Pillow Case Handmade

Summertime Craft Ideas

Spring and summer come and everyone starts opening their doors and windows, bringing in the fresh air. Tree leaves are full and flower blooms abound birds are singing, building nests and taking care of their chicks. I am drawn outdoors by the lure of warmer days and the call of the dirt and new sprouts. Not to mention, as a mom, the kids are clamoring for more room to play. It’s a perfect time to pull out some fun out door family crafts.

Here are a few, easy to personalize, craft ideas for summertime fun or to celebrate May Day, Mother's Day or a holiday weekend. All craft supplies are easily attainable from craft supply stores or online suppliers. While making these crafts is a fun family activity, some are available in pre-assembled kits, or already made. Use your favorite search engine for more information on various ideas – keyword suggestions are offered below craft each idea.

1. Terra cotta clay pot bird bath. Invert terra cotta clay pots, from larger on bottom and smallest on top. Add a clay saucer (the part the pot sits in to catch the drained water). A waterproof saucer is necessary. Set the clay saucer on top of the inverted stack of pots. Paint or mosaic the pots if you feel especially creative. For more bird fun, add a mister. Birds love to play in the water. Note: Make two similar stands and use one for a bird feeder.

2. Plant and grow an herb garden. Include herbs such as basil, thyme, sage, chives and any other favorites. You'll have fresh herbs to add to your recipes all summer long. Herbs are easy to grow, making this an easy garden for kids to help. Take it one step further and create a "kitchen garden", including lettuce spinach, tomato, cucumber or other salad favorites.

3. Build a toad abode. Use a terra cotta pot and a rock. Invert a clay pot and prop edge on a rock. If you have a chipped pot, that would work great too and wouldn’t require propping. Paint and decorate to your liking.

4. A handmade stepping stone. Personalize with stones, marbles, or other memorable items. Make the project a tradition. Mark the stone with the year and include items to remember the year a key (house or car), a toy, etc. A footprint each year could signify the walk of life and would be fun for young children to mark their growth from summer to summer.

5. Personalized necklaces. Letter beads (for names or initials), a few spacer beads, a charm or two added to a simple chain makes a lovely, personal necklace for any mom or grandmother. For fun, make matching necklaces one for mom, grandmother, and daughters.

6. Bookmarks make a great craft for rainy days. Get creative – use paper, dried flowers, ribbons, needlepoint thread. Use beads and charms attached to chain or yarn to create a "book thong".

7. A decorated throw pillow. A pre-made throw pillow with light colored fabric, decorated with fabric paint. Fabric glue will easily adhere buttons and other small mementos. Start from scratch and decorate your fabric before making a pillow – tie-dye, iron-on colored pictures made with fabric crayons or reverse dying using a darker fabric and bleach provide many creative ways to decorate any pillow or piece of fabric. Another variation would be decorating pillow cases.

8. A tie-dye party is fun for family or a gathering of extended family and friends. Supplies are readily available online coming in easy kits.

There are so many fun activities to be done outdoors during nice weather. For more ideas, or to submit your own, visit http://www.mommamuse.com/2006/04/21/summertime-craft-ideas/ .

About the Author

Judi Cox is a work at home mom living in the Ohio Valley with her husband and 4 children. She enjoys gardening for fun and for the birds, playing with the kids, reading, and promoting other mom businesses. She has been making soap and lotion since 2001. Visit MommaMuse.com.

Hand-woven table-clothes and pillow-cases

Handmade Chinese Lotus Green Cushion Cover $18.49 Embellish your home decor with a traditional Far East cushion cover Exotic decorative pillow cover features embroidered Oriental lotus flower designThrow pillow cover boasts luxurious and silky polyester composition

Cotton Blue Banarasi Elephants and Peacocks Cushion Cover (India) $25.99 This beautiful pillow cover is made out of silk and cotton with elephants and peacocks embroidered on the front side. Handmade by artists in India with traditional craftsmanship this cushion cover offers a beautiful blue and gold coloring.

Set of 2 Cotton Gudari Buttons Cushion Covers (India) $60.99 Crafted of a cotton base with antique gudari 'buttons' these pillows are handmade by artisans in India. Antique fabrics from a variety of sources create a unique and energetic look for these pillow cases.

Handmade Striped Light Brown Cushion Cover $9.99 Accent your home interior with the simple elegance of a hand-woven cushion coverDecorative accessory is made from high-quality light brown cottonThrow pillow cover has been skillfully hand-woven to achieve a gently textured finish

Silk Loryn Carnation Cushion Cover (India) $37.49 Add a classic look to your home decor with a silk cushion cover handmade in India. The beautiful floral design of this pillow cover is created using natural chemical-free dyes in lavender and other colors, with beautiful embroidery on raw silk.

Black/ Burgundy Swirl Design Cushion Cover $15.99 Add a touch of handmade beauty to your home decor with a burgundy cushion coverTurns an ordinary throw pillow into a striking and modern decorative accessorySilky cushion cover is adorned with a black geometric swirl pattern

Silk Avril Freshwater Bead Cushion Cover (India) $39.49 Add a classic look to your home decor with a cushion cover handmade in India. The beautiful design of the Avril Freshwater pillow cover is created using chemical-free dyes in a natural seawater color, with beautiful beaded embroidery on raw silk.

Brown/ Black Swirl Design Cushion Cover $15.04 Add a touch of handmade beauty to your home decor with a brown cushion coverTurns an ordinary throw pillow into a striking and modern decorative accessorySilky cushion cover is adorned with a black geometric swirl pattern

Red/ Black Swirl Design Cushion Cover $11.04 Add a touch of handmade beauty to your home decor with a red and black cushion coverTurns an ordinary throw pillow into a striking decorative accessorySilky cushion cover is adorned with a geometric swirl pattern

Beige/ Pink Silky Squares Cushion Cover $14.19 Gorgeous decorative pillow cover features lovely golden flower and Chinese calligraphy designThrow pillow cover with faux silk fabric adds Asian flair to your home decorHandmade cushion cover will energize your home