Archive for » 2010 «

How to Make Brownies

By admin
27
Jan
2010

These brownies are really good and so easy to make.

 Ingredients:

  •  200 grams butter
  • 4 eggs
  • 2 cups of sugar
  • 200 grams of baking chocolate
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla essence
  • 1 1/3 cup flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 cups chopped walnuts

 

Method:

 1)      Preheat oven to 180 degrees Celsius.

2)      Cream butter, sugar and eggs.

3)      Add melted chocolate and vanilla and beat until creamy.

4)      Add flour, baking powder and salt. Mix well.

5)      Stir in nuts and about 1/2 cups chocolate chips.

6)      Bake for 30 – 35 minutes.

Category: Cakes, Cooking with Kids, Edible crafts, Recipes  Leave a Comment

How to Make Caramel Apples

By admin
25
Jan
2010

The following recipe makes 10 caramel apples (or toffee apples as they are called in some countries). If you prefer not to use food coloring then feel free to omit it.

Ingredients and Equipment:

  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 1/4 cups heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup light corn syrup
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 4 drops red food coloring
  • 10 red apples
  • Wooden skewers or craft sticks
  • Chopped nuts (optional)
  • Candy thermometer
  • Parchment paper or baking sheet

Method:

  1.  Heat sugar, corn syrup and butter in a saucepan over medium – high heat.
  2. Keep stirring until the butter had completely melted.
  3. Cook until the mixture reaches 240 degrees Fahrenheit or 115 degrees Celsius.
  4. Remove from heat and stir in the food coloring.
  5. Cool for approximately 5 minutes.
  6. Line your working area with a baking sheet.
  7. Take the stems out of the apples.
  8. Insert a wooden skewer or craft stick into each apple (where the stem was).
  9. Dip the apples into caramel until well coated. If necessary, use a spoon to coat the apples.
  10. Dip the apples in chopped nuts (optional).
  11. Place on baking sheet on a baking tray.
  12. Let stand until set (approximately one hour).
Category: Recipes  Leave a Comment

How to Make Granola Cookies

By admin
21
Jan
2010

Ingredients:

  •  4.5 cups of granola
  • 1 cup chocolate chips
  • 1 cup flour
  • 1 teaspoon of baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda (bicarbonate of soda)
  • 1/2 teaspoon of salt
  • 220 gr butter
  • 1.5 cups brown sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla essence

 Method:

  1.  Preheat oven to 180 degrees.
  2. Mix the butter and sugar for about 5 minutes.
  3. Add the eggs and vanilla essence.
  4. Add the flour and mix well.
  5. Add the granola and mix for 1 minute only.
  6. Put spoonfuls on a baking tray well apart.
  7. Bake for approximately 8 minutes.
Category: Cookies, Recipes  Leave a Comment

How to Make a Latte

By admin
20
Jan
2010

Ingredients:

  • Espresso
  • 1 cup Milk
  • Flavor (optional)
  • Small metal pitcher

Method:

  1. Pour the milk into the metal pitcher.
  2. Create froth by inserting the steam wand into the cup just below the surface of the milk.
  3. Steam the milk until it reaches the desired temperate.
  4. Add 1 shot of flavor if desired.
  5. Prepare the espresso shots.
  6. Pour the shots into the coffee mug.
  7. Pour the milk over the espresso immediately (the shots should not sit for more than 15 seconds before adding the milk). Use a spoon to keep the froth back.
  8. When you are close to the top pour the froth over the milk.
Category: Recipes  Leave a Comment

How to Make Kool Aid

By admin
19
Jan
2010

As simple as Kool-Aid is to make it is sometimes quite tricky to get it perfect. These step by step instructions will help.

Ingredients:

  • 2 quarts of water
  • 1 cup of sugar
  • 1 Kool-Aid pack

Method:

  1. Pour the water in the pitcher.
  2. Add the sugar.
  3. Add the Kool-Aid pack.
  4. Mix.
  5. Chill in the refrigerator or add ice.

Tip: This is fun to make with kids.

 

Category: Recipes  Leave a Comment

How to Make Icing Sugar

By admin
18
Jan
2010

Icing sugar is really easy to make and costs a fraction of the cost. It is convenient to make when you run out in the middle of a recipe!

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch

Method:

  1. Pour the sugar and cornstarch in to a food processor.
  2. Turn on high until the mixture becomes a fine powder.
Category: Recipes  Leave a Comment

How to Make Granola

By admin
18
Jan
2010

Once you are already preparing granola why not make a large quantity and pack it up to give to friends! You can buy granola ready made but you cannot compare store bought granola to home made granola. Firstly, most types of granola are based on cheap ingredients. Secondly, home made granola is free of preservatives. There are several types of store bought granola that are very good but they are often quite expensive. It is really easy to prepare granola so why not give it a try! 
Here is list of recommended ingredients but you can use any ingredients and change the quantities to taste. That is one of the advantages of homemade granola – you decide what is in it and how much of each ingredient. For example, if you like coconut then put double or triple the amount. Make your favorite granola!

Recommended list of ingredients:

• 400 g coarse oat
• 100 g instant oats
• 100 g pumpkin seeds
• 100 g sunflower seeds
• 100 g almond flakes
• 4 tablespoons sesame
• 1 Cup honey or brown sugar (you can mix them both)
• Half cup vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon
• Pinch of salt
• 3 tablespoons shredded coconut
• 1 / 2 cup raisins
• 1 / 2 cup dried cranberries

If you are making the granola as a gift then you will need cellophane bags or jars.
 
Preparation:
 
1. Preheat oven to 150 degrees celcius.
2. Mix all ingredients in a bowl (except the last three).
3. Spread on baking tray.
4. Bake for half an hour and mix every ten minutes or so to avoid burning.
5. Add the coconut approximately 10 minutes before the end.
6. Add the cranberries and raisins.
7. Cool.
8. Put the granola in cellophane bags and tie with raffia or alternatively put in a clean jar.

Category: Recipes  Leave a Comment

How to Make Gravy

By admin
16
Jan
2010

Ingredients:

  • Roast with onions
  • 2 tablspoons of flour or 1 tablespoon of gravy powder
  • 1 cup of hot water
  • salt and pepper

Method:

  1. After the roast is done, drain off the fat in a pan without disturbing sediment.
  2. Leave the onions from the roast in the pan.
  3. Cook over low heat.
  4. Add about 2 tablespoons of flour or 1 tablespoon of gravy powder.
  5. Mix well (keep stirring to prevent burning).
  6. Add 1 cup of hot water gradually, while stirring constantly. If the gravy is too thick then add more water.
  7. Season to taste.

Strain.

Serve hot.

Category: Recipes  Leave a Comment

How to make playdough

By admin
16
Jan
2010
This is a very simple recipe to make playdough. You can add different food colors to make various colors. All ingerdients are edible (not tasty but edible) so if the dough is used by toddlers who decide to taste no damage is done. The playdough only takes a few minutes to prepare and costs very little.

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups of flour
  • 1 cup salt
  • 3/4 – 1 cup of water
  • Food color (optional)

Method:

  1. Mix all ingredients together.
  2. Add food color (optional).

 

Category: Crafts for Kids, Kids crafts, Playdough recipe  Leave a Comment

How to Make Pancakes

By admin
16
Jan
2010

Ingredients:

  • 125 gr flour
  • Pinch of salt
  • 30 gr sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 tablespoon butter or margarine
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • Syrup (maple or chocolate)

Method:

  1. Sift the flour and salt.
  2. Make a well in the center.
  3. Add sugar, well beaten egg and half the milk.
  4. Mix well.
  5. Add the remaining milk, melted butter and baking powder.
  6. Drop spoonsfuls on to greased hot plate or pan. When they start to bubble, turn and cook until the other side is lighly browned.
  7. Put the pancakes on a cloth until cool (this keeps them soft).
  8. Serve with syrup (maple or chocolate).
Category: Cooking with Kids, Recipes  Leave a Comment

Paper Crafts

By admin
15
Jan
2010
Category: Uncategorized  Leave a Comment

Crafts for Kids

By admin
15
Jan
2010
Category: Crafts for Kids  Leave a Comment

How to Make a Clock

By admin
14
Jan
2010

Equipment:

    * 1 wooden clock
    * Clock parts
    * Picture to apply
    * Small stamp
    * Acrylic paint (color of your choice)
    * White acrylic paint
    * Masking tape

Method:

   1. Paint a clock in the color of your choice.
   2. Mark a border with masking tape.
   3. Make a lighter shade of color by mixing white paint with your color.
   4. Paint the border that you marked with masking tape in a lighter shade.
   5. Stamp the lighter area with the darker color.
   6. Paste a picture on the top of the clock. You can use a picture, sticker, wooden characters (sold at good craft stores).
   7. Attach the clock parts and the battery.

Category: Crafts for Kids, Crafts for the home, Crafts for toddlers  Leave a Comment

How to Make Paper Dolls

By admin
14
Jan
2010

Paper Dolls

The following free printable paper dolls can be downloaded below.
You can either color and make paper dolls yourself by downloading a template which needs to be colored or just print the free printable paper dolls which have already been colored. Either way, print the templates, cut out the parts and then dress the doll.

These online paper dolls make a perfect rainy day craft for kids. Once you have downloaded, printed and cut out the paper art dolls you can play dress up paper doll games with your kids.

Free Paper Dolls:

Printable Paper Dolls to Color:

Paper doll which needs to be colored

Colored Paper Doll Patterns and Paper Doll Clothes :

    * Paper Doll 1
    * Paper Doll 2
    * Paper Doll with no clothes (to be used with clothes below)

Paper Doll Clothes :

Clothes Only

Category: Construction paper crafts, Crafts for Kids, Kids crafts  Leave a Comment

How to Make Numbers from Felt

By admin
14
Jan
2010

Do you want to teach your kids how to recognize numbers? Recognizing numbers is not enough if they do not understand the meaning of each number. These felt numbers not only help them learn to recognize numbers but also to understand what each number represents.

Materials:

    * Colored Felt
    * Thread/Cotton
    * Scissors
    * Cotton wool
Method:

   1. Print the free downloadable numbers.
   2. Cut out the numbers from felt (two layers per number).
   3.  Sew each number together (i.e. the two layers of felt) leaving a small hole to stuff the letter.
   4.  Fill the letter with cotton wool.
   5.  Sew up the end that was left to fill the letter.
   6.  Cut up little pictures to stick on each number. For e.g. on number 1 you will add one picture, on number 2 – two pictures, etc.

Tip/Variations:
You can use ready made felt pictures to sew onto the numbers.

Category: Crafts for Kids, Crafts for toddlers, Kids crafts  Leave a Comment

Decorating Walls with Pictures

By admin
14
Jan
2010

This is a very simple method to decorate plain walls. All you need is a simple colored printer to decorate your walls and add an artistic touch. You can also create a  matching bedcover and  lamp.        

 Materials:

Plain white paper for a colored printer
Printer
Water based glue
Paint brush

Method:

   1. Choose a nice picture that you would like to appear on your wall. You can either choose a picture that you would like to repeat or print a few different pictures.
   2. If you want to create a picture that is bigger than the size that you can print with your printer then you can print it in sections and join the sections on the wall.
   3. Print the picture that you have chosen on regular paper.
   4. Cut the picture out.
   5. Apply glue to the back of the pictures. Paste the pictures to the wall.

Tip:

When you wash the bedspread then turn it inside out. That way the transfer will not be destroyed in the wash.

If you wish to add stripes to the wall (such as those in the picture) then see our instructions.

Category: Crafts for the home  Leave a Comment

How to Decorate a Plain Lamp

By admin
14
Jan
2010

This is a very simple method to decorate plain lamps. All you need is a simple colored printer and a plain lamp. You can also create a  matching bedcover and  walls.          
    
Materials:

Plain lamp
Printer
Water based glue
Paint brush

Method:

   1. Choose a nice picture that you would like to appear on your lamp.
   2. Print the picture that you have chosen on regular paper.
   3. Cut the picture out.
   4. Apply glue to the back of the picture (use good quality glue).
   5. Paste the picture to the lamp.
 

Tip:

You can also create matching walls and a matching bedcover.

Category: Crafts for the home  One Comment

Decoupage projects | How to revamp an old tray

By admin
12
Jan
2010

This tray looks like it has been handed down for generations. Choose the image from gift wrap, wallpaper, cards or posters. 

Materials: 

Tray (you can use an old tray but if it has been varnished you will need to sand it first to remove all varnish)
Picture for the bottom of the tray
Glue
Paint for the sides of the tray
Paint for the area around the picture (try to choose a color similar to the picture)
Crackle paint medium
Paint for the top of the tray 

If this is the first time you are using crackle paint then please see our article on How to Create a Faux Crackle Paint Effect 

Method: 
Clean the project surface so it is free of dirt and grease.
Paint the tray with the basecoat.
Glue the picture to the tray. Make sure that it is securely fixed.
Mix the product thoroughly. Apply paint in the color of your choice (use a different color than the base) to the top of the tray frame or the handles.
In order to achieve an antique look we will now apply a crackle finish.
Apply step 1 onto the project (with a brush) in one horizontal direction (for example from left to right).
Allow to dry for 30 – 40 minutes.
If you want very large cracks you can apply a second layer of step 1.
If you have applied a second layer allow 30 – 40 minutes drying time between each step and before proceeding to the next step.
Apply step 2 vertically (such as from top to bottom). Make sure that you are not applying in the same direction as step 1 (i.e. one of the layers will be horizontal and the other vertical).
Allow to dry for 30 – 40 minutes.
After these two steps cracks should have formed but at this stage the cracks are transparent and often difficult to see. You need to apply color in between the cracks to make them more visible. For this step there are many products you can use such as acrylic or oil paint, water-based stains and waxes depending on the effect your desire. You can use the color of your choice – such as brown, antique gold, copper, etc. If you used a light colored basecoat, choose a dark color (such as dark brown) and if you used a dark colored basecoat then use a light color (such as beige, cream or white).
Apply the color to the surface with a rag and then wipe off (with the clean side of the rag) making sure that you can see the color between the cracks in the areas that you want to highlight. You can wipe off as much or as little of the color as you want according to the desired effect.
Seal the tray by applying a clear topcoat (such as a varnish or spray acrylic) to finish and protect your work. 

Tip: 

Don’t overdo the crackle or the color in between the cracks. Apply smal quantities to different areas of the tray. 

  

  

  

  

  1. Mix the product thoroughly. Apply paint in the color of your choice (use a different color than the base) to the top of the tray frame or the handles. 

  

In order to achieve an antique look we will now apply a crackle finish.  

   

  1. Apply step 1 onto the project (with a brush) in one horizontal direction (for example from left to right).

  

  1. Allow to dry for 30 – 40 minutes.

  

  1. If you want very large cracks you can apply a second layer of step 1.

  

  1. If you have applied a second layer allow 30 – 40 minutes drying time between each step and before proceeding to the next step.

  

  1. Apply step 2 vertically (such as from top to bottom). Make sure that you are not applying in the same direction as step 1 (i.e. one of the layers will be horizontal and the other vertical).

  

  1. Allow to dry for 30 – 40 minutes.

  

  1. After these two steps cracks should have formed but at this stage the cracks are transparent and often difficult to see. You need to apply color in between the cracks to make them more visible. For this step there are many products you can use such as acrylic or oil paint, water-based stains and waxes depending on the effect your desire. You can use the color of your choice – such as brown, antique gold, copper, etc. If you used a light colored basecoat, choose a dark color (such as dark brown) and if you used a dark colored basecoat then use a light color (such as beige, cream or white).

  

  1. Apply the color to the surface with a rag and then wipe off (with the clean side of the rag) making sure that you can see the color between the cracks in the areas that you want to highlight. You can wipe off as much or as little of the color as you want according to the desired effect.

  

  1. Seal the tray by applying a clear topcoat (such as a varnish or spray acrylic) to finish and protect your work.

Tip:  

Don’t overdo the crackle or the color in between the cracks. Apply smal quantities to different areas of the tray.  

 

  

 
 

 

 

  

Category: Crafts for the home  Leave a Comment

How to make recycled crafts | Basket

By admin
12
Jan
2010

 Submitted by Sarit Kalechman

You can make this basket together with your children or as a kindergarten craft project. Threading the beads is  a great way to improve children’s coordination.          

 Materials:  

  • Plastic basket (such as the one in which fruit is often sold)
  • Pipe cleaner
  • String
  • Beads
  • Stickers

Method:

  1. Tie the pipe cleaner to each side of the basket to form a handle.
  2. Thread the beads through the string and then attach the string to the basket.
  3. You can continue decorating it with stickers, etc.

Tip/Variations:Fill the basket with something little (such as chocolate truffles) and let the children give it to their parents for mothers day, fathers day or for no reason at all……

Category: Uncategorized  Leave a Comment

1st Birthday Cake

By admin
12
Jan
2010

Submitted by Navit Vishky

Birthday cake decorating is a lot of fun and need not be done exactly according to the instructions. Decorate the cake any way you please and enjoy!
This first birthday cake is made using regular oblong cake pans and there is no need to purchase a 1st birthday cake pan.

 
 Ingredients:

    * Basic cake mix (see chocolate cake recipe)
    * Frosting (Icing)
    * Food Color
    * Sugar paste
    * Cake decorations
Equipment:

    * Small stuffed animal or doll
    * 2 Oblong cake tins

 Method:

   1. Make 2 oblong cakes.
   2. Allow to cool.
   3. Cut the tops of the cakes with a sharp knife to straighten.
   4. Put one of the cakes on a tray so that it is standing up in the shape of a plain 1.
   5. Cut up the other cake in half through the shortest side. Place one half of the cake on the bottom of the number “1″ perpendicular to the other cake and center in the middle so that it is sticking out on both sides.
   6. Take the other half and put it on the top of the cake so that it is centered to the right.
   7. Cut the top left hand side of the number to form a number “1″.
   8. Cover the cake with frosting in the color of your choice.
   9. Roll out a piece of sugar paste (sugar dough) to form a blanket. Decorate it any way you please.
  10. Take another piece of sugar paste (sugar dough) and form a rectangular shape. This will be the cushion.
  11. Place the blanket and cushion on the number one.
  12. Move the cake to the serving dish.
  13. Put the little doll next to the cake.

Category: Birthday cakes, Birthday cakes for kids  One Comment

How to make Bath Products | Face Pillow

By admin
12
Jan
2010

Materials:

    * 1/2 cup of flax seeds
    * 1/4 cup of dried lavender
    * 1/4 cup of dried chamomile flowers
    * Small piece of fabric
    * Needle
    * Thread

Method:

   1. Download the template and then cut around the lines.
   2. Fold the fabric in half and place the template on top.
   3. Cut around the template creating 2 pieces of fabric in the shape of the template.
   4. Put the “right” side of the fabric together.
   5. Sew around the edges leaves a small space (around 4 cm). It is preferable to use a sewing machine although you could do this by hand if you do not have access to one.
   6.  Turn the pillow inside out.
   7. Mix the flax, lavender and chamomile together.
   8. Fill the pillow with the mixture.
   9. Sew the opening together.

Variation:

You can make long pillows for shoulders or any other body parts.

Tips:

You can place the pillow on your face as is, warm it (heat it in the microwave for 20 seconds) or cool it (place in the fridge for an hour or in the freezer for 15 minutes) prior to use.
When cold the face pillow helps relieve tension, fatigue and headaches.
When hot it helps relieve the pain caused by colds and allergies.
For those who suffer from period pains—make a bigger pillow (cut out to rectangle shaped pieces of fabric and then follow the instructions from #4.

Category: Bath and body, Bath products  Leave a Comment

Making Cards | How to Make Cards

By admin
12
Jan
2010

 Submitted by Karen

Materials:

  • A ready made blank card or a piece of board in the color and size of your choice.
  • Felt tip pen
  • Small stone, button or sticker
  • Glue
  • Colored pencils or water color paints

Method: 

  1.  Cut out your card from the piece of board. If you want your card to open then fold it before you cut. You can also use a single layer of card and write on the back.
  2. Download the template after adapting the size according to the size of your card.
  3. Cut out the template.
  4. Paste onto your card.
  5. Write a greeting of your choice on the top.
  6. Color the leaves, and birds with the color of your choice.
  7. Attach a small stone, button or flower sticker to the top of the stalk.

Variation:

You can make these cards in different sizes and using different embellishments.

Tip:

On a day when you have free time and are feeling in the mood make a few cards which you can keep and use when needed.

Category: Construction paper crafts, Making cards, Making cards  Leave a Comment

How to Make a Body Scrub

By admin
12
Jan
2010

Making a scrub is extremely easy and cheap yet stores manage to charge high prices and people actually pay them. Why? Because you are paying for the packaging and design of the product. Follow these instructions to make a professional looking high quality scrub that looks like it cost a fortune.
     
    Materials:

    * 1/4 cup light olive oil
    * 1/4 cup fine sea salt salt
    * 1/4 cup liquid soap
    * 2 drops of lavender or rose essential oil
    * 2 drops of geranium essential oil
    * Small bottle
    * Pink or purple food coloring
    * Dried pink flowers or lavender (optional)
    * String (optional)
    * Cellophane (optional)
    * Light brown crepe paper (optional)

Method:

   1. Sterilize the bottle (you can do this by putting it in the microwave).
   2. Add a few drops of pink or purple food coloring to the salt and mix well until you reach a pastel color. Add a small amount each time as you never know how dark it will be until it is totally mixed.
   3. Add and mix all ingredients.
   4. Pour the mixture (the scrub) into the bottle.
   5. Download and print the labels on cardstock.
   6. Paste the label on the top of the page onto the front of the jar. Use a paintbrush and glue for perfect results.
   7. Cut out a square of crepe paper approximately double the size of the lid.
   8. Cut out a piece of clear cellophane exactly the same size as the crepe paper.
   9. Place the crepe paper on the lid.
  10. Place a few pieces of dried lavender (if you used purple food color) or dried pink roses (if you used pink food color) in the center of the lid.
  11. Place the cellophane over the crepe paper.
  12. Place an elastic band around the top of the lid to keep it in place.
  13. Tie the string around the bottle and through the label which you cut out from the bottom of the page that you downloaded.
  14. Remove the elastic band once the string is securely tied (optional).

 
Variation:

You can use any kind of oil and any essential oil or variation of different essential oils.

Tip:

* Avoid contact with eyes.
* Do not use on open wounds.

Category: Bath and body, Bath products, Bath scrub  2 Comments

How to Make Bath Products | Bath Mitt

By admin
12
Jan
2010

Materials:

    * 1 Face cloth
    * Thread (the same color as the facecloth)
    * Needle or sewing machine

Method:

   1. Fold the face cloth in half.
   2. Sew along two of the sides (one length and one width).
   3. Turn it inside out.

Tip:

To make a hook from which to hang the glove you can cut a short piece of ribbon and fold it in two. Sew the two open ends into the seam(which is down the longest side of the glove).

Category: Bath and body, Bath products  Leave a Comment

Kid’s Hand and Foot Prints

By admin
12
Jan
2010

Your babies feet and hands grow very quickly. This picture preserves a memory that can never be replaced – your baby’s handprint or footprint.                          

Equipment:

    * A wooden picture frame with 2 – 4 sections
    * Water based  paint (the color of the frame)

Method:

   1. Cut a piece of paper to A4 size.
   2. Type the name and age of your child. Position it in the middle of the page (assuming that the actual picture is much smaller than A4).
   3. Paint the child’s hand or foot with a paint brush and paint.
   4. Open the child’s hands and push them on the page. Make sure that pressure is placed on each of their fingers (it isn’t easy as younger children to not generally cooperate).  Try to make a print directly above the title.
   5. Trace the size of the picture frame.
   6. Cut out the print in the required size and place it in the frame.
   7. Repeat the process with all hands and feet depending on the number of frames that you have.

Tip:

If you have more than one child you can make a picture for each of them and hang them together.

Category: Crafts for the home, Paper crafts  Leave a Comment

How to Make a Photo Album

By admin
12
Jan
2010

Materials:

    * Wooden photo album
    * Wood molding (used to create a paneled look on a flat door)
    * Photo
    * High gloss polymer finish
    * Cream colored acrylic paint
    * Gold oil paint
    * Brown oil paint

Method:

   1. Paint the photo album cream with acrylic paint.
   2. Place your photo on to the cover of the album to make sure that the size is appropriate. If not, then either crop the photo or find a more appropriate one.
   3. Cut the molding into 4 pieces the size of your photo.
   4. Paste the photo on to the album.
   5. Paint the pieces of molding in cream.
   6. Place the pieces of molding over the picture to form a frame.
   7. Paste the frame to the album to secure it.
   8. Using a brush or piece of cotton wool dab some of the areas of the frame with gold paint. Repeat this on the sides of the album.
   9. Cover the photo with high gloss polymer finish (as per the instructions on the bottle). When it hardens it looks like the glass on a picture frame.
  10. Print out the child’s name on the computer. Outline the name in pencil. Turn the page around and outline the name again. Turn the page around again and place the name where you want it to appear on the album. Rub the name with a pencil.
  11. Paint the child’s name in gold paint.
Tip:
you can use any colour for this craft project and do not have to limit yourselves to the suggested colors.

Category: Paper crafts  Leave a Comment

How to get your kids to tidy up

By admin
12
Jan
2010

Making Labels for Toy Drawers

Would you like your children to help tidy up their toys or enable them to find the toy that they are looking for?
Do you find that when they do try to help they land up making more mess?
This idea helps your kids know where their toys belong despite the fact that they cannot read!
    

Materials:

    * A set of drawers
    * Pictures
    * Laminating pouch film (if you do not have your own laminator you can have this done very inexpensively)
    * Printer
    * Double-sided glue

Method:

   1. Divide your kids toys and put each group of toys into a separate drawer.
   2. Locate a picture for each group (you can do this using the insert pictures function in Microsoft Word).
   3. Print out the pictures.
   4. Laminate the page of pictures.
   5. Cut out each picture.
   6. Paste it onto the relevant drawer.

Tip/Variations:

If you want to expose your child to words you can write the word (using a wordprocessor) above or below the picture.

You can also just cut out pictures from magazines etc.

Category: Crafts for Kids, Crafts for the home, Crafts for toddlers  Leave a Comment

Dora the Explorer Poster

By admin
12
Jan
2010

This poster is great for any Dora birthday theme. Your child will love it as well as his or her guests!

Materials:

    * 1big sheet of cardboard in the color of your choice
    * A computer and printer
    * Scissors
    * Photo of your child
    * A small stick (such as the ones that doctors use – can be purchased at most craft stores)
    * Glue

Method:

   1. Find pictures of Dora on the internet and then cut around the lines.
   2. Cut out the photo of your child.
   3. Cut off one of Dora’s hands.
   4. Paste the picture of Dora.
   5. Cut Boot’s tail off and wrap it around your child.
   6. Paste the tail to the photo of your child.
   7. Paste the picture of Dora’s hand to your child (place her hand on your child’s shoulder and fold the wrist behind the photo – as if she is hugging him).
   8. Paste the photo of your child onto the cardboard.
   9. Paste Boots next to your child ensuring that his tail is connected in a natural way.
  10. Print out a sign (the size will depend on the size of the poster that you are creating).
  11. Paste the stick onto Dora’s hand.
  12. Paste the sign that you printed over the top of the stick.
Variation:

You can use this method to make posters with other characters.

Tip:
You can add additional photos of other kids or characters next to Boots.

Category: Party Ideas, Party crafts  Leave a Comment

Craft Tips

By admin
12
Jan
2010

Under each craft project you will find tips that are relevant to that particular project and/or  technique.

The following tips are general and craft related.
If you have a craft related tip that you would like to share with us then please send it and we will publish it. Please note your name so that we can give you credit. Tips can be related to any craft issue (such as knitting, sewing, cooking, baking, painting, drawing, etc).

    * Keep old empty bottles. They can be used for various projects. For e.g. a jar that contained coffee or jelly can be washed and sterilized and then used to make a bath scrub (body or foot scrub).

    * Whenever you are using expensive materials and a new technique experiment on a surface similar to that you are planning to use before embarking on your project.

    * If you need to create large templates (many of the projects in the site include templates) you can use newspaper to cut them out. That way you will have no joins (and no expenses…)

    * Before you start any craft project make sure that your work surface is clean.

    * Before using craft punches for the first time, lubricate them by punching wax paper.

    * Clean rubber stamps after each use with a mild soap.

    * To clean and soften your paint brushes wash them under warm water. Put them in a small quantity of fabric softener for about 15 minutes. Wash the brushes with a mild soap and water.

    * How to cut a round piece of fabric:  cut a square piece of fabric where the length of the square is the length of the diameter that you need. Fold the square into fourths (with the right sides together). Pin the layers together to prevent them from moving. Cut a piece of string and tie it to a fabric marking pencil. Attach the other end of the string to a safety pin. The length between the pencil and the safety pin should be half the required width of fabric. Connect the safety pin to the folded corner of fabric (i.e. the corner which has no open ends). Mark the outer edge of the circle using the marking pencil as a compass. Cut on the line that you have marked. Remove the pins.  If you are making a tablecloth see instructions.

    * To check if a cake is ready insert a bamboo stick into the cake. If it comes out clean the cake is ready. If not keep close the oven and continue baking.

Category: Craft projects  Leave a Comment

How to Make a Fruit Tart

By admin
12
Jan
2010

The advantage of this cake is that it is very quick and easy to prepare and is really fail proof! The total preparation time is under two hours.

Ingredients:

For the base:

    * 2 cups flour
    * 7 oz (200 gr) of butter or margarine
    * 1/2 cup sugar
    * 1 egg
    * 1 pinch of salt
    * 1/4 cup of flour

Filling:

    * Ready made custard or vanilla pudding or a box of vanilla pudding powder made with double cream and milk (according to the instructions on the box).
    * Fruit (whatever is in season or available).
    * Glaze (if you do not have glaze you can use apricot jelly (jam).

Equipment:

    * Baking sheet (optional).
    * Pie dish or quiche dish (preferably with a removable bottom).

Method:

   1. Preheat the oven to 350 F (180 c).
   2. Mix the sugar, butter and 2 cups of flour in a food processor.
   3. Add a pinch of salt.
   4. Add the egg.
   5. As soon as the mixture forms a ball turn the food processor off.
   6. If it doesn’t form a ball and the mixture looks too soft then add more flour. As a rule, the softer the butter/margarine is the more flour you need.
   7. Roll the dough out on a baking sheet.
   8. Grease the pie dish
   9. Put your hand under the baking sheet and turn the dough upside down into the pie dish.
  10. Gently peel the baking paper away.
  11. Fill in any holes that have formed with the extra dough or dough from the sides.
  12. Push the dough upwards to fill all of the sides.  Make sure that you don’t have any thin areas.
  13. Use a rolling pin to roll along the top and form a nice edge.
  14. Put the base in the oven and bake until it is lightly browned. (No need to fork it or fill it with beans or anything like that….).
  15. When it is ready and has been cooled fill with the pudding.
  16. In the meantime, prepare the filling. Use either ready made pudding, custard powder or instant pudding.

Cut up the fruit. Fruit should be cut into thin slices. Berries will obviously be added as is.
Lay the fruit around the tart. The more time you have the closer you can lay them.
Either use glaze according to the instructions on the box or heat apricot jelly (jam) in the microwave for a few seconds until it melts. Let it cool slightly and then brush it onto the pie/tart.

Tip/Variations:

The pie should be made as close to serving as possible.

If you are in a rush and need to finish within an hour then feel free to use a ready made pie dish.
For those of you on Weight Watchers there are approximately 62 points in the base. The filling and fruit depend on the ingredients that you use. If you use a low fat and low cal filling you get a delicious piece of fruit pie for only 6 points!

Category: Cakes, Recipes  One Comment
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