Irene Luxbacher, this book's author, explains in simple terms how to use paint to create wonderful pictures. She uses 'places' as a theme to show kids and parents alike how they can use paint to transform a blank piece of paper into fabulous works of art. It is a great way to introduce any child to painting! Even as an adult, the projects in this book were inspiring.
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(Cover art courtesy of Kids Can Press)

I have started a photo gallery that will be used to exhibit St. Valentine's Day cards. Right now, there are not many cards there (just a few printable cards I have made), but I hope you can help me change that. Please consider taking a photo of your home-made St. Valentine's Day cards and submit them to be included in the photo gallery. Who will be the first to submit a card photo?
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- How to Submit a Photo
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(Photo © 2008 Sherri Osborn licensed to About.com, Inc.)

This step-by-step video will show you how you can create an entire bouquet of colorful tissue paper flowers. Not only is a fun and simple, you probably have all of the supplies sitting around your house right now. Make them for yourself or as a gift. They would make perfect St. Valentine's Day gifts. You can give an entire bouquet to your sweety or tuck a single stem into a home-made St. Valentine's Day card.
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- Flower and Garden Crafts
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(Photo © 2008 About.com, Inc.)

Are you having a party for the Super Bowl? If not, here are some perfect excuses to do just that! If you are already planning a party, use these creative ideas to spice things up. The ideas here are also great to help pass the time while everyone else is watching the game.
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Some people look forward to Groundhog's Day, celebrated on February 2nd every year, with hopes that he predicts a quick end to Winter. By the beginning of February a lot of us are more than ready for Spring to come! If you would like to plan a Groundhog's Day celebration or just learn more about this day and groundhogs, check out my ideas.
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How about a little freindly competition? I thought it would be neat to create a photo gallery featuring pictures of Mardi Gras masks, the only problem is I don't have any pictures. So, I created this printable mask template for you to use to create a festive Mardi Gras mask. I am hoping everyone will print one out and decorate it for Mardi Gras and then submit a photo of it. Everyone who submits a photo will get to vote on which one they think is the best.

So, start out by printing this mask: Blank Eye Mask

While traditional Mardi Gras colors are purple, gold, and green and you will often find them embellished using feathers and beads, you can use anything you want to decorate your mask and make it any colors you choose.
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- Make More Masks
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- Submit a Photo

(Clip Art © 2008 Sherri Osborn licensed to About.com, Inc.)

There are many ways that you can not only stay up-to-date on what is going on here at About.com's Family Crafts site, but also participate! You can join in and start different discussion threads on one of the message boards. You can also submit your own craft projects and tips to be included in our ever-growing craft project library or submit a photo of crafts you have completed. Don't forget to sign up for our weekly newsletter, an e-course or two, and/or this site's RSS feed. Here is where you can find out more about the options that interest you.

Find out how to create a heart-shaped pocket which is perfect for collecting Saint Valentine's Day cards. You can personalize it by using your favorite embellishments and craft techniques.
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(Photo © 2007 Sherri Osborn licensed to About.com, Inc.)

Find out what holidays and birthdays are celebrated in the month of February; plus, find ideas for crafts, games, and other activities to help you celebrate. Includes ideas for Black History Month, Children's Dental Month, Elmo's Birthday, St. Valentine's Day, President's Day, and many more... Make sure you also take a minute to print out your 2008 calendar pages.
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How to Make Calendars
More Special Days to Celebrate

Here is a message sugarsmack posted on the Family Crafts Message Board. Does anyone have experience with this?

"I've never paper mached before... Can you use tissue paper instead of newspaper for tiny items like jewelry? I wasn't sure if it would just pretty much melt into the glue. I'm also guessing that paper mache can be painted, right?"

Please take a moment to read the entire post and reply to sugarsmack if you can.
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- How to Paper Mache
- Visit the Family Crafts Forum
- Visit the Holiday Family Fun Forum