Grown In My Heart » craft

How To: A Russian Easter Egg

Marcie — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 12:47:55 +0000

Russians paint their Easter eggs using a traditional method of boiling onion peels and silk with the eggs. Painted eggs are a universal symbol of Easter, but in Russia they take on even more important. Russian Easter eggs are said to have magical powers-from protecting crops to warding off evil spirits. Many Russians hide Easter eggs in the foundation of their home, believing that it will bring wealth.

To make these gorgeous eggs:

For coloring eggs it is the best to use RED onion peel. Depending on the color of peel the egg color will vary from bright red to dark brown. If you want color to be darker take more peel and boil it about 30 minutes. To protect eggs from cracking add into water some salt. Do not place a cold egg into boiling water; let them to warm during half of hour. Yes, trust me on this one! You MUST boil the eggs in this solution for the decoration to take place. There is no other decorating than this.

In Russia one can ALSO speckle the eggs, or decorate them ” in a speck “. To do this, wet eggs are crumbled in dry rice, then are wrapped in gauze (the ends of a gauze densely should be fastened by a thread in order rice stuck to the egg). Then eggs are boiled in a dying solution in usual way. In order painted eggs shone, they should be wiped dry and then greased with sunflower oil.

We made these last year and they did not turn out as good as these images. They were much more purple and the dye rubbed off right away, not like the modern dyes.

Any suggestions?

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Be crafty and…make a memory box

jen — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 05:01:58 +0000

Republished by Blog Post Promoter

This summer , you can do a special project to remember the special moments and the crazy days. A special day to remember those who have died while in service to our country.

Making a memory box can be a wonderful way to either remember someone, or even create a special container to put other special memories or events in ( such as the first day of school or first lost tooth.). Also, since a memory box is technically mixed media art; it can teach children that art is more than just one- dimensional.

You’ll need:

a cardboard jewelery size box.

glue and /or tape

scrapbook paper

ribbon

embellishments

photos or other mementos

Cut scrapbook paper to size so that it fits the container top and a piece that will wrap around the container bottom.

Using the glue, adhere the paper to the top and sides of the bottom. After it’s semi-dried, cut two lengths of ribbon and glue them each to the top of the box in a cross pattern using tape underneath to hold them if necessary. Glue any embellishments on top of the box and let dry flat.

Cut photo or memory item to fit and place in the bottom of the box. It can be glued or taped in. Once it has dried, the box can be completely assembled and used.

Jennifer D. Rizzo also writes her own blog of crafty ideas at Sanctuary Art.

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Homemade Glitter

Marcie — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 12:57:28 +0000

I came across this wonderful holiday treat today in a new cookbook and just needed to share it with you all before Christmas. Glitter is one of the best ways to decorate candles, presents, and all things crafty but is absolutely a bear to clean up.

When we did our huge construction project this past spring I found glitter in our basement (from our first floor). It had fallen through the old floorboards when they took out the old hardwood floors. This year I spent about $40 on glitter for various projects for Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas and all of it was on sale. If I had known about this glitter I would have saved myself a lot of money!

To make your own glitter follow these simple instructions:

Preheat the oven to 350.

Place salt into a small bowl.

Add drops of any color food coloring and mix with the salt.

Spread salt mixture onto a baking sheet so that it is a single layer.

Bake in the oven for 10 minutes.

Remove and let cool before transfering to a storage container for use.

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Crafty Kids: Gautemalan Day of the Dead Kite

Kim — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 13:00:44 +0000

The tiny town of Santiago Sacatepequez in Guatemala is famous for its annual gigantic kites festival on el Dia de Todos los Santos, Day of the Dead or All Saints’ Day. The gigantic kites, barriletes gigantes, were originally flown as a way to remember and connect to ancestors.

“Up to 40 feet across in diameter, these circular kites are made of hand cut pieces of colored tissue paper, arranged and glued to “construct” a story. Each kite is composed of thousands of tissue papers and gallons of white glue, costing around four hundred dollars to construct.” Drachen

I have designed a simplified and smaller version of this craft. The kite is not meant to be flown it is purely decorative. This craft is recommended for middle school aged children.

2 bamboo cooking skewers (optional)

Modge Podge

Making Memories Foam Brushes 5/Package, 1 Inch Wide

Crepe Paper Streamers
Scissors
Drill (if you opt to use the skewers)
Sand Paper

The bamboo skewers are optional and are purely in keeping with the aesthetic of the original. Although I did find that they came in handy while gluing, they provided something to hold on to. If using drill 4 small holes equidistant apart, so that when assembled your skewers form a cross or X. To trim skewers I just used scissors and then sharpened the blunt end with a pencil sharpener. Sand little bit that pokes out flush to hoop.

Trace a tissue paper circle larger than your hoop. I used a 12″ dinner plate.
Paint on glue to the top edge of hoop and sides.
Place circle on top of hoop. Using foam brush smooth down the sides adding more glue on top.
Cut out your shapes/design elements.
Glue onto kite using the classic decoupage method. Thin layer of glue, lay tissue down, coat with top thin layer of glue. The key to this method is that the more layers of tissue and glue the stronger your kite will be.
When working with tissue always be gentle with your brush strokes. Let dry and then go back and glue some more if it looks like it might rip.
Cut crepe paper streamers to desired length. Glue to underside of hoop.
Let dry.

Here is a way to do a similar activity with toddlers or special needs children.

Supplies:
White Paper Plate
Tissue Paper
Mod Podge or Glue
Foam Brush
Crepe Paper Streamers
Scissors

Cut tissue paper into geometric shapes.
Glue tissue to plate by using foam brush.
Cut streamers to desired length. You can cut them in half length wise to make them thinner.
Attach with glue or tape to underside of plate.

To see more pictures of this project or to find some fun Halloween Crafts visit Mama King at her blog 4 Crazy Kings.

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Be Crafty…make a photo frame out of an old CD jewel case

jen — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 01:19:44 +0000

Republished by Blog Post Promoter

Finding the perfect thing to put our favorite people’s pictures in doesn’t have to be expensive or hard to find. Sometimes materials we have on hand are just the right fit, such as using old CD jewel cases.

It’s as simple as photo copying a favorite picture, trimming to fit and sliding into the front flap. Using a hot glue gun, glue a ribbon to the inside of the back (The length will depend on how far down you would like it to hang.). Close the case and you are ready to go! You can add an extra touch of personalization like we did here by copying the photo onto regular white copy paper and coloring in some of the elements with colored pencils to make them pop.

You can even do this project with your kids and let them color “themselves” in. Another great, modern looking idea would be to do a grouping of nine or twelve different pictures, or blow up one big picture at a copy store and cut it into nine different pieces. You can also hot glue (Adults only please!) saw tooth hangers on the back to eliminate the ribbon all together for a cleaner look.

CD jewelcase photo frames are inexpensive and easy to do

You can read more about crafting, furniture make overs and other bits of creative living at Jen’s blog Sanctuary Art. Jen is an artist and also writes free-lance crafting items for the local paper and other on-line sites between nap times, Elmo and after bedtime.

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Halloween Luminary

Kim — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 13:00:32 +0000

Here is a fun Halloween craft to do with all your little goblins no matter what their skill level. Turn an empty cereal box into a beautiful glowing ghoulish luminary!

What you need to make your own Halloween Cereal Box Luminary:

Box (any type and size is fine – a pasta box would work well too.)
Pencil
Xacto Knife or similar & cutting surface X-Acto Basic Knife Set with Wood Chest
Mod Podge (Mod Podge Sparkle or Glitter if you have it)
Foam Brush
Wire Hanger
Pliers &; Wire Cutters
Hole Punch Fiskars Hand Punch, 1/8
Yellow &; Orange Tissue Paper Art Tissue Paper
Glue Gun or Strong Glue Dremel 1200-01 Glue Gun Kit
Battery Powered Tea Lights 12 Flickering Candle Set
Extras: Collage material

Unfold box.
Cut off top flaps. Leave the bottom ones!
Have child draw face on unprinted side. Make sure the picture is contained on one panel. This will be the front of your luminary.
Have an adult cut out features. Be careful!
Cut or tear tissue into manageable size pieces. Don’t make pieces too small. Using lighter colors will help the luminary glow better.
Put Mod Podge in a small container. Have child brush on Mod Podge on a section of box. Show child how to lay a piece of tissue down and lightly brush on top with foam brush. Be sure to slightly over lap as you go. You will be laying tissue over openings too. You will not be able to see through the openings until the glue dries and the box is lit from within.
Younger children: Have your own foam brush and help them. Maybe they brush on glue and lay tissue paper and you go over the top.
Optional: decorate box with collage materials. Be mindful of where your openings are.
Let tissue dry over night.
When dry bend and glue box into its original shape. A hot glue gun works best.
To light use several battery powered tea lights.
Optional hanger: Take a wire hanger and cut off the top using wire cutters. Bend hanger to create an arc shape.
Punch holes in both sides of your box. You can put pony beads on to decorate handle. Insert ends into hole. Use pliers twist to create spiral. Enjoy!
Younger children: If you are working with kids at different skill levels be sure to be flexible and allow for them to do the project but in their own way. My youngest daughter did not draw features on the box. She just enjoyed gluing the tissue and pompoms on.

Kim King can be found blogging about kids crafts, family and adoption at 4 Crazy Kings. To see more pictures for this project visit 4 Crazy Kings.

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Be crafty and make roses to write with

jen — Fri, 08 May 2009 13:46:07 +0000

There’s nothing worse than not being able to find a pen or pencil when you need one! This easy project is one that you and the kids can do together and minimize the times you hastily grab a crayon to jot a phone number. All you’ll need is fake flowers, green floral tape and extra pens and pencils.

Wrap the floral tape tightly around the stem and pencil

Pull the flower heads off from

the stems , leaving just a little bit of stem showing. If the tops of the flowers don’t pull off, you can cut them with wire cutters, leaving about two to three inches free. If little kids are going to help in the wrapping, make sure and sharp sires are covered on floral tape first.

Once you have your loose flower heads, place the stem right up next to the pencil and use a length of floral tap to wrap it tightly around the entire top of the pencil and the stem . When you finish as many as you would like to do, place in a vase and keep it next tot the phone. The best part of this project keeps the writing tools from wandering off.

Jennifer Rizzo also writes her own blog at Sanctuary arts.blogspot.com

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Glitter Crafts for Thanksgiving

Marcie — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 15:49:49 +0000

I absolutely LOVE glitter and my son does as well. In fact, he obsessed with it. Last week we made some absolutely gorgeous glittered gourd decorations and he had a blast.

Next week when we he is out of school I plan on making some hurricane lanterns with him (from the dollar store).

What you need to make this:

fall glitter colors
spray glue
dried gourds
hurricane vase
candles

Spray adhesive onto gourd or hurricane and then sprinkle glitter.

Allow to dry.

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Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month

Marcie — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 05:59:09 +0000

Hispanic Heritage Month recognizes the contributions that Hispanic Americans have made to the United States and it it is a time wherein Americans can celebrate Hispanic heritage and culture. The month it starts September 15 and runs until October 15.

Why the strange dates? Well, it is the anniversary of independence of five Latin American countries including Guatemala, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua.

For a Mayan Craft today see A Child Chosen. For some great children’s reads check back tomorrow.

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Grown In My Heart » craft

How To: A Russian Easter Egg

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Be crafty and…make a memory box

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Halloween Luminary

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