by B. Leslie Baird

Created on: October 23, 2009   Last Updated: November 06, 2009

Craft projects can be something fun for the whole family to enjoy together. Even if your budget is tight there are plenty of craft projects that can be done without great expense. Even better, many of these projects can be used for gift giving occasions or parties.

A great project for all ages is Paper Mache. Paper Mache is a very low cost idea but keep in mind that it can get quite messy. All you need is an easy to make paste, a form to cover and plain newspaper. Balloons are great to use as forms and can be popped and removed when done. Cut your newspaper into strips less than one inch wide, soak in your paste and apply to your form. Allow to dry and paint or decorate as desired. One easy paste recipe is mixing one part flour to two parts water. Add more flour or water as needed to create a fairly thick paste. For a school project a round balloon can be turned into a globe. For a party, make a Pinata. If you are good at making balloon animals you can turn them into great Pinatas.

Another easy to make and easy to do project is clay dough:

3 cups flour
1/4 cup salt
1 cup water
1 tablespoon oil
add various liquid food coloring to each batch.

Mix your flour and salt together first and then add the liquid mix. Add more flour or water until you have a workable dough. Paint and decorate when fully dry. You can also use a clear water proof coating to protect your art. Try making small dishes for holding jewelry or change as a gift idea. You might also make small flat square or round shapes to be used as coasters. For the very artistic, make miniature animals or other objects. Before the piece is dry, add a small hole and you have an incense holder.

Jewelry making can also be great for family projects and used for gift giving. Earrings, bracelets or necklaces do not have to be expensive to make and will allow each crafter to use their own ideas for color and style creations. You can recycle your old costume jewelry into new pieces. Large craft suppliers usually have good sales on beads and findings, take advantage of frequently offered 40% off item coupons. Everyone can get ideas for projects just by looking through magazines or crafting catalogs. There are many free on-line sources for ideas and instructions as well. Fire Mountain Gems has a complete section on their website with instructions from easy to do to much more complicated styles.

Consider items you have around your home. Old greeting cards can be turned into bookmarks. Cut out the portion you like and attach some ribbon. Take flowers from your yard, dry them and make a collage. If you have fragrant flowers, make a potpourri. An empty paper towel roll can be turned into a rain stick. Cover one end, cut some holes in the sides to insert straws completely through and add some small dried beans or peas. Cover the other end and decorate. The ideas for crafts are almost endless and most require little if any expense.

http://www.firemountaingems.com/beading_howtos/defau lt.asp

http://www.theholidayzone.com/recipes/dough.html

http://www.kids-fun-and-games.com/paper-mache-recipe .html

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