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