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Handprints are one of the most versatile craft subjects available. Easy for children and adults to turn into art, handprints can be used to create turkeys for Thanksgiving, butterflies for spring and even snowflakes for winter. They lend themselves particularly well for this last topic since, like snowflakes, every human handprint is unique.
Bobblehead dolls are a popular collectible item that have been in production since the mid-1800's. Since then, bobbleheads and toys have grown popular in professional sports and as a marketing tool for movies, television and other merchandising outlets. While collecting bobbleheads is a popular hobby, creating and designing your own bobblehead can also be done with time and the correct materials.
Long ago, people recorded moments in human history on the walls. Frescoes, meaning "fresh" in Italian, are painted onto wet plaster. The great Italian masters Michelangelo and Raphael use this technique to create beautiful artworks. The wet plaster reacts with carbon dioxide in the air to bind the applied pigment, making frescoes one of the most durable styles of painting. Children as young as preschool can learn about frescoes by making their own.
Learning about ancient creatures like dinosaurs can inspire children's imaginations. Adults can incorporate the ill-fated reptiles into interactive painting crafts and activities. These experiences can be tailored to kids of certain ages, from preschoolers to older kids. What is more, children can learn about other concepts, like the environment and history, while creating the art.
Using a child's hand print to make a special decorated shirt is a fun way to share and preserve family memories. With some brown paint and a few accessories, you can turn a hand print into a festive reindeer that would look great on a Christmas t-shirt or sweatshirt. These make thoughtful gifts for grandmothers, aunts and teachers. Don't forget to make one for yourself! Use the same technique to make hats and aprons.
Blindfold your children when crafting to stimulate their sense of touch. Give a new perspective to painting, modeling and drawing crafts by using a blindfold. You can make a blindfold using a bandanna, a scarf or any other piece of cloth long and wide enough to cover the eyes. Alternatively, buy a sleeping mask or help the children to make their own blindfolds.
Whenever shopping for house paints at your favorite home improvements store, there's a good chance you've brought home a number of paint sample chips. Over time, you may end up with quite a collection of them, having saved them for future ideas. Rather than putting them in the recycle bin, these vibrant paint sample cards can be upcycled into artsy crafts. Paint samples can be used to make colorful bookmarks, paper mosaics, flash cards or homemade board games.
Children would have pizza for breakfast if they could. This dish is an American favorite, inspired by Italian cuisine. Everyone likes their pizza differently as there are a variety of toppings to choose from, such as pepperoni, bacon, ham, pineapple, anchovies, and vegetables. Food can serve as an inspiration for other arts. Teachers and parents can use their children's love of pizza to engage them in creative crafts including molding, drawing and painting.
The Scandinavian countries of Norway, Sweden and Denmark have introduced some unique crafts to the world. These crafts initially developed as a result of the region’s geography and history, and continue to be used for decorative purposes today. Rosemaling, for instance, is a traditional Scandinavian flower pattern. And flettehjerter is the Scandinavian art of making paper baskets.
Bring out the Hollywood star in your little girl with glitz and glamour crafts. Crafts allow children to show off their artistic skills and creativity. Organize crafts for your daughter at home during inclement weather or for the birthday girl and her friends at a glitz birthday party. Lots of glitter and a variety of craft ideas are all you need to get them started.
Blackboards are not just for the classroom anymore. Thanks to blackboard paint, anyone can create the surface in their home. Confine the painted surface to a small area for labeling, or cover an entire wall to display perpetually evolving artwork. It is tempting to apply it to many different things, but that temptation must not win over better judgement. Too many blackboard surfaces detract from the inventive and striking nature of the material. It is wise to choose one or two ways to employ this versatile resource.
If you are looking to dress up your home, glossy paint crafts are one way to do it. A little glossy paint can add extra luster to everyday objects around your home and, in some cases, bring old and worn objects back to life. So grab a paintbrush and a few glossy paint colors you adore because it’s time to put some shine in your life.
Brass quarters are a type of coin sometimes used in a magic trick or as a prop for a play or pirate scene. You can make your own brass quarters at home, using some basic coins and a bit of paint. The process can be completed quickly and you can even customize the project to use nickels and dimes if you want brass coins of different sizes. However, the quarters will not be usable as currency once they have been painted.
Non-slip socks are ideal for your children to wear when they are indoors. The socks not only keep your child's feet warm, but they keep the from getting dirty and prevent kids from slipping on smooth surfaces. That being said, one pair of non-slip socks can cost close to, if not more than, an entire bag of ordinary socks. Fortunately, you can turn an entire bag of standard gym socks into homemade non-slip socks in a matter of minutes with little to no crafting ability.
Painting a tablecloth can help transform your tabletop. You can paint it yourself to give it a sophisticated, professional look, or gather your kids together and turn the project into a family craft. If you desire a polished look, work carefully and paint with short strokes until the tablecloth has the look you desire.
There are five senses that allow people to interact with the physical world. Touch, taste, smell, sight and sound are the ways in which people can interpret the world around them. Sensory crafts can be a way to engage these senses in the form of an activity that produces a craft item to keep, sell or give away.
Enamel is a powdered, colored glass that is heated at high temperatures melting the glass powder. It then dries to a shiny colorful gloss. It is used to decorate porcelain, ceramic and jewelry. A common art medium found in places such as Egypt and China, enameling has been around for centuries. There are a few different enamelling techniques available, as well as different projects that make this craft a hobby for many.
Crafts can help toddlers develop fine motor skills, an essential pre-writing ability. Toddlers will enjoy the independence of creating their own keepsake crafts and can experiment with a variety of colors and mediums to create artwork. Try to ensure craft activities are kept short and engaging because toddlers have a limited attention span.
Creating a homemade superhero mask is an exciting activity that can engage your child's creativity and imagination. It is also effective at keeping them busy, should you need a few moments to relax. Once your child has finished her superhero mask, she can create a back-story for her character, decide on superpowers, and find things in the house that need rescuing.
Spider-Man is a web-slinging hero to both boys and girls with comics, movies, cartoons and video games alike. Throw a Spider-Man themed party with Spider-Man masks, movies and games, silly string for web, Spidey cake and even customized Spidey invitations.
An indoor ball pit is a place where kids can play and enjoy themselves. Ball pits are places with lots of small balls that kids can roll and climb around in. You can make your own indoor ball pit for your own kids, your daycare, or your classroom. You can even make ball pits for restaurants or stores where kids often play.
Almost all elementary school students make a diorama at some point in their grade school career. A diorama is an art project that brings a scene to life in 3-D, usually made out of a shoebox or small cardboard box. Dioramas invite the eye into the scene by containing glued pictures or colorful backgrounds painted onto the interior back and sides of the box, and are decorated inside with figures or animals depicting the scene being portrayed. Visualizing your ideal diorama before beginning the process will yield a more creative result.
Preparing and decorating the baby's room is one of the joys of becoming a parent. There are many crafts you can do that not only make the room look sweeter, but personalize it so it is custom-fit for you and your baby. Try your hand and some easy and safe-for-baby crafts that you can use in the baby's room.
A handmade horse themed craft project can provide enjoyment as well as an outlet for artistic expression. Whether enjoying making a simple paper project with the children or making your own stuffed animal, the finished product will be treasured by any horse lover.
If you are in the market for vampire fangs, you can buy fake fangs at most costume shops. Some people find these fangs uncomfortable though, since they are made in a very general shape and size that doesn't necessarily fit the wearer. Wearing fake fangs doesn't mean that you have to spend your night in discomfort. You can make your own fangs with a few basic materials. If done right, these fangs are so realistic, they also work well for filmmaking or stage productions.
Outer space crafts are educational and creative and projects can be a good rainy day activity for children. Some are fantastical and imaginative, while others are more realistic and scientific. Adapt these outer space craft ideas for younger children by simplifying them, or make them more complex and detailed for an older child or preteen. Combine supplies from your craft box with recycled household items to make a variety of outer space craft projects.
Bathtime is always fun for kids if there's a chance of getting messier rather than cleaner. Making these shaving cream paints and using them in the tub is surefire way to make a rainbow mess. You'll probably have to rewash the kids after they enjoy themselves painting in the tub, but it'll be a fun activity they'll ask for again and again. Here's how to make shaving cream paint and to enjoy a colorful time with the kids.
Just when you wanted some new jewelry, here's a craft you can do with your daughter to give your hands some unique decorations. Button rings are unusual and add a flash of charm and color to an outfit. The more creative you get, the cooler these button rings will look. Here's how to enjoy making these interesting beauties.
Feeling tired of the same old boring, store-bought barrettes? Here's a way to make your own barrettes with some colorful buttons. All it takes is a trip to an art supply store to get the essentials and you'll soon have some brand new hair decorations to make wear. Get a group of friends together and enjoy an afternoon putting together these pretty barrettes.
Most girls have a bunch of plain elastic hair bands that they never use because they're not decorated--they're too basic and boring. Here's a way to take those old hair bands and perk them up with some buttons. Visit an art supply store and pick out the most colorful and interesting buttons you can find and then bring them home for one of the fastest and most satisfying hair accessory crafts. The next time you have to put your hair up, you'll suddenly have a drawer full of happier hair band choices.
Children like to make crafts, whether as a hobby, to alleviate boredom, or as part of a party or get together. You can craft a butterfly using clothing shoulder pads with little to no mess or cost.
Toddlers love to make a mess. Can you think of a mess more fun than spray paint? You can easily make your own spray paint that is suitable for children and toddlers. All you need is a nice day outside and a few supplies, and your toddler will have a blast showing her artistic side using her own spray paint. Here is a guide to show you how it's done.
