Cardboard Ornaments Straight from Your Kitchen! Christmas in July...

Yes, I know the title of this post is a little strange, however it is what it is. This is a really cute project I used to do with my old students in my studio and I completely forgot about it until I recently found an old cd with photos from my old art studio, and there it was, a picture of my kids holding up their easy ornaments. Now I know this may seem very "childish", however I still think its really cool, very easy and kid friendly. I also happen to really enjoy the "rustic" side of paper crafting and recycling, so I really tend to enjoy seeing anything in its "natural" state.

Alrighty then supplies needed to begin:
Dried Beans, Peas, Chic Peas, White Lima Beans ( basically any colored dried beans), rice, works well as does dried berries, salt ,pepper, oatmeal, essentially NOW IS THE TIME TO DIG THROUGH YOUR KITCHEN!
Twine
Coloring Book Pages
Glue
Feathers, Ribbon

Instructions:
1. Copy coloring book pages( animals, shapes, etc) and use those as templates.
2. Trace and cut your shapes onto cardboard and cut out.
3. Decorate with dried goods.
4. Tie a little piece of twine or ribbon to hang or add a simple little bow to your designs.

KIDS LOVE THIS! ITS SO EASY AND MAY I SAY CHEAP CHEAP CHEAP!

One more picture for the road- and I certainly hope you will all try this one at home- great to do with your children!

3D Simple Snowman Ornament Gift Tags...Its Christmas in July!

I start working on projects for Christmas early as can be....these are one of my old standby projects. So simple to do, and a great way to get rid of scrap material.

I wish for snow days! But I live in Colorado, and it snows all the time here- I miss snow I can play in, the air here is so dry that its so difficult to even build a snowman, and it usually melts away the next day! But I love snowman!

So Simple to do, but simply adorable!

Supplies Needed:
1. String or ribbon
2. Cardboard (Use leftover cereal boxes, postal boxes, whatever you have on hand).
3. Googly Eyes ( or black pen)
4. Scrap Patterned Paper
5. Glue
6 . (1) 12x12 Sheet of White Cardstock
6. Optional* 2 inch circle punch, 1.5 inch square punch ( If you dont have these, flip a bottle and trace it)

Instructions:
1. Punch or trace and cut 6 2" circles out of cardboard.
2. Punch or trace and cut 6 2" cirlces out of white cardstock.
3. Adhere White circles directly on top of cardboard circle.
4. Punch or trace 6 Squares out of cardboard.
5. Punch or trace 6 small "brims" out of cardboard.
6. Adhere leftover scrap paper onto squares, and brim.
7. Then its just a matter of glue and paste, one on top of the other.
8. Attach a small scrap orange piece for the nose, a few black dots for the mouth, and googly central for the eyes!
9. Then simply attach ribbon, add a few little embellies, and whoalla- easy snow buddy tags!

*I really like to use actual cardboard like from a postal box, versus a cereal box, or chiboard like material, it adds nice dimension and makes them look 3d".