How to easily wood burn the cutest snowman gift tag

 Grab some bark wooden rounds and you can make the most adorable snowman gift tag.  You only need a woodturning tool (available at all craft stores and online) and some watercolor pencils.  Add to your gifts for an extra ornament gift on the gift.

How to wood burn the cutest snowman gift tag

Materials:

Woodburning tool

Wooden rounds with bark

Watercolor colored pencils

Fine sandpaper

Pencil

Rubbing alcohol

Small paintbrush

Instructions:

First, sand the fronts of your wooden rounds to smooth out any rough spots. Now, draw the snowman in pencil on the front of the round. Use the examples given, but you can always add some extra additions to your snowman to personalize. Ex: Nurses cap, etc.

Begin burning your tag

Next, heat up your woodburning tool.  Be extra careful since these tools get extremely hot. Carefully trace the lines on your snowman with the woodturner.  

When you have finished it is time to color in the parts you want to accentuate. Color the scarf, hat, etc. with the watercolor pencil of choice.

Now, using the alcohol and the small paintbrush brush the color to blend.  The alcohol makes the color sink into the wood itself.

To finish write to and from on the opposite side of the tag and use the woodturning tool to outline it.

Add the string for the tag (They are usually included with the wood rounds)

How to make a super easy dollar Christmas stocking extra special

 

I always fill stockings for my adult children. The problem is that when they go back to their homes, they take the Christmas stocking with them. So, the following year, I must come up with another generic stocking to fill.  Since, the cost of the contents is usually pricey, the stocking must be reasonable, but attractive.  I got this simple felt stocking for a dollar, but I wasn’t happy with the way they looked.  So, I created a felt mosaic buffalo plaid embellishment.  It is so easy that you could even do this with young children.

 

Materials:

 

Inexpensive felt stockings

Red felt

Burgundy felt

Black felt

Fabric glue

Cardboard to insert into the stocking while you add your felt squares.

 

Instructions:

Gather your supplies.

 

First, cut a piece of cardboard the width of the stocking and insert it into it.  This will help with stability while you add the your felt squares to your Chiristmas stocking.

  

Now, cut ½” x ½” squares from the red, burgundy and black felt.  Next plan out how the squares will be positioned on your stocking.

 

Now begin to glue each square on the stocking working horizonally.

  

 

Row 1:  black, burgundy, black, continue this pattern to the end

 

Row 1: burgundy, red, burgundy, continue this pattern to the end.

 

Repeat row 1 and 1 till you have made your felt mosaic buffalo plaid as wide as you want on your stocking. Optionally add some extra trim to the top of the stocking.

 

Let dry completely.  You will have a faux felt mosaic buffalo plaid Christmas stocking.

Don't stop here though.  You could also glue different ribbons on the cuff of the stocking for a very attractive look.  Add trims, cabochons, beads, or bells for a myriad of variations.  

How to use a holiday napkin to make amazing seasonal glass décor

 Did you know that ModPodge comes in a dishwasher safe formula?  And did you also know that you can use a holiday napkin to make amazing seasonal glass décor?  All sorts of holiday napkins are readily available at craft and party stores throughout the holiday seasons.  I found the most beautiful fall leaves accented with gold that is perfect for Thanksgiving.  

 

You can also use Christmas, New Year’s, Patriotic, Easter, and more napkins when they are available.  And if you use ModPodge dishwasher safe you can put your glassware on the top shelf of the dishwasher or hand wash as needed.  

 

Note: please be advised that Plaid Enterprises, Inc. has compensated Make it easy crafts by furnishing Plaid product at no charge in connection with this post.

 

Materials:

 

Glassware, plates, wine or beverage glasses, canning jars, etc.

Napkins in desired prints

Gold leaf pen

alcohol

ModPodge dishwasher safe formula

Small paintbrush

 

Instructions:

 

First, choose your napkin.  Then, separate the layers of the napkin so that you are only using the printed piece. 

Next, choose your clear glass item.  For plates and dishes make sure the right side of the napkin is showing through the glass, so you will have to apply the ModPodge to the wrong side of the napkin.  If using beverage or wine glasses, apply the napkin right side up on the outside of the glass, but about an inch or so from the rim so that your lips will only touch the glass when using.

 

Now, measure and cut the right size for the area you are covering with the napkin.  Then, using the small paintbrush, liberally apply some ModPodge to the surface.  Immediately place the prepared napkin piece.

 

Next, brush a coat of ModPodge on the napkin.  Wrinkles are fine and give the piece added texture. Let it dry for a couple hours and then apply two more coats of the ModPodge as necessary.  Let dry completely.  It will be dishwasher safe or you can hand wash after it cures for about 28 days.

 

7 simple tips for July 4th fun with family and pets

Make it easy crafts would like to wish you a very Happy July 4^thholiday.  We hope you will enjoy the sunshine and other outdoor fun activities.  In addition, we are listing 7 simple tips for July 4^thfun with family and pets.

We hope you enjoy this free printable Happy 4th of July coloring page with your family and friends.

Updated July 2018

7 simple tips for July 4^th fun with family and pets

1. Don’t allow children to ignite or play with fireworks.

2. Keep a bucket of water handy and dispose of used fireworks properly after igniting.

3. Keep pets indoors. Fireworks can terrify pets.  If you choose to allow your pet outdoors, make sure they are wearing an ID tag in case they become frightened and run away.

4. Do not drink alcoholic beverages and ignite fireworks. Much like drinking and driving the two do not mix.

5. Make sure there are plenty of outdoor games and activities to entertain children and guests. Print the coloring page and have a contest for the best one.  Games like badminton, volleyball, and even wading pools are great for family get-togethers.

6. If you are serving salads at your event make sure any that include mayonnaise, dressings or easily contaminated dishes are refrigerated. Replace them under refrigeration promptly after serving.

7. Never pick up a firework that has failed to ignite.

How to make a sweet puppy card brooch for the holidays

Do your children need a cute little gift for the teacher this year?  Maybe you would like to make something special for a friend or co-worker.  If you are like me you get lots of cards in the mail and never throw any away.  They are just too cute, especially the puppies, kittens and other cute animals.  So this year, I grabbed a few simple supplies and made adorable a sweet puppy card brooch.  They were an immediate hit.  I mean who doesn’t love puppies or kittens? 

You can make some too and they cost practically nothing so when you need a few simple gifts they very budget friendly.  Simply look through old cards or new ones that you can pick up at the dollar store, or even samples you get in the mail.  Choose a small animal image, cut out and create your brooches.

Materials:

Christmas cards with puppies or kittens or any adorable animal

ModPodge Dimensional Magic

Stiffened felt in coordinating color

Scissors

Waxed paper to protect your work surface

Tacky craft glue

Pinback

Hot glue gun and hot glue sticks

Tiny bows, usually 10 in a package

Instructions:

1.     Find your image. Cut out your image. Use some tacky craft glue to attach the image to the stiffened felt and let dry. 

2.     Place your prepared image on some waxed paper.  Do not shake the ModPodge dimensional magic or you will have bubbles form.  Use the ModPodge dimensional magic to cover the image right up to the edges.  Let dry for several hours. 

3.     Now, add another coat of ModPodge dimensional magic up to the edges as you did before.  Let dry completely.

4.     Using the hot glue attach a little ribbon to the front of your brooch.

5.     Add a pin back on the back. 

We hope you enjoyed this simple and easy craft tutorial.  This is a super kid’s craft.  Kids just love when they something for their teacher or Grandma!  Visit Make it easy crafts again for more fun and easy DIY crafts! And please follow on Facebook, Pinterest, G+, twitter, and bloglovin.  We love comments.

How to paint a snowflake rock for the holidays

Rock painting is all the rage these days.  It’s fun to paint a rock with a positive message on the back and leave it somewhere for someone to find.  Then, they, in turn, leave it somewhere else.  Kids, adults, anyone can paint a rock.  The cost is minimal only requiring some paint and anything goes.  And this little snowflake rock is so easy and so much fun!

You can make your snowflake rock individual by varying the shapes and sizes of snowflakes.  Then to finish, write a simple word on the back.  I chose Joy, but you can use peace, kindness, snow, or any other positive word that fits the season.  They make a great gift as well to use as a desk decoration or paperweight!

Materials:

Rock

Acrylic paint, light blue, white

Tiny silver beads

E6000 glue

Pencil
Sharpie paint marker in black

Small paintbrush

Newspaper or something to protect your work surface

Instructions:

1.     Paint the entire front of the rock light blue, let dry and then turn it over and paint the back.

2.     Next, use a pencil to outline the snowflake.  First, draw a vertical line.  Then draw a horizontal line.  Finally, draw an x with two lines in the center.  

3.     Now, draw lines near the base, connecting the snowflake all around.  (See photo)

4.     To finish your snowflake pattern draw two lines on each spoke all around. (See photo)

5.     Use white paint to go over your pattern.  Let dry.

6.     Go over the snowflake for your snowflake rock a second time if necessary and let dry completely.

7.     Turn the rock to the back and using the pencil, write your message or word.  Then go over it with the black sharpie and let it dry.

8.     Use E600 glue to attach some tiny silver beads on the ends of each spoke. (Optional)  Let the glue dry. Your rock is ready to spread some kindness!

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