Childrens Artwork Coasters

 A while back on Pinterest, I saw the idea to make a child's artwork into coasters. I have also been wanting to try this technique for a while. We roughly followed those instructions, using clear glue instead of blue. I also dried the glue with a hair dryer which had the awesome side affect of blowing the glue into little scallops.  We used coarse sea salt which made bigger splotches than regular salt. To make the coasters, I got white tiles from Home Depot which happen to be ridiculously cheap. I cut squares from the finished paintings to be slightly smaller than the surface of the tile. I think that narrow edge makes a nice frame for the artwork. I used modge podge to adhere them to the tiles, and I think I am going to put felt on the bottoms to avoid scratches. (You could also use cork) I think these would also be pretty hanging on the wall in a grouping.

Gifts Kids Can Make (With A Little Help): Native American Pouch

My daughter helped me make this pouch for her brother for Christmas. He is interested in anything related to the Old West, including Indians. To make the pouch, I cut the pieces from a piece of faux suede I have. My little girl helped me sew it up (her first real project!) and we then cut the flap into fringe...much easier than cutting it before and trying to keep the pieces out of the seams. We added a leather drawstring with a wooden bead pull. My daughter threaded pony beads onto the fringe and I tied knots to keep the beads on.

Gifts Kids Can Make: Candy Cane Reindeer

I think we've all received at least one of these things during elementary school years. I actually forgot all about them til recently when I was looking for activities to do with the kids, in lieu of advent calendar treats. All you need is a candy cane, a bit of ribbon or string, a bell, a small red pompom and some googly eyes. We attached ours using a low-temp glue gun. Yes, I let my kids use a low temp glue gun. The glue is hot but not scorching, and they do fine with it. (I also think in this application, low temp is better because it won't melt the plastic wrapper.)

Gifts Kids Can Make: Play Cake Stand

This project is super low-tech and very easy, not to mention cheap! I got the the plates and bowls at Walmart, $1 for two plates or bowls. Apply E6000 glue to the bottom edge of the bowl. Glue to the bottom of the plate. Let dry and voila! You have a cute cake stand to display your pretend bakery goodies.

Gifts Kids Can Make: Pretend Bakery Treats

This year, I am having the kids make Christmas gifts for each other. About once a week, someone gets to stay up 'late' from their nap and do a little stealthy crafting. I will be posting the projects as we do them. 

When I saw Frugal Family Fun blog's posts about sock donuts and sponge cake, I knew that would be perfect for my son to make my daughter. The donuts are made by cutting the toe off a dollar store men's dress sock. I flipped mine inside out so the 'nice side' would be out. Roll up the sock, smoothing as you go. When you roll the heel it will seem like it is too messy, but keep going. The top of the sock covers any lumpiness you may have. Hot glue the top of the sock down, cover with felt frosting and puff paint sprinkles. The sponge cake was made using a multipack of sponges from the dollar store. I couldn't find the ones with the colored scrubbing layer, so we used felt for the frosting instead. My son cut the sponges himself and decorated them using puff paint. We added pompom 'cherries' to the top of a few, just for fun. The total cost of this project was $3, and I think she is going to love it!

DIY Mustache

Are you longing for a change? Need a new look, but afraid of commitment? Wait no more! Make yourself a mustache, perfect for any occasion! All you need is a piece of scotch tape (the clear stuff) and a sharpie marker. Draw the mustache of your dreams, peel the tape off and apply. Voila! Instant makeover.