Everyday Stuff = Great Crafts

Children are fantastic when it comes to using their imagination.  They’re also pretty great about the three Rs, reduce, reuse, and recycle.  Put those two ideas together and your children will have a ton of fun.  Here’s how to get them started.

Plastic Pop Bottles:

Butterflies-  Grab a butterfly stencil, about four inches square for a large 2 liter bottle and 2 inches square for standard 12 oz bottles.  Trace the butterfly onto the plastic and cut them out.  Butterflies can be strung by piercing the center with a needle.  Hang them outside for extra fun.

Getting Started With Scrapbooking DVDs

There are some great scrapbooking books on the market that can help you get started.  You can also learn a lot from online articles and message boards, but words and pictures can only do so much.  Trying to learn how to scrapbook from looking at pictures of completed layouts is like trying to learn to paint by going to an art gallery.

If you’re serious about getting started in scrapbooking, there are some great DVDs out there to give you the boost you need.  By actually watching someone put a layout together, you can learn subtle arts and techniques you need to be a successful scrapbooker.

Creating a Scrapbook Area in Your Home

I love to hang out on my couch and floor.  I can play on my computer, listen to music, pretty much do anything all while being comfortable.  The one thing I can’t do is scrapbook.  While you might think one of those lap desks is going to suffice, or that carpet is a perfect place to set up layouts, you will soon find that this is not going to work.  You need to have a place set aside to store your supplies and do your work.  It doesn’t need to be big, but it should have a few essentials.