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.

Thumb Bunny Card

Thumb Bunny Card

Materials

• Paintbrush
• White acrylic paint
• Paper plate

• Colored card stock
• Black and pink markers

Instructions

1. Use the paintbrush to spread a thin layer of paint on the bottom of the paper plate -- this will be your ink pad.
2. Have your kids dip their thumbs into the paint and print them on the card. Their thumbprint will be the bunny's head. For the ears, have them press down only half of their thumb to make a long, skinny shape.
3. After the paint dries, they can decorate the face with markers, adding whiskers, eyes, and a nose.
4. Use a black marker to write "Some bunny loves you!" on the front of the card.
   Tips:
   Even a really young child can make the thumbprints. A parent or an older child can offer to help out with the features and writing.

Craft found at http://familyfun.go.com/

Cone Cup Bunny

Cone Cup Bunny

This simple, cute cone cup Easter bunny craft for kids is a fun activity that also makes a great table decoration for your Easter party or Easter dinner.

Make sure to visit our Easter crafts page for more holiday fun, as well as our Easter egg decorating ideas, online Easter games, and printables.

What you'll need:

• Paper cone cups or construction paper
• Additional construction paper in two colors
• Scissors
• White craft glue
• 2 wiggle eyes
• Craft paint or markers

How to make it:

1. If using cone cups, skip down to step number 2. If using construction paper, roll 2 pieces into cone shapes and glue or tape in place. Trim ends so that cones will stand freely on the table. (See photo.)
2. Take one cone and cut the pointed end off, about 2” from the tip. (See photo.)
3. Add some glue to the narrow end of the cone that you just cut. Insert the other cone; tip first, into the narrow end of the cut cone. (See photo.)
4. Cut two ears from construction paper, about 4” long. You may also cut two more narrow ears from another colored construction paper for the inner ear.
5. Glue the ears inside the top cone. (See photo.)
6. Cut a triangle nose and 6 thin strips for whiskers from construction paper.
7. Use wiggle eyes, nose, whiskers and a square of white paper for the teeth to decorate the rabbit’s face.
8. Cut a simple bow tie from construction paper and glue to the neck area, where the two cones meet.
9. Cut out a long oval (about 2.5” long) and cut it in half to create the bunny’s feet. Use marker or paint to add paw prints. Glue to the front of the bottom
   cone. (See photo.)
10. Cut a strip of construction paper for the arms, long enough to go around the cones. Glue to the back of the bunny and wrap them around each other in the front and glue in place.
11. Cut an Easter egg shape from a piece of construction paper, decorate it with markers or paint if you like. Glue behind the arms so that it looks like your bunny is carrying it. (See photo.)
12. Fill top of head with Easter grass and some jelly beans. (See photos 1, 2)

Tips:

• If you work in an office or know someone who does, ask the management if you can have a couple of cone cups for this craft.
• If you ask, gas stations may provide free paper funnels found by the motor oil.
• Change up the color of the construction paper to fit your child’s preferences. Make a blue bunny for a boy and a pink bunny for a girl. Green, yellow and white are great for girls and boys alike.

Craft found at http://crafts.kaboose.com

Decal Dyed Easter Eggs

Decal Dyed Easter Eggs

For something different try making these decal dyed Easter eggs. The high point of this craft for kids is revealing the patterns left by the dye once the decals are peeled off.

Be sure to visit our main Easter index for addtional ideas including Easter egg decorating ideas, Easter crafts, holiday recipes, printables and more.

What you'll need:

• Easter egg dye or food coloring and white vinegar
• Boiled eggs
• Paper towel
• Cooling rack
• Newspaper
• Tiny stickers in different shapes

How to make it:

1. Cover work area with newspapers.
2. Place cooling rack on newspapers.
3. Follow manufacturer's instructions for preparing the Easter egg dye OR place 1 Tbsp of white vinegar into a wide mouth cup (coffee mugs work great) and fill ¾ full with water, then add several drops of food coloring.
4. Use a separate cup for each color of dye. (See photo.)
5. Dry off egg completely with paper towel.
6. Stick on reinforcements and any tiny stickers desired on egg. Make sure that all edges are firmly applied to egg. (See photo.)
7. Dye egg according to manufacturer's instructions on Easter egg dye. (See photo 1, photo 2)
8. Let egg dry on cooling rack.
9. After egg is completely dry, peel off stickers. You will see white where the sticker had been. (See photo.)
10. If desired, dye egg again using a lighter shade (such as yellow) to fill in the white spaces.
11. Let dry completely. (See photo.)

Tips:

• If some of the sticker adhesive remains on the egg, gently scrape it off with your fingernail.
• Try different types of food coloring, we used neon colors!
• The longer you leave the egg in the dye, the deeper the color will be.

Craft found at  http://crafts.kaboose.com

Fluffy Tin Can Lamb

Fluffy Tin Can Lamb

If you are looking for a super-easy craft to make as a gift this Easter, this is the ideal project for kids. This sweet little tin can lamb craft makes a wonderful teacher’s gift, pencil holder for mom’s desk or a candy or coin holder.

Also check out our other great Easter crafts and activities.

What you'll need:

• Empty tin vegetable can, washed and dried
• Liquitex Basics Gesso
• Large paint brush
• 45-50 cotton balls (couple of handfuls)
• One-half of a sheet of black felt
• Two medium wiggle eyes
• Small black pom pom
• Eight-inch piece of colored ribbon
• White craft glue (Tacky Glue)

How to make it:

1. First, parents may need to use a piece of sandpaper or an Emory board to file off any sharp edge around the opening of the can. Many cans come with flip-top lids now and these are ideal as there are no sharp edges.

2. Paint the outside of the can with one coat of Gesso. This will help the glue stick to the can as well as provide a white background in case your little ones leave any gaps between cotton balls. Allow to dry.
3. Glue cotton balls onto the can, start at the bottom and work your way around the can. Then move up a layer and go all the way around again. Repeat this process until can is completely covered.
4. From the black felt, cut out two ears (the shape of a capital letter D without the middle cut out) and two hooves. The hooves are just two small squares, round the edges of one end and cut a small triangle at the bottom for the toe.
5. Glue ears and feet in place.
6. Glue on wiggle eyes.
7. Glue on pom pom for nose.
8. Tie a piece of ribbon into a bow. Trim the ends and glue below the nose.

Tips:

• This is very easy for little ones. Show them how to do the first few cotton balls and they will be able to do the rest on their own!
• Use any color bow you like. Curling ribbon that you may have handy from previous birthday wrappings works perfectly.
• There are can openers on the market that do not leave sharp edges. If you don’t have one, just be sure that you use sandpaper or a nail file to sand any points off.

Craft found at http://crafts.kaboose.com

Bunny Envelope

Bunny Envelope

Easy and fun to make, this Easter Bunny Envelope is a cute kids craft for classroom parties. Stuff each envelope with handmade Easter cards to take home.

For more Easter fun visit out Easter crafts, online Easter games, Easter Egg decorating ideas, and printables pages.

What you'll need:

• 4X6 envelope in pastel shade
• Pencil
• Scissors
• Pink construction paper
• White construction paper, optional for eyes
• Black construction paper, optional for eyes
• Red marker, pen, or crayon
• Wiggle eyes, optional

How to make it:

1. Lick the envelope shut.
2. Turn the envelope up long ways (portrait). Note: Most of the envelope will be ears.
3. Leave about 2 inches to draw on the bunny face. Draw on ears and cut around the ears.
   Note: This leaves you with a little opening for the grass and eggs.
4. Cut out inner ears out of pink construction paper and glue in place.
5. Glue on wiggle eyes, or cut eyes out of construction paper and glue in place.
6. Glue on pom pom nose, or cut a nose out of construction paper and glue in place.
7. Draw on mouth with red pen.
8. Fill opening with Easter grass and an egg or goodies.

Tips:

You can make the ears larger and the face smaller if you wish.


Craft found at http://crafts.kaboose.com

Egg-Hunter's Mask

Egg-Hunter's Mask

This cute, flop-eared mask doubles as a challenging impediment for wily hunters.

Materials

• 2 lightweight paper plates
• Pink construction paper or crayons
• White glue

• Stapler
• Hole punch
• Narrow elastic

Instructions

1. Cut one of the paper plates in half.
2. To make the ears, cut half-moon shapes from the pink paper, and trim them so they are smaller than a plate half.
3. Glue each half moon in the center of a plate half.
4. Position the ears on the other plate and staple in place.
5. Cut out openings for the eyes and trim around the mouth to shape cheeks.
6. Draw on a nose and whiskers.
7. Punch holes on the sides near the child's ears and secure a length of elastic so the mask fits snugly on your child's head.

Variations:

Alternatively, your child can color the insides of the ears pink.

Crepe Paper Surprise Bunny

Crepe Paper Surprise Bunny

Tools and Materials

Fold of crepe paper
Trinkets
Hot-glue gun
Tissue or construction paper
Clear-drying glue
Cupcake paper

Crepe Paper Surprise Bunny How-To

1. Print templates. Using template, cut 2 bunny ears from fold. Cut the rest of the sheet crosswise into 3/4-inch strips.
2. Wrap 1 strip around a trinket, creating a ball. (Hot-glue ends of paper together as needed.) Add a trinket every few layers. Continue until head is the size of a tennis ball.
3. Cinch paper at the bottom, and glue ears to ball with hot-glue gun. Cut lashes and nose from tissue paper, and glue in place with clear glue.
4. Snip away center of cupcake liner so head nestles in it. Cut fluted part to create collar.

Craft from www.marthastewart.com