Easy Crafts on a Budget for Kids 4 to 104: 2013

Saturday, December 21, 2013

For Kids who like to Cook

This is a fun idea for an easy to make gift for kids who like to cook.
It's fun, and your little ones will enjoy the custom size of these handmade oven mitt, while
they're making their favorite dish!

What you need:
Fabric Scraps
Drawing paper
Pen or felt tip pen
Straight pins
Scissors
Needle and thread
an old towel that's clean

Take a piece of drawing paper, and draw around your child's hand onto the paper.
Add an inch all the way around the drawing, then cut out 2 pieces.


Copyright 2013 Fuego Phoenix. All Rights Reserved	.

Take each piece and place over the towel, then cut out. You can stitch along the edges,
or just pin the two "hands" together.

Cut out a 5 inch wide piece of fabric for the border where the hand goes into the mitt.
The width will vary depending on the size of your mitt. Press the edges under, then
pin in place.

Measure the mitt from the top corner of the mitt around the hand portion, the thumb portion,
then all the way to the other top corner. Cut out a strip of fabric that is 2 1/2 inches wide
by whatever length you get. Press the edges in 1/4 inch, and then press the piece in half down
the length so the it looks like a ribbon.Pin in place, with the pressed edges folded under.
Eyeball the trim, so that half the trim makes a finished "ribbon" around the edge of the mitt.
You can either stitch it on the machine, or hand sew into place.
You're done!

For more fun craft ideas buy Easy Crafts on a Budget for Kids 4 to 104.

Monday, November 18, 2013

Leaf Bookmark

Need something fun to do with the kids over the holidays? The leaf bookmark
is a very easy project which can be made by young kids, older kids, even
grandparents. It's fun, and once finished, can be given as a gift.

You will need:

3 leaves, one large, one medium and one small
a piece of 8 1/2 typing paper or copy paper
black, orange, gray and red colored pencils
black felt tip marker
Mod Podge glue
Scissors
Ruler
Paint brush

Instructions:

Draw a rectange 4 x 8 inches on the paper, then cut out
Place the large leaf at an angle in the middle of the paper, and trace around it
Place the smaler leaf near the bottom of the paper and trace around it
Place the medium sized leaf near the top of the paper and trace around the edges
Fold the paper in half lengthwise, forming a crease
Color the large leaf orange, leaving the are where the leaf is drawn on top of it blank
Color the smaller leaf red
Color the medium sized leaf gray
Outline the colored leaves with a black felt pen
Fill in the white spaces with the black felt marker
Turn the bookmark over and paint modpodge glue to one side

Press the sides together and allow to dry for a half hour
Coat one side of the colored bookmark with glue; allow to dry
Coat the other side of the bookmark with glue, and allow to dry.

You're finished! Enjoy your bookmark, or give it to a friend.

For more craft ideas to enjoy with your kids, try Easy Crafts on a Budget for Kids 4 to 104.

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Halloween Mask from Paper Plates

As Halloween approaches, we like to make crafts that

are easy and fun. This paper plate mask can be created by any age group,
but suits 4 to 7 year olds best.

Your kids can let their imaginations run wild.
Create super heroes, monsters, story book
characters, or design a "monster" of your own.

My grandson created this "leaf" monster, which has only one eye.
We cut leaves out of green construction paper, pasted them
on the paper plate, then cut out the "eye" and drew in the teeth,
and glued "horns" on top. You can create a half mask to fit over
your childs nose, or cut out eyes, nose and mouth. Your options
are open.


Copyright 2013 Fuego Phoenix. All Rights Reserved.

For this project you will need: Paper Plates
Construction Paper
felt tip pens
Scissors
Glue Sticks or Elmers glue
Glitter string or pipe cleaners

Draw a design on the plate.
Cut out holes for the eyes.
Cut out shapes of different colors of construction paper and glue all over the mask.
Draw details in with felt tip pens.
When the mask is finished, punch two tiny holes on the middle sides of the mask.
Thread the glitter string through the holes of the mask (about 8 inches on each side),
and twist one end around.
Fit the mask to your childs face, then twist the two long ends around each other, so
the mask will stay on.
Enjoy playing in character!

For more fun crafts buy Easy Crafts on a Budget for Kids 4 to 104 here.

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Hobbit Houses

I went on a nature walk, yesterday. Journeying among the trees gave me a sense of calm.
I found beauty in the leaves on the ground, the vibrant reds, yellows and oranges, the twisted roots, and in the tallness of the trees. The photos I took are little glimpses in to another world, that
sparks my imagination. These "hobbit houses" as I see them, are where other creatures live.

These aren't "crafts". Perhaps they'll nudge you just a little, into imagining yourself in the
forest, or inspire you to sketch, or to get your paints out and play, or to just enjoy.


Copyright 2013 Fuego Phoenix. All Rights Reserved

Do you see the monster with his mouth open at the base of this tree?


Copyright 2013 Fuego Phoenix. All Rights Reserved.


Copyright 2013 Fuego Phoenix. All Rights Reserved.

Do you see the alligator?
I imagine creatures within these great trees. I hope these inspire you.


Copyright 2013 Fuego Phoenix. All Rights Reserved.

Do you see the dragon?


Copyright 2013 Fuego Phoenix. All Rights Reserved.

Now do you see the dragon?


Copyright 2013 Fuego Phoenix. All Rights Reserved.

Do you see the ancient lady?

For fun kids crafts projects, try Easy Crafts on a Budget for Kids 4 to 104

Friday, October 11, 2013

Make a Halloween Poster with Your Kids

I especially enjoy making Halloween paper decorations. For a fun afternoon paper craft project,
how about creating a Halloween poster? I know you can buy all kinds of inexpensive
decorations at your local dollar store. Isn't it much more fun to paint something with the kids?

For the Halloween poster below, I drew a simple scene with a haunted house and ghosts inhabiting it, twisted trees, a witch flying in front of the full moon, bats, and the word "boo". I sketched the design on brown wrapping paper, the kind you use for wrapping packages. I had my grandson help paint
the scene in flourescent paints. After painting the design, we outlined the house, windows, door, and
bats with black paint. Add a black light, and you've got a unique Halloween painting!

You could use poster board, or watercolor paper as well.

For more creative kids ideas, buy Easy Crafts on a Budget for Kids 4 to 104 here

Sunday, September 29, 2013

Leaf Bookmark

Fall is coming and with the change in the weather, the cooler nights,
calmer days, I'm inspired to create crafts with fall colors.
Try making a leaf bookmark with your kids after school. The project is really easy and can
be completed very quickly.


Copyright 2013 Fuego Phoenix. All Rights Reserved.

Draw the shapes of 3 leaves, on a 4 1/2 inch by 8 inch piece of paper.
Have them fold the paper in half, lengthwise. Cut the rectangle out.
Color in the leaves in orange, red, grey or greens. Outline the leaves with a black felt tip pen.
Glue the inside together. Press and smooth out with your fingers. Coat the
colored part of the bookmark with modpodge glue. Allow to dry 20 minutes.
Enjoy!

For seriously fun kids crafts buy Easy Crafts on a Budget for Kids 4 to 104 here.

Monday, September 9, 2013

Recycle Paper Crafts and Upcycled Crafts


Upcycled beer can holders made from cans by hiconsumption. Reposted from craftgawker.


Simple vases from recycled wine bottles by creative jewish mom. Reposted from craftgawker.

Today I'm reposting ideas I've found on the internet. Some are crafts. Some are ideas for home
decorating. I think some of these ideas are very clever. Perhaps you will too. Enjoy!


Papery lighting pendant by Allison Patrick

Road Trip Kit made from a bottle holder by Dahlias to Doxies. Reposted from craftgawker.

A card holder made from a recycled book reposted from Craftgawker.

.
Letter paper lantern from ModPodge rocks reposted from craftgawker.

For fun ideas the whole family can enjoy, try Easy Crafts on a Budget for Kids 4 to 104 here:
http://www.amazon.com/Easy-Crafts-Budget-Kids-Volume/dp/0615640826.

Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Craft Stick Bracelets

A great kids craft idea from molly moo, craft stick bracelets! I saw this on pinterest, and tried
it myself. Note: you need the larger craft sticks..which are wider and a little longer than
regular popsicle sticks.

Take the craft sticks and put some in a bowl. Pour boiling hot water over them, and
let them stand in the water at least 10 minutes. Take one craft stick out of the water,
and gently bend it, starting at the end. Keep bending the stick until it forms an arch.
Place inside a glass or can to dry. Repeat this step for each soaked craft stick.
Once you have all the sticks placed in the glass or container, allow to dry overnight.

Paint the bracelets in geometric patterns, cover with printed duct tape,
or wrap with embroidery thread. You may poke tiny holes in the ends
of each bracelet, and run an embroidery thread through it, tie of the end, add
beads, for a decorative tie.

For photos of the finished bracelets, go to mollymoo.ie or
http://www.jewelrymaking247.com/craft-stick-bracelets/ or
my favorite place Pinterest, and type in "craft stick bracelets" for a series of photo ideas.

For everyday craft inspiration, try Easy Crafts on a Budget for Kids 4 to 104
Fuego Phoenix. Buy it here: http://www.amazon.com/Easy-Crafts-Budget-Kids-Volume/dp/0615640826

Tuesday, August 13, 2013

Rustic Furniture Repair

I have an armoire that I upcycled a few years ago. I spent 300 plus hours, creating handmade leather
and fabric trims to enhance this solid wood item and change it to a Moroccan style show piece.

My cat liked the trims for sharpening his claws. He destroyed one side of the front. I decided to repair the damage, and to take preventative measures.

Cat destroyed trim.

Luckily, I had fabric remnants used for the original handmade trims. I cut out two pieces of matching fabric strips, and ironed the edges under. I ripped out the old staples, and cardboard tacking strip which had held them in place. I slipped the new fabric under the old, matching the designs,
then stapled in place.

I bought 3/8 inch plywood at Home Depot and had it cut into two pieces that would fit over
the sides of the armoire, to make "cat scratchers" for the sides. I bought jute twine to wrap around the plywood.

I spread glue on one side and let it dry.

Next, I nailed the plywood pieces to the sides of the armoire, so each one extends about

an inch on the front. Now the cat has a scratcher, and the trims are safe from being destroyed!


Panel added to side of armoire. Copyright c. 2013 Fuego Phoenix. 'All Rights Reserved.

I also made a smaller 4 x 18 inch cat scratcher with plywood and jute twine for my cat to play with. You know what's funny? My cat is no longer interested in scratching the armoire!
I like the rustic look of the jute side panels.

For family craft projects check out: Easy Crafts on A Budget for Kids 4 to 104

Sunday, August 4, 2013

Handmade Leather Cell Phone Case

I saw a photo online, of a leather cover for a cell phone. I have lots of leather scraps
left over from upholstery jobs, so I thought I'd try making a few. My first patterns
didn't fit together properly, so I made a few adjustments, until the envelope fitted the
phone. The second, third and fourth tries worked perfectly. The original pattern
used an awl to punch holes in the leather, then hand sew, so that the envelope looks
like it was stitched. I have an upholstery sewing machine, so I stitched the sides
by machine. I also added a liner for the inside of the envelope.

It's still a work in progress as far as the pattern goes. Try it!

What you need:
piece of paper for pattern
a piece of leather about 6 inches wide by 15 inches long.
leather glue (I used Instant Vinyl but you can also get E6000)
scissors
heat n' bond thermal fusion 6 x 15 inches
a piece of fabric for the inside 6 x 15 inches
iron
masking tape

How to make it:
1. Draw your pattern on news print, or a large piece of white paper & cut out.
2. Stitch the edges of the leather all the way around, about 1/4 of an inch in.
    If you don't have a heavy duty sewing machine, you can either punch out
    holes with an awl or ice pick, and hand stitch.
3.Trace around the pattern, onto the backside of a piece of leather & cut out.
4. Press Heat n Bond onto the wrong side of your fabric
5. Trace the envelope pattern onto the front side of your fabric, and cut out.
6. Trim the edges of the fabric about 1/8 inch to 1/4 inch.
7. Place the fabric next to the back side of the leather envelope. Trim where needed,
    then peel the paper backing off, and press onto the wrong side of the leather.
8. Let cool.
9. Fold the bottom flap up, then fold the two sides in, and glue the edges
    of the two sides, onto the bottom flap. Hold in place with your fingers,
    and/or wrap with masking tape for 30 minutes to hold in place while glue dries.

Not only is this an easy craft. It makes a great gift!


Pattern is traced onto wrong side of leather. Copyright c. 2013 Fuego Phoenix.


Stitching added around edges. Copyright c. 2013 Fuego Phoenix.


Fabric is pressed to wrong side of leather. Copyright c. 2013 Fuego Phoenix.


Taped while glue dries. Copyright c. 2013. Fuego Phoenix

For fun craft project ideas check out Easy Crafts on a Budget for Kids 4 to 104

Monday, July 15, 2013

More Cardboard Picture Frames

We added a couple more cardboard frames for our summer pictures. The "tiled" look is actually
painted to look like old painted wood pieced inside a frame. To create this look, figure out the size of
your frame, cut out the opening for your picture, then figure out what width and depth your tiles will
be. We used 1 inch widths, by 2 inches. After painting your colors, paint brown in between the "tiles" with a fine point paint brush. When the paint has dried, dip a fan paint brush in brown paint, wipe off
any excess and lightly go over certain areas, to create an aged look.

If you prefer a more formal look, you may purchase white picture frames with glass,
with a small one half inch frame border first, so that you can place your cardboard frames
inside.

This is a great project for kids of all ages.


Copyright c. 2013. Fuego Phoenix. All Rights Reserved.		F

For everyday craft projects, check out Easy Crafts on a Budget For Kids 4 to 104 here

Monday, July 8, 2013

Beach Theme Cardboard Picture Frames

Bring the beach home, with ocean colored picture frames made from cardboard.

I saved the picture (immediately below) of painted wooden frames, found in a magazine a while ago. The colors of the frames are colors you see when you go to the beach.

I wondered if these could be duplicated, by painting cardboard to look like painted wood.
In other words, authentic looking, but cheap!

This is a fun project for kids of all ages. The best part is these are cheap to make!

My 7 year old grandson and I made two of these frames today, out of cardboard. Luckily, I had the acrylic paints and the cardboard.

The trick to making the frames look like the ones in the photo, is leaving a minimum of 3 1/2 inches
around the space where you'll place your picture, and lighten all of the colors with the parchment
acrylic paint, so the colors are more subtle. When the painted stripes have dried, mix raw umber with each stripe color, and lightly paint over the stripe, to give it an aged look.

What's great about this is even younger ones, can do this. If they
paint outside the lines, it's no worry. They're laid-back beach frames.

What you need:    cardboard
   a ruler
   a knife
                             pencils, colored pencils
                             paint acrylic or poster paint
                             paint brushes
   acrylic paints in these colors:

turquoise
buttercup field
green meadow
unbleached titanium or parchment
fluor blue
raw umber

Cut out your frame. Draw stripes 1 inch wide, down the length of the cardboard (for the larger picture frame). Paint the stripes. Allow the paint to dry. For the smaller frame, draw stripes that are different widths, and then paint.


Copyright c. 2013. Fuego Phoenix. All Rights Reserved