WOMEN

Stiff paper (1 piece) Regular paper (1 piece) Scissors Pencil String Clear tape Optional: markers, glue, glitter Draw the shape of a bird's body on stiff paper. Cut out the bird and cut two slits in the body (along the dotted lines). Cut a piece of paper in half.Fold each piece like an accordion. Optional: Cut the edges of the folded paper for a lacy effect. Insert the folded paper (wings and tail feathers) into the slits in the bird's body. Secure them to the body with clear tape. Tape the ends of the tail feathers together (making a fan shape).Draw eyes on the dove. Tape some string to the body of the dove (for hanging it up).Optional: decorate the dove with markers or glitter. Supplies: A pine cone An acorn or a nut in the shell Brown, red, orange and yellow construction paper Pencil or marker Scissors Glue Hot glue Googly eyes Clay Cut out construction paper feathers. Put a small blob of clay on one side of the pine cone to steady it on the table. The pine cone will be the turkey's body.Glue the "feathers" to the top of the wide side of the pine cone. Glue the acorn to the front of the turkey using hot glue. Glue on two googly eyes and a small piece of red construction paper (for the turkey's wattle). Let the glue set.You now have a great Thanksgiving table turkey decoration. To avoid staining a tablecloth with the clay, put the turkey on a small plate.

Shoe box (or similar sized box) Construction paper or tempera paint Scissors Glue Pencil, crayons Cotton balls (for clouds) Optional: Small plastic animals or plants First make a background in your box. Either use construction paper or tempera paints (the construction paper is easier and less messy) to depict a blue sky, brown soil and green plants. Bits of cotton balls glued to the sky make nice clouds. Make trees and animals from construction paper cut-outs (or use small plastic models, if you have them). For easy-to-make paper 3-D evergreen trees, click here. Some forest animals include bears, deer, rabbits, foxes, wolves, birds, butterflies, and wild cats. For a page that has coniferous forest (taiga) animal information and pictures, click here. For a page that has temperate deciduous forest animal information and pictures, click here.Glue the trees and animals onto the diorama. Cover or paint the outside of the box (if necessary).Write your name on your diorama. You now have a forest diorama.

A printer Cardstock or regular paper plus thin cardboard (an old cereal box is fine) crayons or markers paste (a glue stick works well) scissors (poultry shears work well - don't use good scissors for this) Print out a copy of the Tyrannosaurus rex template. Click here to go to the template. To print the template (and not any other things that might be on the screen), click on the template first, then choose PRINT from the File menu. If you printed the T. rex on cardstock, go to the next step. If you used regular paper, paste the printed template onto thin cardboard (like an old cereal box). Using crayons or markers, decorate the T. rex. No one knows what colors the dinosaur were, so anything goes. Cut out the pieces and make sure to cut along the thick lines where the legs and arms attach to the body. Slide the arms and legs onto the body.

Fold two pieces of construction paper in half, making two card shapes.

Put the two folded cards together (one inside the other).Along the fold of one of them, draw half a butterfly.

Keeping the two cards together, cut along the line you just drew. You will now have two butterflies.

On only one of the butterflies, fold it in half again and draw a smaller butterfly within it.Cut along the line you just drew.

Using the hole punch, make a series of holes along the edges of the two pieces you just cut.

Glue one of these pieces onto the larger, uncut butterfly.Flip the large butterfly over, and glue on the other cut piece.

Cut a black or brown body for your butterfly. Glue it onto the inside of your butterfly.

You now have a nice butterfly card. Write a message on your card.Optional: Decorate your butterfly with crayons, markers, glitter glue, or glitter.

	Make blue jello according to the directions on the box. Pour into clear plastic cups. Let them cool in the refrigerator until partially set - about an hour.
	When they're partially set, place a few gummy fish in each cup. Put them in the refrigerator until they're completely set. Eat and enjoy!

Variations include: Frozen fish-popsicles (just freeze the jello in popsicle molds - add the gummy fish when they are partially set - unmold very gently when entirely frozen). These are really messy to eat and are best eaten outside. An entire punch bowl of fish jello (made like the cup o' fish)! Supplies needed: An old cigar box (or other small, lidded box) Mementos of the year (like awards, ribbons, a paper handprint, photos, drawings, playbills, ticket stubs, pressed flowers, clippings, hand-written poems, scraps of fabric, sea shells, trinkets, etc.) Glue Paint, permanent markers, and/or glitter Decorate the outside of the box. Arrange the mementos in the inside of the box and glue them in securely.

• Leaves
• Pumpkin
• Knife (parents only) or fine-toothed pumpkin saw
• Ribbon or raffia bow

1. Simply trace a leaf (you can use a real one or a leaf-shaped cookie cutter) onto the shell of a hollowed-out pumpkin to create a few leaf silhouettes.
2. Then use a knife (parents only) or fine-toothed pumpkin saw to cut out the shapes.
3. Adorn the pumpkin with a ribbon or raffia bow and a scattering of colorful autumn leaves.
   
   
   
   
   
   This is a play space where kids will feel right at home: the very street where they live. Here, they can check the mail, take the dog for a walk (or draw him a pal on the chalkboard), hang up doll clothes on the line, play with magnetic fish on the pond, or open the door to see who's in the house. 
   
   

POND

MAILBOX

DOOR

WINDOW

FENCE

To make a picket fence, simply cut the shape out of corrugated cardboard. Paint the fence and then glue on a few cardboard flowers, if desired. 

DOGHOUSE

DOG

CLOTHESLINE

Attach two screw eyes to the wall (into wooden studs), then string a clothesline between the two. Using clothespins, kids can hang up doll clothes, artwork or small toys. 

    TAPE MEASURE

    APPLE TREE

OWL

Supplies needed: 

• A new or repurposed baby sock
• Nondivisible embroidery thread and an embroidery needle

• Bar of soap (we used Dove)

1. Turn the sock inside out, then make eyes by sewing a couple of small stitches on either side of the toe just above the seam.
2. Turn the sock right side out and put the bar of soap into the toe. Securely tie off the sock with a piece of thread and trim the ends. (Be sure to rinse the sock between bath times.)
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Turn lampshades into works of art with these simple techniques. Each one requires little more than colored craft paper and glue -- and the creative touch of a young artist in residence. (Note: as with any lampshade, use only the recommended bulb.)

   Supplies needed: 

   • Lampshade
   • Scissors
   • Brush
   • Glue (we recommend Mod-Podge)
   • PAPER MOSAIC:
   • Mulberry paper (sold in craft and art supply stores)
   • SIMPLE STRIPES:
   • Crepe paper

   • PINHOLE PUNCH:
   • Colored paper (large enough to wrap around the lampshade with an inch or so of overlap)
   • Craft scissors
   • Foam stamps
   • Corrugated cardboard
   • Craft foam
   • Pushpin

   
   

   1. PAPER MOSAIC: Choose an image from your child's artwork or a coloring book to use as a pattern for your central design. Trace the individual elements of the image onto mulberry paper (sold in craft and art supply stores), and then cut them out.
   2.  Apply the design to the lamp by brushing glue (we recommend Mod-Podge) onto the appropriate portion of the shade. Use your fingertips to gently press the paper pieces in place and to smooth any air pockets. Once you have the design positioned, randomly fill in the surrounding area with mulberry paper triangles.
   3. When your decoration is complete, brush a top coat of Mod-Podge onto the entire outer surface of the shade.
   4. SIMPLE STRIPES: Spread a small patch of glue (about 1 1/2 inches square) on the lower edge of the shade. Press the loose end of a roll of crepe paper onto the glue to stick it in place, making sure it doesn't extend below the shade.
   5.  Gently but firmly wrap the crepe streamer around the shade, overlapping the edges as you go. Don't be too fussy -- part of the charm of this design is the variation in the stripes created by the layers.
   6. Once you've reached the top and the entire surface is covered, cut the streamer from the roll. Fold over the end and use a bit of glue to stick it in place, making sure none of the paper extends above the shade.
   7. PINHOLE PUNCH: Cut a piece of colored paper large enough to wrap around the lampshade with an inch or so of overlap. Trim the paper so it doesn't extend above or below the shade (we used craft scissors for a decorative edge).
   8. Unwrap the paper and lay it flat on a tabletop. Decorate it with foam stamps (for our sky motif, we used a large airplane, stars, and a white ink pad).
   9. 
      Working on a piece of corrugated cardboard topped with a sheet of craft foam, poke a line of holes along the edges of your designs. A pushpin works well for this.
   10. Wrap the paper around the shade and secure it by gluing the overlapped edges together.
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       hese decoupaged milk jugs are great for transporting toys, dumping them on the ground, and scooping them up again when playtime is done. Make a waterproof version by cutting drainage holes in the bottom and decorating the jug with permanent markers; it's perfect for skimming toys from the bathtub.

       
       

       Supplies needed: 

       • Craft knife (parents only) or scissors
       • Gallon jug
       • Colored tissue paper
       • 2 1/2-inch-wide can

       • Pencil
       • Glue stick
       • Paintbrush
       • Mod Podge

       
       

       1. Cut the gallon jug as shown, leaving the handle section intact.
       2. To create multiple tissue-paper circles quickly, stack and fold the paper into several layers. Use the can to trace a circle onto the paper, then cut out the stack of circles.
       3. Adhere the tissue-paper circles to the jug with a glue stick.
       4. Brush Mod Podge on top of the circles to seal them.
          
          
          
          
          
          
          
          
          
          
          
          
          
          Encourage bare-bones craftiness at your ghoulish gathering by setting up a station for making skeletons out of pasta shapes.

          
          

          Supplies needed: 

          • pasta shapes
          • black-eyed peas

          • sturdy paper
          • tacky glue

          Instructions

          1. Display a finished skeleton, such as the one shown here, and provide bowls of pasta shapes, black-eyed peas (for eyes), sheets of sturdy paper, and tacky glue. Our skeletoni is made of rotelle, mini and standard elbow macaroni, ditalini, mini and small shells, narrow rigatoni, and orzo.

          
          
          
          
          
          
          
          
          
          
          
          Out-of-use tomato cages are a restless bunch. Come Halloween, they haunt front porches as glowing ghosts.

          
          

          Supplies needed: 

          
          
          
          

          • Tomato cage
          • Duct tape
          • String lights
          • Twist ties

          • Socks
          • Sticks
          • Marker or craft foam (for facial features)
          • White twin sheet

          
          

          1.  To make one, set up the cage as shown. To form the head, use duct tape to secure the rounded prongs of the cage. Thread the lights through the cage, and secure them with twist ties.
          2. For each arm, ball up two socks and duct-tape them to a stick, placed in the ground.
          3. Add marker or pinned-on craft foam facial features to a white twin sheet, then drape it over the structure.

          
          

          
          

          

          
          

          
          

          Make a picture-perfect frame card that's filled with Mom and Dad's favorite faces.

          
          

          Supplies needed: 

          
          
          
          

          
          
          
          

          • Heavyweight white paper
          • Markers or crayons
          • Photographs

          • Craft knife
          • Scissors
          • 3-inch-wide cardboard strip

          
          

          1.  Use crayons or colored markers to draw your house on the paper. Include a window for each family member.
          2. With a craft knife (adults only), cut out window openings.
          3. Place a photo behind each window and tape the photo edges in place.
          4. Use scissors to cut along the house outline. Place the cutout face down and spread glue along the outside edges.
          5. Mount the art on a piece of cardboard and trim the backing so that it is flush with the art.
          6. To make a frame stand, cut a 3-inch-wide cardboard strip that is half the height of the house. Fold the strip in half vertically, line it up with the frame bottom, and glue one side to the back of the frame.
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             This photogenic Father's Day card takes aim at the hearts of shutterbug fathers everywhere.

             
             

             Supplies needed: 

             • Clean, wide jar lid
             • Black acrylic paint
             • Black card stock

             • Photo
             • Glue dots or double-sided tape
             • Silver paint marker

             
             

             1. First, paint the inside and sides of a clean, wide jar lid (such as the lid from a peanut butter jar) with black acrylic paint and let it dry.
             2. Cut a photo to fit the inside of the lid, and attach it with glue dots or double-sided tape.
             3. Fold a half-sheet of black card stock in half, and cut two sections from the folded edge, as shown above.
             4. Add simple camera details with silver paint marker, then adhere the jar lid to the front of the card.
             5. Inside, write a camera-related message: "You're a picture perfect dad!" or "Dad, you always make us smile."
                
                
                
                
                
                
                
                Mom: Here's a gift that serves as a lasting reminder of your family's affection: a flippable compilation of inspirations and love notes personalized for you.
                
                Kids: Binder rings make it easy to turn messages, drawings, favorite memories, or quotes into a homemade tribute to Mom.

                
                

                Supplies needed: 

                • Colored 3- by 5-inch index cards
                • Hole punch
                • Scissors

                • Card stock
                • Small metal binder rings

                Instructions

                1.  Fill a number of colored 3- by 5-inch index cards with poems, drawings, and heartfelt messages. Use a hole punch to make 2 holes at the top of each card, making sure the holes in all the cards line up.
                2. To prepare a stand (above, right), cut a piece of colorful card stock into a 5- by 10-inch rectangle, then fold the rectangle in half widthwise. Punch 2 holes just below the fold, using one of your punched index cards as a guide. Fold each end of the card stock 2 inches in from the edge, then use scissors to cut a 1-inch slit in the center of each flap.
                3. Stack together all of the cards, placing the folded card stock at the bottom of the pile, then bind together all of the pieces using 2 small metal binder rings (available at office supply stores). To set up the flip-book, just interlock the slits in the flaps of the card stock to create a triangular display stand.
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   Mom: If it's a long soak in a hot bath that you crave, may we suggest this bathroom-door sign? It bears interchangeable messages that gently let your family know when you're in need of some quiet SPA (Special Pampering Alone) time.
                   
                   Kids: This easy felt pillow requires not a stitch of sewing, so Mom will be relaxing among the bubbles in no time.

                   
                   

                   Supplies needed: 

                   • Felt
                   • Pinking shears
                   • Fabric glue

                   • Ribbon
                   • Fiberfill, cotton balls or tissue
                   • 3- by 5-inch index cards

                   Instructions

                   1.  Cut two 9- by 7-inch rectangles of pink felt and one 4- by 6-inch rectangle of green felt. Trim the edges of the felt with pinking shears, if you like, then cut a 2 - by 4 -inch window in the green felt.
                   2. Apply fabric glue along the 2 short sides of one of the pink felt pieces, then lay a 30-inch length of colorful ribbon atop the glue lines for a hanger, as shown. Apply more glue along all the edges of the felt, as shown, leaving a 2-inch space at the center of the bottom edge (for adding the stuffing). Set the second piece of pink felt atop the first, pressing it in place. To add the window, apply fabric glue along the sides and bottom of the green felt piece and glue it to the center of the top piece of pink felt. Allow all of the glue to dry completely.
                   3. Stuff the pillow with fiberfill, cotton balls, or tissues (don't overstuff it or the notes won't lie flat), then seal the hole with more fabric glue and let it dry. Finally, write a few bathtime messages (such as "Mom's Relaxation Zone" or "Ma's Spa, 7 to 8 p.m.") on 3- by 5-inch index cards for Mom to display .
                      
                      
                      
                      
                      
                      
                      
                      Good things come in small packages.

                      
                      

                      • Scissors
                      • Glue
                      • 8 1/2- by 11-inch paper
                      • Cardboard

                      • Hole punch
                      • Rubber stamp
                      • Ribbon

                      
                      

                      1. With photo-manipulation software -- or old-fashioned scissors and glue -- arrange photos of your family to fit on one side of a horizontal 8 1/2- by 11-inch sheet of paper. Add a greeting, something like "Best wishes from our family to yours."
                      2. Make color photocopies. (Many home printers leave a blank 1/4-inch-or-so feeder edge down one side of the page; you can trim it off after you've made your copies for an even border.)
                      3.  With your pictures facing you, fold each piece of paper like an accordion fan, moving from left to right. Make 5 folds total (giving you 6 sections); the first fold should turn over, not under (see diagram).
                      4. So that our sections would be even without measuring them, we divided the width of our paper by 6 (in our case, 1 3/4 inches, since we'd trimmed down the paper from its original size) and cut a piece of cardboard that same width. We then used the cardboard as a guide for the first fold on each new card (and that first fold for each subsequent one on the same piece of paper).
                      5. With your photos still folded like a fan, hold the paper vertically with the left-most flap facing you. Now fold that into thirds: first, fold the bottom third up over the middle section, then turn the whole thing over and fold it up again. For nice, crisp creases, press all the folds with a plastic spoon.
                      6.  To make the front and back cover tags, decorate card stock or construction paper. We went with simple rubber-stamped gold stars -- a great project for even the youngest kids. Once dry, cut them into 2 1/4- by 3 1/2-inch rectangles; snip off 2 corners of each for a pretty hexagonal shape. Punch a hole through the tops of half of them (they'll go on the front).
                      7. Unfold the fan and lay the photo gallery flat with the pictures facing you. Glue the front tag (with the hole) onto the back of the upper left corner of the paper, as shown below. Then fold up the card, align the back tag (without a hole) with the front one, and glue it on as well. Now tie on a pretty ribbon.