Bean bags are easy and safe for kids and provide a great way to be creative while making something special to play with. It can be very satisfying to make a bean bag with your child and then be able to play with them after it is all done. Here are some bean bag craft ideas to help get your imagination jumpstarted so you can start making your own bean bag crafts.
A very popular bean bag game involves having several bean bags and a target to aim them at to gain points. A bean bag toss is a great activity for a birthday party and can also be something fun to do any day of the week too. First you will need several bean bags that will be used to throw at the target to score points. It is great to have several of the same color or theme so that each person playing the game can easily keep track of their score and so that turns can be taken to toss. The target is probably the most difficult part of the bean bag toss. The best material for the target is plywood, but this can be expensive and requires special tools to work with. You can build a stand or use an easel to put the target at an angle so that the bean bags can go through holes in the target. You can also lay the target flat on the ground and keep score according to where the final landing place of the bean bag is on the target. The size of the target and bean bags can also change depending how often you will be using the game and also where it will be used the most. Smaller targets and bean bags are appropriate for smaller spaces and vice versa.
Making your own bean bags can be very fun and engaging. They are great to play with carefully around the house and are even better in the back yard to throw and play with. One very popular design is a lady bug bean bag. This bean bag requires that the person making it have either sewing skills or is able to use a hot glue gun. Children over the age of 7 should be able to do these things but adult supervision should always be done. Younger children can help with this craft and then it can be given to them as a gift. If this is going to be an introduction to sewing for children, you should take care to educate them about needles and thread or sewing machines to ensure safety. There are several different stuffing options for making bean bags. Many people would probably be surprised how few bean bags actually have beans in them. Other popular bean bag stuffers are rice, dried corn or plastic beads. You can make this lady bug bean bag in either a small or large size. If this will be the first project for children sewing, it is recommended to sew the large parts of the body and then to use glue for the more detailed sections.
Felt is a great material for bean bags and is durable enough for them to be thrown around multiple times without being damaged. Other more durable fabrics are also great materials for bean bags but fabric is more difficult to sew together, especially for someone who is learning for the first time. Make a template of the lady bug design or find a pattern online so that if you make more than one, or need to try more than one time, you will be able to have the exact duplicate. You will need black and red felt to use for the different parts as well as the material you will be using to stuff the bean bag. Be sure to use beans or rice that is not cooked because they will be more durable and last longer.
For more kids crafts, visit http://www.makeplaydough.com.
Author: Beverly Frank
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
How Electric Pressure Cookers Work
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This amazing books contains over 20 fun craft projects for you to do right in your own home! Learn how to make homemade beaded candles, holiday gift wrap, many different Halloween costumes, a sunny day window shelf, a terra cotta bird bath, a homemade journal, wedding favors, French style signs, picture frame, wreaths, and much much more!
Filed under Buy Beads Online by on Jun 17th, 2010. Comment.
Sometimes trying to decide on a craft idea can be extremely frustrating. It seems as though every craft idea has already been thought about and made, and for the most part it has. But sometimes it’s fun to make a really simple craft project but just put your own spin to it.
Easter is a fun time to make crafts. Easter craft ideas can be full of color and whimsy, not to mention that fun Easter Rabbit. Of course, an Easter craft idea usually consists of making an Easter Basket. Well, this is no exception. But once again, add your own spin to the idea and make it your own.
Something unique to make an Easter Basket from is a metal bucket. Small metal buckets can be found at most craft stores. Of course, you can decide on the size of the bucket. Take your metal bucket and paint it with your choice of colors. Create your own design and have fun with it. Then you will need embellishments. Various color ribbons are fun to place around the bucket or you may just want one strand of ribbon. Then continue embellishing with flowers, buttons, beads, or even a belt buckle.
As for the “grass” to place in the bucket, one suggestion is to use shredded paper. If you have paper that is straw colored then that may be even better. This would be something a bit different from the “Easter grass” at the store.
Now your Easter Basket could be used for hunting eggs or maybe as a centerpiece for your table.
As stated before, sometimes it is rather hard to come up with crafting ideas. I’ve been crafting for several years and absolutely love it but there are times that I get what I call “crafter’s block.” Yes, it’s similar to “writer’s block” but with crafts. Keep in mind that just because it’s someone else’s craft idea doesn’t mean it’s not your own creation. It’s up to you to design it how you wish.
Brandi Clark is the owner of Floral Creations where she offers one of a kind gifts. Through April 16, 2006 sign up to receive her free newsletter, Crafty Corner, and receive a coupon code worth 20% off your total purchase at Floral Creations. Crafty Corner is full of craft ideas relating to any craft, craft tips, and special offers for subscribers! Sign up today at http://www.craftycorner.makes.it
Author: Brandi Clark
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Electric Pressure Cooker
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You may have already started shopping for that special gift for Father’s Day. After all, Father’s Day is June 18 which is just around the corner. Whether you are getting him a tie, a shirt, some socks, or bar-b-que utensils you can always be creative with how you present your gift. For instance, try making your own special gift bag to hold Dad’s special gift.
Here is how to make a Father’s Day Gift Bag:
Materials Needed: NOTE: Amount of Materials Needed will need to be judged by you as it will depend on the size of your gift bag.
Instructions
On the front of the bag, in the center, place your “Happy Father’s Day” sticker. Then randomly place the hobby stickers around it.
Wrap both handles of the gift bag with rick rack.
Use the alphabet beads to spell your Dad’s name or you may just spell out “Happy Father’s Day” whatever you would like. Thread the beads onto the black cord and glue the cord ends on each side of the gift bag.
Glue two rows of the rick rack around the top of the bag and you may want to glue some to the bottom edge of the bag. That is up to you to decide. Use the clothes pins to hold the rick rack in place until it dries.
Use the tissue paper to cover your gift when you place it in the gift bag.
This Father’s Day Craft idea is sure to be a hit with Dad. He will treasure this special handmade gift for many years.
Brandi Clark is the owner of Father’s Day Craft Ideas. Visit today to find more fun and creative Father’s Day Craft Ideas that are perfect to make for Dad!
Author: Brandi Clark
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Make PCB Assembly
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If you are one of the many who have converted from impractical wire hangers to a closet full of matching wood or plastic clothes hangers you are probably wondering what to do with all those wire hangers. Look no further. Here are some great craft ideas made with wire hangers. These crafts are fun for any school age child and you as well.
Hanger puppets are a great craft to stimulate your child’s imagination. For this craft you will need a wire hanger, an old pair of nylon stockings, yarn, pipe cleaners, felt scraps, buttons, wiggly eyes, glue, and scissors. First stretch the wire hanger into a diamond or oval shape and bend the hook of the hanger into a circle or oval and tape in place to prevent any body getting poked. Next, stretch the nylon stockings over the diamond or oval shape and tie off at the bottom. Then let your kids go wild decorating their puppets. They can make them look like faces or animals or whatever their heart desires. At the end, they can put on a puppet show for friends and family.
Hanger decorations can be made for any season or occasion. To get started you will need colored tissue paper, glue, scissors, construction paper, and some colored markers for drawing in details. You and your child can choose what decorations you wish to create, but a few ideas are a bumble bee, a butterfly, a pumpkin, or a sun. Bend the hanger into an oval or circle. Unfold the tissue paper and lay out on a flat surface. Place your hanger shape on top of the tissue paper and trace the outline onto the tissue paper. Cut out the shape and use as a template on another piece of tissue paper. Now you have two circles or ovals of tissue paper. Place them on either side of the hanger and glue the edges together.
Based on what you’ve decided to create, now you can cut out stripes of black paper for a bumble bee, colorful wings for a butterfly or maybe some yellow rays for a sun. Cut out eyes from construction paper or draw them on with a marker. When you’re finished you’ll have a fabulous creation to hang on your wall or in your child’s room. Use the hanger’s hook end to hang it on.
To make a dream catcher you will need ribbons of various colours, yarn, beads, and feathers. Bend the hanger into a circle shape and wrap with ribbon. Make a web by stringing yarn and ribbon across the circle and tie off at the bottom leaving ends to create a tail. If you want to include beads, string them on the yarn at various points while wrapping it around the circle to create a web. Feathers can be tied or glued on. This craft can help facilitate teaching your kids about different cultures and beliefs.
These creative craft ideas should keep you and your kids busy and use up the supply of wire hangers you have lying around. Crafts are always a fantastic way to connect with and encourage your children. Relax and have fun.
About the Author: Ron Maier is the President of Everything Hangers, a leading online provider of clothes hangers For information, please visit http://www.everythinghangers.com
Author: Ron Maiers
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
PCB Prototype & Manufacturing
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Do you look for Christmas craft ideas every year? Try to rack your brain for some ideas for some Christmas tree crafts, or gifts to make?
This year, why not try making some recycled denim tree ornaments? These can become treasured memories and have a rustic, yet artistic flare to them. They also make great gifts for friends or Grandparents.
This is how you make them:
Find a pair of soft but worn out jeans, and trace two circles on them (the widest part of the leg works best). (using a jar lid or any size you want works)
Sew the circles together with 1/2 inch seam allowance, but leave a small space for stuffing your denim ornament.
Clip the seams every 1/4 inch or less, to make a fringe, with sharp scissors.
Make a few and then wash them and then throw them in the dryer, this will create soft white, fuzzy fringe, for that rustic effect.
Stuff your denim ornament with polyester stuffing or something soft, and then sew the opening shut, with a piece of decorative cord for hanging on the tree.
Now the fun part, decorating.
Depending on the age of your kids, get out the decorating supplies. These can be sparkles, rhinestones, embroidery, fabric paint, quilting.. ANYTHING you want. Denim makes a great canvas. Beading looks really good on here too.
If you get started with these denim ornaments now, then your kids or yourself, will have the time to really let their artistic talents shine, before all the festivities begin. I have seen these completely covered in sparkly beads, and they really shine with any Christmas lights.
You now have a cherished, rustic, piece of art. You can’t buy that at the discount store!
Denim is so versatile, especially the faded soft blue jeans. I find these work the best. Hope this inspires you to get creative with some Christmas craft ideas!
turn your hobby into cash and start that home business. This is a great way to make extra money! Article and website by Diane Palmer, avid crafter
Author: Diane Palmer
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Low-volume PCB Assembly
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Spring and summer come and everyone starts opening their doors and windows, bringing in the fresh air. Tree leaves are full and flower blooms abound; birds are singing, building nests and taking care of their chicks. I am drawn outdoors by the lure of warmer days and the call of the dirt and new sprouts. Not to mention, as a mom, the kids are clamoring for more room to play. It’s a perfect time to pull out some fun out door family crafts.
Here are a few, easy to personalize, summertime craft ideas for summer fun or to celebrate May Day, Mother’s Day or a holiday weekend. All craft supplies are easily attainable from craft supply stores or online suppliers. While making these crafts is a fun family activity, some are available in pre-assembled kits, or already made. Use your favorite search engine for more information on various ideas – keyword suggestions are offered below craft each idea.
1. Terra cotta clay pot bird bath. Invert terra cotta clay pots, from larger on bottom and smallest on top. Add a clay saucer (the part the pot sits in to catch the drained water). A waterproof saucer is necessary. Set the clay saucer on top of the inverted stack of pots. Paint or mosaic the pots if you feel especially creative. For more bird fun, add a mister. Birds love to play in the water. Note: Make two similar stands and use one for a bird feeder.
Keywords: clay pot bird bath; clay pot bird feeder; terra cotta bird bath.
2. Plant and grow an herb garden. Include herbs such as basil, thyme, sage, chives and any other favorites. You’ll have fresh herbs to add to your recipes all summer long. Herbs are easy to grow, making this an easy garden for kids to help. Take it one step further and create a “kitchen garden”, including lettuce spinach, tomato, cucumber or other salad favorites.
Keywords: growing herbs; kitchen garden; easy herb gardening; gardening plans; container gardening.
3. Build a toad abode (toad house). Use a terra cotta pot and a rock. Invert a clay pot and prop edge on a rock. If you have a chipped pot, that would work great too and wouldn’t require propping. Paint and decorate to your liking.
Keywords: clay toad abode; toad house; frog house.
4. A handmade stepping stone. Personalize with stones, marbles, or other memorable items. Make the project a tradition. Mark the stone with the year and include items to remember the year; a key (house or car), a toy, etc. A footprint each year could signify the walk of life and would be fun for young children to mark their growth from summer to summer.
Keywords: stepping stone craft; handmade stepping stones; stepping stone kits.
5. Personalized necklaces. Letter beads (for names or initials), a few spacer beads, a charm or two added to a simple chain makes a lovely, personal necklace for any mom or grandmother. For fun, make matching necklaces one for mom, grandmother, and daughters.
Keywords: personalized mother’s necklace.
6. Bookmarks make a great craft for rainy days. Get creative – use paper, dried flowers, ribbons, needlepoint thread. Use beads and charms attached to chain or yarn to create a “book thong”.
Keywords: handmade bookmarks; handmade book thong.
7. A decorated throw pillow. A pre-made throw pillow with light colored fabric, decorated with fabric paint. Fabric glue will easily adhere buttons and other small mementos. Start from scratch and decorate your fabric before making a pillow – tie-dye, iron-on colored pictures made with fabric crayons or reverse dying using a darker fabric and bleach provide many creative ways to decorate any pillow or piece of fabric. Another variation would be decorating pillow cases.
Keywords: handmade throw pillow; throw pillow craft; decorative pillow craft; fabric crayons; iron-on transfers.
8. A tie-dye party is fun for family or a gathering of extended family and friends. Supplies are readily available online coming in easy kits.
Keywords: tie dye supplies; reverse dying.
When doing a search, try searching images also. Often time pictures of an already made item will spark some creative thoughts.
Judi Cox is a wife and mother of 4 children. Her hobbies include, but are ever growing, making handmade soap, gardening, crafts, web design, reading…
Author: Judi Cox
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Prototype PCB Assembly
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