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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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One of my favorite places to go to check out plushes (and to buy plushes!) is the plush section at Shana Logic which offers the following adorable items among others:

As you can see, there are a number of fun things you can try with plushes, and they don’t all have to be difficult.  If you’re looking for more resources on plush crafts, check out our Felt Craft article.

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While all children eagerly anticipate the lazy days of summer, most parents know that early anticipation can quickly turn into the dreaded “there’s nothing to do” attitude. While keeping boredom at bay for up to three months can be a challenge, a little advance planning and a handy list of projects and activities can inspire a summer that’s educational and entertaining.

Keeping kids busy not only makes the summer special, it makes educational sense. Activities encourage imagination and exploration, while keeping kids’ brains working and ready to learn during the next school year.

The experts at Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores offer the following ideas for activities and crafts to keep kids of all ages busy over the summer:

Activities
* Start a family garden. Let young children make holes for seeds—or plants for more immediate results–and pull weeds. Older kids can plant, prune and harvest. Holey Soles shoes are perfect for gardening. Kids can personalize them with paint, and mud and dirt rinse off with a garden hose.

* Have a picnic at the local park or pool. Kids can help prepare the food, pack the basket and can even make and decorate placemats to bring along.

* Plan a show or play. Consider a puppet show. Choose a favorite story, or help kids write one of their own. Follow the simple directions for Fun Stick Puppets from Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores to make foam puppet characters, and then invite neighbors and friends to the show.

Crafts
* String beads to form necklaces and bracelets. Add wooden hearts personalized and painted, or found objects like small shells, sea glass or stones. Homemade jewelry is a favorite gift of grandmothers, babysitters and teachers.

* Create a scrapbook to highlight the school year or a summer family vacation. Glue in mementos such as tickets, trinkets and photos.

* Use colored chalk to create art on sidewalks and driveways, the rain will do the clean up for you. Very small children will enjoy “painting” the driveway with water. This is a long-term project because the water keeps drying.

* Make bookmarks for library books.

* Create and decorate stepping stones for the yard and garden.

* Embellish tank tops, t-shirts and flip flops in summer colors and designs.

* Make your own games, like a glow-in-the-dark toss for hours of evening enjoyment.

* Plan for the inevitable end of summer by picking up a canvas messenger bag. Kids of all ages will enjoy personalizing their bags with iron-on appliqués, studs, and jewels, and they’ll proudly use them throughout the school year.

For more instructions and to spark ideas for kids of all ages, visit www.joann.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Directions
1. Carefully cut away paper on back of foam shapes only where craft stick will be placed. Note: Adult supervision may be needed to cut paper from back of sticker.

2. Glue craft stick to foam shape.

3. If desired, two sticks can be glued together for a longer puppet handle.

Skill Level: No experience necessary

Approximate Crafting Time: 30 minutes

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Spring is literally a breath of fresh air. You can open your windows and let the warm breeze blow away the winter cobwebs. Spring is also the time when colors go from drab to dazzling. The pastel shades of spring blooms are reflected in Easter goodies.

Even the youngest member of the family can make their very own bonnet with a little help from mom, dad or an older sibling. Turn the whole family into hat designers!You can create these bonnets with baked goods you make from scratch, or use store-bought ingredients. Either way, they’re sure to be a hit not only with your kids, but also with grandparents, neighbors and anyone else lucky enough to have one made especially for them.

The bonnets make great additions to Easter baskets, or use them as a centerpiece on your dinning room table. You can also use this idea throughout the spring for favors at a garden party, a bridal or wedding shower or an afternoon tea party. Let your imagination be your guide.

Just make sure you stock up on the pastel colored M&M’S MINIS and Skittles called for in this project — they’re only available around Easter. Starburst Jellybeans are available year round.

You’ll need:

• 1 package refrigerated sugar cookie dough or 10 4 1/2-inch cookies
• 10 medium cupcakes (2 1/2-inch), store bought or homemade
• 2 containers (16 ounces each) white frosting
• 1 bag M&M’S MINIS Milk Chocolate Candies for Easter
• Starburst Jellybeans
• Skittles Bite Size Candies for Easter
• Starburst Fruit Chews

Assembly:

1. If making your own cookies, roll sugar cookie dough to 1/4-inch thickness and press out 10 4 1/2-inch cookies. Bake according to directions on the package. Set aside.

2. Remove paper cupcake liner from cupcakes. Slice off rounded top of cupcake.

3. Ice top of cupcake with 1 tablespoon frosting. Turn cupcake upside down and place on the cookie. Set “cookie hats” on wire rack.

4. Divide icing into four bowls. Beginning with a few drops of food coloring, tint icing to desired pastel shade. One at a time, place icing into microwave for 15 seconds to obtain pourable consistency. Remove from microwave and stir to check consistency. If frosting is still too solid, microwave a few seconds longer.

5. Pour frosting over “hats,” covering them completely. Set aside for 10 minutes.

6. Decorate using candies.

7. To make hat ribbons, unwrap fruit chews and soften in microwave for 5 seconds. Thinly roll and cut into thin ribbons and wrap around the hats.

Makes 10 bonnets

_______________________________________

For more holiday recipes, decorating and gift ideas and family fun activities, visit www.marsbrightideas.com.

Courtesy of ARA Content

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Chinese Jump Rope Game — This jumping game is perfect for three to six children to play at the same time. Simply take a long piece of string and tie the two ends together in a knot. Remember, the longer the string, the more people that can play. Visit www.parentcenter.com for game instructions.

Paint the Tub Red — Ever have the challenge of keeping your kids occupied in the tub while trying to give them a bath? These fun tub paints are easy to clean and a perfect and safe way for children to express their artistic talent right on your tub wall! Save money and make them at home by mixing liquid hand soap, cornstarch and food coloring in a bowl. Put each color of paint in “palettes” like old ice cube trays or egg cartons and let your child draw away.

Chalk It Up — Instead of children using messy chalk to create masterpieces, they can try the new DayGlo Chalk-It spray chalk. Not only is it environmentally friendly and nonflammable, it has a kid-friendly spray trigger and is perfect for all types of mediums, including grass, glass, paper, sand and snow. Now the kids can spray hopscotch squares on the driveway or make a mural on the garage door! Don’t worry, Chalk-It is easy to cleanup on virtually any surface. Simply spray the area with water or use a wet rag to wipe. For more information or crafting tips using Chalk-It, visit www.dayglo.com or call (800) 4DAYGLO (432-9456).

Stick It To Me — This is a great way to save money while also giving children the opportunity to choose and make their own stickers. Simply cut out pictures from old magazines, comic books or gift-wrap. Combine 2 teaspoons of gelatin and 5 teaspoons of boiling water. With a paintbrush, coat the backs of the cutouts with a think layer of the solution. Let dry and the stickers are ready to lick and stick.

Heavy Metal — This quick and easy activity is perfect for using some of those old nuts and bolts that dad never uses. Simply thread the nuts and bolts onto leather cording and then tie the ends together. Voila! Now if only those jewels were real!

Not only are these entertaining activities educational and safe, they also provide perfect opportunities for parent/child interaction. And maybe, just maybe, mom and dad won’t have to hear how bored the kids are. Well, at least not this weekend.

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There are a few basic guidelines that you may want to use when you are teaching a child how to do needlepoint.  It is easy to decide to teach a child something.  However some children are not ready to do this.  It is best to wait until a child shows interest in a project before you try to teach them.  You want them to be ready and want to learn how to do this great craft. 

You may want to start by having the child watch you make a needlepoint craft.  You want them to see you do this from start to finish so that they can see how this is going to work.  Chances are they will love the finished project and this will give them the want to learn how to do this special crafting idea. 

There are so many things that you can make that will interest a child. You can find the needlepoint kits in many stores that have great project for children.  You will want to think about getting something that they can do easily and quickly.  Stick to the basic stitches so that they are not given something that is too hard to learn right off the bat. You want them to be interested in this at first so that you can keep them going and show them more and more ideas later as you go. 

You should check with the craft stores in your area and see if there are special needlepoint kits for children. They will get to use the kits that grab their attention. Let them pick out the project that they want to make. This is another way to get them to want to do this craft and to start learning what is fun about it. 

Make sure the child has the right tools that they need.  Keep them safe and show them the right way to use each tool.  You should then think about a good time to show them this great idea. You will want to make it a time of day that is good for them. You want them to be active and able to learn at this point.  It is also important to keep each lesson short at first. You do not want to bore the child and keep them there for long periods of time because they will lose attention to his situation. 

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