31882307 Holiday Crafts

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Transcript of 31882307 Holiday Crafts

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“Holiday Crafts for Kids”

by Kit Bennett Amazingmoms.com

© 1999 - 2004 Amazingmoms.com http://www.amazingmoms.com All Rights Reserved. Content property of Amazingmoms.com,

unless otherwise specified. Duplication, distribution or other uses by permission only.

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Halloween-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------4

Thanksgiving----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 15

Christmas--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 21

Kwanzaa ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 37

Hanukkah--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 45

New Year --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 50

Valentine’s Day-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 53

Easter Crafts ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 63

The Basics -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 71

About the Author: ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 72

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Halloween Big Mouth Halloween Witch Sparkling Glitter Play dough Pumpkin Trick-or-Treat Bag Painted Spider Web Spider Web #2 Mason Jar Pumpkins Pumpkin Pot Pumpkin Party Treat Bag Halloween Ghost Craft Sitting Jack-o-Lantern Hand Print Spiders Spooky See Through Jingle Ghosts Ghost or Pumpkin Candle Jars Trick or Treat Bag Ghostly Treats Monster Hands ______________________________________________________ Big Mouth Halloween Witch An “eggs”cellent craft!

You'll need: a raw egg white vinegar food color permanent marker or acrylic paints black yarn black construction paper craft glue or hot glue gun How to make it: To make the mouth of your witch, Gently tap a hole in the side of the egg with a spoon. Tap away pieces until the hole is the size that you want. Pour the egg out through the hole into a bowl and discard. Gently wash out the egg with soapy water and dry.

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Egg Witch cont... Next, you'll need to make the egg dye with 1 C. hot water, 2 tsp. white vinegar and 6 or more drops of green food coloring. Place the shell into the egg dye. The longer it sits, the darker it will be. Gently remove the shell and pour out the dye from the inside. Place on a paper towel to dry. Now is a good time to make the holder for you egg. Cut a strip of construction paper. Tape the ends together so that the egg will rest on the top. When the shell is completely dry place it in the holder and use a marker or acrylic paint to make your witch's eyes and nose. Glue the yarn on for hair and make a paper cone witch hat. Kit’s Tip: Often it takes practice to work with a fragile eggshell. Make a few empty eggs in case one breaks while decorating. Sparkling Glitter Play Dough This basic play dough recipe can be added to your party activities, classroom or home craft time. You'll need: 1 cup of flour 1 cup of water 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil 1/2 cup of salt 2 teaspoons of tartar orange and green food color very fine clear glitter How to make it: Combine flour, water, oil, salt, cream of tartar and food color in a large pot and stir completely. Place over low heat, stirring constantly until a ball is formed. Place the ball of dough on a counter or plastic cutting board. Cover your work surface with waxed paper. When the dough is cool enough, add the glitter. Knead until smooth. Store in airtight container at room temperature. Make an orange, green and white batch and use Halloween cookie cutters.

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Pumpkin Trick-or-Treat Bag Get carried away with this fun craft idea!

You'll need: orange, green, black or yellow gift bag paper plate orange tempera or poster paint black and green construction paper glue How to make it: Paint the paper plate orange and set aside to dry. From the construction paper, cut the stem, nose, eyes and mouth. Glue the face onto the pumpkin. Then use a liberal amount of glue to attach the painted plate to the side of the bag. Tip: You can add glitter, yarn hair etc. for more ornamentation. Painted Spider Web

You'll need: black paper white paint cake pan or shoe box marble How to make it: Cut a circle from the black paper. Place the circle in a baking pan or box lid. Pour a small amount of white paint in the center of the paper. Place a marble or two in the box. Move the box from side to side and back and forth. When they are done a web design will be on the paper. If you wish, glue a paper or plastic spider somewhere on the web.

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Spider Web #2 You'll need: empty film canisters white school glue food color orange, yellow or white construction paper glitter (optional) How to make it: Make colored glue by mixing several drops of food color to the glue in an empty film canister. Gently pour the glue on the colored paper, in a spider web design. Add Glitter to teh wet glue (optional). When the colored glue dries your web will remain visible. Attach a paper or plastic spider to the web if you'd like. Mason Jar Pumpkins These jars can be used as decorations, party favors or gifts.

You'll need: empty canning jars with lids green and black acrylic paint orange candies or tissue for filling How to make it: First wash the jars and lids thoroughly. Paint Jack-o-Lantern eyes, nose and mouth on the side of the jar. Paint the lid green. Fill the jar with orange candies or tissue paper and secure the lid. Kit’s Tip: the best candies for filling are -- candy corn, candy pumpkins, orange skittles or Reese’s Pieces.

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Pumpkin Pot This Halloween craft makes a great container for Candy when those Trick-or-Treaters come to the door!

You'll need: terracotta clay pot clay drainage plate wooden ball or bead acrylic paint craft glue or glue gun How to make it: Paint the pot and the drainage plate orange. Paint the wooden ball green. Glue the wooden ball onto the bottom of the drainage plate (handle). Place the plate on top of the pot for a lid. Paint green or black lines from top of lid to the bottom of the pot all the way around, to make the pumpkin grooves. Paint two eyes a round nose, and a squiggly smile. Fill with candy or treats! Pumpkin Party Treat Bag Make these bags at school or home, for children to keep their Halloween party favors and candy.

You'll need: orange tempera paint green tempera paint lunch bag sponge palm of hand, index finger soap & water. How to make it: Apply orange paint to the palm of a hand (not fingers) with a sponge. Press palm onto paper bag. Make the stem with the thumb and green paint. Add a face with fingerprints and black paint.

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Halloween Ghost Craft This cute little Halloween ghost made from an egg carton is a great art project idea for school classrooms, scout troops or your Halloween party.

You'll need empty egg cartons white and black tempera or acrylic paint white chenille stems (pipe-cleaners) masking tape paint brush How to make it: Cut two cups from an egg carton.

Put the two cups together with masking tape.

Paint with white paint and dry.

Use the black paint for the eyes and mouth. Cut the chenille stem into two pieces. Push the pieces on either side of the ghost and curl with your finger tip or pencil.

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Sitting Jack-o-Lantern This little pumpkin made from an egg carton, can sit on a shelf, windowsill or mantle.

You'll Need empty egg cartons orange and black tempera or acrylic paint green chenille stems (pipe-cleaners) orange and black construction paper paint brush craft glue How to make it: Jack-o-Lantern Head Cut the cup portion of an egg carton. Paint with orange paint and dry. Use the black paint for the eyes and mouth.

Arms and Stem You should be able to make the arms and stem of your jack-o-lantern with one chenille stem.

Bend the chenille at the middle and push it through the top of the painted and egg cup. Push one end of the chenille stem through the side of the egg cup for one arm, repeat for the second arm and curl the arms with your finger or a pencil.

Legs Cut strips long enough to bend at the "knee". Cut semicircles of black for the feet and glue to the ends. Glue the top of the legs inside the front of the egg cup. Bend the knees and he's ready to sit.

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Hand Print Spiders For the 0-3 year old preschool crowd.

You'll need: black tempera or poster paint paper wiggly eyes How to make it: Paint your child's four fingers and palm black, NOT the THUMB. Press the painted hand onto paper pointing fingers out. Paint other hand and press it in the opposite direction overlapping palm prints. Add wiggly eyes and you have a cute, not so creepy spider. Spooky See Through A festive Halloween window decoration. You'll need: white school glue food color plastic food wrap paint brush or cotton swabs cardboard or paper How to make it: Mix together white glue and food coloring to make a special paint. Paint a Halloween picture on a piece of plastic wrap using a brush or cotton swabs. Before the picture dries, lay another sheet of plastic over the picture. Make frames with paper or cardboard. Glue the picture between the two frames. Hang your creation in a window with tape or from a piece of yarn.

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Jingle Ghosts An easy no mess Halloween craft idea! Hang a few ghosts where the wind will make them jingle or on your front door handle.

You'll need: white foam meat trays hole punch yarn small bell How to make it: Cut a ghost shape in the white foam tray. Punch the eyes in the ghost with a hole puncher. Make a small hole at the top of the ghost's head and one at the center of the bottom of the ghost. Cut two lengths of yarn for the top and the bottom. Attach the bell to the yarn at the bottom. Ghost or Pumpkin Candle Jars Use for candleholders, teacher gifts or treat holders.

You'll Need: baby food jars (large for ghosts-small for pumpkins) white glue or Mod Podge tissue paper - white, yellow, and orange black permanent marker How to make it: Dilute the glue with water until it can be easily painted with a paint brush. Apply the glue to the jar a bit at a time, while applying torn pieces of tissue paper or paper napkin. Cover the jar completely (one or two layers) and dry overnight. Use a permanent marker to make the face of a ghost or Jack -o-lantern.

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Candle Jars cont... Kit's Tip: Using torn paper instead of cut, adds a nice texture to this tissue decoupage. Combine orange and yellow paper for a realistic texture to the pumpkin. Place a safety tea light into the container. If you are giving this as a gift--fill the jar with candy corn or chocolates and tie a piece of green raffia around the top. It couldn't hurt to write a small note about removing the raffia before lighting the candle. Trick or Treat Bag Make this simple activity to be used year after year! You'll need: one pillow case (new or used) set of dye crayons (purchased at most craft or fabric stores) How to make it: First have your child design their trick -or-treat bag on a piece of paper. Thumbtack the pillowcase to a piece of cardboard or wood, pulling tightly! Your child can now use the dye crayons to color the pattern onto the pillowcase. Iron the design according to the directions. Kit’s Tip: You can use the same activity to make reusable gift bags for any occasion! Ghostly Treats Oooooo…yum! You’ll need: 1 Tootsie Pop white tissue paper or handkerchief cut into a 10x10 square black yarn black marker How to make it: Place a square of the white tissue over the lolli-pop, to form a ghost. Tie with a piece of yarn to make the head. Use the marker to draw the eyes on the ghost. Make a "ghost treat" necklace by cutting a longer piece of yarn.

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Monster Hands Surprise party guests or classmates with a spooky snack! You'll need: clear disposable plastic gloves, popped popcorn, red or green small gumdrops and spider rings (optional). How to make it: Place a gumdrop into each finger of the glove (these are the fingernails) fill glove with popcorn. Tie off the end with rubber band or ribbons. Add a spider ring for fun. ______________________________________________________________________________________________

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Thanksgiving Candy Cornucopias Turkey Place Card Holders Harvest Necklace Autumn Bowl Corn Collage Hands and Feet Turkey Decoration Paint Dot Turkey Egg Carton Turkey _____________________________________________________________ Candy Cornucopias Make these with the kids and use for place cards!

You’ll need: sugar ice cream cones decorator frosting tube with writing tip "Runts" candies, gumdrops or dried fruits and nuts How to make it: Simply write names on the cone, using the decorator frosting. Then place the cones onto a paper napkin or colored paper. Fill with candy, dried fruit or nuts. Let the filling spill out a bit for a better effect.

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Turkey Place Card Holders A crafty table decoration!

You'll need: a dry pinecone for each guest chenille stems (pipe cleaners) in various colors pine sprigs for each setting address label stickers How to make it: Cut the chenille stems in half with wire cutters. Make a loop and twist the ends for the feathers. Twist a brown or black chenille stem for the head and neck. Insert the chenille stem "feathers" you made into the pinecone. Use two address labels for each setting. Write the name on one of the labels. Secure the two labels together with the pipe cleaner in between them both. This avoids a messy glue situation! At table setting time, place the turkeys onto a pine sprig; add a few nuts and your done! Kit's Tip: I use the "fuzzier" pipe cleaners for thicker feathers. Harvest Necklace When you're done wearing these necklaces hang them outdoors for the local wildlife to enjoy.

You'll need: large needle string or fishing line popped corn raisins or dried cranberries Optional items: nuts, pieces of orange peel, dried apple or apricot How to make it: Measure the length of line that you need to fit the necklace over the head. Don't forget to leave enough for tying off. Thread the needle and string the popcorn and other items alternately.

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Autumn Bowl A margarine tub becomes a Thanksgiving decoration for nuts and candies.

You'll need: margarine tub crayons, markers, paint, or colored pencils scissors white glue and glue gun (optional) decorations; brown colored construction (turkey head), paper, burlap, calico fabric, feathers, leaves How to make it: Dilute the white glue until is the proper consistency for applying with a paintbrush. Or use "Mod-Podge" from a craft store. Apply diluted glue onto the tub with a paintbrush adding fabric, burlap or paper as you go, until it is completely covered. Follow with another coat of glue. Set it aside to dry-for a few hours or over night. Now that you bowl is dry you can add a turkey head and feathers with construction paper or real feathers, nuts, leaves, seeds or beans. Heavier items may need a glue gun ...a grown-up's job. Let your children tell you where to place the objects. While you use the hot glue gun.

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Corncob Collage This project is EASY to do!

You’ll need: scissors glue popcorn kernels popped popcorn yellow and green construction paper One sheet of card stock paper, poster board or cardboard How to make it: Find a place to work, and protect it with a large sheet of paper. Gather all your materials. Cut out a corncob shape from yellow construction paper and some cornhusks from green construction paper.

Glue the corncob onto strong paper (cardboard or poster board). Then glue the cornhusks on the sides leaving some of the corncob showing. Spread glue liberally over the corncob and place your popcorn kernels, or popped corn on the glue. You're Done! Let the glue dry, and then enjoy your decoration. Hands and Feet Turkey Decoration Use cutouts of a child's hands and feet to make this turkey decoration.

Young children may need help tracing their hands and feet. This turkey is colorful and easy for youngsters to make. When complete, they make cute table decorations at each place setting for Thanksgiving dinner or for your holiday parties. Parental supervision is recommended.

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Hands and Feet Turkey cont... You'll Need construction paper in brown, black, orange, red, yellow , white scissors glue wiggle eyes, optional Make the turkey tail feathers by tracing your child's hand on colored paper and cut out 6-8 times in a variety of colors. For the turkey body, trace feet (shoes on) and cut from paper. Glue the two feet together, spreading them slightly apart at the bottom. Glue the "tail feathers" to construction paper overlapping them, to take on the appearance of feathers. Glue the "body" on top. Attach wiggle eyes. Cut and glue or draw paper beak, waddle and feet. Pencil Dot Turkey

You'll Need: construction paper new pencils with erasers paint scissors muffin tin or ice cube tray How to make: Trace your hand onto brown construction paper and cut out the shape. Glue the hand shape onto a larger piece paper that's a different color. Pour a very small amount of paint in an ice cube tray or muffin tin. Red, yellow, green, orange and black are the most likely color choices for your Thanksgiving turkey, but you can add other colors as well. Dip the pencil eraser into the paint (one pencil per color) and press the eraser onto the paper, making a dot. Continue this process with different colors. Filling in the feathers (fingers) of the turkey. Make a black dot on the thumb for the eye, several dots for the legs. Red dots below the thumb for the turkey wattle and beak.

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Egg Cup Turkey Perfect for scouts, classrooms or a family craft. Use them for place cards on Thanksgiving day!

You'll Need: empty cardboard egg carton brown chenille stems (pipe cleaners) brown washable kids paint craft feathers glue, glue gun or a stapler How to make it: Cut single cups from the egg carton. Place the cup upside down and paint the outside brown to make the turkey body.

Let it dry. Once it's dry, glue or staple a few feathers to one side of the cup (back). Cut a chenille stem in half. Take one of the halves and bend it in half. Poke it through the front of the eggcup, opposite the feathers. Bend the stem into the turkey head shape.

_________________________________________________________________

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Christmas Juice Lid Tree Ornament Pine Cone Tree Cardboard Gingerbread Kids Macaroni Christmas Wreath Candy Cane Reindeer Ornaments Glitter Star Window Decorations Penguin Pals Cinnamon Ornaments Christmas Candy Cane Mouse Sock Snowman Swirled Ornament Balls "Winter Wonderland" Windows Bees Wax Candles Holiday Play-Dough Homemade Snow Globe Snowman Pin Rip & Tear Ornament Chocolate Stirring Spoons Potato Print Snowman Handprint Angel ________________________________________________________________

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Juice Lid Tree Ornament Use last year's holiday cards to make a new ornament.

You'll need: frozen juice can lid construction paper old Christmas cards. ribbon glue How to make it: Cut a favorite picture from a card. Using the juice can lid, Trace and cut a circle from the construction paper. Glue the picture onto the paper. Glue the paper onto the can lid. Here's a job for Mom or Dad… Use a glue gun to attach a paper clip to the lid for a hanger. Add the ribbon and hang. Pine Cone Tree Your own tiny tree!

You'll need: dry pinecones glue glitter paper Chenille stem or wire "bag twisty" Small colored pom-poms (optional) How to make it: Paint the tips of the pinecone with glue (or to dip into the glue). While the glue is still wet, sprinkle with green glitter.

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Pinecone Tree cont... Cut a paper star and glue it on a piece of chenille stem or "bag twisty". When the glue and glitter is all dry, insert the star into the top of the pinecone. You can also glue small colored pom-poms to your tree for ornaments. Cardboard Gingerbread Kids You can’t catch ‘em!

You'll need: gingerbread boy or girl cookie cutter brown cardboard or cardstock paper glue raisins, whole cloves, cinnamon hearts narrow ribbon Optional Items: glitter, sequins, gold thread, rick-rack How to make it: Use the cookie cutter to trace and cut a gingerbread boy or girl. Decorate your boys and girls by gluing raisins to the face for eyes. Use the head of the cloves, for a nose and several clove stems to make a mouth. Cinnamon hearts make great buttons! Trim the edges with ribbon or "rick-rack", For sparkling gingerbread kids.... trim with glue and add glitter or sequins. Use your imagination! When the decorating is done, punch a small hole in the top and thread a piece of ribbon, yarn, or gold thread through for a hanger. Kit's Tip: These gingerbread kids can be made to last without food items by using buttons, sequins and plastic wiggle eyes.

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Macaroni Christmas Wreath An easy scout troop or classroom holiday craft!

You'll need: small paper plates a variety of shaped pasta glue silver or gold spray paint bow How to make it: Cut center out of the paper plate. Glue pasta noodles around the outer ring, completely covering the paper plate. Let the glue dry and then spray paint the desired color. Use a glue gun to add the bow. Use fishing line or ribbon to hang. Candy Cane Reindeer Easy to make tree ornament or gift decoration!

You'll need: 6” wrapped candy cane ribbon 2 wiggle eyes red or brown pompom 2 chenille stems (pipe cleaners) craft glue or glue gun

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Candy Cane Reindeer cont... How to make it: Leave the wrapping on the candy cane. Glue eyes right below the bend of the candy cane to make the face. Attach a red pom-pom on the end for a nose. Tie ribbon into a bow on the straight part of the candy cane. Cut one of the pipe cleaners in half. Wrap the full pipe cleaner around the crook of the candy cane to begin the antlers. Then use the cut pipe cleaners to manipulate into antlers. Glitter Stars - Window decorations

You'll need glitter in assorted colors plastic food wrap large piece of cardboard white glue Optional: yarn for hanging How to make it: Secure the wrap onto a piece of cardboard or a tray, with tape pulling it smooth and taut. Make star shapes on the plastic wrap with the glue bottle. Fill in the center with glue as well. You can also make other shapes like a bell, or a pine tree. If you plan on hanging or tying these stars attach a loop of yarn to the top of by putting it into the glue. Sprinkle the glue with glitter. Make sure it is completely covered. Leave to dry for 48 hours. Gently peel the plastic wrap away from the back, working in from each point. Place the stars on windows, gifts, or hang on your tree.

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Penguin Pals Fun for your family, scouts, classroom or church groups.

You'll Need: empty 2 liter plastic bottle black craft foam orange craft foam white craft foam small sock white spray paint craft glue or glue gun How to make it: Paint the clean soda bottle with white spray paint (grown-up job). Cut these shapes from craft foam; two wings, two webbed feet, triangle beak ovals for eyes (or use large "wiggle eyes").

When the spray paint is dry, glue the wings etc. onto the bottle. Glue the feet to the bottom of the container, as though your pal is standing.

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Penguin cont... Make a winter hat, using a small sock and rubber band.

How to make a hat with a small sock: cuff the sock to the desired size, cut the toe out of the sock and make "fringes". Place a rubber band just below the fringe. A pink marker will make rosy cheeks. Put the hat on and you are done! Penguin Pals can also be made with smaller bottles. Make an entire family!

Cinnamon Ornaments Simple No-Bake recipe!

Mix 3/4 C to 1 cup applesauce with one 4.12-oz. bottle ground cinnamon to form a stiff dough, amounts vary depending on the applesauce. Roll out to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut with cookie cutter. Make hole for ribbon. Carefully put on rack to dry. Let air dry several days, turning occasionally. Makes12 sweet smelling ornaments.

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Christmas Candy Cane Mouse A super choice for a Christmas party craft or party favor!

You'll need: 2 colors of felt wrapped 6” candy cane "wiggly" eyes small Pom-Pom for the nose How to make: 1. Cut the body and earpiece.

2. Cut two slits at the tip where the ears will go

. 3. Insert the earpiece into the slits.

4. Glue on eyes and nose.

5. Insert the candy cane on the backside of the mouse, through the ears.

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Sock Snowman Finally a use for mismatched socks!

You'll need: clean white sock cotton balls black and orange felt fabric scrap glue yarn or ribbon needle & thread Optional: red and green small pom-poms How to make it: Fill the sock with cotton balls up to the cuff. Tie a piece of yarn or string around the sock, right below the cuff, to hold the cotton inside. This will also be the tie you use for hanging your snowman.

Fold the cuff down to make the snowman's hat. Cut a strip of fabric for the scarf and tie it underneath the heel of the sock to make the head.

Cut eyes, nose, mouth, and buttons out of the black felt and glue them in place. Older children can sew real buttons instead. For extra decorations, glue red and green pom-poms to the hat. Making the face with fabric paint is also and option. Hot glue works best, but be sure that you supervise the glue gun if children are around. To hang your snowman, tie the ends of the yarn that you used around the cuff into a loop. Hang your snowman and enjoy!

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Swirled Ornament Balls Make these for your tree or as gifts. You'll need: clear plastic or glass ornament balls with a gold top and loop acrylic paint, many colors How to make it: Choose the colors you wish to use. I do not recommend more than 3 colors. Open the top or the ornament. Squeeze several drops of paint into the ball. Turned the ball around and around to spread out the color. Pull string through the ornament balls. Each one is different and they were beautiful! Kit’s tips: These can be dated, signed or personalized with fabric paint or permanent markers or glass writing pens. I have used white and silver liquid permanent markers with ours and it has lasted several years. "Winter Wonderland" Windows When your children are dreaming of a white Christmas, and you're surrounded with palm trees, a simple window treatment can make all the difference. You’ll need: washable white paint; tempera or poster sponge paper stencils; heavy stock paper, colored pencil, scissors How to make it: Fold paper in half and draw half a tree, snowflake or other holiday shape centered on the fold.

Cut out the shape and unfold your paper to see the stencil.

Place your stencil against the window and sponge or paint over all of the shape. Repeat to cover the window as much as you'd like. Use your white paint and sponge to make snowdrifts, snow flakes After the holiday the paint will wash off with a sponge and soapy water.

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Bees Wax Candles These candles are quick, easy and present well. You'll need: bees wax sheets (available in many colors at your local craft store) scissors wick or string blow dryer How to make it: Cut the sheets to the candle size that you prefer. Briefly warm a sheet of wax with the blow dryer, just enough to prevent cracking. DO NOT MELT! Cut a piece of wick that is about two inches longer than the candle length. Bees wax candles cont... Gently roll the first ¼ inch of wax sheet around the wick. Then continue to roll. Cut of the bottom wick and trim the top. A combination of three colors and sizes, tied with a ribbon make a beautiful gift from kids or adults. Holiday Sparkle Play-Dough Add a festive touch to a favorite indoor activity. You'll need: large mixing bowl 1 Cup flour 1/2 Cup salt 2 teaspoons cream of tartar 2 Tablespoons oil 1 Cups of water clear poly glitter (craft store) red or green food color or leave it white How to make it: Let your kids measure the flour, salt and cream of tartar into the large bowl. Stir the dry mix and then add oil. SLOWLY add the water while stirring the mix. Add a few drops of color while mixing. Mom, Dad or supervising adult needs to take over now... Place the mixture in a pan. Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until it forms a ball. Cool until it's comfortable for kids to touch. Give each child a small ball of dough on wax paper or a plastic placemat. Sprinkle the fine glitter over the ball and let your children work it in. Continue this process until all of the dough has been "glittered"

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Play dough cont... Remember, homemade dough has no preservatives and needs to be stored using an airtight container in the Refrigerator Kit’s Tip: Add a few drops of mint flavoring to add a scent for the holiday effect. You can make two batches if you want red and green or the mixture can be divided prior to the coloring process. If your making only one color...save time and dishes by mixing the ingredients in the pot you will use for cooking. Homemade Snow Globe You'll Need: small jar (baby food jars have the perfect shape!) egg shells from hardboiled eggs small plastic items for the "scene" mineral oil ADULTS - glue gun, rubber cement or super glue How to make it: If this is a gift, you may want to paint or decorate the lid. Select your items for the winter scene. You can purchase small resin holiday characters at any craft store for under a dollar. Use your glue gun to attach the object to the under side of the jar lid. Crush the eggshell with a rolling pin. Add mineral oil and shell pieces to the jar. Secure the top. Invert, shake and amaze! Tips: For added security you may want to caulk or glue gun around the outside of the lid.

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Snowman Pin

You'll Need wooden craft spoons; the type that come packaged with ice cream cups. acrylic paint fabric paint tubes paint brushes craft foam or felt Paint the wooden spoons with white acrylic paint.

It will take just a few minutes of drying time before handling. Children can do the next step while waiting. Cut and glue the hat and scarf from the fun foam or felt. Craft foam is easier for kids to cut and glue. Use fabric paint tubes for the eyes, nose, mouth and buttons. To make a pin, attach a pin back. Pin backs can be found plain or with self adhesive strips already attached. For an ornament or gift tag; glue a ribbon loop to the back. Rip & Tear Ornament This is actually a gift kids as young as 2 can make! You'll Need: clear plastic ornament bulbs. ( I've seen them in 2 different choices, one with a small opening at the top and one that opens fully down the middle. It's up to you.) old or new holiday wrapping paper.

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Rip and Tear Ornament cont... How to make it: Have your child tear up as many pieces of paper as he/she wants. Then crumple the pieces into little balls. You may want to have your child sit next to a brown bag and toss the pieces in as they are completed. Stuff the paper balls into the ornament to fill. You can add a ribbon around the top or use a glue gun to add any other decoration. But, your child's job is done. Kit’s Tip: If you plan on making more than a few of these presents, Start early and let your little one make one or two a day. Chocolate Stirring Spoons

These are super for kids to eat and for adults to stir in their coffee for a quick mocha. YUMMY! You'll need: heavy quality plastic spoons in any color dark, milk or white melting chocolate (craft or grocery store) clear or colored cellophane wrap cut into squares ribbon wax or parchment paper microwave safe bowl optional: sprinkles or colored sugar Melt the chocolate according to the package instructions. Lay out a piece parchment paper on your work surface. Dip the spoons into the melted chocolate enough to fill the spoon and lay it on the paper. Top with colored sugar, candy sprinkles or ground nuts (optional). When the candy is cool and hard, wrap in cellophane, tie with ribbon. For a personal addition to this yummy gift, glue a photo of your child onto a square of construction paper & make it the gift tag.

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Potato Print Snowman

You'll Need: white washable paint potato cotton black paint construction paper paint brush glue Optional items - fabric, buttons, sequins How to Make: Slice the potato (grown-up job) into three sections. Pour a small amount of paint into a pie tin. Place the potato slices into the paint and then press onto your construction paper to make a snowman.

Then use a paintbrush or fingertips to make snowflakes. Glue cotton to the base of the picture for more snow (optional). When the paint is dry, make the snowman's face, hat and scarf using either paint, fabric, paper, buttons or sequins. Handprint Angel

A simple paint and paper project that when placed in a frame makes a great gift for grandparents! You'll Need: white washable kids paint construction paper marker yarn glue

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Handprint Angel cont... How to make: First make the wings... Paint the palms of both hands white. Make two handprints on the construction paper, right next to each other facing up and out at an angle. Wash hands. While your waiting for the paint to dry a little, use the construction paper to cut out a triangle for the angel body, and a circle for the head. Use a marker to make a face and glue a small amount of yarn on the head to make hair. Once the paint is dry, glue on the body and head. Now your angel is ready to place in a frame. __________________________________________________________

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Kwanzaa Kwanzaa Placemat Kwanzaa Window Candles Stencil Wrapping Paper Pencil Dot Cup Marble Painted Kwanzaa Cup Pencil Dot Corn Mankala/Oware Game __________________________________________________________ Kwanzaa Placemat Special placemats to last year after year.

You'll Need: colored card stock paper or poster board paint; red, green, black, yellow stencils; construction paper, colored pencil, scissors pie tin or meat tray for paint sponge (one for each color) clear contact paper or laminating paper How to make it: Cut your placemats to the size you'd like from the poster board. To make the candle stencils...fold several pieces construction paper in half. Draw half a candle along the folded edge.

Cut out the candle and unfold your paper.

Pour paint into pie tins or meat trays. Place the stencil on the placemat and sponge paint inside the stencil going outside the lines just a bit.

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Kwanzaa Placemat cont... Repeat this step six more times for a total of seven candles. Change stencils whenever you change paint color. You can arrange them in order or randomly around the placemat.

Protect your placemat by covering with clear contact paper or self-laminating paper. You can also get these professionally laminated for about $1.00 each at most office supply stores or copiers. Kwanzaa Window Candles Make and hang one of these candles for everyday of your celebration.

You'll Need: construction paper colored tissue paper; yellow, black red and green glue stick scissors How to make it: Put two pieces of construction paper back to back and fold in half. Draw half a candle and flame centered on the fold.

Cut out the candle. Separate the pieces of paper. Glue tissue paper to one side, filling in the candle and the flame.

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Kwanzaa Window Candles cont... Glue the second piece of paper on top matching the candle shape so that light can show through.

Hang in the window with tape or string. Make one of these in the appropriate color for each day of the holiday. Stencil Wrapping Paper Make your own unique gift wrap for this special occasion.

You'll Need: plain brown paper; old grocery bags or a roll of postal paper red, green, yellow, black paint sponges stencils; paper, pencil, scissors How to make: First make stencils by folding construction paper in half. Draw half a cup, candle, corn or other Kwanzaa symbols.

Cut out the shape along the fold.

Save the cut out shapes for other crafts. Put the stencil onto the brown paper and sponge paint to fill in the shape. Repeat this step several times with different stencils and paint colors. Allow the paint to dry before using the paper to wrap.

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Painted Pencil Dot Kwanzaa Cup

You'll Need: construction paper new pencils with erasers paint scissors muffin tin or ice cube tray How to make: Folding construction paper in half. Draw half a cup on the folded edge. Or, use the shape you created in the previous project.

Cut out the shape along the fold. Pour a very small amount of paint in an ice cube tray or muffin tin. Red, yellow green and black are the Kwanzaa colors but you can add other colors as well. Dip the pencil eraser into the paint (one pencil per color) and press the eraser onto the paper, making a dot. Continue this process with different colors.

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Marble Painted Kwanzaa Cup

You'll Need: construction paper marbles paint; red, green and black shoe box lid or baking pan scissors How to make it: Make your cup shape by folding a piece of paper in half. Draw half a cup along the folded edge and cut out the shape.

Place the cup into the shoe box top or baking pan. Pour a few drops of one paint color into the center of the cup and then add a few marbles. Carefully roll the marbles around and through the paint by moving the box up, down tilted etc. Then add your next color, repeat these steps until all of the colors have been used.

Kit's Tip: If you use all of the paint colors at once it can turn into a big brown mess. So one color at a time will have a nicer effect.

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Pencil Dot Corn

You'll Need: construction paper; green and white yellow paint new pencil with eraser scissors glue meat tray or pie tin How to make: Cut the corn and leaves shapes. You'll need one white and three green.

Pour a very small amount of paint into a meat tray, or pie tin. Dip the pencil eraser into the paint and press the eraser onto the paper, making a dot. Continue this process all around the corn.

You can add different shades of orange or brown as well. Let the paint dry and then glue the leaves to the back of the painted corn.

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Mankala/Oware Game Board

The Oware game is played in many parts of the Africa and is titled differently according to the region. In East Africa it is called Mankala, in South Africa it is called Ohoro and in the west, it is called Oware or Ayo. You'll Need: Empty cardboard egg carton Acrylic paints Paint brushes or sponges Ornamentation; glitter, sequins, yarn, beads Games pieces - dry beans How to make it: Remove the lid off an egg carton and paste it underneath the egg portion of the carton to stabilize the game board.

Paint the "game board" with acrylic paints. After the coat of paint has dried you can decorate with African figure heads, beads, or use the Kwanzaa symbols. The older artist may want to paint images inside the cups. How to play "Mankala" Items needed to play: 48 beans Egg carton or a 12-cup muffin tin will also work. Two players (Play A and Player B) Objective: To be the player with the most stones in your bank at the end of the game.

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How to To Play Mankala: 1. Place four beans in the bottom of each of the 12 cups. 2. Play: Player A picks up all the beans from any cup. Starting with the next cup to the right, drops one bean at a time into each successive cup. After he/she drops the last bean in a cup, player A picks up all the bean in THAT cup and continues to drop one in each consecutive cup. Player A's turn ends when he/she puts the last bean in an empty cup. (Player A has the longest turn first) Player B then chooses any cup of beans and begins a turn exactly like Player A's. A player scores when he/she drops the last bean in a cup with THREE others (making FOUR beans in a cup). The player then puts all four stones in his/her "bank". If the player puts a bean in a cup with three others and it is not the last bean, the other player puts the four beans in his/her bank. The player who gets the next to the last four beans gets the remaining beans on the board. The player who has accumulated the most beans in his/her bank, WINS! __________________________________________________________________

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Hanukkah Window Candles Play dough Menorah Candle Puppets Milk Carton Dreidel Craft Spoon Menorah Star of David Door Hanger __________________________________________________________________ Window Candles

You'll need: construction paper scissors colored cellophane or tissue paper glue string or yarn How to make it: Put two pieces of construction paper back to back and fold in half. Draw half a candle and flame centered on the fold.

Cut out the candle. Separate the pieces of paper. Glue tissue paper to one side, filling in the candle and the flame.

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Window Candles cont... Glue the second piece of paper on top matching the candle shape so that light can show through.

Hang in the window with tape or string. Make one of these in the appropriate color for each day of the holiday. Punch a hole in the top, thread with string or yarn, and hang in your window. Make one for each day of Hanukkah and add them as the eight days continue. Playdough Menorah You'll need: play dough birthday candles large candles How to make it: Roll out piece of play dough and press to form base. Place large candle in center and four small candles on each side of large. Candle Puppets

You'll need: empty toilet paper rolls Popsicle sticks foil glue scissors markers yellow construction paper How to make it: Cover toilet paper roll with foil. Cut a flame shape out of paper and draw a face on it. Glue flame on one end of the popsicle stick. Insert stick in roll, hold roll with one hand, make flame dance with other.

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Milk Carton Dreidel You'll need: sharpened pencil glue paint and paintbrushes tape clean half-pint milk carton or small box How to make it: Rinse out a half-pint milk carton. Glue or tape the spout closed. Mix a little glue with paint and let children paint boxes.

When the paint is dry use another color paint or permanent markers to make the dreidel symbols. Poke a pencil through the box from top, downward so that the point is on bottom and it spins like a top.

Dreidel Variation: You'll need clean half pint milk carton duct tape permanent marker sharpened pencil Follow the instructions above, except instead of painting the milk carton cover it with duct tape. Use the permanent marker to make the symbols and then add the pencil.

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Craft Spoon Menorah

You'll Need Wooden craft spoons Acrylic paint Paint Brush Craft knife 12 plastic cups How to make it: Paint flames on nine wooden spoons with yellow and orange acrylic paint ( front and back) It will take just a few minutes of drying time before handling. Children can do the next step while waiting.

Cut a 3/4 inch slit on the bottom of nine cups. Cut the bottoms from the remaining three cups and stack them for the center candle. When it's time, your child can safely light their menorah by inserting the flame into the cup. One for each night of Hanukkah.

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Star of David Door Hanger

You'll need: cardstock paper, poster board or cardboard a variety of shaped pasta white glue silver spray paint curling ribbon scissors glitter glue (optional) How to make it: Cut two triangles from the poster board. The center can be left or cut.

Glue one triangle on top the other to make the Star of David.

Glue the noodles all around the star, completely covering. Let the glue dry. Spray paint the dry star silver (adults only) and let dry. When the star is dry let your children add a glitter edging with glue and glitter or a tube of "glitter glue", which is much less messy. Tie several pieces of curling ribbon around the top and hang. __________________________________________________________

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New Year Resolution Book Happy New Year Kazoo New Year's Hat More Hats Giant New Year's Cookies Ring Cookies ___________________________________________________ Resolution Book Here's a way to keep you and your family in touch with New Year promises. You'll need: photo album or scrapbook. paper crayons or markers pencils scissors tape or glue stick How to make it: Begin with drawing or writing what you found to be special about the past year. Family moments or historical events that have etched themselves into your memory. Place them at the beginning of the book. Then each family member writes up his/her resolutions, or hopes for the upcoming year. Put these in the book along with photos or anything else that strikes your fancy from the past year. Make a special family cover for the book and keep it somewhere where it won't get forgotten. Check in every month or so to see how you're doing with your promises to yourself. Kit’s Tip: Your children may come up with some grand ideas for their personal resolutions. Gently guide them to realistic goals that can be easily accomplished to feel successful.

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Happy New Year Kazoo

You'll need: cardboard paper towel or toilet paper roll wax paper rubber band glue stick pencil decorations; colored paper, stickers, glitter glue, paint, sequins, fabric How to make it: Decorate the tube using glitter, this years used wrapping paper, sequins etc. With a pencil, poke a few holes in the cardboard roll about 1 inch apart. Cut a 4-inch square of wax paper and place it on one end of the tube. Secure the wax paper with a rubber band. When you blow through the opposite end it will make a vibration sound. New Year's Hat You'll need: large sheets of construction paper streamers or tissue paper paint brushes water and containers pencils stapler glue glitter How to make it: Take a large sheet of paper and decorate with bright colors, fit for a celebration. Take your paper and roll the corners in from the middle. Overlap the two sides to make a cone shape. Staple together and cut away excess. Add tissue paper streamers to your hat. Glitter and other decorations can also be added.

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More Hats! This is a lot of fun and as a family silly moment can't be beat! Gather up old hats, paper bags, a colander …any thing you can think of to create a "hat". Collect items that can be used to adorn your creations. Either decorate an existing hat or make one out of a bag etc. Make them silly, gaudy or even beautiful! Family members create their own hat. Of course little ones will need assistance. For fun have a Hat Contest with candy bar prizes. Be sure every one wins …most silly… best feathers… fanciest etc. There is always something unique in every creation. Don't forget the camera! Giant New Year's Cookies Traditional New Year's Foods are thought to bring luck. Most cultures believe eating anything in the shape of a ring will also bring good luck. The Dutch eat donuts New Year's Morning in hopes for good Fortune. Ring Cookies An Amazingmoms twist on tradition You'll need: Sugar cookie dough, store bought refrigerator dough will work. Egg whites Food color Small paint bushes How to make: Form the dough into large Rings. Every family member paints symbols or letters to represent the past year. At the stroke of midnight the cookies are broken and eaten to symbolize the continuation of the circle of time. ____________________________________________________________

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Valentine’s Day Mouse Kisses Pencil Mice Hearts Puzzle Heart Puzzle Piece Pin Fingerprinted Hearts Candy Cane Hearts Valentine Favor Cups Beaded Hearts Valentine Notepad Marble Painted Valentines My Love for You Grows and Grows Smelly Valentines Valentine Gum Cards Animal Hearts Heart Mouse Valentine _________________________________________________________ Mouse Kisses Two Chocolate kisses make these sweet little mice.

You’ll need: 2 wrapped chocolate kisses 2x2 squares of construction paper, fun foam, or felt thread wiggle eyes very small pom-pom craft glue How to make it: Cut a 1-2 inch tall heart from the paper or fun foam. Place it between the two kisses (bottom to bottom) and secure them with glue. This is the mouse body and the heart makes the ears. Remove one of the paper tags to make room for the face. Then use your craft glue to attach wiggle eyes, thread whiskers and a pom-pom nose. The other paper tag is the tail. Kit’s Tip: Using paper for the "ear heart" will speed up drying time and makes For easier heart cutting.

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Pencil Mice Hearts Give these to classmates instead of candy!

You’ll Need: heavy construction paper pipe cleaners decorated pencils hole punch black marker or pen How to make it: From red, pink or purple paper, cut out several hearts approximately 4 inches across. On each, draw a nose and eyes. Punch four holes above the mouse's nose. Thread a short length of pipe cleaner through the top two holes and another through the bottom two. Lastly, slip a pencil down behind the whiskers, from the backside of the heart. Puzzle Heart A perfect use for old puzzles!

You’ll need: puzzle pieces red spray paint cart stock paper or poster board newspaper glue

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Puzzle Heart cont... How to make it: Place old jigsaw puzzle pieces, excluding the straight-edged border pieces, on newspaper and spray-paint them red, pink or purple (brush-applied paint will also work). Let the pieces dry thoroughly. Cut a heart from the cardstock paper or poster board. Attack the puzzle pieces randomly on the paper heart with glue, stacking them to add texture. Use a hole punch and tie for hanging. Puzzle Piece Pin A unique way to say, "I love you!"

You’ll need: jigsaw puzzle pieces spray paint or acrylic paint (red, purple, pink) Paintbrush craft glue or glue gun pin backing -craft store newspaper How to make it: Lay the puzzle pieces on some newspaper before painting. Spray paint according to the instructions on the can (Mom or Dad's job!). If you are only making a few, you can hand paint the pieces with acrylic craft paint. Then use a paint pen or a very fine brush to write your message. Let the pieces dry. I chose to seal my pins with clear spray on acrylic, but it is not necessary. Then using craft glue or a glue gun, attach your pin back to the back of the puzzle piece. Kit’s Tip: Use a self sticking magnetic tape to make a refrigerator magnet instead!

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Fingerprinted Hearts Love’s not a crime but your little ones will be fingerprinted for this one.

You’ll need: nontoxic stamp pad or washable markers in shades of red index cards, construction paper or card board. How to make: 2 thumb or fingerprints pressed together at an angle, making a V, create a heart Let your children master the heart making on scrap paper first. Then they can create wonderful Valentines on index cards, construction paper or cardboard. Kit’s Tip: To use markers for the ink, you can color directly on the finger, or color on a paper towel until it's moist. Candy Cane Heart Save those Christmas candies for this unique Valentine Craft!

You'll need: 2 candy canes hard candy or chocolate kiss hot glue gun (adults or older kids) yarn or ribbon decoration - optional Criss - cross two candy canes to make the heart. Attach with the hot glue gun. Attach ribbons to the top with glue or glue gun. Then add the hard candy for decoration. Attach a personal note to the ribbons.

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Valentine Favor Cones/Cups

You'll Need: Paper Doilies Construction paper or Card Stock Glue Stick or Stapler Ribbon Hole Punch Stickers, die cuts or any ornamentation Turn the edges of the paper doily in, to make a cone. Glue or staple to hold. Decorate with stickers, die cuts, paper shapes etc. You can even print out quotes from your computer in a romantic script and glue or tie the messages onto the cone. Use a hole punch and ribbon to make the bow. Fill with candy and you have a great party favor, valentine or class treat. TIPS: We glued our doilies onto construction first to make it a bit stronger. For more color and dimension, add a small piece of nylon netting, Easter grass, or fabric to the inside of the cup before filling with candy. Special Pal Beaded Hearts Make one for you and one for a friend ... wear them as a symbol of your friendship!

You’ll need: chenille stems (pipe cleaners) beads wire cutter How to make: Cut chenille stems in half and bend into a V. String the beads onto the chenille stems. Connect the ends together and twist. You can then add Red ribbon for hanging. Kit’s Tips: You can also use plastic bag "twisties". Add ribbon and a safety pin to make a pin.

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Valentine Notepad When I was teaching, I was given some very thoughtful Valentines. This is one of my favorites! You’ll need: red construction paper plain white paper hole punch red or white yarn How to make: Cut out 2 red construction paper hearts about 6 inches wide. Then using plain white paper, trace and cut 10 or more white hearts. Stack up the white hearts in between the 2 red. Use a hole punch to make holes about a half-inch down the middle of the hearts. Tie then together with red or white yarn. Decorate with stickers or markers, seal with a kiss! Kit's tip: Using red poster board or gluing felt on Cereal box Cardboard will make this gift a bit more durable. Marble Painted Valentines You can make several of these unique Valentines at once.

You'll Need: red, pink or white construction paper marbles paint; red, pink, white, purple shoe box lid or baking pan scissors How to make: Make your heart shapes by folding a few pieces of paper in half. Draw half of a heart (about 3 inches long) two times along the folded edge and cut out the shapes.

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Marble Painted Hearts cont... Place as many hearts into your box lid as you can. Pour a few drops of paint into the center of the hearts and then add a few marbles. Carefully roll the marbles around and through the paint by moving the box up, down tilted etc. Then add your next color, repeat these steps until all of the colors have been used.

After the paint has dried, write your message on the back of the heart. Kit's Tip: The next time you go to the grocery store ask for the boxes that hold cases of soup or canned goods. these are shallow and large enough to hold about ten 3 inch hearts. My Love for You Grows and Grows A living Valentine!

You’ll need: heart-shaped cookie cutter new sponge grass seed plastic wrap How to make: Use the heart-shaped cookie cutter to trace onto a new sponge. Cut out the heart. Rinse the sponge well to remove any pretreated disinfectant, and then let dry. Dampen the sponge slightly and put it back inside the cookie cutter. Sprinkle grass seed onto the sponge, use a spray bottle to spray with water. Cover it with plastic wrap. Place the heart on a saucer so dampness won't seep through. Add care instructions with the greeting: Remove plastic wrap when shoots appear. Spritz with water daily.

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Smelly Valentines You'll need: paper glue or stapler cotton balls perfume How to make it: Cut out 2 large hearts the same size. Decorate with glitter, markers, lace doilies or stickers. Spray perfume on cotton balls. Staple or glue around edges of hearts, leave an opening. Stuff the cotton balls inside. Seal the opening. Tip: Using one of the many "teen" Body sprays is less costly than perfume. Valentine Gum Cards You'll need: construction paper or poster board glue pen, pencil, or crayon glitter or other decorations pieces of gum for each card How to make it: Cut out heart shapes from paper and decorate.

On the Heart, tape a piece of gum and write this poem... I love you, I love you, I love you divine, Please give me your bubblegum, Cuz you’re SITTING ON MINE!! Or… I love you, I love you, I love you divine, I'm giving you bubble gum, Cuz you're hearts stuck to Mine!

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Animal Hearts Card Writing a witty pun on the back of this Valentine's Day card, makes a Purrr-fect home made Valentine.

You’ll need: construction paper glue or glue stick yarn scissors pencil Cut hearts of various sizes and colors. Show your kids how to fold the paper in half, draw half a heart on the fold and cut. "VOILA", a perfect heart! Arrange the hearts to form animals; upside down hearts make pointy cat ears, two hearts glued point-to-point, look like fish etc. This kitty will help you get started. Write "punny" messages on the back to bring a smile: "You're purr - fect for me!" "We're purr- fect together!" "I think you're the cat's meow!" Heart Mouse Valentine Who could resist a love note on this adorable little mouse?

You’ll need: construction paper glue stick or craft foam with a hot glue gun red ribbon or yarn pipe cleaners permanent marker

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Heart Mouse Valentine cont... How to make: Cut a large heart for the body. You'll need three small hearts for the eyes and nose and two even smaller for the center of the eyes. Attach eyes with glue, using the above diagram. Make a hole with a hole punch to attach the tail. Cut two small slits by the nose with scissors. Make the whiskers by weaving the pipe cleaners through the slits. Then glue the nose to the point of the heart. The last step is the Valentine note on the mouse --> "I love you more than cheese!" "I'll share my cheese, if you'll be my Valentine." Kit’s Tip- Use a piece of self-stick magnet strip to make a refrigerator magnet. ______________________________________________________________

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Easter Crafts Bunny Bag Baby Food Jar Bunny Marble Painted Cross Thread Eggs Easter Egg Bunny Chick and Bunny Cups Living Easter Basket Do-it-Yourself Easter Bonnets Coffee Filter Easter Lily Bunny Envelopes ________________________________________________________________ Bunny Bag

You'll need: paper lunch bags scissors pink construction paper glue stick markers Easter grass Keep the brown or white lunch bag folded. Draw two upside down V's for the ears and cut around the V's.

This should leave you with the bottom of the bag and ears still intact. From the construction paper, cut out pink ears. Glue them inside the ear portions of your bag. Draw a bunny face with markers or make one with paper. Open up your bunny bag and fill with Easter grass. Staple the tops of the ears together. Add Easter treats to the inside of your bunny for Easter morning.

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Baby Food Jar Bunny

You'll Need: baby food Jar glue cotton balls wiggly Eyes one big pom-pom one small pom-pom white or pink pipe cleaner acrylic paint - white or pink How to make it: Paint the jar lid with acrylic paint and let it dry while you make the rest of the bunny. Cover the jar with cotton balls. Attach the eyes, small pom pom for the nose and the big one for the tail. Shape the pipe cleaner into bunny ears and hot glue the ears to the lid. Place one last piece of cotton in between the ears. Tip: for a small gift or party favor, fill the jar with jelly beans Marble Painted Easter Cross

You'll Need: construction paper; white, purple, yellow or pink marbles paint; yellow, blue, pink, white, purple shoe box lid or baking pan scissors glue stick marker How to make: Make your cross by folding a piece of paper in half.

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Marble Painted Cross cont... Draw half of a cross along the folded edge and cut out the shape.

Place the cross into your box lid or pan. Pour a few drops of paint into the center of the cross and then add a few marbles. Carefully roll the marbles around and through the paint by moving the box up, down, side to side. Then add your next color, repeat these steps until all of the colors have been used.

After the paint has dried, glue the cross onto another piece of paper and write "Happy Easter". Thread Eggs For decoration or basket filler!

You'll Need: small oval balloons liquid starch or fabric stiffener scissors embroidery floss or yarn Inflate small oval balloons and tie the necks tightly. Soak 12- to 24-inch lengths of embroidery floss or regular sewing thread (use one color or a variety of colors) in liquid starch or fabric stiffener. Pick up the wet thread and remove excess liquid between your thumb and forefinger. Wrap the wet threads around the balloon one at a time. The thread will stick to the balloon without any additional glue. Cover the balloon by criss-crossing the threads any way you choose. To dry your new egg, tie an additional piece of dry thread around the neck of the thread-wrapped balloon and hang it until it's dry and hard to the touch. Burst the balloon with a pin and gently pull it out from the top of the "thread egg". Place the eggs in a basket or bowl.

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Easter Egg Bunny

What You Need cotton ball styrofoam egg white chenille stem (pipe cleaner) cut in half pink chenille stem (pipe cleaner) cut in half Wiggle eyes Small pink pom-pom or color head straight pins and pink plastic pony beads construction paper Scissors Glue How to make it: Cut a slice from the bottom of the egg so that your bunny will stand straight. Glue cotton balls on the styrofoam egg for tail, paws and feet. You can use one cotton ball separated into smaller pieces. Cut the chenille stems in half. Make a loop with the thick pink chenille stems. Make another white loop around the pink for the ears. Repeat for the second ear and insert into the top of the egg. Cut white pieces of chenille into small pieces for the whiskers. With craft glue, add wiggle eyes, a small pink pom-pom nose. Insert the small pieces of white chenille around the nose, for whiskers (optional). Finally glue your bunny onto a small square of pink, yellow or white paper. If you are using the pink bead for the nose...place the pin inside the bead and insert it into the egg instead of the pom-pom ball.

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Paper Cup Bunny and Chicks

These little critters will hold Easter treats and can also be used at table place settings. You'll Need: Yellow or white paper cups construction paper; pink or orange 2 (20mm) Wiggle eyes pink and white paper or craft foam - for bunny yellow craft feathers for chick scissors, glue, stapler How to Make the Chick:

From the construction paper, cut an orange triangle for the beak and a heart for the feet. Staple few feathers to the back, inside edge of the cup. You'll want them sticking out from the top of the cup. Now glue the beak and the eyes to the front of the cup. Glue the base of the cup to the heart so that the edges stick out in front to create feet. How to Make the Bunny:

From the paper, cut two white ovals, two smaller pink ovals, a small circle nose and small strips for whiskers. Glue the ears to the inside back edge of the cup. Then glue the wiggle eyes, whiskers and nose to the front. Glue the base of the cup to the heart so that the edges stick out in front to create feet. Fill your new Easter friends with grass.

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Living Easter Basket

You'll Need: clean half gallon milk carton poster board or card stock paper construction paper stapler potting soil grass seed plastic wrap How to make it: Cut the clean milk carton in half and discard the top. Fill the bottom half with moist potting soil, about 2/3 full. Sprinkle an ample amount of grass seed on the soil - Rye seed is the fastest. Mist with a spray bottle of water until completely moist. Cover with plastic wrap and place it in the sun. In just a few days the grass will begin to grow! Let it grow to a height of about an inch and remove the plastic wrap. To make the basket... Cover the outside with construction paper or paint with acrylic paints. To make the handle, cut a strip of poster board and staple the ends to the sides of the carton. Add plastic eggs filled with goodies, or other wrapped candies. These baskets last a VERY long time and can be planted in the garden after Easter. Kit's Tip: To avoid over watering, use a spray bottle to mist. The seeds must be kept moist but not soaked.

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Do-It-Yourself Easter Bonnets

You'll need: poster board tissue paper flowers and other decorative items (buttons, lace, ribbon etc) Cut a large circle from the poster board-about 18 inches in diameter. Cut another hole in the middle of the circle, big enough to fit around your child's head. Your shape should look like a donut. Using craft glue or a glue gun add the decorations all around the rim of the hat. Use a hole punch to add the ribbon tie. Place the hat over your child's head. Coffee Filter Easter Lily A beautiful gift for Mom or Grandmother!

You'll Need white coffee filters yellow food dye long pipe cleaners paper cup florist foam small bowl or cup How to make it: Mix yellow food dye with a little water in the small bowl. Fold the coffee filter into a triangle. Dip the inside corner of the filter into the food color and water. Lay flat to dry.

Press a piece of florist foam into a cup. When the filter is dry gather it up and wrap the end with the chenille stem. Insert the stem into the florist foam and add chenille stem leaves.

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Bunny Envelopes

You'll need: empty white envelopes construction paper; pink, white, black wiggle eyes - optional pink pom-pom cotton ball marker Seal the envelope. From the construction paper...

Cut two large white ovals and two smaller pink ovals (ears) 2 medium white ovals (paws) 2 small white ovals and two small black circles (eyes) To make the ears, glue the pink oval inside the white oval and glue them both to the back of the envelope. Glue the black circles inside the small white ovals to make the eyes. Attach to the front of the envelope. Glue the paws at the bottom of the envelope so that they hang over about halfway. Glue the pom-pom nose to the front and the cotton ball tail to the back. Glue either plastic wiggle eyes or paper eyes to the front. ______________________________________________________

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The Basics

With simple and inexpensive supplies around the house, kids can produce an art gallery, worthy of any family room! Fill a cupboard with construction paper, tempera paint, markers, pipe cleaners, colored pencils, crayons, watercolors, glue stick, white glue & children's scissors. Try putting together an anytime collage box: Fill a box with any of these items; ribbons, pinecones, old jewelry, feathers, pebbles, glitter, yarn, ribbon or magazines. Keep on hand with paper, glue and scissors for a boredom buster in a pinch! Tips for working with kids: - Refrain from showing examples of a completed project. Especially one that has been completed by an adult. Simply guide children through the instructions - When making large quantities of valentines, gifts etc... Have your child just make a few at a time. You don't want art to seem like work. If you are worried about paint drying or other supplies being wasted , plastic wrap or Tupperware containers are perfect for storing items until a later date. - When working with a group. You may find it easier to rotate a bucket of warm soapy water, for hand washing. Just be sure that they all have a clean paper towel for drying. -Dads old dress shirts or t-shirts make an easy smock -Use old vinyl shower curtains to cover your work area. You can wash them on the gentle cycle and hang to dry. - Store washables paints into yogurt containers. Save two lids... When painting, use one lid with a hole in the center for the brush. The other lid is used when storing the paint.

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About the Author:

Kit Bennett Utilizing her years of experience as a mother, teacher and artist, Kit Bennett founded Amazingmoms.com in 1999. She specializes in "Family Fun", sharing her practical ideas for holiday celebrations, kids crafts and birthday party planning.

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