Handmade Books

A great way to encourage reading

Before you start, gather together:

2- 5 x 7 pieces of mat board
2-8 1/2 x 11 pieces of decorative paper (scrap book papers or wall paper scraps work well)
White glue
Several sheets of 8 1/2 x 11-inch card stock
One shoelace or piece of ribbon
Hole punch
Drill
Your kids’ imagination

Directions

1. To house a collection of my kids’ stories, we made our own books.
Cut the mat board into two 5 x 7-inch pieces. Place each piece of mat board in the center of your decorative paper.

2. Wrap the edges of the paper around the mat board. The ends will almost meet in the middle. Repeat this process so you have two pieces of 5 x 7-inch mat board covered with your decorative paper. (Much like wrapping a small package.) Glue the folded edges in place. These will serve as the front and back cover of your book.

3. Cut the card stock into ten 5 x 7-inch sheets. Stack the sheets and place them horizontally in front of you. Punch two holes, a half-inch from the left-hand side. The holes should be spaced 2-inches apart. Drill corresponding holes in the two covers.

4. Place the paper between the front and back covers so the holes align. Thread the shoelace through the holes. Leave enough slack in the laces for the pages to open and lie flat on the table. Tie a knot.

5. Have your kids write and illustrate their own story. Younger children may want to dictate their story to you. Then let them do the illustrations.

6. Create several books and start your own library. Add a sign-out sheet in the front of each book so that the children can lend their books to friends.
They will love checking out each other’s books to read, and it’s even more fun to see who has read theirs.

You have permission to reprint this article electronically or in print, free of charge, provided that each article is:

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About the Author: Rondi Hillstrom Davis is the co-author of the award-winning book Together: Creating Family Traditions. To check out her website that’s jam packed with family ideas, visit http://www.togetherparenting.com

About the Authors Janell Oakes and Rondi Davis are co-authors of the award winning book, Together: Creating Family Traditions. They want to give you the most important gift you can give your family. You can be a part of an irresistible offer available for one day only.
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Tags: childrens books, , , , , , childrens homemade books, handmade books, kids craft, kids s, make your own book

Easter Craft Idea For Kids - How To Make A Chick In a Basket

(Singing) Here comes Peter Cottontail, hopping down the bunny trail…But wait a minute! What about the precious, adorable, cute little fuzzy chick that sometimes gets overlooked as an Easter friend? Here is a fun craft for you to make with your kids that is sure to bring creativity, and whimsy to life.

How to make a Chick In A Basket:

Materials Needed:

One Large Yellow Pom Pom
Orange Construction Paper
Black Construction Paper
One Section From an Egg Carton
One Pipe Cleaner
Glue
Other Embellishments (Optional)

Instructions
Glue the yellow pom pom into the section cut from the egg carton. (Like it’s sitting in a basket)

Create a beak using the orange construction paper and glue to the yellow pom pom.

Create eyes using the black construction paper and glue those to the yellow pom pom.

Glue the pipe cleaner so that it creates a handle for the basket. You may want to use small clothespins to hold the pipe cleaner onto the “basket” until the glue dries. Even a paper clip would do the job.

You may choose to embellish the “basket” with beads, paper in a variety of colors, glitter, small silk flowers, or ribbons.

Now you have created a Chick In A Basket! Children are sure to love this fun, “feathered” friend. These are great to make with your kids, in a classroom, or church functions.

Brandi Clark is the creator of Crafty Corner, an arts and crafts newsletter full of craft ideas, crafting tips and more!

Tags: arts and crafts, , , , , , , , , , craft, craft idea, crafting, crafts, easter craft, handmade, how to, kids craft, kids crafts

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