easily moved.  Check out A Creative Princess for the info.

(7)  Colorful Perpetual Calendar

Look how beautiful and colorful this perpetual calendar is.   Here she uses 31 pictures to represent the days of the month…. you can cut out these pictures from scrapbooking paper or just use stickers.  I found this perpetual craft at Sandy’s Space.  Check it out for yourself.

(8)  Thrifty Box Perpetual Calendar

Aren’t these perpetual calendars just absolutely beautiful?  No one would believe that you not only made them yourself, but also they are extremely thrifty.  I found this craft at Amazing Paper Grace.  Here she uses $1.00 boxes that she found at Michael’s.  Check out all the details on how she puts these perpetual calendars together.

(9)  Perpetual Calendar / Memo Board

This is such a clever idea!!  I found this craft over at Curbly and I love it.  Here they use six steel bars painted with punchy colors, numbered magnets, plus seven days of the week and twelve months combine to make a perpetual calendar, which also serves as a memo board.  This would look amazing above anyone’s desk.

(10)  Perpetual Family Photo Calendar

This is just absolutely brilliant…. and you will surely get so many compliments on this perpetual calendar.  What you might not be able to tell from the above picture is that there are 31 pictures on the twine.  You will simply flip each day/photo as the days pass.  Check out Shaken Together to see it for yourself.

(11)  Flipping Perpetual Calendar

I found this perpetual calendar craft at MomClick.    This is a really neat perpetual calendar because it uses the flip-chart idea.  Easily flip between day of the week, months and number days.  This perpetual calendar will look terrific on any desk.

(12)  Perpetual Chalkboard Calendar

This perpetual calendar is so awesome…. not just because it is obviously a wonderful perpetual calendar.  But, the materials to make this perpetual calendar is really thrifty.  Gotta love that!!  I found this perpetual calendar craft at I Will Craft.   Here she shows you how she made a perpetual calendar with metal flashing, game pieces and some scrabble tiles all in a framed vintage chalkboard.

Technorati Tags: new years crafts, new years day crafts, new years eve crafts, kids crafts, kids new year crafts, kids new years crafts, January crafts, calendar crafts, perpetual calendars, perpetual calendar crafts, forever calendars, forever calendar crafts

Shana · Buttons, Calendar Crafts, Cool Finds and Tips, Corks, Crafts Foam, Decorative Paper, Magnets, New Years Crafts · 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.

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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

Top Image by TheBlackHour.com

Oh boy…. do I have a treat for you today.  In this post I have compiled 14 Kwanzaa crafts from around the internet.  They are all perfect for your children to make.  Whether you celebrate Kwanzaa or not these crafts are great to help teach your children about Kwanzaa and the African culture.  Many of them not only incorporate the three colors of Kwanzaa (red, green & black), but they also help teach you about the 7 Principles of Kwanzaa…. Unity, Self Determination, Collective Work & Responsibility, Collective Economics, Purpose, Creativity and Faith.   These are wonderful principles to have and to teach your children.  So, check out these Kwanzaa crafts…. you are sure to find a few to do with your children.

Fun Kwanzaa Crafts for Kids

(1)  Kwanzaa Flag Garland

Here is a festive Kwanzaa craft perfect to help teach your children about Kwanzaa.  Here Kaboose shows you how to make this Kwanzaa Flag Garland in great detail.  It uses the symbolic colors of the holiday… red, green and black.

(2)  Kwanzaa Greeting Card

Here is one of our very own Kwanzaa crafts.  In this Kwanzaa Greeting Card craft we will show you how to make a greeting card for the Holiday Kwanzaa.  It is a very easy craft, so even young children will enjoy this craft.  You simply need some paper , scissors and glue.

(3)  Kwanzaa Mobile

I found this Kwanzaa craft over at Spoonful.  Here they use the 3 colors of Kwanzaa as well as the 7 principles of Kwanzaa to make this adorable mobile.  This will make an awesome Kwanzaa decoration as well as teach your children about Kwanzaa.

(4)  Handprint Kinara

Here is a fun craft that children of all ages will love to make.  Activity Village shows us how to take your handprint and make it into a very cute Kinara.  It’s a quick, fun and messy Kwanzaa craft for kids!  They will love it.

(5)  Doll Pin Kinara

I have another fun Kinara craft for you.  This one came from Kaboose and it promises to be tons of fun.  Here they use doll pins, spools, paint and some other materials to make this festive Kinara.  Kaboose even has tons of information to teach you more about the Holiday of Kwanzaa.

(6)  Kwanzaa Placemat

Here is another entertaining Kwanzaa craft.  In this craft Making Friends shows you how to incorporate the 3 colors of Kwanzaa into this colorful placemat.  Your kids will have fun weaving strips of red, green and black craft foam into this festive Kwanzaa placemat.

(7)  Kwanzaa Bracelet

Here is a great Kwanzaa craft that both boys and girls will love making.  I found this craft at Yahoo! Voices and it’s a good one.  Make these Kwanzaa bracelets with the colors of Kwanzaa and give them to your family and friends as gifts.  They will love it.

(8)  Bubble Wrap Corn

Kwanzaa is about the festival of the first harvest of the crops.  So, this Bubble Wrap Corn just makes sense as a craft for Kwanzaa.  Give your child all the details about Kwanzaa as you make this fun bubble wrap craft with them.  Check out No Time for Flashcards for all the details.

(9)  Kwanzaa Bead Candles

Here Spoonful shows us another wonderful Kwanzaa craft.  This time they make these cute Kwanzaa bead candles.  Here they use craft cubes, oval beads as well as other materials to make these festive candles.  This is a great way to introduce the seven principles of Kwanzaa.

(10)  Kwanzaa Flag Decoration

Family Education shows us a great way to teach your children a little bit about Kwanzaa and the African culture.  Here they use different flags of Africa to make a great decoration for Kwanzaa.  As you are making these flags of Africa with your children it is a great time to teach them about Kwanzaa.

(11)  Corn Necklace

Remember Kwanzaa is the festival of the first harvest of the crops.  Corn was a very important crop.  So, this Corn Necklace craft is perfect for Kwanzaa.  Here Better Homes & Gardens explains how each ear of corn represents a child in the family.  Check out the craft for all the details.

(12)  Papier Mache Bowl

Check out this gorgeous and super festive Papier Mache Bowl perfect for Kwanzaa.  I found this at Crafts Holidays site and thought it was beautiful.  Here they use Papier Mache to make this bowl…. so it is sure to be a lot of fun for the kids.  Use this bowl to hold the Mazao (or fresh fruits and vegetables) at your Kwanzaa table.

(13)  Kid-Friendly Kinara

Nick Jr. has the right idea with this Kinara Kwanzaa craft.  It is just adorable and the children will love making it.   Here they use craft sticks as well as clothespins to put this Kinara together.  They also don’t forget the colors of Kwanzaa with this Kinara.

(14)  Cardboard & Tissue Paper Kinara

Kids love to do crafts with tissue paper and cardboard rolls.  And, this Kwanzaa craft will be no exception.  I found this craft over at PBS and thought it was a great one to include.  Make sure to check this Kinara craft out.  Plus, they also go into great detail of the 7 Principles of  Kwanzaa…. great to teach your children.

Technorati Tags: kwanzaa, kwanzaa cards, kwanzaa crafts, crafts for kwanzaa, kids kwanzaa crafts, crafts for kids, african crafts, african american crafts, Kwanzaa activities

Shana · Beads, Bubble Wrap, Cardboard Tubes Rolls, Clothespins, Cool Finds and Tips, Crafts Foam, Decorating and Design, Kwanzaa Crafts, Make Your Own Greeting Cards Crafts, Parenting Articles · 0 Comments

Oh boy, do I have a fun craft for you today perfect for the Thanksgiving season.  Today I’m going to show you how to make Pinecone Turkeys perfect for Thanksgiving.  These pinecone turkeys will look great around the house as Thanksgiving decorations.  Plus, your kids will love to make them.  They are a lot of fun and your kids will have great pride in knowing they made items you could actually put around the house as decorations.  So, grab the materials needed and let’s get started.

Check out our other Thanksgiving Crafts.

Materials Needed

Pinecone

Tan Puffball

Glue

Googly Eyes

Yellow Felt or Foam

Red Felt

Orange Pipe Cleaner

Different Color Pipe Cleaner, Construction Paper or Craft Feathers

Step 1

Get a pinecone.

Step 2

Glue a tan puffball to the top of pinecone.

Step 3

Glue googly eyes on.

Step 4

Cut yellow triangle out of felt or foam and glue on face.

Step 5

Draw a #7 like shape on red felt like above picture.  Glue red felt on top of beak.

Step 6

Wrap orange pipe cleaner around pinecone.  Then take smaller pieces of pipe cleaner to make claws.

Step 7

Loop pipe cleaners and stick into back of pinecone for feathers.  Or, use paper or craft feathers.

And, now you are all finished.  You just made your Pincone Turkey.  Now, use it to decorate your house for Thanksgiving.  Actually, make a few to put around the house….. everyone will love it!!

Technorati Tags: Thanksgiving activities, thanksgiving activity, thanksgiving crafts, thanksgiving, thanksgiving crafts for kids, thanksgiving activities for kids, fall crafts, pinecone crafts, pine cone crafts, pinecone activities, pine cone activities, turkey crafts, how to make a turkey

Shana · Crafts Foam, Fall Crafts, Feathers, Felt, felt crafts, Gardens and Plants Crafts, googley eyes, Pine Cones, Pipe Cleaners, Thanksgiving Crafts, Turkeys · 0 Comments

Last week I showed you how to make a Milk Jug Vampire Candy Holder.  Well, you seemed to have loved that idea, so I thought I would show you another cool Milk Jug Halloween Craft.  Today I’m going to show you how to make a Pumpkin Milk Jug Candy Holder perfect for handing out candy this Halloween.  Kids will love reaching inside this Pumpkin for the treats…. almost as much as your kids will love making it.  Keep in mind you will need some Adult Help for this craft as a knife and/or a scissor will be needed to cut open the milk jug.  So, let’s get started.

Check out our other Halloween Crafts.

Materials Needed

Milk Jug

Scissors

Knife (for adult only)

Orange, White, Green, Black & Red Paint

Brass Fasteners

Black Marker

Green Foam, Felt or Paper

Paper Plate

Glue

Candy

Step 1

Peel labels off milk jug.

Step 2

Cut milk jug in half.

Step 3

Paint both sides orange.

Step 4

Use brass fasteners to attach both sides… to look like mouth is open.

Like this.

It looks like this from the back.

Step 5

Draw eyes and nose.

Step 6

Paint eyes white.  I painted nose a lighter color.

Step 7

Paint red for lips.

Step 8

Draw a leaf on foam, felt or paper.

Cut it out.

Step 9

Roll some foam on a triangle like angle… like this.

Like this.

Push top in and it stays in place on its own.

Step 10

Push into open spout.

Step 11

Paint spout green.

Step 12

Outline features with black paint.

Step 13

Draw a letter C for each eye’s pupil.

Step 14

Draw rectangles on paper plate.

Glue in mouth.

Step 15

Shove leaf in the spout.

Step 16

Fill with candy.

Wonderful!!  Wasn’t that fun?!  But, the fun doesn’t end there.  Use it to hand out candy to the Trick-or-Treaters….. they will love it!!

You might also like the How to make a Milk Jug Vampire Candy Holder ….. both crafts are perfect for Halloween.

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Shana · Candy and Food, Crafts Foam, Halloween Crafts for Kids, Milk Cartons and Containers, Painting Crafts Activities, Paper Fasteners, Plastic Containers · 0 Comments

With all the crafts that I do  I go through a lot of glue sticks.  I always hate the idea of throwing them away…. I always try to find crafts that I can make out of recycled items.  And, glue sticks are no exception.  Here is a great craft you can make with your used glue sticks.  Today I’m going to show you how to make a Glue Stick Man out of your recycled glue sticks.  You will see what a great feeling you get from making something out of recycled materials.  Plus, you get a very cool toy man.

Check out our other Green Environmental Crafts.

Materials Needed

Empty Glue Stick

Glue

Paint, Paper, Foam or Felt

Black & White Paint

Step 1

Take an empty Glue Stick and peel the label off of it.

Step 2

Glue the cap in place like this.

Step 3

Paint on clothes or glue on clothes with paper, foam or felt.

Step 4

If painted clothes, then use black paint to outline.

Step 5

Paint a sleeve on each side.  Also, draw a dot for each eye.

Step 6

Draw a circle for each hand.

Step 7

Paint each hand white.  Also, paint white buttons on the shirt.

How adorable is this little guy?  So adorable!!  Make a few of these Glue Stick people and you can have a small family.  What a great way to recycle those used glue sticks.

Technorati Tags: recycled crafts, crafts made from recycled materials, glue sticks, glue stick crafts, crafts made from glue sticks, green environmental crafts, green crafts, environmental crafts, toy crafts, recycled toy crafts

Shana · Crafts Foam, Earth Day Crafts, Felt, Green Environmental Crafts, Make Your Own Toys, Making People Figures and Dolls, Paper, Recycling and Upcycling Crafts, Stand Up Figures · 0 Comments

Passover will be here in just a couple of days.  And with Passover comes the wonderful Passover Seder.  And, even though we know how fantastic Passover Seder is…. we know how difficult it is to get the kids to sit still and enjoy the Passover Seder.  Well, how about if they help out with the Seder?  The kids can make the Seder Plate for Passover.  Even if it isn’t the main Seder Plate you use for the Seder they can at least work on the Children’s table Passover Seder Plate.  Beings that the children helped make the Passover Seder Plate will hold their attention a little more as they will want to pay attention to see how it will be used during the Seder.  So, scroll through the many Passover Seder Plates crafts below…. you are sure to find the one that works for you and your children.  Have a Happy Passover.

Ideas for Kids to Make Seder Plates for Passover

(1)  Spring Seder Plate

I found this awesome Seder Plate over at Kaboose.  Here they keep the color green to remind you of spring and all the good times ahead.  What a clever idea!!

(2)  Star of David Seder Plate

 Nick Jr. has this Seder Plate Craft all figured out.  They use 6 six inch paper plates to create the Passover Seder Plate…. not to mention a Star of David Coloring Page.  Put it all together to create this awesome Passover Seder Plate.

(3)  Printable Seder Plate Craft

If you are looking for a super easy Passover Seder Plate Craft then this is the one for you.  Free Kids Crafts gives you this craft that is simply a printable…. print off and cut.  Doesn’t get much easier than that.

(4)  Bright Passover Seder Plate

Isn’t this a beautiful Passover Seder Plate?  I love the use of bright colors.  Nothing keeps the attention of the little ones more than bright colors.  Parent Dish shows you step-by-step how to make this Seder Plate.

(5)  Porcelain Passover Seder Plate

Family Fun uses an ovenproof plate and glaze paint to prepare their Passover Seder Plate.  They have the right idea as once baked this item is quite durable.  These Seder Plates become special to the child as they will be painting them themselves.

(6) Model Clay Passover Seder Plate

Crayola has an original spin on the traditional Passover Seder Plate.  Their craft is constructed from Model Clay.  Check out their site to get the full details and make this Passover Seder Plate yourself.

(7)  Jeweled Passover Seder Plate

This is a beautiful Passover Seder Plate.  In case you can’t see it, there are lovely stones all around the outside of this plate.  My Activity Maker shows you how you too can make this beautiful Passover Seder Plate.

(8)  Paper Seder Plate

If you are looking for an easy Passover Seder Plate than this is the craft for you.  Made from a Paper Plate and pictures of the Ceremonial Food this craft doesn’t get any easier.  Check out Joyful Jewish to see how to do this craft.

(9)  Tissue Paper Passover Seder Plate

Here is a fun craft to do with the youngest of kids for Passover.  Kids love to work with tissue paper and this Passover Seder Plate Craft has plenty of tissue paper.  Check out Delicate Construction for the full details of the craft.

(10)  Denture Cream Passover Seder Plate

Yes, you read this right…. this craft was made with Denture Cream.  Holidash used Denture Cream to hold the dishes to the Seder Plate.  Check out the full details on their site… you will have to scroll to the 2nd slide.

(11)  Passover Prep

I found this Passover Seder Craft over at Maybe Sew.  She has the right idea on how to teach the kids a little bit about each of the foods on the Seder Plate…. she uses different items other than the norm and has the kids guess what they should be.  Check out the site for the full details.

Technorati Tags: Passover, Passover crafts, Passover activities, Passover arts and crafts, Passover Seder Plates, Passover Seder Plate crafts, Passover crafts for kids, Passover Seder Plate Crafts for kids, Seder plate crafts, Seder Plate crafts for kids, Jewish crafts, Jewish crafts for kids

Shana · Candy and Food, Clay & Sculpting Crafts Ideas, Coloring Pages & Printables, Cool Finds and Tips, Crafts Foam, Paper, Paper Plates, Parenting Articles, Passover Crafts, Plastic Containers, stones and rocks · 0 Comments

I don’t know about you, but when I think of a Leprechaun I think of the big, green hat he wears.  Today I’m going to show you how to make your very own Leprechaun Hat for St. Patrick’s Day.  After all, St. Patrick’s Day is only a little over a week away.  Now is the time to get started making and displaying your St. Patrick’s Day crafts.  So, grab the materials needed and let’s get started with this fun St. Patrick’s Day craft.

Check out our other St. Patrick’s Day crafts.

Materials Needed

Large Ice Cream Carton or Bucket

Green Craft Foam or Wrapping Paper

Paper Plate

Green Paint

Pencil

Scissors

Glue

Tape

Belt or Black Foam/Paper & Yellow Paper

Step 1

You need a large ice cream carton or bucket.

Step 2

Wrap with green craft foam or with green wrapping paper.  Leave hole at bottom.

Step 3

Paint a paper plate green.

Step 4

Trace carton in center of plate.

Step 5

Now draw tabs.

Step 6

Cut out…. fold tabs inwards.

Step 7

Glue and tape tabs inside of container.

Step 8

The easy way to add a belt is to borrow your Dad’s belt and strap it on hat.

Or….. just add black strip of foam or paper.  And, yellow square with center cut out.

Step 9

Wear the hat.

Isn’t this Leprechaun Hat adorable?  What child wouldn’t enjoy running around the house wearing this Leprechaun Hat for St. Patrick’s Day?  Enjoy.

Technorati Tags: st patricks day, saint patricks day crafts, st patricks day crafts, saint patricks day, saint patricks day crafts, st patrick’s day crafts, st patrick’s day crafts for kids, leprechaun, leprechaun crafts, leprechaun crafts for kids, hat crafts, hat crafts for kids, leprechaun hat, leprechaun hat crafts

Shana · Box and Container Crafts, Crafts Foam, Hat and Mask Crafts, Paper, Paper Plates, Saint Patricks Day · 0 Comments

Today I have a fun craft to do with your left over Valentines Day Heart Shaped Box.  I’m going to show you how to make a Fish out of a Heart Valentines Day Box.   This craft is not only a lot of fun, but it is a great way to recycle those used Valentines Day Boxes…. so you don’t have to just throw them away.   And, the fish not only turns out totally cute, it also gives you a secret storage box to store your small secret things in.  Now, that is fun!!  So, grab the materials needed and let’s get started.

Check out How to Make a Kitty Cat out of a Heart Valentines Day Box.

Materials Needed

Valentines Heart Box

Black Marker

Red Craft Foam, Felt or Paint

White & Black Craft Foam

Colorful Tissue Paper (2 different colors)

Pencil

Scissors

Glue Stick

Lid or Bowl (for tracing)

Paper Plate

Paper

Glue

Step 1

Get your chocolate hearts box.

Step 2

Draw lips with backwards E shape.

Step 3

I used sticky craft foam square tiles and filled in space in the lips.  Use anything that you want to use though…. even paint or felt.

Step 4

Draw an outline around the lips.  Draw curved rectangles for white highlights.

Step 5

Fill curved rectangles with white craft foam.

Step 6

Use colorful tissue paper for next part.

Draw circle on a stack of square tissue paper.

Cut out circles.

Step 7

Dot glue all over the rest of heart.

Layer circles on top of box and on top of each other.

Until it looks like this.

Step 8

Use a lid or bowl to trace a big circle on white foam.

Trace a smaller circle on black craft foam.

Cut out 2 small white circles and glue together like this.

Step 9

Glue eye on fish face.

Step 10

Draw a heart with a rectangle on left….. do this on a paper plate.

Bend and glue rectangle on to side of heart box furthest from lips.

Now fish should look like this.

Step 11

Draw half of a heart on folded paper.

Cut out heart.

Cover with tissue paper circles too.  Make two of these.

Step 12

Glue fin to fish face.

And, your fish is now done. Wasn’t that fun?  Now, you have a secret storage box that is decorated as a fish.  The real question is now ….. what are you going to fill your secret box with?  Enjoy.

Technorati Tags: Valentines Day crafts, Valentines Day heart crafts, old valentines day boxes, recycled valentines day boxes, old valentines day box crafts, recycled valentines day box crafts, fish crafts, box crafts, secret boxes, secret box crafts, after valentines day crafts

Shana · Crafts Foam, Felt, felt crafts, Fish, Tissue Paper, Valentines Day Crafts · 0 Comments

I have a fun craft for you today….. and the coolest part is you will get to use your old Valentines Day Heart Box that you had been given as a gift on Valentines Day.  Today I’m going to show you how to make a Kitty Cat out of a Heart Valentines Day Box.  This cat is made from tissue paper and paper plates….. it is so much fun to make.   Once you are done with this craft not only will you have a cute kitty cat, but you will also have a super cool box to store whatever you would like.  So, let’s get started.

Materials Needed

Valentines Day Box

Paper Plates (a few)

Tissue Paper Squares (Orange & White)

Pencil

Glue

Brown Felt

Marker

Lids (One larger than the other for tracing circles)

Paper (White, Blue & Black)

Craft Foam or String

Scissors

Tape

Step 1

Start with a Valentines Day Box.

Step 2

Add glue to a paper plate.

Buy or cut tissue paper squares.

Grab a pencil and wrap square around eraser of pencil.

Dip pencil into glue.

Now dab pencil onto heart… pick back up.

Now leave tissue paper behind like this.

Step 3

Keep doing this…. Orange at the top and white at the bottom.

Like this.

Step 4

Cut a rounded triangle from brown felt.

Also, cut three thin rectangles.

Glue them as the nose and the mouth.

Step 5

Trace 2 big white circles with lids.

Trace 2 slightly smaller blue circles.

Trace slightly smaller black circles.

Draw 4 small white circles.

Glue them together to look like this.

Step 6

Draw an ear shape with a rectangle shape at the bottom on a paper plate and cut out.

Cut out two ears… then fold rectangle inwards.

Glue and tape ears on sides.

The ears should look like this now.

Step 7

Now dab / glue orange tissue paper squares around outside of ears.

Step 8

Either cut a few of these pieces from craft foam or use string.  Tape together at one end.

Stick the ends of whiskers underneath nose.

Look how cute this craft turns out?!  It turns out so cute!!  Plus, wasn’t it a lot of fun to make?  How did your Kitty Cat turn out?  Let me know in the comments below.  And, make sure to take a picture of your craft and post that in the comments as well…. I’d love to see it.

Technorati Tags: Valentines Day crafts, Valentines Day heart crafts, old valentines day boxes, recycled valentines day boxes, old valentines day box crafts, recycled valentines day box crafts, kitty cat crafts,   cat crafts, box crafts, secret boxes, secret box crafts, after valentines day crafts

Shana · Box and Container Crafts, Cats, Crafts Foam, Felt, Tissue Paper, Valentines Day Crafts · 0 Comments

Yesterday I showed you how to make a an Easy George Washington Hat for President’s Day.  Well, it wouldn’t be right to make a hat and celebrate George Washington’s special day if we don’t do the same thing for Abraham Lincoln.  So, today I will show you how to make an Abe Lincoln Top Hat for President’s Day.  After all, President’s Day is about honoring both George Washington and Abraham Lincoln.  And, what better way to honor Abraham Lincoln than to make his top hat.  So, grab the materials needed and let’s get started.

Check out our other President’s Day Crafts.

Materials Needed

Oatmeal Container

Black Felt, Paper or Foam

Paper Plate

Black Paint

Pen or Pencil

Scissors

Glue

Step 1

Grab an Oatmeal Container.

Step 2

Take the cap of the rolled oats container and cover with black felt, paper or foam.

Step 3

Put the cap on the box and then wrap black paper, felt or craft foam around the box.  Leave opening unwrapped.

Step 4

Paint a plate black.

Step 5

Trace the oatmeal box on the center of plate.

Step 6

Draw tabs into circles and then cut out.

Step 7

Cut out and it will look like this.  Fold tabs inwards.

Step 8

Put glue on tabs and glue to inside of box.

Step 9

Let glue dry.

And, there you have it…. you just finished your Abe Lincoln Top Hat for President’s Day.  How did it turn out for you?  Let me know in the comments below.  Now, go wear it proudly.

Technorati Tags: presidents day crafts, presidents day activities, Abe Lincoln, Abe Lincoln crafts, Abraham Lincoln crafts, Lincoln crafts, hat crafts, paper crafts, Abraham Lincoln’s hat, felt crafts

Shana · Box and Container Crafts, Crafts Foam, Felt, Hat and Mask Crafts, Oatmeal Containers, Paper, Paper Plates, Presidents Day · 2 Comments

I have a fun craft for you today.  I’m going to show you how to make a Clothespin Penguin Ornament.  It turns out so cute and perfectly festive for the Christmas Season.  What would be even cuter is to make a few of the Penguin Ornaments and spread them around the Christmas Tree.  So, go grab a clothespin, old glove and the rest of the materials needed and let’s get started.

Check out our other Christmas Crafts.

Materials Needed

Clothespin

Paint – White and Black

Felt or Foam – Orange and Black

Black Marker

Scissors

Glue

Old Glove

Step 1

Paint clothespin white.

Step 2

When painting the clothespin white…. paint the top of the clothespin black.

Step 3

Draw a beak on orange felt or foam by drawing 2 triangles.

Step 4

Cut out and glue beak on white part of penguin under eyes that you draw.

Step 5

Cut black seed shaped ovals out of felt or foam.

Step 6

Glue black ovals to the sides of clothespin.

Step 7

Cut a finger off of an old glove.

Like this.

Step 8

Fold up bottom of glove finger to look like a hat.

Step 9

Put hat on the penguin.

Awesome job…. you just finished your Clothespin Penguin Ornament.  How cute is he?!  So cute!!  Now, go hang it on your Christmas tree.  Make a few and spread them around your Christmas tree this Holiday Season.

Technorati Tags: Christmas crafts, xmas crafts, Christmas activities, xmas activities, December crafts, Holiday crafts, Holiday activities, ornaments, ornament crafts, Christmas Ornaments crafts, decorations, Christmas decorations, Christmas decoration crafts, clothespin crafts

Shana · Animal Crafts Ideas, Christmas Crafts, Clothespins, Crafts Foam, Felt, felt crafts, Holiday Crafts for Kids, Penguins · 0 Comments

You know how much thought goes into your child’s costume!!  But, sometimes the treat basket is an afterthought.  I know…. I use to carry my Halloween candy in a pillow case.  But, imagine how cute your child will look carrying this Mummy Trick or Treat Basket.  And, chances are no one else will have the exact basket.  Today I will show you how to make your very own Mummy trick or treat basket.

Also check out our other Halloween Crafts

Materials Needed:

Black Bucket

White & Black Foam or Felt

White Gauze or Old Sheets

White Paint or Yarn

Glue

Scissors

Step 1

Start off with a black bucket.

Step 2

Cut and paste a white foam or felt circle for each eye… and a black foam/felt circle inside of it.

Step 3

Wrap gauze or white strips of an old sheet… all around the bucket… and glue down.  Make sure not to cover all of the eyes… and leave a small spot to add the mouth.

Step 4

Paint the mouth with white or use stripes of white yarn glued down.

It’s super cute, right?!  And, it’s so festive for Halloween.  If you make this Halloween trick or treat basket craft let me know in the comments how it turned out.  I would love to hear all about it.

Technorati Tags: Halloween, Halloween Crafts, Trick or Treat, Trick or Treat Crafts, Mummy, Mummy Crafts, Baskets, Halloween Basket, Trick or Treat Basket

Shana · Crafts Foam, Felt, felt crafts, Halloween Crafts for Kids, Holiday Crafts for Kids, Painting Crafts Activities · 0 Comments

Halloween is coming up and what do the kids love about Halloween more than anything?! Trick or Treating, of course.  Today we will be making a Frankenstein Trick or Treat Basket perfect for collecting candy.  Made from a simple green bucket this Trick or Treat basket will be a huge hit this Halloween season.

Also check out our other Halloween Crafts

Materials Needed:

Green Bucket

Black & White Paint, Felt or Foam

Grey Paint

Black Permanent Marker

White String (if not using Paint)

Egg Carton

Scissors

Glue

Step 1

Buy a green bucket at the Dollar Store.

Step 2

Choose to either Paint or use Felt or Foam.  If painting, add white glue to the paint to help it stick to the plastic.  Paint triangles for hair OR cut felt/foam triangles to top of bucket for the hair.

Step 3

(PAINT OR) Cut out and glue two different sized white ovals and black ovals for eyes.  Leave a space between the hair and eyes for stitches.

Step 4

(PAINT OR) Cut out and glue a sideways letter ‘V’ shape (filled in with black).  With a permanent maker, draw a black curved line over the eyes.

Step 5

Draw lines over the curved line with a permanent marker.  (PAINT OR) glue on white string lines for teeth.

Step 6

Cut off egg carton cups… One for each bolt.  Paint them grey to look like real bolts.  Glue bolts on.

Once finished you should have a very freaky Frankenstein trick or treat basket.  Parade it around the community on Halloween and hear all the wonderful comments you get on it.

Technorati Tags: Halloween, Halloween Crafts, Trick or Treat, Trick or Treat Crafts, Frankenstein, Frankenstein Crafts, Baskets, Halloween Basket, Trick or Treat Basket

Shana · Crafts Foam, Felt, felt crafts, Halloween Crafts for Kids, Holiday Crafts for Kids, Painting Crafts Activities · 0 Comments