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Arts and crafts that serve the whole family It is that time of year again – the days are getting shorter, the nights are getting cooler and the trees are dropping their leaves. Before you know it, the holidays will be here and the kids will once again be yours to entertain. Why not craft together? It’s a great way to relieve the day’s stress and encourage conversation as a family. Read on for some quick, easy, no-fuss ideas to get you started: Placemats Get ready for your holiday guests by having the children design their own placemats. Start with a rectangular piece of construction paper in an autumn color of your choice. Then, trace and cut out miniature leaves, pumpkins and acorns from a variety of colors. Or even better, take a brisk walk and collect some beautiful, fallen leaves. Once you’ve created a design, simply glue them on the mat and laminate for a finished look. Hint: To save time and laminating costs, use clear contact paper to preserve your new art. Handprint wreaths All you’ll need for this project is some construction paper, glue and a willing hand. Go wild by tracing your little ones’ handprints onto the craft paper, then cut out and glue them together in the shape of a wreath. This project will be a precious keepsake for years to come. Hint: Use at least three different fall colors to create a wreath that is colorful and vibrant. Leaf rubbings Choose the best, biggest leaf from your walk, place it on a flat surface and cover it with a plain sheet of white paper. Hold the paper steady while your little one colors over the leaf, revealing the intricate transfer of the leaf’s spiny features. Use several leaves of all shapes and sizes and as many colors as you like. Hint: For best results, choose leaves that are fresh and not too brittle. Caramel apples What is fall without a fresh apple? First, clean the apples, then spear them down the core with popsicle sticks. After you’ve brought the caramel sauce to a gentle boil, dip the apples in for a thorough coating. Give them a chance to chill in the fridge before you chow down. Hint: Minimize sticky messes by setting apples on a clean sheet of waxed paper. Autumn necklace Let your child choose from a variety of dried beans, seeds (pumpkin or watermelon will do) or corn. Soak them for about 15 minutes in very hot water. Once they have been sufficiently softened, poke a needle through the center with a thread that is knotted at the end. Let dry and enjoy. Hint: Depending on the age of your young crafters, parents should take care to oversee this craft. Whatcha got cookin’? Some of the best memories are made in kitchens! Try this recipe for pumpkin bread – make several loaves, wrap them in colorful cellophane and ribbon and then give them away as holiday gifts. Pumpkin Bread Ingredients: 1/2 cup water 2 cups whole wheat flour 4 eggs 1 tsp. nutmeg 1 3/4 cups molasses 1/2 tsp. cloves 1 cup vegetable oil 1 tsp. salt 1 cup of cooked pumpkin 1 1/2 tsp. baking soda 1 cup brown sugar 2 tsp. cinnamon Set oven to 350 degrees. 1. Combine eggs in mixing bowl. Beat until well blended. 2. Add pumpkin, molasses, water, oil, and sugar. Beat well. 3. Add dry ingredients and stir into liquid mixture until well blended. 4. Pour batter into two well greased loaf pans. Do not fill to top. 5. Bake for 45-50 minutes. Allow to cool slightly before serving. (Source: crafttown.com) It’s sweater weather! The Craft and Hobby Association (hobby.org) reports recent trends in knitting for kids of all ages. There are several websites that provide tips for teaching your kids to knit, free patterns, ideas and more! Here are a few of those sites to get you started: Kids Kits – kidskitscrafts.com/kids_knitting.shtml Naked Sheep – nakedsheep.com/knitpat.html Wool Works – woolworks.org/kids.html Web wise Are you a veteran crafter? Try the following websites for discounted, hard to-find craft supplies: Create For Less: createforless.com Factory Direct Craft Supply: factorydirectcraft.com Jo-Ann Fabric and Crafts: joann.com Michael’s—The Arts and Crafts Store: michaels.com/art/online/homem |
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