Category: family_crafts

by Allison

Earth Day and some cool recycled crafts

earth day

It’s Earth Day!  Did you celebrate by planting a tree or clearing a trail or heading out for a nice hike with your loved ones?  In middle school and high school we celebrated Earth Day every year by planting a tree next to a commemorative plaque, and more than once we headed into the mountains for a celebratory hike followed by a picnic.  I love Earth Day!  I really do.  This earth is a pretty fantastic place, and I’d love to help keep it around awhile longer by recycling and getting by with less.  It’s hard sometimes, but I believe in us, you and me and we.  We’re good like that.

You remember last week when I shared the DIY t-shirt necklaces with beads?  And the cool DIY projects from my friends Dana, Marie, Jacinda + Jaime?  They were all made with recycled materials and supplies Consumer Crafts, and you probably have most of the supplies in your house already.  If you don’t, Consumer Crafts has free shipping! all day! today! so you probably want to go order some craft supplies.  It’s for mother earth.

earth day craft

Allison

I'm Allison, founder and editor of Petit Elefant. I run the gamut from granola to glamour and love everything in between. I think the beach is always a good idea, as is Diet Dr. Pepper; on ice. Sometimes I put out the fires and sometimes I start them. Sometimes I really do have it all together. Sometimes my children say otherwise. We just like to keep it real around here.

by Stephanie Hayward

Do-it-yourself can desk organizers tutorial

do it yourself recycled can tutorial

// Tin can desk organizers, with cork and polka dots.  So very recycled and crafty. //

Guys, it’s officially SPRINGTIME! Even though its currently snowing in Central Ohio (seriously, snowing), I’m trying to stay focused on the fact that the calendar says warm weather is approaching, and I can’t help but get going on bright and happy crafts like this adorable polka dot cork desk organizer. And the best part? It’s made out of tin cans, which I know you all have  in your pantry. Cook up some of those tomatoes or corn that you have in those cans tonight and then get crafting on this simple project!

do-it-yourself desk can organizersMaterials for Polka dot tin can cork organizer:

  • tin cans – cleaned and dried, labels removed. Don’t limit yourself to tin cans! I also had a giant pill bottle that I used for some extra height.
  • felt
  • cork sheet
  • glue
  • scissors and knife
  • acrylic paint
  • a “polka dotter”
  • large, colored rubber band

do it yourself recycled can Do-it-yourself can desk organizers tutorial

  • 1. Trace each can around on the felt, then cut out and glue the circle into the bottom. This step is actually optional, but I wanted to keep scissors in my tin cans and

    • … >> find out more…

Stephanie Hayward

A designer, maker, crafter, and blogger, Stephanie Hayward spends her days designing buildings in Columbus, Ohio and nights blogging about design, DIY, and (attempts at making) good food at Stuff Steph Does. She lives with her partner in crime, Brandon, and their spunky little dog, Lucy.

by Allison

Oscar nomination printable coloring page

A page full of celebrities to color for your Oscar party Sunday night, where does one find one of those so last minute, you ask?  OH HAI, I happen to have just such a free printable coloring page for all your entertainment needs right here.

Oscar coloring pagesDo you host an Oscar party?  In my early teens my family started having an Oscar contest every year, probably as a distraction to get through the rotten winters, and the lucky winner got a quart of their favorite ice cream. One of my sisters would print up and pass out a ballot page a few days ahead of the Academy Awards.  The page would be filled with all the nominees, all the movies (foreign and otherwise) and we’d fill them out, desperately trying to win by choosing a mixture of our favorites with a sprinkling of the popular actors and actresses and a few outliers here and there.  Maybe I’m just speaking for myself, but I did win a few times.  Or three.

We still played with everyone interested after my siblings and their friends spread across the country for college and it’s one of my fondest memories.  The end.

The moral … >> find out more…

Allison

I'm Allison, founder and editor of Petit Elefant. I run the gamut from granola to glamour and love everything in between. I think the beach is always a good idea, as is Diet Dr. Pepper; on ice. Sometimes I put out the fires and sometimes I start them. Sometimes I really do have it all together. Sometimes my children say otherwise. We just like to keep it real around here.

by Stephanie Hayward

DIY hand warmers Valentine heart

Hearts are everywhere right now!  It’s time to make some DIY hand warmers Valentine hearts to keep you nice and toasty.

how to make valentine handwarmersIt’s Steph here again from Stuff Steph Does. It seems like as soon as January rolls around all the red ornaments, lights, and other decorations from Christmas transform into glittery hearts and cupids for the upcoming day of celebrating love. Can you believe it’s already time to start thinking about your Valentine? Nope, I can’t either. But what better way to start thinking about it than with a fun DIY project!

The saying goes “Cold Hands, Warm Heart,” right? Well who wants cold hands? I know I don’t! Warm up your Valentine’s hands and their heart with these adorable, reusable hand warmers.

DIY hand warmers Valentine heart (s)

Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 100% Cotton or 100% Wool Fabric* – (2) 3” squares per handwarmer
  • A heart stamp (use one you have or make your own!)
  • Acrylic Paint
  • Rice
  • Thread

*Its important to use natural fibers for these since you will be zapping them in the microwave. Some synthetic fibers can do some funky stuff when surrounded by radiation, so it is best to be safe and stick with … >> find out more…

Stephanie Hayward

A designer, maker, crafter, and blogger, Stephanie Hayward spends her days designing buildings in Columbus, Ohio and nights blogging about design, DIY, and (attempts at making) good food at Stuff Steph Does. She lives with her partner in crime, Brandon, and their spunky little dog, Lucy.

by Allison

How to paper flag banner

how to make paper flag bannerToday it’s how to make a paper flag banner day.

Because it’s January, because it’s literally 7 degrees (F) today, because I need some sun and cheer, because everyone needs a banner in their life, because you’re fabulous.

DIY paper bannerI didn’t intend for this paper flag banner to be a how to tutorial on Petit Elefant.  I was teaching my son how to sew over the weekend, and I decided I needed a paper banner for January because I’m telling you, January is not  my friend.  I need all the sunshine and sparkle and fun I can get in this dark month of the winter, so I whipped one of these up on Saturday.  And then I thought: everyone needs to know how to make a quick paper banner, so you get a tutorial today.  The easiest tutorial known to man, for realsies.

How to paper flag banner supplies:

  • paper
  • scissors
  • ribbon
  • sewing machine

how to paper banner

Step 1: Make a template for whatever shape you’d like to have for your banner.  I chose a triangle because I’m conventional like that (no, not really but let’s pretend), but you could do hearts, squares, whatever your heart desires.  Cut the shape out of … >> find out more…

Allison

I'm Allison, founder and editor of Petit Elefant. I run the gamut from granola to glamour and love everything in between. I think the beach is always a good idea, as is Diet Dr. Pepper; on ice. Sometimes I put out the fires and sometimes I start them. Sometimes I really do have it all together. Sometimes my children say otherwise. We just like to keep it real around here.

by Allison

How-to balloon Christmas tree decoration

This week: How to balloon Christmas tree decoration (okay, ornament) to spiff up your holiday tree.

DIY ornament

The Holiday Season is now in full swing, and I, Stephanie, am knee deep in Holiday crafting projects! Over the long weekend, I made this pretty ornament with my mom (see forthcoming disclaimer) that will look lovely on a tree or mantle or anywhere else you want to add some holiday bling.

Disclaimer: This how to isn’t quite as simple as the past projects I’ve shared with you, and it is MESSY! Make sure you have a large drop cloth and a friend (or two) to help embark on this process, and get ready to get your hands a little dirty!

How to balloon Christmas tree decoration supplies:

  • Balloons – I used 7” round balloons
  • Petroleum Jelly (Vaseline)
  • Glue, Plain school glue or craft glue both work fine
  • Yarn
  • Ribbon / Glitter, optional (for embellishments)

First things first to make the ornament(s), mix up some glue and water until it is a smooth consistency, and pour the mixture into a container. We used a bread pan lined with plastic wrap because the longer, skinnier shape of the pan worked well for moving … >> find out more…

Allison

I'm Allison, founder and editor of Petit Elefant. I run the gamut from granola to glamour and love everything in between. I think the beach is always a good idea, as is Diet Dr. Pepper; on ice. Sometimes I put out the fires and sometimes I start them. Sometimes I really do have it all together. Sometimes my children say otherwise. We just like to keep it real around here.

by Allison

Spinach salad with quinoa and fruit recipe

Spinach salad with quinoa and fruit recipe

You need a recipe for spinach salad with quinoa and fruit for the holidays upon us.  It’s that time of year when we swear up and down we will be good and not eat too much pie.  (But then we have three slices in a weak moment.)  Here’s my solution:  indulge a bit at the plethora of holiday parties, and eat super healthy at home.  That’s my plan this year.

Spinach salad with quinoa and fruit recipes

This spinach salad with quinoa + fruit is a super healthy recipe.  And it’s tasty too.  I love dispelling the myth that if it’s healthy it must not taste very good.  I’ve used a very light dressing–just enough to coat everything with a punch of vinegary goodness and tossed in a bunch of my favorites that I almost always have hanging around the kitchen.  You be sure to use what you have on hand.  Fresh fruit is so tasty in this salad; fresh oranges sooooo good in place of the apples,  Also, pears!  Pears and dried cranberries with pecans would be fabulous.  If you have some buttery avocados sitting on your counter, toss one of those in too.
>> Read More

Allison

I'm Allison, founder and editor of Petit Elefant. I run the gamut from granola to glamour and love everything in between. I think the beach is always a good idea, as is Diet Dr. Pepper; on ice. Sometimes I put out the fires and sometimes I start them. Sometimes I really do have it all together. Sometimes my children say otherwise. We just like to keep it real around here.

Comments are off for this post
by Kimberly

Winner! Pick Your Plum Giveaway

***UPDATE: Our winner is #27 Steph! Send us an email ASAP so your prize can get sent off to you! 

Thanks everyone who entered!

 

Mmmm. It’s nice and crisp outside, a teensy bit of chill to the air, coziness now mandatory. And with all that coziness I’m rather jonesing for some craftiness. I’d love a suprpise bundle of inspiration from Pick Your Plum to get me started. A mystery package of supplies and doo-dads for some swanky projects sent right to my door. But guess what? Pick Your Plum wants to give away some crafty love to one of our readers! A “Plum” (package) of creative inspiration and goodies worth $100. Every “Plum” is a surprise, each one is a little different from the next, but each promises to include all the fixins for a handful of great seasonal projects.

For example (not promising this is what’s coming to you, but you get the idea):

 And my favorite of the bunch is….well, who could choose? Go ahead and enter the giveaway and see what comes your way! Entries accepted until Midnight, Friday, October 19th. Mountain Time.  Please, please  remember to include a link to your contact info so we can contact … >> find out more…

Kimberly

...by day, making a home where the buffalo roam. By night, pretty much the same thing, punctuated by the occasional fantasies of sunny beaches, italian movies and sparkling lemonade.

by Allison

DIY painted pumpkin craft

(Allison’s note:  hey friends!  There are some exciting changes happening behind the scenes at Petit Elefant right now.  A few new amazing editors are joining Petit Elefant.  Let’s join in welcoming Steph to this community!  Today she’s sharing a DIY painted pumpkin craft you’re going to love.)

Hello Petit Elefant readers! I’m Steph from Stuff Steph Does and I’m so pumped to be contributing DIY projects for you on Allison’s blog!

DIY painted pumpkin craft

 

painted pumpkin craft
I love October. I love the cooler weather, breaking out the tights and boots again for the season, drinking apple cider, and of course, pumpkins! This year I decided to do something a little different than the standard carved pumpkin for my fall decor and gave my pumpkins a modern twist simply with some tape and white paint to make a painted pumpkin craft.

 

pumpkin craft supplies

This is a very simple project with a lot of flexibility. Any size pumpkin will work and you can use either spray paint or acrylic paint, whichever you have on hand. Of course, if you’re using acrylic paint, you will need a brush of some sort to apply the paint.

Make sure the pumpkins are clean and dry before

… >> find out more…

Allison

I'm Allison, founder and editor of Petit Elefant. I run the gamut from granola to glamour and love everything in between. I think the beach is always a good idea, as is Diet Dr. Pepper; on ice. Sometimes I put out the fires and sometimes I start them. Sometimes I really do have it all together. Sometimes my children say otherwise. We just like to keep it real around here.