I have two sweet little girls, ages 6 and almost 2 years old. I love to put little pony tails in their hair with pretty bows, barrettes and ribbons and things. Here’s a few cute things to make for your child’s hair.

Supplies:

30-50 2.5″ lengths of korker ribbon (see directions below)
12″ string of thin elastic
Ruler
Scissors
Glue Gun
Barrette, french clip, alligator clip, or headband
Fray check or clear nail polish

How to make it:

1. Cut korker ribbon into 2.5″ lengths (Lengths up to you if you like them shorter or longer), just make sure they are all the same length. Apply fray check of nail polish to all end and let dry thoroughly.

2. For single color or random mixed bow, lay the pile of cuts over the center on the string, easiest on flat surface. Bring end of sting up and over pile, tying knot over the ribbon lengths make sure you pull tight and make a double knot.

3. If some of the ribbon sticks out more than others, find the opposite end of the ribbon and gently pull until the length matches the rest of the ribbons.

4. Now you have your bow and it’s time to attach it to the clip or band of your choice. If using a metal clip, use a flat piece of matching ribbon to cover the metal. Hot glue the ribbon to the top. Then simply glue the bow to the top of your clip. If using a cloth headband you can either hot glue it to the bow or sew it on. Sewing is recommended so young kids don’t pull it off the headband.’

5. To attach your bow to a pony tail holder, put the string elastic through the pony tail before laying it flat to stack the korkers on top.

Korker Ribbon Instructions:

1/4″ or 5/16″ wooden dowels
wooden clothespins
Any 100% polyester fabric ribbon (satin, grosgrain, woven, jacquard, organza, etc)

Wrap ribbon along the dowel without overlapping and secure each end with a clothespin or other oven friendly clip. The tighter you roll the ribbon on the dowel, the tighter your curl will be. Experiment with the tension you want to us, but make sure you use even tension throughout the entire batch to ensure a uniform look.

Some people find that putting the dowel in a drill bit is a faster, easier way to make korker ribbon. Hold ribbon at an angle, push the trigger on your drill and guide the ribbon onto the dowel.

In a clean oven, put the oven rack in center position, covered in aluminum foil. Remove all other racks to allow space for dowels.

Heat oven to 275 degrees, bake for 15-25 minutes. This is an average approximation for temperature and time. Experimenting and practice will help you with the perfect ration for desired outcome. Gently slide one ribbon off dowel. If the curls are tight and even, you’re done. If they’re too loose, put back in over for another 5 minutes.

Though wetting your ribbon before putting into oven does not prove to make a difference many people say that spraying the ribbon with fabric stiffener seems to help.

Mini Korkers:

To make bows with teeny tiny korker ribbons, use the thinnest dowel you can find along with the narrowest ribbon. There are on hard set rules, so make them up as you go.

Krinkle Ribbons:

Some people like the look of krinkle ribbon in their bows along with korkers. I suggest cutting your lengths of krinkle ribbon the same as the korker lengths you are using and staggering them into your little stack of lengths before tying it off into a bow. The ratio of 1 krinkle to 5 or 6 korkers makes for a pretty cute bow.

Take a length of ribbon, thread a needle with a similar colored thread and weave the threaded needle in and out of middle down the center lengthwise from end to end. Hold the end and gently slide the ribbon toward knotted end , much like when you are pushing a curtain onto a rod. Tie a knot at end to prevent unraveling.

My daughter likes to do craft projects with me, but she overwhelms very easily. I have to very carefully pick a craft projects that are easy to do so she is happy with the outcome. Here’s a few ideas for you.

Pumpkin Favor Pouches
For party favors or treats on Halloween night, fill crepe-paper pumpkin pouches with tiny toys and candy eggs.

To make a pouch, cut two 10-inch-diameter circles from orange crepe paper. Stack circles and put goodies — candy and small toys — in the center. Pull sides of paper up around treats to make a pouch. Gather paper just above the treats, and twist a little. Secure by wrapping green floral tape around the base of the twist, binding upward to create pumpkin stem. If necessary, trim excess paper before binding. Foliage curls can be made by wrapping floral tape around a pencil.

Witch’s Broom Favors

Give witches-for-a-night a proper send-off with broomstick favors. You need two lunch-size paper bags for each broomstick. Unfold one bag, and push out its base while folding in the left and right sides.
Using scissors, cut the bag into thin strips, stopping short of the base. Cut thin strips into the top inch of the second bag.
Open both bags, and place the second bag inside the shredded one; fill with candy. Insert a small branch 1 inch into the bag; cinch the tops of both bags, and secure with black twine.

Candy Filled Headstones

Only brave party guests dare disturb the tasty contents of these graves. The candy-filled headstones are mini black paper bags placed in a tray filled with black sand; for the harrowing how-to, see below. Beside the graveyard, candles float in “blood,” made by tinting water with red and blue food coloring.

Download templates and cut out, or draw your own. Trace top edge underneath the opening of a 2 3/4-by-5 1/2-inch black paper bag, available at crafts stores; cut out. Stamp message in white ink on bag. Fill with candy; seal with a glue stick.

Frankenstein Hand Favors
Ingredients:
Thin plastic disposable gloves
1 pkg. candy corn
Popcorn, lightly salted

How to make them:
Place one candy corn at the tip of each finger, for the fingernail. Fill the rest of the glove all the way with popcorn. Tie shut with black/orange curling ribbon and add a spider ring to decorate. Kids of all ages love these low-sugar treats.

I made these last year for a Halloween party and they were a huge hit, everyone wanted to know how I did the eyes for these and wanted me to make them again this year. Here’s how to do it.

Frankenstein’s Jell-O Monster

Black and red 3-D paint and brushes (scars and mouths); we used Scribbles
and Tulip Slick brands
Ceramic plate
3-ounce box of Jell-O lime gelatin (makes 2 monsters)
9-or 10-ounce, 4-inch-tall clear plastic cup
Table knife or spoon
2 Maraschino cherries (eyes)
Double-sided tape
2 Rolos (neck bolts)
Crushed Oreos (enough for hair)

How to Make them:

1. Paint scars and mouths on a ceramic plate (1 mouth and 3 scars for each cup). Let them air dry over night.

2. Prepare the Jell-o according to package directions. Pour slightly cooled Jello into cups, stopping 1/2 inch from top.

3. Refrigerate until jello is partially gelled, then remove cup from fridge and use table knife or spoon handle to push 2 cherry eyes into the jello. Refrigerate again until the jello is set.

4. Use double sided tape to attach the neck bolts. Peel scars and mouths off plate and place them on the cup.

5. Cover the top of jello with crushed Oreo hair. Serve immediately or the hair will get soggy.

Get into the Halloween spirit by wearing this cute Jack-o-lantern shirt.

Here’s What you will need:
White T-shirt in your size or size of child
Box of Rubber bands
Orange fabric dye (we like Rit dye)
Sink or bucket for dye
Rubber gloves (unless you like orange skin)
Blunt ended scissors
stiff cardboard (for inside of shirt)
Black permanent marker 0r
Black fabric paint
Small paintbrush

How to make them:
Pinch and gather up a portion of the T-shirt fabric, then add a rubber band 1 or 2 inches from the point of the pinch. Wrap the band around several times until it’s nice and tight. Create similar sections with rubber bands all over the shirt and sleeves.

 Prepare the dye bath according to the instructions on the package. Thoroughly wet the shirt with water. Wearing rubber gloves, submerge the shirt in the dye. Let it soak until it looks a shade darker than you want it to be.

 Still wearing gloves, rinse the shirt under warm running water. As the rinse water becomes less orange, change the water temperature to cold. 

 Once the water from the shirt runs clear, carefully cut off the rubber bands. Dry the shirt.

 Insert cardboard inside the shirt,
then use a permanent marker (spot check to make sure it doesn’t bleed really bad)  to draw jack-o’-lantern features inside each circle. Fill in the shapes with the marker, or use black fabric paint (which stays black longer).

Been here done this, I’m no seamstress and have found myself on several occasions looking for quick and easy costume ideas. Hope this will help you too.

Ghost: Take a white sheet and drape it over your child. Cut two eye holes and cut the bottom of the ghost outfit so your child doesn’t trip over the cloth when he or she tries to walk. If you want to widen the eyes a bit with black marker, that is an easy way to make the eyes look bigger without widening the eye holes. Arm holes are up to you to make trick-or-treating easier on your little ghost, but they can just lift up the costume and have their hands under the ghost costume if they wish.

Pirate : Pillage the back of your closet for a pair of old black sweatpants and fringe the edges with a scissors. Tuck in a big white blouse, then tie a red scarf around the pirate’s waist and a bandanna around his head. Clip on some gold costume jewelry, then dab on black face paint for a beard. If you have time, pick up a fake hook or eye patch at your local party store.

A Playing Card: You will need two pieces of foam core board; black or red ribbon; white and black latex paint and brushes. Paint the two boards to look like playing cards. Attach ribbon to the two cards to make straps for your shoulders. Wear sweats, leotard and tights-whatever you like underneath. If you want to be “royal”, paint your cards like a king or queen and add a crown to your costume.

Spa Princess: Going door to door can be a taxing enterprise, so why not let your ‘tweenager combine work and relaxation with a simple spa costume? First have her put on a bathrobe and wrap up her hair in a hand towel (secure with a safety pin). Paint her fingernails, then apply green face paint, leaving an inch around the eyes and mouth, for a skin mask effect. Lastly, have her hold and hand held mirror and slip on a pair of slippers.

The Mummy: You will need gray sweat pants and shirt; old shoes; 2-3 inch wide strips of old white fabric (old bed sheets work nicely; moss (available at craft stores and dollar stores) and white school glue. Tint the white fabric with a weak solution of tea or coffee. When dry, rip into strips 2-3 inches wide. Begin by gluing the strips to the pants and shirt. On the day of the party: have someone glue more strips of fabric around the waist, shoes and your head and face. Add a little moss here and there for effect. Have some of fabric strips dangling and blowing in the wind! If you are feeling “royal” add some exotic and bold “bling” like a necklace or amulet.

Soccer Star: This costume’s a winner for the soccer fan in your household. Simply have your child wear a short sleeved v-neck sport shirt over a long-sleeved T-shirt (use her team’s favorite colors). Use cloth tape to write the star’s number and name on the front and back of the jersey. Finish the uniform with shorts, knee socks, sneakers, and sweatbands. The perfect goodie carrier? A small duffel bag.

Construction worker: Here are the blueprints for an easy costume for Bob the Builder wanna-bes. Cut the sleeves off an old flannel shirt and wear it over a long-sleeved thermal shirt. Strap on a tool belt, add some old hand tools, and smudge on brown face paint for a hard-working look. Top everything off with a pair of work gloves, work boots, and a plastic hard-hat.

An Angel on a Cloud: You will need to cut two core foam boards to look like clouds. Use white ribbon to attach them and to form shoulder straps. Wear white or silver clothes and shoes. Add a halo and wings from the dollar store and you are all set!

Farmer: Start with a pair of overalls, a plaid flannel shirt, a pair of work boots, and a straw hat. Loosely tie a bandanna around your child’s hat and add some freckles on her cheeks with face paint. For little kids–who may tire of walking–consider pulling a red wagon filled with some of her stuffed animal collection. When she’s ready to stop harvesting treats, she can climb in for a ride.

Gypsy: The key to this costume is layers: the more colors and fabrics, the better. Have your child wear mismatched flowery skirts, a few old scarves, shawls, and strings of costume jewelry. Add some lipstick and face paint. Top off with a newspaper hat, hand her a tambourine, and she’s ready to go.

Surfing the web and found the cutest idea for decorating the front area for Halloween. Gotta love the web when it comes to finding cool projects to do with the kids. Adult supervision required for this.
What you will need to do this project:
Patterns
Gallon plastic jugs rinse with labels removed
Utility Knife
Tracing paper
pencil
Tape
Paint Markers in silver, orange, green, yellow, red, and black
Goo Be Gone
Paper towels and Cotton Swabs
Thick white craft glue
Monster: 2 each of bolts, nuts, washers, white and black crafting foam scraps, such as Fun Foam
Cat: 2 12 inch lenghts of 20 gauge steel wire
Darning needle and pliers
Sand and LED tea lights, or candles, flashlights, or sting of lights

How to do the project:
1.Need to Join (its free) to Download the free patterns. (Downloading requires Adobe Acrobat.)

Cat pattern

Frankenstein pattern

Skeleton pattern

Download Adobe Acrobat

3. Outline the skeleton with silver; the monster head with green; and the cat with black. To spread the color over the face of the jug, squeeze a few drops of Goo Be Gone onto a folded paper towel and rub it over the paint marker. Continue working around the edges, wiping the paint toward the center of your design. If you’re working on the skull, you’ll need to draw an additional line of orange around the skull and then spread it outward with the paper towel and Goo Be Gone. Let dry.

4. After the paint has dried, add eyes, nose, teeth, hair, and scar with the different colored paint markers. Remove any mistakes or unwanted marks by squeezing Goo Be Gone onto the end of a cotton swab and then wiping away the problem spot (use paper towel for larger areas). Once you’re pleased with your design, outline the features with the black paint marker.

5. To insert the bolts in the monster’s neck, prepoke a hole on each side of his neck with scissors. Thread a washer onto the bolt and push it through the hole. Reaching inside the jug, screw a nut onto the end of the bolt. Use the cat ear, collar, and bow tie patterns to cut pieces from foam. Slip the collar under the washers and glue the bow tie to the center of the collar. Glue the cat ears in place.

6. To thread the whiskers onto the cat, prepoke two holes on each side of the nose with a needle and poke the wire into a hole on one side of the nose and out the hole on the other side. Repeat the process with the second wire. Use pliers to make curls on ends of the wires.

7. If using candles to light the luminarias, pour 2 to 3 inches of sand in the bottom of each jug. Place a candle in the center. Note: Never leave a burning candle unattended, or just put in a LED tea light.

I love rice crispy treats, and so do my kids. This recipe is a variation of the old stand by. These would be great for a Halloween party, or the kids classroom parties.

 Ingredients:
3 Tablespoons butter or margarine
1 10 0z package white marshmallows
6 Cups Cocoa Krispies cereal
Candy corn, jelly beans, black licorice string

How to make them:
1. Melt butter in large saucepan over low hear. Add marshmallows and stir until completely melted. Remove from heat.

2. Add Cocoa Krispies cereal and stir until well coated.

3. Using a 1/2 cup measuring cup coated with cooking spray divide warm cereal mixture into portions. Using buttered hands shape each portion into a ball shape. Decorate with candy to make cay eyes, nose, mouth, ears, and whiskers. Best if served on the same day.

I’m notorious for spending 30-60 minutes on one page. It’s not that it’s hard or anything, it just takes me awhile to figure out how I want the page to look. Here’s how to speed up the process.

1. Begin with a supply of papers and matching stickers, ribbons, fibbers etc.

2. Choose your writing tool, rub-on letters, stamps, vellum phrases, computer type, die-cut letters.

3. Create backgrounds for all the pages at one time. Decide on a design and carry it through out the whole album. Find a layout that you like and use it on every page, don’t worry about coming up with a new page layout for each page.

(if you don’t like the idea of using the same layout on every page, pick two layout’s, just make a bunch of one style layout before doing the other style layout pages and then do every other one. If you have some pictures that you really like and want to make a special page for put them aside until the other pages are all done, and build those special pictue pages.

4. Put the photos on with temporary adhesive, so you can rearrange them to suit your tastes.

5. Look at the blank areas on the page, this will help you decide the shapes and sizes of your embellishments.

6. Make embellishments to fill the spaces, just leave room for some journaling on each page. Mass produce the embellishments, remembering to duplicate several designs. You can choose a certain embellishment style and carry it through out the entire album.

7. Put the album together.

I found this candy sushi recipe in a magazine, and thought that it would be a cute idea for a Halloween party could even be used to trick the kids on April Fools Day.

Ingredients:
Bakery pound cake
Powdered mini donuts
Marshmallows
Fruit Streamers
Fruit Roll-Ups
Fruit Snacks
Swedish Fish

Here is how to make it:
Cut pound cake and mini donuts into sushi-sized pieces.
Separate Streamers and make into a roll.
Wrap with Fruit Roll-Ups.
Top with Fruit Snacks and Swedish Fish.
The finished result should look something like the picture.

Boho-chic is a style of  fashion drawing on various bohemian and hippie influences, that, at its height in 2004-5, was associated particularly with actress Sienna Miller and model Kate Moss in the United Kingdom and Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen and Nicole Richie in the United States. This trend had been going on since late 2000 and appeared to be on the wane by early 2009. Boho-chic scrapbooking comes from mixing fun textures and funky objects to create a cool and unique scrapbook page.

Heres how you do it:
1. Start out with one large photo. Because your page is going to be busy it will be easy for your picture to get lost unless it’s a large print. A 5″x7″ is a good size for your photo.

2. Find two or three richly patterned papers that work well together. Concentrate on the mood, more than color or pattern. If you need to darken the paper, try a thin wash of acrylic paint.

3. Piece the items below together, play with different arrangements until you find something you like and want to keep.

• Silk flowers will work, you will need 3 or any odd number for it to work. You’ll want various sizes to play with. You can make a flower out of fabric by sewing a running stitch along the strip of fabric and pulling it to gather it into a circle. Overlap the open edges. You can also make crochet flowers or some out of felt for texture.
• Ribbons and fabric. Dig through your sewing supplies for pieces of fabric, ribbon, buttons and little tid bits of stuff. If you have a wide piece of fabric, use the selvage like ribbon or tear a strip to use like ribbon.
• Add odd items like postal stamps and bottle caps, paper clips, safety pins, charms from bracelet. These add a lot of personality to the boho page.
• You can tie the page together by adding sequins, rhinestones, jewels, costume jewlery, tiny mirrors, and chains.

There are no rules to this, so anything goes.