Personalized Journal

Personalized Journal

Ages: 6 and up

Parental supervision recommended

Difficulty:  ***** 

Time:  about 10 minutes

Turn a boring notebook into a personal work of art!  The duct tape cover will also make the notebook more durable.  Use your book for class or keep a journal!

Materials Needed (located at your favorite craft store):

• Composition notebook
• Duct Tape (various colors and patterns now available)
• Permanent Markers
• Ruler
• Scissors

How-to Steps:

1. Measure your notebook from top to bottom.  Round up the number to the next full inch.  Add 4 inches to that number. 
2. Measure and cut a strip of duct tape to the above length.
3. Attach the tape to the notebook cover starting at the top, leaving about 2 inches to wrap around the inside cover.  Alternate between patterned and solid color tape to add interest if desired.
4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 until the entire book is covered.
5. If you wish, use permanent markers to add more detail. 

Button Earrings

Button Earrings

Ages: 4 and up

Parental supervision recommended

Difficulty: * * * * *

Time: 15-30 minutes

If you have pierced ears, this is the craft for you!  Below are a list of materials and directions on how to make a new pair of earrings out of buttons!  You may need a parent or guardian to help you prepare the buttons and use the glue. 

Materials Needed (located at your favorite craft store):

• A pair of matching buttons (preferably with a flat back)
• A button shank remover (if the button does not have a flat back)
• Metal earring backs (one for each button)
• Gorilla glue (or other really strong glue)
• Scrapbook paper (to display or give as a gift)

How-to Steps:

1. Pick out your buttons & remove from packaging.
2. If the buttons have a shank, or stem, on the back, ask an adult to help you remove it with a button shank remover.
3.  Hold the buttons up to your ear to decide where you want to place the earring backs.  Then, put the buttons face-down on a flat surface. 
4. Carefully put gorilla glue on one earring back and place it on the back of your first button.  Repeat for the second button.  Let the glue dry for 1-2 hours.
5.  If giving as a gift, put the earrings on a square of scrapbook paper and put them in a small box or bag.