T-Shirt Art and Home-Made Paint

My mama use to make shirts for me all the time when I was growing up! Sometimes she would let me help and I would make some really cool stuff!! It's time to pass on the memory! I've even found a couple fun and easy recipes for homemade fabric paint so you don't have to spend alot of $money$ to make some great fashion! The recipes are posted at the bottom

What are you waiting on? Lets Get Started!!

Lets turn a plain T-shirt into your own simple work of art.

 (You don't have to use a T-shirt, you can use any type of fabric you like. For example-> hats, pants, jackets, white shoes, shoe strings etc.)

This would also be a great idea for a project done at a Craft or Art themed Party! You can get plain shirts cheap at thrift stores or even The Dollar Store and the paint recipes below are very cheap!

First off ~~>

You will need~~>

• A plain T-shirt or sweatshirt
• Pencil
• Cardboard
• Clothespins or large paper clips
• Fabric paint or Home-made Paint (Recipes at bottom)

May we began.....

1. Place the cardboard inside the T-shirt and Clip it in place with the clothespins or paper clips
2. With your pencil, draw a picture on the shirt
3. Use the fabric paint to add color to your drawing. You can simply paint over the outline or/and color it in.

If you would like, you can make a design instead of a picture.

For example, you can use shapes and lines in different colors to make a fun, modern pattern.

DIY Puffy Fabric Paint

Found at http://www.melissagoodsell.typepad.com

1. Take regular white Elmer's School Glue and put small amounts into bottles.
2. Take different colored Kool-Aid packets and mix the powder with the glue.
3. Make sure the colors are mixed up really good.
4. Paint your design on fabric and let dry.

Home Made Crayon Fabric Paint

Found at http://saveathomemom.tripod.com

Use up your old crayon scraps! Melt crayon scraps in an empty tuna or soup can over boiling water. Working quickly, Paint pictures or designs on an old T-shirt or pair of pants. **Don't use on nylon fabrics!** To make designs permanent: Cover with a fabric scrap Press with hot iron I hope you have fun making T-Shirts and all kinds of wonderful crafts with your new paint and painting ideas!! HAVE FUN!!! Written By Autumn B with Thru My Eyes Creations and Thru My Eyes Photography

A Road in a Pocket

It's pretty much a Carry-Along Toy Road in a Pocket!

This is a simple toy that can be taken along on to friends houses, trips, etc. It's also very easy to make, boys are more likely to love it but girls will like it also!!!

1. Cut out road patterns to use on the fabric. (I made the roads about 2 1/2 inches wide but you can go smaller or larger. It's the perfect size for 2 cars side by side.)

2. Cut off 1 leg of a pair of jeans. (I got 6 road peices out of one leg)

3. Lay out the patterns on the fabric, try and cut the pieces as close together as you can so you can get more out of the space.

4. Trace the patterns onto the fabric, I use a regular pencil but you can use a fabric pencil if you have one.

5. Lay out our pieces to see if you have a cool road (This step is not necessary, but you know you want to!) (I did this to see if I needed an extra road pieces)

6. Paint on the Lines down the middle of the roads (I used Yellow Acrylic Paint)

7. While the paint is drying, Cut a pocket out of the same jeans. (This is going to be for storing the road when it's not being played with, It's also what makes it so great for travel!)

8. If you like, You can paint the yellow lines on the pocket to match it to the roads.

9. After the paint dries, you can fold up the road pieces and fit them inside the pocket!

Just add a few cars then you and your kiddos are ready for a day with no boredom!The road pieces can be put in all different road formations! Your kids will have fun making different roads, you can also make buildings with left over jeans if you like (I didn't this time, but I may in the near future.)

I got this idea off of pinterest.com and had to make one for my friends little boy! I hope you enjoyed the walk through steps. Enjoy!!!!

Post by Autumn with Thru My Eyes Creations and Thru My Eyes Photography

DIY Shrug Shirt

I found this DIY Shrug Shirt online and I'm so excited about getting some old T-Shirts and making these for me and both my little girls!!! I'll post pictures as soon as I make one!! If you make one PLZ post pictures so I can see them!! :0)



1. Grab a Shirt



2. Cut along the dotted line and cut off neck band.



3. Turn shirt inside out and fold in 1 inch to form the casing



4. Pin and Sew




.5. Pull the ribbon through the casing using a safety pin. Pull tight and tie.

Mini Lightning Bug Jars

Outside Summer Fun

Whats more fun than running around outside on a summer night chasing lightning bugs?? Catching them and putting them in jars for safe keeping! Most of the time you would use one of the gallon mason jars... I have a new idea for you. How about Mini Lightning Bug Jars? Easy to hold in small hands and not likely to be dropped when running thru the yard. You can make them with as little as 2 to 4 (depending on if you want to decorate your jar or leave it clear) things that could be laying around your house right now!!! These can be made by the child, with your help with the knife, or you can make them for your kids yourself. The choice is yours!!!!!!

All you need is :

• Baby Food Jars
• Knife (Adult help/supervision is needed for putting the holes in the lid with knife.)
• Permanent Markers *I used black and orange for stars and fireflies*(optional)
• Stickers (optional)

Instructions :

Step 1 -->  Make sure the jars are clean and dry.

Step 2 -->  Get an adult to poke holes in the top of the lid so the lightening bugs can breath.

 

**If you would like then your jar is finished. Or you can go on to Step 3**  

Step 3 -->  Write your name on your jar if you would like and decorate with stickers or draw fireflies with black and orange markers.

**Our Finished Lightning Bug Jars!!!!**

Rainy Day ~ Magnetic Fishing Game

Magnetic Fishing Game

Provide your kids with interactive amusement by constructing this magnetic fishing game with a few simple materials.

Make It: Help your child paint a square wooden dowel and wooden spool his favorite colors and allow to dry. Glue white string around the spool and adhere it near the bottom of the dowel. Attach a long string to the far end of the dowel and tie a magnet to the opposite end (magnetic barrels from the jewelry section of the craft store work well). Make clothespin "fish" by painting them fun colors with pink lips. Let paint dry and help your child glue on sequin scales and googly eyes. Now he'll be ready to go fishing!

Craft found at Parents.com

Star-spangled Parfait

Star-spangled Parfait

Colorful layers of flavored gelatin and whipped cream give our light and tasty dessert its banner good looks.

For four servings, make one box each of red and blue gelatin according to the package directions. In tall, clear glasses, alternate layers of red gelatin and whipped topping (we used Cool Whip), as shown. Top with the blue gelatin. (For the fruity version on our cover, substitute raspberries and blueberries.) Finish with a slice of star fruit.

Recipe found at www.parents.com 

Outside Game ~ Rocket Toss

Rocket Toss

 Supplies:
6 ~ Empty, Clean Metal Cans (15oz Veggie cans work good)
Ribbon
Colored Duct Tape (optional, if you decide not to use the tape, then make sure all sharp edges are covered with something)
Dry Rice
3 Small Un-Mated socks
3 Rubber-bands or Hair ties

Partygoers will have a blast playing this classic carnival game made from recycled metal cans and homemade "rockets."

For the cans, adhere strips of red, white, and blue duct tape to six clean, empty 15-ounce metal cans, covering any sharp edges. For thinner lines, simply overlap the tape. To make the rockets, use a funnel to fill three small socks with rice (we used about 1/2 cup in each) and tie them off with a hair tie or a rubber band. Thread a 3-foot length of sheer ribbon through each tie and knot it in the center to secure it. To play, set up the cans in a pyramid. Standing several feet away, each player gets three tries to knock down all the cans with the rockets.

Craft Found at www.parents.com

4th Of July Noise Makers

 Noise Makers

 

Create simple quacking noisemakers, and the kids can be ready for the fireworks or parade.

First, cup two 1 1/4-inch lengths from a plastic drinking straw. Stretch a wide rubber band lengthwise around a jumbo craft stick. Slide one straw piece beneath the rubber band 1 1/4 inches from one end. Lay the other straw piece on top of the rubber band 1 1/4 inches from the opposite end, as shown, then sandwich it with another craft stick. Secure the sticks with more rubber bands. Decorate the noisemaker with stickers if you like.

Craft Found at www.parents.com

DIY ~ Note Cards / Invitations

How To Make ~ Note Cards: Would be Wonderful Invitations for any Party!

Use Spray Mount to attach two different patterned papers of the same size back to back,

Let it set for a few minutes and then fold paper in half.

Photocopy the flower template from the MarthaStewart.com website (or draw your own), enlarging or shrinking it to your wanted size

Cut out the shape.

Unfold your homemade card (or store-bought card) & place the template over the middle of the crease, Trace half the flower in pencil on 1/2 of the card, on the fold.

On a cutting mat - Use a utility knife to cut out the half-flower.

For the flower seals, shrink the flower, then cut it out.

Trace the flower onto paper and cut out,

Use a glue stick to attach to envelopes.

www.MarthaStewart.com

Bug Hotel

Bug Hotel

This simple, yet sturdy, insect observatory lets young entomologists check in guests, then check 'em out.

Materials

• Oatmeal container
• Markers
• Poster paints and brushes

• Utility knife
• Screen

Instructions

1. Use markers or poster paint to decorate the outside of the oatmeal container, making sure you post the house rules!
2. Paint or draw the shutters, then use a craft knife (adults only) to cut them out with sideways H shapes.
3. Paint the door, then cut it out, making sure its bottom edge is at least 1/4 inch above the floor inside (to keep guests from checking out too early).
4. Roll the screening so it rests snugly around the inside of the container. Trim so the top edge fits beneath the lid and leave a 1-inch overlap where the side edges meet.

Tips:

Be sure to provide guests with food (notice what they were eating when you found them) and water (a filled plastic bottle cap should meet their needs).

Mother's Day Flower Pot Craft

Mother's Day Flower Pot Craft

This fun craft is a great Mother's Day gift for Mom! She is sure to love this personalized flower pot with her favorite family pictures in it. Pick your favorite pictures for some of the flowers and write your own special message on the other flowers.


Supplies
3" Clay Pot
Clay
Colored Popsicle Sticks
Flower Template (click here)
Construction Paper (many colors)
Scissors
Glue
Scotch Tape
Pictures
Paint, Markers, Crayons, etc.


Click here for printables, patterns and Templates

InstructionsDecorate your clay pot however you would like! Put it aside to dry.

Print out the flower template provided above.

Cut out the template flowers, trace them onto construction paper and cut out the construction paper flowers.

Cut the center circle out of the template flower. Place onto construction paper flowers and trace around it. Carefully cut out the center circle in each of the construction paper flowers.

Tape pictures or sayings on the back of each flower so that they are visible through the hole.

Tape a popsicle stick to the bottom of each flower as the stem.

Cut leaves out of green construction paper and glue to each popsicle stick.

Fill the clay pot with clay. Stick the popsicle sticks into the clay to complete the craft!

This craft is reprinted courtesy of  freekidscrafts.com and AllKidsNetwork.com.

Spring Lacing Projects from DLTK-kids

Spring Lacing Projects Lacing projects are a great craft for preschoolers and kindergarten children to complete during any holiday. The lacing gives them fine motor skill practice and practice tying knots and bows (shoelaces!) The large blank area in the center gives the kids the chance to 'get creative' by further decorating with paper cutouts, stickers or crayons.

There are a few different templates to choose from.

Materials:

• Wool or ribbon
• single hole punch
• scissors
• pencil
• card stock, poster board or construction paper

Directions:

• ADULT: print template of choice or make your own.
  
• ADULT: Trace onto a thick piece of cardboard (cardboard backs from paper pads or old boxes work well).
  
• ADULT: Cut out this template
  
• Allow the children to trace the template onto a piece of card stock or poster board (or construction paper... though I prefer the thicker card stock for lacing projects).
  OR have an adult do this prior to craft time.
  
• Allow the children to cut out their card stock shapes
  OR have an adult do this prior to craft time.
  
• Allow the children to make holes around their shape (about an inch or two apart)
  OR have an adult do this prior to craft time.
  
• Provide the children with a length of wool or ribbon.
  • You can wrap some scotch tape around the end of the wool to make it more like a shoe lace.
  • Have the child thread the wool through the holes.
  • children can use different 'stitches' to complete their lacing project (simple running stitch, X stitch, blanket stitch, etc). If you want to 'inspire' the kids, provide a number of examples for them and have them up at the front of the room.
    
• Practice tying knots and/or bows to connect additional pieces of wool or to tie off at the end of the lacing.
  
• Let the children use stickers, stamps, die cuts, or markers and their imagination to decorate their completed project.
  
• ALTERNATIVE: instead of lacing just one shape, lace together two shapes. Leave the top open and you'll be able to stick things inside when you're done!
  

• Close the template window after printing to return to this screen.
  
• Set page margins to zero if you have trouble fitting the template on one page (FILE, PAGE SETUP or FILE, PRINTER SETUP in most browsers).

Specific Instructions PLUS Templates:

Cloud: lace with a running stitch or a blanket stitch around the edge of the cloud - silver or grey is a good color (every cloud has a silver lining), but white or blue would work nicely too. You can tie a bow anywhere on the cloud and draw a face on the cloud if you like. Cloud Template
Flower: lace with a running stitch in a circle around the center of the flower. Tie a bow at the bottom. Green wool or ribbon would be nice. You can color the outside of the flower and draw a face in the middle if you like. You could also lace around the outside of the flower instead of or as well as the center, using any color you like (red, blue, pink, purple, etc). A blanket stitch would be nice for this.. Flower Template
Rainbow: lace with a running stitch in a different color along each arch of the rainbow. Rainbow Template
Raindrop: lace with a running stitch around the raindrop. Tie a bow at the bottom or top. Blue wool or ribbon would be nice. Raindrop Template	Crafts found at www.dltk-kids.com

Fairy Toilet Paper Roll Craft

Harpy or Evil Fairy Toilet Paper Roll Craft This is a fun and simple color, cut and paste paper craft that uses a toilet paper roll as a base to give it a three dimensional effect. You can use this craft as a harpy (from Greek Mythology) or as an evil fairy (from stories like Sleeping Beauty). In Greek mythology, the harpies were winged death spirits who stole food from Phineas the prophet.

Materials:

• a tp roll,
• printer,
• glue,
• scissors,
• something to colour with
• a piece of paper

Instructions:

• Print out the template of choice.
  
• Colour the pieces as appropriate and cut them out.
  
• Glue the large rectangular piece around the toilet paper roll
  
• Glue the arms to the sides of the toilet paper roll.
  
• Fold the tabs on the feet and glue them inside the toilet paper roll to give it a three dimensional effect.
  
• Glue the head onto the top of the toilet paper roll.
  
• Glue the wings onto the back of the toilet paper roll
  

• Close the template window after printing to return to this screen.
  
• Set page margins to zero if you have trouble fitting the template on one page (FILE, PAGE SETUP or FILE, PRINTER SETUP in most browsers).
  

Template 1: (color) or (B&W)

Template 2 - wings: (color) or (B&W)

Nurse Toilet Paper Roll Craft

Nurse TP Roll Craft This is a simple cut and paste craft that uses a toilet paper roll as a base to give the finished craft a three dimensional effect. Materials: toilet paper tube, a printer, a piece of paper, some crayons, scissors, glue

Instructions

• Print out the template of choice.
  
• Colour the pieces as appropriate and cut them out.
  
• Glue the large rectangular piece around the toilet paper tube.
  
• Glue on the thin rectangle at about the center as a belt.
  
• Glue on the arms and the head.
  
• Glue the feet onto the bottom of the tp roll, bending the tabs to make a 3D effect.
  
• Glue the baby into the hands (OPTIONAL)

• Close the template window after printing to return to this screen.
  
• Set page margins to zero if you have trouble fitting the template on one page (FILE, PAGE SETUP or FILE, PRINTER SETUP in most browsers).
  

Template (color) or (B&W)

Craft found at www.dltk-kids.com

FireMan/FireGirl Craft out of Toilet Paper Roll

FIREMAN CRAFT "Jackie" asked if I had a fireman toilet paper roll craft, so I put this one together. It's a bit more like a "firechild" than a fireman, but I thought it might appeal. The face is made so that it could pass for a boy or a girl depending on who the junior fire fighter/crafter is. Materials: something to colour with if using the B&W version, scissors, glue, paper printer

Instructions:

• Print out the template of choice.
  
• Colour (where appropriate) and cut out the template pieces.
  
• Glue the large rectangular piece on first to cover the tube.
  
• Glue on the head, arms, and boots.
  
• "Decorate" as a fireman with hat, belt and fire hose.
  

Templates:

• Close the template window after printing to return to this screen.
  
• Set page margins to zero if you have trouble fitting the template on one page (FILE, PAGE SETUP or FILE, PRINTER SETUP in most browsers).
  

Template (color) or (B&W)

Craft found at www.dltk-kids.com

How to Make Moss Graffiti

Moss Graffiti



Moss graffiti, also called eco-graffiti or green graffiti, replaces spray paint, paint-markers or other such toxic chemicals and paints with a paintbrush and a moss "paint" that can grow on its own. As people become more eco-friendly and environmentally aware, the idea of making living, breathing graffiti has become a more green and creative outlet for graffiti artists

 Ingredients

• One or two clumps (about a small handful) of moss
• 2 cups of buttermilk
  •  You can also substitute with yogurt (vegan yogurt can be used)
• 2 cups of water (or beer)
• 1/2 tsp. sugar
• Corn syrup (optional)

 Steps

1. Gather up as much moss as you can find or buy.
2. Wash the moss to get as much soil out of the roots as possible.
3. 
   

   Break the moss apart into manageable pieces and place in blender.
   Break the moss apart into manageable pieces and place in blender.
4. 
   

   Add the buttermilk/yogurt, water/beer and sugar.
   Add the buttermilk/yogurt, water/beer and sugar. Blend the mixture until completely smooth. You'll want it to have a paint-like texture.
   
   
   • 
     

     If the mixture is at a consistency where you feel it will drip, add corn syrup until the consistency you desire is reached.
     If the mixture is at a consistency where you feel it will drip, add corn syrup until the consistency you desire is reached.
5. Use a paintbrush to apply the moss-paint to the surface on which you wish your design to grow.
6. 
   

   If possible, check back weekly to either spray the design with water (to encourage moss growth, especially if you live in a dry environment) or apply more moss-paint

Things You'll Need

• A paint brush
• A blender

Tips

• 
  
  Moss can also be used as a decorative element indoors.
• Apply your paint in a moist area that receives a moderate amount of sunlight.
• Moss grows best on porous surfaces such as bricks or other stones.
• The best times to plant your graffiti are in the spring or fall, and keeping the moss moist will encourage its growth.
• If for any reason you wish to get rid of the design or parts of the design, spray it with lime juice as this will kill the moss.

Warnings

• Graffiti art, unless done with a public art permit, is probably not legal in your area. This article does not endorse illegal art, but does suggest that the graffiti can be done in or around your home or with a permit.
• If you're doing this because it's the green thing to do, be careful of how you obtain your moss. Please do NOT gather it from public areas. You can buy it from nurseries or online sources who grow it commercially. Not exactly anti-establishment but the right thing to do.