Misty
Member
I am looking for some fresh new ideas in this area - my kids are 7 in numbers (5boys&2girls) from 13 - 2.
What have you tried, seen or are thinking about doing that might spark some interest. The only requirement is that it can not be to expensive and it has to be truly something they can give as a gift or use themselves.
Thanks
Misty
nerakr
Member
My ds is interested in plastic canvas right now. The materials aren't too expensive. Some projects they can make for gifts are Christmas ornaments, tissue box covers, dollhouse "rugs" (that's what we're calling what ds is working on for dd's birthday), pencil holders, that sort of thing.
Have you tried making puppets? If you don't want to sew them, use paper plates or paper bags. Lots of great ideas at dltk.com. (This site has a couple of crosstitch/plastic canvas ornament patterns too).
That's all I can think of. Maybe others will chime in too.
HTH,
Karen
ETA: Felt food! I don't know if your boys would be interested in that or not? Here are a couple of blogs with some ideas in that area:
http://thehappyhousewife.com/home-management/how-to-make-felt-cookies/
http://store.confessionsofahomeschooler.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=88_89
Have you tried weaving? You can make cardboard looms or use round things like oat or cornmeal containers.
What about whittling or knitting or crocheting for the older ones?
Nebby
http://www.lettersfromnebby.wordpress.com
momto2blessings
Member
My dd (12) has taken to crocheting...caught on fast after a friend taught her (friend learned from mom and Youtube). She's making hats, scarves, bookmarks. And is somewhat starting a business and also selling American Girl doll sized shawls and hats. She's also enjoyed making duct tape wallets and cards.
Lowes has some nice wood kits....$6-10ish...but that could get pricey w/a lot of kids. They did give us some free wood in the back that contractors didn't want if your boys wanted to get creative....
I would love to glean from everyone's wisdom here as well. Same thing: not too expensive and for gifting!
BTW, Misty I have 6 children (4boys&2girls) from 13 to 2 too! 
Have you done anything that all of your DC can work on together?
In the past, we made DH a painting for his office and each DC had a square. It was a great project we did for Father's Day last year. Not sure how I am going to top it! He LOVED it!!! And they had so much fun, put so much work into it, and it was a math lesson as well for some as we measured off the 6 equal squares but then saw our painting board was a rectange. How in the world? Then we talked about how 3 x 2 equals 6 ... anyway, it was FREE b/c we got the scrap wood from DH's scrap wood stash and paint from his paint stash.
We have also made ornaments several times from found objects.
Last year for Christmas, we made each family group (both sets of grandparents and our sisters' families) a "Shut the Box" game. That was a lot of fun and cost about $10 per game. We made one for ourselves as well and the children love to play it. It involved woodworking, painting, glueing the felt, and older DS laid out the instructions on the computer and younger ones worked on cutting them out and laminating.
This it the plan we used and other than the clasp (we didn't include one), this is how ours turned out! I wish I could top this too, but I don't think we can! All of our children were able to help in some way, which was great!
http://lowescreativeideas.com/idea-library/Shut_the_Box_1110.aspx
Thanks for starting this thread!
Misty, I should add we didn't use OAK wood for our games, but used plywood and used scraps we had and just put a clear coat on them (it turned out very nice). And we didn't include the clasp b/c they were so expensive and it wasn't really needed the way the lid fit down over the bottom. I also had each of our DC sign their names on the inside of the lid and wrote Merry Christmas 2010. It was in 2010 we made them not last year. My how time flies!
thepinkballerina
Member
We've used Sewing School: 21 Sewing Projects Kids Will Love to Make Amie Plumley with great success. Great easy beginner hand sewing projects that kids can use. See if your library has a copy!
We are trying our hand at watercolors this summer using a VHS tape we bought cheap at the library books sale:
Donna Hughes video “Art Lessons For Children” Easy WaterColor Techniques.
Tara
Misty
Member
Thanks ladies you are great.. keep it coming this will give me some wonderful things to look into.
Misty
Here are some links to crafts and gift ideas on my Pinterest site:
This first one it for body scrubs and bath related products. My son and I made these for gifts last Christmas and everyone loved them and requested more.
http://pinterest.com/childblessed/scrubs-suds/
This next one has really cute ideas and small to large projects. Most I would say are geared toward any age. I hope you find something that inspires you and your kids.
petitemom
Member
Am loving this tread.
We also did tie dye and a lot of craft projects from Usborn Art books I got at a used sale.
I really like Pinterest, do you need to register to get the recipe? I could not see them.
I am wondering same thing on the bath products. I love that idea and would love to get those recipes. I am not on Pinterest; I fear I couldn't contorl myself from clicking and clicking and clicking ... btw, Misty and others, I saw some other great ideas on that same Lowes site. I think we might try some of the other ideas.
Nope no need to join Pinterest. Under the pictures there is a link that takes you to the instructions or information to the projects.
petitemom
Member
thanks Charlene, I actually did not know about that site. Awesome!
Instructables is another good one!
You must log in to post.
