Masquerade Mask

Print out using a picture manipulation program or a desktop publishing program and adjust the size to fit you or your childs face. Cut out and glue fabric to one side and trim – then repeat for the opposite side. Tie a ribbon that goes well with your fabric to both sides that can be tied around head. Trim with ribbons around edges, or dangling, sequins, or any other findings you want. Think feathers, boas, plastic spiders (for Halloween), tiny ornaments (for Christmas), bows, paper cutouts, and beads.

Also consider these a childs activity at a party… then can be painted or drawn on in marker or crayon. Print out a size appropriate for children and trace onto poster board and cut out. If they are going to paint, color or draw directly onto the paper it will need to be stiff because they wont have the extra strength from the fabric on both sides.

This could also make a great invitation: make with one side covered in fabric that goes with your parties theme and print the information for your party on the back. It would fit in a legal sized envelope so no special purchase would be required.

Spruce Up Your Mouse Pad

Just in time for that rainy day… one of many that approach several areas of the country… a simple little craft that will brighten up and personalize a place you never thought of doing.

Use a scrap piece of fabric or get one ready to go for the next rainy day! It needs to be slightly larger then the mouse pad.

You will also need an spray can of all purpose glue and a sharp pair of fabric scissors.

When you are ready simply spray the underside of fabric and top of mouse pad…. lay fabric top up on mouse pad. Use a ruler of pencil to roll the folds off the edges. Let dry for recommended time on can.

Then trim the edges to fit the shape of the mouse perfectly. When done use fray check (fray stopping glue) around edges.

Your done…. you spruced up an old mouse pad and personalized it to fit your personality. Now try another (even if you have to buy a cheap mouse pad) for a friend!

Enjoy!

Tim McGraw and Faith Hill

This October, Faith Hill and Tim McGraw will celebrate their 15th wedding anniversary. What’s one way to celebrate that milestone? By releasing the powerhouse country duo as dolls, of course — which is what Mattel is doing. EW has the exclusive first look at the pair of new Barbies — known as the Tim McGraw and Faith Hill Doll Gift Set — which officially become available in September for $69.99.

A Great Daily Crafting Site

A great site where you can find crafts on a daily basis and lots of great information! Click on the Daily Craft logo above to visit…. hope you enjoy! You can also find Daily Craft on Facebook by searching for DAILY CRAFT!

Bird Buffet

One in five Americans (48 million of us) are backyard bird-watchers, according to the American Bird Conservancy. Now that’s something to tweet about! What’s the best way to bring in the birds? Provide the food they love. Human handouts help sustain birds during winter months when natural sources are scarce. Here’s how to start catering to avian appetites this fall.

1 PICK A FEEDER Tray, hopper, tube, above, and suet feeders attract different types of birds. Choose one that appeals to your favorites. To attract the greatest array, select one of each.
2   FILL IT UP A birdseed blend that contains hulled sunflower seeds, white proso millet, and niger (Nyjer) appeals to most birds. A suet feeder will satisfy the rest.
3 HANG IT IN VIEW Place feeders a  foot or two from a window. Not only does it make good viewing, it’s safer for birds—if startled, a low-speed run-in with the glass won’t harm them.

4 KEEP IT CLEAN Wash feeders every week or two in hot, soapy water. (Moldy or decomposing seeds can make birds sick.) Dry thoroughly before refilling with fresh seed.