A Field of Paper Poppies

Video tutorial here: http://krokotak.com/2017/05/poppies-art/

  I used red vellum (synthetic) paper  I found at Hobby Lobby 

-one sheet 50% off! The blue

background paper was also on sale for same price. 

You will need:

-paper

-scissors

-pencil to trace

-black permanent marker for details

-glue

Cost: .59 cents

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Pioneer Whirlygig/Buzz Saw Toy

Very simple and fun pioneer craft project.  Here's a video tutorial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-QMmfDhrZxg

and another:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UCutHjdDFvY

We made two versions: traditional (shell button and embroidery floss) and the other a modern update: recycled cardboard circles, stretch lace cording for jewelry making and washi tape to decorate. The stretch lace cording worked really well with this project! The embroidery floss on the other hand not as well and due to its nature will start to fray/separate into strands. I hadn't taken that into consideration. In retrospect I would use narrow leather cord for the traditional version. 

                                   Read *Warning* below!

If you want a LARGE button for this craft project, check out your local craft/hobby store. I've seen on many visits 3" in diameter and larger! 

You'll need these items to make your own Buzz Saw/Whirlygig toy:

-Large button (alternatively this can be made using a circle cut out of recycled cardboard or plastic lid with 2-4 "button holes" punched out)
-Crochet thread, embroidery floss, cording, string, yarn or similar that is strong but thin enough to fit through the button holes. I used embroider floss  
-scissors
-chopstick, pencil, aluminum sturdy knitting needle (ask first!) or similar item to punch out the "button holes"
-template for cardboard circles (we used a pencil holder)
-markers, washi tape, crayons, etc., to decorate the cardboard circle cut outs if desired

*Warning*-use with adult supervision especially if this toy is for young children. The button can get caught in a child's hair and in most cases the toy will have to be cut out of the hair. Not fun! 




Cost: ø 

A bit of history via: http://www.historicalfolktoys.com/catcont/2001.html

Historical Background: The Buzz Saw is one of the most popular noisemakers of all times! Native Americans made "buzzers" from a circular piece of bone or antler and used sinew instead of string. Colonial children played with buzz saws. This type of noisemaker was also known as "button on a string" during the Victorian Period and later. A very large button from a mother's sewing basket could be strung for this toy. Coins, bamboo, stones, and seashells have also been used to make this toy. Tin was even used, and teeth were cut around the circumference so that the disc would shred a piece of paper when the two came in contact. Made this way, it resembles a circular saw blade, and this is where it got the name Buzz Saw. Other names for the Buzz Saw are Whizzer, Whiligig, Whirligig, Moonwinder, and Skyewinder.


Also:

THE WHIRLING BUTTON The whirling button is so old that its beginnings are unknown. Fortunately for us, that makes the toy quite easy to make. Find a large button and some strong string, and you’re halfway to making this toy. The button should be about 2 in (5 cm) in diameter. Thread the string through he button as shown in Figure 19 and form a loop about 15 in (38 cm) long. Place one finger of each hand in either end of the loop and twirl the button so that the string twists. After he string has twisted, jerk both fingers away from the mutton and then hold them still. The string will unwind and then wind itself up in the opposite direction. Once you get the rhythm of the motion, you can keep it up for some time. 

This toy may not sound like much fun when you read about it, but when you play with it, you’ll find it almost hypnotic and difficult to put down. The button acts as a flywheel. But in this toy, it stores its spinning energy in the string by twisting it. When the string is winding up, it is storing potential energy, energy that can be converted to motion at some time in the future. When you jerk on the string, the potential energy is converted to motion, or, to be precise, kinetic energy: that is, the button spins in the other direction. Once the string has unwound, the button continues spinning, and the kinetic energy begins changing back into potential energy.  

THE BUZZ SAW:  Kids sometimes make a variation on the whirling button. They cut a large circle out of heavy cardboard, making teeth at the circle’s edge as shown in Figure 20. Then they thread string through two holes in the center as in the button version. Next they place a piece of paper so it hangs slightly off the edge of a table. Once they get the buzz saw spinning, they lightly touch the teeth to the paper’s edge. This makes a sound just like a buzz saw cutting wood. 

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Spring Tree w/Rhinestone Flowers and Ribbon Leaves

Yet another tree-themed craft project to share with you today. 

^^Almost finished! Just needs the broken pieces of Fiestaware™ added to the bottom of the recycled canning jar. 

I was nosing around Goodwill on Monday and found this painted tree branch for 49 cents. Initially, I considered decorating the tree with button "flowers" attached with green craft wire but ultimately decided on craft rhinestones. My plan was to finish the project with basic green ribbon for leaves-a very pretty chartreuse iridescent organza ribbon. However, rounding the corner at Cape Horn and by sheer I luck discovered a spool of leaf-shaped ribbon for $2.99 and 40% off!

Note: The tree can also be themed depending on the occasion: Halloween, baby shower, wedding, Easter, etc. 



           Spring Tree w/Rhinestone Flowers and Ribbon                                                Leaves

 ^^Craft rhinestones can be glued on either one side or both, your choice.

-tree branch, real or one crafted by you-painted or not (spray paint would be ideal since it dries quickly!)
-craft items to decorate: buttons, craft rhinestones, small shells, pom poms, plastic or glass beads, old jewelry/findings, sequins, acorns, pasta, small hardware, etc. 
-glue or hot glue gun
-ribbon or trim for the "leaves"
-vase or jar to hold the tree or you can attach to the wall, if you prefer
-sand, rocks, marbles, etc. to add weight to the jar so it doesn't topple over. 

Cost: $2.49

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When Cap'd Mad Ellen retires, she'll be living in style! 

Painted Tree Branch with Pom Poms

http://www.artbarblog.com/painted-branch-collaborative-art/

To make, here are the craft items you will need:

-tree branch
-paint (we used acrylic) *or* spray paint if you don't want to wait for regular paint to dry
-paintbrushes
-loose glitter (we sprinkled a small amount of loose glitter after applying the Mod Podge™. This is also optional.)
-Outdoor Mod Podge™,  optional
-plain or glitter pom poms in various colors and sizes (or whatever color or size you prefer)
-wipes/rag, for clean up
-string, fishing line, ribbon or similar, to hang (optional)

Paint the tree branch as desired.  Let dry.  If your tree branch will be outside it is a good idea to protect the paint with 1-2 coats of Mod Podge™. 

Glue on the pom poms. Let dry. 

Hang from the ceiling or attach to a wall. 

Cost: ø


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Popsicle Stick Weaving Loom

http://buggyandbuddy.com/weaving-with-kids-using-ribbons-and-fabric/

We used:



-notched popsicle sticks (they are known as "skill sticks" in the craft world)
-embroidery thread for the frame (yarn, string, narrow cording or similar)
-scraps including: ribbon/trim, yarn, fabric strips, etc.
-scissors
-glue, if needed (The glue is for reinforcing the wooden frame. This can be done before or after weaving your project. Glue can also be added to the notches for stability. If you're gluing the frame together first, allow to dry.)

Alternative method for making the loom "frame". You can use larger popsicle sticks (tongue depressors) or wooden school rulers:

Cost: ø

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Paper Dinosaur aka BlueRex or TBlue

From Family Fun:

http://www.parents.com/fun/arts-crafts/kid/homemade-toys-games/


Gather:




-empty cereal box or similar recycled paper
-scissors
-pencil, to trace
-glue
-paintbrushes and paint
-black eyed pea or similar craft item for eye (bead, googly eye,  small button, etc.)
-baby wipes for cleanup

Cost: ø

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Dino-saarrrrrrrrrr!

\

Aluminum Pie Pan Moon

 

-acrylic paint for sky
-paintbrushes
-art canvas
-silver spray paint, for spraying the moon (optional and we decided to do one light coating)
-decorations for the moon and sky: glass beads, craft pearls, jewelry findings, loose glitter, sequins, buttons, beading hardware, small hardware: washers, bolts, etc. (We kept the colors of the moon and stars chromatic in shades of silver, grey, white)
-aluminum pie pan
-scissors
-glue
-Krylon™ spray clear acrylic, optional but recommended (spray this on the finished craft once the glue and paint have completely dried)




Aluminum Pie Pan Moon can also be crafted using the entire pie pan. Click on this link for making an aluminum pie pan sun which was featured on the blog last month: http://dadiddleycraftcraft.blogspot.com/2016/09/aluminum-pie-pan-sun.html



Cost: $2.00 for 2-pack art canvas 8" x 10" (size approximated) 

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Autumn Silhouette Trees

http://krokotak.com/2016/10/silhouette-trees/

Here's what you'll need:

-background paper, white
-paint (I pulled out the box of acrylic paint including acrylic glow-in-the-dark paint that EE painted around the moon and the animals' eyes.)
-black paper (for the trees)
-pencil
-scissors
-glue
-black permanent marker or similar to draw cats, owls (we used the leftover scraps
of black paper and cut out an owl, cat and bats.

Cost:  ø

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Handkerchief Dolls aka "Hanky Church Dolls"

Our inspiration:

http://www.hcsv.org/education/crafts/make-a-handkerchief-doll/

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/179862578840425037/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ALEWfnZMXH4 (<<<<--- this video was very helpful)

Materials needed:

-a vintage handkerchief (If you don't have any handkerchiefs you can use a square piece of fabric but you'll have to finish the edges unless you don't mind raw edges.)

-cotton balls, tissue paper, Polyfil™or similar for stuffing the head (I used wool from the needle felt wool stash)

-scissors

-rubber band, string, thread or similar to tie around the neck (I chose double strand of quilt thread)

-ribbon or trim, to decorate

-needle and thread, if needed (To avoid the bonnet slipping off I handstitched it in place)

Tip: we pinned the veil/bonnet in place then wrapped and tied the ribbon around the neck. This hides the thread/string used to make the head form and it also keeps the ribbon/trim in place. It still may be necessary to attach the veil/bonnet with needle and thread. In addition,  Effervescent Ethel wanted a pretty belt around Hannah's waist so I cut the same ribbon trim as the veil, wrapped it around and tied into a knot on the back. 

  Cost: ø

The "Wedding Doll" aka Hannah the Hanky Doll (we're displaying her in an unfinished

wooden box I picked up a few months ago on a discount shelf. I knew I'd find a good use for it.)

History of Handkerchief Dolls

'When I first saw a handkerchief dolls at a local craft fair, I immediately thought it would make a precious gift for a new mom. A soft doll like this can grow with the child and possibly become a comforting naptime friend or lovey — like these angel dear blankies (aka security blankets).

Then, my wheels got to spinning, and I thought it would also be a great way to pass the time if you’re on bed rest during your pregnancy. As a bonus, you could later sell your homemade handkerchief dolls at craft fairs, yard sales — or even online through Etsy or Ebay.

Whether you’re making them as gifts or you’re making them as a way to pass the time, you’ll definitely enjoy how quick and easy these handkerchief dolls are to make!

The Story Behind Church Dolls

These sweet little dolls are known by many different names:

• pew babies
• church dolls
• angel babies
• prayer dolls
• handkerchief dolls
• hanky dolls

The simple cloth dolls were used in the 1800s to keep little girls quiet in church.

Because they were made of cloth, they made no sound when they were dropped on the floor.

"During the Civil War (and at other times when toy-making supplies were scarce), dolls were made from handkerchiefs for little girls. These handkerchief dolls were carried to church and did not make noise if they were dropped. They were also known as one of the “Sunday toys” that children were allowed to play with only on Sundays. Some mothers would put sugar cubes or candy in the head of the handkerchief doll for a youngster to suck on to keep the child quiet during the long church service."

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Baby Carrie's Button String

source: My Little House Crafts' Book by Carolyn Strom Collins

You will need:

-string, embroidery floss or strong thread-such as quilting thread
-scissors
-an assortment of buttons, can use flat, shank or snap buttons
-ice cube tray or similar container (optional but helpful for organizing the buttons in the order desired)

Cut a piece of string to desired length-10"-12" for example. Tie a double knot one end. Slide buttons onto the string/thread. Cut off enough string/thread on the opposite end to tie another double knot. 

  
Cost: ø

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Cardboard Horse (Stampede)

http://www.annwoodhandmade.com/cardboard-stampede/


'Shalom the Horse' by Cap'n Mad Ellen

I like the shell buttons (scoured from the Button Box) that I used to attach the legs to Shalom!

Effervescent Ethel's pegasus/horse 'Midnight'





Round up:

-horse patterns (see link below)
-cardboard
-heavy duty craft scissors
-glue (we used Mod Podge because school glue isn't up to the task)
-pencil, to trace
-buttons
-clothespins (optional but helpful with holding the glued parts together whilst they dry)
-craft wire (bendable craft wire!)
-specialty paper, paint or ink
-filament or similar if you choose to hang up your horse. I might glue on a larger paper clip to my back of my horse and turn it into a Christmas ornament.


Cost: ø


Instead of painting our horses we chose instead to use recycle greeting cards. Note: *I wouldn't recommend this craft/art project to children under the age of 9-10. I ended up doing most of the crafting. Cutting out the cardboard, threading the buttons onto the wire and cutting the wire (paid a few visits to the ship's doc) is too difficult for most children unless they are blessed with superhuman manual dexterity powers.  Ship's bandage supply greatly diminished!



Patterns and instructions: https://www.annwoodhandmade.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/horses1.pdf

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Halloween Ribbon Tree

Our beloved Effervescent Ethel created this quick and simple crafty masterpiece rounding up ribbon spools from her special Ribbon Box (see this link) : : http://dadiddleycraftcraft.blogspot.com/2015/05/ribbon-box-for-easter.html 

*Good to Know!*: This craft is easily customizable depending on the occasion: birthday, Christmas, Easter, baby shower, graduation, bon voyage, etc. In addition, you may choose to craft one tree or several smaller trees. 

To make a Halloween Ribbon Tree:

-ribbon spools in various sizes
~
-Version #1: chopstick, small dowel, knitting needle, pencil or similar to hold the spools together
OR:

-Version #2: Use craft wire and thread the spools in the same manner. Bring the wire up through the top spool and wrap around the top spool to secure (for Version #2 you will need to make two holes on the top spool). If the wire looks funky, go ahead and cover the top of the spool with a scrap of decorative paper, ribbon, or fabric cut to size to hide. Maybe I should take a photo of this process. Coming soon! Note that I did not add the wire to our tree until after I took the photo. A bit of cheating on my part. But I must remind you that I am Captain (CAP'N MAD ELLEN) of this here ship! Pirates cheat. That's just what we do. It wasn't until after the photoshoot that a candlelight flickered in me belfry: craft wire! Good ol' faithful craft wire. Thee I love!
~
-tree topper, optional

DIRECTIONS:


We stacked the ribbon onto a 9" piece of 1/4" diameter wood dowel. Some of the spools did not have a hole in the center so we punched a hole. After threading the spools onto the dowel, place the top spool (make a hole on the bottom only of the top spool). Add a tree topper decoration of choice. We topped the Halloween tree with a *wire pumpkin crafted several years ago. Link: http://dadiddleycraftcraft.blogspot.com/2014/10/floral-wire-pumpkins.html

Cost: varies

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Cap'n Mad Ellen reminds you:



There were women pirates, too! Being a pirate wasn’t just for men. Famous female pirates include Mary Read, Anne Bonny, Grace O’Malley, and Ching Shih