Don’t miss these cool projects…..

Plastic Water Bottle Cap Snake

Cereal Box Mosaic Coasters

Cereal Box and Water Bottle Cap... Tic Tac Toe Game

Every Monday there is a new show on the Cool2Craft Channel. Lots of cool projects. So check it out

EcoHeidi

Gift Wrap and Newspaper Pin

There are so many gift wrap papers on the market….you can make a quick and easy pin from any gift wrap paper. Easiest way to apply glue is to squeegee glue (I’ve used the Aleene’s Tacky Glue*) onto several thicknesses of newspaper. I use a piece of cardboard or a old credit card to squeegee. You want a thin layer but solid layer of glue. Onto of the prepared newspaper, glue the piece of  the gift wrap paper

Gift Wrap Paper Design on Several preglued thicknesses of newspaper

Trim off excess newspaper and gift wrap paper, then cut out the design with scissors while the glue is still wet.

Here is flower completely cut out

Gift Wrap Flower completely cut out

Apply the 3D Crystal Lacquer from Sakura onto the top…add rhinestones to the wet lacquer.

Applying Sakura 3D lacquer

Let the lacquer dry….It dries with an hour or two depending on weather. Glue a pin back to the back of the flower. You have a quick beautiful pin and you’ve recycled newspaper!!

Enjoy

EcoHeidi

This was on  January 3rd 2011 Cool2Craft Show check out http://www.cool2craft.com  to see archived show

*Btw…Aleene is my mom

A few plastic 'Blister' packages

I recently bought this toy package for another project. (It’s the truck in the above photo…. I knew right away I could use the ‘blister’ …..I was very excited there was so much detail. So here is what I made using the Cool2Cast  plaster. I poured the C2C plaster into the plastic blister….then when it set up….about 2 hours I carefully removed and here is the truck in plaster only.

Truck from C2C plaster

Now you could paint very fancy…but I just put on the basics… You could hand paint the name… I just used self adhesive pre-cut craft foam letters.

Cool2Cast Plaster Truck Painted with blister mold

This would be a great project for boys… we are always looking for cool projects for boys.

So next time you open a package….don’t throw away those plastic blisters…. I’ve got so many more ideas to share

EcoHeidi

Just  creatively recycling!

Glass Ornaments Upcycled

I have so many older ornaments that keep getting put back into my Christmas boxes….I just can never seem to throw them away….

I love the technique of the Look of Embossing with Glue….I’ve been doing for years with momma Aleene’s Tacky glue…..It’s funny ’cause it is probably a vintage technique…yet it always seems timeless.

Here is a video that I did on Cool2Craft to show you the technique….keep in mind there are so many ways to use this technique.

All you need is Aleene’s Tacky Glue or try one of the newer glues like Aleene’s Fast Grab or Aleene’s Quick Dry….these two work well on the curved surfaces of the ornaments.   I put on a piece of scotch tape on the nozzle to create a fine line flow of the glue.  I used an empty tomato paste can to hold my ornament while I put the glue on.  Squeeze the glue onto the ornament into any design you want…let the glue dry until it is clear….then spray paint with Rustoleum White Flat paint. ( yes I know spray paint is not very eco friendly…. you can use acrylic paint… I would suggest applying a acrylic paint with a cosmetic sponge.. let paint dry in between coats…it will probably take about three coats.).. When paint dries completely you can color with the chalk.  I used the Decorating Chalks ( the ones used in scrapbooking) and brush them on with a hard bristle brush.  You can use any colors of the chalk to change the look. If you want to seal the ornaments, use a Workable Fixative that can be used over chalks (always test first)

Enjoy Creatively Recyling

EcoHeidi

Scarecrow made from Cereal Boxes

Materials Needed: Cereal Box….Old jeans…old shirt or fabric with fall motif….paints-flesh tone and black…brown bag…..Black sharpie….Glue (I’ve used Aleene’s Tacky Glue)…wax paper or other eco friendly paper to work on….Popsicle sticks (2)

I have found one of the biggest challenges in teaching crafting to kids (and some adults) is gluing. They always want to use too much glue!!! For adults it probably comes from our childhood. Schools had a paste that didn’t hold anything so thinking if we used more it would hold better. With today’s glues you do not have to use lots of glue.  So for this project I  tried an alternate method…. and it worked great!! All gluing on this project was done by applying glue with a cardboard squeegee. Pour small quarter size puddle of glue onto the wax paper. Dip squeegee into glue and apply. It’s best to work a small area at a time.

Apply glue with cardboard squeegee

To get started on your project, trace and cut a pattern from a cereal box.  From the cereal box, cut an additional 1-5/8″ circle (head)  and a hat… Paint circle (head) flesh tone acrylic paint. Cover hat shape with fabric by using cardboard squeegee, place glue over surface, then place fabric into glue. let dry and trim fabric to hat shape.  Paint the shoe area  with black acrylic paint. Cut and glue small squares of the fabric for the sleeves and denim for the overalls.  Glue painted head onto body. Glue hat into place. Cut the brown bag into fine strips or  cut ‘fringe ‘. Glue to the back of head, at the sleeves and lower part of overalls.  Glue Popsicle sticks to back of  Scarecrow…this will help if you want to place in a plant, or the kids want to use as a puppet.

As many of you know I’m working on a curriculum for teaching Eco crafting and creativity to kids. I’m doing my ‘test projects’ with a day care here in my town. There are 70 kids ages 2 to 5.  I think both Eco and Creativity go together. Many of our schools have stopped the much needed art and music programs. That means kids do  not have a creative outlet. It’s important as parents,  grandparents etc to teach  our kids how they can  be creative with projects like this. When it’s a Eco Project, it shows kids both recycling and being creative.  If you are a teacher, this is to help you with a fun inexpensive idea for your classroom.

Let’s all work to make this happen- Eco Friendly and Creativity at the same time!!!

Just being Eco

Eco-Heidi

Smashed Can Black Cat

The October Eco-Crafting teaching project, is a smashed can black cat! This project was actually in my  “Crafts For Kids-Book 2“  published about 20 +years ago . It’s very cool how ‘vintage’ projects like this cycle around and are still great projects to make. Remember you could change this to be any animal. The above book also had a pig, dog, frog, bat with other crafts for kids.

Eco-Smashed Can Black Cat
By EcoHeidi/Heidi Borchers
10-20-10

Teaching Lesson:
*Teaching kids to be EcoFriendly and Creative at the same time.
* Always have a sample pre-made of the project you are making.
*Whenever possible and for teaching large groups I prepare and pre-cut
everything and place into a zip lock bag. (I often will pre-cut pieces and bag
everything while watching TV) For smaller groups, you will need
to decide how much you want them to do themselves and their skill level.
*For this project in a class room, if you want to prepare the aluminum
cans, you will need to pre-smash and pre-paint the cans. If I have pre-
smashed the cans, I still want to show the kids how I smash a can in
the class.  I first show how I smashed the can. For younger kids, I
ask if any one would  like to try  smashing a can. I invite them up one by
one to stomp and smash  a can. They then give me back the smashed can,
and I can use that smashed can for another time with another group.
*Pre-cutting all pieces…then place all the items into a zip lock bag. For
older kids that can cut. You may give a scissor/pattern lesson where they
cut out the patterns from paper then  place patterns onto items to cut out.    *When they put the items onto to the table from the bag, use this as a
Counting, sorting lesson and/or shape lesson.  They can also see the
different items they will   be using (such as two ears are from craft foam,
pom poms for cheeks etc.)   Let them know what products they are using
and what they will be on the  finished project.
*Gluing properly- One of the biggest challenges with children is gluing
with a white liquid glue. They always tend to use to much. Show how
using a small amount of glue works well. Be sure to use a good glue (then
you don‘t have to use too   much). Teach the kids a little goes a long way.
Even if the kids want to  squeeze their own bottle of glue, I usually will put
out a small amount on a paper plate and let them use a toothpick to apply
to projects. (If you let them use the squeeze bottle, teach them to use in
small amounts). When teaching this project to our test group we used glue
dots (Can be  purchased at your local craft store usually found in the scrap-
booking section). The glue dots worked perfectly. If kids are too small to
remove the glue dots from paper, have them put items onto the glue dot,
then remove and put into it’s place on project.  Sometimes you will have to
help placement, ask them to press hard in place. You can also place glue dot onto project, then have them put the item into the pre-placed glue dot. Keep in mind- think of their age and skill-ability, you are teaching techniques they will use for a lifetime. They need to feel that they made this project  themselves, even if you had to help.
*Remember to continue to talk to the kids about how important it is to recycle. It’s also great to put into the lesson plan- what happens when items like aluminum cans go into the land fill. See below for several recycle info links.
Have the kids help give suggestions of what else could be used that’s eco- friendly.

Materials Needed to make 1:

*Aluminum Cans-2 ( one to smash with the kids and one pre smashed and
pre-painted)
*Paint- I used Rustoleum Flat Spray paint ( I know we are trying to be eco- friendly, but right now there aren’t lots of choices of spray type eco friendly paints. If you choose to go completely eco friendly and have the kids paint their own cans, there are several kinds of Eco-Friendly paint acrylic type paints on the market, that  can be brushed or sponged on- I have found these brush on eco paints need at least two coats and the best way to apply to project is by using a cosmetic sponge, letting each coat dry completely before applying another coat. The eco friendly brands I’m familiar with are: http://www.EcoGreenCrafts.com -
http://www.earthsafefinishes.com -
http://www.deltacrafts.com
*Glue- We used Glue Dots with our test group. A ¼” dot works great. (If using a white glue, I recommend Aleene’s Tacky glue- see above for additional hints when using a white glue with kids)
* Pom poms- 2 Black ½” dia (cheeks)
* Craft Foam- Sticky back type-Black (ears)  Red (tongue)  Brown ( nose)
*Wiggle Eyes-2 – 15mm (In our test group we used 10 mm as that was the only size I could find in bulk- so you can use either 10 or 15mm)
*Chenille Stem (Often called pipe cleaner) one black 12” long (tail)
*Fabric or ribbon for bow (In our test group I used orange fabric strips- 3/8” x 9” long -then pre-tied the bows- I found for a large group the fabric was less money than ribbon)
Magnetic strip- with adhesive backing ½” wide x 1-¼” long. Use only if you want to have finished piece attach to a refrigerator.

Procedure:
Smashing the can- You must first ‘squish’ the side of the cans inward. This helps you to smash the can where some of the can is smashed outward. Work with the sides, then place onto a hard surface, and smash can down with your shoe. (see above for letting the kids help)

Painting the cans- Make sure you have a well ventilated area where you are spraying. Cover area with newspaper, and place cans onto newspaper. Thoroughly spray paint each smashed can.  Let dry completely

Decorating the cans-The hole at the top of the can will be the mouth. Place two glue dots right above the hole. Place a pom pom onto each glue dot. Place two glue dots above the pom poms for the eyes. Press eyes into the glue dots. Cut out the patterns from the sticky craft foam. You will need 2/black ears, 1/brown nose,  1/red tongue. Peel off the paper backing and apply these to the pre-pared can. The brown nose will be place over the pom pom cheeks, the tongue will be placed inside the mouth area, and the ears will go on upper rim, right above the eyes.  Place a glue dot on can right below the mouth for the bow. For the tail, wrap the chenille stem into a ‘cork screw’ shape, then place a glue dot to upper edge or back of can, place the tail onto the glue dot. Place the sticky side of magnetic strip to the back of the can at the top edge.

Recap:
In the plastic zip loc bag you will have:
One smashed can pre-painted black
2 black pom poms (for cheeks)
2 wiggle eyes
One nose (from brown craft foam)
Two ears (from black craft foam)
One tongue (from red craft foam)
One bow (from orange ribbon or fabric)
One Chenille stem black (for tail)

One last note:
When using this project with your group or class please let them know where you got the idea from- EcoHeidi/Heidi Borchers . If you change anything on this project or make another animal/project or if you make these to sell, I’m giving you this creative project as a gift to  inspire you. All I ask is that you share with your group and  let them know I inspired you. Thank you!
EcoHeidi

Some links for info on recycling Aluminum cans

http://earth911.com/recycling/metal/aluminum-can/how-is-an-aluminum-can-recycled/

http://earth911.com/recycling/metal/aluminum-can/

http://earth911.com/recycling/

*A used aluminum can is recycled and back on the grocery shelf as a new can, in as little as 60 days. That’s closed loop recycling at its finest!

*Used aluminum beverage cans are the most recycled item in the U.S., but other types of aluminum, such as siding, gutters, car components, storm window frames, and lawn furniture can also be recycled.

*Recycling one aluminum can saves enough energy to run a TV for three hours — or the equivalent of a half a gallon of gasoline.

*More aluminum goes into beverage cans than any other product.

*Because so many of them are recycled, aluminum cans account for less than 1% of the total U.S. waste stream, according to EPA estimates.

*An aluminum can that is thrown away will still be a can 500 years from now!

*There is no limit to the amount of times an aluminum can be recycled.

*We use over 80,000,000,000 aluminum soda cans every year. (Note that’s Billion!!!)

*At one time, aluminum was more valuable than gold!

*A 60-watt light bulb can be run for over a day on the amount of energy saved by recycling 1 pound of steel. In one year in the United States, the recycling of steel saves enough energy to heat and light 18,000,000 homes!

http://www.recycling-revolution.com/recycling-facts.html

Tie Dye Bracelets using Plastic Water Bottles and Rit Dye

This is so cool….. I just love my original idea for covering plastic water bottles with fabric to make cool bracelets. And I love hearing all the stories how everyone has been able to use this project in their own crafting.

Here is another way to decorate the water bottle bracelets….and this is way too cool (And I showed it on the 10/25 Cool2Craft Live show) First… I covered the plastic water bottles with white fabric, then dyed with Rit Dye…for the Tie Dye look….Check out the video below to see my new technique for this project

It’s so much fun… and don’t forget about Christmas presents….. you can make Plastic water bottle bracelets for pennies, and be Eco friendly at the same time.

Have lots of Eco Fun

EcoHeidi

Tic Tac Toe game from cereal boxes

Eco-Tic-Tac-Toe

By EcoHeidi/Heidi Borchers

9-21-10

Teaching Lesson:

*Teaching kids to be EcoFriendly and Creative at the same time.

*When teaching in a class room, you may want to prepare the cereal box

cardboard with pencil lines pre-drawn and use this as a cutting with

scissors lesson.  I pre cut all pieces for teaching a large group.

*Counting out the pieces they need. Place each item into a separate

container, with the number of how many they can pick from each

container. Perhaps have the kids gather the pieces on a paper plate then

return to their desk.

*Gluing properly- Show how using a small amount of glue works well with

cardboard.  Be sure to use a good glue (then you don‘t have to use too

much). Teach the kids a little goes a long way. Even if the kids want to

squeeze their own bottle of glue, I usually will put out a small amount on a

piece of wax paper and let them use a toothpick to apply to projects. (If

you let them use the squeeze bottle, teach them to use in small amounts)

*To make the playing pieces you can choose to put inside the water bottle caps for the playing pieces. Suggestions- buttons, colored paper or cardboard,  washers for the ‘o’/ tile spaces for the ‘x’. Have the kids help give suggestions of what else could be used that’s eco- friendly.

Materials needed to make 1:

Cardboard Cereal Boxes (1 piece 6-¾” x 6-¾” for the board

and 9 pieces 2” x 2” for the squares)

Glue (I’ve used Aleene’s quick dry Tacky Glue)

Magnets (I’ve used the self adhesive magnet tape ½” wide and cut ½” pieces) you will need 9 cut pieces ½” x ½”

Metal washers approximately 5/8” diameter- you need 10

Plastic water bottle caps- 10 for the playing pieces

Items to go into bottle caps/playing pieces- You will need 10 items ( two sets- 5 each item or color) Example 5 green buttons, 5 red buttons

*You will be using the back side or non color side of the 6-¾” x 6-¾” board

*Glue the 9 – 2” x 2” pieces onto the board, evenly spacing each onto this

background.

*Place a piece of the self adhesive magnet into the center of each 2” square

that is on the board. (note: you will have the kids remove the paper

backing for the adhesive to stick)

* The top part of the plastic water bottle cap will be the bottom of each

playing piece. Using a small amount of glue, glue a metal washer to the flat

part of each  plastic water bottle lid. Let glue dry.

* Choose which item you will use in the center of each cap to create the ‘o’

or the ‘x’. You will need 5 of each.  It can be from suggestions above. Glue

into place inside each cap. Let glue dry.

*When glue is dried, the metal washer sitting on the magnet will hold each

playing piece on game board.

Tic… Tac… Toe…. You are being Eco right in a row…. Enjoy

EcoHeidi

I will post the October project (smashed can black cat) in a couple of days.

www.EcoHeidi.com

Heidi@ecoheidi.com

Just being Eco

Heidi

xoxoxoxo

Vintage Technique- Greeting Cards

Here’s what you will need:

Aleene’s Tacky Glue-1 Tablespoon.

Water- 2 Tablespoons

Plastic Cup

Stir Stick/craft stick

Paper- Construction paper works best ( but for my samples I used scrapbook papers)

Brush

Assorted Confetti paper or metallic, Glitter, tinsel, paper shreds, anything that is flat

White Facial Tissue (like Kleenex)

Waxed paper

Brown Grocery Bag

Iron

Procedure:

Combine the glue and the water in the plastic cup. Mix thoroughly with the craft stick. Cut a piece of paper (white works best) a little large than desired size of card. Brush thinned glue mixture on one side of the paper. Sprinkle confetti etc. onto the glue covered paper. Remove bottom plies of the facial tissue. Center and lay 1 ply of the facial tissue on top of the confetti arrangement. Using the brush, gently dab thinned glue mixture on top of the tissue at saturate, wrinkling tissue slightly and bring sure to cover edges of tissue. Sprinkle glitter over wet tissue. Let dry.

Cut a piece of wax paper a little larger than design. Center  and lay waxed paper pn top of design. Place design between 2 layers of brown bag. Iron until flat. Discard brown bag layers and wax paper. Cut desired background color of paper to desired size to finish card.  Fold paper in half to create a card. Center and glue to front. let dry

Be sure to experiment with other items…. I think it needs to have lots more  on the card….I was trying to do mine to quickly and didn’t put enough.. So play around and send me photos of your creativity with this cool technique.

Check out the PJ party  http://apps.facebook.com/inspiredathome   every Wed nights at 6pm Pt

EcoHeidi