Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Valentine's Day Card Challenge
This card is for a challenge using a minimum amount of supplies. It needed to be easily replicated 30 times for a child to give to classmates. You could only use red, pink white or black. It was quite a challenge, but I am happy with the results.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
January- New Techniques
This scrapbook page was a challenge using a button border and sewing. I have frequently used buttons and always enjoy embellishing my work with them. I have never tried to sew on cardstock however, but now that I have tried it, I will continue to use it in my work. I sketched a flower stem and leaves first as a guide and then used my sewing machine.
This card is for a challenge using inspiration from a child's book, TV, or cartoon character. I chose Dorothy from "The Wizard of Oz." I decided that a terrier mounted with foam dots on a rainbow colored background was perfect. The red glittered "Believe" seemed to be the perfect sentiment. It was a fun card to make.
This card is for a challenge using inspiration from a child's book, TV, or cartoon character. I chose Dorothy from "The Wizard of Oz." I decided that a terrier mounted with foam dots on a rainbow colored background was perfect. The red glittered "Believe" seemed to be the perfect sentiment. It was a fun card to make.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Snowflakes Everywhere!
It is so cold here, but not as cold as in many parts of the country. We have lots of snow and I decided to take advantage of that idea for some new reading and simple art projects with snowflakes.
My suggested reading for this will be:
Fiction- "The Hat" by Jan Brett from G. P. Putman. Many of you might be familiar with her book "The Mitten" which is certainly a favorite of many children. You may not be as familiar with her other story of winter fun. It takes place on a farm with animals using a child's clothing to have hats to wear in the cold snowy winter.
- "Down The Hill", a Frog and Toad story from the book "Frog and Toad All Year" by Arnold Lobel, published by Scholastic, Inc. We see the famous duo in another hysterical story about riding down a steep hill on a sled. The kids just laugh and laugh during this wonderful winter tale.
Non-Fiction- "Zoo Flakes ABC" by Will C. Howell, published by Walker & Co. This is a superb book for teaching children the alphabet using gorgeous cut paper snowflakes showing animals. The kids and adults as well, will enjoy admiring each piece of art. The bonus is that you get the directions for making your own six-sided paper flakes in the last few pages of the book.
Art Project
1- Following the directions mentioned above, cut some great paper snowflakes to string and hang at the windows.
2- Make some fingerprint flakes. Using blue construction paper folded in half, cut (from the folded edge) a simple pattern as in my sample. I used white so you can see it easier. When unfolded, let the children dip their index fingertip into white tempera paint (if mixed with a small amount of liquid soap washes off more easily), and make finger prints on the flake. You can follow up with some silver glitter if you wish, which really looks nice. Another option is to use white paper with blue paint. Either way, they have fun!
3- The last idea I have is using popsicle sticks. You will need three uncut sticks and about three sticks which you will cut into smaller pieces. An adult will need to use pruning shears to cut three sticks into quarters. Then you crisscross the three full size sticks and glue into place. Let dry. Next, you use the small pieces to glue to the ends of each sticks at an angle. As you can see in my sample, I then painted the snowflake white. You don't have to do this step but it really enhances the look. Then, find all those unused buttons you have around and decide how to arrange them. I used buttons I bought at JoAnn Fabrics since they comes in large bags or coordinated colors. I also use them for making cards and scrapbook pages. You can also use the extra buttons you get with blouses and sweaters that you rarely use and the mix of colors and sizes adds interest. Glue them on and then add a hanging ribbon. These look great at the window, in doorways, and if you like planning ahead, on Christmas trees as ornaments.
My suggested reading for this will be:
Fiction- "The Hat" by Jan Brett from G. P. Putman. Many of you might be familiar with her book "The Mitten" which is certainly a favorite of many children. You may not be as familiar with her other story of winter fun. It takes place on a farm with animals using a child's clothing to have hats to wear in the cold snowy winter.
- "Down The Hill", a Frog and Toad story from the book "Frog and Toad All Year" by Arnold Lobel, published by Scholastic, Inc. We see the famous duo in another hysterical story about riding down a steep hill on a sled. The kids just laugh and laugh during this wonderful winter tale.
Non-Fiction- "Zoo Flakes ABC" by Will C. Howell, published by Walker & Co. This is a superb book for teaching children the alphabet using gorgeous cut paper snowflakes showing animals. The kids and adults as well, will enjoy admiring each piece of art. The bonus is that you get the directions for making your own six-sided paper flakes in the last few pages of the book.
Art Project
1- Following the directions mentioned above, cut some great paper snowflakes to string and hang at the windows.
2- Make some fingerprint flakes. Using blue construction paper folded in half, cut (from the folded edge) a simple pattern as in my sample. I used white so you can see it easier. When unfolded, let the children dip their index fingertip into white tempera paint (if mixed with a small amount of liquid soap washes off more easily), and make finger prints on the flake. You can follow up with some silver glitter if you wish, which really looks nice. Another option is to use white paper with blue paint. Either way, they have fun!
3- The last idea I have is using popsicle sticks. You will need three uncut sticks and about three sticks which you will cut into smaller pieces. An adult will need to use pruning shears to cut three sticks into quarters. Then you crisscross the three full size sticks and glue into place. Let dry. Next, you use the small pieces to glue to the ends of each sticks at an angle. As you can see in my sample, I then painted the snowflake white. You don't have to do this step but it really enhances the look. Then, find all those unused buttons you have around and decide how to arrange them. I used buttons I bought at JoAnn Fabrics since they comes in large bags or coordinated colors. I also use them for making cards and scrapbook pages. You can also use the extra buttons you get with blouses and sweaters that you rarely use and the mix of colors and sizes adds interest. Glue them on and then add a hanging ribbon. These look great at the window, in doorways, and if you like planning ahead, on Christmas trees as ornaments.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
More January Challenges
This card is for Obscure Holiday Challenge January 19th- National Penguin awareness Day. It was made with paper from DCWV, stamp from AC Moore, watercolor pencils and Dazzling Diamonds glitter from Stampin' Up.
This card is for Obscure Holiday on January 23rd- It's a Cold, Cold, Cold Day. I used paper from DCWV. The stamps and watercolor pencils are from Stampin' Up. I used glitter from the Martha Stewart Collection.
This variety scrapbook challenge was inspired by the current weather. We were asked to come up with a layout using blue and the word "cool." My page used DCWV paper, items from Stampin' Up, including stamp set- Bundle Up, glitter- Dazzling diamonds, and Staple Bars from Fasenater. The letters were cut using the Cricut machine.
This card is for Obscure Holiday on January 23rd- It's a Cold, Cold, Cold Day. I used paper from DCWV. The stamps and watercolor pencils are from Stampin' Up. I used glitter from the Martha Stewart Collection.
This variety scrapbook challenge was inspired by the current weather. We were asked to come up with a layout using blue and the word "cool." My page used DCWV paper, items from Stampin' Up, including stamp set- Bundle Up, glitter- Dazzling diamonds, and Staple Bars from Fasenater. The letters were cut using the Cricut machine.
New January Safety Recall
The Consumer Product Safety Comission has issed a new recall on a Fischer-Price portable play yard. Please visit the CPSC site listed in my favorite links for detailed information.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Japanese Tenugui Challenge
Tenugui is a Japanese art form done on cotton towels. It was the inspiration for today's challenge at Splitcoaststampers.
Stones
Butterfly
Stones
Butterfly
Friday, January 9, 2009
You are the sunshine in my life
This card is a challenge for a non red, pink or white Valentine's Day card. I chose to do mine in yellows. It is accented with yellow iredescent paper, gold cord and punched with a Martha Stewart border punch.
More Snow Day Activities
We are expecting more snow this weekend in the Northeast, so I thought it might be helpful to add some more books and another craft for children. This time I am recommending two snowman books.
First, "A Snowman Named Just Bob" written by Mark Kimball Moulton and illustrated by Karen Hillard Crouch, published by Ideals Children's Books, Nashville, Tennessee
It is a wonderful rhyming story about a boy who is friends with a snowman which has come to life. It reminds the children of the importance of friendship.
Second, "Snowmen At Night" written by Caralyn Buehner with pictures by Mark Buehner, published by Dial Books for Young Readers, New York. It is a fanciful rhyming book about the secret life of snowmen. Most children will find it very funny to see the snowmen playing in the park. Another unique feature is that the readers are asked to search for special items hidden in the wintertime scenes. How fun!
Follow up Art Project- Paper Plate Snowman
1- Supplies: You need two paper plates, one small (head) and one large (body), scrap fabric, pipe cleaners or wax craft strings, construction paper-one small piece of orange(nose)and any other color (hat), markers or crayons
2- Use markers or crayons to draw a face on the small plate. Attach it with glue or staples to the large plate. Cut fabric for a scarf and tie around where you glued or stapled.
3- Cut any style hat from any color construction paper and glue or tape on top of small plate. Decorate it with any embellishments you have at hand, buttons, rickrack, or ribbon.
4- Cut a carrot shape out of orange construction paper and tape or glue to the face.
5- If you choose, you can decorate the body with buttons or draw on a vest or a coat.
6- Use pipe cleaners or wax craft strings to make the arms. You can also use real twigs. Attach to the sides of the body with glue or tape.
Use your snowman to hang or place on a door or window,
First, "A Snowman Named Just Bob" written by Mark Kimball Moulton and illustrated by Karen Hillard Crouch, published by Ideals Children's Books, Nashville, Tennessee
It is a wonderful rhyming story about a boy who is friends with a snowman which has come to life. It reminds the children of the importance of friendship.
Second, "Snowmen At Night" written by Caralyn Buehner with pictures by Mark Buehner, published by Dial Books for Young Readers, New York. It is a fanciful rhyming book about the secret life of snowmen. Most children will find it very funny to see the snowmen playing in the park. Another unique feature is that the readers are asked to search for special items hidden in the wintertime scenes. How fun!
Follow up Art Project- Paper Plate Snowman
1- Supplies: You need two paper plates, one small (head) and one large (body), scrap fabric, pipe cleaners or wax craft strings, construction paper-one small piece of orange(nose)and any other color (hat), markers or crayons
2- Use markers or crayons to draw a face on the small plate. Attach it with glue or staples to the large plate. Cut fabric for a scarf and tie around where you glued or stapled.
3- Cut any style hat from any color construction paper and glue or tape on top of small plate. Decorate it with any embellishments you have at hand, buttons, rickrack, or ribbon.
4- Cut a carrot shape out of orange construction paper and tape or glue to the face.
5- If you choose, you can decorate the body with buttons or draw on a vest or a coat.
6- Use pipe cleaners or wax craft strings to make the arms. You can also use real twigs. Attach to the sides of the body with glue or tape.
Use your snowman to hang or place on a door or window,
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Obscure Holiday Cards
Thank You Day is January 11th-
This card was embellished with felt flowers attached with purple brads.
Bald Eagle Appreciation day is January 14th-
Take a walk Outdoors Day is January 20th-
This card was made with the bear stamp cut out and applied with a foam glue dot to give a three dimentional effect.
To take part in these fun card or scrapbook challenges visit the Splitcoaststampers site listed in my favorite links.
This card was embellished with felt flowers attached with purple brads.
Bald Eagle Appreciation day is January 14th-
Take a walk Outdoors Day is January 20th-
This card was made with the bear stamp cut out and applied with a foam glue dot to give a three dimentional effect.
To take part in these fun card or scrapbook challenges visit the Splitcoaststampers site listed in my favorite links.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Grab a Button! — Great Backyard Bird Count
This is a great activity to do with school age children. Visit this site and read all about it. There is a place to learn about backyard birds, download a record sheet and prepare to help survey the kinds of birds that visit your feeders. This weekend event is coming up in February and it is a wonderful project that is both educational and fun.
Grab a Button! — Great Backyard Bird Count
Grab a Button! — Great Backyard Bird Count
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
January Scrapbook Challenges
This page was for a honeybee theme challenge. It is of my son and granddaughter.
This page is for a transportation theme challenge. It is of my granddaughter in her new pink convertible car she received from me for Christmas.
This page is for a two color limit challenge. I will be using it for Valentine's day pictures.
This page is for a transportation theme challenge. It is of my granddaughter in her new pink convertible car she received from me for Christmas.
This page is for a two color limit challenge. I will be using it for Valentine's day pictures.
December 2008 Product Recalls
Please visit the Safe Kids Worldwide website listed in my favorite links to review the numerous recalls of children's clothing and products that pose safety hazards to children.
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