How To Make Valentine’s Day Coupon Booklets

Materials Needed:

• Paint Chip Sample Cards or any other rigid card stock type of paper, including cereal boxes would work
• Index cards or printer paper
• Stapler
• Scissors
• Ruler
• Glue dots
• Miscellaneous items for embellishments, such as scrapbook paper, construction paper, fabric scraps, buttons, brads, stamps (I used a piece from a used aluminum pan for the silver hearts in the picture) — basically anything you’d like to use that can be glued to paper.

Directions:

1. Take your paint chip card and fold one end up, about 3/4″ or so (this will become the bottom of the matchbook style notebook).

4. Place your coupons inside the short flap of the paint chip, and staple the coupons inside the flap. Fold the long end over and tuck it into the short end. If the long end is too long, just cut off part of the chip, until the end tucks in nicely into the flap, just like a matchbook.

What crafts will you be making this Valentine’s Day?

Theresa Jones is the mom of a good-sized family, consisting of herself, her husband, four grown children, 2 high school-aged children, 1 granddaughter, one son-in-law, one daughter-in-law 1 dog 2 cats and one grandchild-to-be (Aug 2012).

She spends a good part of her day working on her blog, Frugal Experiments. It is where she writes about experimenting in frugality, book reviews, product reviews and giveaways. When she’s not writing, you will find her either, reading, cooking, gardening, crocheting, or studying. She is currently enrolled full-time in college, taking a certificate course in Entrepreneurship, with the intent of turning her love of blogging into a business.

Last night, my kids and I were in an edible arts and crafts mode. We got out our supplies and tripled the recipe, leaving us with enough left over to share with three families in our neighborhood as holiday gifts.

How to Make Crafts for Christmas Gifts

Here’s what you need and how to make chocolate gifts.

Supplies

• Christmas cookie cutters in a variety of shapes (We used snowflakes, stars, and a gingerbread family.)
• Wilton candy melts (We used three varieties: white, milk, and peppermint white chocolate.)
• Wilton disposable decorating bags (We needed three, one each for the different kinds of chocolate.)
• Cookie sheet
• Wooden spoon
• Scissors
• Wax paper or Crisco (We preferred to grease the cookie sheet, but you may also place a piece of wax paper on top instead.)
• Paper towels
• Cellophane wrap (We used clear.)
• Ribbon

Instructions

Step 1: In preparation, place a sheet of wax paper on or grease a cookie sheet. Place cookie cutters on top of the wax paper or greased cookie sheet. Then, fill a disposable decorating bag about 3/4ths of the way full of chocolate candies (one variety per bag). Microwave for 30 seconds and remove to pat the bag with a wooden spoon. Microwave for 15 seconds. Repeat until chocolate is melted. Once the chocolate is melted, cut the tip of the disposable bag.

Step 2: Squeeze the chocolate around the edges of the cookie cutter first and then proceed to the center, filling the entire cookie cutter with chocolate. When all cookie cutters have chocolate in them, tap the pan on the counter to smooth out the chocolate. Add another layer of chocolate for effect: milk or dark and white chocolate and milk or dark and peppermint white chocolate are especially fun. Also, consider adding sprinkles or crushed peppermint candies to the top.

Step 3: Place cookie sheet in the refrigerator to cool. Once cooled, determine whether you’d like to give the gifts with or without the cookie cutter.

If you are including the cookie cutter with the gift, you are ready to wrap in cellophane and tie with a ribbon.

If you are not including the cookie cutter with the gift, remove the chocolate from each cookie cutter and place in the cellophane, wrap, and tie with a ribbon. And voila! You have the perfect neighbor gifts.

What are your favorite edible holiday craft activities to do with your kids?

Case in point: My boys are eight and 10. My 11 year-old son keeps reminding me that he is too old for everything since he’s a tween. So, I full on expected his eyes to roll when my friends and I got together with all of our kids and broke out the supplies, sharing that we were going to make reindeer antlers. But, all five of our kids ages two to almost 11 had a great time both making and wearing them, proving to me that you are never too old to be a kid—even if you’re a tween with attitude!

How To Make Reindeer Antlers

Making the reindeer antlers is simple.

Supplies

To create this craft, you need the following supplies:

• Plastic headband, new or used
• 6-inch piece of brown ribbon, 5/8 width
• 2 red pipe cleaners
• 2 white pipe cleaners

Instructions

1. Glue one end of the ribbon to one end of the headband. Wrap the ribbon around and around the headband, overlapping each wrap, until the entire headband is covered in ribbon. Add glue to the back of the ribbon at the end to attach it. Let the glue dry completely.
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2. For the antlers, twist together 1 red pipe cleaner with 1 white pipe cleaner. Do the same thing with the remaining red and white pipe cleaners. Bend each twisted pipe cleaner into a candy-cane shape.
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3. To attach the antlers to the headband, bend 1–2″ of the bottom of one candy cane pipe cleaner around the headband and about 1–2″ away from the center. Twist the pipe cleaner together with itself as you secure it around the headband. Repeat this step for the second candy-cane pipe cleaner, but place it 3–4″ away from the first pipe cleaner so that both candy canes look like antlers, as shown in the photo.

Interested in more fun art and craft ideas? Check out WileyCraft.com.

What fun art and craft projects have you done or do you have planned with your kids this holiday season? Tutorials you’ve created or tips you’ve found? Please share links!

10 Kids Crafts to Make This Thanksgiving Weekend

The following are 10 fun children’s crafts and activities, found on some incredibly talented bloggers’ sites, to help celebrate the season.

1. Gratitude Turkey Treat Jar by Toddler Approved
2.  Paper Bag Turkey by Martha Stewart
3.  The Thankful Turkey by Parents Magazine
4. Foot Turkey by Busy Bee Crafts
5.  Turkey Noise Maker by Craft Sanity
6.  Thanksgiving Tree by Skip to My Lou
7.  Fall Leaves Coaster by The Purl Bee
8.  I Am Grateful For (Printables) by I Heart Naptime
9.  Fall Photography/Craft Ideas by Katherine Maries
10.  Can Scarecrow by Kaboose

What fun children’s craft activities are you doing to keep your kids busy this Thanksgiving holiday weekend?

Father’s Day Activities

2. Father’s Day Tie Banner {Fathers Day Projects for Kids} – Decorate for Dad with this cute Happy Father’s Day banner that uses ties instead of pennants.

3. Quilted Hand Prints for Dad {fathers day projects} - A darling frame with the poem, “Daddy no matter how big we get, we will always reach for you!” As well as the outline of Dad and child hand prints quilted on it.

4. Fathers Day Hand Print Tie {tradition} – It was pretty simple to make. I found a white tie…any light color will do. First I bought some fabric paint in a few different colors. I dipped Mr. C’s little chubby hands and feet in the paint and dabbed them onto a paper towel. The next step was to stamp those babies on the tie. That’s it!

Free Printable Cards

6. Fast Food Father’s Day Treats {Printable Father’s Day} – These cute cupcakes and cookies disguised as fast food are made even cuter with these free printables.

7. World’s Greatest Dad Gift {printable} - Here is a little Fathers craft DIY project made with Martha Stewart’s free Retro word art template.

8. Free Download: Super Dad Printables - Here are some printable ‘My Dad is Super” cupcake toppers. There are 3 different toppers… I love variety! It keeps things spicy!

Printable Coupons

10. Daddyland Coupon Book {Printables} - This cute printable coupon book is a play on the old Disneyland ride tickets, but instead of admission to rides, Dad gets permission to take a nap and control of the television remote.

11. Gift of Time Coupons for Dad {Printable Gift Coupons} – Let the kids fill out these printable gift of time coupons for Dad and let him know that they love spending special time with Dad.

Crafts for Kids

13. Father’s Day Magnet CD {kid crafts} - Used old DVD’s we printed out a pic of the girls and traced a cup on top for the circle. We mod podged them onto the CDs.

14. Father’s Day Picture Puzzle {preschool craft} – How great is this picture puzzle?! I’m so excited about it–almost as excited as the kids! It’s super easy and makes a fun presentation. Ready to get to it?

15. Dad Rocks Paperweight - If you are looking for a last minute gift your kids can make, this is it! It’s fun to make, uses very few supplies, and there’s a very high probability you already have everything on hand to make this.

Homemade Gifts for Dad

16. Father’s Day Craft: Scrabble Letter word art – Here is a fun and easy craft that was inspired by a magazine photo using Scrabble letters. It is so easy and can be modified for so many occasions

17. D.A.D. Portrait {homemade gift} – I bought 12 inch “D” and “A” paper mache letters at JoAnn Fabrics and spray painted them aqua. Easy, right?

18. DAD Light Switch Frames {diy decor} – Take three light switch plates and cut the center piece out using a saw. Next glue paper onto the light switch, cut out the middle, and distres the edges. Mod Podgte them and attach the three frames together.

19. My Fathers Hands {thoughtful gift} – A picture of Grandpa holding each of our children’s hand and put into a beautiful collage frame.

Gift Wrap Ideas

21. Ribbon Tie {Gift Wrap} – Instead of the traditional bow, use silk ribbon to tie a tie around Dad’s gift.

22. Tie Gift Box Template {Present Wrap} – This cute tie shaped box is perfect for holding that special gift you got Dad for Father’s Day. It is made from patterned paper using this template.

23. Map Gift Wrap for Dad {Present Wrap} – If your dad isn’t one who likes to ask for directions, this map gift wrapping idea might be just the thing he needs. At least it will get a good laugh.

Father’s Day Printables

24. Top Pop {Father Day Cards Printable} – Turn Dad’s favorite soda (or even better, a Dad’s rootbeer) into a cute gift for him with these free Top Pop printables.

25. Daddy’s Toolbox Tutorial Freebie {printable} – I created it as a last minute Father’s Day gift, and thought it would be an adorable container for a gift card, little notes or chocolates.

26. Fathers Day Gift Tags & Cupcake Toppers {printable} - Print out these freebie printables to use for gift tags and/or cupcake toppers for Father’s Day for Dad or Grandpa.

27. M&M Bowties {printable} – My entire family is getting together this weekend, and I wanted Little Man to have something to give his Daddy, Grandpa, and Uncles on Father’s Day.

Thanks Ladies. I just adore these daddy gifts and crafts! If you were featured in this post, head on over to Tip Junkie and grab a “I was featured on Tip Junkie” blog button. You earned it! {high fives}

If you have a tutorial over on your blog, feel free to submit it to the Father’s Day Site or on the Tip Junkie Facebook page.

Laurie

Cindy is the busy mother of three children, two websites (SkipToMyLou and SweetBakingSupply.com), and an actual, newly-opened baking supply store. She draws frequently upon the knowledge of arts and crafts she gained while getting a Bachelors Degree in Art Education, and her practical experience as a mother to children ages 18, 14, and 6. She says, “I love sharing my ideas so that so that [other moms] can make memories with [their] family and friends.” When asked where she gets her inspiration, she says “other people” and “everyday life.” Isn’t it interesting how she sees craft ideas in ordinary things, and I see To-Do lists and Gantt charts?

Cindy’s advice to people like me, to whom perfectionism, lack of ideas, time, or confidence present big obstacles to their creativity: “Change your perspective. Enjoy the experience, not necessarily the product.”  It does take a different mindset to be creative, and, although I joke about my rigidity, I can occasionally get into “the zone,” particularly when I write or scrapbook. I’ve felt harmony when words come together in my mind just right to perfectly describe a beautiful song. I’ve felt peace when design elements fall into place on a page to flawlessly accentuate a photo of my beautiful children. There is in fact much to be enjoyed about any creative endeavor.

And, like Cindy, I find that creativity flows better when engaging with my kids. Something about getting down on their level puts everything into a fun/not fun dichotomy, and by-gosh-darn-it, I do wanna have fun! Suddenly, I’m thinking her Egg Carton Caterpillars look so easy, and her Silly Snakes would make for a really enjoyable winter afternoon activity. And I wouldn’t have to go to the store and buy all the supplies for them, since I already have most of them around the house. I don’t have to add another item to my already huge to-do list. I can stop hyperventilating (I didn’t even realize I was doing that!)!

So in the end, maybe Cindy and I are not that different. I too like to “enjoy the experience.” I’ll still use my spreadsheets and lists, but I won’t forget that they are only a means to the end of making memories with my family.

Rainbow Fish Craft

I created a coloring craft page you can print out and have your child design. Depending on their age you may want to work on colors or numbers.  Then attach four coins to the fish and tell the child they may keep one coin but give the other three coins to a sibling, friend or parent. You could also use holographic stickers, just cut a section and glue it to the fish so the child can peel them off to share.  My kids have been passing out stickers to their dad, cousins, neighbors and grandma. This activity can help them see that sharing will make others happy and encourage them to do it in the future. Children are never too young to learn about sharing our talents and blessings with others.
Download the Rainbow Fish PDF by ObSEUSSed.

• You can print blank fish or fish with labels. Cut out, then decorate.
• Tape coins or stickers to the fish and instruct them to share.
• Decorate plastic zip bags like the ocean and put your Rainbow Fish inside.

Sharing in Action

One way kids can give back is to pick out the books they have outgrown and donate them to a local charity. One national charity is Reading Tree. They have drop off bins and will organize and deliver the books to children and schools in need. According to Reading Tree, 61% of low-income families do not have children’s books in their homes.  This program helps get books into their hands.  If your books are falling apart, they’ll recycle them for you so it helps the environment too. Don’t let those books collect dust. Share them with others today.

Victoria is obSEUSSed with bringing children’s stories and characters to life through kid crafts and fun activities. Inspired by Dr. Seuss, she hopes to get children excited about reading by encouraging moms to be librarians at home. All three of her children love books, including her 6-month-old. She blogs at www.obSEUSSed.com and tweets @obSEUSSed.

Kim Demmon on the left

Four years ago, she started her site, which features a new creative blog almost every day, because she got inspiration from looking at the many creative projects other people put on their blogs. She wanted to highlight them and have them all together in one easy-to-access place, so she started TodaysCreativeBlog. She admits she feels like “Mr. Magoo,” having walking blindly into it, but she is continually excited by the the projects she sees and people she meets. “It’s been a wild ride,” she says. Over the years, she realized that the people she featured felt honored and empowered when highlighted on her site, so that has become her focus. Instead of featuring just products and projects, like many sites, she features people. “TodaysCreativeBlog is all about empowering and lifting women up. I am so lucky to have great readers who enjoy creative inspiration as much as I do,” she says.

Read her blog for five minutes, though, or better yet, talk to her for a while, and you’ll see that the site’s just another expression of her passion for creativity and connecting with other bloggers and moms. She is herself the mother of one 11-year-old boy, whom she adores, and says: “if you don’t feed yourself with something creative, you can’t enjoy being a mom.” Indeed, she feels strongly about being a mom, and the need for all women to realize the important role they play. Too often, she says, we block our own creativity by getting caught up in the obligations of being a mom. “But,” she advises, “don’t box yourself into what you think is creative. It can be creative homemaking, creative play, creative writing, etc. Even creating your day is important.”

So, as I’m preparing to write my New Years’ Resolutions, my weekly goals, and my daily to-do-lists, in danger of becoming overwhelmed by the sheer magnitude of what needs to be accomplished, I am refreshed when I visit her site. I am reminded of the importance, nay the necessity, of building an hour into each of my busy days to let the creative juices flow. I advocate the importance of hobbies for moms, as a means of much-needed balance. I, like Kim, adore my children and strive earnestly to nurture them on a daily basis. I stand with her in encouraging you to make each day creative, in whatever way you can.

To begin, gather together individual sheets of wool felt in a variety of colors. These can be purchased in almost any craft store and cost only a few dollars. Many stores also offer felt sheets made from synthetic fabrics and recycled materials that can be just as nice.

You will also need a pair of scissors, a long piece of suede string, a pen or chalking pencil, and a leaf pattern that you can copy. I used the simple leaves from My Cute Stamps; however, there are dozens of great leaf patterns available online that you can choose from. You can also find snowflake patterns and flower patterns that you can use for spring, summer, or winter garlands.

Print and cut out your leaf patterns, then trace the design onto your felt sheets. Choose colors that match the season you are creating the garland for. Oranges and browns are great for autumn; however, you can always mix and match colors to suit your personal style. There is no set rule that says you have to limit yourself to certain colors for each season.

Once you have your felt leaves cut out, it is time to attach them to the suede. I sewed each leaf in a spiral pattern around a braid (see the picture).  A simpler way would be to tie each leaf to the suede cord with a simple knot around the stem. Work from the center of the cord out to make it easier to tie each additional leaf on. If you do not want knots, another simple method is to fold the stem over the cord and secure it with a small stitch or staple.

You may also want to add additional decorations to the cord, such as acorns, small wooden beads, seashells, or fake flowers. Go with your own style to make a garland that you will love to hang up any time of the year.

Summer Minor of My Baby Clothes Boutique. Her work is brought to you by a baby clothes boutique in an effort give back to the parenting community.  Pay it forward – check out their adorable selection of baby accessories and shower gifts.

Items You’ll Need to Create Your Halloween Ghost Family

Here is what you’ll need:

• Empty soda bottles
• Cheesecloth
• Modge Podge
• Scraps of felt in different colors
• kitchen scisoors
• sponge applicator
• hot glue gun
• LED tealights

Very carefully, trim the top off your soda bottle. Trace around the bottle with a permanent marker to give you a guide.

Get your favorite little helper to cover those bottles with Modge Podge, while you cut up some cheesecloth to cover your soda bottles. You want enough to drape over your bottle twice.

Now comes the fun part. Using a crayon, draw your faces for your ghosts, and whatever else you want to put on your ghost family. Cut them out.

Using your glue gun, place the eyes, mouth and whatever else on your ghost. Have fun with it!

Add your LED lights under each ghost to get a really fun, dramatic look for your creation.

Here we are! Mommy, Daddy, Big sister and Little Sister! Aren’t we the scariest ghosts ever?

What fun kids Halloween crafts are you making this holiday season?

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