Sunday, November 15, 2009

Craft Ideas For Beginners - How to Make a Beachwood Photo Holder


 Here is one of our easy Craft Ideas For Beginners. We all have these holiday photos, why not make the maximum use of them. Place them in your home and bring a little bit of the summer heat into a cold winter day with this, one of our craft ideas for beginners.

A trip to the beach is sure to create some lasting memories. The feel of the sand between your toes, the smell of the ocean and the warm beach sunshine are things that must be experienced to be appreciated. But once your vacation is over, photos can bring those sensations back quickly.

Many beachgoers file their pictures away in a shoebox or photo album somewhere and forget about them. Some place them in cheap frames or pin them up on a bulletin board to enjoy every day. But don’t your treasured beach photos deserve better than that?

This beachwood photo holder will do them justice while serving as a nice decorative touch for any room and that is why it is one of the very good craft ideas for beginners. You can also have a look at beginner scrapbooking as and alternative for all those vacation photos. Do not let them rot in a box somewhere! Use them in this beachwood photo holder or make a lovely dis play in your scrapbook.

To get started, you’ll need a large piece of driftwood found on the beach. It should be fairly flat and have plenty of character.

The other supplies you’ll need include:
  • Tacky glue
  • Wooden clothespins
  • Scrub brush
  • Shells, starfish and other beach findings
  • Drill
  • Piece of strong twine, around a foot long
Instructions

1. Clean your driftwood with the scrub brush. Try to remove all debris while maintaining the original look of the wood.

2. Glue clothespins to the driftwood a few inches apart. Be sure to leave enough room for your photos. Gluing the clothespins at various angles adds a casual and whimsical touch.

3. Arrange embellishments such as seashells, starfish and beach glass as you like on the driftwood. Glue and let dry.

4. With a pencil, lightly mark the horizontal center of the photo holder about a half inch from the top. Then measure and mark 4 inches to the right of the center and 4 inches to the left of the center.

5. Drill holes in the last two spots you marked. Tie one end of the twine through each hole to make a hanger.

Tips

* If you used a heavy piece of wood, you may need something stronger than twine to hold it up. Try straightening out a wire coat hanger, bending it in the middle and hooking it through the holes.

* If you want to preserve the rustic look of the driftwood, it’s best to leave it unpainted. But if you want to make it match your décor, add a coat of paint in a muted color.

* Artistic types could paint a beach scene on the photo holder before adding clothespins and other embellishments. Use your photos for inspiration.

* If you prefer a collage, omit the clothespins. Cut your photos into various shapes and stick them to the driftwood with Mod Podge. Let dry, then cover with another coat of Mod Podge before adding three-dimensional embellishments.

I hope you enjoy this very good example of craft ideas for beginners. For more craft ideas for beginners go to: Beginner Scrapbooking.

Saturday, November 14, 2009

Speedball Deluxe Block Printing Kit

Whether you are a professional artist, an amateur artist just getting started or an enthusiast who has been enjoying printing for a while, this Speedball Deluxe Block Printing Kit gives you everything you need to make beautiful and long-lasting prints.

The kit comes with a:
  • 4"×5" lino block
  • 4"×6" Speedy Stamp
  • A lino handle
  • #1, #2, #3, #5, and #6 cutters
  • 2.5 oz (74 ml) tube of black, water-based block printing ink
  • 1.25 oz (37 ml) tubes of water-based block printing ink in colors red, blue, and yellow
  • 1.25 oz (37 ml) tube of water-based block printing extender to create transparent color
  • 4" soft pop-in brayer
  • Dual-purpose bench hook/inking plate
Speedball Deluxe Block Printing Kit

Get More Crafts Kits Go To: Silk Painting Kits Jacquard Silk Hoop Painting Fun Bag

Friday, November 13, 2009

Super Duper Art and Craft Activity Book


The Super Duper Art and Craft Activity Book is full of exciting craft activities made from materials found in and around the house. Don’t let boredom get to your children, instead get them involved in these 75 messy and not so messy activities.

The Sunny Day Fun projects include a summer birdhouse, twig doll, rock zoo, nature’s leaf, doodle table, sand dough, sand castings, mysterious masks and more. The other chapters of the book include Rainy Day Fun projects, Recycle It and Party and Gift Activities.

Friendship bracelets, personal pillowcases, funny photo box, scented soaps, mummy’s tomb, spoon puppets, rag dolls, wind chimes, paper quilt placemats, floating boats, mini snowstorm, pom-pom pipecleaner creations, squiggle art and more – the projects are exciting and easy to follow with the step-by-step instructions and illustrations. The materials needed can easily be found in and around the house so kids will discover how to re-use recycled household items like egg cartons and natural materials, including bark, rocks and sand..

This Super Duper Art and Craft Activity Book is designed for kids of all ages and will show them how to have fun making things on their own or together with friends.

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Discovering Great Artists: Hands-on Art for Children in the Styles of the Great Masters

Discovering Great Artists: Hands-on Art for Children in the Styles of the Great Masters


If you and your children love art and want to learn more about artists from past centuries, this is a must-have book for you.

This detailed book informs you about many well-known and not so well-known artists. It is divided into four chapters. The first chapter is entitled “Renaissance & Post-Renaissance” and covers the artists of that era as well as their painting techniques and the materials they used. Each page introduces a different artist with a short biography, a sketch of the artist and ideas on how to recreate his painting style and technique.

Chapter 2 is about the Impressionists & Post-Impressionists, and Chapter 3 about the Expressionists & Surrealists. In Chapter 4 you will learn about Modern & Folk Art.

From Da Vinci, Rembrandt, Picasso, and Degas to Dali, Lichtenstein and O’Keefe – there is lots to learn about these famous artists and their individual painting styles. This book is not only for children but also for their parents – an exploration of art not to be missed!

Good News! You can get even more easy Beginners Crafts When you visit: Fimo Clay Ideas !





Thursday, November 5, 2009

Holiday Crafts - How to Make Festive Indian Corn Napkin Rings


 Holiday Crafts - How to Make Festive Indian Corn Napkin Rings

Holiday Crafts making something for the dinner table is always popular. These Festive Indian Corn Napkin Rings will really make your table look festive!

Autumn is a beautiful and colorful time of year. Fall flowers, the changing leaves, and seasonal crops all contribute to the vibrant colors of nature. These items provide the inspiration for a variety of crafts.

One of the most interesting of fall crops is Indian corn. Unlike most corn, its kernels come in lots of different colors. This makes it a welcome addition to cornucopias and other fall centerpieces. But you don't have to have the real thing to incorporate its unique look into your Thanksgiving table decorations. These napkin rings bear a striking resemblance to Indian corn, and they are easy and inexpensive to make.

What You Need
  • Construction paper (ideally orange, brown or another fall color, but any color will work)
  • Pencil with an eraser
  • Scissors
  • Tissue paper in yellow, orange and burgundy
  • White craft glue
Instructions

1. Place a piece of construction paper lengthwise. Draw a line about 1 ½ inches from the top to make a strip. Cut out.

2. Cut the strip in half.

3. Cut a piece of each color of tissue paper into 1-inch squares.

4. Spread a thin layer of the white craft glue over a 1-inch section of the construction paper strip.

5. Twist a square of the yellow tissue paper around the eraser end of the pencil. Push the twisted paper down onto the top corner of the glued section, and carefully remove the pencil.

6. Repeat step 5 with another piece of yellow construction paper placed next to the first one, and then with a piece of orange or burgundy tissue paper. Continue using two or three yellow pieces followed by an orange or burgundy piece until the glued area is completely covered.

7. Cover another 1-inch section of the construction paper strip with a thin layer of craft glue, and continue adding pieces of twisted tissue paper. Repeat until all but ½ inch of the strip is covered.

8. Bend the strip into a circular shape, with the tissue paper on the outside. Glue the ends together. Let dry completely before using.

Tips

* Each strip of construction paper makes two napkin rings. You should be able to make enough for all of your guests with a piece or two of construction paper.

* For best results, store the napkin rings empty and lying on their side until ready to use. This will keep the tissue paper from getting flattened.

* Be sure to roll napkins tightly so that they will fit easily into the napkin rings. If the glue does not hold, and you don't have time to glue them and let them dry again, try stapling the ends together.

Holiday Crafts really get everyone in the mood for the Holidays. Enjoy these Corn Rings!

Thanksgiving Arts And Crafts To Make - Make a Thankful Tree with Handprint Leaves


On Thanksgiving, we get the family together for a big, delicious dinner. We remember old times, and catch up on what's currently going on in everyone's lives. And, if we stick with tradition, we take time to reflect on the things we're thankful for.

Unfortunately, the idea of giving thanks is often forgotten during the holiday festivities. But there are ways we can encourage our children (and other children in the family) to think about the good things in their lives. This, one of our easy Thanksgiving Arts And Crafts To Make, the “thankful tree” craft works nicely, and it's also fun to make. Here's how to do it.

What You Need
  • Brown kraft paper
  • Construction paper in orange, red, yellow and brown
  • Pencil
  • Crayons, markers or pen
  • Scissors
  • Cork bulletin board
  • Thumbtacks or stapler with staples
Instructions

1. Using the pencil, draw a tree trunk with branches on the brown kraft paper. Make it large enough to fill up most of the bulletin board. Cut out and tack or staple to the bulletin board.

2. Have a child trace his or her hand onto a piece of the construction paper and cut it out.

3. Have the child use a marker, crayon or pen to write his or her name on the handprint, as well as something he or she is thankful for. When finished, tack or staple the “leaf” onto the tree trunk.

4. Ask each child to make a leaf, or more than one if so desired. Arrange the leaves on the tree so that it is evenly covered.

Tips

  • If you don't have a bulletin board, you could attach your thankful tree to a door or wall. If doing so, use thumbtacks for best results.
  • Adults can participate as well, but their handprints may be too large if you're using a small bulletin board. To remedy this, you could simply cut smaller leaf shapes and have them ready for your guests to write on when they arrive.
  • If you don't have enough handprints to cover your tree, have children make leaf rubbings by placing a leaf under a plain white piece of paper and rubbing the side of the crayon over it. Cut them out and add them to the tree to fill in the empty spaces.
  • Want a more authentic-looking tree? Place a small tree branch into a flowerpot and fill with sand, marbles or rocks so that it stands up straight. Use a hole punch to make holes in the handprint leaves and tie them to the branch with string or twine, letting them hang down a bit. You could even add a string of white miniature holiday lights if you like. This makes a lovely centerpiece for your Thanksgiving table!
This craft, one of our Thanksgiving Arts And Crafts To Make, will bring delight to everyone taking part. 

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Pottery Tool Kit


The tools in the Pottery Tool Kit are essential for potters, whether beginner or more advanced. The tools allow you to shape and mold clay, to add detail and texture to clay and any other soft surface, including plasticene, playdough or even papier mache.

The eight basic tools of the Pottery Tool Kit include:

  • Loop tool
  • Ribbon tool
  • Potter’s rib
  • Needle tool
  • Wood modeling tool
  • Sponge scraper
  • Wire clay cutter

The loop tool is essential to trim and refine the shape of your clay sculpture. The ribbon tool has a sharp edge that allows the clay to be cut, shaped and sliced. The needle tool is used to make holes and designs. The differently shaped ends of the basic tools make exciting designs and marks on your pieces of clay art and allow you to create beautiful pieces of pottery.

Have a look at The Pottery Toolkit