Sunflower Stamped Apples

 Kids are going to love this hands on art project that incorporates nature to make a fun print that looks great when displayed! It is easy, needs the most basic supplies and turns out to be so cute!  Make this apple stamping art project after a visit to the orchard, or just as a fun craft to do together.

Photo Credit: Sara Lehman.

Aren't these apples the cutest thing for little hands? All you need is a few colors of paint, a sheet of paper and a dried up sunflower head to make these with your kids. This is great for younger kids.

We visited the farmers market and purchased some sunflowers a few weeks earlier. After they had started to dry out, we plucked the petals off and were left with the heads.

Harp and I thought it would be fun to paint with them, so I grabbed a few bottles of cheap paint and some paper. This is what we came up with.

Supplies:

Paint in red, green and yellow

Paper Plate

Sunflower

Photo Credit: Sara Lehman.

Pour  paint onto a paper plate. You need about a quarter sized drop.

Press your sunflower head into the paint and press it onto the paper.

Repeat as desired.

Photo Credit: Sara Lehman.

Find more fun kids art projects here:
Pineapple Process Art
Christmas Tree Art
Cork and Button Apple Tree Art

Unlocking the Artist Within: 11 Crafty Hobbies to Inspire and Awaken Your Creative Magic

 

Photo from Pexels

Are you ready in order to unlock the hidden artist within you as well as infuse your life with a dash of creative magic? From the rhythmic dance of yarn all the way to the elegant strokes of calligraphy, the realm of crafts is something that offers a plethora of creative pursuits that go beyond mere pastimes.

This blog post takes you on a journey through 11 crafty hobbies that will inspire, delight, as well as awaken the artist within you. Whether you're a seasoned artist reading this in order to seek new inspiration or a curious soul eager in order to embark on creative adventures, these diverse activities promise in order to be therapeutic as well as fulfilling, as well as a gateway to self-expression!

1. Painting

There's something of an ethereal beauty in art that in order to unlock, you need to look within the art of painting. All you need to do is grab your paintbrush and let your imagination soar, as well as immerse yourself within a world where colors become emotions. 

From the vibrant strokes of acrylic all the way to the gentle gradients of watercolors, each medium is something that offers a unique way for you in order to express your innermost thoughts. As the canvas absorbs your passion as well as the colors blend harmoniously, you'll find that painting becomes not just a hobby but also a profound emotional journey that works in order to leave a lasting imprint on your soul.

2. Knitting and Crocheting

Imagine yourself with a cup of warm tea as well as a cozy blanket with the sound clicking needles creating a melody of comfort as well as warmth. Knitting as well as crocheting are more than just crafts; they are therapeutic journeys in order to create something tangible with your hands. 

Whether it's a stylish scarf or a cuddly knit stuffed animal, the satisfaction that comes with seeing your creation come to life is definately unparalleled. The rhythmic dance of yarn as well as needles becomes a meditative sanctuary where time seems to slow down. Also the joy of gifting your handcrafted treasures in order to make loved ones happy spreads warmth as well as love like no other.

3. Woodworking

Carving wood is something that is a very soothing hobby that is absolutely perfect for nature lovers. With the touch of a chisel, you have the ability in order to shape raw materials into intricate pieces of art. Woodworking is a craft that demands patience as well as precision in order for you to coax shapes as well as forms from blocks of timber. The scent of freshly cut wood as well as the satisfaction that comes from crafting something with your own hands make woodworking a meditative as well as fulfilling hobby. 

As you run your hands over the smooth, polished surface of your creation, you'll feel the pride of knowing that your artistry as well as skill have breathed life into a once lifeless block of wood, turning it into an awe-inspiring masterpiece that serves in order to stand as a testament to your craftsmanship.

4. Sewing and Embroidery

Sewing as well as embroidery are art forms that work in order to blend creativity as well as technical skill in order to create art. The gentle whirr of the sewing machine is something that brings together innovation as well as imagination, in order to take you to a place where you can transform ordinary fabric into extraordinary masterpieces.

As you meticulously stitch your way through fabric, you will notice that it is a very very meditative process as each stitch becomes a testimony in order to show your dedication as well as your creativity, culminating in a finished piece that is not just a creation but also an heirloom that has the ability in order to carry your legacy through generations.

5. Candle Making

Enter the realm of aromatherapy as well as ambiance with the craft of candle making. As you mix fragrances as well as pour wax into molds, you create candles that carry emotions as well as memories within their flickering flames. Lighting one of your handmade candles can transform any space into a sanctuary of tranquility. 

Candle making is an alchemical fusion of science as well as art, where you blend scents in order to evoke nostalgia, relaxation, or invigoration. Each candle becomes a vessel in order for emotions to poke through, casting a soft glow that soothes the soul as well as envelops you within a cocoon of serenity.

6. Photography

A single click, and you freeze time – that's the magic of photography. With just a camera in hand, you have the ability in order to be able to become the storyteller of your life's moments. Capture breathtaking landscapes, candid portraits, or mesmerizing still-life compositions. Photography lets you perceive the world through a lens, in order to find beauty in the simplest of details. 

The camera is something that becomes an extension of your eye, and through it, you uncover the hidden stories as well as emotions that surround you. Each photograph you take is something that immortalizes a fleeting moment, in order to fossilize a stolen fragment of time, allowing you to relive memories as well as share the essence of your experiences with the world.

Photo from Pexels

7. Pottery and Ceramics

In the hands of a potter, clay comes alive. From shaping a delicate teacup all the way to molding a majestic vase, pottery as well as ceramics invite you in order to discover the beauty of simplicity. The feel of wet clay between your fingers as well as the joy of glazing your creations imbue these crafts with an almost spiritual connection into the earth. 

As you spin the potter's wheel, you become one with the rhythm of life, finding harmony within the tactile process of creation. Each piece you mold as well as fire becomes a unique expression of your artistic voice, a testament to the timeless bond between humans as well as the earth they tread upon.

8. Playing Musical Instruments

Learning a musical instrument is something that allows you in order to be able to explore rhythm as well as melody. Whether it's strumming a guitar, tapping the keys of a piano, or perhaps playing a flute, the journey in order to master an instrument is something that helps in order to enrich your soul with music's wonders. 

Playing a musical instrument is something that opens a portal into another world where feelings come forward in order to transcend words, as well as emotions flow effortlessly through sound. The language of music is something that connects you with others as well as brings an unspoken understanding that knows no bounds.

9. Scrapbooking

In order to unleash your inner storyteller get involved within the art of scrapbooking. Combine photographs, mementos, as well as creative embellishments, in order to weave a tapestry of memories that celebrates all of the beauty in order to capture your life's journey. In order to make a personal scrapbook, make each page to be a reflection of your unique experiences, reminding you of cherished moments as well as the lessons they hold. 

Scrapbooking is something that is much much more than just preserving memories; it's a labor of love that works in order to capture the essence of your life's story. As you flip through the pages of your scrapbook, you're transported back into those special moments.

10. Cooking and Baking

Cooking as well as baking are things that are not just culinary skills; they are expressions of love as well as creativity. In order to be a chef and an artist, think of your kitchen as your studio, where flavors are things that blend like hues on a canvas. Whether you're whipping up a hearty stew or crafting something like a delectable dessert, culinary crafts are things that promise a feast in order for both the eyes as well as the soul to feed. 

The kitchen is a playground of flavors, and each dish you create is something that tells a story of tradition, culture, as well as personal flair. From the aroma that fills the air all the way to the symphony of sizzling ingredients, cooking as well as baking are sensory experiences in order to bring people together as well as nourish not just the body but also the heart.

11. Creative Writing

Writing is a craft that works in order to give wings to your thoughts as well as your feelings, allowing them to soar through the pages of your journal or the lines of a poem. Whether it's fiction, non-fiction, or poetry, creative writing lets you in order to be able to weave stories that touch hearts, provoke thoughts, as well as inspire minds. 

The pen becomes your conduit in order for you to reach your imagination, and with it, you become the architect of entire worlds, breathing life into characters as well as stories. Creative writing is a symphony of words, where each sentence plays a note, as well as every paragraph orchestrates emotions in order to resonate with readers.

Conclusion

You've now embarked upon a journey all the way through the enchanting world of crafty hobbies in order to find the perfect one for you. From the painting all the way to cooking, each pursuit is something that holds a unique magic in order to kindle your creativity as well as ignite your passion.

Getting Our Children Crafting and Creating: 4 Things to Remember

 

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Crafting is an amazing hobby for the entire family. Crafts can spruce your home up and can provide hours of fun. The problem in the modern day is that our kids may not necessarily like the idea of getting into crafts, especially when they're a bit older. They may be more interested in watching videos on YouTube or playing their Switch, but it's important to get our children interested in crafting. It is never too late to teach our children about arts and crafts. Let’s show you a few ways to ensure that it's a part of your children’s lives.

Provide the Right Resources

The most important place to begin is finding the type of crafting that your kids would prefer to get on board with. Your children may be more interested in sticking pasta on paper or they may want to fashion little characters with amazing detail using macrame cotton rope to be a tiger's tail or hair for a little Stick figure. 

Whatever your children need, it is important to have an abundance of tools. We have to remember that creativity is something that shouldn't be limited in scope. When we have more tools at our disposal, it means that we can fulfill our vision better. But in order to get your child interested in something means providing a wider palate of tools. Your kids may not know what they're interested in just yet, which is why it's critical to provide as much inspiration as possible.

Make Sure You Can Clean Up

You might think it's a good idea if you can get them interested in arts and crafts but you might be dreading the cleanup! We've all been there! The best thing you can do is to have an area dedicated to arts and crafts. It might not be in the house, but setting up in the garden shed exclusively for messy play will take the stress out of the equation. If you have to do it in the house on a rainy day the best thing you can do is to have paint-proof mats laid everywhere, as well as make sure that your kids are protecting their clothes from glue, paint, and glitter! 

As nice as it is to encourage our children to get into arts and crafts, we could be stressing out about the mess they make which, over time, could stop them from wanting to create. Of course, we don't want a messy house, but it's critical that we get the balance right.

Do It Together

This sounds simple, but lots of parents give their children things to do and then leave them to it. It all depends on how old your child is; if your child is 9 or 10 they've already got a number of years of experience in playing video games and may not necessarily want to get involved in things like messy play. 

With a child of this age, it's important for us to sit down with them and gain an insight into what they would like to create. It could be as simple as giving them a pencil and some paper and asking them to draw how they are feeling. Arts and crafts are certainly things that appeal more to younger kids, but if you have younger children, ensuring that you stay with them and get creative to see what you can come up with as a family is a wonderful way to spend quality time together, but it also allows them the freedom to experiment with designs and colors. 

It can be a great lesson for you as well; sometimes we don't use our imagination as much as we should. The great thing about spending time with your kids creating stuff is that there are no rules! You can do anything you want, and this is something that, as parents, we can benefit from remembering once in a while!

Inspire Them

While creating can be an amazing thing, it benefits us to give our children inspiration. You can choose to go to an art gallery or museum but this could be intimidating for young children. However, spending time as a family can be a wonderful experience to provide a dose of culture. You can always start by getting a copy of The Art Book as a coffee table read. 

When your children start to look at the different painters and sculptors, from medieval to modern times, it can provide a great springboard for your child to do something more the next time they approach the canvas. It's important to remember that we don't fill them with a sense of dread and everything they create is going to be fantastic. We just need to give them that encouragement. 

Creativity is a tool with no rules at the outset, but as your child gets older, they may attempt to create something that they pictured in their head but are not getting it right. The expression “art is never finished, only abandoned,” comes to mind here, but it can be an amazing way to help streamline their talents, especially if your kids are showing interest in crafts or starting to create different pieces of art. 

The best thing about getting into crafts is that nothing is off-limits. You can create collages out of recyclable materials, make sculptures out of clay, sew pieces of cloth together to make an heirloom, and on it goes. The more your kids get inspired the more they will create, and this is an amazing thing to see.

Being artistic is an amazing way to express ourselves and we can use crafting to connect with our children on a different level, but it can also help our children become more in touch with their emotions. One of the biggest problems with using digital tools is that there is not always a hands-on approach that can be better utilized with arts and crafts. If you want your children to be more creative, in tune with their emotions, develop problem-solving skills, and express who they are in healthy ways, it is a great idea to get your children interested in crafting and creating.

How to Liven Up Your Craft Projects

 The chillier months will soon be with us, and that means that we’re all likely to be spending a little more time at home than we have done during the last few months. This is a great opportunity to get into some domestic hobbies, and right at the top of that list are craft projects. This is a fun way to spend a day, and you’ll also be adding some new skills to your repertoire, too. But of course, you can’t just expect your crafts to be solid gold — you’ll need to work on making them as good as possible! In this blog, we’ll run through some useful tips that’ll put you on the right path and which will ensure that you end up having fun and creating something you truly enjoy.

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Find Inspiration

One of the hardest things about starting a crafts project is…getting started. When you’ve got essentially a blank canvas staring at you, you’ll need to find a way to narrow down your focus and pick a particular project. But good news: there are plenty of options out there! If you’re struggling to find a project, then look at getting inspiration from other people. There are plenty of arts and crafts websites, videos, and magazines that’ll put some useful ideas in your head.

Work Together

There’s a lot of value in undertaking a craft project on your own, but don’t discount the idea of working with other people, such as people in your family. For one thing, it can be really enjoyable to work on something together with your loved ones. And second, you might just end up creating something of better quality than you could have on your own. We all have our own skills, and when you put all those skills together, you usually end up with something that’s greater than the sum of its parts. Give it a try!

Quality Materials

You could have all the crafts skills in the world, but if you’re not using quality materials, then you could find that the end product isn’t quite as special as you hoped it would be. So don’t let your project down by using subpar materials; get the best! There’s the excellent flannel fabric that you can buy, and once you have it, you’ll find that you’re able to make a wide range of DIY products that very much look the part once you’re finished. Using the best materials you can find is a surefire way to bump up the quality level of your project. 

Just Have Fun

Finally, remember to have fun with your project! You’ll hope that your end result comes out well, but when it comes to DIY crafts, remember that it’s the journey, not the destination. The more fun you have when you’re doing your project, the more you’ll enjoy making crafts — and that probably has the biggest impact on the long-term quality of your products since you’ll want to engage in the activity more. And it’s only practice that makes perfect! 

Crafts Where the Quality of Your Water Matters

Water is important not only for your health but also in various processes. In its purest form, there are many uses for distilled water. You can improve water quality through systems like Brita reverse osmosis and use it for various applications. For instance, several crafts require you to use high-quality water. This article discusses some of these crafts in detail. 

Making Homemade Perfume

Perfume making is a craft that needs high-quality water. Instead of using a perfume that everyone else is using, you can make a unique one using different ingredients. Listed below are some of the materials you will need for this craft:

• Distilled water

• Fragrance oils, essential oils, flavor, and infused oils such as vanilla extracts

• Glycerin

Other materials you will need include a decorated glass bottle to store the finished product (preferably colored glass), measuring spoons or cup, a glass jar for mixing the fragrance, wrapping paper or aluminum or wrapping paper, especially when using clear glass bottles, a funnel, dropper, pencil, and paper for writing your recipe. 

Advantages of Homemade Perfumes

There are several advantages of homemade perfumes; here are some of them:

• They do not contain ingredients grown with toxins, pesticides, or chemicals, leading to environmental damage and skin sensitivity. 

• By using natural and essential oils to make homemade perfume, you create emotional and physical healing properties such as mood-lifting, relaxing, energy-enhancing, and calming. 

• Compared to perfumes with synthetic properties, homemade perfumes are not tested on animals. The ingredients in mass-manufactured perfumes include musk and phthalates, which can cause harm to animals. 

• Non-natural fragrances mask the wearer's skin, while homemade ones create a more individual and personal scent. 

Canning Fresh Produce

This is another craft that needs high-quality water. By preserving food, you encourage certain bacteria to crowd out harmful bacteria. Preserving food also means freezing time to prevent it from going bad. Canning is one of the most reliable methods of preserving food. This method relies on distilled water for the best results, and you can buy distilled water online which makes this a lot easier.
 

The simplest method of canning is water bath canning, where you fill jars with acidic foods such as cucumbers, berries, or tomatoes mixed with vinegar. Cover them in a pan of distilled water until a seal forms under the lid. This process forces air out of the food and then out of the jar, creating a vacuum in the acidic environment. By doing so, the harmful bacteria will not survive. 

Water bath canning can also create several delicious foods such as jellies, jams, pickles, and whole tomatoes. If you have advanced equipment, you can try out pressure canning. Even though this procedure requires specialized equipment and more skills, it can unlock a wide range of flavors and food options. Keep in mind that the success of this process comes down to minor details like the quality of water you are using — always ensure it is distilled! 

Making Cosmetics

Quality water is also needed in making cosmetics. In this craft, water plays a very important role. Given that water can dissolve the highest number of solutes, it can dissolve most ingredients used in making cosmetic products. This makes distilled water an essential ingredient in making cosmetics, from shaving creams to shampoo.

Even in the mass manufacturing of these products, pure water is needed. This is because the presence of unwanted particles like magnesium and sodium can interfere with the precise and delicate production of cosmetic products. Distilled water doesn't contain any impurities, making it perfect for use in the production of cosmetics. Furthermore, since cosmetic products are mostly used on the skin, pure water is the most reliable, as it does not contain any chemical that can cause irritation.

Making Fun-Shaped Ice Cubes

This craft needs water without any impurities. Distilled water can make shiny and clear ice cubes in less time compared to contaminated water. The process of making ice at home is simple. Start by filling your decorative shapes with distilled water. Then, stick it in a freezer and wait for several hours.

Releasing the ice is not complicated either. Take out the ice shapes from the freezer, twisting or spinning slightly to allow the fun shapes to pop out. This will get you perfect fun shapes ready for consumption! It is important to keep in mind that ice in any form should only be made with distilled water. Anything other than that could result in poor-quality ice or impede on the flavor of your preferred beverage.

Finally

Several crafts use distilled water. This article has discussed some of them and how distilled water is used. You can try out any of these crafts at home!

6 Summer Decor Crafts and Activities for the Whole Family

 Summer is around the corner and what a relief! With the state of the world right now, your family needs every bright moment it can get to have fun and enjoy more time together. And that’s exactly what the sunny and relaxing summer season brings with it. Of course this summer your family might not jet off to a far off land for a vacation, but who says you can’t have fun in your home?

While summer is the idyllic time to relax and have fun, it can quickly become monotonous if you’re not creative enough. You can only play so many lawn games or visit the beach as a family. What about those sweltering hot or rainy days when you can’t venture outside?

The last thing you want is for your kids to go back to their gizmos and lounge on the couches all day long.

With some creativity, you can get everyone busy with the following summer décor craft ideas. Here are fun activities that suit the whole family and the best part is that you give your house a touch of warm summer décor style while also bonding. So, here you go.

Outdoor Wall Art

Love painting? Well, maybe you don’t have a potential Picasso in your house but who said you can’t have some with colors? Kids love working with paint and you can bring some summer fun to your outdoor walls with colorful art. Homeowners have always welcomed summer with a proud display of art and this is a fun DIY idea for your home.

Get a large DIY wall board and brainstorm what to paint. This is a simple yet exciting idea to bring everyone outside. Let everyone have a go at the brush and create a welcoming message to display on your lawn. When you have a cookout or a get-together, this becomes the highlight of your outdoor space.

Glass Jar Flower Vase Garland

The applications for glass jars in your home are endless. Summer is synonymous with splashes of color and you can bring your house to life with your favorite summertime flowers. Collect glass jars in the house or even buy some and line them up.

Tie the jars together in a garland, put some water in each jar with your favorite flower cutting. Hang these indoors on your windows, dresser, or anywhere else to bring some life to your living space. 

Decorative Leaf Garland for Your Book Stand

If you love books, the bookstand is hallowed ground where you always find yourself when looking for peace. And what better way to appreciate this space than with a simple but decorative leaf garland. You can work on the leaf garland and create any design that your family suggests.

Remember, any décor craft ideas are only fun if everyone chips in. At the end of the DIY project, you’ll bring some rainforest vibe into your living room. This will easily turn into the focal point of your home’s décor.

DIY Summer Wreath

What better way to prepare your home for an exciting summer than with a colorful porch wreath? This is a classic summer craft idea, and it gives your home a touch of beauty and elegance. The best part about a summer wreath is the fact that it requires all hands on deck.

Source the right flowers to bring color to your home décor. This is where your family comes in handy. You also need some simple items from the dollar store to add some fun to the wreath and to personalize it. Whether you want a wire wreath, branch wreath, or any other type, you have all the time to prepare.

Milk Carton Birdhouse/Bird Feeders

If you have a nice garden, chances are you have beautiful guests from nature throughout the summer. Birds also love their summertime out. Why not create some fun activity from this? Birdhouses and bird feeders not only add some beauty to your garden but also attract more birds to your compounds.

You can create some fun activity out of DIY birdhouse or bird feeders using recycled milk cartons. Bring everyone outside for some fun. Design how to build the birdhouses and feeders. Your kids will love the idea and you’ll add some color to your lawn. This DIY project might not be permanent but it sure is fun.

Decorate With Your Kids’ Art

You have to agree that summer brings out the artist in everyone. The kids especially have a go at creating amazing stuff every time they go out. Whether you’re at the beach or in the park, kids are always making stuff.

From seashell crab magnets, ice cream cone key chains, shell people to crayon drawings, you can collect all these pieces and use them to bring your living space to life. Think of a board on the wall where each piece goes. It soon becomes a competition where the best piece of art competes for space on that all-important board. This is one of the fantastic decorative ideas for your home.

The opportunities for summer décor craft projects are limitless. You’ll have so much fun and bring the family together while at it. Whatever idea you have in mind, you can always make it work if you bring all hands on deck. To move from crafts to interior design, visit Home of Cozy for furniture reviews and get started! Go on and add some simple family fun to your summer.

12+ Fall Mason Jar Crafts

Mason Jars are fantastic for storage, but did you know they are also a favorite supply for crafters? 

This collection of 12+ Fall Mason Jar Crafts has fabulous ideas. I have a feeling you are going to love these ideas for how to use mason jars in your fall crafting sessions.

From lovely luminaries to mason jars that look like Indian corn, this collection has ideas for everyone. I can't wait to hear which is your favorite. 

Fall Leaf Mason Jar Luminaries by Create Craft Love
Fall Pine Cone Mason Jars by Pillar Box Blue
Fall Mason Jars by Crafts by Amanda
Hanging Fall Mason Jars by Live Laugh Rowe
Fall Leaf Mason Jar Candle Holders by Creative Homemaking
Fall Mason Jar Centerpiece by DIY Beautify
Plaid Painted Mason Jars by Daily DIY Life
Mason Jar Centerpiece with Burlap Rosettes by Oh My Creative
Fall Themed Mason Jars by My Turn For Us
Glittery Pumpkin Mason Jars by The Best Ideas for Kids
Scarecrow Mason Jars by Easy Peasy Fun
Fall Harvest Corn Mason Jar by Thrifty Jinxy

You can find more mason jar ideas here.

Some of our favorite fall crafts include:

Apple Tree Window Clings

Easy Ombre Pumpkins

Apple Desserts to Fall For

Queen of Hearts Bookmark

These easy no sew queen of hearts bookmarks are perfect for making and sharing! Give a few as a gift, or keep a few near your bookcase.

Summer is here and I am loving the lazy mornings by the pool. As soon as the kids get up they are want to jump in and spend the day there. We often joke they are going to grow fins if they don't come out and dry off for a little while. I don't mind sitting pool side, observing the kids and reading a book.  So, in the warm months, book marks are essential to my life.

I wanted to make something a little bit fancier than a paper bookmark so I checked out my craft supplies and decided to make a few of these. They were so easy and required no sewing, but are substantial enough to not fly away on a windy day.

This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I will earn an advertisers fee.

Supplies:

Wide Ribbon

Hot Glue Gun

Jump ring and clasp

Charm

Directions:

Cut a section of ribbon that is twice as long as the average book.

Fold the ribbon in half and liberally add hot glue.

Fold the ribbon over on to the hot glue and press.
At the end of the ribbon, insert a necklace clasp so that it just  barely hangs out of the ribbon.

Secure with hot glue.

Attach a jump ring to the clasp.
Attach the charm to the jump ring.
Secure with hot glue.

These are great for stashing around the house, where ever you like to relax and read.

These no sew bookmarks are also awesome to share. My husband is a school librarian and we love to make bookmarks to share with the kids, so I have a stockpile started for the day our kids can return to school and enjoy a visit to the school library.

You can find more craft ideas here

Reader favorites include:

Mermaid Tails

Paper Pizza Craft for Kids