Milk Carton Bird Feeder

Lake shore learning has a great way to upcycle an empty food carton by turning it into a bird feeder. Simply paint the feeder, cut out a hole, add some bird seed and string and hang. They're feeders are inspired by autumn, but you could easily do this for any season.

Good for ages 7 and up.

Get the instructions here:
http://www.lakeshorelearning.com/general_content/free_resources/crafts/ffbirdfeeder.jsp

Rhythm of the home uses colorful tissue paper for her version.  Unfortunately the page is no longer available.

We made that cuts a hole though the front and the back and sticks it in the window so kids can see the birds inside.

Get the instructions here:
http://we-made-that.com/homemade-window-bird-feeder/

Ballerina Paper Dolls

The vintage moth has shared a template of ballet paper dolls. There's even a male for all of them to dance with.

There's more added from the designer in the comments below.  Definitely a fascinating site to visit.

Get the template here:

http://thevintagemoth.blogspot.com/2011/09/vintage-paper-dolls-ballet-dancers.html

I should be mopping the floor has a ballerina paper doll as well with many different outfits to dress her in.

Get the template here:
http://www.ishouldbemoppingthefloor.com/2012/07/free-paperdoll-printables.html

Printable paper dolls has a few versions of a ballerina to play with.

Get the template here:
http://www.printablepaperdolls.net/category/ballerina

How to Make a Paper Mache Bowl

 

Paper mache is a fun way for kids to make a functional gift.  Here are several really cute examples.

Bread and buttons has a really great idea on how to use paper marche techniques with fabric strips creating a fun colorful bowl.

Good for ages 4 and up.

Get the instructions here:

http://breadandbuttons.typepad.com/blog/2011/02/process-vs-product-cast-your-vote.html

 

Carolyn's homework uses pre-cut circles to give her version a unique look.  

Get the instructions here:

http://carolynshomework.blogspot.com/2013/03/inkling-paper-mache-confetti-bowl.html

Kix cereal paints theirs in vibrant jewel tones.

Get the instructions here:

http://www.kixcereal.com/kix-cereal-paper-mache-super-bowls-craft/ 

Molly moo crafts creates a beautiful texture using egg cartons.

Get the instructions here:

http://mollymoocrafts.com/papier-mache-bowls/

The pink doormat paints her version black and gold.

Get the instructions here:

http://thepinkdoormat.blogspot.com/2013/02/paper-mache-bowls.html

Crayon Colored Lanterns

Stylist has a fun way to make lanterns using crayons to decorate paper brown bags. You'll need to help with the melting part. They recommend using an iron to melt the colors.

Good for ages 3 and up.

Get the instructions here:
http://www.stylelist.com/2012/02/23/craft-of-the-day-crayon-lanterns_n_1296588.html

Artful kids uses paper bags with handles.

Get the instructions here:
http://artful-kids.com/blog/2012/02/06/childrens-art-lanterns/

Easy to Make Lacing Cards

Lacing cards are a great fine motor activity for the preschool set and super easy to make.  Find some ideas with these tutorials. 

Tot school shows how to make some easy lacing cards your preschooler will love and provides several templates. They can even help with the punching if their little hands are strong enough.

Good for ages 3 and up.

Get the instructions here:
http://totschool.shannons.org/?p=3422

Teal and lime suggests punching holds into premade card stock shapes.

Get the instructions here:
http://www.tealandlime.com/2011/12/diy-lacing-cards-kids-gift/

Kpmattingly uses cookie cutters as stencils to create the lacing cards.  

Get the instructions here:

http://kpmattingly.wordpress.com/2008/10/08/homemade-lacing-cards/

Painted Boxes

Pysselbolaget has a great idea for how to reuse face cream jars using only spray paint and affixing small figurines to the top.

Good for ages 9 and up.

Get the instructions (in Swedish) here:
http://pysselbolaget.se/2012/02/21/lyxig-smaforvaring/

Make Your own Foil Necklace

Make and takes has a cute way to make a foil pendant out of aluminum foil, sharpie markers and yarn.

Good for ages 8 and up.

Get the instructions here:
http://www.makeandtakes.com/foil-pendant-craft-for-kids