Crafts For Beginners - How to Create a Winter Splatter Painting

Crafts For Beginners should be fun and easy to complete. On such crafts for beginners is mosaic crafts for beginners using pumpkin seeds and here is another craft the little ones will love, Splatter painting!

Painting is a great way for kids to express themselves. And just like many of the other activities they enjoy it can be quite messy! Splatter painting is especially messy, but it creates a very interesting effect.

Splatter painting works very well for winter scenes. When you do the splattering with white paint, it looks just like falling snow. Here's how you and your child can create a winter splatter paint masterpiece.

What You Need

* Construction paper in a variety of colors
* Scissors
* Glue
* Paint in white and other colors
* Bowl
* Toothbrush
* Silver glitter
* Newspapers
* Easel
* Smock

Instructions

1. Using construction paper in black or another dark color for the background, create an outdoor winter scene. A simple village looks nice, or you could create a Christmas scene with Santa and his reindeer. You could cut shapes out of other pieces of construction paper and glue them on, use paint to create a scene, or do a combination of both. If using paint, let dry completely.

2. Since this craft is so messy, it's best to do it outdoors. If attempting it indoors, make sure to cover the work area thoroughly with newspapers. And dress children in old clothes and/or a smock.

3. Hang the picture on the easel with some newspaper behind it. (If you don't have an easel, tape some newspaper onto a wall and tape the picture onto it.) Pour some white paint into the bowl, and add a little water if necessary to thin it out to a “splatterable” consistency.

4. Dip the toothbrush into the paint, and sling it onto the picture to make snow. Use as little or as much paint as you like.

5. If you want to add some sparkle to your painting, sprinkle a small amount of sliver glitter onto it while the paint is still wet. Shake off the excess over a pie pan. (Keep in mind that the paint will not hold as much glitter as glue would.) Let dry and hang up for all to see and enjoy.

Tips

For best results, do a test splatter before splattering paint onto your picture. To do this, simply hang up a blank piece of dark construction paper and splatter the paint onto it. If the paint runs, it is too thin. If it's hard to splatter, add a little bit of water and try again. Keep working with it until it's just the right consistency.

If you're making your scene out of construction paper cutouts and don't want them to have “snow” on them, glue on only the background items before you do the splatter painting. Let dry, and then glue on the figures in the foreground.

Tie Dyeing 101

Tie Dying is an easy craft very suitable as a beginners craft, such as the beginners crafts ideas you can get for silk painting on the page Silk Painting Is Fun. Most of us associate tie dyed clothing and décor with the late 60s and early 70s. But did you know that there are samples of tie dyed fabric that date back as early as 800 A.D.? The techniques used to produce these ancient garments produced results somewhat different from what most of us see today, but they are certainly recognizable as tie dye.

Tie dyeing is simple enough that a child can do it with a little assistance.

Here's a step-by-step tutorial.

1. Choose a fabric that will hold dye well. 100% cotton is one of the best choices, and it's very easy to work with. But other natural fabrics such as silk and rayon can also be successfully tie dyed. For best results, wash and dry the garment before you dye it.

2. Get your materials together. You can buy pre-packaged tie dye kits if you don't want to purchase everything separately. If you buy your materials individually, you'll need dye, rubber bands, rubber gloves, squeeze bottles, urea and soda ash. You should be able to find all of these items in your favorite craft supply store.

3. Mix soda ash with warm water according to the directions on the label. Soak the garment for about 10 minutes. Then put on some rubber gloves and wring it out thoroughly, or put it in the washer on spin cycle to get all excess water out.

4. Lay the garment flat on a table or other flat surface. Place a dowel, a wooden clothespin, or even your finger in the center, and start turning it clockwise. Continue until the entire garment is twisted into a circle, pushing the fabric down off of the dowel as you go so that it remains as flat as possible. Remove the dowel carefully to avoid pulling the fabric up.

5. Slip rubber bands onto the twisted garment, taking care to retain its shape. You'll need to use several of them and go in all different directions. Keep the garment as flat as possible throughout the process.

6. Mix one or more colors of dye in squirt bottles per the instructions on the container.

7. Protect your work area by covering it with plastic and a layer of paper towels. Place the garment on top of the paper towels, and start squirting the dye on. For a rainbow-colored garment, use yellow, fuchsia and turquoise. Squirt each color thoroughly on a third of the garment, overlapping them a bit. Don't leave any white areas, because there will be plenty of those in the wrinkles of the garment.

8. Turn the garment over onto a pile of clean paper towels, and repeat the process on the back, putting each color behind where the same color was on the front if you're using more than one.

9. Place the garment into a ziplock bag, seal, and leave in a warm place for 24 to 36 hours.

10. Remove the garment from the bag, and rinse in cold water until the water runs clear. Wash it by itself on normal cycle in the washing machine, and it's ready to wear!

This technique may be used to create a variety of projects. The most common is the t-shirt, but you can also use it on pants, accessories, and even curtains. And once you get the hang of this technique, you can do the twisting and tying in different ways to produce different effects. Have fun!

Clay Handprint Kit - Angel Handprints Keepsake - Baby Handprint

Angel Clay Handprints Kit

Casts of children’s handprints are a wonderful keepsake for parents, grandparents and godparents alike. It’s a nostalgic way to preserve the memory of your baby or child’s hand or footprint.

The Angel Clay Handprints Kit is suitable for children’s hands from birth to about age 12. The handprint clay tile is made from Mexican clay. The clay is self-drying and therefore easy to use at home.

The kit includes step-by-step instructions on how to make perfect impressions of your newborn’s foot or handprint or your older children’s handprints. Also included in the kit are shape clay , wax paper, sponge and twine for hanging up the treasured clay tile. The finished handprint tile measures approximately 9”x8.5”.

Imprint a message and a date and the angel clay handprint will be admired forever by the person who receives it as a gift.


Go and Have a Look: Clay Handprint Kit - Angel Handprints Keepsake - Baby Handprint

How to Make an Edible Garland for Feeding Birds

Garland is a favorite Christmas decoration of many. You can find all sorts of garlands in stores – shiny ones, beaded ones, subdued ones and fluffy ones. But it's much more fun and original to make your own than to buy the same ones everyone else is using.

Lots of families make garlands out of candy or popcorn to use when decorating their Christmas trees. It's a simple project that the whole family can do together. But did you know that edible garlands are also great for attracting birds and other small animals to your yard in the winter? Here's how to make a beautiful decorative garland that the critters will find absolutely irresistible.

What You Need

* Raffia or twine
* Scissors
* Large sail maker's needle
* Unsalted peanuts with shells intact
* Small pine cones
* Peanut butter
* Birdseed
* Butter knife
* Pie plate
* Unsalted, unbuttered popped popcorn
* Soft dried fruits such as cranberries, dates and raisins
* Sunflower seeds in the hulls
* Plain Cheerios cereal
* Millet sprays

Instructions

1. Cut a piece of raffia or twine to about a foot longer than length that you want your finished garland to be. Thread the needle with it.

2. Securely tie a peanut to the end of the string. This will keep the items you string on from falling off.

3. Using the butter knife, spread peanut butter onto the small pine cones. Place some birdseed into a pie plate and roll the peanut butter-covered cones in it.

4. Thread the treats, including the pine cones, onto the string in a pattern or at random.

5. Use small pieces of the raffia or twine to tie millet sprays onto the garland at regular intervals.

6. When the garland is filled to about 6 inches from the end, tie on another peanut to keep everything in place.

7. Hang the strand of garland on an outdoor tree, and watch as the birds eagerly devour it!

Tips

* You can make clean-up easier by making this project outdoors. When you're done, you can leave anything you dropped for the birds to eat.

* If making this project with small children, close supervision should be provided to prevent injury from the sharp needle.

* Feel free to add more items to your garland. Just make sure they're safe for birds and other small animals to eat. They should be all natural, with no salt, butter or other unnecessary additives.

* If you want the birds to come even closer, try looping the garland around the rails on your front porch.

* Make sure the garland is kept out of the reach of pets and small children. They might decide that they would like a snack and destroy it.

How to Make “Happy Kwanzaa” Cards

Kwanzaa is a holiday celebrating African heritage and culture. Celebrated from December 26th to January 1st each year, it features candle-lighting ceremonies, feasts, gift giving and more. The holiday was not intended to replace Christmas, but rather to give those of African descent a time to celebrate themselves and their ancestors.

Each day of Kwanzaa is dedicated to one of seven principles. These are:

Umoja – Unity
Kujichagulia – Self-determination
Ujima – Collective work and responsibility
Ujamaa – Co-operative Economics
Nia – Purpose
Kuumba – Creativity
Imani – Faith

Just like those who celebrate Christmas send out Christmas cards, those who celebrate Kwanzaa often send out cards for the holiday. What better way to celebrate the principle of Kuumba than to make handmade cards for your friends and family? Following are some ideas for creating beautiful and unique “Happy Kwanzaa” cards.

Use Kwanzaa Colors

The traditional colors of Kwanzaa are red, green and black. Each of these colors has a special meaning. Red symbolizes the blood shed by Africans, and represents the principles Kuumba, Ujamaa and Kujichagulia. Green represents the land of Africa, as well as the principles of Ujima, Nia and Imani. And black represents the African people and the principle of Umoja.

One way you could utilize these three colors is by weaving. To do this, fold a piece of card stock in half. Then cut a piece of black construction paper the size of the folded card, and cut slits in it starting ½ inch from one end and ending ½ inch from the other. Repeat every half inch. Then cut out half-inch strips of red and green paper and weave them through. When finished, glue the weaving to the front or inside of the card.

The Symbols of Kwanzaa

Incorporate the symbols of Kwanzaa into your design. These include a candleholder with seven candles, the unity cup, and crops. Corn is an especially meaningful symbol, as it represents the children of the family.

Here's a fun and attractive way to make an ear of corn to use on your cards. Lay a piece of yellow construction paper on top of a piece of gold foil paper. Draw the shape of an ear of corn on the construction paper, and cut through both layers. Use a hole punch to punch rows of holes out of the yellow paper, and place it back on top of the gold foil. Then cut green construction paper in the shape of a husk, leaving space for the corn to show through, and glue it all together.

Sending handmade cards is a fun Kwanzaa activity. You can capture the spirit of the holiday by using the traditional colors and symbols, and help spread it by sending out cards to your friends and family.

Silk Painting Activity Set

Alex toys are always winners when it comes to crafts kits for children and the Silk Painting Activity Set is no exception. With this Silk Painting Activity Set your kid will have a lot of fun.Silk Painting Kits are fun and your kid will love it.

Getting craft kits is always a good idea when you are starting a new craft. The kits make it possible for you to try out a craft without having to spend a fortune on all the supplies you need. Once you know that you enjoy a certain craft, them you can invest in all the equipment and tools you need. In this respect Silk Painting Kits are no different.

If you want your kid to try out silk painting first before spending a fortune, this Silk Painting Activity Set is a very good idea.

There is also a very good silk painting kit available that you may like to try and it is silk painting kits by Jacquard.  these kits will give you all you need to try silk painting and it is called: Jacquard Silk Hoop Painting Fun Bag.

So, if you want to try out silk painting yourself get it. For your kid get the Silk Painting Activity Set.


Go To: Silk Painting Activity Set

Cuisinart CBT 700

Smoothies are tasty and smoothies are fun! So, having a look at the Cuisinart CBT 700 Smoothie Maker is a good idea. Smoothies are the ideal drinks to treat kids with on party, so go and have a look at the Cuisinart CBT 700 Smoothie Maker or Blender and have tasty drinks for the kids on your New Years day dinner.

With a Cuisinart CBT 700 Smoothie Maker you will be able to treat more than only the adults. If you are family orientated, that will of course be very important to you. So, why not have a look at the Cuisinart CBT 700 Smoothie Maker and treat the kids in style!

To give you an idea, here is a tasty recipe for a smoothie the kids will love, See how much you will enjoy a Cuisinart CBT 700 Smoothie Maker.

Cereal Topped Fruit Smoothies

What You Need:

• 6 (8 oz.) containers of vanilla yogurt
• 3/4 C of orange juice
• 3 bananas
• 3 C of frozen whole strawberries
• Trix cereal, crushed

How to Make It:

1. Place the yogurt into the blender.
2. Add the orange juice and stir just slight to incorporate into the yogurt.
3. Peel the bananas and break each banana into chunks.
4. Place the bananas and strawberries into the blender.
5. Cover and blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
6. Pour into glasses and top with the crushed cereal.

Makes 10 servings

This healthy drink is great to serve to kids for their New Years Eve party.  It’s not as cold as a milk shake or as time consuming as punch.  These smoothies can be topped with miniature chocolate chips or cut up pieces of fruit if you prefer. 

Preparation Time:  approximately 15 minutes

Total Time:  approximately 15 minutes

Nutritional Information per 1 C serving:  (approximate values)

Calories 230; fat 2 g; sodium 90 mg; carbohydrates 47 g; sugar 38 g; protein 8 g

So, hurry and have a look at the Cuisinart CBT 700 Smoothie Maker. Remember, smoothies are also ideal for quick breakfasts and even lunch in summer. My son always used to have a nutritious smoothie for lunch during the summer. He loved it.

So, Go To: Cuisinart CBT 700 Smoothie Maker Now.

Alex Super Art Table

Why is looking at the Alex Super Art Table a good idea? Well, to start with it will look beautiful in any kids' room or playroom. You can even use it in the Den and it will make a beautiful piece of furniture.

The fact that the Alex Super Art Table is a beautiful piece of furniture is not the main reason why you should get it though. The Alex Super Art Table is the ideal place for a kid to do arts and crafts on. The benches are wide enough so that you can sit with your kid and work together.

Of course I have also seen playgroups buying the Alex Super Art Table because it is ideal for little kids, it includes cups to place the supplies in and the canvas bag is ideal for storing everything in. It is also sturdy and will be able to handle all the abuse small kids will throw it's way.

The Alex Super Art Table includes a paper roll and a kid safe cutter for the paper. The paper roll makes it really convenient as the paper is always available. No need to go hunting for paper when you want to draw or paint. So, your little budding artist will be able to work safely, comfortably at a moment's notice.

So go and have a look at the: Alex Super Art Table now!

Our South African visitors can also get the: Alex Super Art Table

Why Is It Important To Limit The Amount Of Calories You Eat Per Day?

Are you wondering why it is important to limit the amount of calories you eat per day? Well, the unfortunate truth is that if you eat too many calories per day, you will gain weight even if you are very active.

So if you are overweight already or if you want to prevent it, you may be interested in How To Lose Weight, Calories in and calories out. You see, you have to make sure that the amount of calories you consume are balanced out by the amount of calories you eat.

Now I know, counting calories is very difficult. It is hard to measure and weight everything, work out how many calories are in each meal you eat. An easier way is to get a good diet, if you want to lose weight, or a good eating plan, if you want to maintain your weight.

A healthy eating plan will give you a good idea of what you should eat in the course of a normal day. Of course, there will be times when you will have to divert and eat something else, well, all have to do then is do a little more exercise on that day to work off the extra calories.

If you have to lose weight, get a good diet, not a fad diet, stick to it and you will lose weight. Using a set diet is far easier than having to count calories. There are other easier ways to reduce calories as well and you can read all about it on How To Lose Weight Calories.

Go To: How To Lose Weight Calories.

Handmade Home: Simple Ways to Repurpose Old Materials into New Family Treasures

The author of Handmade Home: Simple Ways to Repurpose Old Materials into New Family Treasures, Amanda Soule, has also written “The Creative Family” and is the founder of a popular blog, www.SouleMama.com. She has four children and enjoys creating and making things together with her family by consuming less and reusing more. She lives in Portland, Maine and her projects are certainly inspired by the rugged and beautiful coastline of her home area.

Handmade Home: Simple Ways to Repurpose Old Materials into New Family Treasures includes 33 craft and sewing projects which reuse and repurpose materials that you can find in your own home or when hunting through thrift shops. The projects are easy to make, full of unique beauty and will give you joy for years to come.

Some of the projects are:

• Family Art Table Runner
• Silky Eye Pillow
• Baby Sling
• Letter Satchel
• Baby’s Fringed Play Mat
• Handkerchief Curtain
• Memory Tree Quilt Art
• The Family Heart
• Cozy Wall Pockets
• And many more exciting and back to earth projects

The author of Handmade Home: Simple Ways to Repurpose Old Materials into New Family Treasures also gives advice on being eco-friendly and reusing and repurposing old materials. How and where to find vintage materials: from flea markets and antique halls to garage sales. Each project comes with instructions and gives information on ability levels. The book also benefits from beautiful colored photographs.

Handmade Home: Simple Ways to Repurpose Old Materials into New Family Treasures is a wonderful addition to any craft library.

Button It Up: 80 Amazing Vintage Button Projects

In her book Button It Up: 80 Amazing Vintage Button Projects, Susan Beal introduces you to 80 fantastic vintage button projects that you and your children will enjoy. Whether you are using up buttons you’ve been collecting over the years or pretty buttons you saw in thrift shops or flea markets – this book gives you ideas on how to make them into beautiful bracelets, button charms, button-embellished T-shirts and more.

The book starts by teaching you the history of buttons and why people have been fascinated by them for so long. Whether you are planning on creating a solo pendant necklace, button charm necklace, button dangle earrings, button cuffs, button hair clips, button toys, button embellished handbags or even vintage button embellished curtains and dinner party set – all the ideas are unique in style and eye-catching.

The book covers and discusses all the basic skills and materials needed to finish each project successfully, from wire to glues and chains. It also benefits from step-by-step instructions.

Button It Up: 80 Amazing Vintage Button Projects is a creative craft book that is suitable for every creative person to turn old buttons into something wonderful and colorful.