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Choosing the right adhesive for the job

Friday, February 3rd, 2012

With so many different adhesive options in the world of scrapbooking, it can be overwhelming and frustrating walking into a store and trying to find what you need.  Not only are you given multiple adhesive choices, but you are also given multiple adhesive brands.  For a beginning scrapbooker, this can be extremely frustrating.  And although there are so many options, choosing the right adhesive for the job is important and will make a different in the end result of your project and how long it will last for.  Here are some helpful tips on how to choose the right adhesive for your project.

Tip #1:  Know your glues
When it comes to glue you have some different options: hot glue, tacky glue, glue sticks, and glue pens.  While the first two options will provide a strong hold, they shouldn’t be used on photographs as they will melt pictures and have a high percentage of acidity.  If you’re looking for a cheap way to get things stuck to your paper then glue sticks will definitely provide that, however they lose their stickiness over time and some of them aren’t safe for photographs.  Glue pens have also become popular in the world of adhesives as well as glue dots.  The glue dots work especially well and are safe for paper and photographs.

Tip #2:  Try using tapes or corner mounts
Another option when it comes to adhesives is using tapes and corner mounts.  Some tape products are safe for scrapbooking needs while others are not, so it’s important to understand what you’re using.  You can use traditional tape options and they will work fine for albums, however there are specific tapes made for scrapbooking needs that work wonderfully.  Mounting squares are extremely popular along with roll tape dispensers and roll glue dispensers.  They keep pictures in place and most that are made today are acid free, which means they won’t harm your pictures.  Some of the tapes provide a permanent adhesive while others will allow you to move around the page until you find where you want it to stay.  Corner mounts will also keep your photographs in place without permanently sticking them to the paper.  If you have photographs that you don’t want any type of glue or tape on then try using corner mounts.

Tip #3:  Don’t ever use rubber cement
If you’re tempted to use rubber cement on your scrapbook pages don’t.  Although there are some rubber cement glues that are labeled acid free they are extremely messy and generally once used cannot be removed without a great deal of tearing.  Yes they will stick that picture or paper to whatever it is you need it to stick to, but don’t plan on ever moving it again!

Tip #4:  Do your homework
If you’re just beginning in the world of scrapbooking, it’s always a good idea to do some homework before you go to the store and walk around not knowing where and what to look for.  If you have access to the internet then put in a simple search for scrapbooking adhesives and reviews to see which brand names are used the most, and which adhesives are used the most.  You’d be surprised at what a little bit of homework will do for you before you go into the store to try and pick something.  And it can probably save you some money too.

Choosing the right adhesive for the job can be time consuming and a royal pain, however getting the right adhesive for your project is one of the most important and basic things for scrapbooking.  Good luck.

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Chalking for scrapbooks

Thursday, February 2nd, 2012

Chalking for scrapbooks is very popular and can add an extra splash of color to any scrapbook page.
Chalking for scrapbooking may be one of the least expensive ways to add an extra touch to any scrapbook page.
Chalking for scrapbooking can make a regular piece of paper for scrapbooking transform into a three dimensional work of art.
Chalking for scrapbooks have some basic rules that you should be aware of. Chalking for scrapbooking should be done with photo-safe decorating chalks that are found in any craft or scrapbooking store. These specialized chalks for scrapbooking contain concentrated pigments for some extra color and are acid free which is always a must when dealing with scrapbooks. Chalks break easily so some careful handling should be used when scrapbooking with chalks. Saving all the broken pieces of your chalks is a good reason why chalking is inexpensive. Even the smallest bits of chalk can be used. Chalks for scrapbooking should be stored and protected in plastic containers with a tight fitting lid to keep moisture out. Chalking applicators can include sponge applicators, new or cleaned eye shadow sponge applicators or cotton swabs; you will find what works best for you and your desired effect the more you use the chalk.
Along with finding chalks for scrapbooking at any number of craft stores or scrapbooking stores you can also find books on how to chalk for scrapbooks. Some chalking books will come with the chalks and even some patterns while others will tell you how to chalk and some of the different techniques that can be used to achieve your desired effects.  There are also chalking books that you can buy that will include cutouts with the instructions for you to use on your scrapbook pages instead of doing the chalking freehanded.
Before you put any chalks onto your scrapbook pages you will want to practice some chalking first. You should practice blending colors on a separate piece of paper like the one you want to use in your scrapbook page to get the best results. Before applying any chalks to your pages you should try and learn what colors work well together and how to blend those colors to get the shades and effects that you want. Using a light touch with the chalk will help you to attain more of a soft look on your scrapbook pages. Using a heavy touch then will give you more of an intense color to your scrapbook pages. Using circular movements when applying the chalk to your scrapbook pages will give you a fluffy look like in beards or animal fur.
Colors can be blended in two ways. This first way for blending chalk is used with the cutouts. You will first want to apply one chalk color to the cutout you are using and then add another color over the top of that first color that you applied. Subtle or multiple colors are achieved by using two or three colors together. The second way for blending chalk is to use the applicator itself. First you will dip the applicator into one of the chalk colors you wish to use. Then you will rub the applicator on the cutout creating a new color.
Mistakes are easily made when working with chalk and should be expected. Don’t get discouraged when you do happen to make a mistake. An easy way to fix the mistake is to use an artist’s white plastic eraser to remove any excess chalk without leaving any marks. The artist’s eraser will also help clean up any stray chalk marks that may have happened.
To set the chalk onto your scrapbook page to stop any other blending or smearing you will want to use an acid free spray. There are different sprays to use to set your chalk but you should look for an acid free spray for the best results. Hairspray should never be used.
Chalking for scrapbooks is a great way to add extra dimension to any scrapbook page.

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Benefits of attending a scrapbook convention

Wednesday, February 1st, 2012

Whether you are brand new to scrapbooking or are an experienced “scraper” than you may want to consider attending a scrapbook convention. These conventions can be both an educational and a fun experience. Due to the popularity of scrapbooking most urban areas will offer large scrapbook convention at least twice yearly with smaller conventions being held more often.  There are numerous benefits of attending a scrapbook convention but here are just a few-

  • New ideas-Scrapbook conventions are a great way to get loads of new ideas for your scrapbooks.  There will not only be many vendors there with new products and new techniques for you to see but there are lots of other scrappers as well. Most scrapbook conventions offer classes and demonstrations to show you the latest the scrapbooking.  In addition there is usually free time to work on pages or bring your scrapbooking things to work on during the crop times. There is always a free exchange of ideas at these conventions and you never know what just might spark your creativity to set your scrapbooking in a whole new direction.  Whether you are new to scrapbooking or find yourself at a stalemate after scrapbooking for several years attending a convention can get your creativity going in a whole new direction.
  • Lots of free products-Vendors and organizers know the best way to attract the attention of the scrapbookers is to offer free products.  While you may have to pay a small entrance fee (many times craft stores offer discount tickets) you can many times more than make up the entrance fee price in the free goodies that you take home.  Vendors know that by offering you just a sample of their products you are much more likely to return (if you like it) and buy more. Also if you are wondering if that pricey new set of markers or other scrapbook tool is really worth it this is a good chance to check it out before having to lay out a lot of cash.   In addition organizers know that by offering free goodies bags, raffles and other prize drawings they stand to make much more in entrance fees by a well attended scrapbook convention.
  • New trends-You will get to see the new trends in scrapbooking up close and personal.  Scrapbooking is an ever changing hobby and if you want to see what new trends are evolving attending a scrapbook convention is the way to do it.  Vendors, demonstrators, and convention organizers will all be eager to show you what’s up next in the scrapbooking community.
  • Meeting the scrapbook community-Scrapbooking is really a close-knit community.  Many scrapbookers meet on a regular basis for classes and crops (times when they work on their scrapbooks).  If you are looking for a group to be part of you may find one at a scrapbook convention.  Just be sure to extend yourself and do not be afraid to speak up.  Scrappers (as they call themselves) are a friendly community.  Of course if you are attending a large convention that provides you with the opportunity to meet scrappers from all over the country.  You may find yourself exchanging ideas with someone who lives across the country!
  • Its lot of fun!-Probably the best reason to attend a scrapbook convention is that it is a lot of fun!  The energy is high and people are excited to see the new products and techniques that are being shown.  Often times there are drawings, classes to attend and lots of demonstrations to see.  Scrapbooking is a pleasant and happy hobby and draws lots of high energy people to it.

If you are interested in attending a scrapbook convention check with your local craft store for dates and times.  If you are unable to find one often times searching online will let you know where the biggest and best scrapbook conventions and exhibitions are being held.

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Using metal wire to make crafts

Tuesday, January 31st, 2012

Wire is one of the best and most versatile types of metal that a person can use to make crafts. A person can make many different types of crafts using wire. This article will talk about using wire in jewelry making and in making mobile sculptures.

Jewelry

A very popular craft that uses wire is jewelry making, especially bead jewelry. And part of the reason that wire bead jewelry is such a popular craft is because it is relatively easy and usually ends up looking fantastic. A person does not have to be an expert at making crafts, jewelry, or design to make great wire bead jewelry.

A person can make bracelets, earrings, necklaces, anklets, and even rings using wire and beads. And making these pieces of jewelry are relatively easy to do.

There are a few tools that a person will need before they are able to make jewelry. A wire cutter, bent chain nose pliers, round nose pliers, and chain nose pliers are all helpful tools that a person will need to help them manipulate the wire.  And of course a person will need wire and beads. Using an anti-tarnish and silver-plated wire is a good choice for wire making jewelry. A person can choose any type of beads they would like. Beads come in many different materials, colors, and shapes.

There are wire jewelry making starter kits available online and in many stores. These kits contain the tools a person needs to start making their own wire jewelry. If a person has the tools they need and just need a little instruction, there are also tutorials available online that can help a person throughout the process of making their own jewelry. Once someone gets a hang of jewelry making, they will be able to take off on their own and create some beautiful pieces.

Kinetic sculptures or mobiles

One type of sculptures a person can make out of wire are mobiles. There are many different types of mobiles that a person can make out of wire. They can make nature mobiles, animal mobiles, mobiles of shapes like hearts and triangles, etc.

A person can use their mobile crafts as an outdoor decoration. If they do this these mobiles made out of wire can be made so they move and are able to twist, spin, and reflect light as they dance around in the wind. Mobiles can also be hung inside to add an accent to a room.

Here are some simple instructions for how to make a mobile using wire.

The first rule to creating a mobile using wire is for a person to work from the bottom up to the top. If a person decides to make a wire mobile using shapes they will need to create the shapes they would like to use in their mobile. These shapes can be made out of different types of material including wire. If a person is using wire for the shapes on their mobile they will want to bend the wire into the different shapes they would like to use.

After all of pieces of the mobile are found or made, a person will then begin to wire them together. The smaller end pieces should be wired together first followed by the larger pieces that are to go in the middle. This will help the mobile be more balanced.

The top wire of the mobile should be connected last. And then a person can connect the middle sections to the top bar and check to make sure the wire mobile is able to balance when it is hung.

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Soap making crafts

Monday, January 30th, 2012

Making your own soap has become one of the hottest crafts around.  Homemade soaps are being featured everywhere from farmer’s markets to high end gift shops.  However there is no reason to pay the high prices that vendors are asking.  Soap making is affordable, easy and can provide you with a high quality product.  Whether you are just looking to have some fun or come up with a unique gift soap making can fit the bill.  Best of all crafters who make soap do not have to have extensive crafting skills in order to turn out beautiful and unique soaps.  So if you are looking for new craft to try here are some ideas for soap making crafts-

  • Aloe Vera Soap balls-This easy to make soap is highly moisturizing for dry skin. This project only takes about 30 minutes to complete.
    What you will need:

    • 4 ounces (110gms) of grated soap
    • 2 tbs of Aloe Vera gel
    • 1 1/2 tbs of Rose water
    • 35 drops of Evening primrose oil
    • 6 drops of Orange oil
    • 4 drops of Juniper oil

    Instructions for the project: You will simply mix all the ingredients together in a blender. Keep in mind that there should be enough moisture in the oils to make this mix suitable for binding into a ball. If it’s still a little dry you can add some more of your favorite oils. After complete blending form the mix into balls by rolling it in moist hands. Place the balls on some wax paper to dry. They may take a few days to dry out completely.

    • Variation: You can also add some rose petals or marigold leaves for lovely dash of color.
  • Lavender and Honey soap-This luscious soap will quickly become your favorite. Lavender and Honey soap also makes a great gift for family and friends.  You should expect this project to take about 30 minutes.
    What you will need:

    • 4 oz. Melt and Pour soap or soap flakes
    • 1 Tbs of beeswax
    • 1 Tbs of honey
    • 10 drops of Lavender essential oil
    • Purple dye (optional)

    Instructions for the project: Start by melting down your beeswax using a double boiler method. After you have melted your soap down add the melted beeswax and honey. You will need to keep stirring until it is completely mixed and then add your lavender oil. Pour into your soap molds and allow to harden completely.

    • Tip: You can use pure soap bar’s grated down from your supermarket instead of the Melt and Pour base or buy soap flakes from your health food store.
  • Butter fingers soap-This whimsical soap almost seems like you can eat it but it is highly moisturizing.  For an exfoliate on the soap you can sprinkle on chopped nuts.
    What you will need:

    • 12 oz of Soap base
    • 8 oz of cocoa butter
    • 12 oz of olive oil
    • 4 oz of cocoa
    • 1 tbs of Peanut Butter

    Instructions for the project:  This is a melt and pour soap meaning that you will combine all of the ingredients at a low temperature and melt them.  Keep in mind that you will need to continually stir until all of the ingredients are melted and combined.  Then quickly pour the soap into molds and allow to harden completely.

  • Pumpkin Tart soap-This soap will remind you of the fall classic.  For a whimsical touch you can purchase soap molds in the shape of pumpkins.
    What you will need:

    • 4oz. (115g) Clear Glycerin Soap base
    • 1 Tbs Liquid Soap
    • 1 Tsp Liquid Glycerin
    • 1/2 tsp Pumpkin Pie Fragrance Oil
    • 1/2 Tsp Ground Cinnamon
    • 3 Drops Orange Food Color

    Instructions for the project: This recipe is also considered a melt and pour soap.  Begin by melting everything except the food coloring.  When all ingredients are melted add the orange food coloring.  Stir the mixture until the color is completely mixed in.  Pour into the molds and allow to harden completely.

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Setting up a craft room

Sunday, January 29th, 2012

If you are ready to try your hand at some fun crafting projects, here are some simple crafting tips that will help you get started:

  • Budget. When it comes to crafting, it is easy to get overwhelmed on how expensive it can get. Keep yourself on a tight budget so you don’t end up spending your entire paycheck to pay for a nice scrapbooking crafting project.
  • Imagination. Part of crafting comes down to your imagination. It is important for you to look for different supplies and tools that will help you create impressive crafting projects in a new way. For example, instead of throwing away all of those extra buttons that come with a new shirt, hang onto them and use them in your next crafting project. Buttons are wonderful decorations to add to scrapbook pages, picture frames, and greeting cards.
  • Keep it clean. As you begin crafting, you should try and keep the area where you are working as clean as possible. The last thing you want to do is to drip paint on another crafting project that you are working on. By keeping the room organized and clean, it will be easy for you to complete your craft projects and you won’t need to worry about spilling paint.

As you set up your crafting area, try to find an area that is away from the high-traffic areas in the home. Your best option is to use a spare room in the home where you can set up your craft room. You will need a table or two, some drop cloths, a couple of chairs, and plenty of outlets. It also helps to have bright lights in the craft room as you need to see small detailed areas when you are working. Use some plastic totes to keep things like fabric separate from glue and paint this way it will be easier to find them when you need them. Get creative with the craft room and look for intricate ways to utilize space.

Get a large magnifying lens for those crafting projects that require attention to small details. It is also important to have some cleaning materials in the room as well in case you spill paint. Having a small bucket of water will be helpful as will some paper towels to help you keep your crafting area clean.

Plastic is necessary when you are working with paint. It will become extremely helpful if you need to do a spray painting project. If you choose to spray paint, go outside or make sure there is plenty of ventilation in the room and that everything is covered with plastic. Spray paint causes paint to fly all over so your new fleece can easily be ruined.

As you set up your crafting room, the best thing to do is to start with all of the big items like a crafting table, a sewing machine, a cutting table, and an air compressor. Once all of the big items are in place, it will be easy to start finding room to put all of your other supplies like fabric, thread, and needles. If the room has a closet, remove the doors. This will open up the room a little more and it will give you more room to work. If the closet is large enough, you should set up your sewing machine station in here. This way it is away from the traffic area and you don’t run the risk of bumping it, causing it to fall off the table. Hang a peg board above the sewing machine station to hold electrical tools like your hot glue guns.

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Scrapbooking tips

Saturday, January 28th, 2012

If you have made the decision to start scrapbooking all of your memories, get ready to spend a lot of time, money, and patience on scrapbooking. It’s not exactly as easy as some people make it out to be and you may find that it can become frustrating quickly. The reason why it can get frustrating is because you may be trying too hard to achieve perfection. If you know you aren’t good at crafting, don’t try to make your scrapbook look like one that was done by Martha Stewart, stick to what you can do and be proud of your accomplishments. Here are a few scrapbooking tips to help you get started off on the right foot:

Tip # 1 – Layout and Theme
When it comes to scrapbooking, it helps to break things up. Let’s say you want to create an entire scrapbook for 2009 or 2010. Instead of focusing on every individual month, go by date and the event. For example, do a few pages on your family’s 4th of July celebrations and then another when it comes to a family camping trip after the holiday. You don’t have to start in January, start with what is fresh on  your mind and it will be easy to complete those pages first and then you can organize them once you finish off the rest of the year.

Choosing a layout for your scrapbook is another important thing to do. The layout is how you want the pages to look. Head to the craft store or go online to look at a few different scrapbooking page templates or examples. This will help you get an idea as to what you would like your layout to look like for your scrapbook.

Tip # 2 – Accessorize
To make your scrapbook stand out, you need to pick up several different types of craft tools to accessorize it. Look for unique things like buttons, fabric, wood, and patterned paper. This is a wonderful way to make your scrapbook page stand out because you will place the picture down and decorate the page with these unique objects. Adding texture to the page is a fun way to make the scrapbook page unique, and it will look amazing, even though you may be an amateur at scrapbooking.

Tip # 3 – Overlapping
One of the best ways to make your scrapbook pages stand out is to overlap different things like fabric and paper. You don’t want to use a white sheet of paper and then glue a picture and a button to it. Instead you want to cut out some fabric or other paper to go behind the paper and then glue it onto the main page. From here, you can add all of the accessories that will make the page stand out. Be careful not to add too many layers to the page because it will be hard to cover and sometimes the page can become too busy.

Tip # 4 – Think small for big designs
Don’t get ahead of yourself or stress yourself out by trying to do too much. Keep it simple and small when you are creating a scrapbook. This is the best way to keep a steady pace and to have fun with it. After you go on vacations and you take pictures, be sure to write down a few fun memories that happened on the trip so you can include them in the scrapbook when you finally get to those pictures.

Tip # 5 – Have fun!
Finally, remember to have fun when you are scrapbooking. Don’t worry too much about looking like a professional and smile as you start to remember some of the fond memories you have with each picture. Scrapbooks are a great way to share memories, not to stress you out.

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Rubber stamp craft

Friday, January 27th, 2012

Rubber stamps are a great way to decorate other items like greeting cards and picture frames. A rubber stamp is actually easy to create and it’s a fun craft to share with your loved ones. This article will help provide you with a guide to rubber stamp crafts.

Manufactured rubber stamps
If you don’t want to make your own rubber stamps, you can always head to the craft store and purchase some. How can you find a good rubber stamp? There are a couple things you need to know. First, look at the rubber that has been used. Is it fraying on the edges already? Does the image you desire look like it has cracks in it? A good rubber stamp will have a deeply cut image that is even. Cheap rubber stamps usually have shallow cuts, which make it difficult to decipher the image you are stamping. Second, is the handle slippery or hard to hold? A good rubber stamp will feel comfortable between your fingers and it will be easy to grasp. Watch out for a rubber stamp that has a foam section because people are used to pushing down hard with stamps, so you can leave ink blots on the paper. Third, make sure the image stands out from the cushion. Cheap stamps are usually shallow so the cushion section can easily catch ink and be imprinted when you push down on the stamp.

When you buy a manufactured stamp, one of the best things to remember is to keep it as clean as possible. Stamps can collect dust, oil, ink, and other things over time and if you aren’t constantly trying to keep it clean, your image will become distorted. Clean it with soap and water or you can also use some rubbing alcohol on it. When you press down, avoid pressing too firmly and try to apply pressure evenly to the stamp. If too much pressure is on one side of the stamp, the image will become distorted.

Crafting a rubber stamp
A fun craft idea is to create your own rubber stamp. In order to make a rubber stamp, you will need to purchase a few raw materials to get started. To get started you will need a rubber white eraser, a pencil, tracing paper, sandpaper, wood block, saw, cellulose sponge about ¼ inch thick, craft knife, needle, and glue. Once you have all the necessary supplies you can build a rubber stamp.

Spend some time thinking about what you would like your design to be. Head to the internet to look for some simple image designs that you can easily trace and cut out of rubber. Once you have the image, print it off and then you need to trace the image onto the white eraser using the tracing paper. Firmly trace the design onto the white eraser and then use the pencil to make it obvious on the eraser. Using the knife carefully cut out the areas of the eraser that are not part of your design. You can use the needle to help you get into smaller areas where the knife may be too large.

After you are sure the image is deeply cut into the eraser, test it by dipping the eraser in ink and then placing it on some paper. This will show you where you may need to make some deeper cuts with the knife. Once this is complete you can then use the sandpaper to remove any loose areas on the eraser. Now, cut some wood and score it with the sandpaper to make it comfortable for your hand. Glue the rubber stamp to the bottom of the wood and allow it to dry and you then have yourself your very own hand crafted rubber stamp.

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Recycled metal crafts

Thursday, January 26th, 2012

Recycling is good for the planet and good for a person’s wallet. Here are some ideas for great recycled metal crafts.

Recycled aluminum can crafts

Metal can crafts can be a great way for a person to recycle their metal cans. Instead of throwing them out a person can make a beautiful and/or useful craft from the aluminum cans. One of the popular crafts, especially around the holidays, is a recycled aluminum can tree. Many people use this for a fun Christmas decoration.

To make a recycled aluminum can Christmas tree a person will need at least 27 empty and cleaned out aluminum soda cans. A hot glue gun, spray paint, duct tape, and a plywood or foam board are the materials needed. And a strand of Christmas lights can make the Christmas tree even more festive.

The first step is for a person to arrange the aluminum cans. Usually about three cans on top of three cans will work well for the trunk of the Christmas tree. It is helpful to glue the cans making up the trunk together. Then they should move up the tree from there using six cans as the base of the tree. They should continue up the board making the tree shape and finishing the tree with one can on the top gluing each can to the cans around it. The bottom of the aluminum cans should all be facing out.

After all of the cans have been glued a person can spray paint the tree green (or whatever color or colors they would like.) If they would like to use the lights they can put the lights between the cans so that the light shines through from the bottom of the cans. They can duct tape the lights to the back of the tree to secure it. Of course they can always put stickers, glitter, or other decorations on the tree too.

To hang the aluminum Christmas tree outside, a person can use the plywood board to secure the tree. They can glue the tree onto the board to keep it sturdy. If they are planning to use the tree as an indoor decoration they can just use a foam board.

Recycled soup can crafts

A person can recycle a used soup can-or a can from canned vegetables or fruit-and make it into something useful again. There are many uses for these recycled can crafts. For example, a person can use the cans as party favors, or they can use them for storage in their house to hold pens or Q-tips, for decoration, and they could even use them to give gifts to others.

To create a craft using a recycled soup can a person will need some tools. First, of course, a person will need to have metal soup, vegetable, or fruit cans, cleaned out with soap and water and dried. Some of the other materials that will be useful when making this craft are acrylic paint, sandpaper, pliers, wire, gesso, Mod Podge, craft glue, a paint brush, a hole punch, decorative or colored paper (like paper used for scrapbooks), and some people might like to use other small decorative items such as buttons or glitter.

After all of the tools have been assembled and the cans have been washed, a person will want to remove any of the glue that may be remaining on the can. They can use the sandpaper for this task. And if there are any sharp edges around the edge of the can a person can use the pliers to fold them down and make them smooth.

Rubbing the outside of the can with sandpaper can prepare the can for the thin layer of gesso and help the gesso stick better to the outside of the soup can. Using the paint brush a person can then paint the outside of the can with the gesso thus preparing it for further painting.

After the gesso has dried a person can then use the color or colors of acrylic paint that they have chosen and paint the outside of the can. It is a good idea to then let the can dry for about a half hour before they begin adding anything else to decorate the can.

After all the paint has been applied and has dried it is now time to decorate the can. A person can decorate it however they want. And they will probably want to decorate the cans in different ways according to how they will use them. If a person would like the can to be a little less round they can smash it a little on the sides with their hand. This can also give the person a flatter service to decorate.

When decorating the m recycled soup can a person can Mod Podge decorative paper or use the craft glue to paste on glitter or buttons. And if they want to add a handle to their can they can use the hole punch to make two holes on the side of the can and then string in wire to create the handle. The options are pretty endless when creating a recycled can craft.

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Rainy day craft ideas

Wednesday, January 25th, 2012

If the storm clouds are brewing, it means the kids will be looking for some indoor activities. If you don’t want your kids to sit in front of the television all day, why not spend some time doing a few crafting projects together? Rainy day crafts are a lot of fun and it’s a wonderful way to grow closer. Here are some great rainy day craft ideas that you can easily create with your children:

Story Books
With some crayons, ribbon, and paper, your children can create their own story book. Help them come up with some unique storylines and then put the book together, allowing them to draw pictures on each page. With a hole punch and ribbon, you can bind the book together. It’s a lot of fun for children to build their own book and they will enjoy reading it to you when they get done.

If your children are older, make their story book craft harder. Grab some old books that you no longer use and have them transform them into works of art. You will need sandpaper, old books, glue, razor blade, stamps, beads, and other decorations. Once you have gathered all of the supplies, you will then take an old book and sand down the sides and the cover. From here you will need to use a primer on the cover so that the decorations and paint will properly adhere to it.

Once the cover dries, you also need to paint a primer over the pages in the book, this will cause many of the pages to stick together. You can also use masking tape to hold the pages together and then paint a different color over them. Using your knife, cut out windows in the pages and then insert little characters in the windows along with a story underneath the windows. Paint over the words on the pages and try to keep the thickness of the pages about the same to make the book flow together properly.

Magazine Animals
Another fun rainy day craft is to get some use out of those old magazines. Smaller magazines like National Geographic work the best for this project. You are going to open the magazine from cover to cover and glue the covers together. Now you will fold the top of each page in about 1/3 of the way to the spine and glue it in place. Once it has all been folded in, do the same to the bottom of the page. After the glue dries, spray paint the entire magazine. Paint it according to the color of the animal, brown for a turkey, black for a panther, etc. This will then be the body of the animal.

From here you will need to use some foam paper or cardstock paper to make the head of the animal. Wiggly eyes, wire, ribbon, and buttons can be used to create the face of the animal. Using a tall stick, glue the face to the stick and then slide it into the spine of the magazine. Glue the stick in place and make sure it has been painted the same color as the rest of the magazine body. Allow it to dry and you now have a unique magazine animal to adorn your kitchen table or entry-way table.

Cooking time
Kids absolutely love treats and they love to cook. Grab some cookie cutters or cake pans and get cooking. Pick a unique recipe that you have not tried before and explain how to make it to your children and supervise as they have fun pounding dough and playing with different shapes. Cooking is a great rainy day activity and its fun for everyone.

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