Arts and Crafts

For as long as I can remember I have always loved crafts. I taught myself batik, macrame, painting, carving and woodworking. Other crafts I learned from classes, such as raku pottery and stained glass. Collecting found objects and turning them into some art piece has always been a hobby. And there isn't anything more fun than creating a Kids Craft project that will light up some child's eyes when they make their project. So, I think you get the picture ... we love kids crafts here at ZiggityZoom.http://www.ZiggityZoom.com

Many crafts take advantage of recycled household items, turning useless boxes and containers into really neat useable items. Some of our favorite recycled craft projects include a fun Monkey Bank and a cute Robot. Saving these discards in a box or trash bag is ideal for future projects.

I like to think I give the most unique and thoughtful gifts ever. You know, gifts that are so unique and special that the only word I imagine hearing uttered through the crunch of crumpled wrapping paper is, ‘Ohhh!’ … So I like to think.

What’s so unrealistic about finding a gift that awes someone senseless?

We peruse a billion websites, cruise all the local shopping centers, stroll the malls, and hold our purses like the prized pigskin on Super Bowl Sunday as we carefully inch our way through cramped aisles overflowing with breakable giftware at specialty shops. We do all this with the hope of finding the pe rfect gift … without breaking a gazillion dollar bobble along the way!

I wonder, if the recipient is close enough to us that we are willing to spend this time, effort and money on them, why is it so difficult? We should be able to quickly, pleasurably and successfully shop for the perfect gift every time.

Looking for a fun craft for St. Patrick's Day? Here’s a fun craft project for the Irish and Irish at heart. It’s an easy to make Monkey with Shamrocks placemat. Just print out the image and laminate. It’s that easy. From our friends at http://www.ZiggityZoom.com

Shamrock Monkey Placemat http://ziggityzoom.com/activities.php?a=267

Super simple Valentine gift to make. Only takes little Foam Hearts and Red Ribbon, but look how elegant they are. Kids will love giving these to mom or grandmom.

What You Need:

* Foam Hearts - approx 2 inches wide (or cut from Craft Foam)
* 1/4 inch Red ribbon
* Scissors with pointy end

What To Do:

1. Using foam hearts that are approximately 2 inches in diameter, cut two small slits (about 3/4 in apart) into the center of each heart.
2. Cut a 7-8" piece of ribbon for each napkin ring and then thread through pre-cut slits in heart. We rolled up a cloth napkin to tie our napkin rings around, so that the diameter would be just right. In lieu of a napkin, you can tie around a paper tube, such as from a paper towel or t paper tube for the correct diameter. Be sure it isn't so tight that you can't slide it off however.
3. After tying ends, cut leaving about a half inch tail on each side.