by Sicily

Created on: August 02, 2008   Last Updated: December 04, 2011

Foam sheets can be found at any arts and crafts store. Their soft, bendable texture makes them fun for kids to work with. So grab a parent or other adult and let's get started on making you own name plate.

First things first you'll need: your supplies!

• Foam sheets: You'll need at least one sheet that's 6 inches high and 12 inches long.  The letters and decorations you make can be any size or color.

• Glue *Make sure the glue you use dries clear, or you can choose glitter glue*
• Scissors *Always have a parent around to help with cutting*
• Ruler
• Yarn or Ribbon *At least 20 inches*
• Letter Stencils *OPTIONAL* you can use a stencil for the letters of your name, or you and your parent can do them free hand.
• Decorations
• Feathers
• Glitter
• Pipe cleaners
• Anything you want to use, the possibilities are endless.

After you have all your supplies make sure you cover the surface you're working on with newspaper or an old table cloth. This way you can enjoy your project, and it makes clean up a breeze.

Now onto the fun stuff!

First you want to pick to pick your base. Use the ruler to measure it. It works best if you base is 6 inches high and 12 inches long.

Next pick the color for your name (you can make your whole name one color, or every letter can be different). Stencil or draw the letters of your name onto the sheets you picked. After they're drawn have mom or dad help you cut them out.
Then you glue the letters to the base.

After the glue dries, it's time to start decorating!  You can use the foam sheets to cut out shapes, or you can use the other decorations. *If you used glitter apply clear nail polish over the glitter to keep it secure so it won't fall off.
After all the decorations are added and all the glue has dried use the yarn or ribbon you selected. Have mom or dad cut a piece that is 20 inches long.
Then you want to glue each end of the yarn or ribbon on the back top corners of the base.  After the yarn or ribbon is securely in place you can hang your name plate anywhere.

Finally remove the newspaper or old cloth, and wipe up any messes that missed.

Some other cool ideas:

• Buy hole punchers that come in shapes, use them to cut out foam pieces, its easier than cutting them yourself.

• You can also use glitter glue pens, or regular markers to decorate. *Test the maker on a scrap piece of foam and make sure it doesn't bleed*

Remember to always have a supervising adult when using scissors, and most importantly be creative and have fun!

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