Tag: DIY Craft

DIY Essential Oil Bathbombs

December 14, 2018 3:00 AM December 14, 2018

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Still looking for the perfect gift for friends at work or even your child’s teachers? Look no further – these DIY Essential Oil Bathbombs are fun to make and even…

Still looking for the perfect gift for friends at work or even your child’s teachers? Look no further – these DIY Essential Oil Bathbombs are fun to make and even better to receive!

To begin this craft make sure you have all your ingredients:

Epsom Salt
Citric Acid
Baking Soda
Cornstarch
Coconut Oil
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Essential Oils
Bathbomb Mold (I purchased this silicon mold at Hobby Lobby)

Start by combining all your dry ingredients in a medium bowl. Then combine the melted Coconut Oil, EVOO and Essential Oils in another small bowl. *I added some food color to my liquid ingredients. This did not work. I recommend adding dry powder food coloring*

SLOWLY add your liquid ingredients to the dry ingredients whisking constantly. If the mixture bubbles add wet ingredients even slower.

When choosing a mold, I chose the silicone one from Hobby Lobby mostly because you can make four at a time and they are smaller than your average bathbombs. After experimenting with this activity I would highly recommend beginning with a larger single mold like this one. The silicone mold made it difficult to compress the bathbombs.

For my first batch I used Lavender Essential Oils. For my next batches I would like to try Palo Santo, Peppermint and of course Stress Away.

If you enjoyed this activity please pin the image above!

Happy Fizzing!

xo,

Carolyn

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Finger Painted Holiday Cards – Kid Craft

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December 13, 2018 3:00 AM December 13, 2018

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One of the many things on the “to-do” list this time of year is holiday cards. Running short on time or funds? These fun finger painted holiday cards are just…

One of the many things on the “to-do” list this time of year is holiday cards. Running short on time or funds? These fun finger painted holiday cards are just the answer. Full of color and personality – each one an original piece of art.

Finger Painted Holiday Cards - Kids Craft

To begin gather your supplies:

Cards (I got this pack at Michaels)
Craft Paint (I used these paints from Michaels and was very vigilant, a safer alternative would be this Homemade Finger Paint recipe)
Black Sharpie (This is my favorite everrrr)
Paper plate
Protection for your work area and wet paper towels

Using the black Sharpie doodle on each card the basis for each design, I did four designs:

A curly line, to look like Christmas Lights (add black squares at the base of each “bulb”)
Holly leaves, using a green marker
Straight vertical lines and bows, to look like hanging Christmas ornaments
Christmas Trees

Place a very small drop of paint on to the paper plate. Have your kiddo use their pointer finger (or assist them in this, if younger) to make fingerprints in the appropriate places on each card. We did one color at a time and completed all the cards.

For the ornaments we made bigger circles by spreading the paint out.

Continue adding different colors of paint. For this project I was lucky enough to barrow my 14 month old nephew. For us it was best to do two colors per sitting. 🙂 Kept him interested and attentive.

Finally allow to dry completely and sign with the artist name and the year on the front. Family and friends alike will LOVE these one of-a-kind masterpieces!

Like this craft? Please pin the above image and spread the cheer!

Happy Painting!

xo,

Carolyn

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Holiday Decor – FREE Printable

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December 9, 2018 3:00 AM December 9, 2018

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Nothing to me is more nostalgic than singing Christmas carols around the holidays. Growing up we listened to non-stop Christmas carols from 3:00AM Black Friday morning until end of day…

Nothing to me is more nostalgic than singing Christmas carols around the holidays. Growing up we listened to non-stop Christmas carols from 3:00AM Black Friday morning until end of day Christmas. It always brought me cheer singing on the way to school, work or home.

Now I have found a way to bring that cheer into my holiday decor!

These four downloadable files make decorating super easy!

Download Now!
Print as an 8×10
Frame (I used these $ 3.00 frames from Walmart)
Hang (I used these Command Strips also from Walmart)

Voila! Gorgeous unique holiday decor!

I’d love to see how you style yours!

Tag me on Instagram (@handrafted) for a Shout Out!

xo,

Carolyn

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Kid-Friendly Holiday Pine Cone Crafts

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December 6, 2018 3:00 AM December 6, 2018

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The holiday season is always a great excuse to get out the glitter, pipe cleaners and googly eyes. It’s a time to get together with the kids in your life…

The holiday season is always a great excuse to get out the glitter, pipe cleaners and googly eyes. It’s a time to get together with the kids in your life and create memories. In today’s kid-friendly craft we are using pine cones as our base. Pine cones are great crafting tools because they are so versatile. On this crafting day we made pine cone Christmas trees, angels and reindeer!

Start by choosing a design, I printed a few inspiration ideas from Pinterest so the kids could get their creative juices flowing. If you are lucky enough to have pine cones in your backyard, harvesting them for this craft is a fun part to add for the kids. If you don’t have that luxury you can pick up a bag of pine cones at any craft store or even Walmart.

As tree trunks several of the kids chose to use a bottle cork, this made the tree easier to decorate because you could use the cork as a handle. Others made tree skirts with felt and stood them on a paper plate for decoration.

Once you make a decision on the design the first step is to paint. For this craft, we used craft paint from Michaels and of course glitter glue!

Some of the kids chose to paint the whole tree, while others painted just the edges. Once done painting the next step for many was glitter – of course! The use of glitter on the trees made it look like freshly fallen snow – so pretty!

To decorate the pine cones we utilized pom poms, bells, pipe cleaners and fake snow. To attach the decor we used the hot glue gun *use caution, have adult assistance/supervision* and some Quick Dry Tacky Glue.

For the angel, we utilized wire ribbon for the wings and added a plastic dove for decoration.

The reindeer was really fun, for this we used felt for the ears, pom poms, googly eyes, pipe cleaners and sticks we found in the yard.

These pine cone crafts are easy to do for all ages and great memories that last a lifetime!

Let me know how your pine cone crafts come out!

Happy Crafting!

xo,

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Modern Holiday Wreath DIY

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December 4, 2018 3:00 AM December 4, 2018

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I don’t know about you, but the eucalyptus trend is one I stand firmly behind. 🙌🏼 I love it for all seasons and in all parts of the house. In…

I don’t know about you, but the eucalyptus trend is one I stand firmly behind. 🙌🏼 I love it for all seasons and in all parts of the house.

In this particular case, we are going to use two different kinds of eucalyptus mixed with some glittery pine and little red berries to create one of a kind modern holiday wreaths.

Hoop Wreath

To create this Modern Holiday Wreath you will need the following:

Large Embroidery Hoop (I used a 23″)
Dried/Artificial Greenery
Jute Rope
Red Berries

The first step is to tie off the end of your rope. Pick a point in the hoop and tie around the innermost hoop. Trim the tail of the knot once tight.

Next, pick a spot on the opposite side of the hoop, direct your rope around the hoop at that point. Loop the rope around and tie it. Do this several times until you have a few points secured in your hoop.

Then select your greenery. I chose to begin with eucalyptus on the upper left quadrant. I cut my piece and decided where I wanted it to lay. Coming from the lower right quadrant I wrapped the rope around the greenery and the hoop, being careful to only catch the stem. I then did the same for a piece of eucalyptus in the lower right quadrant. Every time I tied off on the hoop working to also secure a piece of greenery. This process took time, move slowly and with intention – this will keep the number of crosses to a minimum. As you secure feel free to add in other greenery or embellishments with the same steps working back and forth.

When your greenery is secure and you are pleased with your final result, tie off around the hoop. I wrapped the jute around the hoop several times for added texture, but one knot would have been sufficient.

Linear Wreath

To create this Modern Holiday Wreath you will need the following:

Large stick (mine measured about 24″ long – I had to cut it to size)
Dried/Artifical Greenery
Jute Rope
Masking/Floral Tape
Red Berries

To begin, take apart your artificial pick (cut/rip the paper floral tape holding it together), this will give you individual stems that are easier to work with.

Then start by laying your greenery out in a linear fashion; grouping stems together – keeping the greenery laying in one direction.

Once happy with the arrangement secure to your stick with masking/floral tape.

Next, use the jute to wrap around the tape to conceal it completely. Once the tape is concealed and you are pleased with the amount of wrapping loop the jute to the other end of the stick and tie off. This piece will become your wall hanger.

Are you incorporating eucalyptus into your holiday decor? Let me know in the comments!

Happy Crafting!

xo,

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Spooky Chocolate Covered Strawberries

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October 25, 2018 3:00 AM October 25, 2018

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This spooky twist on a classic favorite is perfect for any Halloween party, open house or pot-luck! Chocolate covered strawberries are always a crowd pleaser and with some imagination a…

This spooky twist on a classic favorite is perfect for any Halloween party, open house or pot-luck! Chocolate covered strawberries are always a crowd pleaser and with some imagination a few sprinkles you can have some really fun designs. Plus you can get the kids to help! Can’t beat a family fun Halloween treat!

Gather Materials

Before you begin it is important to have all your decorations together and ready for use. Once the chocolate (or candy coating) is melted they come together pretty quickly. For this project, I got my materials from Michaels.

I used

1 pound of Fresh Strawberries (cleaned and dried completely)
8 oz White Candy Coating (can sub white chocolate if desired)
Sprinkles
Milk Chocolate Chips (for drizzle)

Time to Dip

Using a double boiler or the microwave heat your candy coating (or chocolate) as instructed on the packaging. Remove from heat and begin dipping your strawberries. Press the strawberries into the chocolate carefully rolling from side to side to cover as much of the berry as possible. Once covered lift up and swirl to finish. This is the fun part, once dipped begin decorating. Place dipped strawberries on a lined cookie sheet for easy transport to the fridge.

Refrigerate for 15-30 minutes or until chocolate is set then remove from the fridge and place in an airtight container and keep at room temperature. Strawberries left in the fridge with get mushy faster.

Tips & Tricks

Use room temperate berries for the best results.
After washing your berries make sure to pat them dry completely. Any water on the berries will break the candy coating (or chocolate).
Use the leaves as a handle for dipping. If you prefer no leaves remove them and skewer the strawberry for dipping.
For chocolate drizzle melt chocolate in a ziplock baggie. Cut a small hole at the corner of the bag and use to pipe chocolate on to the strawberry.
If you choose chocolate over candy coating add butter for a smoother consistency. Melt together 2 teaspoons of butter for 8 ounces of chocolate.

Are you hosting a Halloween party this year?

Hope you have some spooky fun!

xo,

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