This project is a twist on a classic beaded necklace.  The ribbon intermingles with the beads throughout the necklace and finishes off in dramatic long strands ready to be tied into a bow.  The effect is dramatic and whimsical.  It’s inspired by a necklace that I saw at JCrew that’s sold for about $70.  Depending on the beads you choose, you can make this necklace between $5-20.  This is an ideal craft project for a girl’s birthday party. Just supply a bunch of beads in the girl’s favorite colors and have each girl make her own beaded necklace to take home.

Handmade Fancy Self-Tie Beaded Necklace with Ribbon Material:

Beads in different colors and material. You can choose glass beads, jade beads, plastic beads, stone beads in various colors.

Ribbons in corresponding colors to match the beads.

Ring shape clasps

Needle and thread

Handmade Fancy Self-Tie Beaded Necklace with Ribbon Instructions:

1. Tie one end of the necklace to one ring shape clasp using the needle and thread. This is the beginning of the necklace.
2. With the needle, pierce through a piece of ribbon (leave at least 1 foot of ribbon at the end for the self-tie part).
3. With the same thread, start stringing the beads one at a time.
4. Tie a knot between the beads to create a little space.
5. Carry the ribbon with you as you’re adding the beads.  After about 2 or 3 beads, pierce the ribbon again and pull it to the opposite side.
6. Continue to add a bead and tie a knot until you have achieved the length of the necklace you want.  Be sure to carry the ribbon back and forth in a random pattern by piercing the ribbon and pulling it to the other side from time to time. Make sure that you end with a knot.
7. Tie the end to another ring shaped clasp and make a double knot to secure it.
8. Now, hide the double knot by tying another knot with the ribbon over the double knot. Trim the ends of the thread.
9. Measure at least 1 foot of ribbon and trim off the rest.

You should be able to tie the necklace behind your neck with the leftover ribbon on the necklace.

This cool puzzle greeting card will leave your recipient both puzzled and delighted!  Imagine opening an envelope containing your birthday card, only to find a bunch of puzzle pieces hanging out in the envelope. In order to see what the birthday card message is, you have to piece together the puzzle pieces and put them all together.  Fun, isn’t it?  It sure beats the same old birthday card from the store.  Best of all, this project is ridiculously easy and anyone who can use a paper of scissors can make this card.  Let’s get started!

Fun Puzzle Greeting Craft Cards Material:

Cardstock

Glue stick

Photos or images from magazines.

Fun Puzzle Greeting Craft Cards Instructions:

1. Cut the cardstock into the size of your greeting card
2. Cover the cardstock with a single photo or images from magazines.  Glue the photo or images down to the cardstock with glue stick.
3. Flip the card and write down your message on the back.
4. Now take your scissors and cut the cardstock into small pieces. You can try cutting it into classic puzzle shapes or into simple, evenly spaced squares.
5. Take all the pieces and toss them in the envelope.  Don’t provide any instructions. Let the recipient figure out what they’re supposed to do.  That’s half the fun!

Scrapbooking is a fun activity to do with kids and adults of all ages. In this project, you will learn how to make your own scrapbook stamps using a few simple objects.  These stamps will give your scrapbooking an unique look – one that cannot be simply bought at a store!

Scrapbook Stamp Kit Material:

A handful of buttons in different sizes.  These buttons should have texture; otherwise, the stamps won’t work very well.

A bag of craft corks in different sizes.  You can find this at your local craft store.

Glue

Stamp pads in various colors

Scrapbook Stamp Kit Instructions:

1. Match the buttons to corks. Each cork end should be slightly smaller than the corresponding button.
2. Glue the button’s back side to the cork end with the glue.
3. Make as many stamps as you have buttons.
4. Allow the stamps to dry.
5. That’s it. You can start stamping away. Put a paper towel under the paper to give the stamp more give; it’ll make a prettier impression.

Bonus idea: Make a bunch of stamps and pack them in a pretty box with some stamp pads.  This will make a great gift for the happy scrapper in your life.