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.

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.

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

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!

Copyright 2013 Fuego Phoenix. All Rights Reserved.

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