Updated - December 20, 2006

Gramma's Other Pages--

Crafts for Mothers Day and Fathers Day:

 

KITCHEN KNICKERS

A new set of dish towels or dish cloths is always welcome. In minutes you can turn them into a fun gift for any occasion.


Supplies needed:
Two dish cloths or dish towels
1-12/ yards of 1/8-inch ribbon
Needle with an eye large enough for the ribbon to fit (on open-weave materials, I use a tapestry needle)

Put the dish cloths or dish towels side by side vertically.
Thread the needle with the ribbon and make a running stitch 2" from top of both dish cloths (towels). Make your stitches 3/4" apart so the ribbon will gather easily. The top of the cloths are now joined together by the ribbon.
Pull the ribbon to gather the top and tie a bow in the front--this will fold the cloths in half.
Stitch the ribbon 1-1/2" form the bottom of each leg. Make the stitches 3/4" apart.
Pull the ribbon to gather the bottom and ties the bow on the inside of each leg (also folding the 'legs' in half).


Tie two bows through the front of the cloths to fasten them together. (See drawing)
Now print up a tag with one of these sayings on it and give to your favorite person.
 

Poem #1
Don't be dismayed
Don't be misled.
These are not for you,
But your kitchen instead.

Now untie the bows
And pull out the stitches.
You'll have two dish cloths,
But lost your new britches!

Poem #2
You can hang these little bloomers,
Upon your kitchen wall.
It's obvious you can't wear them,
They'd be a bit too small.

For something that is useful,
Remove the bows and stitches.
And you'll have not one, but two,
Dish cloths to do your dishes.

 Poem #3
If it's bloomers that you need,
I hope that these will do.
If it's dish towel that you'd like,
Then these are just for you.

Pull out the little stitches,
Untie each pretty bow.
And you'll have two new dish towels,
To make your dishes glow!
 

Top of Page  /  Crafts Index
 

GLOVE BOOKMARK


You will need metal hair clip, small amount of felt or thin craft foam and pre-gathered lace
Print out pattern for the glove. Be sure to put your printer margins to zero before printing.
Cut 4 gloves out of felt or thin craft foam.
Clip two together in the hair clip. Spread tacky glue over one and place another cut out glove on top. Turn over the clip and repeat with other side. Glue pre-gathered lace around edge to cover the rest of the clip. To use: squeeze clip to open and fasten over page of book.

 

Top of Page  /  Crafts Index
 

SILK FLOWER WRITING PENS
These make wonderful party favors or easy gifts for Mom or Grandma


Use the simple writing pens that have a "plug" in the top.
Pull out the plug and insert a silk flower's stem (cut off to about 1 inch).
Fasten with a dab of hot glue. Then wrap the base of the pen with floral tape (stretch it as you put it on, that is what makes it stick to itself and not to you).
Fill a 3 inch clay pot with florist foam. Put the cap on the pen and force it down into the foam. You might want to put some glue around the cap to keep it in place. This will make a great holder for the pen.
Glue some green excelsior and leaves on top of the foam to hide it.

 

 

Top of Page  /  Crafts Index
 

WORTH A MILLION GIFT CAN
These make wonderful and easy gift containers.

To make these cans--use any can that has a removeable plastic lid (so you can close in the gift).
Clean outside of the can well with soap and rinse thoroughly. Dry thoroughly.
With a brush-on clear acrylic finish (Aleene's make a good one-but any brand will do), brush can in sections and place play money over the finish while it is still wet so the money will stick. Cover can -- don't worry if there are open spots, the next layer will cover them.
Let finish dry completely (usually takes about an hour)
Repeat brushing on finish and placing play money to completely cover the can. Let dry.
Brush finish on money to completely seal. Let dry thoroughly before using.
You could cut a colored piece of paper to fit the lid and write 'You're Worth More Than A Million To Me!' on it to finish the gift can.

 

Top of Page  /  Crafts Index
 

CHILDREN'S HANDPRINTS
Mom or Grandma will love these--this is one of my grand-daughter--I really treasure it!


Make child's hand prints on paper or in plaster (check drying instructions on package)
Print out this poem to give with the handprint.

Here are my hands,
So tiny and small,
To hang somewhere
Upon the wall.
To watch, as the years
Go flying by,
How we grow--
My hands and I.

 

Top of Page  /  Crafts Index
 

CAR KEY CHAIN
This gift can be made quickly and easily.

Car Key Chain

You will need:
    3 x 5-inch piece of sponge, no more than 1/2-inch thick
    1-inch round key ring
    Copy of the key tag printed on card stock

DIRECTIONS:
Using the pattern, draw the shape of the car on the sponge. Cut out. Attach the key ring through the cut out window. Put the sponge in water and let it expand. Let the sponge dry. Cut out the key tag, laminate if desired, and attach it to the ring that's on the car.

 

Top of Page  /  Crafts Index
 

SNEAKY SNAKE
Snake to fill with candy

You will need:
    Small round candies, such as jaw breakers, M & M's, gum balls, etc.
    12-inch piece of 1/4-inch wide ribbon
    3 x 20-inch strip of brightly colored cotton fabric
    3 x 6-inch piece of matching felt
    matching thread
    scrap of red or orange felt for tongue
    cotton ball or small amount of soft toy filling
    2 - 5/8-inch wiggly eyes
    Print out of gift tag

DIRECTIONS:

Snake instruction picture 1
  1. Cut a 3 x 20-inch strip out of brightly colored cotton fabric. Fold in half lengthwise, right sides together. Sew along edge and one end, making a point. Turn right side out, forming a long tube.
  2. Print, then cut out snake head pieces. Place cotton ball between 2 pieces and glue or sew around outer edges to make top of head. Make bottom of head the same way.
  3. Place glue along outside of open end of tube. Place tube between head felt pieces and glue in place as shown.
  4. Cut out tongue and glue in place as shown.
  5. Glue eyes in place.
  6. Fill tube body with candies. Tie ribbon and tag around top of neck so candy doesn't fall out.
Snake instruction picture 2

 

Top of Page  /  Crafts Index
 

PYRAMID CANDY BOX
Create a spectacular pyramid box for Dad this Father's Day. Fill with his favorite treat. Pyramid Box

  1. Print out, color, then cut out the pyramid box (Be sure to set your printer margins to zero). Fold and crease box along dotted lines. Sign name.
  2. Lightly press the three triangles together. Make sure tabs are folded to the inside.
  3. Glue tabs as marked, inside box.
  4. Color and cut out gift tag. Fold on dotted line and glue. Sign name and punch hold.
  5. Punch a hole in box bottom a marked. Thread a 9-inch piece of ribbon through hole on gift tag and tie to hole in box.
  6. Fill with Dad's favorite candy. Close box bottom, tucking flap inside. Tape to secure.  

    Top of Page  /  Crafts Index
     

    FATHER'S DAY SHIRT CARD
    Shirt Card


    Print out Shirt Card pattern (BE SURE TO SET YOUR PRINT MARGINS TO ZERO. Color and decorate as desired.Print the verse (for a boy or a girl),cut out and glue to inside of card. Cut out and fold in half to form shirt, then fold down the tie to close the card.  

    Top of Page  /  Crafts Index
     

    Gramma Lowe's Home Page   Crafts Index
    Food Days Calendars
    Thoughts, Sayings and Stories