Now that we’ve celebrated the moms, it’s time for Father’s Day this Sunday! How do you plan to celebrate the special fathers and father figures in your life?

Dads can be pretty tough to shop for.  A great alternative to spending money on a gift is to create something yourself. A homemade gift is unique and personalized, it took time and love to make, and it’s cost effective. And who can say no to that?

Here is a round up of some of our past craft tutorials that could be tailored into perfect homemade Father’s Day gifts:

photo: Oh, Hello Friend

For his morning cup of coffee or tea, why not give Dad his very own personalized mug? With just a dollar store mug, some Sharpie markers, and access to an oven, you can create a one-of-a-kind cup that’s sure to become his favorite! Another great variation is a personalized chalkboard mug. Take that same dollar store mug and grab some chalkboard paint and chalk.

Photo: Unexpected Expectations

Keep the personalized gifts with Sharpies coming with a unique phone case! If your pop has an iPhone, try creating a neat cover for him. With a plain white phone cover and permanent markers, you can design an exclusive phone case. Draw a picture, create an abstract design or pattern, or write a personalized message.

Does Dad have a green thumb? Paint a terracotta pot for him to showcase his plants in! It’s sure to dress up any office, patio, or windowsill.

I don’t know about your dad, but mine leaves pens and pencils all over his desk.

Regardless of their profession, most dads need something to write with so a pen and pencil receptacle makes a very practical present. Try altering this pencil vase (you can use a shorter vase or jar and golf pencils to make it smaller). You can also use the same technique for this wine goblet and apply it to a jar or cup for a perfect pencil holder.

photo: Pro Arts                      photo: Whatever

Maybe your dad has an office or room that could use a little decorating. Try a fun project for beautiful and original artwork to spruce up dear ol’ Dad’s walls. Grab some magazines and recycle them by making a colorful collage. Or discover the possibilities of melted crayon art with this gorgeous abstract masterpiece or this bit of pointillist perfection. Try something a bit more experimental with watercolor paint, salt, and glue.

Don’t forget to wrap your homemade gifts! Here are some great ideas for creative ways to wrap presents with plain brown paper.

Hope these ideas help you get started on a special gift for the dads in your life. Feel free to browse our archives for more fun crafting inspiration. Have a wonderful Father’s Day!

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Who’s ready to decorate some Easter eggs for this weekend?

The tradition of dyeing them with food coloring is certainly pretty and fun to do, but there’s nothing wrong with getting a little creative and trying some unique ways to adorn your little hardboiled canvases. We’ve been showcasing some fresh and fuss-free ideas to try this year. You can check out our post on permanent marker Easter eggs here.

Another super fun and simple technique? Using temporary tattoos! All you need are your hardboiled eggs (shells on), temporary tattoos, and a damp sponge. You can buy some designs that appeal to you or if you’re feeling ambitious, you can print graphics of your own choosing on temporary tattoo paper and cut them out (Country Living provides this link to purchase temporary tattoo paper). It takes a bit of patience to ensure you press the tattoo flatly on the egg—just hold it down with your damp washcloth for about thirty seconds. It transposes onto an eggshell the same way it does onto skin.

This is also perfect if you’re looking to maximize decoration and minimize cleanup.  It’s quick, easy, inexpensive, and looks impressive! Now that’s a winning combination. There are plenty of tattoos of butterflies and flowers to be found if you want to stick with images of spring, but feel free to pick out any tattoos you like. Maybe put a couple tattoos on the same egg to create a little scene.

Do you have any tips for mess-free, creative Easter egg decorations? Do you still prefer classic dyed eggs?

Photo: Country Living

Photo: Ramblings of a Formerly Rock’n’Roll Mum

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Happy Passover to those celebrating! Boy oh boy, the holiday sure came early this year. We’re in the midst of a spring holiday marathon with St. Patrick’s Day, Passover, and Easter on consecutive weekends.

One important tradition of the Passover Seder is Elijah’s cup. Every year, we set out a glass of wine for the Prophet Elijah and open the front door to invite him in.  I remember Seders at my grandparents’ house when I was little. Elijah’s cup was always set at the kids’ table by the front door.

Since nobody is supposed to drink from Elijah’s cup, it’s mostly for show (and symbolism), so shouldn’t it look extra special? Why not have a little craft time to make a unique, beautiful, decorative cup to welcome Elijah to the Seder?

How you choose to decorate your cup is totally up to you! The one thing you’ll definitely need is a wine glass, either from a thrift store or dollar store (glass or plastic is fine). After that, you could use yarn, sequins, gems, tissue paper, stickers, paint, glitter, or anything else you can think of! Keep in mind whatever you use, you’ll probably need some glue or mod podge, paintbrushes, scissors and a flat workspace that can get a little messy. The best way to get glue on your wine glass is to use a paintbrush and paint it on. This will ensure an even, thin layer of glue that you can wrap yarn around, press tissue paper on, or sprinkle glitter over.

Take a look at these fabulous examples from some great blogs and feel free to click the source links for full tutorials.

Photo: She Knows

Photo: The Shiksa in the Kitchen

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For those who’ve been reading this blog for a while, you may remember how I sometimes see snacks in art. Well, call me crazy but there really are snacks in this art! Jelly Belly, the famous jellybean company decided that their tasty candy isn’t just for eating. It’s also for creating beautiful art!

Jelly Belly Candy Company commissions talented artists, such as Kristen Cumings, Malcolm West, and Peter Rocha, to create masterpieces entirely out of jellybeans. Some of these include already famous works of art, like the Mona Lisa originally by Leonardo da Vinci, Starry Night originally by Vincent Van Gogh, and American Gothic originally by Grant Wood. They also have portraits of pop culture icons and politicians, like Marilyn Monroe, Ronald Reagan, and Margaret Thatcher.

These impressive pieces are usually around 4 x 4 feet or 4 x 6 feet and can contain up to 12,000 jellybeans attached with spray adhesive. With Jelly Belly’s incredible variety of flavors, artists have so many options when matching shades and choosing color palettes. Consequently, these candy creations have a beautiful depth and precision worthy of a spot in any museum.

Want to get in on the sugar-filled creative action? Grab some jellybeans, glue, and cardboard and get started! It helps to give yourself an outline to work with (it will be covered by the beans anyway) and organize your colors a bit before starting. Or hey, why not make it entirely edible? Use some sort of baked good as your flat surface (a cake, brownie, or cupcake) and frosting as your adhesive.  This could be a perfect treat with Easter coming up. Yum!

The Starry Night by Kristen Cumings, original by Vincent van Gogh

Martin Luther King, Jr. by Peter Rocha

American Gothic by Kisten Cumings, original by Grant Wood

Here’s a fascinating  peek inside how artist Kristen Cumings works on her jellybean creations.

To check out more Jelly Belly art, take a look at their website gallery. Have you every tried making art with edible materials? What food or candy do you think would make great art supplies?

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Happy New Years everybody! Did you make any resolutions for 2013? I’m not one to make a ton of resolutions, but I do think the beginning of a new year is a great built-in checkpoint in life—a time to ask, “Am I happy?” “Am I living the life I want?” “What can I do to make it better?” For me, I’m usually looking for more ways I can incorporate creativity into my everyday schedule. Below are some ideas to lead a more creative and artistic life this year. They don’t have to be concrete resolutions, but rather some fun goals or guidelines to give a try!

1. Scribble something every day… a doodle, a whole picture, a silly note… anything! This ensures time for a little creativity in your daily routine.

2. Keep an art journal. This could take the place of your daily scribble session.

3. Try a new medium you’ve never worked in before. Always wanted to try pastels or watercolors? Now’s the time!

4. Organize your arts and crafts area. Clear out any dried up or empty markers and containers, separate your supplies into categories… perhaps put them in bins or baskets. This helps keep your space clean and makes it easier to find things.

5. Try to use what you already have. Instead of accumulating tons of half-empty containers of glitter or glue and just buying new ones, see if you can find a way or create a project to use up any leftover craft supplies.

6. Try creating something out of only recycled materials—newspapers, cardboard, cans, bottles, etc.

7. Sign up for an art class in something you’ve wanted to try. Perhaps pottery, oil painting, sewing, or figure drawing. It’s always a good time to learn something new!

8. Instead of buying something for your room or house… see if you can DIY it first! Is your dresser looking shabby or you want a different color? Repaint it!

9. Once a week, take a little time to learn about a new artist. It can even be just a few minutes. Go on the internet or grab a book and learn a bit about the work of someone who interests you. It’ll really add up!

10. See more art! Every so often, go to a museum, local gallery, or crafts fair. It’s great for inspiration.

Are you going to try any of these this year? Do you have your own fun goals for a more creative 2013? Please share them here!

And from the whole Scribble team, we wish you a happy, healthy, and creative new year!

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Hi there, Scribblers! Hope you had a very merry Christmas. How about we get started on that happy New Year? This time of year always feels like a marathon of holidays with New Year’s Eve shining as the main event.

New Year’s Eve is the ultimate time to celebrate. Usher in a new year, shout out the count down, cheer, make noise, toast, dance! You don’t have to go out to a fancy party to celebrate. You can have a blast at home with family and friends (especially if you have littles who can go to bed once they’re tuckered out). And nothing says celebration quite like confetti.

While there’s no doubt that confetti is messy, it’s just so festive! It’s also not quite as bad as glitter. Sometimes you just have to take on the extra clean up and enjoy the moment. One way to do that this year is with these adorable matchbox confetti holders from Carolyn’s Homework.

You’ll need matchboxes (the same number as guests you’re having over), festive paper (could be scrapbook, foil, wrapping, or origami), twine, and confetti (either bought or self-made).

Wrap the matchboxes in your bright, festive paper. Fill each one with a handful of confetti. To make your own, all you need is a hole punch and paper (this could be your leftover festive paper). Definitely do it over a piece of wax paper to funnel them into your boxes after and avoid rogue pieces.

Finally, close up the boxes and wrap some twine around them for an extra cheerful touch. If you want, you can add countdown numbers to each and have your own countdown confetti wave.

You’ll have to get the vacuum ready for the next morning, but the fun will be well worth the quick clean up. Here’s to a happy New Year’s Eve and an even happier New Year!

Photo via Carolyn’s Homework

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Hi Scribblers!

I had so much fun making these chocolate marshmallow snowmen and think you will too.  I initially came across the marshmallow snowmen on the Tatertots and Jello blog.  What a terrific activity to do with your little ones for the holiday.  I wanted to try something a little different and what could be better than frosting the marshmallows with white chocolate!  How decadent, how yummy!!   I brought them to a holiday party and the snowmen were a real conversation starter, they were also devoured within minutes of being placed on the table.  Try them, they are easy to make, your kids will love them and they make a wonderful hostess gifts too!

Chocolate Marshmallow Snowmen-Yummy!!!

You’ll need some Marshmallows – any brand will be good.  Some mini M&M’s, Red string licorice or Twizzlers makes a red licorice that pulls apart (Pull n’ Peel Twizzlers), wooden or cardboard sticks and white chocolate melts.

Things needed to make Chocolate Marshmallow Snowmen

Put 3 marshmallows on a stick and set them aside.

Marshmallows waiting for chocolate

Melt the chocolate and smooth onto the marshmallows.

Frosting the marshmallows with chocolate

Once you have frosted the marshmallows with chocolate and before the chocolate dries, add the mini M&M’s and string licorice to create the snowman’s eyes, nose, buttons and hat.

Decorated Marshmallow Snowman

You’ll have to place the frosted marshmallows onto wax paper and let dry completely before serving them.

There you have it!  Chocolate marshmallow Snowmen!

I decided to put the finished snowmen onto a wreath, to bring as a hostess gift.

Chocolate Marshmallow Snowmen Ready for Gift Giving!!!

So easy and so much fun!!!

Enjoy and happy holiday!

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Most holidays have a representative candy that is the superstar for that celebration. Halloween has candy corn, Easter has chocolate eggs, Hanukkah has gelt… and Christmas has none other than… the candy cane!

Do you like candy canes? It’s funny… instead of having a bunch early in the season and getting sick of them, I avoid them for a long time. I somehow convince myself that I don’t really care for them and then eventually after being surrounded by the red and white treats for weeks, I give in and try one… and then presto! I remember I actually like them. Think of all that perfectly good time I waste not eating the peppermint delights.

Now of course candy canes are iconic for their color and shape. The red and white stripes twisting up and over the crook is a classic Christmas theme. But who’s to say we can’t change things up a little and get creative?

This very quick and simple tip is such a fun way to add an unexpected twist to your candy cane display!

Are you ready?

Here it goes…

Soften them in the oven and mold them into new shapes!

What?! How?! Well, I’ll tell ya. If your candy canes are wrapped in plastic, remove the wrapping and lay the canes out on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Put it in the oven at about 300 degrees for 6-7 minutes. They should soften so you can bend and reshape them, but don’t let them melt. If you press two pieces together while they’re warm, they should also fuse together. You can break them up before baking so you have different sized pieces to work with.

Want to do it even faster? You could try the microwave! This time, leave the plastic wrapping on and place the candy cane in the microwave for about 15 seconds. If that’s not enough time, work in very small increments because you don’t want the plastic wrapper to melt.

Spell out words, make pictures, create hearts and shapes… however the holiday spirit moves you! This is also a great way to bring new life to broken candy canes. Enjoy!

Photo via Handmade Type

Photo via From Glitter to Gumdrops

Photo via Make and Takes

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Happy fifth night of Hannukah, everyone! Latkes aren’t the only treat you can whip up to celebrate. Today’s craft, seen on The Shiksa in the Kitchen and Parents.com is just as tasty as it is festive and it’s inspired by the classic game of dreidel! These sweets may not get much spin, but they’re easy to make, delightful to look at, and yummy to snack on!

You will need: jumbo marshmallows, pretzel sticks, chocolate kisses, Nutella spread, and cake decorating gel. A quick note: regular marshmallows are not kosher as they contain gelatin. If you’re keeping kosher during the holiday, pick out marshmallows from a kosher grocery store or the kosher section of your regular supermarket.

To assemble your dreidel, push a pretzel stick into the flat side of a marshmallow as far as it will go without puncturing the other side. Next, spread a little Nutella on the bottom of a chocolate kiss. This works as an edible glue when you stick the kiss to the other flat side of the marshmallow. And besides, Nutella makes everything better. Now it’s time to add your Hebrew letters with the cake decorating gel.

Here are the Hebrew letters that go on a dreidel.

In case these fun snacks inspire you to give the real game a whirl, here’s a quick crash course in how to play dreidel. There’s no limit to how many people can play. Everyone starts with a set amount of gelt (chocolate coins wrapped in foil). You can also play with pennies, raisins, M&Ms… anything that will work as game pieces. Each player puts a coin in the pot to start. One at a time, each player spins the dreidel and follows the direction of whichever symbol it lands on. Nun means “nisht” in Yiddish, or none (the player doesn nothing). Gimel means “gantz,” or everything (the player takes everything in the pot). Hey means “halb,” or half (the player takes half of the pot). And finally, Shin means “shtel,” or “put in” (the player adds a coin of his or hers to the pot). At the beginning of each round, every player adds another coin to the pot and it begins again.

Now back to the snacks at hand! If you’re feeling fancy, you can skip the Hebrew letters and dip your marshmallow dreidels in chocolate and sprinkles. Or make some decorated with gel and some covered in chocolate. Whichever aesthetic you choose, make sure you allow time for your dreidels to set so they don’t melt or run. Enjoy!

Photos via The Shiksa in the Kitchen

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O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree… no, not the real ones with pine needles that are reach up to the ceiling! How about the ones made of paper that fit right on a page? This paper tree collage is a perfect rainy day or evening activity during the holiday season.

All you need is…. paper! Well, okay… paper, scissors (or a paper cutter if you have one at home), and glue. When it comes to paper, let’s specify. You’ll need a large sheet of white paper for your background and then a variety of paper scraps that include the color green. You could use construction paper, scrapbook paper, leftover wrapping paper… whatever you like!

Cut your green paper into strips of different widths and lengths. Once you have a nice little pile, start stacking them on your white sheet, longest strips on the bottom. The rest can be random and don’t be afraid to mix your patterns and angles. Use a glue stick to adhere them down when you’re ready. If you like, you can cut out some ornaments, a brown tree trunk, and a star from construction paper to decorate your tree. Ta-da!

Quick, simple, and pretty! And your entire cleanup consists of sweeping any scraps of extra paper into a recycling bin. Display and enjoy!

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