CREATIVE CRAFTING

Posts Tagged ‘projects for kids’

Like many of my polymer clay projects I find them online. So when I saw this little leprechaun I had to have it. It really is very simple to make and already I am getting a lot of feedback from friends when I wear it.

May your feet never sweat,

your neighbor give you ne’re a treat.

When flowers bloom, I hope you’ll not sneeze,

and may you always have someone to sqeeze!

HAPPY ST. PATRICKS DAY!!!!

Project Courtesy of Crafts For All Seasons

This polymer clay leprechaun is easier to make than you think! Polymer clay is one of my favorite mediums to work with. These step by step directions will show you how easy it is to create this spirited little character.

Things Needed:

• Polymer clay in the following colors:

• flesh colored or pink

• red

• green

• black

• white

• blue or green (for eyes)

• polymer clay glaze (optional)

• a pin to glue on the back

1. To begin the polymer clay leprechaun, the first step is to condition all the clay. You will need a one inch ball amount of the green and flesh clay. The other colors you will not need very much of. Work that clay and warm it up in your hands, until it is not crumbly and is soft and pliable.

Here is a fun and easy craft for the kids to make for either grandparents, teachers, or friends.

The pavers might be hard to find this time of year, but you can use the same principle and use Styrofoam forms and use it as a window decoration instead.

Use your imagination…isn’t that why we craft?

Materials

* Keyhole-shaped paver (available at many home improvement stores) *
* Paintbrush
* White and black acrylic paint
* Orange modeling clay
* Superglue

* Fleece
* Pipe cleaner
* Two 1 1/2-inch pom-poms
* Rubber band
* Felt

Instructions

1.Rinse off the paver to remove any loose bits of dirt or cement. Paint it white and let it dry. If needed, apply a second coat and let it dry completely. (if using Syrofoam cover it with white felt or white cotton)

2.Lay the paver flat and paint on the eyes, mouth, and buttons. Let the face dry, then mold a clay nose and affix it with superglue (a parent’s job).

3.Cut a fleece scarf (ours measures 1 by 22 inches) and tie it in place. For the earmuffs, bend a 5-inch piece of pipe cleaner into an arc. Superglue the ends to either side of the head and the pom-poms over the ends (a parent’s job), then wrap the rubber band around the snowman?s head to hold the earmuffs in place until the glue dries.

4.To protect indoor floors, superglue a small piece of felt to the base of the snowman.

Project designed by Becky Meverden

Materials and Tools:

3 oz. packages Kato Polyclay: 2 white, black, violet, magenta
lavender clay (2″ ball white plus 1/2″ ball violet)
pink clay: (7/16″ ball white plus 5/16″ ball magenta)
pasta machine or acrylic roller
2-1/2″ glass votive
3/4″ Kemper circle cutter or toothpick
ball stylus
Kato NuBlade
paring knife, dedicated to polymer clay
aluminum foil
paper towel
parchment paper or index cards to bake on

Steps:

1. Flatten two sheets of lavender through the pasta machine at a #1 setting (1/8 inch). Flatten one sheet large enough to cover the top of the votive and the second sheet long and wide enough to cover the outside of the votive.

2. For the top, place the votive upside down on the smaller sheet and use a knife to cut out a circle about 1/8 inch from the votive top. Set the top aside.

3. Use a NuBlade to cut a straight edge across and along the side of the larger sheet. Wrap the sheet around the votive, lining the straight edge with the top of the votive and press. Use a NuBlade to trim the edges. Use your finger to erase and smooth the seam. Use the NuBlade to cut off the excess clay on the bottom of the votive and smooth with your fingers.

4. Press the votive against a flat surface to smooth out the entire surface.