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• Crafts for crafts or that are great for Gifts
• Children's Crafts that Smell Good! 
• Gifts from a Child's Heart 
• Food Based Gifts
• Creative Ways to Wrap Gifts
• Windsocks and Windchimes
•  Make Bookmarks
• Easy Candy

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This category contains a wonderful variety of crafts that would also make great gifts! Some can be made independently...Some will require a little help. You'll find these projects are adaptable to most seasons.

CRAFT GIFTS

YARN VASE
Materials:
A glass bottle
Yarn
Craft glue
A toothpick
1. Cover about 1" of the bottom of the bottle with glue.

2. Wind the yarn around the bottle, tight but not too tight. You can use different colors of yarn to make stripes on your vase.

3. When the glued area is completely covered, push the rows of yarn closer together. Tuck in the beginning of the yarn with a toothpick, add a little more glue there and press down for a minute.

4. Keep repeating steps 1, 2, and 3 until the whole bottle is covered with yarn. Glue will dry clear.

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PAINTED GLASS VASE
Recycle a jar into a pretty gift vase or pencil holder...
Materials:
Clean, empty jar
Acrylic or liquid tempera paints
Paintbrushes or cotton swabs
White glue
Clear glaze (available at craft stores)

• To make the paints stick to the glass, first mix the colors with some glue. Keep the paint thick so it won't run.
• Use brushes or cotton swabs to paint a design on the jar.
• To erase a mistake, use a paper towel to wipe off the paint before it hardens.
• LET THE PAINT DRY, then seal the finished design with a coat of glaze.
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CERAMIC HOT PAD
Paint children’s’ hands and place them on a 6x6 ceramic wall tile (You can usually get them donated through a home repair store). Write the child's name at the bottom. After 24 hours, put a sealer on the tile.

 

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ALTOID TINS make wonderful containers! (Gifts too!)

Need:
Empty, clean Altoid mint tins (other brands will do), acrylic paint, Paint brushes or sponges.
Decorative options: Ribbon, buttons, craft foam shapes, pom-poms, photos, magazine cut-outs, glitter glue, feathers...the possibilities are endless!

•  First paint the tins using acrylic paint. After the paint is dry, it's time to decorate. You can use a glue-gun, glue dots, craft glue or even sticky backed craft foam! It's that easy!
• Fill your new tins with barrettes, paper clips, earrings, postage stamps, lost buttons or make a mini-sewing kit for traveling.

 
It wouldn't cost much to turn it into a SEWING KIT as a gift...

 

 

From: Leslie S. /Minnesota
It works nicely as a SMALL FIRST AID KIT for the car!

  Paint the tin white--when dry add the large red cross in the center Fill it with some "FIRST AID SUPPLIES".
I used sticky-backed red craft foam to make the cross, so no glue was necessary. Then, I filled the tin with Tylenol type tablets, disinfectant wipe and a couple bandages.

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JAR CANDLES

• Save the stubs of candles. When you have several saved, melt them together in a double boiler.
• Color the wax by adding bits of crayon to the mixture.
• Pour the wax into glass jelly or mason jars-- or metal cans.
• Use cotton yarn for wicks, or you can purchase a roll of wick at a craft store.
• Decorate the outside of the candle holder with acrylic paints.

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MAKE SOME BEADS (Two Recipes)

• When making the dough, tint the water with food coloring. (Use the 'Baked Art Dough' recipe below)
• Have children roll the dough into bead shapes.
• Insert a large nail through each shape before baking.
• When the shapes have cooled---remove the nails and have children string the beads to make necklaces.

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BAKED ART DOUGH
Good for making gifts! In a bowl, mix together 2 cups flour and ½ cup salt. Stir in ¾ cup water. Knead the mixture for 8 to 10 minutes, until it is smooth and pliable. If the dough is too dry, add a few drops water. If it is too sticky, add a small amount of flour. Have children mold the dough into shapes and press in decorations when desired.

• Place the decorated shapes on a baking sheet and bake them at 300 degrees F for about 4 hours, or until hard.
• If desired, when shapes are cool and dry, spray the painted or unpainted shapes with a clear fixative—in an area away from youth.

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JEWELRY CLAY
3/4 cup flour
1/2 cup salt
1/2 cup cornstarch
Warm water

• Mix dry ingredients together.
• Gradually add warm water until the mixture can be kneaded into shapes. An adult shouild supervise so the mix doesn't become too watery.
• Form beads by breaking the dough into little balls and rolling it to the desired shape.
• Pierce the balls with toothpicks. Allow the balls to dry.
• When dry, paint and string the beads.

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MAKE JEWELRY OUT OF PUZZLE PIECES

Take a piece of a jigsaw puzzle, or several pieces glued together, paint it and decorate it with beads, glitter, sequins, etc., Glue a jewelry pin on the back.  

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FLOWER POT PENCILS
Materials:
Pencil
Hair scrunchies
Craft foam leaves
Scissors
Hole punch
Clay pot
Black beans
Remember those fluffy scrunchies from the 80's and 90's (the material on an elastic band) that so many of us used to make our pony-tails? Collect all you can for this fun spring/summer craft or gift.

• For each flower, wrap 1 or 2 COLORFUL HAIR SCRUNCHIES around the top of a pencil.
• Cut out a pair of green craft foam leaves (You can pre-make a template for children to trace)
• Lightly etch leaf vein lines in the foam with the tip of a toothpick. Using a hole punch, make a hole in the base of each leaf.
• Put the finished flowers in a clay pot filled with dried black beans (Tape over the pot hole if beans fall through) 

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PENNY PAPER WEIGHT

Materials:
Cleaned and shiny pennies
Elmers Glue
Small tiles ( I used about 3”x 3” – you can also use the top side of jar lids)
Felt pieces for bottom
For a SAC program, I picked up discontinued tiles (see if you can get them donated--the store gave me about 100 for no charge!)

1. First clean and dry the pennies. (This step can be a 'science project'!) 
2. Next glue pennies to the attractive side of the tile. Glue on the first layer and then in places--- glue two or three on top of each other. Glue will dry transparent. Pennies do not have to cover all edges as the tile underneath is nice looking.
3. When pennies are dry--- fit, cut, and glue felt to the bottom.
4. The tiles used were unfinished on the side, so we used permanent marker along the edge.
5. You can protect pennies with a coat of clear polish!

The same idea can be done using stones! (Image/idea by KidActivities)

RIVER STONE PAPER WEIGHT (See directions in Stones, Rocks and Pebbles Category)

 

 

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TISSUE BOX GIFTS
Directions call for "un-opened facial tissue box".
1.  Take the box and glue pasta shapes all over it--except the opening at the top.
2. IF KIDS WANT, give them a couple days to cover the box completely with the pasta shapes--(they'll do a nicer job if they also have time to do other things too.) Use uncooked pasta shapes of macaroni, wagon wheels, bow ties, and cork-screws...
3.  When the glue has dried, spray paint the boxes gold (away from the kids)...

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Make a TERRERIUM OR SEASIDE SCENE inside a small to medium glass vase.

• Use pebbles, green moss, fall foliage, twigs, small pieces of wood or stone for the EARTH TERRARUIM.
• Or use beach sand, shells, small pieces of driftwood, the small discarded shell of a crab, etc., for a  SEA SCENE.
  TIP: Put small glass vases in your wish list! I imagine that your parents have quite a few vases in their cupboards that they could donate--I get a couple every year with gifts of flowers.

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CRAFT STICK TREASURE BOX
Materials:
1 package of large or small craft sticks
White craft glue
Buttons or beads
Paint brush
Wax paper
Optional: Acrylic paint, Glitter glue, Craft jewels

• Lay several craft sticks on the wax paper, next to each other and touching. Be sure to line them up evenly.
• Use two more craft sticks and glue on top of the others, one at each end, to hold the rest together. They will look similar to a fence or log raft.

  

• Use two more craft sticks --and glue ends of stick-- to the ends of the sticks that are already in place, so that they create a square.
• Keep repeating this alternating process to build up the sides as high as you would like.

 

Make the lid by repeating steps 1 & 2 above. Let everything dry completely.
You can leave your box plain or paint it. You can also add a shiny effect by painting on a layer of glitter glue over white paint. Glue a bead or stacked matching buttons to the center of the finished lid as a handle.
You can further embellish your jewelry box by decorating it with craft jewels.
Adapted from: artistshelpingchildren.org

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SILOUETTE GIFT

Materials:

2 Pieces of White Construction Paper
1 Piece of Black Construction Paper
Pencil
Glue
Tape
Scissors
Flashlight or Lamp with the Shade Removed

•  Tape a piece of white construction paper onto a wall.
• Have the person sit sideways in front of the paper; have someone use the light to cast a shadow of the profile on the paper.
• Trace the profile.
• Trace the profile onto the black paper and cut it out.
• Glue the profile onto the other white paper.

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• 

VOTIVE CANDLES

Materials:
Baby food jars or jam jars
Scraps of tissue paper
Diluted paste or glue
Votive candles

 Clean the jars well and let dry. You can use small jars...but check the size of the votive candle to make sure it will fit.

• Have the children  brush glue onto the jar and place different colors of tissue paper over the glue, overlapping so the entire jar is covered on the outside. When brushing the tissue with glue be sure to do so gently so it doesn't tear. If it tear, remove or leave wrinkled.
• The glue will appear to be white but will dry clear and when a candle is lit inside will give off a pretty color and design.
  Great for gift time!
    ♥ Mother’s Day: Use Mom’s favorite colors 
    ♥ Christmas: Use red and green 
    ♥ Valentine's Day: Use pink & red and so forth...

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ROCK ART are great gifts for people. They can be used as paper weights, decorations for indoor gardens or masterpieces to be shown throughout the home.
1. Gather various shapes and sizes of rocks found at parks or along beaches or in your own background. All sizes and shapes are perfect for rock art.
2. Clean the rocks and air dry.
3. Gather various art supplies. (Markers, paints, crayons, glue, fabric...)
4. Decorate.

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CRAYON COVERED ROCK PAPERWEIGHT...

Makes a nice gift!
Materials:
Zip--close plastic bag,
Wooden or rubber mallet
Smooth, flat rocks about the size of your fist
Aluminum foil or an old pie tin
Felt scraps
Scissors
White glue

• Choose crayons in three or four light or bright colors. Dark crayons will make the color on the rock look muddy.
• Peel the crayons, put them in the zip-to-close bag, and seal it.
• Place the bag on a hard surface such as a floor or sidewalk. Using the mallet, pound the crayons into small pieces.
• Place the rock in the pie tin or on a sheet of aluminum foil in the hot sun. Sprinkle it with the crayon pieces.
• When the crayon pieces have melted, but before they reach the point that they run off the rock, take the rock out of the sun to cool.
• The crayon will quickly harden and form a colorful and waxy coat over the rock.
• Cut a piece of felt to glue to the bottom of the rock to keep it from scratching the table.

The sample photograph is courtesy of World Preschool Mom. The rock was made by a four year old boy; it was colored after being in the oven for about ten minutes. With this method as Deneal states, place the rock on a sheet of foil (with a hot pad or towel under the foil) before decorating with crayons. The hotter the rock, the more runny the wax will be. (Use caution and supervision with this method.)

TIPS:

• IF WEATHER ISN'T HOT--- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Place the rocks on a foil covered cookie sheet and put them in the oven for the children. Keep an eye on them because the crayon melts quickly. It will re-harden within seconds of taking it out of the oven.
• To do outside---this project needs a hot, direct sun..
• If you're unhappy with the color of a crayon-coated rock--Reheat the rock and allow the crayon to melt to the point where most of it drips off the rock and onto the foil under it. Cover the rock with a new selection of crayon bits and see if you get a swirl of color you like better. Remember to avoid dark colors.
• ......A goal is to get it looking like a tie-dyed rock! The distinct lines of color can be very beautiful. Because the rocks can be easily redone, remember not to place the completed ones that you like in a sunny window or direct, hot sunlight because they will re-melt.

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NO ROCKS???
Try sprinkling crayon bits on the indented end of a metal lid from a frozen juice can. After crayon has melted and dried, attach a piece of sticky-back magnet to the back of the lid and put the colorful crayon magnet on the refrigerator. 

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CANCELLED ROCKS
(These make nice paperweights)
Materials
Cancelled stamps from your mail; small colorful pictures from seed catalogs and magazines may be used instead of stamps.
White glue (the kind that dries clear)
Clear shellac, varnish, or fingernail polish
Smooth surfaced rocks

• Wash, rinse, and dry rocks.
• Carefully peel off stamps from envelopes. It’s O.K. if some tear.
• On dry rock, spread a thin layer of glue
• Arrange stamps (or small pictures) on rock, OVERLAPPING, until all rock sides showing are covered. Let dry.
• Coat with thin layer of shellac or varnish, or fingernail polish.
  NOTE: You can also coat the finished rock with a thin layer of white glue. It will dry clear, but it will not be waterproof!

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POPSICLE STICK PENCIL HOLDER
If this is a gift, make it in the person's favorite colors.
Materials: Approximately 22 Popsicle sticks, container, paint (Optional)

• Take the paper label off the container.
• Line up a Popsicle stick, straight up and down, so that the bottom of the stick is just touching the bottom of the container and the top of the stick goes just over the top of the container.
• Glue in place. Glue another Popsicle stick next to the first one-- then repeat until you have glued on Popsicle sticks all the way around.
• Leave natural or paint the Popsicle sticks; use any color except green if you'll be painting on green leaves.
• Let paint dry.
• Paint flowers or decorated as desired.

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PLACE MATS AND COASTERS
Artwork can be transformed into useful place mats or coasters for children and family.

• Use existing artwork or have children design something special. For place mats, have children draw, paint or color a picture on a large piece of paper, then laminate it or cover it with clear contact paper.
• For coasters, children could trace templates on colored paper and laminate. Don't forget to sign and date the back!

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NAPKIN RINGS

• For each napkin ring you will need a chenille stem and several colorful beads.
• Have children twist the ends of each chenille stem so that a 2-inch circle is made to hold the napkin.
• Thread colorful beads on each end of the chenille.
• Cut off the extra chenille stem as needed; have children experiment with bending and twisting the ends of the chenille stems

  

  as the beads are added.

INTERESTED IN MAKING TP TUBES AND YARN NAPKIN RINGS? Visit the Christmas Craft Category--near bottom of Page 4 for directions. They're not only for the Holidays-but can be made in any color for any season!

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BOOKMARKS make a great for a gift to someone you love. (Visit Bookmark Category for many ideas) 
BOOKMARKS #1
Cut the front of appropriate greeting cards into 2 inch wide strips. Punch a hole at the top of each strip and attach a yarn tassel. Children can decorate the backs of the strips with markers and crayons if desired...
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BOOKMARKS #2
Make fun bookmarks with construction paper, markers, paints, and stickers. You can also use glitter, sequins, lace, doilies, buttons, and any other odds and ends you have left over form other projects. 

• Cut strips from construction paper, painting the construction paper will make it sturdier, or you can visit the local library or office supply to have them laminated for longer lasting use.
• To complete the bookmark, attach a tassel make from strands of yarn.

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STATIONARY
Decorate several sheets of paper and envelopes to give as stationery. Use glue and glitter, crayons, markers or paint for borders; or cut out pieces of sponge, dip them into paint and make stamps on the paper.

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FLOWER AND LEAF PRESS Note Cards or Pictures

Materials needed:
Old phone book
Collection of colorful leaves
Grasses, flowers, herbs
Craft glue
Plain note cards/postcards/watercolor paper.

• Take a nature walk on a clear, dry day. Collect any attractive flowers, leaves, grasses, and herbs.
• Separate each stalk or blossom. Place each one separately between the pages of the phone book, spacing them well apart from each other.
• Place the phone book in a cool, dry place for a week to ten days. Your leaves will then be totally dry and ready for use.
• Carefully apply craft glue, just a dab, to the back of the dried leaf or flower.
• Center it on a note card for a single design or place several as a collage on a sheet of watercolor paper, which can later be framed.
• Your leaf press can be used over and over again. Flowers can be stored in them for several months. A
• They're also nice for journals and bookmarks...

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DID YOU KNOW?
In Victorian times people planted decorative gardens and often preserved their herbs and flowers in a leaf press. Certain flowers were thought to have specific qualities:

• Rosemary for remembrance
• Roses for undying love
• Lavender for devotion
• Oak leaves for strength
• A note card that used the fragrant language of flowers conveyed more than words.

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LAYERED PASTA JARS
Collect an assortment of jars. Have children fill the jars in layers with a variety of shapes and colors of pasta. The jars make pretty decorations for kitchens, etc. Nice to give as a gift...

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THREE GIFT IDEAS FOR DAD, GRAMPA, UNCLE, ETC...
 
PLASTER PAPER WEIGHT
Materials:
Plaster of Paris,
Assorted nuts, bolts, etc.
Felt
Glue
Silver spray paint

• Mix up the Plaster of Paris according to package directions.
• Give each child about 1 cup of the mixture and have them form it into a lump with a flat bottom.
• Quickly before it hardens have them stick the nuts, bolts, etc. all over the lump.
• Leave it to harden overnight and then spray with silver paint.
• Last, cut out a piece of felt and glue it on the bottom.
  

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CHIP OFF THE OLD BLOCK (A gift for Dad)
Materials:
Block of wood 
Child's Photo 
Modge Podge

• Glue child's photo on the block of wood using the podge type effect.
• On the back of the wood have a card printed with 'A Chip Off The Old Block'.

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COIN HOLDER
Have children mold pieces of dough into small bowl shapes. Decorate the bowls by pressing colored pasta pieces and dried beans into the shape. Bake the bowls with decorations in place.
You can use the  recipe above...

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WIND CHIMES MAKE WONDERFUL GIFTS. For Windsock and Wind Chime ideas... Click Here

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PENCIL HOLDER FROM A YOUNG CHILD
Materials:
Tin can
Paper
Paint
Glue
Note.
Have each child paint or finger-paint a design on paper. When dry, cut the paper to fit around the tin can. (Make sure there are no sharp edges left on the can.) After reading the following note aloud to the children, have each sign his/her copy and tuck it into their can.

NOTE to tuck in can:
This little can, made of tin,
Was washed and saved to use again.
I added paint, I added glue,
And made a present just for you.
It's for your pencils or your pens.
You can show it to your friends.
It's not empty, for you can see
It's filled with love to you from me.

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MAKE A PERSONALIZED T-SHIRT for Mom or Dad
Mom's could be a sleep shirt!

• Idea: Paint the bottom of the children's feet using fabric paint and have them step on the shirt to make footprints. Once the footprints are dry, use black fabric paint and write, "My kids walk all over me".
  OR...
• When painting a shirt for someone...Keep the recipient's hobbies and interests in mind. For example, if he/she is an avid fisherman, why not make him/her a related shirt? You can make or buy fish-shaped stamps or sponges, dip them in fabric paint, and press a print on the shirt.

Since this could be costly--you could ask children that want to make a shirt-- to bring one in. If "new" it needs to first be washed.

ABOUT PAINTING ON FABRICS...

• Painting on fabric is done with a special acrylic paint that sets in the heat (Fabric paint) --by ironing or in an oven at 302F.
• You can also make your own fabric paint by mixing acrylic paint with a mixer.
• Apply the paint with a brush or stencil brush. The fabric SHOULD BE PRE-WASHED TO REMOVE SIZING/Starch so that the paint doesn't 'slip'.
• Avoid  slightly fluffy fabrics when using a paintbrush, it makes the task harder.
• When the shirt is painted and dry--be sure to iron it to set the paint before it is worn. If the paint is not "set" it may come off when washed. TO PAINT A T-SHIRT… After washing and drying the garment, you should iron it and lay it out flat. Slip a thin piece of card board inside to stop the paint from staining the back of the t-shirt. It could be impossible to get rid of paint stains on clothes; work carefully and cover up the surfaces not meant to be painted to protect them as you're working._

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REFRIGERATOR MAGNETS... Take small wooden shapes; paint them or decorate them with other supplies. Glue a small magnet strip on the back.

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PAINT A POT...

Paint pictures or designs onto a plain clay flower pot. Give just the pot or fill it with some goodies. These are also nice painted to a Theme...such as Halloween...and then filled with candy corn or ____ for a center piece.

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Make Scarves: This is a craft that requires only the fleece fabric & a good pair of scissors! The pictures are not mine but shows you exactly what I'm talking about.Our students made warm scarves by buying lengths of micro-fleece and simply cutting them into strips. The end was then cut into fringe. The fleece does NOT unravel so does not need any sewing.

 

It is available in unlimited colors and prints. All you need is approximately 8 to 10 inches wide by 3-5 feet in length (shorter or longer depending upon your preference). You can knot fringe pieces together, two by two, so that all of the fringes are knotted. If desired, slide beads (as in photo) onto the fringe and tie another knot, for added embellishment. (No name submitted)

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DECOUPAGE COOKIE PLATES...The sample image made by KidActivities.net uses winter 'Holiday' wrapping paper--however, the drawing or gift wrap used can be geared to any time of the year! It would be wonderful gift for Mother's Day, Easter, Valentines Day, or Thanksgiving!

You need:
Clear glass plates, plain white paper, pencil, scissors, crayons or markers, Modge Podge

1. Trace around a plate. Cut out the circle.
2. Make a colorful drawing on the paper circle.
3. Brush Mod Podge onto the back of the plate.
4. Press the picture onto the back of the plate.
5. Press out any wrinkles.
6. Let the plate dry. Apply another coat of Modge Podge if desired.

If you're an adult and making on this for a gift-fill this plate with cookies you have made! Cover with colored cellophane and ribbon.

NOTE: Krylon spray was also used on the back of the plate for added protection. If you do this, allow time for any chemical odor to diffuse.

 

NAPKIN DECORATED TILES...

Good for ANY season or ANY holiday!

Materials:
Approx. 6"x6" tiles
Holiday paper napkins
Modge Podge (A water-based glue, finish and sealer)
Brush
Felt (Peel-off sticky back felt was used on sample)
Krylon type fixative finish (optional)

1. Brush modge podge generously on the tile. (The cocktail napkins and the tiles were the exact size as each other; no trimming was necessary)
2. Gently lay/apply the napkin over the tile. When napkin adheres to tile--carefully apply one or two more coats over the napkin covered tile.
To ensure longevity, Krylon spray was used over each tile.
3. Cut felt piece to fit. If 'peel off' is used--just peel and place on bottom of tile. If regular felt used--glue to bottom.
These can now be used as a decoration or coaster. (I tested the 'completed tile' by placing a hot cup of tea on it. There was no change in the finish) Image by KidActivities.net

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 Be sure to check out  Gift Wrapping Ideas ---it could be another fun activity and extend the gift making project!

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Other pages in this Category of Crafts that are great for Gifts are:

• Children's Crafts that Smell Good! (Sachets, Salts, Scrubs, etc.)
• Gifts from a Child's Heart
• Food Based Gifts
• Creative Ways to Wrap Gifts
• Bookmarks
• Easy Candy

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GIFT SPOON IDEAS...USE FOR COFFEE, HOT CHOCOLATE OR TEA! Nice gifts but also a great winter time activity!!!

CHOCOLATE SPOONS
These are nice!
For 12 spoons need:
1 cup (6 oz) semi-sweet chocolate chips and 12 heavy-duty plastic spoons in winter colors ( OR....pick up mismatched spoons at a thrift store)

Melt the chocolate in the microwave. Start at about 2 minutes and then keep checking. You don't want to burn the chocolate. Dip the spoons into the chocolate...allow the spoons to cool slightly, then dip them in the chocolate again. Repeat until chocolate reaches your desired thickness on the spoon. If a gift---after the spoons are cool, wrap them in gift cellophane and tie with a ribbon or yarn. Wonderful for coffee and hot chocolate...

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 PEPPERMINT CANDY SPOONS

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 candy cane or 5 peppermint candies, crushed
12 heavy-duty plastic spoons in Christmas colors

1.  Put candy in a baggie and crush with a rolling pin.
2.  Melt chocolate.
3.  Dip spoons into chocolate to fill.
4.  Sprinkle with crushed candy.
5.  Place on waxed paper covered cookie sheet to cool.
Wrap with cellophane and tie with ribbons for gifts.

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SWEET AND NICE TEA STIRERS

 34 pieces crushed, flavored hard candy; 2 Tbls. light corn syrup; heavyweight clear plastic spoons

• Line a jellyroll pan with waxed paper and spray it with cooking spray. In a small, heavy saucepan- combine crushed candies and corn syrup over low heat. Continuously stir as the candy melts.
• Spoon the melted candy into the bowl of each spoon.
• Place the spoons on a prepared pan with a rim so the spoons are level. Let them stay until the candy again hardens.
•  Store in airtight container or wrap in gift cellophane and ribbons for a gift.

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TWO TEA GIFT IDEAS

 
#1 TEA FOR TWO GIFT

• Insert a small funnel into the top of a 3x4 resealable bag.
• Measure and pour into the bag- 2 teaspoons unsweetened instant tea, ½ tsp. sugar-free cranberry gelatin, and 1/4 tsp. cinnamon powder.
• Remove the funnel and seal the bag.
• Repeat for as many as desired (each gift bag should have two).
• Stack together two 10 ounce foam cups. Put the bags of tea mix into the top cup.
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  #2 RUSSIAN GIFT TEA
  Put in a jar, wrap prettily and give with instructions.
  Ingredients:
  2 cups Tang
  1/2 cup instant tea
  1 package lemonade mix-3 oz.
  1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
  3/4 tsp. cloves (optional)
  1/2 cup sugar
• Combine ingredients. Use 2 or 3 heaping teaspoons of mixture to each cup of water. Serve hot or cold.
• Include the recipe and preparation directions:
  “Pour 8 ounces of boiling water into cup. Stir contents of one tea bag until dissolved. Add sugar to taste.”
• Wrap the cups in colorful tissue paper. Add a ribbon or bow.

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CHECK OUT THE recipes and goodies with PRETZELS in the PRETZEL CATEGORY! So many it has its own category! Also has ideas to wrap gift wrap them...

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HERSHEY'S KISSES Flower Bouquet 

Materials: 6" lengths of 12 gauge floral wire
Silk flower leaves
Green floral tape
Clear cellophane
Glue
Scissors
ribbon
Hershey Kisses Milk Chocolates
To create Chocolate Roses:

•  For each candy rose, spread glue on the bottom of one foil-wrapped chocolate. Firmly press the bottom of another chocolate to it.
• Insert florist wire into one pointed end of the double chocolates, twisting cellophane, continuing down the full length of wire with tape.
• Add 1 or 2 artificial leaves, if desired, securing leaves in place with florist tape.

You can also make them by taking two Hershey kisses...  first insert a pipe cleaner or wire into one. Next attach kisses together at flat end with tape or glue; wrap them with red saran wrap. Take 2 wire leaves and attach them to the pipe cleaner with florist tape.......

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RICE KRISPY HERSHEY KISS

For a Valentine's Day or _____ gift make -- a "Hershey Kiss" using rice krispie treats. 
1. Make a batch of the krispie treats
2. Spray a funnel using Pam and push some of the treat into the funnel making a kiss shape.
3. Put the kiss shape onto a piece of foil and wrap it up. Add a gift carad saying I love you or _________!

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CANDY CANE CAPPUCCINO  (Gift Jar)

1 cup powdered non-dairy creamer
1 1/3 cups granulated sugar
1 cup instant coffee
1 cup hot cocoa mix
8 regular sized candy canes, crushed

Blend all ingredients in a food processor or blender until it becomes a smooth powder. Place mixture in small jars and decorate with fabric and ribbon-- and attach the tag.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR TAG (attach to jar/bag)... Candy Cane Cappuccino:
Stir 1 tablespoon of cappuccino mix into 1 cup boiling water. For a richer cup of cappuccino, place 1 tablespoon of mix into 1 cup of hot milk.

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COCOA MIX GIFT #1  FOR A COLD DAY...

Materials:
Small glass jar (baby food size)
1 serving of hot cocoa mix
About 1/4 cup of small marshmallows
4-inch or larger fabric scrap (depending on the size of your jar)
18" length of ribbon
Glue
Hershey Kiss candy
Small wrapped candy cane
Card

Directions:
Clean the jar and dry it well. Measure a one-cup serving of the hot cocoa mix into the jar. Fill the jar to the top with small marshmallows. . Cut the fabric scrap into a circle. Center the fabric circle on top of the jar lid. Tie the ribbon around the edge. Glue the Hershey Kiss on top of the fabric cover. Glue the candy cane to the side of the jar. Write a personal note and draw a candy cane or other symbol on the card.

Include simple directions like the following:
"Here's a little gift to warm you up on a cold afternoon. Simply pour this jar of cocoa mix into a mug filled with 6 to 8 oz. of hot water. Top with marshmallows and drop in the Hershey Kiss. Stir with the candy cane and enjoy!"

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COCOA GIFT #2 (SNOWMAN SOUP) WITH POEMS

Place in a clear plastic bag...
1 individual pack hot chocolate mix
3 Hershey's chocolate kisses
10-15 mini-marshmallows
1 small candy cane
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Add one of the following poems...

COCOA POEM #1

When the weather outside is frightful,
Snowman Soup can be delightful.
May it warm your spirit and your soul.
Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow!

When you feel a chill or 'burrrrrr',
Use the peppermint stick to stir.
Add hot water and sip it slow.
Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow.
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POEM #2

When it's so cold that you holler and whoop,
It's time to bring out the Snowman Soup!

Pour the packet in a mug. Add marshmallows too.
And throw in these kisses that are special just for you.

Now add some hot water and use the cane to stir it.
Sip slowly and soon you'll feel the warm winter spirit!
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COCOA POEM #3

A little cup of cocoa, I'm sending your way,
For you to sip and enjoy, On some cold lonely day.

As you sip this cocoa, It's warmth will warm your heart...
Just like our friendship warmed mine, Right from the very start.

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GOURMET APPLES (Adapted from Mrs. Z. Rochester, Mi.)
Apples MUST be dry and room temp.

•Put caramels in a crock pot (You can also microwave the caramel dip sold in stores)
Place Popsicle sticks in  stems of large apples.

•Adult- When caramel is melted, put the apple on a stick in crock pot; make sure it’s totally covered.

•Let it drip; place on wax paper on a paper plate.

•Next have semi-sweet choc melted and put in baggie; snip off the corner of baggie and drizzle over caramel. You can also do white chocolate...

•Decorate  with choice of colored sprinkles, nuts, m&m's, seasonal edible decorations, chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, Reese pieces etc. Mrs. Z gives children the choice of two decorations. (At home she does more)

•Lift off the paper plate and place on a doily.

These make a wonderful gift! For two other Apples on a Stick ideas, visit the Apple Foods category...

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SNOWBALL MARSHMALLOWS

Ingredients:
Bag of Large Marshmallows, Corn Syrup, Sugar Crystals, Cake Sparkle Sprinkles

• Gently brush each marshmallow with corn syrup.
• Roll in sugar crystals and cake sparkles.
• Set aside on parchment paper to dry.
• Cover lightly with saran wrap to keep air off so marshmallows don't dry out.
• Once set, place into snack-sized zip loc bags for gifts or later!

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COLORED SUGARS IN PRETTY CONTAINERS to give as gifts! To make: Combine 1/4 t. food coloring, 1/4 t. water, 1/2 t. vanilla extract and 1/4 c. granulated white sugar. Mix together and spread out in a thin layer to dry. Rub out the lumps between your fingers to make the powder uniform. Use more food coloring for darker colors, and less food coloring for lighter hues.

You can use clean baby food jars and cover the tops with fabric/felt and ribbon! These are to be used on cookies and desserts...

Recipe #2  Without the vanilla and water-Materials: Ziploc bags, Granulated sugar, Food coloring, Paper plates

Put some sugar into a bag and add a drop of food coloring. Close the bag and, with your hand on the outside of the bag, mix the color in. You may need to add slightly more food coloring or sugar until you get the right color and texture (you don’t want the sugar to be at all damp). Tip the sugar on to a paper plate to dry. To use the sugar, tip it back into a clean bag, seal and break up any lumps which have formed. To give as a gift-layer in jars as directed above. They really do look like sand art!

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HOLIDAY GUMDROP/SPICE DROP  CANDY TREE

Materials:
Gumdrop (Spice Drop) Candy
Styrofoam tree - Any size desired; sample is 6"
Tin foil
Pointed Toothpicks

1. Cover the tree base with tin foil
2. Break toothpicks in half
3. Put a gumdrop on the broken side of the tooth pick...
3. Starting at the bottom of the tree, poke the pointed side of the tooth pick (with the gumdrop on it) into the tree.
4. Continue going around the tree until it's covered with the candy.

Use caution with young children ... it can be difficult removing the toothpicks. These should only be for decoration. 

I remember making these in the late 1960's! Seeing a photo of one on a website --brought back some nice memories--so guess what?! I made one and "Hubby" made the other...(Barb)

Click Here for directions for "Candy Cane Seeds" and "Snowman and Reindeer Poop" Gifts! 

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Other Craft Categories that are also great for Gifts are:

• Crafts for crafts or that are great for Gifts
• Children's Crafts that Smell Good! 
• Gifts from a Child's Heart
• Creative Ways to Wrap Gifts

  You may also be interested in...

• EASY CANDY RECIPES
• POPCORN SNACKS AND GOODIES
• SNACK MIX RECIPES
• Apple Recipes-Check out APPLES ON A STICK near the page middle.
• All kinds of DIPPED PRETZELS and Pretzel Treats.

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GLUE AND POTPOURRI
Materials:
Plastic Lid (3"-4" diameter)
6" Yarn or String
White Glue
Potpourri
Petroleum Jelly (Vaseline)
Instructions:
Lightly coat the inside of the plastic lid with petroleum jelly. Squeeze a thin layer of glue inside the lid. Make sure the entire bottom is covered. Add a layer of potpourri on top of the glue arranging it to fit the shape of the lid. Leave a small area open about 1/2" from the edge - to push your string through. Cover the potpourri with another layer of glue. If you are using big, chunky potpourri set it aside to dry. If you are using potpourri with smaller pieces you may prefer more than one layer with glue between each layer.
After it dries, remove from lid. And add a loop of yarn or string for hanging. Source: MakingFriends.com

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EASY AIR FRESHENERS
You need:
Poster Board
Scissors
Hole Punch
6" Yarn
Tacky Glue
Potpourri
Instructions:

• From card-board or card-stock...pre-make "shape patterns" that the children can trace and cut from poster board. (Make shapes of the season)
• Punch a hole in the top of the cut out shape and add a yarn loop.
• Put tacky glue on one side and sprinkle potpourri on it.
• After it dries, repeat for the 2nd side.

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NON-SEW SACHETS

Materials:
Fabric scraps 
Fabric glue
Potpourri

• For each sachet, place 2 matching 5-inch fabric squares back-to-back and glue the edges together on 3 sides. Spread the glue close to the edges to prevent fraying.
• Once the glue is dry, fill the sachet with about 1/2 cup of potpourri.
• Glue together the open edges and again let the glue dry.
• Arrange the finished sachets in multicolored stacks and tie them together with a festive ribbon or yarn.

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DOOR SACHET

• Make small fabrics bags and fill them with potpourri or cotton balls filled with essential oil (Be sure that the oil is at the center of the cotton or it may stain the fabric).
• Fasten the sachets with ribbon or cord and hang them on door handles.
• You can also take netting or cheesecloth and grab corners and tie. 
• As the door is opened and closed it will waft the fragrance around the room.

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SCENTED EYE PILLOWS
Materials:
8″ x 8″ Fabric (Something soft and colorful!)
Needle
Thread
Scissors
1 cup uncooked rice
Crushed cloves
Crushed cinnamon sticks (not ground cinnamon)

1. Fold the fabric in half so it’s in the shape of a rectangle. Make sure the inside of the fold is the side of the fabric you want showing when the eye pillow is finished.
2. Sew two sides of the fabric together with the needle and thread, leaving one side open to add the scented rice mixture. It’s best to leave a short side open.
3. Turn the fabric inside out so you can see the “pretty” side of the fabric and not the sewing stitches.
4. Add crushed cloves and crushed cinnamon sticks (not ground cinnamon) to the rice until the mixture has a scent you like.
5. Pour the mixture into the fabric pouch.
6. Sew closed the remaining open end of the eye pillow.

This eye pillow craft is simple and great for older SAC and middle school….

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BABY FOOD JAR FRESHENER

Materials:
Potpourri
Clean Baby Food Jar (no top needed)
5" Paper Doily
Rubber Band
Lace
Ribbon Rose
Low Temp Glue Gun
Instructions:

• Fill jar with potpourri.
• Cover with a paper doily or tulle.
• Secure with rubber band.
• Tie a ribbon around the jar to hide the rubber band.
• Optional: Hot glue ribbon rose to area.

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AROMATIC JARS using essential oils and cotton balls

• Take a small, clean glass jar and put a few cotton balls inside.
• Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil, such as eucalyptus, peppermint, cinnamon, orange or clove oil.
• Punch holes in the top of the jar...
• The jar can be placed under a bed, in a closet, near a cat litter box or any other place that needs a fragrant addition.
• You can decorate the jars by painting the lids with craft paints ... add some glitter, etc.

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DRYER SHEET SACHET
2 used white dryer sheets
1 heaping tablespoon potpourri
1 length of ribbon
2 or 3 small pieces dried flowers
Tacky glue
Place one dryer sheet over top of the other dryer sheet-- so that the corners of the second sheets are centered at the sides of the first sheet. Place the potpourri in the center of the sheets. Gather up and tie with ribbon. Decorate with dried flowers.

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LAVENDER BATH OIL
Almond oil (Baby oil may be less expensive)
A few drops of lavender oil
Optional: lavender sprig or rose petals.
Mix the almond and the lavender oil.
  ♥ Put a lavender sprig or a few rose petals into a pretty bottle. (When making this with a group, use baby food jars)
  ♥ Pour oil into bottle.

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LAYERED BATH SALTS
Materials:
Small jars- such as baby food jars
Bowls for mixing
Bag of Epsom salts
Food coloring
Funnel
Spoon
Paper doily or fabric scrap
Rubber band

• Using a funnel, fill the jars with Epsom salts so you know how much of the Epsom salts you will need.
• Empty the Epsom salts, more or less equally, into six bowls.
• Add a few drops of food coloring to each bowl, stirring to make yellow, pink, blue, green, mauve and orange colored salts. (Food coloring will not stain bathtub or people in this amount)
• Optional: Add a few drops of fragrance oil, or spray Epsom salts with your favorite perfume. Cassie/Michigan

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LAYERED EPSOM SALT

• Use a funnel to pour colored layers of Epsom salts in each jar, like sand art.
• Pack each layer down with a spoon before adding the next layer, and make sure the jar is filled to the top before screwing the lid on tightly.
• Decorate the lid of the jar with a circle of fabric or a paper doily held in place with a rubber band.
• Cover the rubber band with ribbon.

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SUGAR SCRUB GIFT

(For Exfoliation)
Ingredients:
1 cup sugar (I prefer white, but 2/3 white with 1/3 brown is pretty)
1/4 cup oil (may need more if scrub is too dry)
4-8 drops essential oil for scent (You can usually get this at a health food or organic store)
A jar
Directions: Mix ingredients well and store in a sealed container.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR TAG: (attach to jar)
To use: Use a few tablespoons to scrub your skin in small circles. Be careful! Oil may leave the shower floor slippery.

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HOMEMADE BATH SALTS
2 ½ Epsom Salts (See salt or combination if affordble)
Perfume
Food Coloring
Combine the Epsom salts with food coloring and perfume in a large container. Mix it well so the color is even. Put it into smaller jars and let it stand for 4-6 weeks before using so the perfume will blend with the salts.

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LAVENDER BATH SALTS

Need:
1 Cup Epsom salts
1/2 Cup table salt
1 box baking soda
Few drops of lavender oil (or any kind of aroma oil you like)
  ♥ Mix the salts and the baking soda.
  ♥ Add the lavender.
  ♥ Put in an airtight container such as a pretty jar with a lid.

 To make this with a group--put it in clean baby-food jars and cover the tops with fabric and ribbon. You can decorate the jar by adding a ribbon or a bow.

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ORANGE-CLOVE POMANDORS

 

Ingredients
6 oranges (or lemons)
whole cloves
decorative ribbon

 
The Spice Mix
4 tablespoons ground cinnamon
4 tablespoons ground cloves
2 tablespoons ground nutmeg
2 tablespoons ground allspice
1/4 cup orrisroot powder (as preservative)
 
Directions
1. Combine the spice mix ingredients.
2. Wash oranges.
3. After poking a hole with a needle, fork, or tooth pick,insert cloves into oranges in a decorative pattern.
4. Roll cloved oranges in the spice mixture within 24 hours and set in a warm place to dry, turning fruit daily.
5. Drying takes from two weeks to possibly a month.
6. Pomanders are completely dry when they are hard.
7. Remove pomanders from the spice mix, dust off a little, and tie with decorative ribbons. (Wrap your orange in holiday ribbon leaving enough extra ribbon at the top for hanging. You can poke holes into the ribbon and through to the orange to help hold it in place.)

Set out in a bowl or you can use as Christmas ornaments. Also great hung in a closet! These can last for months to years!

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SCENTED  BALLS

1 Styrofoam Ball (size may very)
1 Cup dried herbs or potpourri, dried rose petals or dried small flowers for a 6" size ball
White Glue
Twine or Ribbon

1. Pour herbs mixture into a bowl. You may choose to ground leaves or petals in a coffee grinder or food processor or glue them on separately.
2. Cover an area of the ball with glue and roll ball through mixture, covering an area at a time.
3. Cloves may be glued on separately.
4. Cover ball with waxed paper and firmly press. Allow to dry completely before adding ribbon

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GIFT SOAP
Materials:
One bar of Ivory soap;
1/4 cup water;
2 drops of food coloring;
a good kitchen grater and
Optional: Essential oils if wanted.

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DECORATIVE SOAP BARS
Bar of soap (regular or glycerin)
Paintbrushes
Aluminum Coffee can
Large pot
Canning wax or a white candle
Candle/Soap Paint

Have children paint designs on the soap with the soap paint (acrylic will also work).
Meanwhile an adult places the coffee can in a pot half-filled with water. Drop in wax and melt it over low heat.
Use a disposable paintbrush to cover the design on top of the soap. Let the wax dry. The protective coating will allow the soap to be used without washing away the picture.

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Kids love writing on the tub when bathing and they can with...
SOAP "CRAYONS"!
For soap flakes recipes, you can make your own with finely grated bars of pure soap to make soap powder. The amount of water may need to be decreased, so start with less water and add as needed. If you don't want to make your own pure soap flakes, YOU CAN BUY a package in the laundry aisle at the grocery store.

***Do not use laundry detergent! ***

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RECIPE FOR BATH TIME CRAYONS:
3 cups soap flakes
1/2 to 1 cup water, approximately
1 teaspoon vegetable food coloring

With this recipe you can make the following...

1. MOLDED BATH TIME CRAYONS
Combine soap flakes and water. Add food coloring and put mixture into lightly greased ice cube trays, candy or soap molds. Press soap dough into molds lightly and let dry over night before un-molding.
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2. SHAPED BATH TIME CRAYONS
Grease your hands with vegetable oil first! Mix the soap and water to make the consistency of play dough. Put a few drops of vegetable oil on your hands; rub the palms of your hands so the soap won't stick to your hands while shaping it.
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3. SOAP ON A ROPE
You'll need some string. Shape the soap with your hands. Cut a piece of string and tie the ends together. Push the knot gently into your finished shape. Let the completed soap dry before hanging it by the rope.

4. MULTI COLORED SOAP ON A ROAP
Make two-tone soaps by using identical shapes of different colors and sandwiching them together.
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Adapted from: frugalhomemaker.com

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5. SOAP SHAPES USING COOKIE CUTTERS
Pat or roll out the mixture and have the children use cookie cutters or theme cutters to make individual soaps. Small cookie cutters make nice shapes in guest-soap size that can be placed in a small wicker basket for a gift, bathroom display, or drawer sachets.

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A BOX OF LOVE: My son gave this to me many years ago...it's still one of my favorite gifts!!! Sarah/Oakbrook

To make this gift you need:
Small plain boxes such as jewelry boxes
Pretty wrapping paper to fit the occasion
Glitter, sequins, decorations of choice-Ribbon
This poem--printed on nice paper.

This is a very special gift
that you can never see.
The reason it's so special is
it’s just to you from me.
Whenever you are happy,
or even feeling blue.
You only have to hold this box
and know I think of you.

You never can unwrap it…
Please leave the ribbon tied.
Just hold the box so close to you…
It's filled with love inside.
With Love, ___________________

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GIFT FROM THE HEART COLLAGE

• Have children bring in a few family photos (that you can use or to make copies.
• With these they will create a collage about their family; they’ll also use drawings, short descriptions and decorative items, such as shells, leaves, ribbon, etc.
• These items can all be glued onto a large piece of poster board.
• They can also make a small photo collage with grandparents or cousins, etc.

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A VOICE WITH LOVE
Record voices reading a book, making jokes, recalling memories, or singing. Include a photo of the person who made the recording. If a new story is being read, wrap up the book with the recording for a special book-tape gift.

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THE GIVING BAG

• Invite children to brainstorm special things they can do for the recipient of their gift-such as-give a hug, tell a funny joke, sing a song, take out the garbage, vacuum a room, put away the dishes, etc.
• Write their responses on 3”X6” strips of paper.
• Help children wrap the strips tightly around a pencil to create scrolls.
• Decorate a plain paper bag with festive SEASON-THEMED (Spring, summer, fall) decorations, drawings and stickers…
• After the bag is dry-- put the scrolls inside the bag.
•  Fold down the top of the bag-punch two holes and thread ribbon through the holes. Tie and create a bow.
  Adapted From Nov./Dec. Scholastic Instructor-page 39

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GIFT CERTIFICATES
Materials: Scissors, paper, colored pencils, crayons, and/or markers, glitter (optional)
Sometimes people give gift certificates for gifts. A gift certificate is a simple piece of paper that lets the person who owns it -trade it in for the gift.

• Kids can easily make their own gift certificates. Have them think of several things they can do well, things that other people would appreciate.
• Maybe Mom would appreciate them washing the dishes. Maybe Dad would appreciate a cleaning of the car. Maybe younger brothers or sisters would like to be read to or the time of play… Maybe Grandma or Grandpa would appreciate errands done?

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FAMILY COOKBOOK GIFT

Hand out papers for the parents to fill out with two or three of their family’s favorite recipes. One could be a main dish (breakfast, lunch, or dinner) the others can be a snack, soup, dessert, or appetizer. Copy all recipes and put them in a book along with pictures the children draw.

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 SCOOP OF HUGS AND KISSES
Materials:
Laundry Scoop
Hugs and Kisses Candy
Clear or Colored Plastic Wrap
Ribbon

• A simple gift idea! Fill the Laundry scoop with candy hugs and kisses.
• Cut a large piece of plastic wrap. Set the scoop in the middle of the plastic wrap.
• Fold the plastic wrap over so the two ends meet at the scoop handle. Pull the plastic wrap tightly around the scoop
  and gather around the handle.
• Tie a ribbon around the handle to hold the plastic wrap in place.
• Tie a note onto the scoop that says "A Scoop of Hugs and Kisses for you".

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HAPPY HAND PRINTS
Capture small prints in plaster for a great parent/grandparent gift.
This takes one to two hours to makeand overnight to dry. Happy Hand Prints sounds complicated but it is moderately easy!
Materials:
Newspapers or plastic to protect the work area,
Apron to protect clothing,
Small bag or box of plaster (The eight-pound box is enough for a stepping stone mold; you can use a four-pound box for smaller molds.)
Water,
Mixing bucket
Stick or old spoon to mix the plaster
Popsicle stick or trowel,
Plaster mold (stepping stone size or smaller)
Small rubber or plastic glove
Thin Paintbrush
Pieces of decorative glass or marbles
Clear acrylic finish spray

• Place plastic or newspaper over the work area. Protect clothing...
• Mix the plaster according to the directions on the box or bag.
• Pour the plaster into the mold and smooth the top with a Popsicle stick or trowel.
• Put a small protective glove on child's hand. Place the child's hand into the plaster to make a hand print.
• Remove the glove and wash the child's hand with soap and water.
• Write the child's name in the plaster with the end of a paintbrush.
• Place the decorative glass pieces or marbles in a pattern around the hand print.
• Allow this to dry overnight before moving it.
• Remove the plaster hand print from the mold and spray with clear acrylic finish spray. Allow it to dry thoroughly.

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FINGERPRINTS (To use for above handprint craft or art)

Sometimes you get discouraged,
because I am so small
And leave my little fingerprints
On furniture and walls.
But everyday I'm growing
And soon will be so tall
That all these little fingerprints
Will be difficult to recall.
So here's a little handprint
That you can put away
So you will know how my fingers looked
On this special day.

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COUPONS FROM CHILDREN WHO DON'T AS YET WRITE
Supplies: Paper, markers, scissors, old magazines.
Directions:

• Ask children to think of something they can do to help mom or dad around the house.
• They can cut pictures from the magazine and paste them on paper strips to make coupons.
• Example: I will dry the dishes" can have a cup, saucer or dish detergent on the coupon...
• Package up in an envelope as a gift...(Traditional coupon booklets are great for kids who can write!)

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HAVE CHILDREN WRITE AN ESSAY ABOUT WHY THEY love a parent, grandparent, special friend, teacher, brother/sister, etc., on pretty stationery… or put on white paper rolled up and tied with a ribbon.

• ALSO...create a book from that essay with hand-colored or painted pictures to illustrate different sentences.
• Punch three holes in the side of each page and tie the book together with yarn or ribbon.

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Other pages in this category of Crafts that are great for Gifts are:

• Crafts for crafts or that are great for Gifts
• Children's Crafts that Smell Good! 
• Food Based Gifts
• Creative Ways to Wrap Gifts

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Updated January, 2013

GET CREATIVE WRAPPING GIFTS!

 

#1...A great way to wrap a homemade gift is with homemade wrapping paper. It's simple and very versatile. You should start out with a large piece of paper (butcher paper works well) and some paint. Make prints on the paper with handprints, footprints, cookie cutters, or sponge shapes.

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#2…You can also decorate large paper with pictures cut out of magazines; or you can "write" special messages by cutting words and letters out of magazines or newspapers. This isn't limited to large pieces of paper; you can decorate plain paper bags or boxes using these same techniques.

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#3... For something a little more creative-- pick an unusual item to wrap the gift in. Of course, the item you pick will depend on the size of your gift. Wouldn't someone be surprised to find his/her gift wrapped in a decorated oatmeal container, or a tissue wrapped toilet tissue roll?  You could decorate paper lunch bags with glitter-glue designs and  stickers. (Discount School Supply has nice big white bags) The possibilities are endless!

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#4...PAPER TOWEL-AND MELTED CRAYON WRAPPING PAPER
Needed:
1 warming tray,
Crayons
Paper towels
High quality white paper towel
Aluminum foil
Sponge
Tongs
One adult

• Cover a warming tray with aluminum foil and then turn the warming tray on.
• When the tray is warmed up --- take crayons and slowly draw a design using colors you like.
• The crayons will melt as you draw.
• After you achieve the desired design, lay paper towel over the crayons.
• Take the sponge and gently dab until crayons are complete absorbed into the paper towel.
• Use tongs to pick up the towel. Allow to dry five minutes and you’ll have beautiful wrapping paper.

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#5 WRAP GIFTS IN...

• Newpapers or magazine pages...

• For a theme consider old maps and movie posters 

• Also, cookie tins, hat boxes, clay pots, bowls, used plastic bags

• Deflated Mylar balloons. If you let the air out through a cut in bottom and cut the seams you'll get two round pieces.

• How about fabric and wallpaper?!

Tip: Be creative! If you work in a school or childcare center, these items could be added to your Wish List to parents...

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#6 Look for UNQUE AND FUN WAYS to wrap gifts! One very simple way is to USE WORDS!  Using a paper with no patterm-- write words on it such as: Open Me; Open Me First; Pick Me; You'll Like Me!; Here I Am!; etc.
It'll be fun to see which gift gets picked first...

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#7 Paper Shopping Bags: Most of us have a stash we aren’t sure what to do with... Just cut the bottom of the bag out and remove bag handles.  If the bag has printing on it, make sure that side is face up when wrapping. Decorate as desired.

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 #8. USE A PLAIN OLD LUNCH BAG!

Materials-Scrap items around the center and/or house

Lunch Bags
Magazines (for pictures)
Scraps of fabric and trim
Sequins, stickers, markers, yarn, ribbon, twine
Glue and scissors

1. Let this be an open and creative project! Put out bags, working supplies and decorations.
2. Cut off the top few inches of the bag.
3. Theme decorate the bag to the gift that will be inside!
Example: Is it a Father's Day paper weight gift? Some ideas to cover the bag could be pictures of Dad's and desk objects (paper, pen, office supplies) Also since it would be Father's Day--love and summer graphics could also adorn the bag! Fill in with stickers, etc.

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#7 Monica from The Homespun Heart states that her favorite gift wrap is BROWN CRAFT PAPER AND TWINE. The photographs below are some creative ways she's embelished plain brown paper. Some of the many items Monica incorporates into her wrapping are "... pages from old books, mini clothespins, magazine pictures, felt scraps, sticks from the yard, buttons, ribbon and sewing notion scraps." When wrapping gifts with children, the wrapping proceedure is an artistic endeavor in itself! 

 

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GIFT TAG IDEA: Another item to add to your Parent 'Wish List"--the small 'PAINT CARD SAMPLES' you get from Paint Stores to choose your wall colors. They make great name tags! Just punch a hole with a hole pucher into the top; put in string, yarn or ribbon and attach to the gift. (Cut off paint color code before attaching) See Making Bookmarks Category 

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#8 A NOVEL WAY TO PRESENT A COMPUTER or HAND-PRINTED GIFT CERTIFICATE

More and more purchased and home-made certificates are being given as gifts. One fun idea is to present it in a festivly wrapped tube. Depending on the size of paper to be rolled--take either a paper towel tube or T.P. tube; cover it in wrapping paper;  add some ribbon.  Colored tissue paper stuffed in the ends is optional. (This sample is a gift certificate for a 6th grader; he loved it! ) Also a great method for any seasonal or Holiday 'paper' gifts! (Image by KidActivities.net)

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 #9 ARE YOU GIVING MONEY AS A GIFT?

 

Place your paper money (or check)  inside of a balloon. (Each of these balloons has a $10.00 bill in it.) Blow up the balloons and then knot and tie  with ribbon. The amount of balloons you use will depend on the amount of money you are gifting. You can have one balloon or several.

For a birthday, tie the balloons to a party blower. For Christmas tie it (them) to a candy cane. Use your imagination and tie ithe balloon (s) to something that goes with your theme and can be carried.
That's it! The recipient will then pop each balloon to receive their gift...(Image by KidActivities.net) 

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IDEAS TO GIFT WRAP  PRETZEL RODS: 

 
1. Purchase 'PRETZEL BAGS'.  Place 1 or more pretzels in a bags--dipped side up. Wrap prettily with ribbon and bow and you're done!

 2. SMALL VASE
To make a"bouquet" of pretzels, stand pretzels dipped-side up and wrap the tops individually in cellophane. Place them in a small vase and wrap it with a bow.

3. Take a TWO QUART JAR and fill the bottom of the jar a few inches with basket filler, shredded cellophane, or scrunched tissue paper. Put a pretty ribbon/bow or raffia around the jar. Stand the pretzels 'dipped ends up' in the jar.

→ FABRIC ON JAR : You can also take some pretty fabric (or tissure paper); place the jar bottom in the middle of fabric/tisue paper;  pull the paper up with the material or paper flowing over the jar top. Secure the fabric or tissue paper at the jar lip with a ribbon!

4. You can do the same as the above using  SMALL CLAY POTS.

5. Place a few Rods that have been wrapped in individual cellophane pretzel bags and present them IN A CUP...

6. Use a dipped Pretzel Rod as a DECORATION!  Place a cellophane  and ribbon wrapped rod on top of the wrapped gift.

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Pages in  category of Crafts that are great for Gifts are:

• Crafts for crafts or that are great for Gifts
• Children's Crafts that Smell Good! 
• Gifts from a Child's Heart 
• Food Based Gifts
• Easy Candy Recipes
• Snack Mix Recipes
• Pretzels 

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Great for gifts, for kids to keep or for yourself!

BOOKMARKS #1

Put out a variety of construction paper, markers, paints, and stickers. You can also use glitter, sequins, lace, doilies, buttons, and any other odds and ends you have left over from other projects. Individual-creative book marks! 

Cut the front of appropriate greeting cards into 2 inch wide strips. Punch a hole at the top of each strip and attach a yarn tassel. Children can decorate the backs of the strips with markers and crayons if desired...
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BOOKMARKS #2
Open art table...

Tip: Cut strips from construction paper; painting the construction paper will make it sturdier-- or you can visit the local library or office supply to have them laminated for longer lasting use. To complete the bookmark, attach a tassel made from strands of yarn.

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#3 MAKE A BOOK WORM BOOKMARK GIFT to keep pages from wiggling away!

 1. Draw a worm on card-stock paper - large and wide-enough to mark a page well. (You can have children make their own bookworm or you can make a template for them to trace)
2. Cut out the worms. With a craft punch, make a hole at the top.
3. Now personalize the worms! Make swirls, dots, and lines in different colors. Add a silly face, some words, or the name of a favorite book.
4. Flip the bookmark over and decorate the other side a whole new way!
5. Embellish the bookmark with ribbon, string, or yarn tied into the hole at the top. Add self-adhesive google eyes or other decorations, too.
6. If you can, laminate them to use repeatedly. (Source Crayola.com) The above bookmark idea and photo is from About.com

A SELECTION OF SLOGANS WHICH COULD BE USED ON BOOKMARKS ARE:

• Time for reading
• Reading is the next best thing to....
• Switch on to reading
• I'm a bookworm
• Sssh! I'm reading
• Dive into a book
• Enter a different world - read!
• Enjoy a book- get reading!
• I've got my head in a book
• Have you chosen a good book?
• R is for reading
• 54321 READ!
• Ready, steady, READ!
• Reading is fun!
• I ♥ reading!
• Reading is cool!
• Reading forever!
• I ♥ 2 read!
• Make friends with a book!
• What's inside your book?
• Born to read
• I'm off to see the world - read!
• I'm ready for reading!
• On your mark, get set, READ!

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#4 BUTTON BOOKMARKS
These are fun and easy for kids to create.  

Simply cut lengths of ribbon (these are 12 to 14 inches long, to fit a standard-size hardcover book), then attach buttons to the ends using tacky glue or a glue gun.
Shown here are just a few of the decorating options: sandwiching the ribbon's ends between two buttons; stacking smaller atop larger buttons; and grouping several small buttons in a pattern.

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#5 CORNER BOOKMARKS

Love this idea! My husband has been doing a lot of reading--so when I saw this idea--I quickly pulled out a couple envelopes (one bright orange business-size and one smaller greeting card).
Did my thing with cutting (without measuring) and embellished a bit. Both corner bookmarks came out great! Try this fun and easy idea with your kids--or yourself! (Barb)

Directions:

Select envelopes to use. The corners of the envelopes should be in good condition--as you'll cut the corner off the envelope and use the corner to create your bookmark.

 

If you want more precision than what I did-
Measure 2-inches down the sides of the corner of the envelope. Make a small pencil mark at each location.

Draw a straight line from one side of the corner to the other side of the corner, at the pencil marks. You have created a triangle shape at the corner of your envelope. Cut the triangle-shaped corner off of the envelope. (You can also use scissors with decorative edges)

Slip the cut corner on the page of a book. This will give you an idea of how it fits.

You can now decorate as desired using lace, gift wrap, ribbon, hand-made drawings and paint, small images, stickers, rubber-stamps or calligraphy.  If you embellish, glue decorations on the bookmark and let dry.

Experiment with different kinds of envelopes...Colored, onion-skin and handmade envelopes all create interesting corner bookmarks.

These would also make a great seasonal craft or gift. Add ghosts or pumpkins for Halloween,  a turkey for Thanksgiving or a heart for Valentine's Day. Image source: Sharonscrapbook

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 #6 FRUGAL BOOK MARK IDEA...
You know the OLD PAINT CHIP CARDS you used when you were trying to decide what color to paint? They can be turned into great book marks (gift tags too)...Put a hole in them with a hole puncher, string ribbon through them! You now have great book marks!
Tip: Add paint cards to your "Parent Wish List"!

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#7 RECYCLED PACKAGE BOOKMARKS

This simple project comes from myplumpudding--it saves books from dog ears and recycles cardboard from the trash!

1. Simply pull out your colorful cardboard packages, flatten them out and cut them into strips about 1 1/2" x 6". A paper cutter will give you a more consistent cut. And any size strip will do--as long as it fits in your book.
2. Trim corners with a corner rounding tool, scissors or an X-acto.
3. Punch a hole in the top and thread it with a matching ribbon

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#8 'STICKER' BOOKMARKS--good for younger children

Colored cardstock or used/discarded manila folders
Scissors
Ribbon, thread or yarn
Hole punch
Stickers

Cut out the paper into various shapes and sizes
Punch a hole at the top and thread a ribbon or colored yarn through the hole. Tie into place
Decorate with stickers.
Image Source:mumsgather

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#9 FABRIC BOOKMARK

1. Brush rubber cement onto a piece of cardstock in an area larger than the size your finished bookmark will be. Stick on a scrap of fabric, smoothing out any wrinkles.

2. Flip the cardstock over and repeat for the back side of the bookmark.

3. Mark the edges of the bookmark with a ruler and pencil, then cut it out using a sharp scissors.

4. Punch a hole at the top  and tie on thin ribbon, thread or yarn.

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#10 FALL NATURE BOOKMARK

 

Wrap a piece of masking tape (sticky side out) around each child's wrist. Go on a nature walk and have children collect a leaf from each of several trees---sticking it on their leaf bracelet.

Get a Book with a variety of leaves to compare 'finds' when you return. Children will also be able to go home and see what leaves they find there!

As shown, take clear packing tape and make wonderful bookmarks with a variey of nature finds! Photograph courtesy of Angela at Colorfool ...Angela shares that flat items adhere better than bulky.

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Idea #11:  COMUNITY SERVICE IDEA...

MAKE AND LAMINATE BOOKMARKS for your school or hometown library.
With your class or program, make some pretty bookmarks; leave them in a basket on the library counter for other children and adults to take one when they check out books.

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#12 FUN FOAM BOOKMARKS

Materials:
Fun Foam in assorted colors
Decorative scissors (optional)
White glue
Fine-point permanent markers in assorted colors
3/4" pompom
Two 5 mm movable eyes
Yarn

1. Cut 2" x 10" strips of Fun Foam for base of bookmark. Cut additional shapes, such as face or star. Use decorative scissors if desired.
2. Glue shapes to one end of strip. Decorate shapes with markers, movable eyes, pompom nose, yarn and hair.
Extension: Write names of books you've read on base strip. Source: Women's Day-July 8, 2008; Image by Paula Hible 

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Idea #13:  KINDNESS BOOKMARKS...

PURCHASE,  DOWNLOAD OR MAKE BOOKMARKS
 
When you "catch a child" in an act of kindness, give them one of the bookmarks! Children receiving the bookmark feel good and the other children will want to know how to get one. It presents an opportunity to discuss altruism and acts of kindness with your group. Special bookmarks may be downloaded on the Random Acts of Kindness web-site.  

Random Acts of Kindness Foundation...
The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation inspires people to practice kindness and to "pass it on" to others. They provide free educational and community ideas, guidance, and other resources to kindness participants through the website.

Random Acts of Kindness Week 2012~February 13-19

 

Also...Check out the Month of October! It hosts Kids Care Week, World Food Day, Diversity Awareness Month, Make a Difference Day, Bullying Prevention Month, and Peace, Friendship and Goodwill Week! Whew! Lots of days to celebrate kindness and service! 

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#14

LARGE PAPER CLIP BOOKMARKS...

Simply take a large paper clip and tie a group of three or four ribbon lengths to the top of the clip. (The amount depends on the width of the ribbon.)  The clips are great to mark book pages as well as clip envelopes and folders.

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 NINE WINDSOCKS...

 #1.)  Windsock using an ICE-CREAM CONTAINER - Minus the Lid

 
1.  Cut out the bottom.
2.  Cover the container with paper and then decorate as children choose...
3.  Cut six pieces of crepe paper to about 20 inches each long. Glue these to the bottom of the container. Then evenly around the top part of the container put 4 hole punches.
4.  Cut 4 pieces of yarn about 14 inches and tie to each hole. Then tie the other ends together.

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#2.)  WINDSOCK USING CONSTRUCTION PAPER
1.  On a large piece of construction paper, have child decorate with paint, stamps, etc.
2.  Decorate one side of the paper and let it dry. Fold the paper into "tube" shape, with the decorations on the outside.
3.  Have child staple ends and tape down the middle where it joins.
4.  Staple three strands of crepe paper at the bottom.
5.  Put two hole punches at the top and have the child string through them and tie at top.

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#3.  TUBE WINDSOCK

• Have children glue the tops of tissue paper strips or ribbons to the inside of a small tube.
• Next, have them decorate the tube with markers, crayons, stickers, or pieces of cut tissue paper.
• When finished, punch two holes at the top of the windsock and thread it with string or yarn.
• Tie the yarn together and after the children play outside in the wind-- hang the windsocks from the ceiling....

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WINDSOCK #4...

USING PAPER CUPS
1.  Have Children decorate a paper cup ... use themed stickers for a novel touch. Another variation is to give the wind sock a face by gluing on paper cutouts of eyes, ears, a nose and a mouth of the child’s favorite character.
2.  Next, cut nine 26-inch-long crepe paper streamers and glue them to the inside of the bottom edge of the cup.
3.  Finally, knot a 30-inch piece of Curling Ribbon at each end and staple the knots to the cup sides to make a handle.
4.  Hang the windsocks on a porch or patio at home or tree at the center... where they will be protected from strong winds and watch them dance in the gentle breeze.

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WINDSOCK #5...

USING A CAN
1. Use a clean can (soup, vegetables, or coffee can). Using a bottle opener, make two holes in top of can. The holes should be directly across from each other.
2. Paint it in your desired colors, using acrylic paint. Then paint a coat of varnish over the painted areas of the can.
3. Let completely dry.
4. Cut long strips from a plastic grocery bag, then adhere to bottom inside of can, using a strong glue.
5. Thread wire, yarn, or rope through the holes, then hang in yard.

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WINDSOCK #6...

USING A PAPER LUNCH BAG
Use colored sandwich/lunch bags; cut the bottoms off of the bag. Have children decorate the bags with markers, sequins, buttons, etc. After their bag is decorated, punch two holes in the tops and put yarn or in the holes to make a hanger for the windsock. Then have the children glue, staple, or tape streamers to the opposite end of their windsock. When dry, hang them in room or window.

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WINDSOCK #7...

USING NEWSPAPER
Need:
5 sheets newspaper, tape, 3 yards yarn
1.  Lay four sheets of the newspaper out on the floor, one on top of the other.
2.  Roll into a hollow cylinder approximately four inches in diameter. Tape it in place so that if forms a tube.
3.  Tear remaining sheet of newspaper into strips. Tape to the end of the tube for a streamer effect.
4.  Attach yarn to one end and hang. If desired have kids decorate their wind sock. The more personal the better...

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WINDSOCK #8...

USING A PAPER PLATE
1. Cut center out of a paper plate so you have a ring.
2. Punch 4 holes with scissors around the edges of the ring (these are
what you'll tie the strings on to hang your windsock )
3. Cut streamers to several lengths (keep them long)
4. Tape or glue the streamers to one side of the paper plate making sure not to cover the punched holes.
5. Cut two 16 inch lengths of string; tie the ends of the string through the holes in the plate making sure to tie each end to opposite sides of the plate and hang from ceiling or window.

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#9 AMERICAN FLAG WINDSOCK...

This project is a FUN way to decorate for any patriotic holiday, or to show your USA pride all year-round!
1.  Remove cover and cut bottom off oatmeal box.
2.  Cover box with blue construction paper.
3.  Decorate box with stickers and glitter.
4.  Cut red and white crepe paper streamers, glue to bottom end of box.
5.  Punch four holes along the top end of the box.
6.  Cut two pieces of string about a foot long.
7.  Tie strings to the holes you have just punched, tie opposite ends of strings to holes on opposite side.
8.  Cut an additional longer piece of string. To hang windsock---tie this to the other two strings.
Hang windsock from porch, window or a tree!

 

TIP:

 'USA UNCLE SAM WINDSOCK'... All Windsocks can be decorated to any theme such as this photo example.

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EIGHT WIND CHIMES & A MUSICAL TREE

MAKE A MUSICAL TREE
(Great for Summer camp, Day camp, Home or Family Care!)
Love this Idea!!!
Brainstorm with children things to hang from a tree in the yard---that will make sounds when the wind blows.
Suggestions:
Metal cans
Pie plates
Plastic bottles
Jar lids
Metal utensils
Wooden spoons
Etc.
Set out some yarn or string for children to use to hang their objects. If you don't have a tree, you could use a sturdy object outside.
Need: Embroidery hoop, (As hoops have two pieces - one hoop will make 2 wind chimes ) String or yarn, materials that makes noise (spoons, beads, bells, blocks or tin cans)
1.  Attach 3 strings to an embroidery hoop; tie the strings together at the top of the hoop - leaving enough string to form a loop to hang it.
2.  Attach 3-8 strings to hang down for the chime; Add anything that makes noise. Decorate the embroidery hoop anyway you wish--or leave as is...

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#1 EMBROIDERY HOOP WIND CHIME
Need: Embroidery hoop, (As hoops have two pieces - one hoop will make 2 wind chimes) String or yarn, materials that makes noise (beads, spoons,   bells, blocks or tin cans)
1.  Attach 3 strings to an embroidery hoop; tie the strings together at the top of the hoop - leaving enough string to form a loop to hang it.
2.  Attach 3-8 strings to hang down for the chime.
3.  Add anything that makes noise.
4.  Decorate the embroidery hoop anyway you wish--or leave as is...

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WIND CHIMES #2
Need: scissors, clear plastic lids, a hole punch, fishing line, sticks or dowels and jingle bells.
1.  Cut the rims off the plastic lids, then have children cut out several leaf shapes (or whatever shape they wish) from the clear plastic.
2.  Punch a hole in the top and bottom of each shape.
3.  Tie a 7- to 10-inch length of fishing line to the top of each shape and then hang them, evenly spaced, from the stick or dowel.
4.  Using short lengths of fishing line, hang a jingle bell from the bottom of each shape.
5.  To make a hanger, tie the ends of a 6- to 8-inch piece of fishing line to each end of the stick.
From the Family Fun website

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#3 SEA SHELL WIND CHIMES
Need: 8 Seashells (available from the beach, or at craft supply stores); 1 plastic coffee-can lid; knitting yarn scraps; liquid white glue; sharp pencil or paper punch.
1. Glue each shell to the end of a short piece of yarn. Use liquid white glue.
2. Let dry overnight.
3. Punch eight holes equally spaced on the top of a plastic coffee-can lid. Use a sharp pencil or a paper punch.
4. Hold the lid with the rim facing up. Push the eight pieces of yarn through the eight holes of the underside of the lid.
5. Tie the end of each piece of yarn in a large knot. Make the knot bigger than the hole so the yarn will not slip through.
6. Punch two more holes on opposite edges of the lid.
7. Push one end of a large piece of yarn from the top of the lid through one hole. It should come out on the underside of the chime.
8. Tie a large knot.
9. Push the other end of the yarn through the other hole and knot it.
10. Hang the chime on the branch of a tree or in your window.

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WIND CHIMES #4
For Ages: 4-12
You Need:
  •  Clean, empty 8 oz. margarine tubs made of thin plastic
  •  Construction paper
  •  Scissors
  •  Glue
  •  Hole puncher
  •  Ruler
  •  CLear nylon fishing line
  •  1/2" diameter metal washers
  •  Pencil

1.  Place the tubs upside down on a table and decorate them, using scraps of construction paper and glue. Children can make collages of different shapes or they can cut letters out of construction paper and glue them to the tubs to form messages.
2.  Set the tubs aside to dry. After, the glue has dried thoroughly, use the hole puncher to punch four holes along rim of each tub. The holes should be about 1/2 " from the edge of each tub and evenly spaced out.
3.  Cut four 12" lengths of fishing line and eight metal washers. The children tie one end of each piece of fishing line to a metal washer.
4.  Help the children thread one piece of fishing line through each hole in their tubs. As they thread each piece of line through a hole, they immediately tie a second metal washer to the free end of that piece of fishing line.
5.  After the children have attached all the washers to their wind chimes, place the tubs upside down (bottoms up). With a sharpened pencil, poke two holes about 1" apart in the center of the bottom of each tub. Thread a 12" length of fishing line through bottom holes and tie the ends together to make a hanger for the wind chimes.
6.  The wind chimes can be hung indoors or outside. Each pair of metal washers should be positioned so that the two touch each other. When air moves past them, they will produce a pleasant clinking sound.

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#5 BEADED WIND CHIMES

 

(You can follow these direction using a  'lid' or use a margere tub as pictured and described in the above Wind Chime #4)
Materials: Package of multicolored beads, Bowl, Yarn, Masking tape, Scissors, Small bells (can be purchased from a crafts store)
Needle, or something else sharp and pointy (for adults to use only!) Yogurt container lid, or other plastic lid
1.  Cut 7-9 equal pieces of yarn. Wrap a small piece of masking tape around one end of each piece, to make lacing easier (each yarn end should now resemble a shoe lace) and then tie a bead at the bottom of the other side of each piece of yarn. Poke holes with the needle or sharp instrument (parents only!) around the edge of the plastic container lid. You can make a small inner circle as well if you’d like.
2.  Give child the strings of yarn, and a bowl full of beads. They can make the same or different patterns on each of the strings. One might be ABAB (for example, red-blue-red-blue), another might be ABCABC (for example, red-blue-yellow-red-blue-yellow) and so forth. Experiment with a variety of patterns.  If desired- place a bell or two on each string.
3.  Leave some room at the top of each piece of yarn, then thread each piece into one of the holes in the lid, and tie a knot at the top. Once all the strings are hung and knotted, poke a final hole through the center of the lid. Thread a piece of yarn through it…and knot it underneath. Hang your chimes outside on a breezy day and enjoy the jingle!
#5 Adapted from Danielle Wood

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#6 JINGLE BELL WIND CHIMES
Materials for each chime:
Unsharpened Pencil
10 Bells
Yarn
1. Cut 12 pieces of yarn.
2. On 10 pieces of yarn tie a bell at the end of each one.
3. Tie a plain piece of string on EACH end of the pencil for hanging.Tie them together at top.
4. In-between the end strings, tie the yarns with bells on them onto the pencil.

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#7 SUNFLOWER CLAY POT WINDCHIMES
Materials :
5 mini, 2 1/2" clay pots
Yellow, green and brown acrylic paint
10 round wooden beads 
10 yd. spool of plastic cord
Paintbrush
Scissors
Packet of sunflower seeds

Directions:
1. Paint the sunflower designs on the pots first before assembling and let dry.

2. Cord must be at least 3 times the length of the 5 clay pots.  This will allow enough cord to make knots when attaching the pots to one another.

3. Fold cord in half and tie a knot leaving the loop long enough for the hanger.  Thread the two ends of the cord through a large bead.  Beads must be large enough so that they will not fit through the hole in the bottom of the clay pot.

4. Thread the ends of the cord through the upside down clay pot that you want to be on the top.  The top pot is the most decorated, with painted sunflowers.

5. Thread another bead on, inside the pot.  This will secure the pot.  Tie the cord at least five times after the bead.  (Beads and knots become the spacers, to keep the pots apart.)

6. Repeat step 5 until all pots are threaded together. Be sure to knot cord sufficiently to keep them in place and separated on the cord.

7. After all five pots are attached, end it by threading on the packet of sunflower seeds.  You will need to punch a hole in the packet first.  Tie a knot in the cord, allowing enough space so that the seed packet when attached will be able to blow in the wind.  Thread on the seed packet and tie a bow. (Source: Kansas City Library)

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#8 AUTUMN NUTTY WIND CHIME...

Use fall tree seeds or nuts to make a wind chime.

Color a design on a tissue paper tube. Thread a length of yarn or string through the tube and knot the ends together to create a hanger. Next, wrap and glue one end of a length of ribbon aaround each nut you choose to use. Wrap and glue the opposite end of each ribbon around the cardboard tube. Hang the wind chime one glue completely dries.

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