5 Easy Kid Wall Art Projects – Guest Post by Modernize

5 Easy Kid Wall Art Projects
By Jane Blanchard

Summer is around the corner and that means parents will likely hear the words, “I’m bored,” from their children. Do you want to keep them entertained, but also use their playtime for something practical? You can engage their imagination by letting them create artistic masterpieces and hang these projects on their bedroom walls. This will not only make your child’s room look unique, but also let you decorate on a budget.

Here are 5 easy kid wall art projects that you and your kids will definitely love.

Via Pinterest

 

Glittered Animal Canvases

Do your kids love animals and also like to paint? You can go to your local Michaels or Target and let your kids pick out plastic animal figures that they adore. You will also need glitter, glue, paint, hairspray and small canvases to mount their animals to the wall.

First, let the kids paint the canvases in the color of their choosing. While their canvas is drying, the kids can paint their animals and then shower glitter on their updated figurines. Once they are dry, sprinkle glitter on the animals and add hairspray so that the sparkles will stick. For the last step, glue the plastic figures on the canvas, allow it to dry and then mount them to the wall.

Via Papery and Cakery

 

Use clothes hangers to decorate your kid’s wall

You can use wooden hangers to spruce up your child’s wall. They can paint, draw or color on different pieces of paper – abstract art, butterflies or self-portraits. They can stick with a theme of princesses or racecars or you can offer to print pictures from the computer; this project is whatever you want to make it! Once the kids have decided on what they want to put on their wall, all you need to do is clip it to the hangers and mount it to the wall. They beauty of this wall art is your kids can change out their pictures whenever they please, without very little fuss.

Via Home Designing

 

Use crayons and a sturdy board/canvas to showcase their talents

If you have children, chances are there are crayons in your house. Your kids can reuse these old crayons and glue them together in a shape of their liking. Anything goes – a circle, heart or square. Grab a white board or canvas and have your child trace a their design of choice on the board. Once the tracing is finished, he or she can glue the crayons to form the shape. Afterwards, they can channel their inner Picasso and paint around the edges.

Via Architecture Art Designs

 

Use 3D Wall Art

If you are kids are too young to paint or color, but want to decorate the walls of their room, there are still options that are available. A new decorating trend to accessorize walls focuses on 3D art. You can buy origami birds, butterflies or flowers so the white wall can pop and also provide the right touch for your child’s room.

Via A Slice of Life

 

Personalize walls with letters

By using wooden letters and paint, children can decorate their room with the entire alphabet, use their initials or spell out their first name. These wooden letters and paint are available at craft stores everywhere. The kids can make designs on these letters, use a solid paint or stencil on some polka dots. Once the letters are dry, they are ready to mount on the wall.

Via Architecture Designs

 

For more DIY ideas, head to Modernize.com.

 

October Guest Blogger – Shannon Mulligan-Mayernik

This months Guest Blogger has been my friend for many years. We have crafted, scrapbooked and had a community fair table together! I have always admired her amateur photos of the landscapes that she saw and events that she went to. She decided to take those photography skills to the professional level almost two years ago. She puts together the cutest mini sessions using all sorts of things including things that she has handmade! Today she is sharing one of those things with us! With that I would like to introduce you all to Shannon of Shannon Mulligan Photography!

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As a photographer, I get to be creative in many ways. Not only does my creative eye show while I’m creating amazing memories for my clients but I also get to be creative when it comes time to make homemade props, that will be one-of-a-kind for each individual session. I like to offer my clients this specialized service so they know that their pictures will be like no others. Whenever I know a prop will be involved, or a backdrop is needed, I set out to design and create something so my clients vision becomes a reality.

For my fall mini sessions this year, which were just held a few weeks ago, I knew I wanted to make a bunting banner for one set up. My first step is to always write out exactly how I want the scenes to look to I don’t get overwhelmed; or purchase products I won’t need. I am going to share with you exactly what I used to make the fall themed bunting banner along with the steps I took to create it.

Tools:

1/4 yard of each fabric choice (I choose 4 patterns and still had plenty left over with each pattern)

Pinking Fabric Scissors (http://www2.fiskars.com/Sewing-Quilting/Products/Scissors-and-Sharpeners/Pinking-Shears-9#.VD_f9vldWQM)

Bunting Template (you can make this any size, and as you can see in the pictures below, I make mine out of cardboard)

Straight Pins

Double Fold Bias Tape Quilt Binding; 3 yards (color of your choice) (http://www.joann.com/wrights-double-fold-quilt-binding-7-8inw-x-3yds/prd34298.html#start=2)

Frixion Ball Erasable Pen (http://www.staples.com/Pilot-FriXion-Erasable-Gel-Ink-Pens-Fine-Point-Assorted-3-Pack/product_722395)

Measuring Tape

Sewing Machine

Instructions:

1. Lay our fabric on flat, large surface. With template, I start to trace my template onto the back side of the fabric with my erasable pen.

2. Once I have all my triangles traced onto my fabric, I use my pinking scissors to cut them out.

3. Now that the triangles are all cut out, I lay them down against my measuring tape I have lying on the floor. (the sizing per banner will vary-for this one I wanted a 9 foot banner so I made sure I had 18 triangles that are 6 inches across)

4. Once they are all laid out and I know I have enough, I open the Bias Tape and fit the fabric into the fold. I straight pin them so they all stay together before I bring it over to the sewing machine.

5. Last step is to sew the fabric and bias tape together. Make sure nothing is loose because you do not want the fabric to tear away from bias tape.

Once all the sewing is done, your banner is complete. How easy was that?! You can now use it as a back drop, homemade prop, holiday decoration, or home decor. Now that I have made this fall banner for my mini session, I plan on selling it so it’s never used again. All banners I make will never be used for another session. By doing this, I know that none of my sessions will ever be the same. This also helps me keep my creative juices flowing because I know I can’t just use an old banner/bunting.


Here is another little set up I did for my fall mini. Super simple! I had everything for this set up at home. The only thing I purchased were 3 pounds of apples to fill the baskets with. Being creative with DIY Props and things you already have around your house is the best way to go.

I hope you enjoyed this little tutorial and if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me directly. And a huge THANK YOU to Robin for asking me to guest blog on your site! I love how much activity and engagement you have created on your page! And may I say (even though it’s still a little early…) I wish everyone a very Happy and Healthy Holiday Season!

September Guest Blogger – Christine N. – Coupon Code!!

My third Guest Blogger is someone that I know you have seen pop up on here before, because I have had the pleasure of doing plenty of pattern tests for her. Christine is the owner of Sweet Potato 3 and she makes all kinds of awesome projects from fun & funky hats to practical sets. She will be talking about owning her own business, her family life and an awesome Cancer Challenge that I urge everyone to join in on! Oh, and did I mention that she is also offering a 50% off coupon code for anyone that reads this blog post!?

So, let’s dive right into her post!

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Do you enjoy working with yarn?

Need a little down time in the evenings to wind down after a long day?

Are you a Mom who needs something other than cleaning up after the little ones?

Do you enjoy helping others through charities but kind of like being behind the scenes?

Well, I answered “yes” to all the above. And almost 5 years ago I started My Sweet Potato 3. I was a Mom to 3 young kids (ages of 4, 2 and 1) and as soon as they were in bed I needed something for me. I know, that may sound selfish. But, I believe everyone should have something that is just for them. Not only that but they need to make the time to do it. It needs to be something they love.

My name is Christine, and I love to work with my hands. To make a long story short: I have been crocheting for about 25 years. I started with making dresses and blankets for my dolls when I was young, to kitchen items for my Mom when I was a teen, and eventually blankets and hats for friends and family when they welcomed new babies into their families.

I did have one challenge though. It was difficult to find patterns that were easy to follow, or to find a designer that was willing to help out when I was stuck. So, I grabbed my pen and paper and started writing my own. 4 years later I have a crochet pattern shop with over 150 patterns. My passion with crochet is creating new patterns. Especially, when it is a special request from clients. Here are some of my favorites over the years.

My focus was on newborns, but as my children are growing up (way to fast too) I am starting to write more patterns for children and adults. The Cross My Heart Pattern was designed last year (2013) and I fell in love with it. This pattern has sizes from toddler up to adult.

I love doing charity programs as well. The last 3 years I have participated in, 12 Days of Christmas Preemie Challenge, that is hosted by Sunset Crochet. All the designers donate a free pattern to be used to make hats to donate to NICU’s all over the world. Last year we pledged over 4,000 hats.

I also am passionate about Cancer Charities. I have contributed to some over the last few years. But, this year it hit close to home when I lost my Uncle. I started my own Cancer Challenge asking others to make and donate hats. If you are interested please check out the details on my blog http://mysweetpotato3.blogspot.com/2014/08/cancer-charity-challenge.html, it will run through October 2014. My goal was to reach 500 hats pledged. Currently I had to reset my goal to 1000 because we reached 500 in the first couple weeks.

It was an honor to write this blog post and I hope you enjoyed seeing some of my work. As a thank you I would like to offer the readers a 50% off coupon code, in my Ravelry shop. Just input code “CraftingMommy” at checkout. This coupon will be good through December 2014.

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You can see Christine’s awesome patterns by checking out the following links!

August Guest Blogger – Jackie Ramsdell

Here is my second Guest Blogger! For some reason my it didn’t post in August like I scheduled it to post. So, it’s a couple of days late. But I think it’s well worth it! Jackie has shared some seriously adorable Loveys that she makes up herself and sells. She also sells the patterns for her designs! She was gracious enough to tell us a little bit about how her business came about as well as how she balances her work with her family life!

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Hi my name is Jackie Ramsdell. I am a wife, and a stay at home mom of two beautiful girls. I learned to crochet back in high school for home ec. My homeschool teacher taught me how to make pot holders, and a ripple afghan. The ripple afghan was the first crochet pattern I had ever seen. I was hooked and couldn’t stop making the pot holders and blankets for gifts. Then when I got my first job after high school, I slowed down and then I almost stopped crocheting. But when I found amigurumi toys, I couldn’t get enough I made all sorts of different things for all of my family members. My mom and sister still have the things that I have made.

It wasn’t until after my cousins started having babies, that I started making different kinds of baby blankets and baby clothes. I taught myself how to read crochet patterns to try to make new things. I started getting really serious about crocheting when I found out I was have my first child. Then I started finding more difficult patterns and making harder blankets. After our first daughter was born I started my own business called Blankies By Jackie. It didn’t take me too long after that to figure out that I was able to write my own patterns out of basic shaping techniques. So the thoughts went flying and I created my very first lovey pattern. (see pic below)

I was in love with my own creation. I thought why not try some more and see what I can do. So I made a horse lovey. (see pic below)

Then when I got my first custom order, for a dragon lovey I panicked a little. I took a deep breath and dove in with both feet and this is what came of it. (see pic below)

Life with a husband and two young girls has its challenges, but throw in a from home crochet business and it adds some more. I mainly utilize the time after my girls are in bed for the night to crochet. Sometimes I get lucky and can work during the day, but with two girls under the age of three I don’t get much time while they are awake. I love watching them grow up and I try not to work while they are up. Time is fleeting and they won’t be this little for too long.

I am coming out with some more new designs in the next several months, including a baby blanket with a new stitch I made.

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You can check out Jackie’s super cute creations are by checking out the following links!
Facebook Fan Page: www.facebook.com/BlankiesByJackie
Etsy Shop: www.etsy.com/shop/BlankiesByJackie
Ravelry: www.ravelry.com/designers/jackie-ramsdell
Twitter: @joyofchrist777

Jackie would love to see your finished projects if you use any of her patterns, so be sure to share your photos!

July Guest Blogger – Annie Ciszak Pazar – Free Knitting Pattern

I have been dabbling with the idea of having guest bloggers write on my blog for some time now. After some thinking & planning I have decided to try to showcase one fellow crafter a month. I put out a feeler on my FB fan page and was lucky to have the wonderful Annie Ciszak Pazar jump on board as my first guest!

Annie and I go way back to our High School Orchestra where she played the String Bass and I played the Viola (It’s pretty much a slightly bigger and deeper toned Violin for those of your who have never heard of it). We also took part in Mr Coppin’s first ever Clay Olympics back in 1999.

Many years went by before our paths crossed again, but when that happened Annie’s work did nothing but wow me! Her creativity, determination and awesomeness is very inspiring! She has her own online personal shop for her handmade jewelry and knitted goods and she has a storefront in Alaska called Bella Boutique. When asked what her shop has in it she simply states, “Almost everything is handmade, the majority locally.” She is a big advocate for anything handmade and the people behind those goods.

Without further ado, here is my first guest blogger with a FREE knitting pattern just for you!

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Annie Ciszak Pazar Owner of Annie’s Arts & Follies & Bella Boutique:

It seems everyone I know is expecting these days, and I have been a busy, busy knitting bee working on blankets for those special people and their soon to arrive new babes. In the past I have worked up some funky fan and feather pieces, but decided to switch it up this time with a little checkerboard action.

This is a super easy pattern requiring knowledge of only 2 stitches (if you can knit, purl, & count to 8, this is for you!), but looks far more complicated (as all knitting patterns do). Now, this is the pattern I loosely followed for this blanket:

Using size 9 32” circular needles, C/O 136 sts
Rows 1-16: sl 1st stitch of each row, k across
R 17, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27: sl 1, k across
R 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28: sl 1, k7(edge stitches), p8, (k8 , p8 ) 7 times, k 8 (edge stitches)
R 29, 31, 33, 35, 37, 39: sl 1, k across
R 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40: sl 1, k7, k8, (p8, k8) 7 times, k8
R 41-208: repeat rows 17-40, 7 more times for a total of 8 pattern repeats.
R 209-224: sl 1, knit across
R 225: B/O in K.

Now, I say loosely as I wanted this blanket to be a rectangle and not a square, so I repeated the blocks for a few extra rows – hold it up and see what you like. On the next go ‘round, I would also like to use a smaller needle (I think an 8 would do just fine) and then add another block or two to the width to even it all out. But that’s the beauty of this pattern – it’s so simple that it’s in turn easy to tweak to make your own. I could actually see myself adding several more blocks and making a new blanket for our couch. But that would mean my friends need to take a baby break first!

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You can check out just how awesome Annie and her creations are by checking out the following links!
Facebook Fan Page: www.facebook.com/pages/Annies-Arts-and-Follies/265865906211
Blog: www.anniecraftypants.com
Instagram: @Msanniepants