Today I have a craft for you that is perfect for the nice warm summer season.  In this post I will show you how to make a Milk Carton Row Boat.  Made from a couple of milk cartons this row boat will actually float.  What is nice about milk cartons is that their waxy surface makes them completely water proof…. perfect for the water.  So, grab the materials needed and let’s get started.

Check out our other Milk Carton Crafts.

Materials Needed

2 Milk Cartons

Pen or Pencil

Scissors

Tape

Nail

String

Step 1

Rinse out 2 finished Milk Cartons.  Let dry.

Step 2

Put carton on its side… draw a line 2 inches from bottom.  Cut along this line.

Step 3

Draw what you see above along the top edge of the carton.  For the oar locks…. make a dot in the center of each.

Step 4

Cut along the unwanted part using guidelines from last step.

Step 5

Use 2nd milk carton.  Cut a seat that is about 1.5 inches wide.

 Step 6

Cut strips that are a bit wider than the width of the first milk carton.  Fold tabs as seen.

Fold tabs down.

Step 7

Draw oars on extra milk carton.  Cut out 4 of them.

Step 8

Tape the seats into the boat.

Step 9

With a nail, poke a hole in each oar lock.  Also, poke a hole in front of boat.  Put an oar in each oar lock.  Tie string around the hole in the front of the boat.  Now go play with your boat.

And that’s it.  You just made yourself your very own Milk Carton Row Boat.  Use it in your pool, bath tub or any body of water.  Enjoy!!

Technorati Tags: crafts for kids, milk carton crafts, milk carton activities, milk carton crafts for kids, milk carton activities for kids, milk carton boats, milk carton row boat, row boat crafts, boat crafts, boat crafts for kids

Shana · Box and Container Crafts, Make Your Own Toys, Milk Cartons and Containers, Pull Along Toys, String · 1 Comment

Chinese New Year falls on January 23rd this Year.  And, in honor of Chinese New Year I put together a list of crafts just about the Chinese New Year.  You will find that most of them are Dragon Crafts and you might wonder why….. well, I will tell you why.  This year is the Year of the Dragon.  So, to honor that fact the majority of the crafts I have listed here will be Dragon Crafts.  Not all of them…. there are plenty of fun other crafts that have nothing to do with Dragons.  So, check out the post and pick a few Chinese New Year Crafts to do with the kids….. they are sure to love them.  So, let’s get started.

Here are Even More Chinese New Years Crafts

Chinese New Year Crafts – Year of the Dragon

(1) Festive Ribbon Dragon

Here is an adorable dragon perfect for this years Chinese New Years.  This is the mini sized version of the huge size dragon they use in parades for Chinese New Years.  Check out FamilyFun for all the crafting details.

(2) Pop-Up Greeting Card

Isn’t this Chinese Pop-Up Greeting card gorgeous?  I think it is really beautiful.  Imagine giving this to someone to celebrate the Chinese New Year.  Go to FreePaperCraftTemplate for all the details on how to print off this free template.

(3) Origami Dragon

Since this Chinese New Year is the year of the Dragon how could I not include an Origami Dragon in this post.  And, look how awesome this Origami Dragon turns out.  You can get the full instructions for this Origami by going to Origami-Instructions.

(4) Chinese New Year Fish

Fish is a very popular dish on Chinese New year.  Fish is a sign of prosperity…. so it is very common to see people eating fish on Chinese New Year.  With that being said I thought it was a good idea to include Fish in this Chinese New Year Post.  Go to Julie K in Taiwan for all the craft details.

(5) Chinese Dragon Door Hanger

Here is a cute craft for the youngest of crafters.  If you go to NickJr they show you how to make a simple Chinese Dragon Door Hanger that is perfect for any kid’s room.  Plus, making this craft with them is the perfect time to explain to your kids a little bit about the Chinese New Year.

(6) Dragon Mask

Now, isn’t this Dragon Mask incredible?  What little one wouldn’t love wearing this Dragon Mask all over the house.  After all, children love dressing up.  Find all the Dragon Mask “how-to’s” over at AlphaMom.  This is such a great Chinese New Year craft!!

(7) Pull-A-Long Dragon Craft

Here is a great way to make a Dragon for Chinese New Year….. made out of paper cups.  How awesome is that?!  It turns out so cute too.  This is a great way to teach your children about the Chinese culture.  Make sure to check out the craft in its entirety over at FreeKidsCrafts.

(8) Toy Spinning Hand Drum

Here is a fun toy for the Chinese New Year.  Not only fun to play with…. but also fun to make.  This toy is a great way to make lots of noise during the Chinese New Year.  Make sure to check out 4CrazyKings for all the fun details.

(9) Paper Dragon

This is a fun craft for the Chinese New Year.  This Paper Dragon turns out so beautiful…. I just love the colors.  I found this craft over at CraftJr and I just love it.  She explains how this craft is really so easy that a toddler can do it.  And, trust me…. the kids will love maneuvering around the dragon with the sticks.

(10) Marbled Red Vinasse Eggs

This Marbled Egg  is an extremely popular Chinese snack…. and it is extremely popular during Chinese New Year as the egg represents fertility.  To get this marbled effect you first crack the egg and then simmer the egg in colored liquid.  Get the full details at Pig Pigs Corner.

(11) Paper Chain Dragons

One of the easiest crafts to teach a young child is how to make a paper chain.  So, let’s use that technique to make a Paper Dragon.  The kids will have such a fun time making this craft.  The Chinese tradition is a rich tradition….. why not show this to your kids by creating this craft.  Check out NaturallyEducational for all the craft details.

(12) Flying Dragon Puppet

Okay, I officially love this craft…. I just love how it turns out.  It turns out so colorful and festive…. just like any New year should be.  Check out JellyFishJelly for the craft details and put this Flying Dragon Puppet together.  I don’t know what your kids will love more…. putting the craft together or playing with the puppet.

Technorati Tags: chinese new year, chinese new year crafts, making chinese crafts, year of the dragon, year of the dragon crafts, dragon crafts, asian crafts, asian new year crafts, chinese new year arts and crafts, chinese new year crafts for kids

Shana · Asian Crafts, Candy and Food, Chinese New Year, Cool Finds and Tips, Decorative Paper, Dragon, googley eyes, Hat and Mask Crafts, Make Your Own Greeting Cards Crafts, Origami & Paper Folding Activities, Paper, Paper Plates, Parenting Articles, Pull Along Toys, Puppets, Sticks and Wooden Dowels · 2 Comments

Oh boy….. do I have a fun craft for you today.  I’m going to show you how to make a Clothespin Airplane Toy.  This airplane toy actually works.  After the craft is done the child will simply hold on to the airplane’s string and start running…. the airplane should start flying.  Doesn’t that sound like fun?  Almost as much fun as it will be putting the craft together.  So, let’s get started.

Check out our other Toy Crafts.

Materials Needed

Old Fashioned Clothespin

6-inch Stick or Pencil

Stiff Pieces of Paper

String

Crayons, Markers or Stickers

Glue

Step 1

Force a 6-inch stick (pencil size) into the groove of an old-fashioned clothespin.

Step 2

Glue stiff pieces of paper 3 inches square on both ends of the stick for wings.

Step 3

Tie a string to the head of the clothespin.

Step 4

You can choose to make designs or place stickers on the wings.

To fly the plane, the child holds the string and runs.

So, there you go…. you have your very own airplane toy that you made yourself.  How fun is that?!  How did you decorate your plane?  Let me know in the comments below.  You can even take a picture of the airplane toy and share it in the comments.  I would love to see it.

Technorati Tags: airplanes, toy airplanes, making airplanes,   making toys, how to make toys, how to make toy airplanes, clothespin airplanes, clothespin toys, clothespin crafts

Shana · Card Stock, Clothespins, Make Your Own Toys, Paper, Paper Airplanes and Gliders, Pull Along Toys · 2 Comments

Learn how to make your very own pull-along toy snake with the following instructions. It really turns out to be a really cool toy when finished. This is a great toy for boys…who tend to love to scare girls with these cork snakes. Find the directions below.

How to Make Pull-Along Toy Snakes with Corks and String Crafts Idea for Kids

Crafts Materials Needed:

– Corks (From 14 to 20 of Them)
– Strong String
– Large Mending Needle
– Sewing Pins
– Paint or Markers
– Need Mom or Dad to Cut a Mouth OR Paint on Face

There are harmless snakes on many farms, and you should have one in your collection. Make one from corks —from 14 to 20 of them if you want a long snake. The corks can be of different sizes, getting smaller towards the tail, or, if yours are all the same size, your Mom and Dad can cut some.

Use a strong string and a large mending needle to put the snake together. Start at the head, and let some knotted string dangle, as in the picture. When all the corks are strung together, cut a mouth and make two eyes from pins. For the final touch, paint the snake some real snake color.

Technorati Tags: snake crafts, make snakes, make toy snakes, making toy snakes, make toy snake, make pull-along toys, pull-along toys, making toys, make toys, kids crafts, crafts for kids, crafts for children, snakes, snake crafts, snake crafts for kids

admin · Animal Crafts Ideas, Corks, Crafts for Boys, Painting Crafts Activities, Pull Along Toys, String · 2 Comments