2 Minute Masterclass

Using a Shape Cutter

A devise like this is ideal for cutting curved shapes because it turns the blade for you, meaning you can cut in one flowing movement. Alwyas use a cutting mat and check you have your template the right way up. Once the blade is inserted, position it flush with the edge of the template and hold the body of the cutter (not the top). Slowly move around the edges of the shape, applying even pressure as you go and taking care that the blade remains flush. Using a shaper cutter is a great way to cut neat accurate shapes from papers and photographis-ideal for scrapbooking.

I recommend:
http://www.michaels.com/art/online/displayProductPage?productNum=sb0019

Visit http://www.laurascraftkits.com

Mod Podge Baskets

Spice up an old basket with something new!

Materials Needed:
Basket
Foam Brushes
Decorative Paper Napkins Or Tissue Paper
Mod Podge
Scissors

First make sure you start with a clean basket. You then take a foam brush and apply a liberal amount of Mod Podge to the area where the first napkin or tissue is to be laid.
Lay the napkin making sure to lightly form the napkin to the creases in the basket.
Apply another coat of Mod Podge on top of the napkin; this secures the napkin in place.
Continue this process either over the entire basket or the surfaces that you want decorated.
Napkins are applied in a wall paper like fashion trying to match the pattern. It is sometimes necessary to cut the napkins to making shaping easier. It is also necessary to first do the bottom and then let it dry before continuing. This project is probably best directed to those seven years and up. The amount of napkins needed depends on the size of the basket.

For more easy to do craft kits visit: www.laurascraftkits.com

Enjoy!

Happy Father's Day

Happy Father's Day

For our father's out there! How to eat like a monkey!

Banana Mash

Equipment:
mixing bowl
fork
measuring cup
measuring spoons
rubber spatula
pie plate

Ingredients:
2 very ripe banas
1 3-ounce package cream cheese
1/4 cup butter, softened
2 Tbsps carob powder or coca
1 Cup chopped nuts
1 Tbsp honey or maple syrup
1 1/2 cups rice cereal

Method:
1. Smash bananas in mixing bowl with fork until mushy.
2. Add cream cheese and butter and smans with banas.
3. Stir in carob or coca, nuts, coconut, and honey until mixture is well blended.
4. Add rice cereal and mix well.
5. Pour mixture onto plate and, using the spatula, spread it out evenly to the edges.
6. You can bite into it now, but for chilling thrills, or thrilling chills, place plate in the freezer and let Smash harden about 2 hours. Cut into squares when ready to eat.

Making Pom Poms

Skilful finishing touches that wil make all the difference to your projects.

In two minutes!

Cut two circles from cardboard. To calculate the size, decide how big you want the pom pom to be. A 4cm diameter is about right for a hat bobble. Add a couple of extra centimetres to allow for trimming. Cut a hole in the center one quarter of the diamater of the finished pom pom. Secure a piece of yarn to the cardboard ring, knotting on the inside.

Wind the yarn round and round the cardboard (you will need it cut into manageablelengths so it will pass through the center and not get tangled. Fasten securely each time you finish one length and begin with the next). Keep wrapping until the hole is completely filled. Cut around the edges, keeping the scissor point between the two rings of cardboard. Knot a double length of yarn around the center and slide off the cardboard. Trim neatly.

Thank you quickcrafty.com for the great hints! (June 2005)

www.laurascraftkits.com has ready to make craft kits!

Etching Tumblers

Summer Sun Fun From London, England!

Etched Tumblers

I recently visited London and picked up a craft magazine and found a great way to take your glass tumblers and turn them into pieces of work!

First cut out any flower template. Draw around the shape onto the paper side of the stickey backed plastic. Cut out with a craft knife and then cut a rectable large enough to wrap around the outer surface of the tumbler. Peel the paper backing and apply to the glass.

Second spray the masked area with etching spray. Repeat this process a couple of times to build up the frosted area. Leave it to dry. Paint a dot on the centre of the flower in a contrasting colour. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to set the paint. Wash the tumbler with warm, soapy wter, taking care not to rub the etched area too much to prevent scratching the surface. Leave it to dry.

Craft hints and kits can be found at www.laurascraftkits.com and by signing up for the VIC Very Important Crafter!

More crafts to come from London later!

Shapes!

Shapes are important!

Books on Shapes:

1. Is it red, ist it yellow, is it blue. -Tanahoban
2. Spot looks at shapes. -Eric Hill
3. What shapes. -Debbie Mackinnon
4. Apes find shapes by-Moncure Jane Bec
5. Blues clue detective looks for shapes by- Angela Santomero

Snack Ideas:
Monday - Different variety of ceral for all different shapes.
Tuesday - Crackers and cheese, talk about square shapes.
Wednesday - Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches cut into different shapes.
Thursday - Fruit and cheese puffs, cut fruit into different shapes.
Friday- Celery and cheese sticks, talk about how they look like trees and logs.

Songs:
Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
Hickory, Dickory, Dock
Row, Row, Row your Coat
Ring Around the Rosey
One, Two, Buckle my Shoe

Create a Card:
Objective: creative domain, making a card out of their own ideas.
Materials: white paper, constrcution paper, glue, sequins of shapes and letters, safety scissors, markets, and crayongs.

Directions: Fold the paper in half, cut if desired. Color and glue different designs and shapes on the paper to create a beautiful card!


For more craft ideas visit: www.laurascraftkits.com

Express Yourself with Ribbon

Accessorize your room with ribbon

Retro ribbon patterns and colors brighten lampshades, bedding, throw pillows, memory albums and even picture frames. A rainbow of ribbons dress up sheer window coverings and create a posh canopy. An explosion of ribbon in vivid colors and poppin' prints transforms oridnary fabric and a frame into a custom memo board. Revamp an ordinary footstool with a tidal wave of ribbon.

Delicate ribbon hangers anchor metal mirrors over the bed decked out in satin ribbon-trimmed sheets and a quilt edged with coordinating ribbon bows. Use ribbon to personalize lampshades and candles. Even add fetching ribbon roses to yoru favorite comfy slippers. Create charming details with silk ribbon embroider enhancing your sheets and pillowcases. Explore the joy of creativity as you fashio ribbon flowers, bows and delicate satin trim that give new life to your throw pillows.

Thank you michaels crafts for this great insipiration with Ribbon!

www.laurascraftkits.com