3 Homemade Playdough Recipes
Playdough is a favorite artistic medium of kids everywhere. Parents love it because it encourages creativity and provides a fun, quiet indoor activity. Playdough can be used over and over again if kept in its container, or kids can let their creations dry and keep them.
You can find playdough in almost any store that sells toys. But it’s also very cheap and easy to make. You probably have everything you need to make at least one type of playdough in your kitchen cupboard. Some recipes are even edible. Here are three fun and simple ways to make playdough.
1. Authentic Playdough
Ingredients
* 1 cup flour
* 1 cup water
* 1 tbsp. oil
* 1 tbsp. powdered alum
* ½ cup salt
* 2 tbsp. vanilla
* Food coloring
Instructions
1. Mix dry ingredients together thoroughly in saucepan.
2. Add oil and water.
3. Cook at medium heat, stirring constantly. It’s done when it has a consistency similar to that of mashed potatoes.
4. Remove the dough from heat and stir in vanilla and food coloring. Work the color in by kneading the dough.
5. When completely cooled, store in an airtight container. This dough will keep for at least two months.
This home-made playdough has a look and feel very similar to the store-bought kind. It is not intended to be eaten, but is not toxic to humans.
2. Peanut Butter Playdough
Ingredients
* 3 ½ cups creamy peanut butter
* 4 cups powdered sugar
* 4 cups powdered milk
* 3 ½ cups corn syrup
Instructions
1. Combine ingredients in a bowl. Mix thoroughly.
2. Place the dough onto wax paper and model with it. When the kids are through playing, they can eat it.
Tip: For more edible fun, use sprinkles and candies to decorate creations made with peanut butter playdough.
3. Kool Aid Playdough
Ingredients
* 3 cups flour
* ½ cup salt
* 2 packages of unsweetened Kool Aid
* 2 cups water
Instructions
1. Boil water.
2. While the water is heating, combine dry ingredients in a bowl. Add boiling water and stir.
3. Knead the dough on a floured board. Add small amounts of flour until you reach the desired consistency.
4. When completely cool, store in a tightly covered container.
This playdough will last a few months if stored properly, and it has a wonderful scent.
Making playdough with the kids is a fun rainy day project. It’s a great way to get them involved in cooking, and the finished product can provide hours more of fun. And recipes such as the one for peanut butter playdough serve yet another purpose: they make a delicious snack! So when your child runs out of playdough, don’t run to the store. Just head to the kitchen!
How to Create Beautiful Leaf Prints
The great outdoors holds many treasures that we can use in crafting. Flowers, pine cones and rocks can be used as the basis for many crafts, and they also make lovely accents. Even simple leaves can add a nice touch to our projects.
Leaf prints can bring a hint of nature to the most sophisticated of crafts. Yet they’re so easy to do, even children can create them expertly. Here are two simple ways to capture the beautiful intricacies of leaves.
Leaf Rubbings
Supplies
* Paper
* Leaves
* Crayons
Instructions
1. Lay a pretty leaf flat on the table, with the veins facing upward.
2. Lay a piece of paper on top of the leaf, positioning it so that the leaf is where you want its impression to be.
3. Peel the wrapper off of a crayon in the desired color. Holding the paper down around the leaf, gently rub the side of the crayon over the paper on top of the leaf.
4. Reposition the leaf, or place another type of leaf under the paper and repeat with a different color. Continue to create a pattern, or just make rubbings at random to complete your work of art.
Painted Leaf Prints
Supplies
* Paper, poster board, card stock or fabric
* Leaves
* Paint (acrylic, tempera or fabric, depending on the material you’re working on)
* Paintbrush or sponge
* Newspaper
* Paper towels
Instructions
1. Lay the leaf on top of the newspaper, with the veins facing upward.
2. Use the paintbrush or sponge to thoroughly apply paint to the leaf. Alternatively, you could simply put some paint on the newspaper and dip the leaf into it.
3. Carefully lift the leaf off of the newspaper, and place it paint side down onto the material you want to make a print on.
4. Place a paper towel over the leaf and press down gently but firmly.
5. Remove the paper towel, and peel the leaf off of the material, taking care not to tear it.
6. Repeat to create prints of the same leaf in the same color. Let dry.
7. Use a new leaf for each different color, and let each new color dry before adding another one.
There are also other ways to create leaf prints. Pressing leaves onto ink pads and then onto paper is a simple way to make them. It’s also possible to make imprints of leaves on clay by gently pressing the leaf into it. These techniques present all sorts of crafting possibilities.
Leaf prints are simple enough for toddlers to create with little assistance. They make wonderful rainy day projects on their own, or they can be used to enhance all kinds of crafts. So if you’re looking for some inspiration from nature, look no further than that tree in your back yard.
Cross Stitching Fun – Simple Ways to Get Started
Cross stitching is a fun way to pass the time and relax. There are several different ways to get started. Whether you decide to purchase a cross stitching kit or buy the supplies separately, it is easy to get started.
Start out by making a visit to your local craft store. Many craft stores carry both the premade kits and the separate supplies. Premade kits come in handy because they provide the thread, the canvas and the needle as well as step by step instructions. The premade kits come in a variety of styles and projects. Pictures are available as well as more detailed projects such as pillow cases, bibs, blankets and lots more. Prices for the premade kits are wide in range. There are several projects that can be started for as low as $5 ranging up to $100 for more detailed projects.
If you choose to buy the supplies separately, it is a good idea to purchase a cross stitch book first. These books usually contain several patterns and specify the materials needed to complete the patterns. Among the materials needed are typically thread, needles, canvas and a hoop to keep the canvas stretched. The hoop makes it easy to cross stitch more accurately, but they are not required.
Follow the directions included in the kit or patterns to achieve the desired outcome. The directions supplied specify the colors used and each has a specific icon that represents the color. Follow these directions to ensure that your picture matches the pattern. There are several different kinds of stitches such as cross stitch, half-stitch and a back stitch. Each stitch is performed a certain way, so familiarize yourself with each stitch. Knowing the stitches beforehand will help eliminate any frustration during the actual sewing.
After you have experience with cross stitching it is possible to develop your own pattern. Do some research and choose a picture to turn into a cross stitch pattern. This is a more complex way of cross stitching so ease and experience count.
After the cross stitch is complete, it is time to frame your work! Buy a nice frame to display your work on the wall or to give away as a gift. Congratulate yourself on a job well done.
Getting started with cross stitch can be very easy. There are two different methods to get started, buy a premade kit or buy the supplies separately. Craft stores usually carry all of the supplies you need to get started, so be sure to visit one and pick the best method for you.
Sell Your Crafts! Turn Your Hobby into Spending Money
If you enjoy creating and you constantly hear people telling you that you should sell your creations, it may be time to voyage into the world of selling your crafts for money. Like all things, entering the world of selling crafts should be carefully planned out. There are many websites and venues where you can sell your crafts both online and off.
Online venues are a great way to reach customers all over the world. Popular websites like Etsy, Artfire and eBay are great tools that help to reach your targeted customers. Before making the plunge into selling your crafts, be sure to take the time and do some research beforehand. Keep the following questions in mind as you consider the prospect of selling your creations:
* Do I have a product that people would want to buy? This is the most important question you have to ask yourself. If there is no target market for your products, you will have a hard time selling your creations and not because your items are not nice, but they may not be in demand.
* Who is my potential target market? This is a continuation of the question above because you need to know who to advertise to and how to successfully draw your target market to your items. It would be a waste of time trying to sell baby clothes, for example, to those who do not have children.
* What will I charge for my creations? Pricing is an important strategy. All too often, people undercharge for their creations forgetting to take into consideration the time and materials that go into a product. Make sure you account for both the cost of the materials as well as the time and effort you put forth to create your goods. Also be sure not to overcharge. You may find that your items do not sell because they are over priced.
* Where will I sell my items? Online websites are plentiful when it comes to selling handmade goods. There are websites such as Etsy and Artfire who only allow the sales of handmade goods, along with supplies. EBay is also another popular venue to sell handmade goods. Be aware though, that you will be competing with the other goods that are not handmade and may be cheaper. A good description of the item and its benefits is always a good idea.
If you choose to sell locally, try finding a store that will sell your items on consignment or sign up to exhibit at a local craft show. Both will be good for exposure. If you choose to go the consignment route, be sure to get all terms in writing. Otherwise you run the risk of having your items kept and not paid for.
It is very possible in today’s day and age to make some spending money selling your crafts. Be sure to do your research and follow through your plan by keeping the above questions in mind. Once you have your plan in mind, go ahead and take the plunge. But remember, like anything else, you will get in return what you put forth so make it worth your while.
Piñatas are all the rage at kids’ birthday parties. There’s just something about getting blindfolded, trying to hit a brightly colored object with a stick, and picking up the candy that falls when someone succeeds that young people (and the young at heart) love. Piñatas have become must-haves for birthday celebrations, but unfortunately they’re not cheap.
But did you know that piñatas are really easy and fun to make? You can create a colorful piñata with just a few supplies, and you can find some of them around the house. Here’s how to make a simple one.
Supplies
* Newspaper
* 1/4 cup flour
* 6 cups water, divided
* Large balloon
* Large bowl
* Poster paint
* Twine or other strong string
* Candy and/or small toys
Instructions
* Cut or tear newspaper up into strips 1 1/4 inches wide. Make more than you think you’ll need to cover the piñata, because several layers must be applied.
* Mix up some papier-mache paste. Mix the flour with 1 cup of cold water, and press out all lumps. Then put the other 5 cups of water in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Add a spoonful of boiling water to the flour and water mixture, and mix well. Continue stirring while slowly pouring the mixture into the boiling water. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes and let cool.
* Blow up the balloon and tie securely. Set it down in the bowl.
* Soak a strip of newspaper in the paste until soaking wet. Smooth it onto the balloon, wiping off excess paste with your fingers.
* Add more newspaper strips soaked in paste, overlapping each by about an inch and crossing the strips. Cover all but the tied end with two layers of newspaper.
* Let the piñata dry for 2 to 3 days.
* Pop the balloon and remove it.
* Decorate the piñata with poster paint. Glue on construction paper accents, streamers and other decorations if desired. Let paint and glue dry.
* Using an ice pick, carefully poke a hole on each side on the top. Thread a length of twine through the holes and tie the ends together to make a hanger.
* Fill the piñata with candy or toys. Cover the hole with masking tape, and paste some newspaper over the tape. Let dry for 24 hours, and paint to match the rest of the piñata.
If you like, you can use a large balloon and a smaller one to make a body with a head. Just cover the balloons separately, let dry and decorate as desired, then put the open ends together after you’ve added the candy. Attach with more newspaper and paste, and let dry.
Making piñatas is rather messy, but it’s also lots of fun. A homemade piñata is also much less expensive than a store-bought one, and it is completely customizable. The next time you’re planning a birthday party, why not try your hand at papier-mache?
The great outdoors holds many treasures that we can use in crafting. Flowers, pine cones and rocks can be used as the basis for many crafts, and they also make lovely accents. Even simple leaves can add a nice touch to our projects.
Leaf prints can bring a hint of nature to the most sophisticated of crafts. Yet they’re so easy to do, even children can create them expertly. Here are two simple ways to capture the beautiful intricacies of leaves.
Leaf Rubbings
Supplies
* Paper
* Leaves
* Crayons
Instructions
1. Lay a pretty leaf flat on the table, with the veins facing upward.
2. Lay a piece of paper on top of the leaf, positioning it so that the leaf is where you want its impression to be.
3. Peel the wrapper off of a crayon in the desired color. Holding the paper down around the leaf, gently rub the side of the crayon over the paper on top of the leaf.
4. Reposition the leaf, or place another type of leaf under the paper and repeat with a different color. Continue to create a pattern, or just make rubbings at random to complete your work of art.
Painted Leaf Prints
Supplies
* Paper, poster board, card stock or fabric
* Leaves
* Paint (acrylic, tempera or fabric, depending on the material you’re working on)
* Paintbrush or sponge
* Newspaper
* Paper towels
Instructions
1. Lay the leaf on top of the newspaper, with the veins facing upward.
2. Use the paintbrush or sponge to thoroughly apply paint to the leaf. Alternatively, you could simply put some paint on the newspaper and dip the leaf into it.
3. Carefully lift the leaf off of the newspaper, and place it paint side down onto the material you want to make a print on.
4. Place a paper towel over the leaf and press down gently but firmly.
5. Remove the paper towel, and peel the leaf off of the material, taking care not to tear it.
6. Repeat to create prints of the same leaf in the same color. Let dry.
7. Use a new leaf for each different color, and let each new color dry before adding another one.
There are also other ways to create leaf prints. Pressing leaves onto ink pads and then onto paper is a simple way to make them. It’s also possible to make imprints of leaves on clay by gently pressing the leaf into it. These techniques present all sorts of crafting possibilities.
Leaf prints are simple enough for toddlers to create with little assistance. They make wonderful rainy day projects on their own, or they can be used to enhance all kinds of crafts. So if you’re looking for some inspiration from nature, look no further than that tree in your back yard.
