Coloring photo frame

Adult coloring books are all the rage these days, but why stop there when you can create a coloring photo frame?  This coloring photo frame costs basically nothing to make since you are using some recycled corrugated cardboard and an original hand drawn celebration coloring page you can download right here! 

Coloring reduces stress and sparks creativity and serenity.  Father’s Day is right around the corner and this frame is so easy to make.  Add a small photo to the frame and give it to dad as a gift.  It makes a great birthday gift as well!  So simple to make kids will love to make several for their friends.

Materials:

Corrugated cardboard

Lighter weight cardboard (cereal boxes are a great source)

Glue stick

Tacky craft glue

Hot glue gun and hot glue sticks

Ruler

Scissors

Pencil

Stylus

Optional- magnets for a magnetic frame

Instructions:

1.     Download and free printable coloring party page.

2.     Cut a piece of cardboard to 5” x 7”. 

3.     Measure 2” down from the top and bottom and draw a line across.  Measure and mark 1 ½” from each side and draw a line down.  In the center where the photo goes the opening will be 2” x 3”.  Cut out the center rectangle.

4.     Turn the coloring page to the back and place the cardboard frame on top.  Trace around and trace the center. 

5.     Measure ½” outside the lines you made around the edges the frame lines all around.  Measure ½” all around the inside of the center rectangle of the frame.  (See photo) This extra margin will be used to attach the coloring page to the frame.  Cut out the inside center rectangle only leaving the extra ½”.

6.     Liberally add the glue from the glue stick all around the cardboard frame, and attach to the backside of the coloring page lining it up with the lines you made.  (See photo)

7.     Cut slits all around the coloring page in the center of the frame and fold to the back attaching with some Tacky glue.

8.     Cut slits all around the outside of the frame and fold to the back gluing with tacky glue as you go around. 

9.     Cut a 5” x 7” piece of lighter weight cardboard and using hot glue attach to the back of the frame on the three sides only leaving the top unglued. (This is where you will slide in your photo.

10. To make a stand from corrugated cardboard make sure the ribs are facing up. Measure a rectangle 1 ½” at the top and 3” at the bottom.  Cut out.   Measure down 1 ½” from the top of the stand and mark a line across.  Use a stylus to slightly follow the line and bend.  Attach to the back of the frame with some more hot glue.  You can optionally use magnets so that you can attach it to any metal surface.

Polymer clay rosebud earrings tutorial

These earrings are quick and easy and inexpensive to create using minimal supplies.  They make wonderful personalized gifts since you can make these roses in any color you desire.  Christmas will soon be here and what better gift them one created especially for the recipient.

You will need:

Small amount of polymer clay in desired color

Clay needle tool

Post earring backs

E600 glue

Gloss finish (optional)

Small paintbrush

Home oven set at 275 degrees

Cookie sheet covered with aluminum foil

1.     You can make your earrings as small or as large as you desire depending upon how large your clay balls are.  Roll eight pieces of clay into balls.  Make them all the same size.  It is easiest to work on the end of a clay needle tool attaching your roses to the end.

2.     To make an earring use four of the clay balls.  Take one of the clay balls and flatten with your fingers.  Roll this onto the needle tool, pressing at the base.   This is center of your rose.  (See photo)

3.     Flatten a second ball with your fingers and attach to the base of the rose. This is the first petal.  Curl the ends down.  (See photo)  Continue flattening and attaching petals with the other two balls of clay like you did with the first one pressing at the base to secure them.  Remove the rose from the needle tool and set aside.  Repeat steps 2-3 for a second earring.

4.     When you have finished making your earrings you will need to bake them. Set them on a cookie sheet covered in aluminum foil and bake in a 275 degree oven for 20 minutes.  Remove from the oven and let cool.

5.     Using E6000 glue attach each earring to an earring post.  Let dry completely. 

6.     After your earrings have dried, brush on some clear gloss on the petals and let dry.  (optional)

Party in a jar

Have you seen the gift jars layered with ingredients for making brownies or cookies?  Using the same concept and layering technique, why not fill the jar with a party? Fill the layers with various party themed ingredients. I like wrapped candy, balloons, and birthday candles or little bags of confetti. Key the layers in the party colors and you will be all set! It’s easy and so much fun to create.  Anthropologie has a similar party jar but it costs about $30!  You can make one for pennies.

You will need:

Small Mason jar

Sheer wired ribbon 4 ½” wide x 35” long

Bowdabra mini Bow maker with ruler

Bowdabra bow wire

Scissors

Ruler

Hot glue gun and glue sticks

For filling layer--balloons in color choice and sizes, wrapped candy kisses, mini candles, confetti or sequins, even small toys and prizes.

1.    Gather your supplies.  Cut an 18-inch piece of Bowdabra bow wire and fold in half and place in the Bow maker.  You will have a loop at one end and two pieces of wire on the other.

2.    Cut 35 inch long piece of 4 ½” wide sheer wired ribbon and insert directly in the Bow maker from the top.  The ribbon piles up like an accordion.  Scrunch the ribbon into the Bow maker until you reach the end.

3.    Use the wand to push the ribbon down tightly.

4.    Thread the two loose ends of the bow wire through the loop and pull tightly.  Remove from the bow maker and tie tightly into a knot at the back.

5.    Working on the front of the bow pull the loops up and adjust into a pom pom shape.

6.    Use a hot glue gun and glue sticks to attach the pom pom bow on the top of the Mason jar lid.  Let the glue dry and adjust the pom if necessary.

7.    Fill the jar in layers with various colors.  Balloons, candy, candles etc.  You can make as many layers as you want in any combination.