CREATE A CRAFT
Alot of people claim to be crafty, but my sister Rose is definately the queen of crafting. She will share a craft idea weekly, I hope you will try many of them and return often to see whats new! The new craft of the week will be posted at the top of the page and links to all previous crafts will be over yonder --> in that neat little column!!
*Yarn Basket*- Tie a long piece of yarn to the end of a 5' rope. Thread the needle on the end of the yarn. Start wrapping the yarn around the rope.
- Wrap 2" of rope. Bend it into a U. Poke the needle up through the end of the rope. Wrap yarn around the outside of the U.
- Wrap another 1" of rope. Curl it around the U to start a spiral. Poke the needle up through the center.
- Pull the yarn tight. Push the needle down where the wrapped yarn ends, in between the two layers of rope.
- Come up around the outside to complete the stitch. You will make many of these stitches as you wrap and build your basket.
- Keep wrapping. Every inch or so, make another stitch through the last row to pull the wrapped part in tight against the spiral.
- When the yarn piece gets short, take the needle off and tie a new piece of yarn onto the short piece. Thread the needle on the new end.
- When your spiral is 3" across, make the sides go up. Set the newly wrapped rope on top of the spiral, and stitch it tight.
- When your basket is big enough, trim the end of the rope. Wrap the yarn as far as you can. Make a knot, and stitch it to the basket.
That's the gist of it. You can embellish this project with charms, beads, ribbons... try multiple colors of yarn, or variegated yarn, or strips of rag glued end to end instead of yarn. The results will vary from person to person. And, practice will improve your results...Enjoy! Rose Top of Page [::] Weblog
*Rainstick*
Begin with an empty cardboard tube from giftwrap, paper towel or toilet paper (WARNING: Toilet paper tube rainstick will only encourage a light tinkle!) and construction paper or kraft paper. Cut 1-2 sheets of heavy paper into 1" strips lengthwise. Tape end to end and fanfold (like lots of W's)-no bigger sections than will fit easily into tube. Attach one end paper to one end of tube with masking tape. Drop folded strip through tube and attach other end with tape at the other end of the tube. Close off one end of tube by covering over with strips of masking tape. Secure it by going around the tube with tape. Next, you'll need 2-4 hand-fulls of rice, beans or popcorn (DRY, UNCOOKED)--more if your hands are little, or if you need to conjure up lots of rain! Close the second end like you did the first one. Decorate the outside of the tube using your imagination (and any art supplies you have on hand). Here are a few suggestions: You could tear and glue on scraps of tissue paper. Draw/paint/sequin on an indian design. Glue on a yarn design to represent the rainbow and flowers that will follow the rain. Coat in glue and sprinkle with colored sand. Dangle 6"-one foot lengths of nylon cord or string or raffia and attach a rattle snake tail (What, you don't have one? Try some beads for a pretty good imitation). Also, dangle a couple of colorful feathers or a festive touch. This and a little war paint ought to bring on the rain any day now. Shake your rainsticks to hear the rain. Good luck! I'll be watching for the clouds! If you enjoyed this craft, return for a future installment. 'Till next time--Rose Top of Page [::] Weblog
*Magnetic Book Mark*
To answer your initial response, no, it doesn't hold the book to the dashboard so you can read while you're driving... (and I DEFINITELY wouldn't advise it if it did!!) And no, it doesn't hold the recipe book to the front of the 'fridge--though that would be handy, and very crafty, hmmmm...
In honor of March being reading month, here's a little something that you can implement to suit yor need for a place marker in your current read:
Cut from card stock a 2" x 6" rectangle. Fold to form 3" x 2" halves. Place two, 1" self-adhesive magnetic strips face to face, then peel and stick opposite each other on the inside of your bookmark. Next, decorate the outside of the bookmark.
This is the fun part! Here are a few of my favorite options:
Rubber stamp and color with any image you like.
Quote an inspirational author or poet using a fancy calligraphy pen, then trim the edges with your fancy scissors!
Gel pens...need I say more?
Enjoy personalizing your bookmark. (Complete it with a hand made by YOU and the date if you're giving it as a gift.) Separate the magnets and attach over the page you're saving.
That's it!! 'Till next time, of course...RoseTop of Page [::] Weblog
*Puzzle Photo Phrame*
Ever find about 95 pieces to a 100 piece puzzle? So you save them, hoping that the stray parts will turn up? And, do you have a collection of cassette tape cases, empty and begging to be useful? Or, CD cases who've lost their CD's? LET'S RECYCLE!!These items, some white craft glue, a fun photo, and an inch or two of tape...that's all you'll need. Start by sorting (large and small) your puzzle pieces into colors that you like. Flip the tape case you're using so the small side creates a base. It will sit at an angle with the large flat side facing up. Arrange and re-arrange your puzzle pieces to form a photo border. Layer them until you like the way they look (two or three layers will be nice). They may extend beyond the edge of the case to conceal the case. Next, using white glue that will dry clear, glue the puzzle pieces in place. You'll need to be patient so they don't slip out of place. You may want to clip them with clothespins to hold them in position until they dry. Finally, position your photo on the back side of the frame and tape it in place. ENJOY IT!! YOU MADE IT YOURSELF!!
'Til next time--Rose-- Top of Page [::] Weblog
*Hand-Made Easter Lilies*
Spring! And, Easter! What a perfect time to lavish mom or grandma with flowers. Just knowing that you made them "with you own two hands" will make the gift even more special.Begin with: white, yellow and green construction paper-scissors-scotchtape-a ruler-and a pencil. On the white paper, trace carefully around you hand (include an inch of wrist) and connect at the bottom. Note*As many hands as you trace you will have that many flowers when you finish. My theory is: make lots-they're small! Next, measure 2" strips of green paper (if you go across the long side of the paper you'll have short flower stems-across the short side is longer stems-either way is ok). You'll need one stem for each flower. On another sheet of green, draw leaves. You may want to use a tracer so they're all alike. They should be a long, narrow eye-shaped leaf, and you'll need 1-2 leaves per flower (it may take more than 2 sheets of paper!) With the yellow paper you'll make the flower centers. You'll need 3-5 1/2"x3" rectangles. Measure and draw them on the paper, then carefully cut all of your elements out (the centers, the stems and the hands). To assemble: Form the stems into a straw and secure it with a strip of scotchtape (younger children may want to actually roll the paper around a drinking straw and tape it in place). Bend the leaf piece in half length-wise to give them shape and tape in place at the base and mid-way up the stem. Form the flower by *curling* the fingers out with the blade of the scissors. In response to "I can do it myself": use a butter knife or the handle of a long paintbrush. Curl the yellow centers and tape in place so thatthe petals and centers all curl outward. Form a circle at the wrist to fit into the stem (it may overlap). Tape into place once you've inserted it into the stem. After you've completed the boquet, place them in a vase (WITH NO WATER) or tie them with a pretty ribbon. Be sure to give them with a card~with love~from you. Have fun. 'Til next time. Rose Top of Page [::] Weblog
The craft du jour: Photo Magnets
Don't you just love a craft fair? Or a home show? Or a school carnival? I do. And, I appreciate all of the effort and planning it takes to organize such an event. Why, I was at a school craft fair just this weekend and met Carol Duvall, live and in person (since I see her daily I had a pre-conceived notion that she'd recognize me!)Anyways, when I leave I have a fistfull of STUFF that the vendors knew I'd need, and I hate to see good STUFF just thrown away. I file away the business cards, I read the one flyer that even remotely pertains to my interest, and THEN...the project you all are interested in...I recycle the refrigerator magnets into an adorable photo gallery! That's right! And, no, it's not cheap--it's FRUGAL. I don't intend to look at 'Joe's Septic Cleaning' when I get milk for my cereal in the morning--but I will enjoy the assortment of photos that will grace my kitchen. Very simply:
1)Peel the ad off of the magnet. (It's not even necessary to get all of the old adhesive off.)
2)Apply double stick tape to all four edges of the magnet.
3)Position a scrapbook reject photo-or a photo you got doubles of (or the ONE that makes you cry, or laugh out loud, or even the one of the one you love) and trim it to fit if necessary. THAT'S IT!! When you've made a few you might enjoy playing with some color or print paper mounting and fun fancy cut edges. What have you got to lose (you can still look up septic cleaning in the yellow pages)?!? Smile :) Rose Top of Page [::] Weblog
*Tie Dye Butterflies*
I confess! I'm a bit of a pack-rat. (a lot!?) I NEVER throw away art supplies! And, I love to find a creative use for things I already have.Gather up your materials: clothes pins (any kind will do), coffee filters, pipe cleaners or chenille stems, glue, fine-point and regular markers, and ~the recycle part~ your left-over Easter egg dye! After the eggs are drying and the table is still covered, let's have a little more fun, shall we? You can dye your butterfly bodies (clothes pins) in the color of your choice. They'll take longest to dry so start with
them. Lay them onto plastic to dry. Next, the wings. You can color the coffee filters by folding again and again into a small triangle. Dip the entire thing in a primary color (yellow, red or blue). Then, dip just the point into another primary color. The colors will bleed together some. Control it by squeezing out after the first color so it isn't as wet, for less blending. Or, hold it in the second dye longer, for more color blending. Note* This is a really nice beginner art lesson-which colors make which secondary colors. Experiment with the wings some for color combinations you like and folding different to create other patterns. Unfold and lay flat to dry (over plastic). If you don't love them once they're dry, use markers to pretty them up some more. Decorate the head (top of clothes pin) by forming antennae out of pipe cleaner or chenille stems. Attach at top of head with a thumbtack or tape. Glue eyes on, and draw a smile beneath it with the fine-point marker. Scrunch the wings, or fanfold if you prefer. Insert between the prongs of the clothes pin (or clip, if you have that kind of clothes pin). Decorate with these any way you'll enjoy seeing them: Clipped to a curtain Hung from the ceiling from fishing line Clipped to a chopstick and inserted in a potted plant Clipped to place cards at your holiday table Tossed in the breeze for HOURS of entertainment -Have fun! And, Happy Easter! Rose Top of Page [::] Weblog
*Grab Bag*
I'm not Mary, but I have recipes too. Unfortunately/Fortunately, I'm the crafty one. I have a blender--I use it to make home-made paper pulp. I have an iron--not for pressing clothes, but for pressing leaves, flowers, etc. And, if there's something boiling on the back of my stove--ask before tasting--ya never know what you're gonna get!!I'd like to share with you a few recipes of mine. (Caution: don't eat it unless it says you can!) *SIDEWALK CHALK*
Things you need:
1/3 cup quick setting plaster
3 T. water
1 T. non-toxic paint
some type of mold (toilet paper tube, candy mold, cookie cutter, etc.) Steps:
1. Place ingredients in bowl.
2. Mix.
3. Quickly spoon mixture into mold.
4. Allow to dry 20-30 minutes.
5. Remove from mold. Let dry overnight before using. *PLAY SCENTED DOUGH*
Things you need:
2 1/4 c. flour 1 c. salt
4 T. cooking oil
2 packs powdered drink mix
1 c. water Steps:
1. Place all ingredients in a large bowl.
2. Mix with a spoon until mixture becomes a dough.
3. Remove dough from bowl and knead. Note: To save after you play, store in a ziplock bag.
*BATH TUB FINGER PAINTS*
Things you need:
1/3 c. clear liquid dish soap
1 T. corn starch
3-4 drops food coloring Steps:
1. Mix ingredients in a bowl.
2. Pour into an ice cube tray or a small container. *STICKER ADHESIVE*
Things you need:
2 T. white glue
1 T. white vinegar Steps:
1. Combine these in a small bowl.
2. Paint with a small brush to the back of the paper you want to turn into a sticker. Allow to dry.
3. Trim to size. VOILA! IT'S STICKERS! And, this one you CAN eat:
*GORP*
Our favorite while-you're-crafting snack food.
Equal portions of:
peanuts
raisins
m&m's Mix and eat-store remaining portion in an air-tight container. Happy Crafting! Rose Top of Page [::] Weblog
*Macrame Belt*
I like retro. Don't you? For me youth was good, but I suspect I was born a decade too late. I'd have LOVED to have been a true hippee--sadly, going to Woodstock wasn't even an option. Now, don't concern yourselves that I'm ready to pull out the hip-hugger jeans just 'cuz they're fashionable again (THAT would be a GROSS error on my part, really gross!! Literally!!) I would like to share a few ideas on macrame though-for those of you who can brave the hip-hugger style in public:
You will need:
2-1 1/2" Rings (Circle or D-shaped)
Cord/String
Beads if you like them. In any/all of your favorite colors.
How to:
1. To determine the amount of cord needed, measure around your hips + 4" and times it by 6. Ex: 36" hips + 4" = 40" x 6 = 240". You'll need 4 cords this length.
2. Fold the 4 cords in half and slipknot them through both rings. (Either direction is fine, but do them all the same.)
3. Begin knotting--You may attach the rings to a clipboard, or with a safety pin to the arm of the chair you're sitting in-this will hold them still and free both of your hands. There will be 8 strings. We'll create a pattern using square knots. On the left 4 strings, wrap the string from the far left (the 1st one) over the next two strings.
Take the 4th string over the end of the first string, under the 2 strings and bring it up between the 1st and 2nd string (above where it bends) to create the first half of the square knot.
Pull the strings snug and then reverse the process:
The end of the 1st string is now the 4th string-bring it back over the 2nd and 3rd strings, and take the 4th-now the 1st-string under the 2nd and 3rd strings, bringing it up above the bend in the 4th string and tighten the knot.
Use this same knot on the 2nd set of 4 strings.
Follow by joining the 3rd and 4th strings from the first group and the 1st and 2nd strings from the 2nd group. The remaining strings can hold 1 or 2 beads.
Continue alternating 2 and then 1 square knot with beads.
When your belt is the desired length, you'll want to bring the ends to the back side and thread into the previous 3-5 knots to secure them. This pattern will create a narrow belt. Adding to the number of strings will complicate the pattern, but try it-once you create the first few rows, the rest is just repetition. Enjoy the challenge. The results may be "way cool". Happy Crafting - Rose Top of Page [::] Weblog
*Mosaic/Collage Blown Eggs*Use:
clean, dry, blown eggs
2 parts water/1 part white glue
small paint brush or foam brush
assorted colors of tissue paper
damp cloth or Wet Ones diaper wipeTear or cut small pieces of tissue paper, enough to cover the whole egg with some over-lapping. Do this part BEFORE gluing-it's gonna get sticky!
For a mosaic effect, place pieces close with no over-lap.
For a collage effect, try some print and some tissue (print napkins will work if you're patient-they're more delicate-require a lighter touch when placing them, so as not to tear).
Apply a thin layer of glue. Place your tissue pieces as desired.
Allow to dry just a little before brushing on a top coat to seal the surface. This will be a little messy, and you'll need to clean the hand that holds the egg often so colors aren't transferred to areas where they don't belong.
Hang the finished egg from a ribbon, or create a nest of them!
Enjoy! Top of Page [::] Weblog
*Family Tree*
Tracking yesterday's parents and grandparents-seems simple enough. When in need of a rainy day activity, sit down with your kids, your spouse, an old family photo album or two, maybe the telephone and grandma's phone number...This can be as simple or elaborate as you choose (some researchers spend years creating a complete and current family history!).
For an afternoon, I'd suggest tracking as far as your children, their parents, their aunts and uncles and their grandparents.
In our family, this completely fills a large poster board with no room for graphics! With this information, you may want to go to the next level:
birth dates and wedding dates
-Still sound simple?-
If you're organized and really want to include more, try going as far back as it takes to enter the United States (and from where?).
Our roots are important, and helping your children get in touch with theirs might bring a new appreciation for our ancestors struggles. Once you've plotted out what to include, decide how you want to display it.
An 8" x 10" of parchment neatly lettered (suitable for framing!)
A poster board-no kidding-with a tree markered on and a leaf/flower/branch for each member.
Little kids will relate to photos-you might even use a pre-cut, multiple-opening matboard.
Label the names of who's in each photo. Enjoy this one. You'll be glad you took the time (and so will your kids!) -'Till next time-Rose Top of Page [::] Weblog
*Glass Paint*
Just for fun, here's a little somethin' you might enjoy:8-10 drops of acrylic paint
1 tablespoon of white glue
Mix up several colors. Use these on glass or plastic to create a stained glass look. It goes on opaque and drys much clearer. Allow to dry before handling.
You might like to draw between the colors with dimensional paint in black or grey for a Tiffany glass look.
*Hint: Add a squirt of liquid dish soap to make a paint that adheres to metal.
Have fun! Rose Top of Page [::] Weblog
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