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.

Make a Patriotic Necklace It's Easy

Well, the year is on it's way and it is not long before independence day is her again. If you are looking to do some easy beginner crafts you can have a look at this patriotic necklace. Of course you can also have a look at Fimo Clay Ideas as well and use Fimo Clay instead of making the beads yourself.

Independence Day is a wonderful time to show your patriotism. In the weeks before the holiday, you can find red, white and blue t-shirts, hats and jewelry in almost any store. But it’s also easy to make your own patriotic clothing and accessories. This patriotic necklace is easy and inexpensive to make, and it’s sure to be quite the conversation piece.

Supplies

* 1 tbsp. all-purpose flour
* ½ tbsp. water
* ½ tbsp. salt
* Toothpick
* Acrylic paint
* Paintbrush
* Nylon cord or strong fishing line in desired length, plus about 8 inches (for an 18-inch necklace, the cord should be about 26 inches long)
* Beading needle
* Small red, white and blue beads
* Clasp
* Scissors

Instructions

1. Mix flour, salt and water until dough forms.

2. Preheat oven to 250 degrees Fahrenheit.

3. Model dough into a star shape for the pendant. Make it at least ¼ inch thick. You should have some extra dough when you’re done.

4. Poke the toothpick through the star about ¼ inch from the top, going from side to side so that it will face forward when placed on the necklace.

5. Bake the pendant for 2 to 2 ½ hours. Let cool completely.

6. Paint the pendant with acrylic paint. You could make it solid red, blue or gold, or paint designs on it. Let dry completely.

7. Thread the nylon cord onto the beading needle. String beads onto the cord in the pattern of your choice. Keep stringing beads until the necklace is half done.

8. Add your finished pendant to the necklace. Then continue beading in the same pattern until you’ve added enough beads to make a necklace in the desired length. Make sure you have several inches of cord left on each side so that you can add the clasp.

9. Hold the necklace up to make sure the pendant is centered correctly. If it isn’t, remove beads from one side and add them to the other until it is centered.

10. Tie the eye of the clasp onto one end of the necklace, getting it as close as possible to the last bead. Knot securely, and cut off the excess cord. Tie the hook of the clasp onto the other end, knot and trim.

Want a matching bracelet? You can make one in no time! Just cut a piece of nylon cord about 16 inches long, and string beads in the same pattern you used for the necklace. Make the beaded portion about 7 ½ to 8 inches long. Then add a clasp the same way you did with the necklace, and trim the ends. Now you have a matching set of patriotic jewelry!

Chronicle The Softies Kit Boxed

Who doesn’t like soft toys, especially when they are as outrageous as the ones in this kit. Your whole family will enjoy the uniqueness of these plush pals.

This Chronicle “The Softies Kit Box” is a follow-up to a book called “Softies”. “Softies” are cute plush toys inspired by a Japanese craze for soft toys. The new kit box includes lots of exciting new plush toy projects. It comes with a 24-page instruction booklet, project cards and easy to follow instructions for 15 exciting new “Softies” that will make admired and cute gifts.

You will be able to make:

• Japanese Cherry Cake
• Little Penguin
• Hambone, a stuffed ham
• Little Elephant
• Deer iPod Holder
• Chick in a Bonnet
• Sparkle Bunny
• Gingerbread House
• Charlotte with Her Fedora
• Birthday Banner

Also included in the box are pattern sheets and everything you need, from fabrics to needle and thread, to make a Party Felt Cake that everybody will adore.

Summer All Year Long With Your Own Take Away Beach Craft

Kids love doing crafts and if it is about something they enjoyed and loved, it is even better. So, this summer take away beach craft will be a craft all kids will love. Make sure they have a comfortable place to work, such as an Alex Super Art Table With Paper Roll And Two Benches, this will prevent accidents and it will make sure everything you need is at hand.

Here is your summer take away beach craft:

How to Make a Takeaway Beach

A trip to the beach can be the highlight of one’s summer. Children are especially captivated by the sand, water and beautiful scenery. When it’s time to go home, they may not want to leave. And for that matter, you might wish you could stay, too!

Moving to the beach might not be an option. But you can take a little piece of the beach with you when you go home. Collecting seashells, driftwood and other beach findings is a fun way to commemorate your vacation. And when you get home, these items can be used to make your very own beach… inside of a jar. Here’s how to make this simple yet meaningful craft project.

Supplies

* Glass jar with lid
* Glass cleaner
* Paint pen
* Sand
* Seashells
* Pebbles
* Small bits of driftwood
* Pieces of sea glass
* Craft glue

Instructions

1. Remove any labels from the jar and wash thoroughly. If part of a label is particularly stubborn, try using a scraper blade and/or rubbing alcohol to remove it.

2. Use glass cleaner to remove fingerprints and any remaining glue from the jar.

3. Use the paint pen to paint the name of the beach you visited on the side of the jar, near the bottom. Add some beach-inspired designs such as starfish, palm trees or ocean waves if you like.

4. Pour some sand into the jar. The amount is up to you, but try not to add so much that it overpowers the other items you will be adding.

5. Drop lots of seashells, pebbles, driftwood and sea glass into the jar. You can fill it up to the top or leave some empty space.

6. Pick out some favorite shells and sea glass to adorn the outside of your takeaway beach. Arrange them to your liking on the lid, glue on with craft glue and let dry. If you like, you could also glue some pieces of sea glass onto the jar itself.

7. Place the lid on the jar.

Your “beach in a jar” can serve a number of purposes. You could give it as a gift to someone who wasn’t able to go with you. You could use it as a paperweight. If you used a large jar, it could double as a doorstop. Or you could simply place it on a shelf somewhere that you will see it each and every day.

Trinkets from the beach souvenir shop are nice. But something that holds memories of your unique experience at the beach is far more nostalgic. Your takeaway beach will remind you of the fun you had for many years to come.

How to Build Beautiful Ice Sculptures

Usually, when we see ice sculptures, it's at a wedding or other formal affair. But the beauty of sculpted ice is fascinating to adults and children alike. Wouldn't it be great to be able to build a beautiful ice sculpture at home with the family?

Actually, you can. And you don't have to give your children sharp objects to do so. So it is as good a craft to do with the kids as mosaic crafts for for beginners. Best of all, creating an ice sculpture provides a valuable learning experience for kids of all ages. You can even take photos of it and use the photos to do some beginner scrapbooking!

Here's how to do it.

What You Need

• Water
• Ice molds and/or plastic containers
• Food coloring
• Salt
• Dish washing liquid

Instructions

1. Wash the ice molds or plastic containers thoroughly with dish washing liquid and warm water. You need to make sure there are no traces of dirt or dust inside of them, because if there are, it will affect the outcome of the sculpture.

2. Fill each mold or container about 90% full of water to allow room for expansion during freezing. Add a few drops of food coloring and mix thoroughly. If the molds or containers you're using are opaque, you might want to mix the food coloring and water in a clear container beforehand so that you can see the results.

3. Place the molds and containers in the freezer, making sure that they sit level. Allow to freeze at least overnight, and for a couple of days if possible.

4. Remove the molds from the freezer and place them on a table. It's a good idea to do this outdoors if possible, because it will get messy!

5. Have your child or children build sculptures with the various shapes of ice. Each child can build his own sculpture, or they can work together to create one big one.

6. When the sculpture is the way they like it, sprinkle a bit of salt on the parts of the ice that touch other pieces. This will melt the ice a bit, helping the pieces stick together.

Tips

* For best results, use distilled water instead of tap water. Distilled water makes clearer ice, especially if you let it sit in the ice mold for a few hours to overnight before freezing.

* If you'd like to add a little extra shimmer to your ice sculpture, try adding a bit of glitter to the water before freezing.

* If temperatures are below freezing outside, and won't get above freezing for several days, you could leave the molds outdoors to freeze. This will eliminate the need for extra freezer space and make it possible to make as many pieces as you have molds. If you choose to do so, it's best to place the molds in a sheltered area and leave them for at least a few days to ensure proper freezing.

How to Make a Paper Plate Easter Bonnet

If you know how to work with melted chocolate and molds you will know How To Make Your Own Chocolate Easter Eggs, but that is not all you can do for Easter. Why not try an Easter bonnet?

In days gone by it wasn’t unusual to see women dressed in their finest clothes and Easter bonnets on Easter morning. The habit of wearing hats has seemingly fallen out of vogue. Your child can still learn how to make a paper plate Easter bonnet as part of their Easter tradition.

To create a paper plate Easter bonnet, you’ll need to pull together a few craft items:

• Paper plates
• Ribbon or yarn
• Scissors
• Glue or glitter glue
• Markers or crayons
• Construction paper
• Hole punch
• Artificial flowers, if desired

There are a several methods to choose from when making a paper plate bonnet. Here’s one method that’s relatively easy so even young children can make them.

Begin by cutting the middle out of the paper plate so it will fit on the child’s head. There should be a considerable amount of plate left which is where the decorations will go. Punch two holes in the plate, one across from the other. Be sure the holes are far enough into the plate so they don’t easily rip.

Let your child decorate what’s left of the plate however they want. They can make paper flowers and glue them onto their hat, or glue silk flowers. They can also color it with markers or crayons. Paper can also be cut into strips and curled to add to the brim of the hat. Let them have fun decorating it.

When the children have finished decorating their paper plate Easter bonnet, it’s ready for them to try on. Then they can tie two pieces of ribbon or yarn (about 10 inches long) into the holes, one on each side. Make a bow with the ribbon under their chin to hold the Easter bonnet on.

As you can see, it really isn’t difficult to make an Easter bonnet. You and your child can work together to create a new Easter bonnet each year. Make it a family tradition to enjoy with your child.