About Family Crafts

Holiday Travel?

2009-11-24T09:00:00Z

Do you travel for the holidays? Whether you travel by car, plane, or any other form of transportation, long trips can be hard on kids which means they can also be hard on the adults who try to keep the kids occupied! Here are some creative ways to keep everyone occupied on long trips; find everything from simple, printable travel games the entire family can play to complete travel kits.
RELATED:
- Thanksgiving Coloring Book Pages
- Christmas Coloring Book Pages
- Printable Projects

(Photo Courtesy Noel Hendrickson/Getty Images)

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Holiday Travel? originally appeared on About.com Family Crafts on Tuesday, November 24th, 2009 at 09:00:00.

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Make-It-Over Monday

2009-11-23T09:00:45Z

The last Make-It-Over craft challenge item was candy. Here are some ideas that wre submitted:

Smiley Shaker Craft shared by Jan Hennings
Santa's Sleigh Candy Holder shared by Teresa West
Heart Candy Bouquet shared by Lana Glass
Candy Cornucopia Treat shared by Calalay

If you want more ideas for using candy in crafts, check out this collection of candy crafts.

This week's challenge is going to once again be extended to two weeks because of Thanksgiving. I hope this gives you plenty of time to make a project or two! Now, here is this week's Make-It-Over craft challenge item. What would you make out of this:

What would you make using one or more pine cones? Something spectacular, I am sure!

You can share your simple ideas and tips using the comments feature on this blog post, but to get your project possibly featured in next week's Make-It-Over Monday blog post, please submit it using this simple form. If you make the project you are submitting, take a picture of it and submit the photo. If you have a blog or Web site and participate, I will happily include a link to your site on the project page.

Some of the submitted ideas will be shared in next week's Make-It-Over Monday blog post. You can look through projects submitted for past challenges if you want some inspiration. You can also still submit craft projects made using past Make-It-Over craft challenge items.

If you have questions or comments about this craft challenge, use the comment feature below. Suggestions regarding this feature? Again, use the comments feature to post your suggestions; and, thanks for playing along. If you want a reminder when Make-It-Over challenges are posted, sign up for the Family Crafts newsletter.
RELATED:
- How to Submit a Project
- How to Submit a Photo

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Make-It-Over Monday originally appeared on About.com Family Crafts on Monday, November 23rd, 2009 at 09:00:45.

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Crafty Blogs to Explore - 71st Edition

2009-11-22T09:00:21Z

After a wonderful, week-long crafting and quilting vacation, I am ready to get caught up with what it is happening in the online rafting world.... I will start out by checking out these crafty blogs!

The Impatient Crafter - In this week'steen crafts blog for iLoveToCreate Madge makes a stunning mixed media necklace. You might just want to sport this one yourself!
The Crochet Dude - Drew kicks off the holiday season with a crochet pattern event!
The Artful Crafter - Check out Eileen's latest craft finds: lots of free stuff and free advice - well that's usually free, isn't it? LOL.
Stefanie Girard's Sweater Surgery - Sweater Surgery attacks t-shirts and cuts them up into some cute gathered tops with the help of Generation-T Beyond Fashion.
Mixed Media Artist - Cyndi has finished a second Garden Quilt and is offering her tutorial!
Farm Girl Roots, City Girl Style - Linda shares one of the first quilts she designed and tells the first of many stories about lessons learned.
Cross Stitch at About.com - Stitch a Simple Hanukkah Menorah Motif for a card or ornament. Suitable for knitting or crochet projects too.
Crafty Princess Diaries - Mix up altered books, glitter, and teenagers, shake well, and voila! You have a fun day of art combined with writing.
Craftside-A behind-the-scenes peek at a crafty world - Over at Craftside you can enter to win a Mixed-Media Doll by Linda O'Brien, Co-author of Who's Your Dada?, download a free intricate leaf paper cutting pattern, get a fun how-to on making a paper cupcake and a pretty pair of fall leaf earrings.
Cathie Filian - Cathie has lots of Thanksgiving recipes, crafts and family activities posted. Plus tips for a smooth Thanksgiving!
Aileen's Musings - Aileen is offering Vintage freebie images for you to download and use in your art. Get started on those digi holiday cards using some of them.

(Graphic is courtesy of morgue.com)

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Crafty Blogs to Explore - 71st Edition originally appeared on About.com Family Crafts on Sunday, November 22nd, 2009 at 09:00:21.

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This Week's Spotlight Crafts (November 14 - 20)

2009-11-21T09:00:12Z

There are lots of recycling craft ideas shared this week, don't you think?

CD Photo Ornament Craft - Use these free directions and pattern to create a photo ornament using an old CD.
Felt Advent Christmas Tree - A fun way to count down the days until Christmas. Make an advent Christmas tree using felt and these directions.
Clay Pot Pilgrim Hat - Find out how to create this fun Thanksgiving decoration that looks like a Pilgrim's hat.
Clay Pot Pilgrim Bonnet - Find out how to create this fun Thanksgiving decoration that looks like a Pilgrim's Bonnet.
Button Jewelry Craft - In honor of today being Button Day, why not make unique bracelets, necklaces, and even rings to give as gifts or to wear yourself. With the variety of buttons available you can make dozens and not two will be alike.
Thanksgiving Placemat Craft - Instructions for making your own fancy Thanksgiving placemat.
Bed Bug Craft - Lebenheimer explains how you can make a bed bug that doubles as a heating pad.

Enjoy, and remember, if you complete any of these crafts, take a few moments to send me a picture and it can be featured here too!

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This Week's Spotlight Crafts (November 14 - 20) originally appeared on About.com Family Crafts on Saturday, November 21st, 2009 at 09:00:12.

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Santa Buddies: The Legend of Santa Paws Printable Activities

2009-11-20T10:08:03Z

In honor of the November 24th release of Santa Buddies: The Legend of Santa Paws on Blu-ray & DVD (compare prices), print out these do-it-yourself Buddy crafts! Make your very own Buddy ornament to hang on the tree; customize a paw stocking; bake-up a batch of candy cane Buddy biscuits; or assemble a dog collar Christmas chain to count down to the big day!
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- Compare Prices Santa Buddies
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Santa Buddies: The Legend of Santa Paws Printable Activities originally appeared on About.com Family Crafts on Friday, November 20th, 2009 at 10:08:03.

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Make It Merry - Week 3

2009-11-19T09:00:11Z

Welcome to another edition of Make it Merry, where talented crafters share their holiday how-to's.

Advent Candy Tree
Everyone loves counting down to the holidays...add candy to the mix and you've got a fun Advent calendar from Sherri Osborn for the whole family to enjoy.

Pumpkin Cross Stitch Pattern
Use a variegated floss to make a swirling pumpkin that would look great near the Thanksgiving table. Connie G. Barwick has the free pattern.

Knit Wreath Ornament
Scrap knitting makes for fun quick projects that are perfect for any skill level. Sarah E. White has the instructions for this cute wreath.

Miniature Glitter Houses
Snowy villages look great upon every mantle and tabletop. Lesley Shepherd has a free printable so you can make your own tiny houses.

Paper Bead Star Ornament
If you're looking for something a little different to do with your paper beads then take a look at this paper bead star. This project is simple to adapt in a wide variety of ways.

Rustic Pillar Candles
'Tis the season for running out to buy candles. David Fisher will show you how to make these festive pillar candles with the perfect finish.

Pear Diamonds Painted Card
This card has an intricate finish, but it is so easy to make. Tina Jones shows us how to create this colorful card from start to finish.

Christmas Apron Pattern
Just because you've got to bake cookies for the whole family doesn't mean you can't look fabulous! Phyllis Dobbs has created this adorable holiday apron, and she's got the free pattern just for you.

Flower Petal Ornament Cover
Sometimes those plain ornaments just need a little dressing up. Tammy Powley will show you how to use seed beads to create this unique ornament drapery.

Paint a Christmas Tree
Instead of paying a premium for a colored tree, Barbara Crews will show us how to paint your tree red to match the latest holiday trends.

Want to Join Make it Merry to show off your holiday crafts? We will showcase your crafts and recipes of all holiday traditions. Learn more.

Make It Merry - Week 3 originally appeared on About.com Family Crafts on Thursday, November 19th, 2009 at 09:00:11.

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Thanksgiving Party Printables

2009-11-18T09:00:40Z

Find out how you can make your own cards, party invitations, favors bags, place cards, napkin rings, and much more to help celebrate Thanksgiving! The best thing is that they are easy to print and make and they are free. There are four designs to choose from, or you can download blank supplies and design your own. Check them out...
RELATED:
- More Thanksgiving Crafts
- More Printable Projects
- More November Holidays

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Thanksgiving Party Printables originally appeared on About.com Family Crafts on Wednesday, November 18th, 2009 at 09:00:40.

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Creative Thanksgiving Traditions

2009-11-17T09:00:48Z

Does your family have any unique and creative Thanksgiving traditions? If so, please share them with us! Besides gathering to eat and browse through all of the Black Friday ads, my family has a movie watching tradition. Perhaps this year we will try to add a more creative element to our celebration. If you don't have a creative family tradition, here are some ideas to help jump start your imagination. You can read about other people's Thanksgiving traditions and then share your own.
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- Share Your Creative Thanksgiving Traditions
- Thanksgiving Crafts
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(Photo from Getty Images)

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Creative Thanksgiving Traditions originally appeared on About.com Family Crafts on Tuesday, November 17th, 2009 at 09:00:48.

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Make-It-Over Monday

2009-11-16T09:00:28Z

If you remember, last week I mentioned that last week's Make-It-Over craft challenge item would be extended to 2 weeks because I am going to be on a much needed vacation! So here is a reminder to submit your project that uses candy:

As I said last week, you can use any kind of candy you like... It can be wrapped or not and your finished craft can be edible or not. You can also use other items in your project, it does not have to be made using candy alone. I have seen a variety of crafts made out of candy such as clowns, trains, and sleighs. Grab some candy and start experimenting.

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Make-It-Over Monday originally appeared on About.com Family Crafts on Monday, November 16th, 2009 at 09:00:28.

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Crafty Blogs to Explore - 70th Edition

2009-11-15T09:00:05Z

SDo many links this week and so little time... Wait a minute, I have all afternoon to explore and enjoy; hope you do too!

About.com Cross Stitch - Connie's added a new pattern collection - Four Ways to Say Peace. These designs will make great holiday ornaments.
Aileen's Musings - Aileen's on a mission to win a trip to NYC and to see the Martha Stewart show! Check out her under $20.00 Christmas project on Michael's craft site and rate it to help her win!
Cathie Filian - Cathie shows you how to make a kids felt book. The book are perfect for airplane trips, car rides and rainy days. They make great gifts!
Craftside-A behind-the-scenes peek at a crafty world - Over on the Craftside blog there are how-to ideas for casting and making a silver metal clay wing necklace and a recycled wool sweater Christmas needle book. There's an Mail Art Call Out to commemorate the 20th Anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, tips for making a vintage rosary style necklace and a little Jimi Hendrix thrown in.
Crafty Princess Diaries - Tammy reviews a new book full of unique and earth-friendly ways to wrap your gifts this holiday season using scarves.
Mixed Media Artist - Would you ever do an art show where you knew you wouldn't sell anything?
Stefanie Girard's Sweater Surgery - How to make a Sweater Surgery Light up Christmas tree inspired by The Lampshade Lady's Guide to Lighting Up Your Life.
The Artful Crafter - Eileen shares directions for some lovely polymer clay Thanksgiving napkin rings. You have a choice of one embellished with a cute clay turkey or a more formal looking ring stamped with a fall motif.
The Impatient Crafter - Madge makes a festive Patchwork Paper decoupaged letter for your teen's bedroom door in this week's post for iLoveToCreate.
Vickie Howell-Craft.Rock.Love - Make cool, graphic wall art using Ed Roth's Stencil Decor kit and a little imagination!

(Graphic is courtesy of morgue.com)

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Crafty Blogs to Explore - 70th Edition originally appeared on About.com Family Crafts on Sunday, November 15th, 2009 at 09:00:05.

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