COFFEE FILTER CRAFTS

Coffee filter fun!  I love the way paint dries on a coffee filter.  So vibrant!

http://familycrafts.about.com/od/earthdaycrafts/a/CFEarth.htm
 
Materials Needed:

• Coffee Filter
• Food Coloring, Blue and Green
• Wax Paper

Instructions:
Lay a piece of wax paper down on your work surface. If you like, find a picture of the Earth for reference. Lay the coffee filter onto the wax paper.
Now you can 'draw' a picture of the earth on the coffee filter by using drops of blue and green food coloring. Add one drop at a time and watch how the colors spread. Once the entire coffee filter is colored, set it aside and let it dry.
The dried earth picture can be hung up in a window or attached to the front of a Happy Earth Day card!

http://familycrafts.about.com/cs/butterflycrafts/a/blcfbutterf.htm

Materials Needed:

• Round Coffee Filter
• Watercolor Paints or Food Coloring
• Clothespins
• Black Acrylic Paint
• Wiggle Eyes
• Black Chenille Stem
• Magnet
• Craft Glue or Hot Glue Gun and Glue Sticks
• Scissors

Instructions:
Start out by dampening the coffee filter with water so it lays flat. Color the coffee filter using watercolor paints or food coloring. Set it aside to dry.
Paint the clothespin black. Once the paint is dry, glue on two wiggles eyes. Cut a piece of chenille stem about 2-inches long, fold it in half, and glue it on just above the eyes to be the antenna.
When the coffee filter is dry, pinch them in the middle. Clip the middle of the coffee filter into the clothespin to be the wings. Spread the wings out and you are done.
Finally, to finish your butterfly, glue a magnet to the back. If you prefer, you can add a ribbon loop instead of a magnet and hang it up like an ornament.

COFFEE FILTER SNOWFLAKE CRAFT
http://familycrafts.about.com/od/snowflakes/a/CoffeeFilterRainbowFlake.htm
Materials Needed:

• Coffee Filter
• Markers
• Spray Bottle of Water
• Scissors

Instructions:
Fold the coffee filter however you choose (like you would fold a piece of paper to make paper snowflakes). Cut small holes and slits into the coffee filter to create your snowflake.
Use the markers to trace ALL opf the edges of the coffee filter - the outer edge plus the edges of all of the cuts you made. You may use more than one color. The more colors the cooler it looks. Do not overlap colors.
Leave the coffee filter folded and spray it with water to get the filter moist. Do not soak it! You want the filter to be moist not dripping. Unfold carefully and let dry. (Drying time is about 5 to 10 minutes.)

Rainbow Fish Coffee Filter Craft

http://www.dltk-teach.com/books/rainbowfish/coffeefilter.htm

 

20% off coupon at Michaels. EXP. Jan.31st, 2010

Current 20% off coupon to use at Michaels Craft store.  EXP. Jan.31st, 2010
http://www.mommysavesbig.com/printable-coupons/michaels-20.pdf

Current Michaels coupon

Current Michaels coupon...

http://printable-coupons.blogspot.com/2008/02/michaels-coupons-arts-craft-store.html

How to make a Snow Globe

How do you make your own snow globe? Here it is!



http://crafts.kaboose.com/snglobe.html

What you'll need:

• Baby food jars (medium or large) or any other type of jar with a lid
• Florist clay (can be found at any craft supply store)
• Small figurine (see “Choosing your figurine” under “Helpful Hints”)
• White and/or silver glitter or fake snow
• Hot glue gun or aquarium sealing glue (hot glue is less expensive)
• Ribbon or felt (optional)
• Garland plastic greenery (see “Getting your greenery” under “Helpful hints”)

How to make it:

1. Wash and dry your jar completely, including the lid.
2. Attach figurine to inside of jar lid using florist clay. If you are using a small object, it's a good idea to build up the clay so the object will appear taller. To preview, simply place empty jar over the top of your figurine to see if you have the height where you want it. Attach any optional items with the clay (greenery, berries, etc.). Important: Use your imagination, but make sure whatever you use is waterproof and won't dissolve.
3. Fill jar with water to within 1/2 inch (1 cm) of top. Use cold water, warm water tends to cloud. Sprinkle ½ teaspoon of glitter, or “ snow” into water. This measurement is based on a medium to large baby food jar. Adjust glitter amount according to your size jar.
4. Using hot glue gun, line inside of lid with glue. Insert figurine in water and screw on lid.
5. Dab lid dry if any water dripped or spilled. Apply a layer of hot glue around the rim of the lid to seal shut.
6. Let stand and dry overnight -- lid side up.
7. Decorating the lid rim is optional, and there are several ways to do it. Attach decorative ribbon with glue, use plastic holly berries for a holiday feel, or use colored felt as we have. This can be as simple or as elaborate as you like. Use white or craft glue to run a squiggly line around the felt then sprinkle with glitter and let dry. Glue on buttons, use stickers, or personalize your globe by writing your name in glue and sprinkling with glitter. You may also paint the lid rather than use ribbon or other embellishments. The possibilities are endless so have fun!

Tips:

Keep your globe secure. Make sure the objects are secure in the clay, you could even glue them for added security.
Choose your figurine wisely. Choose a figurine made of a material that will not dissolve or deteriorate in water over time. Cake toppers, small ornaments with the hanger removed, miniature toys and dolls are all possibilities.
Easy-to-find greenery. You will only need small pieces so look for stems in the floral department that are on sale or inexpensive. You can also trim pieces from silk and plastic greenery, or you can even fashion your own small trees out of chenille stems. Another option is to use tiny plastic pine trees found in toy train and car sets.
Glitter tips. Before gluing or sealing the lid, make sure you have sufficient amount of glitter. Depending on the size of the jar, you may need more or less. Be careful! Too much glitter will completely obscure your figurine.
Add color and pizzazz. To make a more elaborate snow globe, add tiny objects to “ float” in the water, use a drop of colored oil to create a swirling effect or use food coloring in the water. Or, instead of using just white or just silver glitter, mix the two colored glitters. Silver tends to fall faster, the white floats more. Putting them together creates a fun effect. These are just some ideas to help you create your one-of-a-kind snow globe. Use your imagination and have fun.
Choose a theme . Make your snow globe for any occasion or theme such as Halloween, birthday, sports, holiday, Victorian and beach (seashells). You can also make two and give one away as a gift.

CHECK OUT THIS STORY TO GO ALONG WITH THIS SNOW GLOBE PROJECT!
MY CHILDREN THOUGHT IT WAS SO NEAT...