JumbleTown Ireland



Go Back   JumbleTown Ireland > Green Zone > Green Tips & Green Fingers
User Name
Password
HOME FAQ Register Search Mark Forums Read

Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Old Posted: 19-12-2009 , 04:47 PM #31
keep-it-tidy
Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Kildare
Posts: 150
Default

These are so cute :)


Sock Snowfolk


Total Time Needed:
1 Hour


Give winter boredom the boot with this easy snowman craft.

Materials

* Beans (or rice)
* Empty plastic container
* Fleece
* Rubber band

* Pom-pom
* Pipe cleaner
* Button eyes
* Buttons

X

Instructions

1.

Sock Snowfolk - Step 1 For each one, first pour 1/2 cup of dried beans or rice into a clean, empty plastic container, such as a single-serving milk bottle, a water bottle, or a plastic peanut jar (ours were about 7 to 10 inches tall).
2.

Turn a white tube sock inside out and slide it over the bottle, starting at the bottom. Tuck the top of the sock inside the bottle, trimming it a bit first if necessary.
3.

Sock Snowfolk - Step 3 For a hat, cut a piece of colored fleece that's at least half as tall as the bottle and wide enough to wrap around it with at least 1 inch of overlap. Wrap the fleece around the top half of the bottle and secure it with a rubber band or elastic hair tie near the bottom of the fleece. Gather the material at the top of the hat and secure it with another rubber band or hair tie, as shown (far left).
4.

To add a pom-pom to the hat, remove the fleece from the bottle, turn it inside out, then rubber-band it back in place and hot-glue a pom-pom to the top. Roll up the bottom edge of the hat or tuck it under for a brim.
5.

Next, hot-glue on the snowman's features: a carrot nose (half an orange pipe cleaner coiled around the tip of a sharpened pencil to form a cone), small black button eyes, and colorful buttons down his front. Finally, tie on a strip of fleece for a scarf.
Attached Images
   
keep-it-tidy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old Posted: 19-12-2009 , 04:49 PM #32
keep-it-tidy
Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Kildare
Posts: 150
Default

Thumbprint Reindeer



THUMBPRINT REINDEER
You will need:
# Ink pad with nontoxic brown or bronze ink
# Plain notecards or card stock
# Craft glue
# Googly eyes
# Mini pom-poms, brown and red
# Brown marker

Use a thumb or fingertip to stamp 3 reindeer heads on each notecard. Glue on googly eyes and pom-pom noses (including a red one for Rudolph, of course). Finish by drawing antlers.
Attached Images
 
keep-it-tidy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old Posted: 19-12-2009 , 04:51 PM #33
keep-it-tidy
Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Kildare
Posts: 150
Default

Cat Mat


Total Time Needed:
Afternoon Or Evening

This comfy cushion and catnip-filled fabric fish will make every kitty's holiday dreams come true.

Materials

* 1 yard of fabric
* Polyester filling
* Chalk
* Scissors
* Pins

* Dried catnip
* 1-foot piece of fabric
* Needle and thread
* Embroidery thread

X

Instructions

1.

To make the cushion, fold the fabric in half so the patterned sides are touching. Draw an oval on the fabric with chalk, then cut along the outline with scissors to make two ovals of equal size. Pin them together and stitch three-quarters of the way around to create a pocket.
2.

Turn the fabric right side out and stuff it with polyester filling that has been sprinkled with catnip. Turn in the open edge and hand stitch it closed.
3.

The fish is made in the same fashion. Fold a 1-foot piece of fabric in half, draw a fish shape on it, and cut along the outline so to create two fish of equal size. Sew up the sides, leaving the tail open.
4.

Turn the pocket right side out, stuff with polyester filling and catnip, and sew closed.
5.

As a finishing touch, stitch big green eyes and colorful stripes on the fish with embroidery thread.
Attached Images
 
keep-it-tidy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old Posted: 19-12-2009 , 04:53 PM #34
keep-it-tidy
Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Kildare
Posts: 150
Default

Dog-Bone Wreath



Total Time Needed:
1 Hour


Whether given to your own pet or a friend's Fido, this wreath with edible ornaments is the perfect pooch present.

Materials

* 12-inch cardboard circle, or a 12-inch Styrofoam wreath (available at craft supply stores)
* Scissors
* 5 yards of ribbon and matching bow
* Large dog bones

* Dog toys
* Tape
* Evergreens, optional

X

Instructions

1.

If using the cardboard round, trace an 8-inch circle in the middle of it (a small mixing bowl or plate will be approximately the right size). With the scissors, cut out the inner circle, leaving a ring or wreath shape.
2.

Tape the ribbon onto the back of the cardboard wreath or tie it to the Styrofoam wreath and start winding it around the circle on a slight diagonal. Once you have come full circle, cut the ribbon and tape it down.
3.

Next, cut ten or so 9-inch lengths of ribbon for attaching the dog bones and toys. Attach eat treat separately by first placing the dog bone or toy on the wreath and securing it by placing a length of ribbon across it. Flip the wreath over and tie the ribbon securely in a knot, making sure there is no slack in the loop around the bone or toy. (This tying method allows the items to be removed one at a time without displacing the others.) Continue tying on the bones and toys in this fashion, leaving a 3-inch space for the bow between the first and the last treat.
4.

For a fuller look, tape greens onto the cardboard round or push the ends into the Styrofoam wreath. With the remaining length of ribbon, tie a loop on the back of the wreath at the top so that it can be easily hung for all to see -- especially the puppy dog.
Attached Images
 
keep-it-tidy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old Posted: 19-12-2009 , 04:54 PM #35
keep-it-tidy
Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Kildare
Posts: 150
Default

Foam Wonderland
Six indoor projects

No matter how low the mercury falls, it never gets too cold to play in this snowy enchanted forest. Made from thin sheets of foam rubber (ask for Foamies at your local craft or art supply store) or poster board, the pieces are a cinch to assemble and virtually unbreakable, unlike many tabletop figurines.

ROUND UP SOME ANIMALS
Once your child has decided which creatures he'd like to populate his forest, help him sketch the parts of each figure on the foam or poster board. Begin by outlining the animal's torso with only its head and tail attached. Next, draw two pairs of legs (and a set of antlers, if appropriate) separate from the rest of the body. frosty and friendsCut out the individual pieces with scissors and then snip narrow notches in the top of each set of legs and the bottom of the torso, as shown. Fit the pieces together so the animal will stand on its own. Use the same method to attach the antlers. Add eyes (or stripes on a raccoon's or skunk's tail) with colored markers or paints.

BUILD A SNOWMAN
Cut out two matching foam snowmen. Notch one cutout from the head to the middle of its belly and the other from the bottom to the middle of its belly. Fit both pieces together. Now cut out a notched top hat and carrot nose, and attach them to the snowman. For a scarf, cut out a wavy ribbon shape with one curved end. Cut off the curved end about 1 inch from the edge, then notch the cut edge on both pieces of the scarf and fit them onto the snowman's neck. Draw on coal eyes and a mouth.

FIND A CONSTELLATION
To make stars and a moon come out in your forest, start with pairs of matching shapes. Notch one cutout from the center of a point and the matching star from between two points. Then fit the pieces together. (For a moon, use notched circles.) Thread fishing line through the tops and hang them above the scene.

PLANT TREES
It wouldn't be a forest without pines. Again, start with like shapes. Notch one from the top to the center and the other from the bottom to the center. Then fit the two together.

LET IT SNOW
Now your child can set up his forest on a sheet of cardboard covered with drifts of faux snow.
Attached Images
  
keep-it-tidy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old Posted: 19-12-2009 , 04:56 PM #36
keep-it-tidy
Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Kildare
Posts: 150
Default

Puppy Portrait Frame


Total Time Needed:
Afternoon Or Evening


Your family dog will look pretty as a picture when her snapshot is displayed in this dog-bone frame.

Materials

* Flat wooden frame
* Dog-bone treats
* Water-based high-gloss polyurethane

* Small paint brush
* Hot glue

X

Instructions

1.

Remove the glass and the cardboard backing from a flat wooden frame and set them aside. Lay the wood, face side up, on a flat working surface and arrange crunchy dog-bone treats on top of it. Place them horizontally, end to end to fashion a border all the way around, or diagonally to accent the corners.
2.

Once the pattern is determined, remove the dog bones, lay them face down, and apply a coat of water-based high-gloss polyurethane to the backs. Once dry, hot-glue the bones to the frame so that the polyurethaned sides are against the frame (adults only).
3.

Apply polyurethane to the tops and sides of the glued-on dog bones, let dry, and apply another coat of polyurethane.
4.

When the final coat is completely dry, insert the puppy's photo and reassemble the frame.
Attached Images
 
keep-it-tidy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old Posted: 19-12-2009 , 04:58 PM #37
keep-it-tidy
Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Kildare
Posts: 150
Default

Yarn Candy Cane


Total Time Needed:
1 Hour

A neat twist on a classic, these canes are virtually indestructible (and they make excellent gifts).

Materials

* 2 skeins of DMC Pearl Cotton, one red and one white
* Scissors

* Red pipe cleaners
* 1/2" to 5/8" ribbon

X

Instructions

1.

Open a skein of cotton and snip the loop at each end so you have two bunches; repeat with the other skein. Then take one red bunch and one white bunch and tie them together into a single knot around the end of a pipe cleaner.
2.

Yarn Candy Cane - Step 2 To make the stripes, twist the two colors around the pipe cleaner and knot the ends together around the other end. Trim the cotton at both ends and trim the pipe cleaner if need be.
3.

Bend into a candy cane shape and adorn with a ribbon bow.

Tips:
These canes were created with fine DMC Pearl Cotton, but younger kids may have an easier time with chenille yarn or cord.
Attached Images
  
keep-it-tidy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old Posted: 19-12-2009 , 04:59 PM #38
keep-it-tidy
Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Kildare
Posts: 150
Default

Retro Ornaments


These simple yet sophisticated decorations are made from cardboard tubes and pipe cleaners. Paint the outsides of the tubes before cutting them, if desired, or keep them unpainted for a natural look.

Materials

* Cardboard tubes
* Pipe cleaners
* Ruler
* Pencil

* Scissors
* Hole punch
* Thread or string

X

Instructions

1.

For each ornament, flatten a 7 1/2-inch length of cardboard tube. Mark and cut it into 3/4-inch-wide rings; you'll need 10 for this project.
2.

On each flattened ring, mark dots 3/4 inches in from each folded edge. With a hole punch, make holes at the dots.
3.

Starting with the inner circle, string the rings onto a pipe cleaner. For the outer circle, twist two pipe cleaners together to make a double-long piece, then thread it through the outer holes in the cardboard rings. Twist the ends together and trim the excess. Hang with thread or string.
Attached Images
 
keep-it-tidy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old Posted: 19-12-2009 , 05:01 PM #39
keep-it-tidy
Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Kildare
Posts: 150
Default

Sizzling Snowboard


Total Time Needed:
1 Hour



Celebrate the holidays with this fun decorative craft that's simple to make.

Materials

* Craft stick
* Craft foam
* Cord

* Glue
* String
* Colored tape

X

Instructions

1.

For a flashy snowboard, attach pieces of colored tape to a colored jumbo craft stick (available at craft stores), as shown at top.
2.

Next, cut 2 small foot shapes out of craft foam. Wrap pieces of decorative cord around them for bindings, then glue them to the top of the board.
3.

Finally, tie or glue on a length of string for a hanger.
Attached Images
 
keep-it-tidy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old Posted: 19-12-2009 , 05:02 PM #40
keep-it-tidy
Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Kildare
Posts: 150
Default

Winter Wonderland


Total Time Needed:
2-3 Hours

This ornament lets kids assemble miniature figurines and novelty items into magical "through the looking glass" scenes.

Materials

* 9-ounce clear plastic cup
* Silver poster board
* Pinking shears or decorative craft scissors
* Polyester batting
* Miniature trees (sold in craft stores; try the dollhouse or model railroad section)
* Miniature animals or people (sold in craft stores or online at BJCRAFTSUPPLIES.COM)

* 1-inch-wide mirror
* Tacky glue
* Fine glitter
* Pushpin
* Monofilament
* Several craft beads

X

Instructions

1.

Winter Wonderland - Step 1 Trace the rim of the cup onto the underside of the poster board. Cut out the circle, but stay at least 1/8 inch outside the trace line so the base will be slightly larger than the cup.
2.

Winter Wonderland - Step 2 Cut out a circle of batting snow that's the same diameter as the cup and set it atop the shiny side of the poster board circle.
3.

Separate or snip the batting where you'd like to position the trees, figurines, and mirror pond. Glue the base of each item to the poster board, then smooth or fluff the snow around them as needed. Sprinkle the scene with fine glitter.
4.

Use the pushpin to poke a hole in the center of the cup bottom. Thread a craft bead onto a 12-inch length of monofilament. Gather the ends together, letting the bead fall to the center of the line, and thread them up through the hole from inside the cup. String a few more beads onto the doubled line (outside the cup) and then knot the ends to form a loop.
5.

Apply a line of glue along the edge of the poster board circle. Press the cup, upside down, atop the glue and hold it in place for 20 seconds or so. During the first 10 minutes of drying time, occasionally check the seal and press down gently on the cup, if required. Let the glue cure for a full day before hanging the ornament.
Attached Images
   
keep-it-tidy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old Posted: 19-12-2009 , 05:04 PM #41
keep-it-tidy
Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Kildare
Posts: 150
Default

Paper Drops



Total Time Needed:
1 Hour


Proof of elegance in simplicity, these graceful paper shapes come together with two snaps of a stapler.

Materials

* Colored paper
* Stapler

* Ribbon or gold cord

X

Instructions

1.

ORNAMENT: Cut two 12-inch strips, two 10-inch strips, and one 8 3/4-inch strip. Line them up in this order: 12, 10, 8 3/4, 10, 12, with one set of ends even. Staple this end. Line up the other ends evenly (bending the outer strips as needed) and staple.
2.

HEART: Cut two 12-inch strips and two 9 1/2-inch strips. Line them up in this order: 9 1/2, 12, 12, 9 1/2, with one set of ends even. Staple this end. Now bend the unstapled ends into a heart shape, so a small heart lies inside a larger heart. Align the ends and staple together.
3.

TEARDROP: Cut two 12-inch strips, two 10 1/2-inch strips, and one 9-inch strip. Line them up in this order: 12, 10 1/2, 9, 10 1/2, 12, with one set of ends even. Staple this end. Next, make a crease 1 inch from the unstapled ends of the 12- and 10 1/2-inch strips. Finally, align the ends of all the strips and staple them together.
4.

Use the completed shapes to dress up a window or spin in midair from a light fixture or a ribbon. To hang each, knot the end of the gold cord and place it between the loose strips of paper at the top. Staple it all together.
Attached Images
 
keep-it-tidy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old Posted: 19-12-2009 , 05:06 PM #42
keep-it-tidy
Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Kildare
Posts: 150
Default

Wrapping Paper Stars


These stellar but surprisingly easy party decorations (they come together with just a few cuts and twists) are made from all those odds and ends of holiday wrap you'd otherwise toss in the trash. Hang one or dozens to brighten up the house come party time.

Materials

* Heavy wrapping paper or origami paper
* Scissors

* Clear tape
* Hole Punch

X

Instructions

1.

Cut eight 5- by 5-inch squares from heavy wrapping paper (you can also use precut origami paper).
2.

For each square: fold in half to form a triangle, pretty side out; fold in half again.
3.

Wrapping Paper Stars - Step 3 With scissors, cut into the first fold (now folded in half) about 3/4 inch down from the top, stopping about 1/4 inch from the end. Make a similar cut about 3/4 inch down from the first, as shown.
4.

Wrapping Paper Stars - Step 4 Open the square completely, plain side up, and bring up the 2 inside points to form a roll. Tape the points together with double-sided tape.
5.

Wrapping Paper Stars - Step 5 Flip the square over and tape together the middle points. Flip the square over again and tape the outer points.
6.

Wrapping Paper Stars - Step 6 Tape each of the 8 sections together, middle ring of one to outer ring of the next, to form a chain; tape the first and last sections together to form the star.
7.

To secure the star, tape the tips together in the center. Punch a hole at the top of one of the points and pass a string through to hang.
Attached Images
     
keep-it-tidy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old Posted: 19-12-2009 , 05:08 PM #43
keep-it-tidy
Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Kildare
Posts: 150
Default

Dangling Snowman


Total Time Needed:
1 Hour


It doesn't take a single flake to build this frosty character -- you can round him up with white foam, buttons, and ribbon.

Materials

* 3 round objects (we used a spice jar lid, the bottom of a yogurt container, and a mason jar lid)
* Scissors
* Craft foam, white and orange
* Glue dots

* Monofilament
* Buttons
* Permanent marker
* Ribbon

X

Instructions

1.

Using the round objects as patterns, cut out 2 white foam circles in each size.
2.

Dangling Snowman Step 2 Place one set of the circles on a flat surface, spacing them 1/4 inch apart. With glue dots, glue a 12-inch piece of monofilament across the circles as shown, then firmly press the matching circles on top.
3.

Use more glue dots to attach buttons and an orange craft foam nose. With a permanent marker, draw on eyes and a mouth. Finally, tie a ribbon scarf around the monofilament at the neck, and then knot the line above the head to create a loop for hanging.
Attached Images
  
keep-it-tidy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old Posted: 19-12-2009 , 05:09 PM #44
keep-it-tidy
Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Kildare
Posts: 150
Default

This Is Cute :)

Wishing Spool


Total Time Needed:
1 Hour


Forget about postage to the North Pole. When kids roll their wish lists onto these cute-as-a-button spools, Santa will snap to attention.

Materials

* Acrylic paint and brush
* Wooden thread spool
* Marker
* Paper strip, cut to fit the width of the spool

* Double-sided tape
* Ribbon
* Self-sticking label

X

Instructions

1.

Paint the spool and let it dry.
2.

Have your child write her Christmas list on the strip of paper.
3.

Roll the paper around the empty spool, using double-sided tape to fasten it, and leave some of the list hanging down (so Santa notices).
4.

Thread the ribbon through the spool's center and tie a knot at the top for hanging. Write your child's name on the self-sticking label. Affix it to the ribbon.
Attached Images
 
keep-it-tidy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old Posted: 19-12-2009 , 05:12 PM #45
keep-it-tidy
Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Kildare
Posts: 150
Default

Sparkling Ice Crystals



Total Time Needed:
1 Hour


String up a few of these crystals, made of pipe cleaners and beads, and get ready for a flurry of compliments. For a cool twist, use silver pipe cleaners and pom-poms too.

Materials

* 12-inch white iridescent pipe cleaners
* Clear tri or sunburst beads

* Needle and fishing line
* White iridescent pom-poms

X

Instructions

1.

Sparkling Ice Crystals - Step 1 Cut 6 pipe cleaners in half to create 12 pieces. Hold 11 pieces together and tightly wrap the last piece around the middle of the bundle, as shown, twisting its ends to secure it.
2.

Sparkling Ice Crystals - Step 2 Spread the pipe cleaner pieces into a starburst shape and thread about 5 beads onto each pipe cleaner half as shown.
3.

Using the needle, thread the pom-poms on the fishing line, then tie the snowflake to one end of the line.
Attached Images
   
keep-it-tidy is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

vB code is On
Smilies are Off
[IMG] code is Off
HTML code is Off
Forum Jump


All times are GMT. The time now is 10:28 PM.



JumbleTown - Useful Links

 
 

Powered by vBulletin Version 3.5.2
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.