It's that time of year when love & friendship are in the air!  As your children gear-up to give cards and chow down on chocolates remind them that nuthin' says luvin', like something handmade!  

This year the kids have the opportunity to open their hearts not only to their loved ones but also, the victims of the horrific earthquake in Haiti.  Encourage the kids to get crafty.  In addition to making heart-related projects for friends and loved ones, how about making some extras to sell to neighbors, relatives and other safe buyers? 

I've put together 3, love-inspired crafts: an embellished frame, plastic canvas pouch and recycled wreath--none of which are too difficult for a child under 10 to handle.  If you'd like, use these with your kiddos to start (or continue) a dialogue about charity, compassion and humanitarian responsibility.

Children often feel helpless in the face of tragedy but with the willingness to use their hands (and their hearts), they're really quite powerful!  Their crafts can make money for those who need it most and even if they're only able to raise a dollar or two, their efforts set in motion a universal, "pay it forward" plan!

In the age of e-mail correspondence the paper "Thank You" note is often a lost art.  Raising grateful children however, definitely isn't.   Help your tots celebrate the gift of creativity while they give back some of the love and energy that's surely put into the presents they receive.  Handmade notes are a thoughtful (and fun) way to express that appreciation.  Here are three, simple-to-make cards to stitch, snap or glue!

Hey there!  Just a quick, post T-day check in to get your winter holiday, creative juices flowing.  I'll be back with a new project how-to post in a couple of days but in the meantime I thought I'd show you a few things from holidays past that you might want to make this year with your little elves (I listed recommended ages for giving these a try, but you know your kiddo's abilities so just go with your gut.)

One of my favorite ways to encourage kids to be creative is by collaborating with them on projects.  A simple but rewarding way to do this is by embroidering their artwork onto fabric; making it a usable keepsake.  In the past I've stitched my sons' artwork onto journals, t-shirts and even a birthday card pillow for Nana.  The possibilities for this technique are endless, including incorporating it into your Halloween celebration!

This year, sweeten a Trick or Treat tote with scary sketches done by your little devils.  Kiddos will feel proud displaying their talents, and parents will have a crafty record of darlings' doodles to save for years to come. Oh and if you've never embroidered before, no problem!  This project requires only using one, easy stitch: the back stitch.  Here's everything you'll need to know to make one of these boo-tiful bags yourself!

Materials
Paper & Pencil (for child's drawing)
Plain, Canvas Tote Bag
Assorted Colors, Embroidery Floss
Embroidery Needle
Embroidery Hoop
Transfer Paper (found in art supply aisle at craft store)
Note: Be sure to buy light colored transfer paper if you're working with a dark, tote bag and dark paper for lighter versions.

Project How-To

• Ask your child to draw a simple, picture of something Halloween-related. The less detailed the drawing, the easier it is to translate into an embroidered image.

• Lay transfer paper, face down on tote bag.  Lay drawing, face up on top of transfer paper.  Using a pencil, stylus or anything pointy (a knitting needle, works great), firmly trace over drawing.  Image should now be transferred onto tote bag front.
• Place tote bag front in embroidery hoop.  Back stitch over transferred image outline.
  
  Psst! Got older kids?  Have them do the embroidery themselves!
  

Back Stitch Tutorial


 
Spooky Stitching!,
Vickie

Psst!  Make this craft?  We'd love to see a picture of it...and we're sure others would too!  Join the Craft Apparent Flickr group and upload photos of you're awesome Craft Apparent Crafts!