clay

Make Homemade Clay

Watch your child’s creativity take shape with homemade clay! Allyson Zea, the mom behind family blog domesticsuperhero.com, shares her DIY recipe: Mix 1 cup of flour, 2 teaspoons of cream of tartar, and 1∕3 cup of salt together in a pot. Add 1 cup of water and 1 Tablespoon of vegetable oil and cook over medium heat, stirring. After about two …

Deck the Walls: Origami Wreath

Samantha Mellone

Materials Pencil Leftover cardboard (the size will determine the size of your wreath) X-Acto knife Origami paper or any extra paper you have on hand Glue dots Glitter and paint Instructions 1. Using the pencil, trace a circle onto the cardboard. Cut it out using the X-Acto knife. 2. Draw a smaller circle inside the larger one to create a rim that’s …

DIY Hanukkah Lights

Kris Bordessa, Photography by Andrew McCaul

Materials 8 small glass jars 1 large glass jar White paper Several colors of nontoxic 3-D paint Instructions Soak jars in warm soapy water to remove labels; dry. Slip a rolled-up piece of white paper inside the jar. This will make it easier to see what you’re working on. Add a simple shape—such as a flower, circle, or star—with one …

Milk Carton Birdhouse Feeder

MaterialsMilk carton (1-quart size)ScissorsPaint (two different colors)SandpaperButtonsCereal box or other used piece of cardboardNontoxic glueRickrack or ribbonCraft stick or tongue depressorKnifePeanut butterNewspaperBirdseedString or wire Instructions1. Wash out the milk carton, then cut out the plastic spout but save the plastic cap. Use it to trace a circle about halfway down the front of the carton. 2. Once the carton is …

Flying Bluebirds

KIWI Eco-crafts: Flying bluebirds Materials Paper towel, toilet paper, or wrapping paper tube Scissors Nontoxic paint Nontoxic glue Beads Scrap wrapping paper String (4 to 5 inches per bird) Directions Flatten  the paper towel or toilet paper tube and cut into ¾-inch strips. Then follow  the directions below to make hearts, birds, or flowers. Stretch  open one of the flattened …

DIY Tree-riffic Ornaments

Vickie Howell

Materials Greeting cards Scissors Straight pin Beads, baubles, or other adornments Jewelry head pins (at least 3″ long) Jewelry pliers (for the blue and small red ornaments) Metal brad (for the red fan ornament) Liquid fusion glue (optional) Instructions Cut card fronts into 1/4″–1/2″ strips. Alternate between using plain scissors and those with decorative blades, for added ornament fanciness. Using …