Easy Mother’s Day Projects for Toddlers

While a toddler can't make his or her mom breakfast in bed, there are still lots of neat projects you can do with a toddler to show how much you appreciate Mom. Here are some ideas for easy mother's day projects for toddlers.

Mother's Day Crafts - Egg Carton Tulips

Materials:

• Cardboard egg carton
• Scissors
• Paint
• Green pipe cleaners

Directions:

1. Use scissors to cut the segments out of the egg carton. You should now have separate cup shapes.

2. Cut the edges of the cups into tulip-like shapes.

3. Use scissors or a pencil to punch a hole in the bottom of each cardboard tulip blossom.

4. Poke a pipe cleaner up through the hole and bend it to keep the tulip bloom from slipping off.

5. Paint the tulips in all sorts of bright colors.

Framed Hand Prints

Mothers love their children's hand prints, and anything made from them. Here is an idea for a framed piece of Mother's Day artwork that will make Mom smile.

Materials:

• Store-bought picture frame, any size - but think big for toddlers to have room to work
• White art paper or poster board
• Finger paints
• Green marker
• Construction paper
• Glue

Directions:

1. Cut the white paper to fit inside the frame.

2. Cut out a basic vase or bowl shape from any color construction paper.

3. Glue the vase shape onto the bottom half of the white paper.

4. Let the toddler(s) make hand prints using the finger paint. Try to make sure the hand prints are generally above the vase shape, on the top half of the paper. Use several colors.

5. After the hand prints have dried, use the green marker to draw stems from each hand print to the construction paper vase. Try to make it appear as if the flowers are in the vase.

6. Place the piece into the frame.

Decorative "Stone"

Materials:

• Modeling clay that will become hard and permanent upon drying, either air-dry or the sort that will dry in a home oven
• Craft paints or acrylic paints
• Permanent marker

Directions:

1. Take a large lump of clay and form it into a rough, stone-like shape.

2. Have the toddler press his or her hands into the clay to make two hand prints.

3. Dry the clay.

4. When the clay is hard, let your toddler paint the decorative stone in colors he or she likes.

5. On the bottom of the stone, write the date and the occasion with the permanent marker.

Do I Need Acrylic Revolution: New Tricks and Techniques for Working with the World's Most Versatile Medium?

It is normal for the Beginner to ask the question: " Acrylic Revolution: New Tricks and Techniques for Working with the World's Most Versatile Medium?" Well, acrylic is a well loved medium and if you are a beginner artists or and accomplished artist this book will help you.

Acrylic Revolution: New Tricks and Techniques for Working with the World's Most Versatile Medium does not only give you the basics, it also helps you with new techniques to get do much more from your acrylic paint.

This book will help everyone and is a must have resource in the library of every artist. Even so, even the beginner will find the basics needed to work with acrylics in it.

Acrylic Revolution: New Tricks and Techniques for Working with the World's Most Versatile Medium teaches you how to prepare and paint on virtually any surface. This is where it will even help all beginner artists and beginner crafters.

What is also very helpful in this book is that it has a gallery of finished works by fellow painting revolutionaries that blend various acrylic techniques to create amazing effects. This is where Acrylic Revolution: New Tricks and Techniques for Working with the World's Most Versatile Medium will inspire you and help you to think in new and innovate ways to produce better art.

So, I think if you love to paint with acrylics, having a look at Acrylic Revolution: New Tricks and Techniques for Working with the World's Most Versatile Medium is a very good idea.

Make a Star Studded Door Hanger For Independence Day

It is always fun to go all out with Independence Day decorations. There are so many fun crafts you can do so, why shouldn’t it be a day to go crazy with your decorations? So, looking at Kid's Fourth Of July Crafts is one way to start.

Decking your home out in red, white and blue is lots of fun, and it’s a great way to show your patriotism. This simple yet lovely door hanger is a great project to start with, and it’s so simple that even young children can participate.

Supplies

• 2 small paper plates
• Star-shaped sponge or foam stamp
• Acrylic paint in red or blue
• Red, blue and gold glitter glue
• Shiny red and blue garland
• Craft glue
• White yarn
• Scissors

Instructions

1. Cut a piece of yarn approximately a foot long.

2. Cut garland into several pieces, each about 16 inches in length. Five to eight pieces should suffice.

3. Put a thin layer of glue just inside the edge of the top side of one of the paper plates, going all the way around. Place the other plate on top face down, and press the edges together.

4. Place one end of the yarn between the two plates. Place the other end between the plates an inch or two away from the first end to create a hanger.

5. Directly opposite from the middle of the yarn hanger, place the end of each piece of garland between the plates. Press the edges together all the way around to reinforce, and let dry completely.

6. Put a small amount of the acrylic paint in another paper plate or on a piece of newspaper. Dip the star stamp into the paint, and then press the stamp gently into the center of the plate. Remove carefully to avoid smudging.

7. Trace around the star with a contrasting color of glitter glue. Use another color to create a border around the hanger. You could make a solid line or do a zigzag or curlicue pattern. Or, if you prefer, make a border in red and another border inside of it in blue.

8. Use the glitter glue or paint to add a message to your door hanger. “Welcome” and “Happy Independence Day” are two phrases you could use.

9. If desired, wrap the garland tightly around a pencil in a spiral, then let go to make it curl. Let paint and glitter glue dry completely before hanging.

This simple yet festive door hanger is a great way to welcome guests and celebrate the Fourth of July. It also makes a great family project. Each of the kids could make one for his or her bedroom door. And if you don’t have paint, glitter glue and garland on hand, markers and crepe paper can be used instead.

Crafts Galore! The Ultimate Guide for Girlfriends

Crafts Galore! The Ultimate Guide for Girlfriends is a great resource for all girls to get together and get crafting. It has a wealth of different project ideas that are easy and fun to make together. The finished pieces of craft can easily be used as presents, at parties or even sold at a church or school fundraiser.

The book comes with supply lists, which cover materials needed, costs involved and timeframes. This detailed information makes it easy to plan ahead. The book benefits from detailed instructional pages. All projects have been tried and tested.

The individual craft projects are divided into different sections, such as: Food Crafts, Service Projects, Gifts, Seasonal Crafts and Crafts with Devotion. They include projects such as:

* Ribbon Cards
* Giggle Jars
* Creative Clipboard
* Door Delights
* Mini Journal
* Mailable Photo Frame
* Patriotic Pillows
* Spring Flowerpots
* Bead Bracelets
* Soup Mixes
* Chocolate Dipped Spoons
* Sweet Psalms Box of Chocolates
* Memorial Candle
* And others

For more information on this fantastic book, go to Amazon and have a look at Crafts Galore! The Ultimate Guide for Girlfriends

Have a look at what some are saying about: Crafts Galore! The Ultimate Guide for Girlfriends

This is what Disciple Forever has to say:

I am always looking for fresh ideas to create simple, yet meaningful gifts of quality. You do not need to be Martha Stewart (or Donald Trump!)to make these creative items. This would also be a really fun resource to use when a group of girlfriends get together and are looking for a great activity to do together...a great addition to any Bible study or Book Club!

And this is what Susan H. Lawrence is saying:

Remember the days of doing a craft just for the sake of doing a craft? This book is full of ideas for fun crafts you will actually USE! Some are designed to be used for service projects, some can be given to friends, and some you can even eat. You can use some for fundraisers, retreats, gift-making and parties. Or, maybe you just want to get a bunch of girlfriends together on a regular basis...and you know we get so much more done when we are sitting around a table of girlfriends!

With easy supplies lists (separated for what you'll need per woman and what you'll need for women to share), time to allow, and cost symbols (the least expensive symbolized by one dollar sign and also two $$ and three $$$), Crafts Galore! makes it easy to plan crafts. Many of the instructional pages can be reproduced, so you can make copies for each table instead of read through instructions for everyone. And...all the crafts have been field tested, so you aren't the guinea pig. I've already made the Creative Clipboard, Journal in a Jar, Comfort Pillow and Chocolate-Dipped Spoons, and all were simple AND useful!

This is what Tracey Guilliams says:

No matter what your budget is...small or big...there is a craft in here for you and your friends to do. This book can be used easily for a women's group to make gifts for themselves or others. My personal favorite is the Door Delights! Make several of these easy to do Door Deligts and give them to shut ins, nursing home patients or your best gal pal!

You won't be disappointed with the easy to follow directions and pictures.

Go To Amazon Now! Get Crafts Galore! The Ultimate Guide for Girlfriends

Let Freedom Ring, A Patriotic Pattern Pack

Where to buy: www.currclick.com

Go To Fun Kids Crafts For More Kid's Fourth Of July Crafts

“Let Freedom Ring” is a fantastic patriotic pattern e-book full of patriotic craft projects which include quilting, sewing, stitching and appliqué. The patterns are a great way to celebrate America’s patriotic holidays and are perfect for Veteran’s Day, Memorial Day, July 4th etc.

Whether you’re making a picnic blanket, table cloth or potholders, you will find lots of attractive ideas and designs. The projects are easily completed by sewing beginners. The patriotic pack includes all the detailed techniques, patterns, information and illustration needed to finish each project successfully.

The projects are divided into ‘inside’ patriotic and ‘outside’ patriotic. Samples for an outside patriotic project are:

* Picnic tote bag
* Beverage Carriers
* Picnic Blanket
* BBQ mitt
* BBQ apron
* Warm day cool wrap

Samples for the inside patriotic projects include:

* Potholder
* Microwave potholder
* Table runner
* Decorated placemats
* Coasters
* Kitchen towels
* Quilted throw
* And more

The various techniques used for the projects include:

* Heat’n bond appliqué
* Clipping curves & points
* Hand stitching
* Hand embroidery
* Topstitch
* Applying bias tape
* And more

These patriotic Kid's Forth Of July Crafts projects are a fantastic way to celebrate and commemorate American holidays with your children.

Save Money By Catching The Sewing

Clothing is expensive. Those fashionable designer pieces can cost hundreds of dollars a pop. Even a simple t-shirt often costs more than going out to eat. Department store offerings are slightly easier on the budget, but even they seem to get more expensive each season.

There is a way around the high price of getting dressed. You can sew your own clothes. There was a time when almost everyone made clothes for her own family. Learning to sew takes some dedication, but it isn’t difficult. You can learn to make simple pieces in no time.

For those with a unique sense of style, sewing one’s own clothes is the perfect answer. Fabrics of all types can be found at your local craft shop or online. And there are tons of patterns to choose from, so you’re sure to find something that suits your taste. If not, you can always make adjustments to make each piece truly unique.

Your kids may be stuck on the designer fashions that their friends are wearing. But you can find patterns similar to almost anything out there. Let your child pick out the fabric, and when he sees the end result, he’ll likely change his mind. He may even be the envy of his friends, because they can’t find anything like it in stores!

Sewing also makes gift giving less expensive. You can sew a piece that matches the recipient’s personal style for much less than you would pay for a store-bought gift. And a handmade article of clothing is sure to be appreciated more.

Sewing is one hobby that has lots of money-saving potential. You can get started with nothing more than some fabric, a needle and some thread. Once you’ve learned the basics, you can move on to an inexpensive sewing machine. Patterns can be pricey, but you can find many online for free. Most craft stores also have patterns at very low prices, sometimes as little as a dollar. And by using different fabrics and making minor modifications, you can create an infinite number of pieces from one pattern.

Fabric can also be expensive. But if you shop at the end of each season for the following year, you can find some great deals. You may be able to find some for a dollar or two per yard. It’s important to examine fabric for flaws before you buy, but minor ones will make very little difference in the finished product.

If you’ve never sewn before, the thought of starting can be intimidating. But if you start out with simple patterns, you can boost your confidence and work your way up to more complex ones. Sewing does take time, but the money you save makes it well worth the effort.

Consider Knitting As a Self-Help Tool

We have to get our kids knitting with Kids Knitting: Projects for Kids of all Ages. Non-knitters often consider knitting monotonous and boring. It’s true that knitting is not a fast-paced hobby like skydiving, but it does have lots of benefits. In fact, many experts are convinced that it has therapeutic properties.

Anyone who knits will tell you that knitting is a wonderful remedy for stress. At the end of a tough day, picking up a project can quickly calm one down. It’s those very repetitive movements that those who do not knit consider boring that produce a soothing effect comparable to that of meditation.

In fact, knitting has a lot in common with meditation. In both activities, you focus on one particular thing. When meditating, that thing is your subconscious. When knitting, it’s your stitching. In either case, you’re forced to push your worries, stress, anger and sadness to the side.

The focus required by knitting can help with a number of health issues other than stress. These include:

* ADD/ADHD – Knitting is great for improving concentration. The act of knitting forces the two sides of the brain to work together, and that’s something that those with ADD and ADHD can have a lot of trouble with. By knitting regularly, they can improve their brains’ ability to focus and hang on to information that is learned.

* Chronic pain – Chronic pain can greatly decrease one’s quality of life. But instead of using dangerous (and often addictive) painkillers as the sole treatment, many pain doctors are encouraging patients to include less conventional therapies in their treatment. Knitting is one activity that can help. The calm state of mind it produces, and the attention it requires, blocks pain signals from reaching the brain.

* Brain damage – After a brain injury, doctors seek to restore as much of the brain’s prior function as possible. Complete recovery is not always possible, but certain activities can help patients relearn fine motor skills and cognitive skills. Knitting is one of many possible treatment options. It tends to work well because it incorporates both types of skills into one activity.

* Anxiety – Anxiety may be mild, moderate or severe. At any level, knitting can be beneficial. While it probably won’t stop a full-fledged panic attack, knitting can reduce overall stress and divert attention from specific stressors.

* Chronic illness – When one is facing a long-term or terminal illness, depression can set in. Those who are bedridden are limited in what they can do, and this can give them too much time to think negative thoughts. Knitting is something they can do that is not physically demanding, yet it takes their minds off of their illness. And the finished project also gives them a sense of accomplishment.

Knitting as therapy may not be the latest medical breakthrough, but it can be helpful in many cases. It’s a relatively easy hobby, and it’s very inexpensive. And it engages the mind in a relaxing way that few other pursuits can.

So have a look at: Kids Knitting: Projects for Kids of all Ages, as it says - Kids Of All Ages!

Paint An Easy Independence Day T-Shirt

Almost everyone can do T-shirt painting. It is easy and it’s lots of fun. That is why it is up there with all our other beginner crafts, such as beginner scrapbooking, mosaic crafts for beginners and a kit such as Alex Toys happily Ever Crafter.

So if you’re lacking Independence Day apparel, why not get out the fabric paint and make yourself a patriotic tee? Or better yet, get the family together and let everyone make their own!

There are many ways you could design your Independence Day t-shirt. In general, you’ll need a plain white t-shirt, a t-shirt board or piece of stiff cardboard to place inside the shirt, newspapers, fabric paint and a paintbrush.

Before you begin, wash the shirt and do not use fabric softener. Dry and stretch the shirt onto the board to keep it straight and prevent paint from soaking through to the other side.

To make a fireworks t-shirt, use fabric paint in a squeeze bottle. For each firework design, draw a horizontal line in the color of your choice with a break in the middle (in other words, two short lines of the same length side by side).

Then make a vertical line that intersects with the horizontal one, again with a break in the middle. This will look like a plus sign with the middle removed. Use another color to make an X in the same manner, but make the lines slightly shorter. Add some dots at the end of each line to finish.

Here’s another fun patriotic t-shirt idea:

Stars and Stripes T-Shirt

Other Supplies Needed

* Masking tape
* Ruler
* Pencil
* Star-shaped sponge or foam stamp
* Rectangular sponge or foam stamp
* Plastic plate, bowl or lid

Instructions

1. Stick a strip of masking tape across the shirt from seam to seam, starting just below the neck opening. Place another strip below that one, overlapping slightly. Repeat until you have taped off a stripe approximately 1 ¾ inches wide.

2. Measure 1 ¾ inches below the stripe you made, and make a light mark with the pencil. Make another stripe just like the first one.

3. Continue placing stripes of tape 1 ¾ inches apart all the way to the bottom of the shirt.

4. Put some red paint in a plastic plate, bowl or lid. Dip the rectangular sponge into the paint, and dab it onto the areas that are not taped off. When finished, let the paint dry completely.

5. Put some blue paint into a plastic plate, bowl or lid. Dip the star-shaped sponge into the paint, and press it carefully onto the shirt anywhere you like. Pull straight up when removing to avoid smudging.

6. Continue adding stars to the shirt as you like. When finished, let dry. Remove the masking tape.

If you’re particularly artistic, you could try your hand at a Statue of Liberty t-shirt. Or if you’d rather not paint, get some blue and red dye and make a tie-dyed Fourth of July shirt. Use your imagination and create a patriotic tee that’s as individual as you are!

Make An Easy Patriotic Hot Air Balloon Decoration

On the Fourth of July, we often look to the sky to watch fireworks in all shapes, sizes and colors. But in some locations, there’s more to see up above. Hot air balloons are festive and fun reminders of the American holiday.

A patriotic hot air balloon decoration in red, white and blue makes a wonderful Independence Day centerpiece. Here’s how to make it.

Supplies

• Large, white, high quality latex balloon filled with helium
• Large balloon net
• Small wicker laundry-type basket with two handles
• Red, white and blue crepe paper
• Basket filler in red, white and blue
• Candy or goodie bags

Instructions

1. Drape the balloon net over the helium-filled balloon.

2. Divide the ribbons from the balloon net into two equal sets.

3. Tie one half of the ribbons to one of the basket handles. Tie the other half to the other basket handle.

4. Decorate the basket with red, white and blue crepe paper. Wrap it around the basket and secure with clear tape, and/or tie streamers to the handles for decoration.

5. Fill the basket with the patriotic basket filler. Add candy or goody bags, and place in the middle of the table as a centerpiece.

If you prefer, you could add real or silk flowers to the basket instead of candy or goody bags for a unique floral centerpiece. You can also adapt the project to use as a gift holder for birthdays or other holidays by using different colors of crepe and basket filler.


Balloon nets may be available from a local party supply store or florist. If you can’t find any for sale, here’s how to make one.

Supplies

* 150 feet of decorative ribbon in red, white, and/or blue
* Scissors

Instructions

1. Cut strips of ribbon long enough to drape over the balloon and tie to the basket, making sure they will keep the balloon at the desired height. Add a few extra inches for tying and to leave room for error.

2. Lay a strip of ribbon flat diagonally. Lay another strip parallel to the first one, about an inch away. Keep laying down strips of ribbon until you have enough to cover the top of the balloon. If using two or more colors, alternate them in a set pattern.

3. Lay a strip of ribbon across the first strip, going diagonally in the opposite direction. Repeat until you have a square of a fishnet pattern large enough to cover the top of the balloon, with enough ribbon hanging to keep the balloon as far as you desire above the basket.

4. Tie knots in the ribbon at the corners to secure the pattern.