Tutorial on How to Make Artwork Candles

Here is a really creative project you can do with the kids when they are out of school or screaming for a fun activitiy to do when they are bored - Making Your Own Arwork Candles. This tutorial which is originally from the blog Come Togeher Kids was found on a site which I follow called Totally Tutorials which would be an inexpensive project to make. The first thing that came to mind was the inexpensive pillar candles you can purchase for $1.00 and up (depending on the size of the candle). I would say that would want to use white candles if you are planning to use a variety of colors for the artwork. As I think about it this might be a different type of activity for a kids birthday party or maybe a baby shower. What a cute idea for a Mother's Day or Grandparent's Day present.

Felt Scenters

Let the kids help you make these fun and easy air fresheners. Use them for scenting cars (hang from your rearview mirror) or hang one anywhere you need a great scent!

Materials

Stiffened felt* (we used Easy Felt brand) - various colors
Green felt for leaves
Craft Glue
Puffy Fabric Paints
Essential Oils

Directions

Cut out shape from stiffened felt in desired pattern. Attach leaves or other felt decorations (if using) with craft glue. Use Puffy Fabric Paints to write messages or draw designs onto your Freshener. Scent by applying a few drops of Essential Oil such as Lemon, Orange, Lavender, Pine Needle or Peppermint. Use a hole punch to make a hole and attach a piece of yarn or string to make a hanger. Reapply oil as needed.

*Note: If stiffened felt is not available, regular felt attached to cardboard can be used instead. Directions: Cut desired shape out of cardboard, then use this as a template to cut two more of the same shape out of the felt. Glue one of the felt shapes to the front of the cardboard, and one to the back. Follow above instructions to complete project.


Source: http://www.lorannoils.com/felt_car_scenter.htm

Homemade Bubble Bath Project for Kids

From "DIY Kids"episode DIK-205 which airs on the DIY Network.

Materials:

1 cup baby shampoo
3/4 cup water
1/2 to 1 tsp. glycerin
5 drops of scented oil or extract (optional)
Bottle Paint pens

Steps:

- Mix together baby shampoo, water, and glycerin.

- Add scented oil (peppermint, orange, etc.) if desired.

- Pour into a squeeze bottle for easy dispensing, and decorate bottle.


Tips:

- Start with 1/2 teaspoon of glycerin in your mix. If the bubbles don't last, you can add another half-teaspoon.

- All products can be purchased at grocery, drug, or all-purpose stores nationwide.

- No special products needed.


RESOURCES :

Soap Making for Kids
Model: 0590635050
Author: Editors of Scholastic(1998)
Scholastic Books
New York, NY 10012
Phone: 212-343-6100



source: http://www.diynetwork.com/diy/ca_crafts_projects/article/0,2041,DIY_13721_2271552,00.html

Carved Sponges Project for Kids

This is a fun project for kids from "DIY Kids" (episode DIK-205) which airs on the DIY Network.


Materials:

Rubber sponges
Permanent markers
Ruler
Paper
Paper stencils
Hot glue
Craft foam
Scissors
Pencil
Googlie eyes


Steps:

- Hot-glue the narrow edges of sponge pieces together. There's not a lot of surface area, so be patient. It has to cool completely. Safety alert: Be careful: the glue is HOT!

- Trace the outline of the sponges onto a piece of paper.

- Draw a design within the box on the paper. Keep it big and simple.

- Cut out the paper pattern you have drawn and trace the outline onto the sponge.

- Cut the shape out of sponge.

- Snip and trim sponge to even edges and to contour it. Remember, you can always take more off, but you can't put back on.

- Add other pieces of smaller sponges to give your design a 3-D look. Continue to decorate by hot-gluing on craft-foam shapes or googlie eyes, or just draw on it with permanent markers.


Tips:

- Always have an adult around when using hot glue and scissors.

- We found that inexpensive rubber sponges worked the best.

- All products can be purchased at craft and all-purpose stores nationwide.



Source: http://www.diynetwork.com/diy/ca_crafts_projects/article/0,2041,DIY_13721_2271554,00.html