With school not too far off we should be thinking
of fun ways to organize ourselves and the kids.
These two crafts are simple and fun for the entire
family!
Organizers
Try this fun and frugal trick for covering smaller
cardboard containers. I use the smaller rounded
cardboard containers, the type that hold cornmeal
but this could be done with any heavier box. It
makes a great holder for scissors, rulers and
pencils.
You will need:
Empty cornmeal or oatmeal containers-or boxes
Strips or smaller pieces of colored paper
White Glue
Water
Optional: Buttons, stickers, decorative shapes
Tear strips or save scraps of colored paper (construction
paper works well). Dip the paper in a mixture of 1/2
water and 1/2 white glue-the type that dries clear.
Cover your box or container with the strips, smoothing
down as you go. Cover the entire surface and allow to
dry overnight. You can also cover the lid in the same
manner to match the box. At this point it's ready to
use or you can decorate with matching buttons and
other small items that can be glued to the surface.
Using this same technique with small and medium
cardboard boxes and a little imagination can turn
the ordinary into special treasures for your children
and yourself!
Pencil Boxes from the Heart
Going back to school is a transition for the entire
family. It seems as if both parent and child are ready
for that time apart again, but they both miss each other
once the time is here. Sure, there is that first day when
it's quiet at last, and then you realize it's TOO quiet!
One thing you can do to make it a little easier for your
kids is to make a special pencil and gadget box for their
school desk. But this isn't just any box, it has a special
surprise in the lid...
You'll need:
a cardboard pencil box, or cigar box
paint
glue (Elmer's or craft glue)
water
Contact paper
Optional: paint, magazine cutouts, stickers
The first part of this project is to be done with your children.
Help them paint the box a base color-any favorite color will
do. Allow it to dry. At this point you can do SO many things.
They can glue buttons, beads, sequins, glitter, etc. on the box
itself. Keep in mind that you don't want to make it too cluttered,
but let them be creative. You can use stickers or pictures that
have been cut out of magazines as well. To seal over these, mix
one cup glue to 1/2 cup water and dip your cut-outs into the glue
mixture. Smooth them onto the lid, and allow this to dry. You can
also shellac the entire box when it's finished. For small kids, you
can even keep it as simple as drawing pictures on the box! Set the
boxes aside, because the next step is just for you.
Find a family picture, one of everyone waving at the camera is
great. Measure the inside front cover of the pencil box and carefully
cut a piece of clear contact paper to that size. Place your picture
in the center of the box lid (you want space on all sides). You can
glue it into place if you wish to help hold it in place. Lay your piece
of contact paper, sticky side down, over the picture and the inside
lid. Smooth it down very carefully until it's attached firmly and there
are no air bubbles.
If possible, do this the night before school, and fill it with pencils,
erasers, a small ruler, crayons etc. When your child gets to school
and opens their new box they will see their family smiling at them
while they start a new day of learning!
Related Features
Back to School Fun
Easy Kid's Apron
Tie-Dye Shirts!
Recommended Book
Bottle Cap Activities:
Recycled Crafts for All Ages
by Kathy Cisneros
"This book includes year round creations with seasonal themes as
well as an Earth Day environmental play with the designs and
illustrations to make all the posters and costumes with the
plastic bottle caps!" (Author's note)
Click Here for more information.
