Spring Break Project for Kids: Mini Scrapbook in a Tin Tutorial

You can make this decorative tin/scrapbook with just about any type of mini tin box.  (Think empty Altoids tin, or check the dollar spot at Target.  Target always has little tin boxes that are filled with games or candy.)

Make a Camp Kit

This is another fun and easy project to make with your kids.  All I did was cover a photo storage box with decorative paper, decorated the lid, and filled the box with some camping gear. This kit makes a fun addition to a backyard campout.

On the inside of the box lid, I used four thin strips of paper to make a tic-tac-toe grid.  I found the cute glow-in-the-dark bugs for fifty cents.  Aren't they the perfect game pieces? 

I found the blanket for a dollar, and I covered a mini notebook so it would match and the kids can use it to keep score. 

What's the best part?  The Smores kit!!!!!  Who wouldn't love making this and camping under the stars one hot summer or on a cool fall night?

I Love Lucy Hand Puppet

Who doesn't love Lucy, right?  I remember spending my summer days watching re-run after re-run of "The Lucy Show" when I was little.  I was so excited when my neighbor asked me to help her with her school project.  She did a biography on a famous person, and guess whom she chose?  Yes, Lucille Ball.

If you would like the template for the puppet, click here:  puppetfacepattern.pdf  (I am not taking credit for this pattern.  I found it here, but it wasn't full-size, so I had to draw it free-hand.  If the original pattern is yours, let me know and I will credit it as your work ;))

I made paper hair, but you can use yarn or put a little hat on it, or whatever floats your boat.  You can also use the pattern to make any face you want.  (My girls think that "Puppet Lucy" looks kind of creepy.)

Here are the steps:

1)  Use the pattern to create the head

2)  Using a paper towel roll for the body, attach the head with strong tape

3)  Dress the paper towel roll to correspond with whatever puppet face you are making.

Below are some Vogue shots of Miss Lucy.

Here is her lovely body-shot:

Her fabulous mid-shot:

And last but not least, her stunning head-shot:

A Fun Summer Project to do with Your Kids

You and your kids can put your lazy summer days to good use by working on this fun project!  It's easy, fun, and useful!

Just take an inexpensive composition notebook, some decorative paper, some embellishments, and a dash of creative juice and see what you come up with!

I used Mod Podge to adhere the paper to the notebook.  I also used drywall tape (yes, drywall tape!) to add some flair to the binding.  This project is a great way to put your old scraps of paper, ribbon, and embellishments to good use!

This is what you need:
1)  Notebook
2)  Mod Podge
3)  Decorative Paper
4)  Embellishments
5)  A creative imagination!

Just think how stylin' your kids will be when they go back-to-school with these jazzy notebooks! 

You could even have your kids help you make a bunch and give them as gifts.  They would make a great project to do at a summer slumber party.  No?