AboutMaryAnn F. Kohl Expertise I am an expert in anything about art for children, but not crafts. I have written over ten books of art ideas for kids, using materials found commonly in most homes. I like easy ideas!
maryann@brightring.com
MaryAnn F. Kohl, author
Experience began writing in 1985 after teaching elementary aged kids for ten years
Sina wrote at 2008-02-15 22:13:39
The possibilities are endless if you have a few minutes to research or a little bit of originuity, but here's a few that I like; these happen to focus on longer-term keepsakes instead of one-time makework that will likely end up being tossed after a few more minutes at the forefront of your attention anyways:
- Windchimes/mobiles: my nephew gave me one years ago that not only still hangs on my patio out back, but to which I've since added my own personalized and satisfyingly meaningful collection; I've also given away plenty of these as simple, personalized gifts to friends and family...all of whom appreciate the amount of thought that went into the designs chosen especially for them. Simply cut the body of the bottle into "gills" of different proportions and arrangements that may-or-may-not resemble a pinwheel(research online or library for ideas), then decorate with whatever's at hand(storebought items or recycled decorations and/or images from magazines, etc); visual spinners can be silent, or any number of noisemakers can be added to make a set of chimes, from bent spoons to loose beads strung close to the body to chopsticks of different lengths(TIP: make sure the strings are not long enough that they'll not tangle around each other...use a 'V' shape to tye them if you have to).
- Piggy Banks: either upright or on it's side, a bottle with a small notch cut into it is ideal for storing change; follow same directions as above for decorating, taking into consideration the likes-&-dislikes of your subject if it's to be a gift. A bottle on it's side or at an angle on a base turns into any number of simple animals or structures(rockets, pirate ships, etc), while upright ones can be personalized with flowers, family photos, images of cartoon characters or sports heros/heartthrobs, etc(NOTE: glass bottles are actually better choices for these upright "keepsake" banks, in my opinion, because they have a definite physical weight to them that makes them feel like a valuable gift instead of a recycled throwaway AND because they can be opened & closed through the regular pop-top instead of cutting a new hole in the underside of the bottle so they don't have to smash it). TIP: fasten two slips of rubber inside along the coin slot to form an inverted "lip" that will let coins in but not out; also fasten a few weights or rocks to the inside base of the bottle to prevent it from tipping over when it's empty or from getting top-heavy when it's full...and be sure to hide these weights from direct sight(unless it's part of your design).
- Picture Frames: I've come up with a variety of different designs, from stationary desktop models to mobile hangers; simply scan and print your own pictures to be glued around the inside rim of an open bottle with the bottom base cut off(unless you're willing to part with original copies), then add appropriate decorations for baby showers or anniversaries(whatever the occasion happens to be). You can also hang a standard flat photo from inside the bottle and proceed with decorations(tbh: a simple metallic foil wrap and ribbon to hide the cap is the most effective for elegant simplicity here, I've found); hang directly down for a free-spinning model or hang with a 'V' to keep it facing oneway, and use keychain rings and a hole punch to avoid rips in your photos with this method.
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There's plenty of other ideas out there...hope some of these help you!
PS: Craft bins at second-hand stores can help you quickly build the variety you'll want for these projects...the exact same items are always extremely expensive in the retail stores!!!
