Fun crafts for families

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5 Fun Eco-crafts

The joy of the holidays makes its way into our homes and offices several times a year. From birthdays and anniversaries to Halloween we all want to make the most of them, but there are a lot of people out there on constrained budgets. Families are aching to spend time together, but sometimes, they just don't know what to do that would be fun for everyone. 

Here are some tips that could help you accomplish all of these things:

Save birthday and holiday cards - consider all the cards you've received or those that you've made wrong entries in and don't want to send it out looking used like that ... they are all useful. Start by sorting the cards into themes and then sort them from large to small in size. Those little bits of ribbons that you've been saving will come in handy now too. If you don't have any, visit your local wedding and flower shops to see if they have any bits and ends for your projects. Thrift stores will often have bags of random craft supplies, too. You will also need glue, scissors and a craft knife.

To make small puzzles: choose 2 cards that have a similar theme, glue each card closed, then glue the backs together so that there is a picture on either side. Press the cards under a weight like a large book until the glue has cured. Carefully cut the cards into large puzzle pieces. These double-sided puzzles can be a nice gift for a young child.

  To create unique ornaments: trim two cards so they are the same size. Create a loop of ribbon to glue in-between them (make sure it is long enough to hang the ornament). Glue the cards together, pressing as you did for the puzzles until the glue has cured and the loop is firmly in place. Gluing a ribbon around the outside edge is a great way to give this a more finished look. Simply cut little slices in the ribbon as you go around the shape of the ornament so that it glues down flat, without wrinkles.

To make fridge magnets: choose interesting images and cut them out carefully. Then glue a small piece of magnet to the back. Rolls of adhesive magnets can likely be found at your local craft supplier – or reuse fridge magnets you have received from pizza places, realtors or junk mail.

Used cards can easily be crafted into gift tags; look for interesting images ranging in size from 2-3 inches and make sure there is no writing on the reverse side. Cut those out into the desired shape and use a punch hole-punch to create a spot to attach a bit of yarn or ribbon for tying the tag in place, or simply use a little tape to hold the tag down.

Bookmarks are another option for reusing gift cards. Find two cards with a similar image or theme, cut into 2X6 or 2X7 rectangles, glue the backsides together and press as outlined above. Use a hole-punch at the top to attach a tassel or ribbon if desired.

Any of these ideas would be a lovely gift - even more meaningful because they were handmade by someone they love. Consider 4-6 bookmarks, 4 ornaments, 2 magnets or 12-24 gift tags per recipient.

So, gather the family, youth group or craft-loving friends, around a sturdy table to create puzzles, ornaments, gift tags, bookmarks or fridge magnets for their own use or as gifts to others. These can also make wonderful projects for senior's centres, women's centres, children's classes and family support centres.

Dave and Lillian Brummet invite you to check out their blog, bookstore, and music store. Learn about the drum studio’s hand drum workshops and drums and accessories for sale. Find inspiring tips, interviews, writer services and numerous helpful resources: www.brummetmedia.ca