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Miscellaneous Crafts 3

Hama Bead pictures

Use hama beads to make patterned coasters, etc. You can either create a picture/pattern within the whole figure (e.g. a cross within a circular shape), or create a shape (e.g. a cross, a Star of David, a fish).

You will need:

What you do:

  1. It's a good idea to sketch out your design to begin with, so give the kids some paper and pencils/crayons for this.
  2. Once they've created a design, they can collect beads in the relevant colours.
  3. Use empty yoghurt pots for them to put their beads into.
  4. Hama bead coastersCreate the pattern/picture on a hama bead board.
  5. Use an adult for the next bit: place a piece of greaseproof paper over the design (enough to cover it all) and iron over the paper-covered beads with a cool iron (nylon setting) until the beads have melted together enough to stick to each other.
  6. Peel off the paper and allow to cool.
    7.  
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Salt dough

Salt dough butterflyThis is another craft activity that can be adapted for almost any theme. For example, make pairs of animals for a Noah's ark, a Nativity, or just simple things like a cross or fish symbol. Small designs can have holes pierced in them to make necklaces or hanging decorations. As this is a craft that needs several stages, it can be done over several sessions, e.g. make dough; make designs & bake; paint; varnish. You will need: 

What you do:

  1. Make up the salt dough. You can either prepare this beforehand, or make it an activity in itself:
    1. Mix the salt and flour together
    2. Then stir in half the water in a mixing bowl.
    3. Gradually add the rest of the water, kneading the mixture until the dough has a smooth, firm consistency. Make sure you don't add too much water (the dough will become sticky).
    4. Knead for a further 5-10 minutes. Ideally, leave to rest for 30 minutes, but it can be used immediately
  2. Now make your shapes and designs. Here are a few ideas: Cross, Star of David, Fish Animals and people using cake/biscuit cutters for Nativity/Ark scene Tree plaques: stars, angels, bells Complex shapes (built up from several pieces), e.g. Tree of life (tree, birds, fruit, insects, flowers, leaves) Bead necklace or bracelet - can be decorated with letters to form messages, e.g. "Jesus loves me", WWJD
  3. Once the shapes/designs have been made, bake the dough to harden it. Complex models are best baked in sections that can later be glued together. Bake for 3 hours Or, if you are experienced, you can part bake (1 hour), moisten and join and then complete the baking (2-3 hours).
  4. Allow to cool thoroughly
  5. Paint and decorate to complete.
  6. Allow to dry very thoroughly before applying further coats of paint and especially before varnishing.
  7. Varnish - use at least 3 coats, allowing time to dry between coats. Try to get a quick drying, clear varnish for this.
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Crystallised flowers (for Mothering Sunday)

Instead of giving your mother a posy of real flowers, try this idea for a change. (Or give her a posy as well)

What You Need:

What you do:

  1. Beat the egg white until it forms soft peaks.
  2. Paint each flower until it is covered in the egg white - don't dip them! Use the sieve or dredger to sprinkle suagr over the flowers (scoop up and reuse the residue sugar).
  3. Put a piece of greaseproof paper on a tray and lay out each flower to dry.
  4. Leave for 2-3 days in a warm place like an airing cupboard.

* Try these flowers: rose petals, primroses, violets, nasturtiums, lily of the valley, miniature daffodils.

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