Frames

This is not so much a new project...more of an idea starters.
I love taking boring picture frames/earring holders and making them more exciting with simple household item. I call it trash to treasure, when you take something old and for very inexpensive or even free make it look like something fun and new!

The first frame I took weird shapes marbles and mod podged fun paper to the back then hot glued them to the frame.

Then this is how it turned out!

The next one I used one of my favorite crafting tools.....buttons!
Just hot glue on for a simple and elegant way to add a whole new look.

Follow these easy steps and you will have a new treasure that looks great by itself or hang them together for a different funky look.

What do you like to do to add a new spin on something old?

Sponge Toys

A fun easy project to do with kids while babysitting or just for fun. A soft sponge ball that will not hurt if you get hit with it and can even be used in the pool!

All you need are sponges, zip tie, and scissors.

First, take a sponge and cut it in half then cut the halves into thirds.

Then stack nine of the pieces up together.

Zip tie them together and fluff.

Then you can play a game of toss! Or get them wet for a game similar to water balloons...but they don't pop and you don't have pieces to pick up when you are done.

Sock Monkey Bag

This was a gift for my cousin. She loves sock monkeys and I thought it would be cute to make her a sock monkey bag.

The directions are the same as the sock monkey ipod case form the previous post, just a little bit bigger. I did add arms to this to make the handle for the bag.

To make the arms, I made a long chain stitch and single crocheted till is was thick enough. but I found it more durable to only chain 6 or 7 how ever wide you want it and then single crochet till it is long enough. then switch colors and connect the arms together.

I also stitched the arms to the top of the hat to make the bag stay still and not flop around.

Also, on the bag, I made a flap that the pom pom hooks on so the bag will stay closed.

Crochet hooks

This is the brand of crochet hook I like to use. I like them because the actual hook is more rounded and not flattish in the inside of the hook. This is a good deal for a pack of 8 hooks!

ipod case

If you know how to crochet this is an easy project.

First you chain stitch till it can wrap around the object you want it to hold.

Then you can choose single or double crochet till it becomes as tall as you would like it.

When that is done fold it in half and stitch together the side and one end.

Turn inside-out and then you have your case.

You can then add faces of a flap to keep the ipod or phone in the case.
Use googly eyes felt or crochet the face pieces too. I don't have a pattern for the face pieces I just made them up.

Sock Monkey case

To make the sock monkey case follow the directions from above but switch colors when getting close to the top to make the hat.

Make or add a pom pom. Again I do not have directions for the face pieces. But I used a chain stitch and double crochet around it adding about 5 stitches in the same whole on the ends to make the oval mouth. I used a double crochet in the same whole for the ears.

I used a chain stitch with two colors for the tail.

What different faces/animals can you make?

Multi-colored crayons and chalk

Ever wonder what to do with all the broken crayon you have around the house? Well here are two ideas that are cheep and a good way to recycle those old bits of crayons.

First is the multi-colored crayons
You will need:
~Broken Crayons
~parchment paper
~a muffin tin
~scissors

First this you need to do is take the wrappers off of the crayons. Then if you want you can have the child sort them all by size or color

Next cut the parchment paper to fit in the muffin tins or heat approved molds if you have them

Then brake the crayons up even more and place in the paper lined tin

Then place in a 200 degree oven for 5-10 min or till melted. It should look like this...

Next let cool (I placed mine in the freezer for about 5 min)

Then it is done and the child can draw a multi-colored picture

The next project is Crayon Chalk
You will need
~Broken Crayons
~Corn Starch
~Cooking Oil

First I melted the crayons in the microwave

Next I stirred in corn starch till is is a thick lumpy past (or thicker)

Then add enough cooking oil to make it all stick together you can even form it into shapes in your hands(but it will be messy)

Let dry (again I placed mine in the freezer)

Finally take it out and have fun decorating the sidewalks.

This also works on paper...but is better on concrete

let me know if you make this or have another use for old crayons?

Summer Fun

I decided since school is out for the summer it would be nice for the next few post to be easy craft to do with kids to keep them busy. whether they are your kids or you are babysitting or just want something to do with a neighbor, anything to keep the kids happy and out of your way, but something where they are not glued to a screen all day. I should have the first one up tomorrow. Hope everyone is having a great summer!