| ISSUE 31 • 20 MAY 2007 | |
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Editorial It's been almost a year since I started Kids Craft Weekly and lately I've found myself reflecting on the experience so far. I'm aware that, until now, I haven't communicated much about the personal side of publishing the newsletter. Mostly it has been a lot of fun, but there have also been plenty of occasions when it's been very challenging. Did you know that at one point my daughter went on a craft strike and I had to do all the projects myself? Other times I've had to bribe the kids with chocolate buttons to let me take a picture of them for the newsletter. On more than one occasion I have heard groans of "Mum, do we HAVE to do craft again?" It's also been a great constant in our lives for almost a year – something that we always do, despite whatever craziness is going on in our lives. I love watching my kids turn into little craft connoisseurs. I also love the fact that my readers seem to have a real appreciation of just how much time and effort goes into creating each of the newsletters – it's a very reassuring feeling. This little project that started out as a hobby is starting to take up more and more of my time. The costs of producing the newsletter and website are also increasing as the newsletter becomes more popular. As a result, I'm now inviting donations to contribute towards my costs. If you value and enjoy newsletters this is a way that you can show your support and help to ensure that they remain free. Thanks for your support. Happy crafting and I'll see you next time!  Amber Carvan editor@kidscraftweekly.com |
This easy teddy stamp can be used with food colouring or acrylic paint to make any number of surfaces un-bear-ably cute! You will need • sponge • scissors • marker • small hole punch • strong glue • bottle/jar with a large lid Directions 1. Draw an outline of a teddy face on one side of the sponge. The outline should be no larger than the size of the lid on your bottle or jar.  2. Cut out the bear face and use a hole punch to make two eyes.  3. Stick the sponge on to the end of the bottle using strong glue.  4. Once it's dry, use the stamp by dipping it in acrylic paint and stamping away. Alternatively, you can make your own stamp pad using a small plastic dish, a sponge and some food colouring – see the postmark activity in the mail issue for detailed instructions. 
With a bit of help from the special humans in his life, your ted can step outdoors in style and safety wearing one of these cute toy-sized sun hats. You will need • paper plate • small cardboard cup • scissors • masking tape • small hole punch • elastic • paint and paintbrush • white glue • mini pom-poms Directions 1. Cut the bottom third from a paper cup and tape it to a small paper plate. You may have to trim the paper plate also, depending on the size of the plate you are using.  2. Paint the hat.  3. When it's dry, punch two holes on either side, then thread and knot some elastic to keep the hat in place.  4. Glue on some mini pom-poms or other embellishments to decorate. Now don't they look gorgeous? 
This cute and practical lunch box is just what you need to carry your supplies to an appropriate picnic spot. We packed our suitcase with teddy shaped sandwiches, fruit and honey bread. You will need • shoe box • acrylic paint and brushes • scissors • masking tape • ribbon • stapler Directions 1. Flatten the ridge from one of the long sides of the top of the shoebox. Then tape it at a number of points along the edge to form a hinge.  2. Open the box up and tape along the inside of the hinge.  3. Paint the box.  4. Once it's dry, take a length of ribbon and staple it at each end on the top of the box to form a handle.  5. Embellish as you please. We used our teddy bear stamps dipped in acrylic paint and were very pleased with the results! 
All humans hoping to attend a teddy bears' picnic will need to wear a disguise – these cute furry ears are just the trick! You will need • a headband • some cardboard • marker • a ball of wool • glue • scissors Directions 1. Cut yarn into small pieces until you've got a couple of good-sized handfuls worth of fuzzy wool.  2. Fold a piece of cardboard in half and draw two teddy bear ears on the fold.  3. Cut them out, unfold and cover with white glue. Then stick on wool pieces.  4. Once they're dry, place the ears face down on a table and fold them up, wrong sides together, with the head band in-between. Glue or staple in place.  5. Wear with pride (and your best teddy bear face).  |
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This issue's featured subscriber's blog
Oli B Designs "A work from home mum's journey." To have your blog featured in this section just send in your web address and I'll add you to the list. But be warned, the waiting list is currently very long. |
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