Another simple, cheap craft is a Valentine banner. Cut red or white burlap (remember that stuff? You can still buy it by the yard at a good fabric store) into pieces about 4x7. Fringe one short end and snip 3 or 4 tiny holes along the other end. Weave a dowel (or a stick if you are really cheap like me) through the holes. Tie ribbon or raffia to the ends of the stick to make the hanger. Have an assortment of felt and/or foam scraps on hand. You can precut heart shapes or have the parents help. The idea is to simply decorate the burlap banner with hearts. You can offer sequins, too. Each child can get as elaborate as they want. Make up several samples in each "skill range" for ideas.
Whatever you do, don't try to glue candy conversation hearts to anything. The moisture in the glue melts the sugar in the candy. It will look like the candy is stuck for a few minutes, then they will slide off. Ugh! Also, spend the extra money for TACKY GLUE, not white glue. Any make/take project benefits from having a thicker quicker drying glue. White glue doesn't cut it. You mgiht also consider asking the families to bring a shirt box to hold their creations as they move from station to station.
Originally posted by kelleyraek: Hi! Just had a meeting this morning where we made our final picks for the craft projects we'll be doing at our Craft Night... we'll be doing stamped ceramic tiles, decorated picture frames (see our idea for the pictures below!), a use-your-imagination station (all the bits and pieces from previous years... and the kids can do whatever they want!), and pet rocks. All are cheap, cheap, cheap!
One of the things our PTO does is sell pictures at all of our family nights. First, we set up a "scene" that goes with the theme of the night... for example, for Craft Night, we're using a backdrop of a paint splattered sheet with props of paint cans, brushes, painters overalls, etc. A volunteer takes the picture of the students or the entire family... then, we print it out right there with my photo printer. We sell each picture for a $1 and it's been a hit!
Originally posted by kelleyraek: Hi! Just had a meeting this morning where we made our final picks for the craft projects we'll be doing at our Craft Night... we'll be doing stamped ceramic tiles, decorated picture frames (see our idea for the pictures below!), a use-your-imagination station (all the bits and pieces from previous years... and the kids can do whatever they want!), and pet rocks. All are cheap, cheap, cheap!
One of the things our PTO does is sell pictures at all of our family nights. First, we set up a "scene" that goes with the theme of the night... for example, for Craft Night, we're using a backdrop of a paint splattered sheet with props of paint cans, brushes, painters overalls, etc. A volunteer takes the picture of the students or the entire family... then, we print it out right there with my photo printer. We sell each picture for a $1 and it's been a hit!
Hi! Just had a meeting this morning where we made our final picks for the craft projects we'll be doing at our Craft Night... we'll be doing stamped ceramic tiles, decorated picture frames (see our idea for the pictures below!), a use-your-imagination station (all the bits and pieces from previous years... and the kids can do whatever they want!), and pet rocks. All are cheap, cheap, cheap!
One of the things our PTO does is sell pictures at all of our family nights. First, we set up a "scene" that goes with the theme of the night... for example, for Craft Night, we're using a backdrop of a paint splattered sheet with props of paint cans, brushes, painters overalls, etc. A volunteer takes the picture of the students or the entire family... then, we print it out right there with my photo printer. We sell each picture for a $1 and it's been a hit!
Tip for using glitter: put it in shallow bowls or pie pans, have the kids lay the project(with the glue on it) in the pan and use a platic spoon to sprinkle the glitter on the project. Then you lift the item up from the pan and gently shake or tap the excess off. Less messy and you can pour the remaining glitter back into the shaker containers for the next time by simply using a funnel!
we had our second family craft night in November, anything with beads is great. one thing that we did this year that the kids loved was mosiac pictures. you cut up construction paper into like 1/2 squares and they make designs out of it. the cost is pretty low key, just glue and paper. just make sure you have alot. spin art is another pretty cheap thing, the machines can be picked up at a local craft store chain for like 15.00 and the paint goes along ways. Have extra batteries !!
We did a felt pennant that they decorated with foam shapes, feathers, beads, etc. stay away from glittter...UGH UGH UGH! Other things we have done are bookmarks, magents clips, paper wind socks, sand art, paper hats, foam door knob decorations, and holiday cards with stamps, stickers etc.
One note is have baby wipes on your tables the glue can get messy. It is alot of fun but with the right planning it goes smooth. good luck!
"When you stop learning you stop growing."
