It's planning time for cards and gifts for teachers, Sunday School teachers, neighbors, hostessess, mailmen, hairdressers... anyone and everyone, it seems! I started making little Christmas tree cards a few years ago as a way to use up a jar of old buttons I had. Then I loved the idea so much I had to go out and buy more buttons to make cards the next year! I buy them at the thrift shop where they are cheap. And while I am there I often stumble across star-shaped seuqins or buttons that I can also use. My kids make these for their teachers and Sunday School teachers, and they love making them as much as the teachers love getting them! They are easy enough for children to make and cute enough that moms (aunts, grandma's babysitters....) will want to make them too!
Because of the bulkiness of the buttons, extra postage is required, so I generally just give these to people we will be hand delivering to.
What you need
*blank cards and envelopes (or card stock to fold and make your own cards) -- any size is fine
*Elmer's or craft glue (buttons will not stick well with glue stick)
* 6 buttons for each card. I look for green ones, but I have done red and also white.
*star shaped buttons, sequins or stickers OR construction paper to cut out stars yourself
*brown (or any color you like) construction paper to cut out a tree trunk
I usually use a cream colored or natural card since I think the buttons look a little "country". If you want to get adventurous you could use a patterned background or whatever you like.
When working with young children (not young enough that they'll eat the buttons, of course!), I found it easiest to put drops of glue on the card where the buttons would be so that they would end up in the general shape of a tree. Kids love to make these!
So if you're looking for a craft for the kids, a craft for yourself , a way to use old buttons, or a just a new idea for cards, try these cuties out. They're inexpensive, easy, and festive!
very cute, we will have to try them out. thanks!
ReplyDelete