Advent Santa Beard

Materials Needed:

Paper Plate Construction Paper Markers, Colored Pencils, Crayons, or Paint White Glue Scissors

Instructions: Using whatever you like to decorate a paper plate to look like Santa's face; minus the beard.If you like, you can use this Santa coloring book page as a template or guide. Cut 6 small slits about 1-inch long along the bottom edge of the paper plate where santa's beard would have been. The slits should be in a row along athe edge of the plate. Using white construction paper, cut 24 strips. Each one should be a little less than 1inch wide and about 6-inches long. Carefully thread a strip through one of the slits you cut in the paper plate. Glue the two ends of the strip together to form a loop like if you are making a paper chain. Continue this until you have a loop in each slit. Now, you need to add 6 more paper chain loops onto the loops you just created to form the second row of what will be Santa's beard. Do this by slipping the end of a strip of paper through one of the loops you made and glue the ends together. For the third row of Santa's beard, you need 5 paper strips. Slip one end of a strip through loops 1 and 2 in the second row. Glue the ends of the strip together. Take another strip of paper and slip in through loops 2 and 3 in the second row and glue the ends together. The third strip of paper will go through loops 3 and 4; the fourth strip will go through 4 and 5; and the fifth strip will go through 5 and 6. The fourth row of Santa's beard uses 4 strips of paper. Each strip should be threaded through 2 loops from the previous row. The first strip of paper should be attached to loop 1 and 2 of the previous row. The second strip should be slipped through loops 2 and 3 of the previous row; the third strip attaches to loop 3 and 4; and the fourth strips attaches to loop 4 and 5. The fifth and final row of Santa's beard is made using 3 strips of paper. Make this last row the same way you did the previous 2 rows, by threading each strip through two loops from the previous row. Let the glue dry. You Santa now has a beard with 24 paper loops! Hang your Santa up and, starting from the bottom, remove one chain from his beard everyday starting on December 1st. When your Santa's beard disappears, it is Christmas Eve!

Bat Treat Cup Craft

Materials Needed:

Tin Can Paper Plate Paint Wiggle Eyes Craft Glue Scissors Paint Brush

Instructions: This bat treat cup is made the same way as the Cat Treat Cup!

Paint the outside of the tin can and the entire paper plate black. Paint a mouth on one side of your can and add the wiggle eyes (you can also paint on eyes if you like). Once the paint is dry, cut the paper plate in half. Along the straight edge of half the paper plate, cut a scalloped edge to make the bat's wings. Glue the wings on the side of the can, opposite the face. Let the glue dry before you move it around!

Bunny Easter Basket Craft

Before you start any project it is easiest to gather together all of the supplies. For this project you will need:

Paper Plate Construction Paper or Cardstock Chenille Stem Pom-Poms Crayons Craft Glue Stapler Scissors - Used for cutting the paper. Wire Cutters or Old Scissors - Used for cutting the chenille stems.

Now we can start... To form the basket, which is also the bunny's body, fold the paper plate in half and staple along the rounded edge of the folded plate. Leave about 4-inches along the top open to fill. Using construction paper or cardstock, cut out a basket handle about an inch wide and 12-inches long. Also cut out your bunny's ears. I cut out 2 white ears and 2 smaller pink ear shapes to be the inside of the ears. Glue the strip of paper into the opening on the curved side of the plate to form the basket handle. Then, glue the ears near one side of the handle on both sides of the paper plate as shown in the picture above. Use an old pair of scissors or a wire cutter to cut a piece of chenille stem into 3 equal pieces, about 4-inches long. Glue the whiskers onto the bunny basket as shown in the photo above. Next, glue a small pom-pom onto the whiskers to look like the bunny's nose. You can simply draw the eyes onto your bunny using crayons or even markers. If you prefer, you can glue on wiggle eyes instead. Finally, glue a pom-pom (or you can use a cotton ball) on to look like a puffy tail. Once all the glue is dry, you can fill this cute bunny basket with Easter grass and treats!

Busy Bee Puppet Craft

Materials Needed:

Paper Plate Black Glove (stretchy kind works well) Craft Glue Wiggle Eyes Felt 1-Inch Pom-Pom Chenille Stems Scissors

Instructions: Color your paper plate what ever flower color you want. Cut around the edge of the paper plate to make petal shapes. Cut a hole in the center of the paper plate that is just big enough for your index finger to fit through. Put on the glove and poke your index finger through the hole in the paper plate. The finger will be your bee puppet! Glue the pom-pom to the end of the finger. Glue the wiggle eyes onto the pom-pom. Cut short pieces of chenille stem for the bee's antennae, and glue them onto the pom-pom. Cut thin strips of yellow felt and glue them around the finger to look like the bee's stripes. Use felt and make wings for your bee and glue them on. Once the glue is dry, you can slip your hand into the glove and play with your puppet. It looks really great when you make your bee wiggle and dance!

Canada Day Noisemaker Craft

How to Make a Noise Maker Using Paper Plates Materials Needed:

2 Paper Plates Crayons, Markers, or Paint Dried Beans Stapler

Instructions:

Decorate the paper plates using red and white crayons, markers, or paint. You can also add streamers, maple leaf stickers, etc. Put one paper place on the table, with the right side up. Place the other paper plate on top of the first one, right side down. This will make a gap in the middle. Start stapling the edges together. Leave an opening at the top to slide a handful of dried beans in (you can also use rice or unpopped popcorn!).

Finish stapling it shut. You are now ready to make some noise.

CD Daisy Puppet Craft

How to Make a Daisy Using a CD and a Sock Materials Needed:

Paper Plate CD Craft Glue Large Wiggle Eyes Pom-pom Scrap of Felt or Construction Paper Old Sock - Preferably Green Scissors

Instructions: Cut around the edge of the paper plate to make petal shapes. Glue the cd onto the center of the paper plate. Glue the pom-pom over the hole in the center of the CD. Glue on the wiggle eyes and use a scrap of felt or paper to make a mouth. For the final touch, apply a generous amount of glue to the back of your flower. Gently press the foot part of the sock onto the glue. Set aside to dry completely . Once the glue is dry, you can slip your hand into the sock and play with your puppet! Danielle's Daisy Scouts made a variation of this craft... Instead of a puppet, they made a daisy sun catcher! See the photo link below.

Cereal Rainbow Free St. Patrick's Day Craft

Materials Needed:

Fruit Flavored Circle Cereal (Such as Fruit Loops) Paper Plate Craft Glue Scissors

Instructions: Cut the paper plate in half so you have a half circle. Separate the cereral by color. Follow the curve of the paper plate and glue the fruit cereal on it to form a rainbow. Let the glue dry. For a fun, edible variation of this craft, instead of glue use white frosting!

How to Make a Paper Plate Clock

Materials Needed:

Paper Plate Crayons, Markers, or Paint Construction Paper Number stickers (1-12) Paper Brad (Brass Paper Fastener) Glue Stick Scissors

Instructions: If desired, color or paint the back of the paper plate. That will be the face of the clock. Cut 12 small squares from construction paper. Place the numbers 1 - 12 on the squares, and then glue the squares in the appropriate spots on the paper plate. If you do not have number stickers, you can simply write the numbers onto the squares. Draw two clock hands (arrows), one a little smaller than the other. Cut them out. Push the ends (without the arrows) of both clock hands onto the pointed ends of the paper brad, then poke the paper brad through the center of the paper plate clock face. The paper brad should be loose enough so that the clock hands can move around freely. It may be helpful to poke a small poke first using a craft knife. The clock is now ready to use to practice telling time. Show your child how the hands on the clock move and explain how the numbers on the clock represent a time of day. To extend this activity even farther, cut pictures from magazines or use computer generated pictures to represent different activities that happen daily, such as wake up time, lunch time, play time, story time, etc. Have kids match these to the time appropriate time on their clock.

How to Make an Elephant Craft

Using a Paper Plate

Materials Needed:

Paper Plate Gray Paint Gary Construction Paper Wiggle Eyes Craft Glue Paint Brush Scissors

Instructions: Paint a paper plate gray. Let it dry.

Cut two large ear shapes out of the construction paper and glue them into place. Glue on two wiggle eyes. Let the glue dry. Finally, cut out a big circle in the center of the plate where the nose would be. To use your puppet, simply slip your arm through the hole. It will look like the elephant's trunk!

Fall Scarecrow Decoration

Materials Needed:

Paper Grocery Bag Coat Hanger 6-inch Paper Plate Fabric Scraps Buttons Yarn Felt Artificial Fall Leaves

Construction Paper Paint, Crayons, or Markers Hole Puncher Scissors Stapler Craft Glue Newspaper

Instructions: This is how Mary Lou did this craft in a first grade class with limited time. You can let older children or children with more time complete some or all of the preparation steps themselves. Start off by preparing the paper bag. Cut off the bottom of the paper bag and remove side seam. Fold the bag in half, the folded end will be the top of the scarecrow. Cut a hole approximately 5-inches square in the middle of the folded end (This can be seen in the photo of back of scarecrow, which can be seen by clicking on the scarecrow photo posted here.) This is where the top of the hanger will come out. With the bag still folded, cut the shape of sleeves and overalls. Using scissors, cut small slits in the end of the sleeves to fringe it so it resembles hay. Drape the bag over the coat hanger so the hook of the coat hanger comes out of the 5-inch hole you cut. Staple around the edge of the paper bag body, leaving only the ends of the sleeves open. Punch holes at even intervals around the legs of the overalls. Use blue paint to make the overalls on the body. Set it aside so the paint can dry. Staple the paper plate onto the neck of the body where the hanger and 5-inch hole is. Use construction paper, folded in the middle, to cut a hat shape. Staple the hat onto the plate also staple the hat sides closed. Cut triangle shapes from the felt for the eyes and nose (you could also use buttons). Using black construction paper, cut out crow shapes (I used two per scarecrow for a 3d effect). Now you are ready to decorate! Using crayons or markers, color a plaid (or other type) shirt on the sleeves and body of the scarecrow. Glue fabric scraps and buttons on the overalls and hat. Glue felt or button eyes and nose on the paper plate face. Use marker to draw the mouth. Staple the crow on the shoulder. Staple an artificial fall leaf on either side of the head. Lace yarn around the legs of the overalls. Stuff a little newspaper or other scrap paper into the

body through the arm holes to give the scarecrow a pillow look. Now hang your wonderful scarecrow in a prominent location!

How to Make a Paper Plate Fish Bowl

Materials:

Paper Plate Paint Craft Foam Dimensional Paint Wiggle Eyes Craft Glue Paint Brush Scissors

Cut a small piece off of one edge of the paper plate as shown in the photo. Start out by painting the top side of the paper plate blue. This will be the fish bowl full of water. Paint the back side of the small piece of paper plate a different color. This will be the bottom 'stand' of the fish bowl. Glue the stand to the bottom of the fish bowl as shown.

Cut a few fish shapes out of craft foam. Make them whatever size and color you like, just make sure they will fit inside the fish bowl! Glue a wiggle eye onto each fish you cut out. This step is optional... Use dimensional paint to add detail to your fish. When you glue your fish to your fish bowl, we want them to look like they are swimming freely. To accomplish this, cut 3 small scraps from your craft foam for each fish you have. Decide where you want the fish to be in the fish bowl, and glue a stack of 3 craft foam pieces on top of each other. Finally, glue your fish onto the craft foam stacks on your fish bowl. Let the glue dry!

Clock Craft How to Make a Paper Plate Clock Materials Needed:

Paper Plate Crayons, Markers, or Paint Construction Paper Number stickers (1-12) Paper Brad (Brass Paper Fastener) Glue Stick Scissors Instructions: If desired, color or paint the back of the paper plate. That will be the face of the clock. Cut 12 small squares from construction paper. Place the numbers 1 - 12 on the squares, and then glue the squares in the appropriate spots on the paper plate. If you do not have number stickers, you can simply write the numbers onto the squares. Draw two clock hands (arrows), one a little smaller than the other. Cut them out. Push the ends (without the arrows) of both clock hands onto the pointed ends of the paper brad, then poke the paper brad through the center of the paper plate clock face. The paper brad should be loose enough so that the clock hands can move around freely. It may be helpful to poke a small poke first using a craft knife. The clock is now ready to use to practice telling time. Show your child how the hands on the clock move and explain how the numbers on the clock represent a time of day. To extend this activity even farther, cut pictures from magazines or use computer generated pictures to represent different activities that happen daily, such as wake up time, lunch time, play time, story time, etc. Have kids match these to the time appropriate time on their clock.

Elephant Puppet Craft How to Make an Elephant Craft Using a Paper Plate Materials Needed:

Paper Plate Gray Paint Gary Construction Paper Wiggle Eyes Craft Glue Paint Brush Scissors Instructions: Paint a paper plate gray. Let it dry. Cut two large ear shapes out of the construction paper and glue them into place. Glue on two wiggle eyes. Let the glue dry. Finally, cut out a big circle in the center of the plate where the nose would be. To use your puppet, simply slip your arm through the hole. It will look like the elephant's trunk!

Fall Scarecrow Decoration Materials Needed:

Paper Grocery Bag Coat Hanger 6-inch Paper Plate Fabric Scraps Buttons Yarn Felt Artificial Fall Leaves

Construction Paper Paint, Crayons, or Markers Hole Puncher Scissors Stapler Craft Glue Newspaper

Instructions: This is how Mary Lou did this craft in a first grade class with limited time. You can let older children or children with more time complete some or all of the preparation steps themselves. Start off by preparing the paper bag. Cut off the bottom of the paper bag and remove side seam. Fold the bag in half, the folded end will be the top of the scarecrow. Cut a hole approximately 5-inches square in the middle of the folded end (This can be seen in the photo of back of scarecrow, which can be seen by clicking on the scarecrow photo posted here.) This is where the top of the hanger will come out. With the bag still folded, cut the shape of sleeves and overalls. Using scissors, cut small slits in the end of the sleeves to fringe it so it resembles hay. Drape the bag over the coat hanger so the hook of the coat hanger comes out of the 5-inch hole you cut. Staple around the edge of the paper bag body, leaving only the ends of the sleeves open. Punch holes at even intervals around the legs of the overalls. Use blue paint to make the overalls on the body. Set it aside so the paint can dry. Staple the paper plate onto the neck of the body where the hanger and 5-inch hole is. Use construction paper, folded in the middle, to cut a hat shape. Staple the hat onto the plate also staple the hat sides closed.

Cut triangle shapes from the felt for the eyes and nose (you could also use buttons). Using black construction paper, cut out crow shapes (I used two per scarecrow for a 3d effect). Now you are ready to decorate! Using crayons or markers, color a plaid (or other type) shirt on the sleeves and body of the scarecrow. Glue fabric scraps and buttons on the overalls and hat. Glue felt or button eyes and nose on the paper plate face. Use marker to draw the mouth. Staple the crow on the shoulder. Staple an artificial fall leaf on either side of the head. Lace yarn around the legs of the overalls. Stuff a little newspaper or other scrap paper into the body through the arm holes to give the scarecrow a pillow look. Now hang your wonderful scarecrow in a prominent location!

How to Make a Paper Plate UFO Materials Needed:

2 Paper Plates Items to Decorate Your Flying Saucer Stapler

Instructions: Decorate the bottom sides of both paper plates however you like! One will be the top side of your flying saucer and the other will be the bottom side. I used markers, glitter, and plastic rhinestones. Once you get them looking how you want to and all of the glue and/or paint is dry, lay one on top of the other with the rims together, and staple them together. Foot and Hand Turkey Craft

Before you start any project it is easiest to gather together all of the supplies. For this project you will need:

Paper Plate (I used a dessert sized plate but you can use a larger one) Paint Paint Brush Construction Paper Pen Scissors Craft Glue Wiggle Eyes Chenille Stems

Start out by painting the back of the paper plate brown. This might take a few coats, depending on the quality of your paint. You will want between 6 and 8 handprints. Start out by tracing your hand on one half of 3 or 4 sheets of paper. Fold the paper in half as shown in the picture. Cut out the handprint through both thicknesses of paper. This will leave you with 6 to 8 handprints. Set them aside. Next, you will want to trace your foot on a brown piece of construction paper. It is even easier to trace a shoe rather than your foot. Cut out the footprint. Set it aside. Using scrap construction paper, cut out a beak and a waddle for your turkey. Set these aside and move on to the next step... Glue the handprints onto the unpainted side of the paper plate, poking up over the top edge as shown in the photo. Your fingers will look like the turkey's feathers. Glue your footprint/shoe print toe side down onto the front, center of the painted plate. Glue on the beak and waddle that you cut out. Also, glue on a pair of wiggle eyes. To make some feet for your turkey, start out by cutting a chenille stem in half so you have two pieces that are about 6-inches long. Fold each chenille stem into quarters so it resembles a capital letter M. Put a generous dab of glue in two spots on the bottom edge of your paper plate and glue on the turkey's feet as shown. That's it, your turkey is now done!

Make This Easy Apple Craft

Paper Lunch Bag Paint Fiberfill Small Twig Craft Glue Twine Magnet, Safety Pin, or Pin Back - (Optional) Pen or Pencil Paint Brush Scissors

We will start by painting a section of the paper bag red and a smaller section green as shown in the photo above. Let the paint dry. As I explained in step 3, trace the apple and leaf templates onto the appropriate painted sections of the paper bag twice. Make sure, for the second tracing, that you flip the pattern before you trace it so your apples and leaves are mirror images. Cut out your apple and leaves. Spread a thin bead of craft glue along the outside edge of one of your apple shapes. At the top of the apple, place a line of glue down into the apple as shown in the photo. Start out by setting the stem onto the line of glue you extended into the apple and then add a small piece of fiberfill in the center of the apple shape. Try to avoid letting the fiberfill touch the glue. Now, carefully place the apple piece without the glue on top of the apple shape with the twig and fiberfill. Line up the edges and press them closed. Now, you should repeat the process in steps 6 - 8 to make the little stuffed leaf. If you prefer, you can also just simple cut a leaf shape out of felt or craft foam.

Glue the leaf onto the stem of your apple. Let the glue dry. Once all the glue is dry, you can add a few finishing touches. First of all, you can attach a magnet, pin backing, or even a safety pin to the back of your apple. Finally, cut a piece of twine and tie it into a bow. Glue the bow onto the stem of the apple and your pin or magnet is complete.

Paper Lunch Bag Pumpkin Craft Materials Needed:

Paper Lunch Bag Paint Felt, Craft Foam, or Construction Paper Chenille Stems Newspaper Rubber Band Craft Glue Paint Brush Scissors

Instructions: Paint the paper bag orange. Leave the top 1- to 2-inches of the bag brown. If you like, you can make a paper lunch bag jack-o-lantern by painting or drawing a face on your orange paper bag. While you are waiting for the paint to dry, cut a couple of leaf shapes out of green felt, craft foam, or construction paper. Open up your orange paper bag and set it on your work surface. Ball up pages of newspaper and stuff them into the bag until it is about 2/3 full. Twist the top of the bag, the part that is still brown, and then seal the bag closed using the rubber band. The orange part of your bag will now be your round pumpkin and the brown paer will be the stem. Spiral the chenille stem around a pencil and then remove it and wrap it around the pumpkin stem to look like a vine. Glue the leaves you cut out near the stem on top of the pumpkin. Your paper bag pumpkin or jack-o-lantern is now done! You can also make large pumpkins or jack-olanterns by using a paper grocery bag.

Paper Bag Pinata Materials:

Paper Bag - You can make a larger pinata by using a paper grocery

bag or an smaller pinata using a paper lunch bag - you choose!

Candy and/or Small Toys - Not Craft Glue pictured Stapler - Not pictured Newspaper Scissors Colored Tissue Paper Hole Puncher String or Yarn You will follow these same steps whether you are making a large pinata using a paper grocery bag or a small, individual-sized pinata using a paper lunch bag. I used a small, paper lunch bag for this article. Start out by opening your bag and setting it on your work surface. Put the candy and/or small toys into the bag. You do not want your bag to be more than half way full or it will be too heavy to hang! Now, fill the rest of the bag, stopping about 2-inches from the top, using scrunched up newspaper. Once you have your pinata filled, pinch the top of the bag together and roll it down 2 or 3 times. Staple it shut. Cover the bottom of your filled paper bag with a piece of tissue paper. Set your bag on a piece of tissue paper and cut the tissue paper so it is about 2-inches larger than the bottom of the paper bag all the way around. Glue the edges of the tissue paper up around the bottom of the paper bag. I handled the corners as if I were wrapping a present. Now you will want to cut several strips of tissue paper. These should be long enough to completely fit around your bag and about 4-inches wide if you are using a paper lunch bag or 6-inches wide if you are using a paper grocery bag. You might have to use two strips together to fit all the way around a paper grocery bag. You will need about 5 strips for either sized bag (this may vary). Use your scissors to cut fringe along a long edge of all of your tissue paper strips. The fringe should go about half way up your tissue paper strip. The fringe should be cut about 1-inch apart. Now, you simply start near the bottom of the bag, just above the piece of tissue paper you glued onto the bottom of the bag, and place a bead of glue around the bag. Stick your first piece of fringed tissue paper, fringed edge down, onto the glue. This should hang over the bottom tissue paper and slightly overhang the bottom edge of the bag. Place a bead of glue just above the edge of the first strip you glued on. Stick another strip onto the bag, hanging about halfway over the first strip. Continue this until your entire bag is covered by fringed tissue paper. If you want your pinata to look fuller, use more strips glued closer together. Punch two holes along the top, folded edge of the paper bag. Cut a piece of yarn or string a few yeards long. Thread one end of the piece of yarn or string through one hole, pull it across the top edge of the bag, and then back through the other hole. Tie it using a few overhand knots so it will not come apart when you hang it. Cut several strips of tissue paper, about 1-inch thick and 6-inches long. Glue them to the bottom of the pinata. Not you can hang up your pinata!

Santa Puppet Craft Materials Needed:

Paper Lunch Bag Cotton Balls Construction Paper Crayons or Markers Craft Glue Scissors

Instructions: Leave the bag flat, and draw eyes and a nose on the bottom of the paper bag. For the mouth,

draw the top half on the bottom of the bag along the edge with the flap. Draw the bottom half of the mouth below the flap edge. Print out the Santa's hat pattern below and color it; or, use the pattern below as a guide to cut Santa's hat out of red and white construction paper. Glue the hat onto the paper bag just above the eyes.

Cow Puppet Craft Materials Needed:

Paper Lunch Bag (preferably white) Black Paint Circle-Shaped Sponge Construction Paper Craft Glue Scissors

Instructions: Use a white paper lunch bag if you can. Use the construction paper or markers to make a face on the bottom of the paper bag. The mouth will be on the bottom edge where the bag is folded. You can also use felt and cut out eyes, nose, etc. Cut small, pointy ear shapes out of construction paper and glue them to the side of the bottom edge of the paper bag. Once your face is done, you can finish making your cow by giving it black spots! Dip a small, round sponge into black paint and dab it on the bag. Set it aside until the paint dries.

Paper Bag Penguin Craft Materials Needed:

Paper Bag Newspaper Construction Paper Craft Glue Stapler Scissors

Instructions: Either use a black paper lunch bag or paint one black.

Draw an oval on white paper and cut it out. Glue it onto the bag to be the penguins tummy. The bottom of the bag is the bottom of the penguin. Ball up pieces of newspaper and stuff the bag to the top. Fold down the top opening of the bag corner to corner meeting in the back of the penguin, then stapled it closed. It should look like a fat bag with a triangle point at the top. Cut a black circle and glue it above the white tummy (over the stapled part) for the penguins head. Cut and attach 2 orange webbed feet cut out of paper along with a yellow triangle beak and two eyes.

How to Make a Star-Shaped Book Supplies for Creating a Star-Shaped Book

2 pieces of thin cardboard cut 4" square 2 pieces of decorative paper cut 5 1/2" square 5 cardstock rectangles cut to 4 x 8" and folded exactly in half 5 patterned paper rectangles that are 6 1/2 x 3 1/2". Fold each exactly in half. Glue stick Double sided tape 2 pieces of ribbon, 10" long each

Instructions for Making a Star-Shaped Book Glue the two pieces of cardboard onto the two 5 1/2" squares of paper. Cut the corners diagonally off the paper and fold the sides down and glue them to the cardboard. Take a large rectangle and put double-sided tape or glue on the inside edge of each end and put a smaller rectangle inside with the end edges lining up with those of the larger rectangle. Make sure the smaller rectangle is centered horizontally on the larger rectangle and that there is a space in the middle between the two rectangles. Repeat this process until all the smaller rectangles are attached to the larger ones. Once they are ready, glue all 5 folded rectangles together with the outsides attaching to one another. We'll do this by putting glue on the outside of one and, lining up the edges with another one, press them firmly together. Repeat this until all 5 are attached in a row, leaving the ends open for the cover. Now glue the end of a piece of ribbon to the inside of each piece of cardboard. Glue the cardboard pieces to the ends of the star book so that the ribbon is between the cover and the book paper. Let your child draw pictures or put stickers in the book. You may want to add some photos of him that can be embellished to make a mini scrapbook. You can tie the book closed, or open it into a star form and tie the ribbon to hold the shape. For a fun variation, use different colored or patterned paper for each fold of the star. When using a variety of patterns, stay with one color scheme for unity.

Egg Carton Christmas Tree Materials Needed:

Carboard 18 Egg Carton Cups Ribbon Garland Stapler or Needle and Needle and Heavy Thread Craft Glue Scissors

Instructions: Form the 18 egg carton cups on a piece of cardboard into the shape of a Christmas tree. Use the photo here as a guide for egg carton cup placement. Use a stapler or a needle and heavy thread to attach the egg carton cups to the cardboard. Trim the cardboard flush with the egg carton cups so you can't see it form the front. Cut a piece of ribbon about 10-inches long. Tie it into a loop and then staple or glue it to the back , top of the Christmas tree. Wrap the garland around each egg carton cup to decorate your tree. Use craft glue to hold the garland in place. You can also decorate this Christmas tree using other items like stickers, buttons, rhinestones, etc.

Egg Carton Bugs Craft Materials Needed:

Egg Cartons paint Glue Misc Supplies (wiggle eyes, felt, chenille stems, sequins, etc)

Instructions: Use egg carton cups to make a variety of bugs! Cut a long row of cups and make a caterpillar. Use two sections and some tissue paper and make a butterfly. Make a spider with long, chenille stems legs! Use your imagination and I bet you can think of a lot more! Caterpillar Suggestion from Denise: Paint half the bump side of an egg carton any color and let dry. Make two holes in top of one end section and insert chenille stem down and up so both ends of stem stick out on top of bump. Shape ends of stems for antennae. Add wiggle eyes to front of bump for caterpillar eyes. Spider Suggestion from Denise: Trim an egg carton cup to even it out a bit. Paint inside and outside black. Let dry. Poke a hole in the middle of cup and four holes in each side. Put string through top hole and tie off. (Elastic string works great for a dragline) Put twist ties in each side hole and bend back ends inside cup to hold. May need to add glue or tape to hold in place. Glue eyes on.

Egg Carton Caterpillar What we'll need:

an egg carton six eggs a spoon a small nail or pin paint and brushes

two matches tape cotton balls scissors alfalfa seeds

Prepare the Eggs and Egg Carton Begin by cutting the lid off of the egg carton, as we will not be using it. Then cut the bottom vertically; we will only be using one of these sides.

Place the eggs in the egg carton like this, and tap lightly on the backs with the back of a spoon. Use your fingers to poke through and take out the tops of the eggs. Now dump the eggs out into a separate bowl to be used as a cake later. Then continue removing the shell pieces until only three-fourths of the egg is left. Poke Holes in the Eggs Rinse the egg shells in a bowl of water. Then place five of them like this into the carton. Poke a hole through the tops of each with a tiny nail using the back of the spoon as a tiny hammer. This hole is for drainage. Paint the Egg Carton and Egg Shells Now the fun begins! Paint your egg carton and your five egg shells in the fashion of a caterpillar body. You might want to study what a caterpillar looks like first to get inspiration. Now let's start with the head. For it, we will be using the last egg without the hole in it. We will be placing two matchsticks on top of the head to be used as antennae. Then paint the egg to look like a caterpillar's head. Let everything dry for five to 10 minutes. Plant the Alfalfa Seeds in the Egg Shells Then soak ten cotton balls in a bowl of water. And gently place two cotton balls in each egg shell and sprinkle a fourth of a teaspoon of alfalfa seeds into each shell. Now place the caterpillar on a sunny windowsill. You can even name it. I have named mine Fredrick. And all that is left to do is watch it grow.

Winter Sweet Igloo and Snowman Craft Materials needed:

a paper plate toothpicks popsicle sticks sugar cubes frosting, preferably white aluminum foil whole cloves marshmallows shredded coconut

Create the Craft Base First thing you want to do is create a base for your igloo and snowman. Coat the paper plate with the aluminum foil. Now we have a nice base for our igloo. Build the Candy Igloo You want to start the foundation for the igloo and its really up to you how big you would like your igloo to be. Take a popsicle stick and place a generous amount of frosting on your plate to create a foundation for your igloo. You want to concentrate on having the frosting mostly on the sides and you can push it out once you have it down. But you also want a little bit out in front of the circle just to have an entryway for your igloo.

Now you can start placing the cubes. You want to smoosh them down into the frosting so that the frosting comes up around the edges of each cube. After you place the first level of sugar cubes coat another layer of frosting on top, and then repeat the first step. Remember to push down on the sugar cubes to get the frosting to come out through the cracks. Each layer you want to gradually move in towards the center so that then you get a rounded igloo, instead of a straight wall. Feel free to make the front entryway however you like it. Make the Candy Craft Snowman Now youre ready to make the snowman. Take three marshmallows and fasten them together with a toothpick by placing the toothpick in the middle of the first marshmallow and then placing two other marshmallows n either side. Now you want to place the cloves directly into the marshmallow and you can basically dress them up any way you like. I usually do buttons down the front and two eyes, a nose, and a mouth. Now he needs some arms and then youre ready to put some frosting on the bottom and plant him in front of your igloo. Two more tooth picks will serve as his arms.

How to Make Your Own Postcards From Recycled Paper

Things You'll Need:

Paper with images Cardstock Pencil Scissors Ruler Rubber cement or school glue Books

Instructions Measure the recycled paper image with the ruler and draw a rectangle measuring 3 -inches wide by 5-inches long. This is the United States Post Office's standard postcard measurement and qualifies for postcard postage. Measure and draw a rectangle on the cardstock measuring 3 -inches wide by 5-inches long. Cut the rectangles out with the scissors. Use the rubber cement or school glue to glue the recycled paper image to the cardstock by applying the glue to the back of the image. Use your fingers to spread the school glue evenly along all four edges and in the center of the image or use the brush applicator attached to the rubber cement jar lid to apply the rubber cement adhesive to the four edges and center of the image.

Press the adhesive side of the recycled paper image to the solid color cardstock. Press with your hand in the center and smooth out toward the rectangle's edges to work out any air bubbles in the glue. Use your fingers to wipe away any excess glue that oozes from the edges. Place the postcard beneath a stack of heavy books while the postcard dries so that the recycled paper postcard dries flat and the edges do not curl up.

How to Make a Paper Mache Witch Hat

Things You'll Need:

Newspaper Glue Water Cardboard

Masking tape Drop cloth Paint Paintbrush

Instructions Lay a drop cloth down in the area in which you will work. Cut a large circle out of a piece of cardboard for the hat brim. If someone will wear the paper mache witch hat, measure the person's head and cut a circle out of the middle of the circle just cut the same size. Roll up a section of newspaper. Roll it loosely to fit inside the cardboard hat brim. Leave one inch of newspaper below the brim. Tape this to the bottom of the brim. Tape the top of the rolled-up newspaper so that it stays together. Roll the tip of the hat a little tighter and stuff it with newspaper to create a tip. Another option is to roll the tip and bend it slightly so it appears to be falling. Mix the glue by using 1/4 cup of water and 3/4 cup of glue and stirring well. Tear strips of newspaper about 1" by 8" and begin dipping them into the glue solution. Pull out strips one at a time, remove the excess glue and gently lay them on the hat. Begin creating a layer on the hat, paying close attention to the seams to ensure that they are well covered. Continue tearing, dipping, and laye,ring strips until the outside of the hat, including the underside of the brim is covered. Allow the hat to dry for at least 24 hours. Repeat the glue making process. Tear more strips of newspaper and dip them before layering. Wati 24 hours and repeat this process again so that when the hat is finished there are three layers of newspaper on it. Each layer must dry for at least 24 hours. Paint the hat in whatever design you choose when it is completely dry.

Paper Heart Ornament

For this project you will need: - cardboard boxes - scrap pieces of scrapbook paper in design of choice - embroidery floss in color matching paper - sharp needle and soft mat for pricking holes - stick glue Instructions: 1. Print out your heart template and trace once onto cardboard and twice onto scrapbook paper. Cut each of these out. 2. Adhere the scrapbook paper to both sides of the cardboard box piece. 3. Poke holes at a regular interval around the heart. 4. Stitch around the heart using the blanket stitch. 5. When finished, make a loop with the embroidery floss and attach it to the top middle of the heart.