This Week's Spotlight Crafts
This time of year there are so many reasons to make crafts. You can make home-made holiday gifts and Christmas tree ornaments along with crafts for Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, New Year's, and more. Here are some project to get you going on your holiday crafting.- Max the Dog Ornament Craft - Make a Grinch craft! Make this adorable Christmas tree ornament that looks like Max the Dog.
- Clay Pot Turkey Craft - These can be made to be used as nut cups for your Thanksgiving dinner or simply for decoration.
- American Flag Heart Beaded Safety Pin - Use this free American Flag pattern to make beaded safety pin jewelry to honor veterans today and everyday.
- Advent Candy Tree and Poem - TOBPA shares this advent craft along with a poem that goes with it.
- Bean Bag Bear Craft - You can make personalized bean bag bears for everyone you know using a sock and a few other supplies. Just remember, this toy is not for young kids who like to put things in their mouth!
- Santa Puppet Craft - Follow these instructions to make a Christmas Santa Claus puppet using a paper lunch bag.
- Turkey Napkin Holder Craft - Find out how to create this napkin ring turkey craft using a toilet paper roll and a few basic craft supplies.
(Photo © 2009 Sherri Osborn licensed to About.com, Inc.)
Thanksgiving Beaded Safety Pins
Check out all these free Thanksgiving related beaded safety pin patterns! These holiday beaded safety pin patterns can be used to make fun jewelry to give and to wear. Some of the featured designs include a pilgrim hat, a turkey, and a football.
RELATED:
- More Free Beaded Safety Pin Patterns
- How to Make Beaded Safety Pins
- Thanksgiving Crafts and Activities
(Photo © 2009 Sherri Osborn licensed to About.com, Inc.)
Make It Merry - Week 2
Create a Pumpkin Candle
What better to put in the middle of the feast. David Fisher will show you how to make this easy and impressive pumpkin tealight holder.
Make a Sesame Street Wreath
For 40 years, Sesame Street has been part of our lives and has encouraged us to accept all holiday traditions. Barbara Crews will show you how to create this wreath dedicated to some of our favorite Muppets.
Draw a Penguin Pilgrim
For Thanksgiving crafts like place mats and name cards, you'll need some festive art. How about a lesson from Helen South on drawing this cutie penguin.
Embroider a Gift Bag
Save cash for presents when you reuse gift bags or buy those inexpensive plain bags. Phyllis Dobbs will show you how to dress them up for the re-gifting process with a touch of delightful embroidery.
Stitch a Swedish Ornament
If you've got an ornament exchange to attend this year, a traditional Swedish ornament will really stand out in the crowd. Cheryl Fall will show you how to hand stitch this original piece.
Wax Resist Holiday Cards
Add a contemporary look to your holiday while saving some cash on Christmas Cards. This wax resist technique from Marion Boddy-Evans is just what you need.
Pumpkin Foam Sticker Earrings
For a quick Fall look in a pinch, try these pumpkin sticker earrings from Tammy Powley. She'll show you how to make them in five easy steps.
Paper Globe Ornament
This dimensional ornament has an intricate look, but is actually simple in design. Kate Pullen will show you how to cut and stamp this delightful addition to your decor.
Knit a Stocking Ornament
A mini stocking is a creative way to give a gift card, or hide a little treat on the tree. Sarah E. White shows us how to knit this cute little sock.
Christmas Tree Bunting
Decking the Halls has never been so fun, and this one is perfect for helpful kids to take part in. Use up those scraps of fabric with this decorative craft from the Sadie and Lance blog.
Make a Mini Hippo
Stuffed animals add a bit of fun and tenderness to any slew of presents. Stuff a stocking with a smile when you sew this little hippo from Lesley Shepherd.
Snowman Candy Jar
Top off your candy jar with a snowman face as sweet as the treats inside. Sherri Osborn will show you how to paint and assemble this wintry decoration that is appropriate to show off all season long.
Joy Ornament Crosstitch
Stitch a little bit of joy for someone this Christmas. Connie G. Barwick has the free pattern for this jolly cross stitch project.
Want to Join Make it Merry to show off your holiday crafts? We will showcase your crafts and recipes of all holiday traditions. Learn more.
Share Your Favorite Clay Recipes, Projects, Tips, and Supplies
If you enjoy working with clay please take a moment and share your favorite stories, projects, recipes, techniques, and more. You can let everyone know about a project or product that worked great or something that was a disappointment. Share your stories and see if your stories are similar to anyone else's! If you want to share pictures of your finished clay projects, follow these simple directions.
RELATED:
- Let's Play With Clay
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- Submit a Craft Photo
(Photo © Daniel Pangbourne/Gretty Images )
Amigurumi World: Seriously Cute Crochet
I bought this book because I was enchanted by amigurumi critters, but I was convinced I wouldn't be able to complete any of the projects in it. I was amazed by how easy they were! The author does a great job in explaining how to make these Amigurumi creatures, and in no time I was crocheting an adorable monkey and you can too! Read More...
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- What is Amigurumi
- How to Crochet
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(Cover art courtesy of Martingale & Co Inc)
Make-It-Over Monday
- Bed Bug Craft submitted by Lebenheimer
- Bottle and Sock Snow Woman Craft submitted by Anneliese
- Sock Bottle Wrap Craft submitted by Connie
- Sock Bean Bag Game submitted by Corrina
- More Sock Crafts
Make sure you check out all of the other sock crafts and also all the projects from past Make-It-Over craft challenges.
This week's challenge is going to be extended to two weeks because I will be on vacation next week. Hopefully this give you plenty of time to make a project or even two! The item for this craft challenge is... Candy!
Not only did I think this might be a fun way to use up some Halloween candy, but also a great challenge for the upcoming holidays. You can use any kind of candy you like... It can be wrapped or not and your finished craft can be edible or not. You can also use other items in your project, it does not have to be made using candy alone. I have seen a variety of crafts made out of candy such as clowns, trains, and sleighs. Grab some candy and start experimenting. What can you make?
You can share your simple ideas and tips using the comments feature on this blog post, but to get your project possibly featured in next week's Make-It-Over Monday blog post, please submit it using this simple form. If you make the project you are submitting, take a picture of it and submit the photo. If you have a blog or Web site and participate, I will happily include a link to your site on the project page.
Some of the submitted ideas will be shared in next week's Make-It-Over Monday blog post. You can look through projects submitted for past challenges if you want some inspiration. You can also still submit craft projects made using past Make-It-Over craft challenge items.
If you have questions or comments about this craft challenge, use the comment feature below. Suggestions regarding this feature? Again, use the comments feature to post your suggestions; and, thanks for playing along. If you want a reminder when Make-It-Over challenges are posted, sign up for the Family Crafts newsletter.
RELATED:
- How to Submit a Project
- How to Submit a Photo
(Photo © 2009 Sherri Osborn licensed to About.com, Inc.)
Crafty Blogs to Explore - 69th Edition
Seems like many are starting to gear up for the upcoming holiday season. Are you?
- The Impatient Crafter - Madge shares a sneak peek of the ad campaign she shot with her lovely daughter AND the instructions to the Cupcake Glitter Shirt Avalon is wearing in the ad in this post for iLoveToCreate!
- The Artful Crafter - Make some sweet, goofy, felt and feather Tom Turkey Place Card holders for your Thanksgiving table.
- Stefanie Girard's Sweater Surgery - Two fun necklace designs featuring charms made with a Faux Scrimshaw polymer clay technique from the book Enchanted Adornments by Cynthia Thornton
- Mixed Media Artist - Have you ever wanted to learn how to weave? Cyndi's got a book giveaway going on that could help you out!
- Farm Girl Roots, City Girl Style - Two very different quilts from the same pattern and Linda shares the story of them both along with a story on getting one of the quilts published in McCall's Quick Quilts.
- Crafty Princess Diaries - Tammy is super busy and "somethings gotta give!"
- Craftside-A behind-the-scenes peek at a crafty world - Over at Craftside there is a free Japanese wave print and a how-to make pocket ATC with it, Latte Art, a sneak peek into Pam Sussman's studio from Lynne Perrella's new book, a call for entries for a cake decorating book, and good questions to ask yourself to help for a business/design plan.
- Cathie Filian - It is apple craft time! Cathie is stamping up napkins and a simple apron. She also has a delicious recipe for apple crisp.
(Graphic is courtesy of morgue.com)
This Week's Spotlight Crafts (October 31 - November 6)
What is your favorite project this week?- Basketball Beaded Safety Pin Design - Follow this pattern and the basic directions to complete this beaded safety pin project. A fun way to celebrate Basketball Day!
- Pine Cone Wreath Craft - Instructions to make a wreath using pine cones and a wire coat hanger. A fun gift idea or a great Christmas decoration.
- Candy Plant Craft - Find out how to make a terra cotta clay pot fully of tasty flowers. A great gift idea shared by Susan and a perfect project for National Candy Day!
- Tree of Thanks Craft - Create a fun hand print picture to help you celebrate everything you are thankful for.
- Pine Cone Angel Craft - Using these directions, your family can make a collection of pine cone angels.
- Leaf Prints - Try your hand at printmaking by making pictures and other items using leaves.
- Clock Craft - In this day and age it is a little harder to teach kids about telling time and reading a clock simply because digital clocks are more commonly found in many homes that clocks. Use this fun craft to help them learn how to read a clock and about different times of day.
(Photo © 2009 Sherri Osborn licensed to About.com, Inc.)
Up Movie Printable Activities
In celebration of the release of the Disney/Pixar UP Movie on DVD and Blu-Ray on November 10th, print out and enjoy these printable crafts and activities. You can visit the UP Movie's Official Web site to learn more about the movie and download even more activities!
RELATED:
- Famous Characters Color Pages
- Science Crafts
- Printable Projects
(Picture courtesy of Disney/Pixar)
Make It Merry - Week 1
Clothes Pin Holiday Card Holders
What to do with all those holiday cards? Hold them up with clothes pins as dazzling as twinkling lights with this how-to from Kate Pullen.
Make a Gingerbread House
Ever want to create the perfect gingerbread house? Okay, I have yet to master this skill..but you can! Our Barbara Rolek will show you how.
How to Draw a Christmas Tree
Here is one that will come in handy for all those handmade cards. Master sketch artist Helen South will show you how to draw the perfect tree from start to finish.
Paint a Glass Ornament
Turn a plain glass ball into a work of stained glass art. Our Guide to Painting will show you how to create this delicate trimming.
Silent Night Cross Stitch Pattern
Don't just get cozy, get your stitch on. Create a Silent Night design with this free pattern from Connie G. Barwick.
Stitch a Pear Trio
Hang up something special in your home for that Thanksgiving gathering. This free 'Pear Trio' needlepoint pattern from Cheryl Fall is just what your walls needed.
Easy Christmas Ornaments
Start a tradition for the kids to make new ornaments each year. Sherri Osborn has the shape patterns and project ideas for these ornaments that reflect Christmas traditions.
Print Thanksgiving Placecards
Add some warmth to your table with these Thanksgiving place cards that will have your guests saying 'awwwww'. Barbara Crews has the free printable for you to personalize.
Wine Bottle Wrap Pattern
Instead of giving a bottle of wine in one of those skinny bags, make a felt wrap that the bottle can be displayed in all season. Phyllis Dobbs will show you how.
Make a Miniature Christmas Tree
Why are tiny things always so darn cute? Learn how to make a little pine tree with Lesley Shepherd.
Interchangeable Thanksgiving Pins
Sometimes you just can't commit to just one pin. With this interchangeable Thanksgiving pin by Tammy Powley, you can tell everyone when you're ready for pie...and when you're overstuffed.
Want to Join Make it Merry to show off your holiday crafts? We will showcase your crafts and recipes of all holiday traditions. Learn more.