Tuesday, February 20, 2007

Using up craft materials


Since we have a move on the horizon, I'm trying to avoid purchasing any new craft items. I have a pretty random stash of crafting materials...anything from a huge stack of felt (from the quiet book I never quite finished) to pipe cleaners to stickers. Today's post is all about using your existing craft materials to create fun projects with your kids. And some of the creations have future uses...double the fun!

1. Pipe cleaner animals. With a few pipe cleaners and some googly eyes you can help your little guys make penguins, lizards, jungle cats and more...click here for instructions. Save these fuzzy buddies for your church bag, or stash them away in the car for the day your child decides the car seat is not for her.

2. While doing a bit of research for this idea, I came across this website. Several of these projects can be whipped up with stuff laying around the bottom of your craft bucket. I really like the Travel Memory Box and Whirligig ideas and will gladly use up some beads and boxes on these projects in the next few weeks.

3. A few weeks ago I taught the letter "P" for preschool. I had the kids make pink and purple collages and we talked about textures while the glue rivers were made. Collages are a great freestyle craft project that really do clear out the ribbon, sequins, Popsicle sticks and glitter!

4. Does anyone else have an overabundance of craft foam? It's taking over my craft area. I have sheets and stickers of the stuff in every color and shape you can think of! Every time I teach preschool, I try to load up the kids take home bucket with bag of these soft stickies. Anytime a family moves, I create a car bag of foam stickers and small sheets of colorful paper to keep their kids busy.

Here are a few other links I found for using recycled or random materials to create crafts:
  • Kinderart.com
  • use up that extra felt with these awesome MS Kids Hats (pictured above)
  • if you haven't made these crayons yet, break out the broken bits of crayons and melt them now! (Reynold's makes disposable heart and star shaped cake/muffins liners that work perfect for this craft)
Please share your excess craft ideas with me!

2 comments:

Mumsy said...

You are such a good mom. I love that you are doing so many fun things with your kids. I think Lilly might be ready to start doing some of these things. Thanks for all the good ideas you post all the time.

Kathryn said...

Good tips! Where is your move that's on the horizon?