Meet the
authors:
A Year of
Scrapbooking
by Debbie Janasak, Anna Swinney
hosted by Sue Spataro
 see the interview with authors
Debbie & Anna
  It has a huge variety of projects, with technical tips and
new ideas mingled through it. The language and instructions are clear and the photographed
examples are creative and inspiring, yet achievable for anybody. At the end, there is a
very detailed resources list so you can easily locate any of the products they have used.  Organized
by the calendar year, this book contains hundreds of ideas and project themes for each
month- from birthday and wedding albums to holiday and special event scrapbook
pages. Debbie and Anna include tips on improving the quality of photographs and
creative ideas for cropping and layout. The design and technique tips are in an
easy-to-follow approach and all ideas include step by step instructions and
pictures. This is a wonderful book to turn your valuable photographs into treasured
heirlooms!   Easter
Pins
This craft to us by Paulette an active member
of our Families First community. This simple yet beautiful Easter pin can be made by
children as young as five with some help from an adult. What a terrific idea Pauletter,
thanks again!
 Valentine Bookmarks
I have discovered that my own children love to
create and use their own markers. In fact, I believe that it inspires children to read. It
personalizes the book. There is nothing better than a child reading on her own; choosing
her own books and passionately exploring them.
Heart
Tiles
This Valentine's Day craft is for all kids age
4 and up. All this takes is a tile from your local hardware or home improvement
store,acrylic paints, and glaze. These tiles make wonderful surfaces for serving hot food
that you wouldn't want to set on your counter or wood table. Don't forget to glaze the
tiles after they are completely dried to preserve the beautiful paintings.
Valentine's
Card
This craft is for the little pumpkins, but
you might find yourself wanting to do it too! This week's craft involves sponge painting.
There are many things that you can do with sponge painting. Since Valentine's Day is
around the corner I have two ideas for your littlest artist. Have a happy!
Valentine
Heart T-shirt
Make a special shirt that you will enjoy
making with your child and create a keepsake that will go on lon after Valentine's Day is
over
Valentine
Heart Pins
These heart shaped pins are charming and easy
for the whole family to make. First you make the following play dough. This dough will
last for months in an airtight container. The pin directions follow the dough
instructions. Have fun!
Lacey Hearts
Lacey hearts can be done by your smallest
crafter. These hearts can be used as Valentine's Day cards or as a delightful way to
decorate your house or classroom. I would recommend using red strong poster
board for the hearts and a contrasting colored ribbon. Shoelaces could be substituted for
the ribbon too. This will make it easier for the younger children to weave and see their
success.
Valentine
Hug Box & Cookies
Yes, it is a craft, yes it is a recipe,
but the best part of it is the personal touch. The giving of yourself. This Valentine
Package should be made for anyone you care about- this could be grandparents, a sick
friend or anyone who could use a hug. Look around your neighborhood. Look into your own
family. If a class is going to create this craft think about a small group that you would
like to donate these treasures to. All will be brightened by your efforts; your artistry;
your art.
Heart
Magnets
These are terrific for the fridge and a
welcomed gift for any age. They can also be made into fashionable pins .
Attach pin backings to the heart instead of magnets. The craft "dough"
will keep unrefrigerated for up to 2 weeks when stored with a small piece of damp sponge
in a plastic bag or sealed container. This fun craft can be done with children of
any age starting from 4 years old and up.
Children's Christmas Stockings
This craft is for all ages and can be
personalized even further with a little imagination. It's never too early for Christmas!
Recycled Christmas Cards
This craft is brought to us by
Scarlett from our online craft group. This is a fabulous idea for your Christmas cards.
How many of us get them, but don’t know what to do with them after the holidays ?
This idea allows us to make our cards into keepsakes. What a terrific idea!
 Eva's
Holiday Window Hangers
Easy-to-make window hangers bought to
you by Evamare Spataro which features a snowman, a tree and a wreath.
Felt
Cut-out Christmas Tree Decorations
Felt is a wonderful and versatile fabric to
work with. It is so simple to use in many craft projects. I love the fact that the edges
of felt are always finished and don't require hemming. Pinking shears make nice scalloped
edges. These felt ornaments make beautiful holiday gifts and can be personalized.
Julia's
Handcrafted Christmas Ornaments
This craft is brought to us by fellow crafter
and member of the Families First's online crafts group Julia. She has come up with an
inexpensive yet beautiful way to welcome this special holiday season. Thanks Julia!
Bookworm
This bookworm is designed to
encourage the littlest reader in your house to keep on reading! After making this new
reading buddy your child can tell stories with him. They can be as personalized as you
like. Go wild with your and your child's imagination!
Christmas Tree Craft
This craft is brought to you by a
good friend and member of our Mom-to-Mom community Martha Wisniewski She shares with
us a Christmas tree craft for the whole family.Thanks Martha!
Shells, Shells,
Shells
Here are 2 craft ideas that will let
you show off your shells in a practical and fun way! You can use various types of shells
or choose the same type of shell for your creations.
Millenium Scrapbook
Welcome the millenium with a scrapbook! This
is a child's year scrapbook. New Year's is a great time to start a scrapbook for the
impending year.
Cardboard Earrings
The kids will enjoy making these earrings for
themselves or as gifts. Be creative with the designs and you'll be sure to have a true
piece artwork!
Felt Book
Marks
The kids loved making them because there are
so many ways to create your own mark.The felt is terrific because it doesn't run- so no
sewing needed here. Have a super time!
Fabric Fans
They are decorative and make terrific gifts. When you use scrapes of fabric reminiscent of
your childhood (or your children's), the fans become keepsakes, reviving memories year
after year. Stay cool with this fun and easy project!
Placemats
These placemats can be made by children of any age. The younger set can create
simple shapes while the older kids can have more intricate designs.
Stone Painting
Stone painting is an easy and fun way to decorate stones and create beautiful
paper weight
Pressed Flower
Collage
 St. Pats Candles
Paulette's St. Patrick's Day candles are beautiful
and fun to make.  She has an extensive
background in crafts and we are grateful for her thoughtful and fun contributions.
Paulette designed and sold crafts professionally for 5 years. In addition to
designing and publishing her own patterns, she has given seminar and classes on crafting
pattern publishing.Be creative and have a great time!
Turkey Shirt
 Here's a fun and kind of messy idea that is great for all kids. It's a
turkey shirt. You use your kids hands to make the "turkeys". This also makes a
nice momento for us sentimental moms : )
Mother's Day Pillow
 This remembrance is perfect for any mom and a lot of fun to make for any
kid! Choose cotton inexpensive pillows from your local craft or linen store that have a
light or white fabric. Using a pencil lightly trace your design right onto the
pillow. By using fabric paints your colors will be vibrant and have texture too.
These pillows can be washed in the gentle cycle with cold water.
see new keepsakes
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Easter Activity Book
by Clare Beaton
 FREE Easter Ideas
Family Fun
Crafts:
500 Creative Activities for You and Your Kids
by Deanna F. Cook
 
also see:
Craft-of-the-Week
The perfect resource for busy families in search of creative and exciting ways to
turn free time into fun family time, Disney's FamilyFun Crafts nurtures a child's
creativity through painting, drawing, paper crafts, kitchen crafts, nature crafts,
homemade toys, and much more. Color illustrations.
Meet the author & Craft Expert
Kathy
Ross
Kathy spent twenty years as a teacher and director of nursery school programs in
Oneida, New York which gave her extensive experience in guiding children through craft
projects. She is a collector of teddy bears and paper dolls. Many of her craft projects
have appeared in Highlights magazine. We are very pleased to have Kathy join us
in our series and share some her expertise and wit with us. Please stop by and see the
interview.
365 Days of Creative Play:
For Children 2 Yrs. & Up
by Gray Judith,
Sheila Ellison
365 Days of Creative Play is a collection of indoor and outdoor activities that will
encourage your child's imagination, growth and problem-solving skills.
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