How to Make Crafts From Your Kids' Art

Kids' art magnets and notecards

Turning children's artwork into craft projects can get the whole family working together. Instead of just taping a picture on the refrigerator, turn their works of art into magnets and greeting cards. They make excellent gifts for grandparents to display and enjoy. Spend an hour or two creating useful and decorative crafts that bring the kids together.

Things You'll Need

• Computer and printer
• Scanner
• Glossy photo paper
• Paper cutter
• Scissors
• Mat board, small pieces
• White card stock
• Double-sided tape
• Metallic marker
• Hot glue gun and glue sticks
• Magnet strips, 1 by 2 inches, peel and stick
• A7 envelopes (to fit 5- by 7-inch cards)

Instructions

1. Scan kids' artwork and save in a designated file on a computer. Using Word or another program in which you can manipulate images, insert the images in a blank document and resize them as desired for magnets or note cards. Insert as many images of the kids' artwork as desired and will fit on one page. Images to be used for magnets should be 2½ by 2½ inches, and images for note cards should be about 4 by 6 inches.

2. Print each page of images onto glossy photo paper. Cut the individual images with scissors or a paper cutter, leaving a 1/4-inch border around the images.

3. Cut mat board pieces with a paper cutter into 3- by 3-inch pieces. Cut white card stock sheets on the paper cutter lengthwise to 7 by 10 inches. Fold the card stock pieces in half, and crease to create blank cards 5 by 7 inches.

4. Attach strips of double-sided tape on the back of the images printed and cut for note cards. Press the images onto the front of the cards. With a metallic marker, write the name of the child artist under the artwork. Slip each card into an envelope, ready to use.

5. Apply a few strips of hot glue on the back of images that will be used for magnets. Press onto the 3- by 3-inch mat board squares and smooth flat. Let cool. Peel the backing off a strip of magnet, and press onto the back of the mat board, centered. Write the name of the child artist on the front with a metallic marker.

Tips & Warnings

• The size of magnet crafts from kids' artwork can be larger if desired, following the same process.

• Paper cutters and hot glue guns should be used by an adult and not by children.