Easy and Unique Scarf Calendar

During the winter months its fun to display a winter scarf calendar that kids will love to make. Its so easy to make it that each child will want his or her own calendar. Thats okay, though, because the scarf calendar is so inexpensive that youll have no problem letting them make more than one.

Start with a long, knitted scarf and fold it in half. Lay it flat on a table with the folded part pointing upward. The two ends of the scarf should be hanging at equal lengths. Smooth the scarf out to where each half is laying completely flat.

Youll need a small, flat piece of wood for each month. Some people might want to only display the calendar during the winter months whereas others might choose to hang it on a wall year-round. Choosing neutral colors and non-winter themes will allow you to do just that. Scarves can be dress scarves instead of knitted ones so long as theyre long enough. You will cut thirty one small squares of fabric or felt. At some sewing supply stores you can purchase bags of the small squares. This makes it much easier for small kids to complete the project. The small squares will represent the days of the month. Use small, flat pieces of wood to create the month signs. Write "December" or "Dec.", "January" or "Jan.", and so on, for the months you want to display. On the back of each piece of wood glue a small, flat magnet. Glue another magnet to the scarf itself, at the top, near the fold. Stick the month sign to the magnet and exchange it with each new month. Cut a piece of twine that is slightly longer than one side of the scarf. Tie or glue any novelty at one end. The novelty could be a piece of wood in the shape of a heart, a plastic cartoon character, or any other trinket. Glue the bare end of the twine to the scarf, just below the magnet. The character or other novelty will dangle off the end of the long piece of twine. Use fabric numbers to create pockets from the fabric squares. The fabric numbers can be found at stores that sell sewing notions. Use one cloth square and glue a number to each square. Glue the number "1" to the first square, the number "2" to the second square, and so on. Create squares that are numbered 1 through 31. Glue the numbered squares to the scarf. Glue numbers 1 through 15 down the left side of the scarf and numbers 1 through 31 down the right side of the scarf. Glue only the two sides and bottom of the squares leaving top of the fabric square open. If youre an adult making the scarf calendar you can also stitch the fabric squares onto the scarf. After youve attached all the numbered squares your calendar is complete. Simply stick the month at the top, using the magnet, then place the trinket on a string, into one of the pockets. If its the 5th of the month, for example, place the novelty into the pocket marked "5". On the next day let children move the novelty to the 6th pocket, and so on. Each day the child will simply move the marker to the next days pocket. When the month changes the child can simply remove the previous months plaque and replace it with the new month. It just takes a second to pull the previous wooden plaque off the magnet and substitute it with the new one. The calendar can be further embellished by decorating the month plaques with rubber stamping or even magic marker designs. Pockets can be decorated by gluing on tiny silk flowers, fake jewels or other craft supplies. You - and the kids - will have lots of fun making this unique and easy calendar.

Turn Old Jars into Beautiful Candle Holders with a Theme

What spells beauty to you? Flowers? Lace? Puppy dogs? Whatever you love can quickly become the theme for new candle holders that are easy yet beautiful. The candle holders can be made from most any short glass jar. Baby food jars work perfectly for this craft but similar sizes of jars work well, too.

Make sure the glass jar is clean and dry before starting the project.

Tear paper into strips and use decoupage glue to affix them to the jar. Decoupage is found at any craft store and makes it easy to attach paper to most any other surface. Coat the jar with glue then position one of the paper pieces onto the jar. Paint over it with more of the decoupage. Attach the next piece of paper in the same manner. Continue gluing on piece after piece of paper until the jar is covered. The glue will initially appear milky, but as it dries, it will become clearer. When its completely dry you can take fine steel wool and buff it to give it a shinier, smoother appearance. Tie a ribbon, raffia, or a strip of fabric around the top edge of the jar. Set the candle inside and youre finished. Well, you dont have to be finished. You can create other jars or embellish the one you just made. Scrapbook paper gives you the opportunity to create any theme you want. The paper is available in thousands of designs and is very inexpensive. One piece of the scrapbook paper can make two or more of the candle holders. Besides scrapbook paper you can use pieces cut from a gift bag, wrapping paper, or even comic strips. After the paper has been applied to the jar allow it to dry overnight. After that you can add any number of embellishments. Paint markers, for example, let you add metallic accents with ease. Other possible embellishments include lace around the bottom of the jar, tiny jewels glued onto the paper pattern, or even small buttons, glued on here and there. Its easy to make the decorative jars for holidays and other special occasions. Make a Halloween candle holder by using orange construction paper to cover the jar. Cut black features from felt or paper, and glue them on, in the form of eyes, a nose and a crooked smile. Make a little chick by covering the jar with yellow construction paper, then making an orange beak from paper or foam. Glue wiggly eyes on to give the character a whimsical look. Even lace and other fabrics can be glued onto the jars to make beautiful candle holders. Thin lace and fabrics work best. Glue the fabric or lace around the jar using the decoupage adhesive. Glue on a narrow lace border, around the bottom, or use satin ribbon instead. Wrap ribbon, raffia or something similar around the top of the jar, to cover the raw edges of the lace or fabric. Create a monogram on the front of the candle holder by gluing on a painted wooden letter. Or, use fabric paints to write your initials. Instead of a monogram make a shimmery design of another sort. There are so many different ways to make each candle holder unique. Use small jars to hold votive candles; use large jars for bigger candles. Make the special candle jars for Valentines Day, Christmas or a graduation party. Make everyday ones that are for no special occasion at all. Give them as gifts or just display them in your own home. Its a great way to recycle those glass jars and make something lovely at the same time. It costs so little to make them that youll have dozens for the cost of only a few craft supplies. Creating the jars lets kids pass a rainy day without complaint, too!

Wax Paper Sun Catchers for Kids

If you love the great outdoors, chances are, so do your kids. The next time you take your young children on an outdoor hike remind them to pick up leaves and other flat objects from their trip. That way, when they get home, they can make a great sun catcher that will sparkle and impress. Little money is needed to make the beautiful sun catchers that will thrill children with their own creativity.

Although an adult must help kids with the final stages of the sun catchers the basic design is made by the child. All thats needed to make the unique sun catchers is some wax paper and a few flat objects. Some useful things for the design include leaves, sand, glitter, reeds or even confetti.

After the children have gathered the items they want to incorporate into their sun catchers they will arrange them on a table or other flat surface. Cut two pieces of wax paper. The wax paper should be slightly larger than the final design. Arrange the items on one piece of wax paper while you set the other piece aside for a moment. Kids can position the leaves and other items how they will. They can sprinkle the entire art piece with glitter, colored sand or even ordinary table salt. The sand, salt or glitter will add sparkle to the final masterpiece. There are many different ways to create the sun catcher. If a child doesnt have leaves and such he or she can cut an image from a coloring book or just cut shapes from foil with hole punches. There are no limits to the designs you make as long as you stick with flat objects. Consider adding pieces of colored paper, rick-rack, strips of tape, pieces of cloth, crayon slivers and other unusual items to the mix. You can make layers or just toss it all on the wax paper willy-nilly. When youre finished placing the items on the wax paper position the other piece of wax paper on top. An adult will then iron the wax paper using a towel under the sun catcher and another towel on top. Ironing the wax paper will cause the wax from the paper to melt and stick to the items in between. Adding crayon pieces further attaches the two pieces of wax paper together. The wax from the paper, as well as the wax from the crayons, creates the "glue" that keeps everything in place. After the sun catcher has cooled kids can then cut it into a particular shape. Cut it into a large triangle, square, oval or even a half-moon shape. Poke a hole in the top and tie a string to form a loop for hanging. The craft is simplistic, and looks like it, but you can make it much more impressive by adding a brass ring shape. The brass rings are found in different sizes and shapes, at any craft store and are very inexpensive. Brush glue onto one side of the ring and position the wax paper sun catcher on the ring. Allow to dry. If you want, you can glue a second ring on, on the backside, trapping the string loop between them. The brass rings make the sun catcher look much nicer. Dont have brass rings? Use shower curtain rings, cut the wax paper art to the proper size, and glue into the opening. Use a satin bow to cover the area where the shower curtain ring hinges. The bow will cover the hinge and will add a bit more charm to the sun catchers. Cut many of the smaller sun catchers and use suction cups to hang them all over a window. The wax paper sun catcher makes a great gift for kids to present to Teacher, Grandma or other relatives. Any child would love to make one and will be thrilled when they see how much the recipient loves the creation.

Easy Pillowcase Baby Changing Mat

Whether youre traveling across the country, or to the next town to visit relatives, youll be needing a baby changing mat. Babies require lots of different things, but one things most moms cant do without, is a simple mat to lay baby on while changing diapers. Without the pad your baby is lying on dirty car seats, couches or other areas. A baby changing mat is easy to make, and when youre finished, you will always have a clean changing area you can whip out of the diaper bag in seconds.

Bubble wrap makes the perfect stuffing for the changing mat. The wrap comes in a variety of styles and sizes and can be found at discount department stores or stores that sell packaging. The type that has large bubbles works really great for this project. Youll need less than a yard of the bubble wrap which is inexpensive.

A pillowcase is the other thing youll need to make the baby changing mat. Most any pillowcase will work to make the mat but slick fabrics, like satin, arent ideal. Thick fabrics are also a poor choice since the mat will then take up way too much room in the diaper bag. Cut a piece of bubble wrap which is only slightly smaller than the pillowcase. Open the pillowcase and position the piece of bubble wrap inside. Stitch the pillowcase shut at the end. Now stitch around the perimeter of the pillowcase so that the thread catches the fabric as well as the bubble wrap inside. With a needle and thread take a stitch or two, here and there between the bubbles across the entire mat. This will assure that the bubble wrap stays in place. Roll the finished changing mat into a tight roll. Mark the middle of the end of the mat, as well as the middle of the opposite side on the mat. Stitch a piece of velcro on each of these marks. Now you can velcro the roll shut before placing it in the diaper bag. Instead of velcro you can sew on a strap, a pair of ribbons to tie, or even a button and buttonhole. Instead of bubble wrap you can stuff the pillowcase with a folded felt piece, cotton batting or fabric scraps. Whatever the interior stuffing youll need to make a few stitches all over the pillowcase so the stuffing will stay in place. If you dont have a sewing machine you can always make the baby changing mat with fabric glue. To do this roll the ends of the pillowcase up towards the closed end. Roll the ends over and over until the roll is almost to the closed end of the pillowcase. Place the end of the bubble wrap into the closed end of the pillowcase. Place the fabric glue along the edge of the top and bottom of the bubble wrap, at the end. Now go down the bubble wrap, placing dots of glue here and there, along the bubble wrap. At the same time put the glue along the perimeter of the bubble wrap at top and bottom. Unroll and smooth the pillowcase over the bubble wrap as you go along. When the pillowcase is completely unrolled youll close the pillowcase with the fabric glue. Make sure the glue you use is fit for laundering and works well on plastic as well as fabric. Youll find suitable adhesives at a craft store or store that sells sewing supplies. The glue dries clear and holds most fabrics. Although the glue dries quickly dont launder the baby changing mat until the glue has set for at least 48 hours. The homemade changing mat is handy, easy to make, and costs little. It will be a handy assistant throughout the diapering period in your babys life. Make an extra one while youre at it, though. Your friends will all want one, too!

Christmas Decorations You Make for About a Buck

You want your house to look beautiful for Christmas but how can you make that happen when youre, well, broke? Dont worry! There are so many Christmas decorations you can make for about a buck each that you can quit fretting and start decorating! Use a few things you have around the house, plus a buck or so investment, and youll have decorations and accessories galore! Make ornaments for next to nothing by using bottle caps. Cut a piece of Christmas-theme fabric, or glue on a circle of gift wrap, and add a hanger and bow. You can wrap a piece of velvet ribbon around the outer part of the lid or even glitter the concave side of the cap.

Make other ornaments from bathroom tissue rolls. Start at one edge of the roll and cut, following the line that winds around the roll, so that you separate it into two pieces. Cover with glue and glitter, add a bow and hanger, and you have two gorgeous ornaments that no one will suspect as being toilet paper rolls! Purchase a red, white, green or other color of flat sheet at a thrift store. Use the sheet to make a table runner with matching place mats. Just cut one long, triangular shape for the runner, hem it, then cut four rectangles as place mats. Hem them as well. Embellish these, if you want, with roping, felt shapes, glued-on ribbon from a dollar-theme store or by writing or drawing on them with a permanent marker.

Make other rectangles from the sheet to create arm covers for chairs, a wrap to place across the back of the couch, or even a Christmas pillow. Sew or glue two rectangles together, stuff with anything from cotton to plastic bags, and sew or glue it shut. Write on the pillow with a permanent marker to create a Christmas wish or greeting. Take the candles you have now and make Christmas candles that are unique and gorgeous. Fill a clear vase or glass with foil balls, small balls of yarn, twigs from a pine tree, pine cones, sand, painted shells, beads or similar things. Set a votive candle - in its holder - on top of the objects. Wrap small boxes in Christmas gift wrap and use them as d?cor pieces. Write a letter on each box and spell out "Joy", "Noel" or another word, with a permanent marker. Or, use stickers to create the word. These can sit in a window, on a table or on a shelf. Surround them with pine cones or pine branches to make a table centerpiece. If you want, set votive candles, a small stuffed animal or other accents on top of the boxes. Use a square picture frame to make a door wreath. Hang the frame so that it has a diamond shape and add a Christmas bow. Although the unusual wreath needs no embellishments you can attach small trinkets, if you want. A different wreath can be made by tying sandwich bags to a coat hanger. Shape the hanger into a circle. Cut the bags so that the flap will go up. Tie many of the bags on the hanger and fluff. Add a bow and hang. This wreath must be seen to be appreciated; its absolutely elegant! Dollar-theme stores generally carry a nice variety of Christmas ribbon that can help you decorate all over the house. Tie bows and use them as curtain tie-backs, attach them to mirror corners, place them on the ends of a mantle, tie the ribbon around kitchen chair backs, hampers, pole lamps and more. Decorating on a budget doesnt have to be a sad and depressing part of the holiday season. This Christmas, youll have plenty to be proud of, and the most pride will be that you spent very little money to create elegant d?cor throughout your home!

Matchbook Gifts for Any Holiday: Make Your Own Matchbook Gifts

Theres a cute, easy and cheap gift you can make for anyone from a matchbook. The person doesnt have to be a smoker to appreciate the gift, and after you decorate the matchbook, you can even give the gift to a child. The matchbook gift can be personalized and can be dropped into Christmas stockings, Easter baskets, or just handed to someone on a special occasion.

To make a matchbox gift you need only start with a simple book of matches. Gently remove the staple that holds the matches in place. Remove the matches and toss them. Now you can begin to make any number of gifts for friends and family. The gift you choose to put in the matchbook can be a mere piece of candy or something more elaborate and costly.

Although not an absolute requirement a mini zipper bag is helpful when it comes to making the matchbook gift. Youll find the bags in various sizes at most any craft store. You can place any number of items in a mini zipper bag then secure it inside the matchbook. All you need to do is position the mini bag, fold the bottom piece of cardboard over the edge of the bag, then replace the staple you removed. The staple will hold the mini zipper bag gift inside while still giving the appearance of a simple matchbook. Small, flat, individually wrapped candies are perfect for the matchbook craft. Simply position the candy piece and staple into place. Tuck the front of the matchbook into the stapled flap and it will look just like a matchbook. Drop the candy into stockings, baskets, cards, envelopes of cash, and more. Things that will fit into the matchbook - with or without the zipper bag, includes folded money, a rare coin, candy, paper gift certificates, a folded poem, stickers, small window clings, stamps, earrings or other jewelry pieces, aspirins, Bandaids, free product coupons, and other small items. Since most people wouldnt feel comfortable giving a child a matchbook - even if it does contain a gift - use various techniques to change the look of the matchbook. A large sticker can cover the entire matchbook. Simply position it then cut off the excess. You can also glue on a piece of fabric or decorative paper. Even foil can be used to cover the look of the matchbook. There are many uses for the matchbook gift. If you have a small business, make stickers with your business info on them, then place the sticker on the matchbook. Place a piece of candy - or something else - in the matchbook. Pass the candies or other matchbook items out to your favorite customers or send them to new prospects. The matchbook will contain all the information needed for the customer to contact you. A business card can be used to make the actual matchbook itself. Fold the card to the size and shape of the matchbook and trim to the proper size. Insert the gift and staple into place. Tuck the edge of the card into the stapled flap. Customers can open the matchbook up completely to view your business information on the outside. Matchbooks - homemade or regular - help you keep up with small items you want to give. Drop a coin into a stocking and its lost in the crowd, but place it in the matchbook cover and it stands out among the other goodies. Most gas stations and convenience stores offer books of matches for free. Grab a handful and you can make gifts for any occasion, for anyone in the family. Give them to customers, friends, kids and others in your life. Theyll love the unique presentation which contains a gift especially selected for them!

Fun Fingerprint Characters for Halloween

Kids really enjoy making silly bats, pumpkins and spiders for Halloween. There are so many different projects, using various craft supplies, where the kids can create a variety of eerie or cute Halloween images, but those can get costly. Most every child already has exactly what he needs to make bats, spiders and other creepy things in seconds. Thats because most every child has fingerprints. Use the fingerprints to make all sorts of spooky or fun designs for the holiday.

Use a non-toxic ink pad, with black ink, to create the images. Help children press their fingertips onto the ink pad then to cardstock, Halloween signs and more. Kids will love stamping their fingerprints all over things and you wont mind a bit! With a fine tip marker you can then make the fingerprints into fun Halloween designs.

When the fingerprints or thumb prints are stamped onto paper and other surfaces they have an oval shape that is perfect for creating bodies of bats or other characters. Turn the finger sideways before stamping and you have a completely different shape than if you stamp it vertically. Use a fine tip marker to turn a vertical fingerprint into a bat. Simply draw wing shapes and color them in. You can glue on wiggly eyes from a craft store or use a cotton swab to paint eyes onto the fingerprint. Use the swab to dab two white dots onto the fingerprint then use a toothpick to make a black dot in the center of the white dot. Turn a horizontal fingerprint into a creepy or fun spider. After making the fingerprint simply use a fine tip marker to draw tiny legs on the spider. Make eyes with cotton swab and toothpick or glue on wiggly eyes. Use a non-toxic orange stamp pad to make funny pumpkins for Halloween. Stamp the fingerprints onto the cardstock or other surface then make eyes, nose and mouth with a fine tip black marker. Use a brown marker to make a stem on top. Use a row of fingerprints to make snakes, worms or centipedes. The creepy creations can be used on napkins, paper plates, streamers, disposable cups, invitations, paper tablecloths, mirrors, windows and more. The ink and markers can easily be removed from glass with nail polish remover. If you dont have ink and a stamp pad you can color the childs fingertip with a black or orange marker instead. Just color the fingerprint with the marker, stamp the design where you want, then use a damp washcloth to wipe the finger clean. The same technique, with various colors of marker or ink, can be used to make fun images for other occasions, too. Vertical fingerprints can be used to make a Santa, an Easter bunny or Easter eggs. Horizontal fingerprints can be used to make reindeer or even Christmas card borders. Theres no end to the fun and unique designs! There are different techniques you can use so that all of the spooks dont look exactly the same. For instance, not all fingerprints have to be made vertically or horizontally. Place the fingerprint at an angle to represent a pumpkin that is falling over or a bat thats swooping. Have grown-ups stamp their fingerprints or thumb prints to make larger images. Apply correction fluid, used in the past to correct typing mistakes, to create white ghosts on black paper. Kids will thoroughly enjoy the this craft which lets them get messy - but not too messy. Grown-ups may have to assist really young kids with the drawing of wings or eyes, but together, you and your children will stamp, laugh and create. Get busy - Halloween is almost here!

Styrofoam and Other Memorials for Loved Ones Gravestones

If youve ever purchased flowers, crosses and other memorials for gravestones you know how expensive they can be. On top of that you always have to select from what they have - unless you want to pay even more. Thats not the case when you make the memorials yourself. Make many different types of memorials for gravestones by starting with a piece of Styrofoam.

You can purchase small or large Styrofoam slabs or shapes just by visiting your local craft store. Purchasing the slabs will allow you to easily make crosses and other shapes by cutting it yourself. Purchasing shapes like crosses, already cut, can be much more expensive than cutting it yourself.

There are many ways to create the pattern for a cross or other shape. Draw it freehand or trace it from a coloring book. Use a cross you already own to make a pattern or just draw one on a piece of paper and use it that as a pattern. Bunches of silk flowers, with wires attached, makes it easy to cover the cross - or other shape - with the flowers of your choice. Discount department stores are one source for inexpensive flowers that you can add to the memorial. Purchase the flowers by the bunch and cover the cross completely by simply pushing the wire of each flower into the Styrofoam cross. You dont necessarily have to create a cross as a memorial. You can shape the Styrofoam into words like "Mother", "Dad", or "Angel". You decide on the basic shape you want then follow the steps to adding the foliage and flowers. Add the flowers to the front side and the outside of the shape but not to the backside. Instead of cutting Styrofoam into shapes you can also start out with a simple piece of screen. Lay the screen on a flat surface and use chalk to write a word or phrase onto the screen. The wording should be in the center of the screen. Start by using a particular color of flowers to add to the screen and spell out the name or phrase. Surround the wording with a different color of flowers. For example, spell out "Mom" and fill it with red flowers. Fill the remaining areas of the screen with white flowers. This will make the word "Mom" stand out from afar. Of course, you choose the colors you want to use. Make a different plaque for each holiday or occasion simply by using colors related to that holiday. Use red, white and green flowers for Christmas, green and yellow for Easter, or even black and orange for Halloween. With the plaques costing so little to make, and with these crafts being so easy to create, youll have no problem creating one for each new occasion. There are many other things you can use to make the memorials. Instead of flowers you can use pieces of plastic. Stick them to the Styrofoam with glue or to the screen by stuffing the center of the plastic into one of the holes. When finished you can glue a solid piece of plastic onto the backside. Trash bags are one way you can use plastic to fill in the holes of the screen for your new design. If you visit a loved one at the cemetery often take one of these homemade creations with you. Theyre easy to make and wont set you back a small fortune. In fact, you can make the screen versions for next to nothing. Look at yard sales and flea markets for silk flowers and greenery to help make your memorial. You can save money and be able to make many different designs. Online auctions are another good source for purchasing bunches of inexpensive faux flowers. While there search for bows, ribbons and other embellishments.

Easy Screen Door Welcome Signs

Do you have one of those screen doors which has the solid metal bottom? If so, there are some fabulous signs you can make to welcome your guests, and the signs can be easily changed any time you wish. The signs are created from magnetic sheeting which allows you to print on them or decorate them with picture cutouts.

Magnetic sheeting is sold by the sheet, or by the roll, at most craft stores. A roll of the sheeting is just what you need to create signs for your screen door. This type of sheeting is great for cutting out pictures from calendars or magazines and attaching them to the magnet. The magnetic sheeting has a peel-away adhesive strip that makes it easy to stick any picture to it.

A different kind of magnetic sheeting is sold at stores that provide computer accessories. Printable magnetic sheeting allows you to pull up an image, place it in your printing program, and print it out onto the sheet of magnet. This method allows you more options for the picture you display to your guests. When working with the adhesive magnetic sheeting you have many options for creating the design. Choose a piece of decorative paper or cloth and use stickers to spell out "Welcome". Laminate the sticker paper design and attach it to the adhesive magnet. Or, cut your own lettering from scrapbook paper and add additional images. Using scrapbook paper allows you to find many images that would otherwise be difficult to find. Scrapbook paper is found in hundreds of designs and are sold by the sheet. Cut images of lighthouses, flowers, pets and more, to use for the welcome sign design. Similarly, fabric is sold featuring many themes, and can be used to make the welcome sign. Cut out cartoon characters, Native American images, or even pets. The cloth images can easily be affixed to the adhesive magnet and used to make the finished design. Your screen door picture doesnt necessarily have to say "Welcome". It can say "Merry Christmas", "Happy Birthday" or can even be made to sport the familys last name. Using the magnetic sheeting you can easily create many different designs that are interchangeable in seconds. Make one for each holiday, graduations, anniversaries, or just everyday greetings. You can laminate the picture and stick it directly to the magnetic sheeting or you can laminate a different way. Instead of laminating both sides of the picture just make the paper picture an inch smaller, on each side, than the sheeting. Position the picture on the adhesive then cut one piece of clear plastic - or laminate - to cover the picture. The exposed adhesive will grip the laminate around the perimeter. Whenever you want to give a greeting to visitors just stick the magnetic sign on the screen door. The metal piece across the bottom of the screen door will be the display area for your various signs. When people walk up to the door they can easily see the "Welcome" or other sign youve made. The arrangements you make dont necessarily have to be signs. You can just create beautiful pictures and stick them to the magnetic sheeting. The picture doesnt have to offer a welcome or a saying. Change the picture according to the season or according to your mood. Creating the welcome signs and other door pictures is a lot of fun. Kids will really enjoy helping with stickers and other embellishments. The project is inexpensive and unique. All your visitors will comment on the beautiful pictures, and the next thing you know, theyll be making their own!

Cheap and Easy Picture Frame Organizer

If youve got a couple of picture frames lying around the house youre in luck! Theres a unique organizer you can make that is cheap, easy to create, and looks fabulous. And its guaranteed that no one you know has one exactly like yours. Youll have so much fun making the organizer, though, that youll want to give one to each of your friends.

It doesnt matter what size picture frames you use as long as they are both matching. Obviously, if you use large frames the finished basket will be huge. If you use small frames the creation will be much smaller. Choose two frames that are wooden and flat on the sides.

There are several different things you can use to create the picture frame organizer. Wooden slats, wooden skewers and even wide strips of hard plastic can all be used to make the basket. Long, flat items of any type can be implemented in a one-of-a-kind creation. Start by aligning enough slats or other flat objects to be the width of the picture frame. If youre using really small picture frames it might take only one slat to form the bottom and one for each side. Larger frames will use more slats. Align the slats to where there is a small space between each or to where they are butted together. The picture frames you use should have no stands on the back. If the cardboard backing has a built in stand you can remove that cardboard backing and replace it with an ordinary piece of cardboard. Position the needed amount of slats on a flat surface. Run a row of hot glue across the top edges of the wooden slats. Place the bottom of the picture frame in the glue and hold until set. Place a row of glue on the opposite side of the slats, at the edge, and set the second frame. The slats youve just glued create the bottom of the basket whereas the frames create the ends. Glue more slats on each side, between the frames, to form the sides of the basket or organizer. Glue the slats all the way up the sides of the frames or stop half way up. The design is all your own. You dont necessarily have to put family photos in the frames. Create a theme for the organizer, like a beach theme, and place shell pictures in the frames. Or, use paper, doily, and black-and-white photo to create a layered, antique look. There are many different choices for the image you display in the frames. There are many embellishments you can add to the finished organizer. Flat wooden shapes - painted or not - can help you create a particular theme. Glue on seashells, buttons, fake jewels, flat plastic novelties, roping, and other craft items to enhance the look of your unique creation. Use similar craft supplies to adorn the picture frame itself. There are literally thousands of choices of things you can use to embellish the frame and basket. Choose the ones you like to make the basket all your own. You can keep the design simplistic or go all-out and add brass bands or even golden emblems or lettering. Use huge frames and wooden slats to make something like a toy box or use tiny frames and popsicle sticks to make a small version of the holder. Use them as planters, magazine holders, blanket storage, desktop organizer, or even a stuffed toy holder. There are literally hundreds of uses. The picture frame organizers and baskets are easy to make and are very useful. Set them in the bedroom, living room or den to hold everything from magazines to knitting supplies. Its very inexpensive to make the baskets so get busy! Holidays and birthdays are coming!

Unique Picture Frame Ornament Without the Picture!

There are so many different things you can make with a picture frame even if the frame has no picture. One of the things you can create is a fabulous and almost instantaneous ornament for your Christmas tree. The frame doesnt need a photo or other picture so just grab some small frames and get started! It literally takes seconds to make a fantastic ornament for the tree. Remove the backing, paper and glass. Add a hanger and a bow. Voila! You have a fantastic ornament that you cant appreciate until you hang. Lightweight frames are best, but if you have a tree with hefty branches, you can even wooden or ceramic frames.

Nothing need be done to make the frame into an ornament but there are many options you have if you want to enhance the frames. Lots of people hang small framed pictures on their trees but yours will be more unique and extra special. Thats because yours will actually look like a real ornament! Choose frames which are square and hang them like a diamond shape. If you want you can paint them Christmas colors or further decorate them. Use metallic tape to make one design. The tape is found at craft stores and is dispensed like Scotch tape. Choose red or even blue metallic tape to create candy striping for the frame.

There are many quick enhancements you can make for the frame but you can always just attach a hanger and a bow. Its not necessary to involve a lot of money or time into the picture frame ornament projects, but you can if you so choose. Investing a small amount of time and craft supplies means you can make dozens of different picture frame ornaments. Use tiny plastic frames, the ones that are molded to look gold or silver, and attach a piece of lace to the back. Add the hanger and a bow before placing it on the tree. Or, cut a piece of Christmas cloth and glue it to the backside of the frame. There are many different creations you can make in a minute or two. Spray paint old frames with gold, silver or even red paint. Thats all you need to do to create a wonderful ornament that looks great on any tree. After youve added the hanger and bow youll simply hang the diamond-shaped ornament on the tree. The colors and designs you make on the frame can make all the difference in the finished ornament. Use tiny ornaments for small trees or trees with wimpy branches. Use frames as large as 5"x7" for larger trees or trees with stiffer branches. Besides gluing something into the opening of the frame there are many other designs you can create. Hang a tassel from the bottom of a frame, add hanger and bow, and youve got a uniquely creative ornament like no one elses. Position a tiny character at the "v" of the frame and youve framed a famous cartoon character or other miniature. The framed miniatures can be a snowman, a cartoon character image, or even a plastic pet. Craft stores are full of miniatures that are perfect for this project. There are many things you can do to make each frame different. Glue on some holly leaves and berries or glue tiny baby toy miniatures all over the frame. Other things you can use to embellish the Christmas ornament frames include fake jewels, glitter, sequin, buttons, cotton balls, cotton swabs, painted wooden shapes and more. Have a look around a craft store for more ideas or create your own designs with things you already have at home. This is a fun project that is easy enough for anyone to create. The picture frame ornaments will become cherished treasures for years.

Make Your Own Wooden Window Shutters

Would you love to have beautiful shutters but dont have the hundreds of dollars required to buy them? Make your own! Your homemade shutters may not look like store-bought ones but neighbors and visitors will be very impressed! Thats because yours will have a look all their own and will be like no ones in the neighborhood.

Using one-by-fours will make creating shutters very simple. The boards can be found at any home improvement store and are inexpensive. The rough wood pieces can be cut into sections that will become some of the most unique shutters youve ever seen. If you dont use power tools, or dont have any, most home improvement stores will cut the wood to your specifications. This will make it possible for anyone to create the shutters.

There are different designs you can make by using the 1"x 4" boards. A basic design is made by first measuring the height of the window and cutting two boards to that length. Cut two more slightly smaller than those, and two more even smaller. Screw the boards into the side of the house, placing the longest board beside the window, the next size beside that, and the smallest board beside that one. There should be a few inches of space between each board. A different pattern is done by cutting all six boards to the same length. Position them, three on each side of the window, leaving spaces between each one. Put one screw at the top, one in the center, and one at the bottom of each board. Create still another design by butting the boards together rather than leaving spaces. For this design you may want to use five boards on each side, rather than three. The shutter will be much more narrow if you only use three on each side, while butting them all together. The butted boards can be all the same length or can shrink in size as they move away from the window. No matter what design you select youll hang them and then cut horizontal boards. The horizontal boards are small pieces of 1"x4"s that will join the three or five shutter boards together. Cut four of these for each window, two for each shutter. Each one should be long enough to reach across all three - or all five - boards. One will be attached across the top of the boards; one will be placed across the bottom. A different design can be created by placing a third vertical board across the center of the shutters. Its up to you if you want to cut the vertical - and horizontal boards - straight across or at an angle. Cut them at a slant or even to where they come to a point at the bottom. A different design is made if you cut them to a point at the bottom as well as the top. Each cut and combination will give a different look to the finished shutters. The one-by-fours are sold unfinished and unsanded. Hang them as-is or sand and paint them first. Although you can hang them and paint them afterward youll find it much easier to paint them first. Some touch-up might be needed after handling to hang. Whether you paint them or not make sure to treat them with a lacquer-type product which will protect them from the elements. Painting the one-by-fours will require you to first primer them. The rough boards soak up paint quickly and it will take many coats to cover them if you dont primer first. Primer the boards and allow to dry thoroughly. Apply one coat of paint, allow to dry, then apply a second coat. Lastly, apply the lacquer or other protective coating. Youll love these shutters which are easy to make and easy to hang.

Easy Cardboard Box Nativity Scene

Many of us are already busy making Christmas ornaments, decorations and plans. For people who make their own Christmas things extra time is needed before the holidays. Theres one thing you can make that will impress your friends and family and will become a cherished family heirloom. The craft is inexpensive and fun to create.

Using a cardboard box anyone can make a nice nativity scene. Use a large box to make a scene that can set on a table in an entryway or a tiny box that can become a nativity scene ornament. The choice is up to you. Before you start making either, though, youll need the nativity scene characters. Purchase them from a dollar theme store or go all-out on a set of nativity scene figurines from a craft store. The amount of money you invest on this craft is your personal choice.

Use any cardboard box to create the scene. Keep in mind that the figures should be proportionate to the box itself. If the box has a lid or flaps remove them first. Now youre ready to go on to the next step. Set the box where the opening is facing yourself. What is now the top of the box must be removed. Cut it off and throw it away. Take another piece of cardboard and make cut it slightly longer than the piece you threw away. Fold this new piece of cardboard in half to form a "V" shape. Place the "V", upside down, over the top you cut away. This will form a peaked roof for the nativity scene. Glue the new roof in place and allow to dry thoroughly. Inside the box you can use spray paint, cloth or even decorative paper to create the walls. Paint or paper the three walls only and leave the "ceiling" and floor bare for now. After the paint dries youll create the floor by using raffia. Take a handful of raffia and glue it to the inside bottom of the box. That will be the straw or hay on which the nativity scene will be set. Set the characters in the scene on the raffia and glue them in place. The manger should be in the center of the box with the other characters standing behind or around it. Add sheep, or other fake animals if you want. If your box is very small you may only want to display the manger, Mary and Joseph. If you have lots of room in your box you can add the wise men and animals. How you set the scene is completely up to you. After the manger scene is set you have many options for embellishing. Paint a wooden star gold and mount it to the top of the roof. Or, fasten a strand of Christmas lights around the box opening. You can even slip a single light through the backside of the roof, representing starlight shining through the roof. If you want, you can use empty thread spools, or painted bottle caps, to create legs for the manger scene. If your little box will become an ornament, glue a piece of stretch cord to the roof, mount the golden star on top, then hang on the tree. If you have no star to mount on top glue the stretch cord through the small opening on the back of the roof. You can choose to paint the outside of the box or even cover it in black velvet. Youll decide how you want the outside to look. You can even glue wooden slats on the box to make it look more like a barn. The wooden pieces can be found at any craft store and some department stores. When youre finished with your cardboard box nativity scene youll be surprised at how beautiful it is. Youll want to display it each and every Christmas in the future and it will become a cherished decor piece in your collection of Christmas decorations.

Large List of Cheap Wedding Decorations

Theres nothing that says a bride has to spend a fortune on the decorations at her wedding. For the price one bride pays for a basket of flowers you can decorate for the entire event! There are many quick, easy and inexpensive decorations you can make that will have your wedding looking just as gorgeous as a bride who has spent big bucks! Make candle arrangements for the table by simply filling a glass vase, jar or drinking glass with your choice of embellishments. Fill it with glass marbles, beads, shells or something else. Set a votive candle, in its container, then set it on top of the jar.

Purchase a frameless mirror at a craft store and youll pay very little. Set the mirror on a table and set a single, large flower on it, an arrangement of taper candles, or a plastic bride and groom. No matter what you set on the mirror it instantly has an elegant appearance.

Cover a Styrofoam ring with flowers, shells or other things then set it on the wedding table. In the middle of the ring you can place a pillar candle, bride and groom or even a glass bowl full of beads. The ring makes whatever you set on the table look much larger and more impressive. Cover tin cans with fabric or scrapbook paper and use them as plant holders. Cover a large coffee can and fill it with flowers for the main table. Or, glue a folded ribbon to the inside of the can and hang the planter anywhere you want for an outdoor wedding. Use an old CD to make a cake topper. Cover the disk with fabric or paper then glue on a bride and groom, champagne glass or something else. This cake topper is cute yet really cheap to make. Cut pieces of cardboard, glue a piece of satin or lace to each one, then fold it in half. Write a persons name on it with a marker and stand it up at the table. These place cards are cheap yet elegant. Make different place markers by using cheap, plastic champagne glasses. Use a paint marker to write each name in gold or silver then set a single, artificial flower in the glass. Instead of using these as place markers, forget writing a name on them, and make a different design - or none. Fill the glasses with candy to give as wedding party favors. Lay a doily or lace piece over each one and tie a ribbon around the stem to secure. Curl long pieces of gold, silver or white ribbon and lay them on the tables. Or, blow up balloons and place them on the tables, floor and other areas. Ribbons as well as balloons are really cheap yet instantly give the room a party look. Use paper cones to make flower holders for pews. Wrap the cone with chosen gift wrap or scrapbook paper then use double-sided tape to secure them to the ends of the pews. Fill with a lightweight flower arrangement. Paper cones are also great for making party favors. Simply fill them with whatever you want then fold the top down. To do this, fold in one side, then the other. You now have two points sticking out each end. Fold over one, then the other to finish. Stand an upside-down, clear glass on the table then set a bowl on top of it. Use double-sided tape or hot glue to hold them together. Fill the bowl with water and floating candles, curled ribbon, beads or other things. Its a beautiful arrangement that can be restored to its original state when the wedding is over. Having a small budget for your wedding doesnt mean you wont have the wedding of your dreams. Make your own d?cor and youll save so much money youll be able to spend more on other wedding expenses!

Easy Twine Decor for Your Home

Want a little touch of Tuscany in your kitchen? Want to add a rural look to your den? Its all possible with a simple ball of twine. Its easy, although sometimes time-consuming, to decorate with twine. You wont believe, though, the types of things you can change dramatically with a few wraps of twine.

Start with something easy like an empty glass or plastic bottle. Begin wrapping it in twine, using hot glue to hold each wrap into place, and when youre finished wrapping youll have a unique piece that can set in the kitchen, bath or elsewhere.

The type of twine you choose is important. The twine needs to be a rope type that doesnt easily unravel. Paper-wrapped types are not ideal for these projects. You dont want the twine to be huge in circumference. The twine should also not be tiny and string-like. A nice roping would be about an eight of an inch, to a quarter of an inch, in diameter. Its not forbidden to wrap other things besides bottles and jars. Although bottles and jars look fabulous when wrapped in twine, youll also be pleased with the look you can give to cardboard boxes, frosting cups, some wire baskets, plastic drinking cups, or even tin cans. Some things, like the frosting cups, dont really need a lining but other items, like a tin can, may require you to line it before adding the twine. There are many uses for the twine-wrapped items. Wrap bottles and jars to display on window ledges or kitchen shelves. Use drinking cups, and similar items, to hold silverware, pencils or other small items. Twine-wrapped cardboard boxes - large and small - can be used to hold everything from paperwork to clothing for kids. Nowadays, you can find twine in various colors. Looking for a rustic look may keep you purchasing traditional colors of twine, but wanting something colorful and eye-catching may get you looking at twine in colors of pink, blue, or even yellow. Check craft stores, home improvement stores, and hardware stores to see the various color selections you can now purchase. As a matter of fact, select more than one color, and alternate colors as youre creating the project. Begin gluing on one color, switch to the next, then back to the previous. Mixing several different colors, or just two colors, gives you many options on the various looks you can create. Some things you can change by using the twine wraps include most containers, boxes, picture frames, pencil holders, drawer knobs, door knobs, cabinet doors, tissue holders, towel racks, mirrors, canisters, and vases. You probably have many things in your home that will instantly take on a new look as soon as you wrap it in twine. Keep in mind that, although creating twine-covered items is very easy, it can also be extremely time-consuming. Large items, and objects with odd shapes, can really be testy. Its important that you align the twine perfectly, or you can end up with slivers of exposed bottle, where the twine wont cover. Youll be surprised at what a difference some twine can make on a bottle or jar. Add embellishments to create even more interest. The twine can accept paint, rubber stamping, glued-on jewelry pieces, additional roping of another kind, buttons, wood shapes, and many other enhancements. Youll love the first finished project so much youll go looking for more bottles - and more twine - to make things for your family and friends. The bottles, baskets or boxes make fabulous one-of-a-kind gifts for men, women or children.

Unusual Shelf You Make from Picture Frames

Picture frames arent just for displaying family photos. There are many other things you can make from frames. One fabulous creation you can make in minutes uses several frames to create a unique wall shelf. The project is easy to make, can be made from any size frames, and will look fantastic when you are finished. Best of all, the shelves look great in any room and can be used to hold towels, display statuettes or even hold Beanie babies.

Although you can use any size frames, and can use a number of different designs of frames, each frame must be identical. In addition, the frames must be smooth on the front, without embellishments that protrude from the frame. For this reason ordinary wooden frames work great for this project.

Choose the frames you will be using to make the shelves. The frames can be 8"x10" or a different size. Also, you can make the shelves as deep as you want, so add more and more frames until you are satisfied with the depth of the shelves. Remove all backings, glass and paper to use the bare frames. Set one frame on a flat surface and glue a second frame on top of it. Glue on the next frame, and the next, until you are happy with the depth of the shelf. The shelf has no backing; the wall becomes the back of the frame. If youre not happy with that you can make a backing by using one of the pieces of cardboard from one of the frames. You can cover the cardboard with decorative paper, cloth or just use it as-is. If youre using just the bare frames, with no backing, its easy to hang the wall unit by simply hanging the back frame on the wall. If youve created a backing for the wall shelves you can attach an adhesive wall mount on the back. After youve created the wall shelves you can embellish them in any number of ways. Use wide ribbon to wrap the entire outside of the shelf or just glue on a novelty of some type. Craft stores are full of embellishments which will cost you little and will add to the beauty of the shelves. Have a look at plastic shapes, wooden pieces, metal hardware and similar embellishments. These can be glued onto a corner of the shelf or even on top. The final look is up to you. You can paint the shelves you made or leave them as they are. Although the frames need to be the same type, shape and size you can, however, use different colors of frames. Create different designs by positioning a frame or two of a different color, right in the middle of the stack. Or, use identical frames to create the stack then use a frame of a different color as the final frame on top. Use tiny frames to make shelves for miniatures. Use large frames to make huge showcases for statuettes or other collectibles. Even make the shelves and hang them in a bathroom. Theyre perfect for holding wash cloths, towels, bath products and more. Use them in a childs room to hold games or stuffed animals. Create coordinating planters and similar items by placing the stacked frames on a shelf or counter. Make a bottom for it or just fill with fake plants using no bottom to the creation. Use small ones on a desk to hold stapler, pencils and pens. Use them on a night stand to hold eyeglasses, tv guide and other items. Theres no end to the uses for the unusual picture frame decor items. If you have extra picture frames, and they all look alike, consider making a wall hanging. Theyre fun, handy and very easy to do. Get the kids in on the project and they can each make a wall shelf for their own rooms.

Face Mask Sheets: What They Are and How You Use Them

Facial masks have been around for many years. Theyre designed to rid your skin of blemishes, supply the face with moisture, or even to reduce the look of wrinkles. Most masks go on like a thick goo; you leave it on for a few minutes then wash it off with water. Afterwards, your face can feel refreshed, and your skin tightened and renewed. Some facial masks actually peel away. After leaving the goo on for the recommended time the wearer peels the mask away by grabbing hold of the film the goo has become and peeling it off the face. Afterwards, many of the facial mask products recommend rinsing of the face.

As technology progresses changes are often made to some of our favorite things. As with many of todays popular products there have been tremendous breakthroughs in the world of facial masks. Enter the facial mask sheet. Instead of spreading paste-like products on our faces we now have the option of rejuvenating our faces by using stick-on sheets.

Facial mask sheets come in a variety of types. Some are created specifically to target wrinkles and facial lines. Others hydrate; still others attempt to smooth the complexion. Whichever type your skin needs its now available in a simple sheet you apply to your face. Everything you need to have a smoother, younger looking face is already on the facial mask. When you prepare to place the mask on your face it will come in two sections. To apply the mask peel away the backing from the bottom section of the mask, which will cover lower cheeks, jaw lines and chin, then apply the second section which covers upper cheeks, nose, and around the eyes. Simply press each half of the mask against the skin then allow to sit for 15 minutes. The type of mask you choose may recommend a different amount of time to wait before removing. The masks can be purchased in various size boxes, but no matter what type or size mask you purchase, youll only use each mask once before discarding. After the application, and the removal of the mask, theres no need to rinse the face. Most makers of the facial masks recommend the application twice a week but many women apply the masks several times a week - if not every night. Although there is no rinsing after the mask you most definitely have to rinse your face before applying the mask. The rinsing dampens the skin and helps the mask stay fitted to your face. The price of the facial mask sheets can vary. Purchased individually, and depending upon the type of product you purchase, a mask sheet can range from $5 to $10. Purchased by boxes you can spend over $20 for five masks; over $80 for 20 mask sheets. Purchase the facial masks sheets from a reputable company. Trying to save money can mean ill-fitting masks that produce little to no results. The two pieces of the mask generally come in one packet, so if the packaging says "5 pieces" they dont mean five half-face pieces. Each two pieces (one for top of face, one for bottom of face) counts as one piece. The masks feel cool and comfortable while youre wearing them and you can actually feel your skin tightening. Wearing the mask for 15 minutes is a breeze as is the removal of the mask halves. There is no need to rinse or towel off afterwards. Youll like the results youll see when you use the new facial mask sheets. Theyre handy, easy to apply, and will definitely improve the look of your skin. Youll find the sheets online, at cosmetic stores, and at some discount department stores.

How to Cover that Ugly Breaker Box

New home builders do such a good job of hiding the breaker box, but if you own an older model home, that might not be the case. Many older houses and mobile homes blatantly display the breaker box door and they simply arent that attractive. Although some people hide the breaker box behind a picture its sometimes impossible to do that. For homes that have a breaker box that sticks out somewhat its difficult to hang a picture flat against the wall.

Since the breaker box covers are metal its easy to make magnetic decor pieces that will easily hide the hideous breaker box. These crafts are easy to do and will give you a nice wall hanging that sticks directly to the metallic breaker box door.

Any picture can become a magnetic picture for your breaker box simply by using button magnets. Youll find the magnets at any craft store. Some of the magnets are available with a peel-away adhesive and others will require you to glue the magnets to the backside of the picture. The magnets are available in squares as well and can hold quite a lot of weight. A large picture frame with broken or missing glass can help you easily hide the breaker box. Cut a piece of cork to make a cork board. The cork is available, sold by the roll, at any craft store. Remove any glass from the frame and glue the cork to the cardboard piece inside the frame. Get rid of any stand built in to the back of the frame. Either remove the back altogether or just remove the stand itself. Glue a magnet onto each corner on the back of the frame. Now your cork board will stick to the breaker box and hide it. Use an ordinary place mat to make a different kind of cover for the fuse box. Glue the cloth mat to a thick piece of cardboard. Glue on silk flowers, leaves, vines, or other craft supplies. Make a flower garden to hang on the wall or just use felt letters to spell out a phrase on the place mat. Glue four button magnets on the back and you can instantly stick the new wall hanging to the breaker box door. All of the above designs are great for a bedroom, but often, the breaker box is in the kitchen. Make a different design for there. Purchase an ordinary piece of sheet metal and affix the button magnets to the back. Stick the sheet metal piece to the breaker box door. Use childrens magnetic A-B-Cs to write notes to other family members or to create a shopping list. Store additional letters across the bottom of the metal. Make sure the metal has been filed and has no sharp edges. You can even use an old game board to hide the ugly breaker box cover. Try making a photo display from a Scrabble board. Glue the Scrabble trays to the board. Put pictures in small frames and set them on the narrow trays. Use Scrabble tiles, if you want, to describe the picture. Glue the tiles beside the pictures to name the person in the picture or to create a word that describes the person. The photo display doesnt necessarily have to be family photos. It can be made from vacation pictures or another theme. Add button magnets to the back of the Scrabble board to stick it to the breaker box door. Every home has a breaker box but many homes have them conveniently covered up. If yours is out in the open you definitely want to hide it from your visitors. Do so by creating one of the above projects that will help you hide the box. The projects are easy to do and cost little. Youll be happy to see the new creation on the wall rather than the unsightly breaker box!

Turn Your Pet into a Refrigerator Magnet

By now you probably think youve seen every kind of refrigerator known to mankind. You might own a huge collection of magnets or you may have put yours away for good. Either way theres still one more magnet you need. This will be a different kind of magnet, though. This magnet is more than a magnet; its a fun game for kids as well. If you have a young child whos crazy about the family dog he or she will love the game. It features your pet as the star of the show! It doesnt really matter if your pet is a dog, a cat - or even a bird. If your child is nuts about your pet he will love playing the refrigerator magnet pet game. Start by cutting out a picture of your pet. The picture should be large enough that the child can easily play with it. If you want you can choose several different poses of your dog.

Use magnetic sheeting to turn the dog or other pet into a magnet. The magnet can be found at any craft store and is sold by the sheet or by the roll. A couple of sheets will do fine, but if you want to make the game more interesting, purchase an entire roll. That way, you can make lots of additional things for the pet game.

Magnetic sheeting has a peel-away backing that, when removed, exposes the sticky adhesive. Place the picture(s) of your pet onto the sheeting and cut. Now you can use the remainder of the sheeting to make the rest of the magnetic pet set. That could include any number of scenes, accessories and more. Look in magazines to find pictures of beds, rainbows, fields of flowers and more. You can easily turn any picture into part of the pet game. Cut out hats, necklaces, shoes, sunglasses, cars, and similar items. Place the pictures on the magnetic sheeting and cut them out. Your child will have hours of fun dressing up the family dog or other critter. He or she will really enjoy making a magnetic dog look silly, intelligent, or even ready for the beach. And youll have fun looking through magazines to find all sorts of accessories to magnetize. One roll of magnetic sheeting can cost between ten and fifteen bucks but can create literally dozens and dozens of magnets. Of course, if you cut out large items, such as trees, buildings and similar items, the magnetic sheeting will not make as many magnets as it will if you cut out ear muffs, a broom, butterflies and other small accessories. Youll find lots of great scenes for the animal by looking at old calendars, travel brochures, magazines, product packaging and even portions of posters. Position them on the magnetic sheeting and cut them out. The scene can stick to the refrigerator and the pet will then stick to the scene. Kids will have additional fun if you cut out pictures of family members, friends, and even other pets. They can incorporate these into the scenes while playing with their favorite pet magnet. Their pet and his or her friends can visit The White House, Hawaii, a nearby school, church, and other places simply by cutting out and magnetizing various pictures. Create different magnets, over a period of time, and add them slowly to the ones the child already has. Soon he or she will have a huge collection of scenes and accessories. Make a travel pet magnet set by using a round, square or rectangular baking pan. The pan should be shallow and grease-free. The child can make all sorts of scenes on the pan while traveling. He or she will be occupied for hours on end if you have a large variety of scenes and additional items.

Cookie Cutter Stamping for Christmas

I dont know about you, but Ive collected quite an assortment of cookie cutters over the years, yet rarely do I use them. I might not get a chance to make cute cookies very often but I can still use the cookie cutters even when Im not baking. Thats because cookie cutters are a great way to stamp your holiday images on just about anything.

Use fabric paint to stamp the cookie cutter images onto shirts, socks, purses, belts and other wearables. Squirt some of the paint onto a paper plate and dip the cookie cutter. Position the snowman, pine tree or other cookie cutter over the shirt, then stamp. The fabric paint works great on most fabrics and accessories.

Make dramatic changes in your decor without spending much money by using the cookie cutter stamps. Dont replace your curtains or drapes to suit the holiday season. Instead, change your tie-backs, and itll appear as though youve done some major holiday decorating! Just cut a strip of fabric and stitch it to form the tie-back then you can create the theme you want with your selection of cookie cutters. Just changing the tie-backs can change the look of the whole room. Stamp pillowcases for a similar effect. Things that have a Christmas image on them can often cost more than similar items with no theme. Purchase the plain items then stamp them yourself. Some of these items might include place mats, pillowcases, paper plates (use non-toxic stamping), kitchen curtains, tablecloths, cloth napkins and similar items. Theres no limit to the things you can stamp: lampshades, plastic ware, small appliances, throw pillows, dishes, gift wrap, cards, pitchers, pot holders, towels, canisters - even soaps! There are several different ways to create the images with the cookie cutters, too. Dip the cutter into paint, then stamp, or even draw around the cookie cutter with a marker. Spray paint one side of the cutter, then stamp it quickly, before it dries. Or, paint the cookie cutter outline with a brush, then stamp. The cookie cutters you use can be metal or plastic. The designs you make, though, dont necessarily have to be for Christmas. You can use cookie cutters to decorate for Easter, Independence Day, Halloween, Thanksgiving - or for everyday decorating. Create a border for the kitchen or another room by using the cookie cutter stamping method. Cutters shaped like kids or pets are great for stamping in childrens rooms. Fruit or other food-shaped cutters make a fabulous kitchen border. You can even make some Christmas stamps that can be removed later. For example, some slick-surfaced trash cans or hampers can be stamped with nail polish then removed later with nail polish remover. The polish remover works on mirror glass, picture frame glass, some ceramics and even some metal surfaces. You cannot use the polish remover to remove a design on wood, cloth, cardboard, or wicker. If you dont have any Christmas cookie cutters, but you dont want to miss out on the stamping fun, dont worry! You can often find inexpensive cookie cutter collections at dollar theme stores and discount department stores. Craft stores have all sorts of different paints that will work with your cookie cutters on most any surface. If you love decorating your house for Christmas youll really enjoy the ease of cookie cutter stamping. Its so simple, in fact, that even the kids can get in on the fun. Let them make cards for their friends or stamp a couple items in their rooms.