Monday, August 22, 2011

Back to School Countdown Day 6: Time Capsule Crafts with Kids


Easy, Back to School Time Capsule Craft with Kids

Making an easy, back to school time capsule with craft with kids is a lot of fun. This kid craft is a great way to get ready for the year to come. It is also a wonderful way to remember the past. This article will provide you with detailed instructions for creating an easy, back to school time capsule craft with kids.
When creating an easy, back to school time capsule with kids you will need several personal items. For this craft start by having your kids think about all the things they are interested in at the moment. Pictures of their favorite celebrities, clothing, colors, food, and movies are all good ideas for this time capsule craft. More items that go well in a back to school time capsule is money, cds, jewelry, and other personal item that your kids would like to keep safe in this craft.
It is also nice to include a letter written by your kids to their future self. Including information about what they expect in the year to come is a nice addition to this letter. Remind kids that the will not see these items until the next time they are going back to school, and it is important that they include any information they would like to find later on.
To complete this craft you will also need a coffee can or large plastic bottle. You will also need duct tape. When choosing the duct tape you will use, be creative. Duct tape comes in a variety of colors and patterns. Be sure to choose tape that your kids find interesting.
To complete this time capsule craft with your kids put all the items in the can or bottle. Then close the lid tightly. Seal the entire can shut by covering it completely in duct tape. Add a second layer to make sure it is sealed well and water proof. Then dig a hole in your yard and bury the time capsule with your kids the day before they go back to school.
This easy craft is fun to complete with your kids. A back to school time capsule is fun to open up at the end of the year and see how much your kids have changed and grown. Create this easy, time capsule craft with your kids in honor of going back to school, and you will have a great time.

Sunday, August 21, 2011

Back to School Countdown Day 3, 4, 5 Crafts for all Ages

Okay so I have been super busy this week, and i slacked on posting awesome back to school stuff  because it was my niece's birthday. We went to the Land of Make Believe which is awesome and i recommend it to everyone. Since i haven't posted for a couple of days this will be a big one!

Here you will find back to school craft ideas for preschoolers, middle school kids, and kindergartners ! Hope you enjoy, and as usual if you want some ideas on anything back to school leave me a comment and I will post your reply ASAP during this back to school countdown.


Back to School Crafts for Kindergarten Kids

Back to School Photo Book
Making a back to school photo book with kindergarten kids is a great way to get ready for the first day of school. For this craft you will need a camera, markers, a hot glue gun, hot glue sticks, heavy paper, a hole puncher, scissors, and ribbon.
Start by cutting the heavy paper into several squares about 6 inches in length and width. Then talk to your kindergarten kids about the first day of school. Discuss the experiences that your kindergarten kid will have at school such as nap time, playing, and snack. Also discuss the steps before getting ready for school such as waking up and brushing teeth. Write an activity on the bottom of each paper square and place them in order.
Also write a title for the book on a piece of paper. Help kindergarten kids decorate the title pager and edges of the pages. Then have fun with your kids by having kids act out the different activities written on the page. Take pictures will doing this and add them to the pages in the book. Then punch holes in the top of each page in the same spot and string them on the ribbon. Tie the ribbon into a bow and the book is complete.
Back to School Countdown
For this back to school craft, with kindergarten kids, you will need index cards, markers, and a stapler. Start by helping kids write first day of school on an index card. Then help kindergarten kids write a number from 1-10 on individual index cards.
Allow kindergarten kids to decorate each card using the markers. Also help kids write down important things they will do to get ready for going back to school like shopping and packing their backpacks on the cards. Then staple the cards in order from 10-1 and add the first day of school card at the bottom. Staple the cards together, and as you countdown to the first day back to school kindergarten kids can pull off another card.
Back to School Organization Crafts for Middle School Kids

Pencil Case
A pencil case is a great back to school craft for middle school kids that will improve their organization. Making a pencil case with middle school kids will increase their coordination. For this craft you will need scissors, felt, embroidery floss, and a large needle.
Start by helping middle school kids cut the felt into a rectangle about an inch longer in length than their pencils. It should also be about 8 inches wide. Then help kids fold the felt over and thread the floss through the needle. Tie a knot in the end of the floss and help middle school kids sew the bottom and side of the felt together.
This is done by pushing the needle through the two layers of felt and pulling the string all the way until you reach the knot. Then wrap the floss around the outside edge of the felt and push the needle through a spot next to the first hole. Continue until you have made your way around two sides of the back to school craft.
Homework Bulletin Board
Another back to school craft that is perfect for organization is a homework bulletin board. For this craft you will need an old cookie sheet, white contact paper, scissors, felt, and glue. Start by helping middle school kids cut the contact paper to fit the inside of the cookie sheet. Take the backing off of the paper and attach it to the cookie sheet. This will create a great dry erase board for homework organization.
Then help middle school kids cut the felt into pieces long enough to cover the edge of the cookie sheet. Glue them in place. Feel free to use paint to decorate the felt and add special details to this back to school craft for middle school kids.
Supply Box
Another easy back to school craft for middle school kids is a supply box. For this craft you will need a shoe box, paint, a paintbrush, and scissors. Start by covering the work surface with newspaper. Then help middle school kids paint the entire box.
When the paint ha dried add some holes to the top of the box using the scissors. Middle school kids can improve their organization b sticking pens and pencils into the holes and filling the rest of the box with important supplies for back to school.
Back to School Crafts with Preschoolers Using Paint

Take Home Bags
Take home bags are a fun and useful back to school crafts for preschoolers. For this craft you will need tote bags, finger paints, paper plates, and sponge letters. You can make your own sponge letters ahead of time using a marker, sponges and scissors. Just draw the letter on the sponge and cut it out.
Pour the paint onto the paper plates and cover the work area with newspaper. Help the kids use the finger paints to decorate the bags. Then use the sponge letters to write each preschoolers name on the bag with paint. Help kids dip the sponges into the paint and press it lightly on the bag. This back to school craft is easy and fun for preschoolers.
Name Tag
A name tag is an awesome back to school craft for preschoolers using paint. For this craft you will need large white labels, finger paints, a marker, and paper plates. Start by helping kids write their names on the label with the markers.
Cover the work area with the newspaper and pour the paint on the paper plates. Then let the preschoolers decorate the tags with the paints however they like.
My Special Stuff Box
Another back to school craft for preschoolers that uses paint and will be used for the year to come. For this craft you will need shoe boxes, paint, glue, paintbrushes, newspaper, scissors, and old magazines. Start this back to school craft by helping preschoolers look through the magazine and cut out the letters needed to make their name.
Then cover the work area with the newspaper. Open the shoe box and help preschoolers paint the lid and the sides of the box completely. When the paint dries help preschoolers glue the letters from the magazine on the top of the box to complete their name. This back to school craft for preschoolers is a fun way to store school supplies or use as a cubby.

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Back to School Countdown Day 2: Backpack Crafts, Wheeled Backpacks, Toddler Backpacks, and Spiderman for the Fans

Okay Day 2 in the Back to School Countdown and Today I am going to provide you with some fun backpack crafts and ideas for kids as they get ready for the first day of class!




Back to School Backpack Crafts for Kids

Foam


An easy back to school backpack craft for young kids uses foam sheets. For this craft you will also need scissors, a hot glue gun, hot glue sticks, fabric paint, a pen, and a backpack. Help young kids write their name on the foam sheets using the pen.
Then help kids use the scissors to cut out the letters. After the letters are cut out, help kids trace their name on the foam letters using the fabric paint. They can add patterns to the shapes as well if they like by using the fabric paints.
Allow the foam letters to dry. Help kids glue the letters to the back pack. This back to school craft is a fun way to help your kid keep track of his backpack.
Paint Markers
Another back to school craft that kids will enjoy is a paint marker patterned backpack. For this craft you will need paint markers in variety of colors, and a pencil. This craft is good for middle school and high school students.
Start this back to school, backpack craft by using the pencil to draw an image, pattern, or design on the backpack. If the backpack is a dark color, chalk can be used to initially draw the preferred pattern or image. Then help kids color in the images and patterns using the paint markers. Remember to allow paint to dry before using a new color marker.
Patches
This back to school craft is a great way to get kids involved in designing their back packs. This is an appropriate craft for kids that are young and old. For this craft you will need fabric glue, straight pins, and patches. If the kids are older you can allow them to use an iron for iron-on patches. Younger kids will practice motor skills by using fabric glue.
Start by picking out several patches that your kids like. Then place them in various spots on the backpack. When your kids are happy with where the patches are placed you can apply the glue or iron. If using glue add the straight pins after the glue is already applied. If ironing the patches on the backpack, use the straight pins to hold the patches in place when ironing.
Back to school backpack craft are a great way to help kids personalize their backpack
If you are wondering where to buy backpacks, check out these cute and fun back packs from Amazon. 


Wheeled Backpacks


     


























   






























Toddler Backpacks 


Toddler backpacks are so cute and perfect for the little ones.


     




























This toddler backpack is so cute and cheap It is great for a toddler. 





























Oh and spiderman backpacks are super popular. Seeing my nephew get excited about spiderman is reason enough to check out these spiderman backpacks.


   




























So hope you enjoyed my backpack crafts and ideas. If there is anything back to school related you would like information on leave me a comment and I will post a reply during this back to school countdown. Stay tuned for tomorrows installment and enjoy picking out and spicing up a backpack with you kid for this school year. 

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Back to School Countdown: Bulletin Boards

I'm a lunch lady so I am starting to get into the back to school mood. I know I am not the only ones out there getting ready for the big day. So I decided to start the back to school countdown. Everyday, until school starts, for me it is Sept 6th, I will be posting something new to get everyone ready and excited about going back to school. Okay today I will focus on bulletin board ideas.

If you have any requests or any questions or even need some ideas or advice about anything back to school feel free to leave me a comment and I will do my best to help you!

Here are some bulletin board ideas for the first day of school.


Beach
A beach themed back to school bulletin board is a great idea that will remind kids about how much fun they had over the summer while also getting kids excited about being back in school. For this bulletin board you will need blue butcher paper, tan paper, scissors, markers, and a pencil.
Start this back to school bulletin board by covering the top of the bulletin board with the blue paper. Then cut a wavy edge on the tan colored paper and attach that to the bottom of the bulletin board. Provide each student with a piece of tan paper about 6 inches squared.
Help students create seashells by placing their fist palm down on the paper and tracing their fist. They can finish the shell by connecting the bottom lines were their wrist would be in a curved or pointed line. Help students cut out the shell shape and write their name on it. Allow the students to decorate the shell and hang it on the back to school bulletin board.
Tree and Butterfly
Another back to school bulletin board idea is a tree and butterfly theme. For this bulletin board you will need blue butcher paper, brown butcher paper, scissors, construction paper, a pencil, and markers. Start by covering the back to school bulletin board with the blue paper.
Then use the pencil to draw a tree branch shape onto the brown paper. Cut the tree branch out of the paper and attach it to the bulletin board. Hand out various sheets of construction paper and pencils to the students. Help the students trace their hands on the paper to create either leaves or a butterfly. To make a butterfly, students should trace both of their hands with their palms touching. Help students cut out their shapes and write their name on them. Students can hang the leaves and butterflies all over the back to school bulletin board.
Want to use Recycled Materials ?    These ideas are perfect

Wanted Ad
For this back to school bulletin board you will used recycled newspaper to cover the bulletin board. Remember to use the classified section to stick with the wanted ad theme. You can also used recycled magazines to cut out the letters spelling Wanted. This can be posted on the top of the bulletin board. You will also need to ask students to bring in a picture of themselves the first day of school.
Prior to the start of school the teacher should make out an application for students with interesting questions that will get them excited about coming back to school. The questions can pertain to the experience students will be having in the upcoming school year. Remember to leave a blank area at the top of the application to pate the student's folder. Copy and staple these applications together for the first day back to school.
On the first day explain to students that you have an opportunity for them; they have been chosen to participate in your classroom. You would like them to fill out the application. When they are done they can glue the photo to the top of the application and post it on the back to school bulletin board.
This back to school bulletin board idea uses recycled newspapers and magazines. It also provides teachers with a way to get to know students better, and it is appropriate for students in middle school and higher grade levels.
Garden of Learning
Another back to school bulletin board idea that uses recycled paper plates and magazines is the garden of learning bulletin board. For this back to school bulletin board, you will also need green paper, blue paper, scissors, and glue. Remember to have students each bring a photo of themselves the first day of school.
Start this project by handing out the magazines to the students. Help them cut out several strips of colorful paper. Then help them cut them into smaller sections about 2 inches long. Allow students to cut the photo into a circle with their faces in the middle. Also help kids cut the outside edge of the paper plate off.
Help students glue the picture to the center of the paper plate. Also help them add the 2 inch strips to the outside edge of the picture to resemble flower petals. Allow the glue to dry. Cover the bulletin board with green butcher paper. Write a message on the top of the board about gardening and learning and help students post their flowers on the board.
These bulletin board ideas are great for back to school, and they use recycled materials. Try these bulletin board ideas with your new students and they will love learning and recycling at the same time.

Monday, August 15, 2011

Fantasy Horned Flower Crowns Fairies, Cthulhu, Elves, and Nymphs

So I am super excited about the crafts i have been working on. i actually just finished 3 horned floral crown head wraps? I am not sure what to call them, but I can imagine fire nymphs, creatures of Cthulhu, and mischievous fairies or elves.

I started out by making polymer clay horns, and I had some sparkles and flowers. So instead of  just plain old horns; you can now have flower crowns with horns. There are a lot of awesome details in the three pieces, and I had a lot of fun using polymer clay to make pendants with jewels and gemstones. Actually wanted to keep the applique on the Cthulhu crown, and make it a necklaced, but I can make another one for myself at a later date. Polymer clay is really awesome to work with, and I think i will be using it more often.

I am considering making some hair clips, pendants, and possibly even incorporating some polymer clay spiral encased jewels into a wire tiara or circlet.

Anyway I will get to the pics I am sure that is what everyone is waiting for anyway.



Cthulhu Fantasy Horned Flower Crown Fairy Elf Nymph Costume



Fire Faerie Fantasy Horned Flower Crown Fairy Elf Nymph Costume Headband





I just really liked this pic but it is blurry


Oh and here is a pic of the clip I alluded to (or possibly out right mentioned, I cant Remember) /but more about that later. 



Thursday, August 11, 2011

Artfire, Bacon Purse, and Fun with Auto Correct

So I am super excited about updating my artfire. I have been working on it for awhile. i took a bunch of pictures and did some inventory. I found a bacon purse it is pretty awesome. A simple change purse made from felt. If you are interested with learning how to make a miniature felt change purse check out this article!

Bacon Mini Felt Coin or Change Purse


Also used auto correct on a bunch of photos and it looked awesome Who new auto correct could give you such beautiful and almost surrreal results. Check out these crocheted beaded necklaces. They are super long and pretty to mix and match.

Crochet Biege and Rainbow Glass Bead Necklace

rainbow glass bead crocheted necklace with awesome auto correct technique

Crochet Powder Blue Beach Glass Bead Necklace

Crochet Powder Blue Beach Glass Bead Necklace



anyway thinking about starting some more projects including felt forever flowers. Maybe tomorrow I will have some pics to post! 

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Okay Updated my Store Check it out!

Okay guys, i actually did it. I started uploading items to my store on Artfire. The link is at the bottom. I only added about 20 items but my store is growing. I have been so inspired lately to make new stuff. My trip to AC makes me want to work with the shells I found. Also I have this desire to make party decorations and Mardi Gras masks. Anyway, check out my items and help support my cause. with the way the economy is going we might all need an earthship to live in.

http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/studio/Artforahome




Also I was looking up Kali the Hindu Goddess so heres an awesome picture

<img src="http://i.imgur.com/0ggIQ.jpg" alt="" title="Hosted by imgur.com" />

Gishmas 2021 List

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