|
|
Simple Autumn Craft Ideas
by Deborah Taylor-Hough
I love the changing seasons at this time of year; especially when the
fall colors start to show, there's a nip in the air, and it's time to
break out the sweaters from their summer storage boxes. If you're
looking for some craft ideas to share with your kids, try one of the
following.
Leaf Prints:
Make your own cards or gift wrap by using nature's bounty of freshly
fallen leaves. Use poster paint for printing on paper (for cards, gift
wrap, etc.), or use acrylic paint if you decide to decorate an item that
needs a waterproof finish (glassware, clay pots, etc.). Brush a small
amount of paint onto the underside of the leaf where the veins are more
pronounced. Carefully place the leaf where you want the design printed
and cover with a layer of paper towel. Gently roll a rolling pin over
the top (or you can use the side of an empty bottle). Remove the paper
towel and lift the leaf.
Wheat Weaving:
Soak wheat on the stalk (from craft stores or local farmers) in a tub of
water for an hour or so. Holding three seed heads together, braid the
stems of the wheat stalks. Curve the ends around to make an oval loop, a
circle wreath, or even bend it a bit to make a heart shape. Tie with
brightly colored ribbon. As the stalks dry, they'll hold their shape.
Add to your autumn decorations.
Baked Pumpkin Seeds:
After all the pumpkin carving or pie making, don't throw out the seeds.
Separate the seeds from the stringy pulp (don't rinse or remove every
last bit of the pulp -- the pulp adds flavor). Place the seeds on a
cookie sheet, stir in about 1/4 cup of melted butter or margarine,
sprinkle with a small amount of salt and then bake in a 350 degree oven
for 10 minutes until lightly browned. Enjoy!
About the author
Deborah Taylor-Hough (free-lance writer, wife and mother of three) is
the author of
A Simple Choice: A practical guide for saving your time,
money and sanity, and the soon-to-be-released,
Frugal Living for
Dummies.' For more family-friendly articles, tips and ideas, visit Debi
online at: http://hometown.aol.com/dsimple/
|
|
