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Archive: Super Crafty Kidz
November 20, 2009
How-To: Bake a Turkey-Shaped Cake
Bake a Turkey-Shaped Cake
By Cathy Callahan
How about cake instead of pie this Thanksgiving? I don't mind pie but am really more of a cake person. This turkey-shaped cake is a fun way to introduce a cake to the dessert table and is also fun for kids to make for Thanksgiving. And if the "pie people" turn their noses up at it? At least it can also double as decoration for the table.
With the big holiday just around the corner I'm sure many of you are starting to pour over your favorite cookbooks in search of recipes. I really don't own many cookbooks and am an advocate for just having a few really good ones on hand. There's been a lot of talk about classic cookbooks lately. Of course we all love Julia Child's The Way to Cook. The Joy of Cooking has been a staple in kitchens for many generations. On many people's lists of "must haves" are The Fannie Farmer Cookbook, How to Cook Everything, Beard on Food and the list goes on.
But to me an overlooked classic is Baker's Coconut Cut-Up Cakes (1956 edition). Why not have a little fun in the kitchen? It was updated in 1959 and retitled Baker's Coconut Animal Cut-Up Cakes. It was published by Baker's to promote their "Angel Flake Coconut" product. At any given time there are usually a few listed on eBay and there is oftentimes a bidding war to get the older ones. You can sample some pages of the book in charm and poise's Flickr set.
Cut-up cakes are all about the reconfiguration of the standard layer or sheet cake. Following the illustrations, the cake is cut into shapes and arranged to resemble things like boats, bunnies, witches, etc. and then iced, sprinkled with coconut, and decorated with candy; the boat eveb gets Lifesavers for the portholes. And they all have cute names.
I have made the "Ella Elephant," "Fanny the Fish," and "Dear Santa."
I just made the "Gobble-Gobble Gobbler" as a dry run for this Thanksgiving. I tried to follow the recipe as best I could but I have to be honest that a little more explanation would have been helpful. I did have a couple of mishaps and had to approach this project like a small scale construction project. So here I've adapted the original directions in hopes that it will make it a little easier for you. Make sure you wear an apron because it's a very messy, but fun, undertaking.
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Posted by Natalie Zee Drieu |
Nov 20, 2009 05:00 PM
CRAFT Projects, Food, Holiday projects, Super Crafty Kidz |
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November 19, 2009
Homemade Pumpkin Pie Ice Cream
Homemade Pumpkin Pie Ice Cream
By Jennifer Perkins and Chris Boehk
Every fall my husband Chris whips up a batch of his world famous pumpkin pie ice cream! This year we served it at a Halloween party and are planning to take it to a Thanksgiving potluck! Since this is his special fall creation, I let him write up the instructions and I took the pictures!
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Posted by Natalie Zee Drieu |
Nov 19, 2009 12:00 PM
CRAFT Projects, Food, Holiday projects, Super Crafty Kidz |
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November 18, 2009
Apple Face Mask
Apple Face Mask, excerpt from The Natural Beauty Book
By Anne Akers Johnson
Mask are intensive treatments and should be limited to your once-a-week routine. Choose one that is well suited to your skin.
Facial Mask Basics
1. Before applying a mask, find a place where you can lie back without being disturbed. Spread a towel out where you will rest your head in case your mask drips.
2. Choose and prepare a recipe.
3. Pull your hair back off your face. Pull long hair back into a ponytail.
4. Wash your face so it's nice and clean.
5. Run a washcloth under warm water, squeeze it out and hold it over your face for a few seconds to dampen your face. If you've just had a steam, skip this step.
6. Apply the mask all over your face and neck (if you like), avoiding your eye area. Lie back and let the mask work for 10-15 minutes. If it starts to feel itchy or uncomfortable, less time is OK.
7. If your mask is particularly chunky (like oatmeal) use your washcloth to gently wipe it off your face, shaking the bits of mask into the trash (this is the trick to avoiding clogged drains). Once it's mostly off, rinse your face in warm water.
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Posted by Natalie Zee Drieu |
Nov 18, 2009 03:00 PM
Beauty, CRAFT Projects, Super Crafty Kidz |
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November 17, 2009
Book Review + Giveaway: Paper Flowers
"Easy! No gluing or cutting required" says the cover of the book Make Your Own Paper Flowers. So I decided to make my flowers in a place where craft supplies are sparse: an airplane. Before my trip, I stashed the Klutz Chicken Socks book in my purse. Without any scissors in my bag, I cleared security in a breeze! After takeoff, I folded down the tray on the seat back in front of me, and set to work.
As I put together the project, a million childhood memories came rushing back to me. I vividly remember so many fun Klutz books. I had the juggling one, the dollar bill origami one, the magic one with the special coin, and my personal favorite, the friendship bracelet one. And seeing Klutz triggered memories in more that just me. All the stewardesses paused as they walked by to check on my progress and talk about the best Klutz books which, after much debate, it was decided was the braid one!
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Posted by Brookelynn |
Nov 17, 2009 12:00 PM
CRAFT Projects, Paper Crafts, Super Crafty Kidz |
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November 16, 2009
Everlasting Terrariums
Everlasting Terrariums
By Jamie Chan and Katy Kristin
We love terrariums! The idea of crafting tiny living landscapes has attracted hobbyists for over 100 years. But we'll be the first to say that not all of us were born with a green thumb, nor do we want to have the hassle of working with soil, gravel, and live specimens when crafting with kids. We will show you how to make a whimsical and woolly terrarium using vintage German charms, wool felt, and roving. It's a perfect craft project for kids to do on a rainy fall afternoon. Most of these supplies can be found at a local craft store or online. The tools are easy to collect from around the house. Encourage your kids to pick a few of their favorite small toys and incorporate them into their tiny world! These zero-maintenance terrariums also make great gifts or can add extra charm to your bookshelf or window ledge!
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Posted by Natalie Zee Drieu |
Nov 16, 2009 12:00 PM
CRAFT Projects, Super Crafty Kidz |
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November 15, 2009
Robot Sketchbook Cover, by Toxic_Panda_Crayon, age 11
My amazing friend Sasha is only 11 years old, but she already has quite the body of artwork and graphic designs under her belt. I just love this sketchbook cover collage that she made of a robot, using paper that she cut out of Vogue magazine. With some glue, scissors, and some recycled media, Sasha was inspired and worked on this notebook mod for several hours yesterday. Under the username Toxic_Panda_Crayon, she has posted tons of her creations on deviantart. I am so impressed that at her tender young age she has such a portfolio of photoshop drawings too! After we checked out her journal last night, she taught me how to download and install brushes even! She is totally a Super Crafty Kid, and I promise to keep you updated on her projects in the future!
Posted by Brookelynn |
Nov 15, 2009 06:00 PM
Kids, Paper Crafts, Super Crafty Kidz |
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November 13, 2009
CRAFT Video: Klutz Capsters
Since it's our special Super Crafty Kidz month, sponsored by Klutz, lets join Rachel Hobson and her kids as they make the Klutz Capsters! They're fun bottle caps with pictures and charms inside. Rachel says this is a great project to have "in your back pocket" for when your kids say "Mom, I'm bored!" Everything you need comes with the book!
Subscribe to the CRAFT podcast in iTunes, download the m4v video, or check us out on YouTube!
Posted by Becky Stern |
Nov 13, 2009 12:00 PM
CRAFT Podcast, CRAFT Videos, Super Crafty Kidz |
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November 12, 2009
How-To: Marzipan Animals
Marzipan Animals
By Sonya Nimri
Marzipan is a paste made out of finely ground almonds mixed with sugar. The result is a pliable, edible, non-toxic crafting material, ideal as a substitute for modeling clay. With marzipan, the only potential side effect with accidental ingestion is a sugar high. An incredibly malleable alternative, whatever you can dream up, you can make with marzipan. These farm animals are a good start. With a single tube of marzipan, a small amount of food coloring, and a whole lot of fast little fingers, this project is sure to turn your countertop into a barnyard.
Marzipan can be found at the grocery store or the craft store in the baking department and is easily dyed by adding a tiny amount of food coloring to a clump of marzipan. When dying the marzipan pink, use just a tiny dot of red food coloring, because a little goes a long way with red. One tube of marzipan is enough to make all five farm animals if you are accurate with your measurements of the different colors.
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Posted by Natalie Zee Drieu |
Nov 12, 2009 12:00 PM
CRAFT Projects, Super Crafty Kidz |
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November 11, 2009
How-To: Velcro Catch Ball
Velcro Catch Ball
By Marie LeBaron
This DIY game of Velcro Catch Ball is super fun and super affordable. Using winter knit gloves and velcro balls, little hands never had it so easy in a game of catch.
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Posted by Natalie Zee Drieu |
Nov 11, 2009 11:00 AM
CRAFT Projects, Super Crafty Kidz |
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November 10, 2009
Book Review + Giveaway: Balloon Twisting
The Klutz Book of Balloon Twisting by Karen Phillips
Klutz.com
Ages 8 and up
I went through a serious balloon twisting phase as a kid, somewhere between my obsession with the steel drum and sewing purses. My parents got me a book and kit for making all sorts of things from these long, skinny balloons, but some of them were far too advanced for me. The Klutz Book of Balloon Twisting would have been perfect for me as a kid, since it has eleven kid-friendly projects that would be easy to make at a party or playdate. It comes with 40 balloons and a pump, which makes blowing up the balloons an absolute breeze. The book has hats, wands, swords, and fairy wings, which are perfect for girls and boys. If you're interested in getting your kids started on this fun craft or want to whip up some party toys but have never even made a balloon dog, this book is a perfect place to begin. For some more ideas of models to make, try Balloon Molecules.
Book Giveaway Time!
Three lucky CRAFT readers will each receive a copy of The Klutz Book of Balloon Twisting! Please make sure you include your email address in the comment form field (won't be published). All comments will be closed by Noon PST on Friday, November 13th. The lucky winners will be announced later on the site. Good luck!
Also this month, as a special to CRAFT readers, get 25% off all Klutz titles by entering in the promo code CRAFT at checkout!
Posted by Becky Stern |
Nov 10, 2009 11:30 AM
Books and Magazines, Reviews, Super Crafty Kidz |
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November 9, 2009
Giant Homemade Subbuteo
Filth Wizardry is a blog for creative moms and their creative kids. It's filled with fearless and super fun craft ideas for the preschooler set. This project is a DIY version of a popular UK game called Subbuteo. From what I can gather, it's basically foosball, but without the table! To create it all, the kids got to work with salt dough, do some coloring, and find creative materials for building their stadium. I think its a great example of how children can often have as much fun making a game as they can have playing it!
Posted by Brookelynn |
Nov 9, 2009 11:00 AM
Super Crafty Kidz, Toys |
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November 6, 2009
CRAFT Pattern Podcast: Jumping Paper Frog
This week's CRAFT Pattern Podcast is the Jumping Paper Frog by Matt Hawkins, featured in CRAFT: 05. The PDF includes full instructions as well as the template for the paper frog. All you need to do is cut out the template and glue the tabs together. Then simply add a paper clip to create a spring so your paper frog can now JUMP!
Matt is the creator of Custom Paper Toys and you can find more downloadable paper toys and info on his site.
Download the Pattern PDF | Subscribe in iTunes
Posted by Natalie Zee Drieu |
Nov 6, 2009 12:00 PM
CRAFT Patterns, CRAFT Podcast, Paper Crafts, Super Crafty Kidz |
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November 5, 2009
How-To: Flowery Felt Ponytail Holder
How-To: Flowery Felt Ponytail Holder
By Diane Gilleland
Two simple strips of felt transform into this sparkly flower hair accessory. You can use similar colors of felt for a subtler look, or two contrasting colors for something wild.
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Posted by Natalie Zee Drieu |
Nov 5, 2009 12:00 PM
CRAFT Projects, Super Crafty Kidz |
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November 4, 2009
Quick Craft: Homemade Play Dough
Homemade Play Dough
By Nancy Dougherty
Recently, I had fun spending a day with my 2-year-old niece, Lola. At first, a day with a toddler seemed daunting. I tried to remember what I did with my children when they were that age. It started to come back pretty quickly, the need to occupy their young hands and minds with tactile things. Then I remembered my old recipe for play dough that I used to make with my own children. I found it in the metal recipe box between paper maché and zucchini bread. You may already have all the ingredients, as they are commonplace.
About the Author:
Nancy Dougherty enjoys poetry and crafts, and lives in Sebastopol with Dale, publisher of CRAFT & MAKE.
Related CRAFT Project:
Gluten-Free Play Clay Beads
Posted by Natalie Zee Drieu |
Nov 4, 2009 11:00 AM
CRAFT Projects, Super Crafty Kidz |
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November 3, 2009
How-To: Brown Sugar Scrub Gifts
I am not a parent, but I was a full-time nanny for 5 years. One of my favorite things was helping kids make creative and crafty gifts. All the children that I cared for loved making this Sugar Scrub. It's the easiest thing in the world to put together, and in the end, it's a gift for mom (or anyone!). Kids know that no one will let them eat a bowl of pure sugar, but they sure love measuring and mixing it. Imagine leaving your little ones with the sitter, some sugar, and this tutorial, and then coming home to a pile of completed holiday gifts! All I ask is that you make sure the nanny gets to take one home too!
Look for Natalie Zee Drieu's posts later this month on more kid-friendly projects from the Klutz Natural Beauty Book.
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Posted by Brookelynn |
Nov 3, 2009 12:00 PM
Beauty, CRAFT Projects, Super Crafty Kidz |
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Book Review + Giveaway: The Shrinky Dinks Book
The Shrinky Dinks Book by Sherri Haab & the editors of Klutz
Klutz.com
Ages 6 and Up
Book Giveaway Time!
Three lucky CRAFT readers will each receive a copy of The Shrinky Dinks Book along with Shrinky Dinks - Extra Shrinkable Plastic refills! Please make sure you include your email address in the comment form field (won't be published). All comments will be closed by Noon PST on Friday, November 6th. The lucky winners will be announced later on the site. Good luck!
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Posted by Natalie Zee Drieu |
Nov 3, 2009 11:00 AM
Books and Magazines, Reviews, Super Crafty Kidz |
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November 2, 2009
How-To: Felt Photo Frame
How-To: Felt Photo Frame
by Diane Gilleland
Show off your favorite photo in this crafty felt frame. (We used dreamy Edward Cullen from Twilight here, but you can use a photo of anyone you like.) There's a handy clip on top, so you can attach it to your bag and carry it with you.
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Posted by Natalie Zee Drieu |
Nov 2, 2009 12:00 PM
CRAFT Projects, Kids, Super Crafty Kidz |
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