I still have so many projects to share with you from my summer workshop series, but I'm skipping this gem to the top of the line up. Our young adult librarian had suggested making Thai String Dolls, and after a little research I realized that it could be an accessible and popular project. I had a blast making these dolls with a half dozen great teens.
Read MoreFrench Mirrors a la Modge Podge
Teens will always keep you guessing... I knew this mirror project was going to be a hit with my DIY Friday library group. What I didn't realize is how much teens love collage and working with Modge Podge. It was the best project yet, everyone was relaxed, creatively engaged and in the end tremendously proud of their mirrors.
Read MorePlaying with Shadow Puppets
I'll admit it, my job is the best. I play with art materials all the time for publication and then I get to take a break and share creative fun with kids in our community. This week our One World, Many Stories theme inspired my Bali Shadow puppet workshop. This ancient art has been practiced for centuries, as a way to honor religious beliefs and share folklore stories.
Read MoreDon't worry, be happy! How to make your own Guatemalan worry doll
Worry dolls are an ingenious Guatemalan craft that help ease troubles of parents and children who are working together to cope with stress associated with sickness and poverty. The idea is to make a likeness of the child and place it under their pillow at night. The belief is that the doll will take away the worry or sickness as they sleep. Like a dream catcher the act of making the craft is soothing.
Read MoreFlower Power - How to make giant tissue paper blooms
I loved watching the tables filling up with colorful blooms during this tissue paper flower project. In this post, I provide a step-by-step tutorial so you can make your own! Don't hesitate to try this with younger children or even adults. It's a great project to liven up a rainy summer day.
Read MoreRainsticks!
Follow my tutorial to watch these creative kids turn a paper tube into a beautiful instrument during my first 'One World, Many Stories' craft workshop at Curtis Memorial library. Rainsticks originated from Chile and are traditionally made with dried cactus that are spiked with thorns or small nails. Our rainsticks are child friendly and recycle paper tubes!
Read MoreSteampunk Claytraptions!
A few weeks ago I held a Steampunk Claytraption workshop for local teens at the library. To my surprise we had a full house that included a significant group of guys. These kids were well versed in Steampunk and came ready to create.
Read MoreQuilt Market Butterflies
I was delighted to make these butterflies for National Nonwovens Quilt Market booth. They manufacture gorgeous wool felts and roving products. The company supplies me with a selection of their product for my publishing work. I was especially grateful to have an array of their felt on hand while I worked through the designs for my newest book Stitched Whimsy, a playful pairing of felt and fabric. Check out the post to learn how I worked through this project and get inspired!
Read MoreFlower Crowns for May Day!
Happiness is watching children joyously dancing around the May pole. A symbolic ritual that chases away cold winter winds and welcomes springs blooming flowers and trees. As the mom of a kindergartner this was our first time celebrating May day at our local elementary school.
Learn how I made these easy crowns made from lightweight garland!
Read MoreHedgehogs: Needle Felting Tutorial
Needle felting is a simple accessible craft, if you can poke a needle you can needle felt. Follow along in this tutorial to learn how!
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