Children love turtles. This turtle paper plate craft is a fun, easy preschool craft project. To make this craft, you will need:

• Two paper plates
• Brown construction paper
• Green craft paint
• Google eyes
• Scissors
• Glue
• Dried beans (optional)
• Felt tip pen

Your child will need two paper plates to make one turtle. Have your child use the green paint to paint the bottom side of both paper plates. Allow to dry.

Next cut out the arms, legs, etc. Using the scissors and brown construction paper, cut out four small rectangles for legs, a small triangle for the tail, and a circle for the head. You can outline them first with a pen if you wish, but it isn’t necessary. I just cut mine out freehand.

Glue the edges of the arms, legs, tail, and head to the top edge of one of the paper plates.

If you wish you can put some dried beans onto the plate so that when you glue the plates together the turtle will rattle when your child shakes it. This step is optional.

Next glue the second plate to the first plate. The tops of the plates should be glued together so that the painted sides are facing out. The arms, legs, tail, and head should be sticking out between the two plates.

Help your child glue the google eyes on to the head. Let your child use the felt tip pen to draw on a nose and mouth and to decorate the “shell” of the turtle, if they wish.

A patina can be defined as a thin layer of colored oxidation which occurs on some metals over time, such as the green or gray rust on copper or bronze. The romantic name is verdigris: Think of crusty old copper roofs or a weathered bronze statue. When making crafts using natural copper, adding a green patina can create the old-world appearance of a vintage artifact.

Here are five techniques to add patina to natural copper – and one outrageous shortcut. But before you start: Clean the copper to remove any grease or coating. With these recipes, be very careful with chemicals or ammonia: wear chemical gloves and work in a ventilated area. The solutions can be applied to the copper by spray, brush or sponge. The patina usually appears after the copper has dried completely. It may take several applications and results can vary wildly.

Okay, ready? The first four recipes are for the purists who must do everything from scratch.

1. Apply a mild solution of 20% salammoniac (found at metal supply stores) dissolved in 80% distilled water.
2. Apply a solution of 50% Dormant Spray (Lime-Sulfur Fungicide found at garden supply stores) and 50% distilled water.
3. Apply a solution of salt (10%), ammonium chloride (10%), liquid ammonia cleaner (20%), and wine vinegar (60%). Ammonium chloride can be purchased from chemical suppliers.
4. Put the copper in a plastic or glass air-tight container. Cover the copper with a light layer of salt and put an open container of ammonia with it. Seal the container overnight.
5. Purchase a copper patina solution at your craft store and follow the directions. This always works. And one outrageous shortcut:
6. Sponge or brush on an imitation patina using blue, green and gray craft paints. Use your best antiquing techniques of dabbing and wiping. It is much faster and much more controllable than chemical mixtures.

Verdigris patinas can be delicate, so protect your final dry copper surface with a clear finish like polyurethane or lacquer. Have fun making instant antiques! 

1. Use one Pair of  Fox River Mills Socks. 

2. Turn socks inside out. 

3. Lay the Sock for the Body Part with the heel upright and make sure the cuff is equally divided for the legs, pin in place along the cuff part. 

4. Use an ink marker and draw the layout for the body of the sock monkey onto the first sock, measure 1 ½ inch from the heel and then mark a line down to the end of the cuff for the legs. Next put a 1 inch slit in the area where the neck will be, this is to turn right side out after sewing and cutting out.  When sewing the legs make sure to sew the cuff end with a round ending so the legs are round at the end and they are more easily stuffed.  Turn the sock over and where the neck area will be pick up the material and sew an almond shape across the sock this will make the head  look straight forward. 

5. Turn the sock inside out, sew a line around the hole in the back of the neck of the sock monkey to keep the material from unraveling and so it will not stretch too large. 

6. You are ready to Stuff the body with Fiber Filling. 

7. Now for the remainder of the body parts, using the second sock lay it out on the side flat, pin the sides and the end.  Here is where the arms are laid out with a part of the arms are the cuff, as before  when marking these making the cuff ends round, the cuff end should be divided in equal halves and marked all the way to the end of the sock toe, this will be make the tail as a part of one of the arms.  Make a line across the sock just below the heel part, plus a half inch around the heel of the brown that will show outside the white part.  Take a water bottle and cut the top off about 2 ½ inches from the top and use as a pattern for drawing the ears with half of the round as the template.  Sew all of these parts before cutting any of them out.  Sew leaving at least a ¼ inch seam inside the markings.  Cut out the parts and turn inside out. The ears have to be cut from the edge for the opening and then put a small amount of fiber in each and pin closed. 

8. Take red yarn and cut a piece to make the neck and tie around the body where the neck will be. 

9. Take the ears and pin in place with the sides open, stitch the back in place then raise the ear upright and pin in place while stitching the front in place, next stitch a “C” inside the ear to make it rigid. Repeat for the second one. 

10. The mouth work, pin the sock heel that has already been sewn around for stability, line it up evenly between the ears and evenly from the toe of the sock.  Pin in place and turn the rough edges under and stitch half way around, now put some fiber in this to make it firm and finish turning under the edges and stitch in place. 

11. The Sock heel (mouth) is stitched with embroidery stitch to make the mouth in the RED portion; two beads are sewn in the center of the white part as nostrils and tied off. 

12. Eyes (Buttons) are to be located as close to the edge of the white part of the toe as possible, they should be located equal distance between the ears as possible. 

13. Eyelashes are stitched in even position around both eyes(buttons) and tied off. 

14. Now comes the arms and tails, first thing stuff them, fold the top under and pin each arm directly under the ears and stitch in place. 

15. Tail is last, place it directly in the center of the Body Part Heel Red area, turn the rough edges under and pin in place and stitch in place. 

16. FINAL NOTE: Sew all seams two times on the machine and all hand stitching attaching body parts use Carpet Thread and sew two times around.

Still life with unfinished embroidery, threads and lace

One of most confusing aspects of learning needlepoint is deciphering the many stitches that are available. If you are working from a kit, it generally isn’t a problem. Each kit will specify which stitches should be used and where. However, if you are creating your own project from scratch, where do you go to get help? The following is a breakdown of the types of stitches available:

Cross Stitches are probably the most popular type of stitch used today. Crossed Stitches are a principal stitch used in needlepoint tapestry. They are exactly what the name implies – stitches that are created by crossing the threads over each other. The size of the crossed stitch can vary, depending on the thickness of the thread and the gauge of the canvas. It is important, however, to make sure that each crossed stitch covers the canvas. A few examples of crossed stitches are the cross stitch (obviously), fishbone stitch, herringbone stitch and waffle stitch. There are, however, many, many more…

Straight Stitches, again, are exactly what the name implies – straight stitches! These stitches are worked either vertically or horizontally on canvas. They look best when worked on single canvas. They are a great stitch for working large pieces of canvas. However, do not create a stitch that is too long. Some of the more popular straight stitches are the long stitch (aka straight stitch), the florentine stitch (aka bargello), and the back stitch.

Diagonal Stitches are stitches that are worked, yes you guessed it, diagonally (at a slant). It is especially important to maintain an even tension when working diagonal stitches. This will help prevent your canvas from warping. Some of the more popular diagonal stitches include: the diagonal stitch (you probably saw that one coming), the basketweave stitch (aka tent stitch) and the continental stitch. Again there are many, many more diagonal stitches available.

Composite Stitches are stitches that use more than one type of stitch. Composite stitches are generally large. Because of this, the yarn may not always cover the canvas completely. To help remedy this, try not to pull the yarn too tight when making the stitches. Some composite stitches include the star stitch (aka the algerian eye stitch), the leaf stitch, and the triangle stitch, plus many more.

Looped Stitches are also called “Pile Stitches”. All of these stitches create a texture with a 3-D look. The pile surface is created by the loops contained in the stitches. Some stitches remain with the loops intact, some require the loops be cut. Although looped stitches are generally used in rug making, they may also be used in any needlepoint project that requires a 3-D or “pile” look. Some of the more interesting looped stitches include the loop stitch, the shell stitch (a very exciting stitch) and the velvet stitch. Again, there are many more available.

These are the main types of stitches available today. The final decision of which stitches to incorporate into your piece will depend on the gauge of the canvas/material you are working on and the type of yarn/thread you are working with. However, we can discuss that subject at another time…

Craft projects are one of the most fun and enjoyable activities that kids look forward to in school. Crafts boost a child’s creativity and inventiveness. It is also a good way to improve their motor skills while having fun at the same time. It also promotes a sense of discipline, teamwork, patience, cooperation and ingenuity.

One of the popular craft project in school is making Salt Dough Buddy Pens. These are simple and easy to make. It requires only a bit of imagination and patience because the dough should be dried overnight.

The basic materials needed to make salt dough buddy pens are the following: 1 cup water, 1 cup salt, bowl, toothpick, 2 cups flour, waxed paper, paintbrushes, acrylic craft paint, plastic wrap, ballpoint pen, cookie sheet or cutting board, Acrylic sealer spray (matte or gloss), and modeling clay.

As you go along the project, you could inject your own modifications to make it more beautiful and interesting. As the ideas come pouring in, you might need additional materials and you can procure it along the way. It is a good thing when you deviate a bit from the set procedure and give it a personal touch. It showcases uniqueness and a sense of individuality.

The first thing to do is to mix the flour, salt, and water together in a bowl. Add more flour if dough is too gluey and blend until it becomes better. It should not dry that much or else it will break.

Roll the pens in two layers of plastic wraps. Start just below the tip of the pen and work your way downwards. Jab the point of the pen into some modeling clay where the plastic wrap starts. The hole will serve as the base where the pen will stand once the project is finished.

Next, roll the dough with your palms until it becomes flexible and fully covered. Wrap the pen in plastic wrapper. Mold the salt dough and shape it like a carrot. Basically use your palms, fingers and a hard surface for molding. As you go along, you will discover your own technique in shaping the doughs.

Complete the face of the characters by making small molds to the take the form of eyes, nose, ears, hair and other accessories. Continue this by rolling the small amounts of dough into circles or lines and push them on the body. Use a small amount of water to stick them to the dough in case problem occurs. Molding small shapes can be a bit trickier. You can use pencils, barbecue sticks or the like to help give shape to your dough.

You could also use a toothpick to form freckles, eyelashes and eyebrows. It can also be used to dig small holes in the middle of the eyes to form irises. Next, attach 3 bits of chenille stems to put hairs. Just jab feathers into salt dough at any place. Be creative. You can also bundle up some strings or cotton to form the hair.

Place the finished character on a waxing paper. Then put it on a cookie sheet or cutting board. Leave it overnight to dry. Next, paint them with acrylic craft paint. Dry up one side before turning it over and painting the other side.

Next, scatter the area with two coats of acrylic sealer spray. Spraying will desiccate the two coats. Lastly, take out the pen from the modeling clay and clean the tip.

Summer and beach go together. So what can be a better, Easy Summer Craft than making a pair of “arty” flip-flops for the beach? With this craft the kids can give their imaginations free reign. Let them have fun transforming an ordinary pair of flip-flops into a fashion accessory!

What you will need for this easy summer craft:

• A pair of flip-flops of the right size
• Permanent paint pens in all the colors you want to use

 How you do this craft:

1. Use the pens according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Normally you only have to shake them and then they are ready for use.
2. Take a minute to plan your pattern before you start, so you know what you want to do.
3. Now you can doodle to your heart’s content!
4. Start with one color and let it dry completely before you start with another color otherwise the colors may run.
5. When your flip-flops are done, let them dry for at least 15 minutes before you start wearing them.

Now you are ready for a fashionable day on the beach!

Summer and parties are also synonymous. Why not make your party soft drinks more fun with these fruit ice cubes? Lemon ice cubes taste very good in ice tea, so give your imagination free reign with the combinations.

Easy Summer Craft: Make fruit ice cubes to keep your summer party drinks cold

As a knife is used for this craft, adult supervision is needed. You are also going to use plastic bags, so be aware of the danger of suffocation!

What you need for this summer craft:

• The different kinds of fruit you want to use
• A knife
• As many ice cube trays as you can find because you will have to make quite a lot of ice
• A cutting board
• Water
• Large plastic bags

How to do this craft:

1. On your cutting board, using your knife cut up your fruit into pieces that will fit into the ice cube trays. Do not do too many at one time as the fruit will spoil if you cannot work fast enough. So, do this in stages.
2. Place a piece of fruit in each hole of your ice cube tray.
3. Fill up the holes with water and place it in the freezer to freeze until solid.
4. Continue until you have filled all your ice cube trays.
5. The best way to make a large amount of these fruit ices is to de-mold the cubes as they are ready. Now you can place them in the freezer in a plastic bag. This way you can use the same ice cube trays over and over until you have used all your fruit. You can see now why I said you must not cut up all the fruit at once.

If you want to take this craft a little further, you can also make use of edible flowers to make pretty flower ices.

Paper plate animals make the perfect kids craft idea. Most are very easy and inexpensive and kids can pick their favorite animal. You can make masks, wall hangings, animal mobiles and standing animal crafts.

The great thing about making animals from a simple paper plate is you can make anything – from aardvarks to zebras and everything in between. Here are just a couple ideas for your animal crafts your kids can make.

3-D Paper Plate Elephant

Using sturdy paper plates, you can give your animal a fun 3-D look. The supplies and instructions below are for making an elephant.

Supplies

8 Sturdy Dinner Size Plates
2 Flexible Dinner Sized Plates
4 Toilet Paper Cardboard Rolls
Black and White Construction Paper
Paint
Black Marker
Pipe Cleaner
Scissors
Glue

Directions

1. Paint the sturdy plates the color of your choice for the elephant’s body. Let these dry completely.
2. Glue 2 plates together at the rim (front to front) to form one section of the body. Repeat this with the other plates until you have 4 body sections.
3. Glue each of these sections together, back to back, to form the elephant’s body.
4. Using white paper cut out two large circles for the eyes. Cut out two smaller circles with the black paper for the pupils. Glue these to the front plate. Cut out some small strips with the black paper for eye lashes and glue these above the eyes.
5. With the flexible paper plates, paint these the same color as the body and let dry. Cut a large arc on one side of the plates to create the ears. Glue these to the side of the front plate (in between the first and second section of the body).
6. Use one of the cut out arcs for the elephant’s trunk. Glue this under the eyes. Cut out a mouth using black paper and glue under the nose. You can give your elephant a fun look by cutting out a cute bow tie (for a boy elephant) or hair ribbons (for a girl elephant) and glue these one.
7. Next, paint or cover your cardboard rolls with paper to match the color scheme of you elephant. Glue these on at the bottom of the elephant’s body in the front and back, placing them in between two of the sections. With the black marker, give his feet some toe nails.
8. Lastly, take the pipe cleaner and shape into a tail. Poke a small hole in the last plate (in the back) and stick the pipe cleaner in the slot. You may need a little bit of glue to help hold this in place.

This cute paper plate animal will stand on its own and will look great on any table. You can even make more zoo animals and dedicate a whole table for creating your zoo.

Paper Plate Rocking Horse

Every one of all ages love rocking horses. These were classic toys for many of us. So get some of this nostalgia back by making this cute animal craft.

Supplies

Two Flexible Dinner Sized Paper Plates
Brown, Black and Tan Paint
2 Wiggle Eyes
Yarn
Scissors
Glue
Ruler

Directions

1. Paint the bottom of the paper plate with brown, black and tan spots. Leave some of the white show as well to create white spots for this horse. Let the plate dry.
2. Turn the plate over to the unpainted side and mark the center of the plate. Using the ruler, measure 1 1/2″ to 2″ from the center on either side. Draw 2 straight lines (one on each side of the middle). Fold the plate along these lines to create the “rocker”.
3. Take the second paper plate and paint it for the horses head. We used the tan color but you can use any of the colors to match the body.
4. Once this plate is dry, cut out a horses head and neck from the center of the plate. Make the neck about 1 ½ to 2″ wide.
5. Glue on wiggle eyes or use paper to create the eyes. Using a marker, draw in the details of the horses face (i.e. nose, mouth, ears).
6. Cut a 1 ½ to 2″ wide slit in the rocking paper plate (horse’s body). Make this slit the same size as the neck. Slip the neck into this slit and fold over to hold in place. You may need to add a bit of glue to help hold it in place.
7. Lastly, using the yarn, cut several strips and glue on the back end of the horse for the tail. Repeat this with smaller strips and glue to the horses head to create the mane.

If your paper plate horse is too heavy on one end of the other, causing it not to rock properly, just tape a paper clip on the inside to the side that is too light. This will help balance out the rocker.

The ideas are endless when it comes to fun and easy paper plate animal crafts. So get out the paper plates, craft supplies and your imagination and have fun.