Back-to-School time is one of the busiest of the year. Kids love the excitement of catching up with friends, learning new things and meeting new teachers.
Teachers and moms see this time as hectic. Both have to buy supplies, organize and get kids back into a routine. And routines can be the biggest challenge. Some kids finish work fast, leaving them bored and waiting on their siblings or classmates to finish up. The experts at Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores suggest creating a box of simple craft projects to keep kids busy during these downtimes.
Whether done at home or at school, crafts are a fun way to teach kids important life skills. Kids learn to share, socialize and take pride in their work. They also learn to embrace creativity, make choices, explore their own curiosity and express their thoughts and emotions. Dexterity and coordination are also developed as kids manipulate various tools, such as scissors, pottery wheels, needles and hooks. Complex crafts can also teach perseverance and build concentration.
Combine a love of reading with crafting by making a one-of-a-kind bookmark. Kids can complete the project then use it all school year long.
You can find more ideas, project guides and supplies at www.joann.com.
Bookmarks With Personality Crafting Time: Under 1 hour Skill Level: No experience necessary
Supplies and Tools: Colorbok stamps: 4-inch by 8-inch Borders 4-inch by 8-inch Leaves 4-inch by 8-inch Christmas 4-inch by 8-inch Travel
Colorbok papers: 12-inch by 12-inch Travel Chitchat 12-inch by 12-inch Jolly & Bright Mini Dots 12-inch by 12-inch Harvest Strip
Acid-free ink pad Hole punch Ribbon Acid-free adhesive or tape Scissors
1. Cut the base for bookmark to size and shape. 2. Using a separate piece of paper, preferably solid or with a subtle pattern, cut pieces to layer onto the base sheet. 3. Cut pieces slightly smaller than the first shape, so the base of the bookmark can be seen. 4. Stamp images firmly onto paper cut-outs. 5. Adhere stamped pieces to the bookmark base. To make a bookmark of conjoined circles, tape ribbon between large bottom circles and small top circles. 6. Punch a hole 1/2 inch from the top of the bookmark. 7. Run ribbon through the top. Secure with a knot.
Kids’ Bookmarks Crafting Time: Under 1 hour Skill Level: Some experience necessary
Supplies and Tools: Assorted colors of felt scraps Assorted buttons Scissors or pinking shears Fabric glue
1. Cut bookmark background piece to desired size (approximately 8 inches long x 2- 1/2 inches wide). 2. Cut bottom into fringe, a point, or straight across. If desired, cut two, one slightly larger than the other, and glue together. 3. From other scraps, cut various shapes and designs such as hearts, flowers, apples, leaves, geometric shapes. 4. Arrange shapes on bookmark and glue in place. Decorate as desired with ribbon, buttons or beads.
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SOURCE: Jo-Ann Craft and Fabric Stores
