Fun craft project: paint clay planters with your children, then once the paint is dry, plant flowers or herbs in them.

(ARA) – Nature offers many beautiful gifts and wonders to explore, and parents can help get kids outside to discover them when they step away from the television or computer screen. Here are a few fun ways to encourage your children to explore nature.

A growing trend
As more Americans are discovering every year, gardening is a great way to enjoy nature. Kids will enjoy starting plants from seed or picking out starter plants at the nursery and watching them grow and develop. Even a small container garden on a balcony or patio can yield tomatoes for salsa, flowers for an entire season or strawberries galore. Cook up your favorite recipes with home grown ingredients and donate any excess produce to local food banks.

For the more adventurous gardener, help your kids plant a “vertical garden.” In the style of famed French artist and botanist Patrick Blanc, grow your flowers and vegetables in a fun new way. Try filling a canvas hanging shoe organizer with a light-weight potting mix and filling each pocket with one of your favorite plants. Have fun using tomatoes, bell peppers, marigolds, strawberries, vinca vines or impatiens. Poke a drainage hole in each pocket and hang the entire organizer on your back fence or balcony. Water daily, and in just a few weeks you will be enjoying your own living art piece.

Find a local community garden or gardening co-op and volunteer with your family to help with weeding, watering, planting or harvesting.

Nature’s bounty
Yard waste? Not when you can re-use and repurpose. Find the beauty in what nature provides by creating new uses for things that would otherwise be considered waste. Large sticks make great garden stakes for plants that need a little extra support, like tomatoes. Smaller sticks can be written on or carved into (by an adult) for an inexpensive way to label plants in the garden or pots.

How about using leaves for gift tags or place cards? Kids will love writing names on the leaves with a little paint and a fine-tipped brush or metallic pen. Then, simply punch a hole in one end and tie with a decorative piece of raffia or ribbon for a personalized touch to any gift or place setting. Flowers from your pots or garden don’t have to fade away – they can be easily dried for use in homemade potpourri, candles or soap.

Give a worm a job
Many of us know that composting is a great way to reuse what Mother Nature has given us. Even a small compost bin will fill up quickly with kitchen scraps and yard waste. This waste can be used produce a nice compost mix for next year’s garden – especially if you add some red worms to the compost bin. Worms are nature’s little composters. They make composting more fun, interesting and efficient by breaking down organic matter into nutrient-rich vermicast allowing your family to compost kitchen scraps easily, and reduce the amount of garbage produced each year. Red worms can be purchased inexpensively from many garden centers or online outlets. A small bin will require about 2 pounds of red worms to get the job done.

The art of recycling
Recycling is a great way to reduce waste. It’s likely you already have a recycling bin next to the garbage can. Chances are, however, that your kids do not see those recyclables as art – it is time to change their minds. Reusing and recycling everyday objects not only reduces waste but, with a little imagination, can also provide hours of creative fun. Make something together that will bring years of enjoyment to your home or landscape.

Make a bottle tree to enhance the garden or balcony. Since the invention of bottles, people have found ways to use them as decorations. Used as a way to explore the beauty of glass or ward off (or attract) spirits, bottle trees have been “planted” across the planet in various forms for thousands of years. To build your own bottle tree, collect colorful glass bottles from your recycling bin or from friends, family or even local restaurants. For a “tree” form, use steel re-bar, sturdy wire, wood, fallen limbs or dying trees. Simply remove labels from bottles and wash out. Then, hang the bottles from your form – use your bottle tree purely as a decoration or as a nice support for vine-like plants such as morning glory or tomatoes.

Preserving nature in photos
A digital camera may not seem like a device to get your kids outside, but they can be acquired quite inexpensively and are a great tool with which to view nature and animals. Go on walks in the yard, neighborhood, a local park or zoo and click away. Zoom in or change the angle of the camera for new perspectives. By simply changing the way that we look at things like flowers, animals, trees and even bugs, cameras provide an up-close and personal view of the world that you would not otherwise get to see.

Use your photos for great screen savers on the computer, make photo collages or print them out for uniquely fantastic artworks to frame. Any way you use them, you will have preserved a little piece of nature and will have great memories for years to come.

Once you and your kids start exploring nature together, you will discover hours of fun for the entire family. Mother Nature may more to offer than you realized.

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Ghostly globes

Halloween is the second most decorated holiday, so it won’t be long until ghouls and goblins, witches and vampires, pumpkins and candy corn adornments begin appearing in advance of trick-or-treating and haunting celebrations.

This year, instead of buying your decorations, why not brew a little imagination? Just stir in a few items you already have around the house and a couple of cans of spray paint to create bewitching, inexpensive pieces for your home and yard.

Here are three project ideas to inspire and help you easily put some extra spookiness in your Halloween trick-or-treating.

Ghoulish gravestones
Turn a couple of old boxes into a chilling graveyard to keep the goblins and vampires at bay.

What you’ll need: Black granite textured “stone” spray paint, such as Krylon’s Make It Stone; spray adhesive; glow-in-the-dark paint; boxes (note: old shipping boxes work well); foam or wood letters; various Halloween decorations; hot or super glue; packing tape; newspaper; large nails or ground stakes; and scissors.

How to do it: Set up a spray paint area in a well-ventilated area by covering a table with newspaper. Assemble a box and tape over folded seams leaving one end open, as that will serve as the bottom of your gravestone. Cut a name plaque to fit the box from the cardboard of another and affix with spray adhesive. Glue letters onto the plaque.

Embellish the top of your gravestone with glued-on Halloween decorations, like a bat or skull. Paint the entire gravestone with two to three coats of “stone” spray paint, letting it dry between coats. Once it’s dry, highlight areas with glow-in-the-dark paint. Place a stake in the ground, prop up your box and enjoy scaring the neighbors with your ghoulishly gorgeous graveyard.

Ghostly globes
Add a spooky twist to your outside walkway on All Hallow’s Eve – without having to carve several messy pumpkins – by creating glowing ghostly globes.

What you’ll need: Round glass votives; newspaper; one can each of white frosted glass, white and glow-in-the-dark spray paint, such as Krylon Glowz; and a black craft pen.

How to do it: Cover your workspace with newspaper. Spray several light coats of white frosted glass paint on the lip of each votive and let dry. Next, add several light coats of white paint to the outside bottom of votives, blending the white seamlessly with the frosted glass. Let dry completely.

Spray the entire exterior with glow-in-the dark paint, which will allow your votives to shine even when not lit. Finally, draw facial features with a black paint pen.

Spooky party servers

Spooky party servers

Embellish your Halloween party buffet by transforming ordinary terra cotta pots into spooky party servers.

What you’ll need: White primer; pumpkin orange, gloss white and gold glitter spray paint; black webbing spray from Krylon; brush-on black paint; repositionable adhesive; assorted terra cotta pots and saucers; metal or enamel bowl; glue; paper; pencil; scissors; and a small paint brush.

How to do it: Wash the pots and saucers. Allow to dry. Spray all the terra cotta with white primer. Let dry and spray with gloss white. Once dry, turn pots upside down and glue the bottom of a saucer to the bottom of each pot. Draw ghosts, tombstones and other scary characters on paper. Cut the shapes out and spray one side with repositionable adhesive.

Position the paper shapes randomly on the pots. Spray the outside of the bowl and terra cotta pieces with pumpkin orange paint. Once dry, spray all the pieces with black webbing spray, then lightly with gold glitter spray. When all the paint is dry, remove paper templates and add details, such as features on the ghosts and words on the tombstones, with black paint. Be sure to not to place unwrapped food on any painted surface.

For more Halloween decorating inspiration, there are a plethora of arts and crafts websites, such as yourholidaystyle.com, offering tips, tricks and inspiration to help you spook your family, guests and trick-or-treaters.

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Part 1

The popularity of seed beads is astounding. They are used to create more than beaded flowers. Bead artists use them in loom work, jewelry, weaving… the list is endless.

Seed beads are simply tiny glass beads. The name is fairly generic, and is often used to describe several kinds of beads made by extruding glass into a tube, which is then cut into beads. The quality of the beads is partly determined by uniformity of size and shape, so it’s important to know what you’re looking for.

The size of these beads is indicated by a number, the higher the number, the smaller the bead. Sizes range from 1.5mm (size 15/0) to as large as 5.5mm (size 3/0). Be aware that the actual size of the bead can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, so again you need to be familiar with the offerings you’ll find. The shapes will vary, too, as will colors and finishes.

Sound confusing? Sure it does …. so here’s some information to help you.

The most popular seed beads are either Czech or Japanese. Those made in the Czech Republic are a little less uniform in size, although this usually will not detract from the appearance of your work. Indeed, many bead artists use this imperfection to add interest and texture.

Most beaders feel Japanese seed beads are of a higher quality than the Czech beads, and are more uniform in size and color. In a more cylindrical shape, well suited for patterns and loom work, they are called Delicas or Treasures, among other names. The more rounded beads are great for free-form stitches or circular stitches such as right angle weave, and for beaded flowers. Beads from Japanese manufacturers also have larger holes, making them easier to work with if you make several passes through them with your thread.

Various shapes, but still considered seed beads, are:

• Bugle beads – long thin tubes, sizes vary from 3mm to as large as 25mm or more
• Triangle beads – triangle shapes in the most common sizes of seed beads, these give your work lovely texture
• Cube beads – this cube shape also offers wonderful texture, and are available in slightly larger sizes than other shapes
• Hex beads – hexagonal in shape, these beads add lots of interest as their surfaces reflect light beautifully

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Consider adding an antique-style charm with a favourite childhood photo to a necklace chain for a keepsake that will be (literally) close to Mom's heart.

Flowers. Spa days. Lavish dinners. On Mother’s Day, there are a variety of ways to recognize the special women who have made a difference in our lives. In fact, a recent study conducted by Yahoo indicated that over 85 percent of consumers celebrate the second Sunday in May, spending billions of dollars on gifts.

Times are changing, however, and many experts are noticing an increased trend towards Mother’s Day gifts with a more personal touch. According to Shelli Gardner, CEO and co-founder of crafting company Stampin’ Up!, a growing number of Canadians are choosing handmade or personalized Mother’s Day gifts that were created especially for the receiver. “Showing your love and appreciation for Mom doesn’t have to cost a fortune,” said Gardner. “The gift with the greatest impact, the one that shows you truly wanted to make someone feel special, is the one you make yourself.”

Gardner suggests the following Mother’s Day gift ideas for creative types:

Handmade cards: Creating a unique do-it-yourself Mother’s Day card can be as simple as gathering coloured paper, punches and rubber stamps, or investing in a ready-made cardmaking kit that includes all required supplies. Include favourite photos, phrases, and colours, and don’t be afraid to get decorative with ribbons and other accessories.

Personalized jewellery: There was a time when handmade Mother’s Day jewellery meant paper-clip necklaces and other grade school art projects, but there are some new options available that make it easy for creative types of all ages to create professional-quality customized necklaces, bracelets and other adornments. Consider taking a class at a local studio, or invest in a kit like Stampin’ Up!’s Simply Adorned collection, which includes chains, bracelets and locket-style charms (visit stampinup.ca for information about where to buy). For example, consider adding an antique-style charm with a favourite childhood photo to a necklace chain for a keepsake that will be (literally) close to Mom’s heart.

Mother’s Day scrapbook: Theentire family can get together to pool favourite photos, vacation mementos and other special souvenirs to create a special Mother’s Day scrapbook. Work with a traditional album and crafting materials or go high-tech and try an option like My Digital Studio, an easy-to-use software-based design studio that features thousands of exclusive images, colours, and accessories.

www.newscanada.com

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Heirloom display frames - instructions below

After months of dark, sleepy winter, many of us look for ways to bring spring’s sense of renewal into our homes. This year, go beyond the typical spring cleaning with projects that repurpose things you already own. You will revitalize your home’s style – and your own – and add a new, fun spin to life in sunnier days.

Start with that closet, basement or attic that’s cluttered with items you don’t use but can’t bear to throw away. You probably have clothing and jewelry that you either inherited from loved ones or outgrew – in one way or another. Sometimes changing fashions dictate that it’s time to retire what was once a favorite item. Mining these possessions and getting some crafty tips for ways to repurpose them is not only a great way to be environmentally friendly, but it’s also a perfect way to stay on a budget without letting your style stagnate.

With a little creativity inspired by current trends, you can “upcycle” your loved memories into wearable art. The craft masters at Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores offer projects that capitalize on what you already have in a lovely presentation showing before and after photos. For example, a brooch bouquet necklace allows you to incorporate brooches and other past-its-prime jewelry into an of-the-moment statement necklace like those featured in glossy fashion magazines. And if you have a skirt with gorgeous fabric, but outdated style or size, Joann.com has tips on how to turn it into a fashion-forward fringed scarf.

Refreshing or repurposing retired home decor items is good for the environment and for you. A few simple and fun projects seasoned with your own creativity are all you need.

To refresh the look of old frames, Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores has advice on how to add a splash of color and turn them into stylish wall art straight out of your favorite high-end interior design magazines. Incorporating family memories into your decor is easy with a project for heirloom display frames that combines items such as antique doilies and photos, buttons and picture frames into a beautiful piece of history to adorn your home. For instructions on these projects that will help you upcycle your heirlooms, visit Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores or go to Joann.com.

Brooch bouquet necklace

Brooch bouquet necklace

Supplies and tools:
1 brooch of choice
1/4 yard blue organza
1/4 yard green tulle
12 inches bridal applique or lace
1 spool 1/2-inch wide ribbon, cornflower blue
Ultimate Crystals Facet Bicone beads: sapphire and peridot – 1 package each
1 package Beader’s Paradise Seed beads, key lime
2 strands Darice Round Clear beads, 7mm
1 strand Darice Glass beads, sapphire blue
2 strands Darice Preciosa Crystal beads, 3mm
1 package Beyond Beautiful Faceted Round Silver Mirror beads, 6mm
1 package Darice tiger tail jewelry wire
1 package Darice 7mm jump rings
1 package crimp beads
1 candle and matchbook
Basic sewing supplies
Basic jewelry-making supplies

Directions:
To make organza flowers:
1. Cut four or five flower shapes from organza.
2. Taking one organza flower at a time, hold the edge of the flower close to, but not touching, the candle flame.
Have a small bowl of water handy, just in case the flower touches the flame. The edge will melt and curl
slightly. Turn flower and continue to curl the edges. Repeat for each organza flower shape.
3. Layer the curled flower shapes, turning flowers to alternate curled edges. With needle and thread, stitch through center of flower.
4. Embellish flower center with beads as desired.

Note: Step 2 takes a little practice. You will most likely lose the defined petal shape, however, once flower shapes are layered in step 3, it won’t matter.

To make ribbon flowers:
1. Cut a 12-inch piece of ribbon. Stitch a row of running stitches, by hand, along the long side of one edge of ribbon.
2. Gently gather the ribbon.
3. Fold the short edges to the back and stitch in place. Adjust gathers.
4. Embellish ribbon flower with a mirror bead.

Heirloom display frames

Supplies and tools:
3 photo frames
3 artist canvases
Green and blue spray paint, or colors of choice
Lace doilies
Vintage photos
Scrapbook papers: green, blue, cream, brown
Small candle cups
Pearl and brass buttons
Ribbon: green, blue, brown
Sawtooth hangers
Needle and thread
Acrylic paints: brown, gray, silver, gold
Small paint brush
Border punch
Paper trimmer
Scissors
Glue stick
Tacky glue
Double-sided tape
Screws and screwdriver

Directions for canvases:
1. Spray paint canvas front and edges. Let dry.
2. Position lace doily on canvas and tack down with needle and thread, starting at back of canvas. Fold lace neatly if it covers a corner and secure to back of canvas.
3. With glue stick, apply a bit of glue to tips of doily to help it lay flat on the canvas surface.
4. Sew thread through buttons; sew or glue buttons onto lace and canvas. Attach sawtooth hanger to back.

Directions for frames:
1. Remove backings from frames and use them as templates to create the background for your photos. Mix and match scrapbook papers and ribbons. See photo for design reference.
2. Arrange photos on background. Single or double mat them as desired and attach with glue. Decorate with buttons, ribbons and other embellishments. Set aside.
3. Basecoat candle cups with acrylic paint color of choice and add accents of the other colors to blend with the frames. When paint is dry, screw the candle cups onto the frame. Be sure the screws will not interfere with the glass when frame is reassembled.
4. Apply glue to the top rim of each candle cup and place a brass button on each, with the button shank inside the cup. Let glue dry.
5. Reassemble frames. Add additional sawtooth hangers, if necessary; then hang.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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We just launched a cute new craft site called Amigurumi Land where you can check out lots of adorable crochet creations, get amigurumi patterns to make your own, find great crochet and knitting supplies, and more!  

Not only will you find loads of amigurumi patterns and pictures, but you can also find the best books and patterns through the rating system which rates amigurumi books, difficulty of patterns, and quality of patterns.

So head on over to find out that there’s a lot more to crochet (and knitting!) than afghans!

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A Country Birdhouse

Here’s another silver lining to the dark economic clouds still on the horizon this holiday season: handmade holiday decorations are not only less costly, they’re perceived as more meaningful as well.

From spending more time with loved ones to an improvement in our overall health, stories abound on the positive side effects of the shaky economy. Increased enthusiasm for handmade items may well be the latest good by-product of troubled economic times.

“Social science experts tell us that tough economic times realign people’s priorities, and we’re certainly seeing that all around us,” says Riddi Kline, vice president, marketing of Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores, a leading craft supplies retailer. “People are placing greater emphasis not just on cost-savings but on the meaningfulness of a decoration or gift. Nothing is more personal and customizable than something you make yourself. And this year, you can find craft ideas to fit every holiday decorating theme.”

So how do you decide what handmade decorations will enhance your home’s holiday décor? Margaret Skinner, director of customer education of Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores offers a few pointers:

* Choose craft items that complement your home’s overall theme. For example, if you love clean, contemporary modern lines, make items that mimic that look. Crafts that incorporate reflective surfaces and metallic looks will fit well with contemporary themes. Softer fabrics and materials will mesh with a country theme.

* Make crafts that will endure and be durable for seasons to come. “You’ll invest your time and a bit of yourself in every item you make,” Skinner says. “Opt for items that will be easy to care for and that will appeal to your sense of the holidays not just this year, but next year and the year after that as well.”

* Give yourself plenty of time and space in which to create. You’re not rushing the season if you start working on your holiday crafts in early November or even late October. You’re just giving yourself plenty of time to accomplish everything you want to do. Also, dedicate a specific area of your home to your crafting and keep all your projects in one place – this way you’ll have everything you need at your fingertips.

* Get kids involved. When you create crafts with your children, you’re not just making decorations, you’re making memories that will stay with them throughout their lives. Plus, making crafts together will make each item feel that much more meaningful when you use it to decorate your home.

* Shop smart when shopping for craft supplies. Jo-Ann Fabrics is a leading seller of supplies for virtually every type of crafting activity. You can find craft ideas and directions to fit every type of holiday décor at www.joann.com.

Try this creative craft – a handcrafted birdhouse – that can be customized to fit with either a city or country theme:

A Country Birdhouse

A Country Birdhouse
Designed by Connie Glennon-Hall

Supplies and tools

1 wood birdhouse
1 can Rust-Oleum multicolored texture spray paint, autumn brown
1 each acrylic paints in dark brown, green and ivory
wooden picket fence
Deco Art Snow Writer
1 piece, 12 inches by 12 inches, brown cardstock
1 piece, 10 inches by 4 inches, Homespun fabric
Xyron 510 machine with adhesive cartridge
Tacky glue and glue stick
1/2-inch flat paintbrush
1/2-inch detail paintbrush
wire cutters
scissors
paper trimmer
ruler
sandpaper

Assembly instructions:

1. Sand the birdhouse hole openings to remove rough edges.

2. Paint the entire birdhouse with dark brown acrylic paint. When dry, spray with autumn brown multicolored textured paint. When dry, paint ivory lines with the detail brush.

3. Cut a rectangle of cardstock slightly smaller than the bottom of birdhouse. Glue cardstock to bottom of birdhouse using glue stick.

4. With wire cutters, cut a nine- to 10-picket length from the fence. Dilute green paint and apply a wash coating over fence. When dry, glue to the front of house, along the front base.

5. Measure the three sections of the roof and cut brown cardstock to fit. Run the cardstock through the Xyron machine. Press the sticky side of the cardstock onto the homespun fabric, aligning plaids and allowing 1/4 inch margin around each piece.

6. Trim around roof panels – keeping the 1/4 inch margin of fabric – and fray the edges by pulling out threads. Glue the three panels to the birdhouse roof, allowing fringe to remain exposed.

7. Decorate the house base, fence, perch, openings and fabric roof with Snow Writer.

Uptown (City) Birdhouse

Supplies and tools

Wood birdhouse
Rust-Oleum textured paint, desert bisque
Deco Art Dazzling Metallics acrylic paint, Champagne gold
1 piece, 12 by 12 inches, tan or gold cardstock
1 piece, 4 inches by 9 inches, Glitter Organza 5/8-inch ribbon
Deco Art Snow Writer
Xyron 510 machine with adhesive cartridge
tacky glue and glue stick
double-sided tape
scissors
paper trimmer
ruler
sandpaper
paintbrush
beaded trim

Assembly instructions:

1. Sand the birdhouse hole openings to remove rough edges.

2. Spray birdhouse with desert bisque textured paint to obscure wood grain. When dry, paint entire house with champagne gold acrylic paint.

3. Cut a rectangle of cardstock slightly smaller than the bottom of birdhouse. Glue cardstock to the underside of birdhouse using glue stick.

4. Attach beaded trim to the side edges of the upper roof using tacky glue.

5. Measure and cut a piece of ribbon slightly longer than the length of lower roof. Put a strip of double-sided tape on one side of ribbon. Squeeze a thin line of tacky glue over the lower roof and then apply the ribbon strip over that. When dry, trim ribbon ends.

6. Measure the two sections of the large roof and cut two pieces of cardstock to fit.

7. Run the cardstock through the Xyron machine. Position the cardstock on work surface with adhesive side up. Cover adhesive side with five overlapping strips of ribbon. Repeat for both roof pieces. Trim ribbon edges.

8. Place the two roof sections, peak to peak and ribbon side down, over the wrong side of the sheer fabric; cut the sheer fabric 3/4-inch larger all around the roof shape. Create a “hinge” between the two roof pieces (wrong side) with a strip of tape. Apply two more pieces of tape along the bottom edges of the wrong sides of the roof sections. Fold the sheer fabric over both long edges of the hinged roof, sticking the fabric to the three strips of tape. Add bits of tape to the bottom roof corners and fold raw fabric edges in, as though wrapping a gift. Secure the roof to the birdhouse with tacky glue. Glue only one roof plane at a time; tip the birdhouse over and weight it down, until glue is dry. Then, repeat for the other roof plane.

9. Decorate the house with Snow Writer, covering up the raw fabric edges between fabric and wood roof.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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Peel the labels from empty plastic soda bottles. Use adhesive remover and a paper towel to remove any residue. Wash the soda bottles thoroughly and let them dry completely. Using a utility knife or scissors, carefully cut off top of each bottle. But how to start the first cut? Yahoo Answers “best answer” recommends heating a screwdriver on the gas and melting a hole which you then cut with a pair of good scissors.

Next, cut a half-circle out of the back, near the bottom. (This will make it easier to add the sand and the candle later.)

Draw desired shapes on the sticky-backed, removable adhesive paper and cut them out. Adhere the shapes to the soda bottles, being careful to firmly seal edges with fingernail. Cover your work area with newspaper. Spray the soda bottles with Krylon Fusion for Plastic.

After 24 hours, carefully peel off the removable shapes. (The spray paint will be dry to touch after 15 minutes but should be allowed to cure for at least 24 hours before the luminaries are put into service.) Add sand to the base for weight and insert a candle into each luminary. Light and enjoy.

Materials

Krylon Fusion for Plastic Spray Paint available in select colours at Canadian Tire, Home Hardware, Rona, Reno Depot, Wal-Mart, Kent and many other hardware and home centre stores.

Empty plastic soda bottles from your pantry

Con-Tact Paper or any sticky-backed adhesive paper, available at most craft stores

Scissors and/or a utility knife

Screwdriver

Adhesive remover

Candles

Sand

Paper towels

Drop cloths or newspaper

Rubber Gloves (optional)

Other ideas for reusing plastic soda bottles:

Make a potpourri holder. Cut off the bottom of the bottle, spray paint it, put it in the potpourri and cover the opening with lace and ribbon.

Make a “motion ocean.” Fill the bottle with half water, half oil. Add food colouring, glitter and turn. It’s great for a child’s show-and-tell day.

Make ice-packs for coolers or sore muscles. Fill bottles about two-thirds full and freeze. The plastic packs are ideal for placing in coolers and lunch boxes, and handy for emergency use when an ice-pack is needed.

- News Canada

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Candy Crafts

(ARA) – School’s out, the neighborhood pool is open and you are responsible for keeping the family active and engaged this summer. Whether you are taking a beach vacation or spending a day around the house, you can easily fill the time by planning several simple, budget-friendly, do-it-yourself activities. Ideal for indoor or outdoor time, these activities go a long way in creating personal summer memories without doing a number on your budget.

Theme day
The cost to take the family to a baseball game, amusement park or museum adds up quickly. This summer, think thrifty and save on the admission fees by organizing a craft day around the theme of your favorite family outing (think aquarium, ballpark and carnival). For example, bringing the enjoyment of America’s favorite pastime to your living room or backyard is easy when you buy several plain cotton baseball caps, tube socks (they only cost a dollar or two each) and T-shirt paint. Use the materials to let your kids personalize baseball apparel and then suit-up, grab some peanuts and gather the group to play catch in the backyard, for an impromptu tournament on your favorite gaming system or to catch a double-header on the tube. It’s a ballpark outing for a fraction of the cost.

Have your candy and craft with it too
Most families make weekly (if not more frequent) trips to the grocery store, so turn your next routine trip into the beginning of a new project by strolling down the candy aisle. “The grocer’s candy aisle has a collection of candy in virtually every color and shape, which means endless crafting possibilities,” explains candy expert Beth Kimmerle. “Candy is tasty and fun for kids of all ages, and is an affordable tool for crafting.”

Start by making candy jewelry. It is a perfect activity for your princess, but also trendy for your prince given the popularity of sports necklaces and bracelets for boys and girls. Gather an assortment of brightly colored Life Savers Gummies, tie a knot in a piece of ribbon to keep your candy from slipping, and thread your “jewels” onto the necklace. Once you have a full string, adjust the candy so there are equal amounts of ribbon on each side. Tie knots on each end to finish and voila, you’ve got the trendiest kid on the block. While you are lending a hand, don’t forget that gummy candy is a yummy treat while crafting. Who knew jewelry could be so inexpensive and tasty?

Treasure your trash
Next time you start to throw away packaging, leftover candy or craft items, stop and envision these items as your next treasure and creatively think of ways to reuse them. Re-using the items helps you to be less wasteful, while also saving you money and giving you “gems” to finish your crafts with a unique touch.

Candy Craft Truck

If your kids love trucks, drum-up some fun on a weekend and help them create something fabulous on four wheels from common items found around the house. Try the following simple exercise and in no time you’ll be watching your kids proudly race their handmade creations across the kitchen floor or back porch.

To make a truck you will need:
Egg carton
Berry basket
Craft paint and paintbrush
Scissors or craft knife
Twine
Glue
Cardboard
Colored paper
Gum foil
4 Hubba Bubba Sour Gummi Tape packages
5 Hubba Bubba Glop packages
2 Life Savers candies
4 Altoids mints

Instructions

Note: Cutting with sharp implements should only be done by adults.

Using an Exacto blade or sharp scissors, cut a 3-inch by 2-inch front window area from the berry box. Paint the egg carton orange to use as a truck body and paint the berry box white to use as a truck cab. While those parts are drying, paint your four empty Hubba Bubba Sour Gummi Tape packages black for truck wheels.

Cut a 6-inch by 4-inch piece of cardboard and glue the same size piece of orange craft paper to the top. Next, to make the truck’s load, stack the six empty Hubba Bubba Glop packages and glue them onto the orange board. Tie twine around the board as straps, tightly securing twine at the bottom of the board. Now, glue the finished load onto the back of the egg box.

Glue Life Savers candies for lights below the front window area of the white-painted berry box and glue the finished cab to the front of the egg box. When the wheels are dry, glue 2-inch silver circles with smaller red 1/8-inch foil circles on top of the painted Hubba Bubba Sour Gummi Tape packages and glue Altoids in the middle to finish the wheels.

Finally, glue the wheels evenly to the bottom of the egg carton truck. Let them dry completely and then go have fun.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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From elegant to odd, these great pillow creations should get some ideas rolling around!

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