Monday, September 19, 2011

25-35% off Sale on Everything in my Shop


Everything in my Artfire store is 25% off! Check out the huge discounts and savings on all sorts of items including Halloween  hair accessories, jewelry, floral arrangements, my little pony, home decor, baby bows, and nerd apparel. 

Its a great way to get some holiday gift shopping out of the way early! Sale ends Friday.
If you would like another 10% off for a total of 35% in savings like my facebook fan page and comment on the post with Super Sale as Title. If you already have liked my page you can still receive a 10% off coupon by commenting on the post with Super Sale in the title. 

Halloween Candy and Trick or Treat Alternative Ideas and Party Favors

So I have been gearing up for Halloween hardcore lately. And i made some coloring books and mini trick or treat notepads. This gets me to thinking about trick or treat candy alternatives that kids will love so heres an article I wrote about it and some pics of  my own Trick or Treat alternative party favors. These favors are gonna make some kids in my neighborhood pretty happy I bet.

30 Mini Notebook Coloring Book Journal Halloween Party Favor Notepad

on etsy: :http://www.etsy.com/listing/82081664/30-mini-notebook-pad-journal-halloween
on artfire: http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/product_view/3841830


I Love Halloween Coloring Book Party Favor Gift Mini Monsters

on etsy: http://www.etsy.com/listing/82081479/i-love-halloween-hand-drawn-coloring

on artfire: http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/product_view/3839960


Halloween sometimes seems like it is all about the candy, but this is not what Halloween is suppose to be about. Halloween is about dressing up and having fun. It is also about being creepy and honoring ghosts and scary movies. Sorting through candy is not always fun for parents either and many kids have food allergies that do not allow them to eat a lot of the candy they receive, and many kids are excited to get something different in their bags. Although many people resort to giving away candy on Halloween there are many other things that you can give away as well. `
The local dollar store can be the best place to find many treats that children can enjoy instead of candy, and local arts and craft stores usually have sales where you can by multiple items for really cheap. These stores are great for many different items for both boys and girls.
Art supplies are always welcomed by children. Clay, chalk, and mini note pads are fun for kids and they will not rot their teeth. Crayons, finger paints, and stickers are also a lot of fun for kid, and children will get a lot more use out of these items than they will a sugar filled treat.
Tiny toys are also good treats for kids on Halloween, and they can be bought in bulk at many places. Jacks, playing cards, and jump ropes are inexpensive and productive prizes for kids. Bouncy balls, tops, little toy soldiers, and mini baby dolls will also intrigue and delight children when they find them in their candy bags.
Books also make a great treat that parents will be excited to see in their child's bag. You can buy multiple puzzle and crossword books for inexpensive. Picture books for children, and handmade coloring are also a perfect treat. You can make your own coloring books by printing free coloring sheets of the internet and stapling them together; if you like you can also buy a big box of crayons and give a few crayons wrapped in ribbon to each kid with his coloring book.
Dress-up accessories can be purchased cheaply at local party and dollar stores, and these items provide children with hours of fun. Eye patches, badges, swords, jewelry, wands, and crowns are all inexpensive, and most of them can be made easily at home.
Another great alternative to giving candy on Halloween is giving away musical toys and noise makers. Whistles and kazoos are fun for children. Tambourines and bells will also supply hours of fun for kids; harmonicas will delight children of all ages, and these treats will teach kids to be creative.
There are many treats that you can purchase inexpensively for children this Halloween; so this year, instead of giving away candy, give away creativity!

check out my facebook fan page for more fun Halloween ideas and handmade items! 

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Unicorn Horns, Devil Horns, and Dragon Horns for Halloween

Halloween is right around the corner, WooHoo! Its one of my favorite holidays, and I have been making some horns just for the big day. Polymer clay is a wonderful medium to work with, and a little creativity and clay can go along way. Here are some Halloween horns I made recently to get you in the mood for dress up.


Devil Horns are popular, and they are great for kids and adults. These horns are a marbled gold and metallic burgandy clay. They could also work as horns for a demon, troll, or other evil creature.




Unicorn Horns are also really popular. I never would have thought that I wasn't one of the only people who considered dressing like a unicorn for Halloween. Unicorn horns are a lot of fun to make, and at first I thought I was making them too small, but I think I would rather have a smaller unicorn horn so I don't poke someone's eye out.

Blue Unicorn Horn Costume Wig My Little Pony DJ Pon3 Rarity Cosplay



Dragon Horns are another popular item for Halloween, and I would love to see some great dragon costumes. Here are some dragon style horns for your Halloween pleasure.

Blue Dragon Horns

Green Dragon or Devil Costume Horns


If you guys have any horny pictures or fun Halloween costume ideas please post some pics for us all to share!

Sunday, September 4, 2011

5 Fun and Easy Fall Themed Crafts for Adults

1. Pumpkins Centerpieces
Fall is a great time of year for decorating your home with nature items. The autumn leaf change provides vibrant colors in all sorts of variations of red, orange, yellow, brown, and green. Acorns and pinecones are in abundance, and pumpkins, squashes, and gourds are showing themselves in the garden and grocery store. Using these items to create easy fall themed centerpieces is a great  home decor craft for adults.

2. Fall Themed Fabric Flower Bouquets


Creating fabric bouquets from felt requires only needle, thread, wire, scissors, and creativity. This fall home decor project is a great way for adults to create flowers that will last them for years to come.

3.Apples

Dried apple crafts are an obvious fall project. Apples are plentiful in the fall, and taking a country drive to see the fall foliage and pick apples is as American as well, apple pie. There are many craft projects using dried apples. Check out this article  to learn how to make a dried apple centerpiece.


4. Scarves and Hats

Fall brings the chill of winter, and the cool autumn nights will be even better with handmade scarves and hats. Whether you are crocheting, sewing, or braiding a scarf or hat for the autumn tempetatures; this is a great fall themed craft for adults.

5. Nature Wreath

During autumn we gather, and this is an appropriate time to make a beautiful fall wreath. There are so many items available; it would be silly to pass up on this fall themed craft. Use vines and branches for a base, and add acorns, pine cones, and dried berries or nuts to decorate the wreath, and don;t for get to add colorful fall leaves. 




Saturday, September 3, 2011

Giveaway Help Me Reach 25 Likes! You Choose Any Item in my Shop Under $9.00

Hello everyone!  I am just getting started, and I love giveaways! So to enter simply go to my facebook fan page and like it! Then post a comment in the thread where you see the felt sunflower and title Giveaway Contest.

One winner will be chosen after 5pm Est Monday, September 5, using random.org true random number generator, and The lucky guy or gal can choose any one item under $9 in my shop!!! 

Hope to see you soon!!! 

Making Felt and Fabric Flowers

Ok so I dropped the ball with the back to school stuff. My mom had surgery and that consumed a lot of time; then I had to fix my car, and I also have to get ready to go back to lunch lady land.

On a lighter note I have been listing a lot to my Etsy site and my Artfire site so check em out. I am working with fabric and felt. Here are some pictures of new items I will be listing shortly.






Making fabric and felt flowers can seem a little intimidating but it is very easy in a lot of ways. You can make simple felt flowers by cutting out flower shapes and layering them on top of each other. Use wire and buttons to hold all the flower layers together, and this can be done fairly quickly.

I will be posting more detailed instructions on creating felt flowers on my associated content, and here, and i also have a large variety of flowers in my shop for sale if you would like to check em out. You can get some ideas on all the varieties of styles you can use, or you can buy some if you are so inclined.

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.

Gishmas 2021 List

 Day 1 Challenge: December 20th – Image or Video What powers GISH? Love, actually. So, let’s spread some cheer. Using the GISH App or search...