The Camp Art Lady

Paper Mache Mini-Mannequin

2010-03-03T08:33:00.000-08:00

The Artful Crafter bring us this darling jewelry holder craft. Using a paper mache mini-mannequin, you basically decoupage the outside, add wire, and embellish as you like. This is a great camp craft, though, you will have to search hard for the paper mache mannequin base.

I searched on etsy, and found one here.

I love this craft. It's pretty, it's simple and most of all, it's USEFUL!

Click here for full tutorial.

Great Web Site!

2009-09-06T13:17:00.000-07:00

DollarStoreCrafts.com

ENJOY!!

Proud

2009-08-18T07:46:00.001-07:00

Each summer, I get to take on new challenges, and this summer was no exception. My job, has morphed from simply teaching Arts and Crafts into greater responsibilities including costuming our camp play, special events programming and this.

Three years ago, on a whim, I decided to create a little movie for our end of season banquet. Traditionally, at camp, we celebrated the end of the summer with a "themed" dinner party complete with decorations, centerpieces and even tablecloths (a big deal in camp world!) Anyone who knows me well, knows I love to throw a party, and love good surprises even more.

The theme 3 years ago was a Fifties Soda Shop. "And let's make a movie, too," I thought. Before I knew it, I recast the iconic movie Grease starring members of our camp upper staff. We whipped up some costumes, created a script and somehow, my colleagues were ready and eager to participate. Blessedly, my "Danny Zuko" was so excited by the endeavor, he dove in and took over editing responsibilities. And so, our little production company was born.

Somehow, I'm not sure how, in four days in 2007, we produced a movie that thrilled, surprised and enthralled our campers. This summer banquet has changed from being an exclamation point at the end of our summer, to a favorite and beloved event for our campers and staff.

The theme we chose this summer was also reflective of a special era in our history. The Eighties. Amazing that a time that is so fresh in my mind has now become nostalgia. Defining the '80's of course, is MTV, the inspiration for our video.

For a creative person, there is nothing cooler than taking an idea and turning it into reality. I'm so proud of this endeavor and am so glad to share it with you today!

PS: If you look closely, you may even see the "Camp Art Lady" in this video...she's hanging out in a room with a Jukebox!

Camp Saginaw Banquet 2009 from Jason Darnell on Vimeo.

Setting up Your Camp Arts and Crafts Program

2009-05-24T12:10:00.000-07:00

Seven years ago (!) when I was first offered my position as Camp Art Lady, I dove in eagerly, not knowing what to expect. Over the years, I've learned a lot of little tricks, that have been so helpful to me, and, lucky you, I'm going to share some of those tricks right here...right now!

1. Camp lasts for only 8 weeks, but planning your program is a year-round job. Expect to be researching ideas, materials and projects constantly.

2. The internet is your best friend. I am able to find inspirations and project ideas all over the internet. How budget friendly!

3. I look for inspiration in fashion trends and pop culture. I stalk ETSY for other crafters ideas and then look for ways to convert them to camp friendly.

4. My favorite products are: Aleene's Tacky Glue, Fiskars Scissors, Mod-Podge Decoupage Medium (please don't call it "MODGE PODGE"), Sculpey Polymer Clay. Accept NO Substitutes!

5. No need to plan projects for different age campers. Offer the same project to every age group, sometimes making adjustments for older children. It makes your planning simpler, and I promise you, campers always do well.

6. We see campers of all artistic abilities. Arts and Crafts is not Fine Arts. I'd rather keep projects simple, and allow campers to find success than make things so complex that they get frustrated.

7. Always plan projects in advance, and take the time to "work out" how a project is presented before you see your group. Inevitably, adjustments will need to be made.

8. Order Tempera Paints, they can be used for a variety of purposes. We also have smaller amounts of Acrylic Paint on hand for painting directly on wood surfaces.

9. Everything is better with Glitter. Seriously. Some campers will finish projects very quickly, and say..."I'm done!", but you still have lots of time left in your class session. Have plenty of glitter, gems, rhinestones, puffy paint available. Stretch your projects out with lots of embellishing!

10. I always try to have "back pocket" crafts ready to go. You never know when you get a rainy day, or a disruption in the schedule and you need a quicky little craft to present with little notice. Oriental Trading is a great resource for "decorate your own" type crafts that require very little preparation.

11. If you run an all Camp Tie Dye at an overnight camp...be wary of the LAUNDRY! You don't want campers ruining other laundry by throwing a freshly dyed shirt into the general laundry!

12. If wood projects or plaques will need to be hung up on the wall, make sure you provide the proper hardware for campers parent to easily hang them in their home.

13. Of everything your campers do at camp, Arts and Crafts projects are the only thing they get to really share with their parents. Their work is very tangible evidence of their parent's summer financial investment, not to mention, an enormous source of pride for everyone.

14. Be flexible! If there's one thing I've learned in my years at camp, is that no day is typical or predictable. We always have surprises, and the way we respond to those surprises defines us.

Happy Crafting!

Yummy!

2009-05-18T10:00:00.000-07:00

I'm a sucker for anything to do with fake food. I came upon this lovely little website, PincStuff.com. She has great photos of adorable jewelry projects made from polymer clay to look like fake food.

I thought I would share with you for a little yummy inspiration!

Popsicle Sticks? Okay!

2009-05-01T08:10:00.001-07:00

Anyone that knows me, knows I have a personal dislike of Popsicle stick crafts. Given that I'm the Camp Art Lady, I should really love them, just like I love glitter. But, alas, I don't, I think stuff made out of popsicle sticks looks weird, and unattractive, and who wants that lying around the house?

But yesterday, I received a wonderful suggestion for a super cool, super pretty, super fun craft, made out of the dreaded popsicle stick. I'm so excited about it, I'm offering the link right here.

Thank you INFUSEDgoods!

More Bottle Cap Fun

2009-04-30T09:09:00.000-07:00

I have been inspired very recently by Kathy Cano-Murillo, "The Crafty Chica". Her spirit and sense of fun, not to mention her great ideas, have been so helpful to me.

She recently posted a great project for Bottle Cap Magnets. This is a winner of a camp craft. Cheap, easy, and hard to mess up.

I made a similar set today, to try it out, and here they are:
I attached the cute little graphic (I got these from Jelly Bean Lab, an Etsy merchant, and printed them on my computer) with ModPodge to the back of flat backed glass marble.The whole marble then gets glued to the inside of the bottle cap. I filled in the open area with glitter glue, and then embellished the glue with tiny li'l seed beads.

A good magnet goes on the back, and these'll dress up any old boring refrigerator.

I love it when things work out!!!

Jagged Necklace

2009-04-29T13:45:00.000-07:00

I'm working so hard trying to complete my programming and projects, that I lost track of time today, just in time to miss taking my daughter for a check-up! Oh no! (I guess I'm not going to earn the Mother of the Year award this year) . We've already rescheduled for next week, plus I found this wonderful project idea along the way.

This would take at least 4 days to complete, and is really more appropriate for our older campers, but the end product is really, really pretty!

Click here to see full tutorial on Beadage.net

Personalized Name Plaque

2009-04-20T10:58:00.000-07:00

The kids are back to school today, so that means I'm back, looking for new fun ideas for my campers. I came across this one today, on the PLAID website (which is chock full of sweet inspiration).

Full instructions can be found here.

Stamp-a-Pin

2009-04-06T07:45:00.001-07:00

Envirotex Lite is one of my very favorite products. Pour it on any project, and it gives a clear resin-like finish. Colors POP...and it just gives a very finished, professional look to your crafts.

I came across this little project for pins made with Rubber Stamp. It seems simple enough. Stamp a design onto card stock, color it in, cut it out, and then watch magic happen by adding Envirotex Lite with a paint brush.

Click here for project instructions.

For the Real Girlie Girls

2009-04-06T07:35:00.000-07:00

I actually really think this is a great little craft, appropriate either in a jewelry program, or a general arts and crafts program.

Decorate silk flowers with rhinestones and beads, and then attach to a barrette, for a stylish hair flower.

I love to shop at Walmart, where I always find super cheap silk(ish?) flowers.

Project directions can be found here.

Great Resource

2009-04-02T11:45:00.000-07:00

I always have my eye out for websites with great tutorials and ideas. Here's a new one I've found. Enjoy!

www.cutoutandkeep.net

Sparkling Beaded Candleholder

2009-04-02T10:36:00.001-07:00

I've been holding on to this one for a couple of years (no kidding!), and I think this is the year we're going to do it. This is a great way to use up random beads that we've acquired over the years.

Votive holders can be purchased fairly inexpensively through Candles 4 Less.

Instructions for this project can be found here.

Polymer Clay Pens

2009-04-02T07:13:00.000-07:00

I love crafts that are useful. Here's an old favorite of mine, that fits the bill perfectly!

Click here for HGTV tutorial.

More Chihuli Inspired Art!

2009-04-01T10:39:00.000-07:00

Last week I posted a beautiful project inspired by the renowned glass artist, Chihuly. I came upon this project today, which is another lovely option inspired by the same artist. Enjoy!

Initial Necklace

2009-04-01T10:11:00.001-07:00

(Oh, how I love to find new craft websites! Crafty Chica is my latest favorite!)

This initial necklace is made with polymer clay, which is then painted with a metallic paint.

So adorable!

Safety Pin Bracelet

2009-04-01T09:58:00.000-07:00

Here's a chic safety pin bracelet courtesy of the Crafty Chica. We've made these in the past, and I can tell you that my 15 year old daughter still wears her DAILY! This is a perfect camp craft, but careful, this is a lot more time consuming than you might expect. Allot 3 hours to complete this!

Water Balloon Votives

2009-04-01T09:20:00.000-07:00

Each year, I include some kind of candle making in our curriculum. Last year, we rolled candles from beeswax. In years past, we've organized a carefully choreographed "Candle Dip" where campers take turns dipping wicking into crockpots filled with melted wax.

I saw this tutuorial for a variation on our classic candle dip, and am eager to give it a whirl. Instead of dipping candle wicks, a water balloon is filled with cool water and dippped into the wax several times until a thick shell forms, which then serves as a votive holder for a tea light candle.

We'll be right back after this moment of silliness...

2009-03-31T09:54:00.000-07:00

Just got a kick out of this video, I've felt like this myself many times!

Laurel Burch Inspired Earrings

2009-03-25T17:22:00.000-07:00

For our upcoming summer, I'm making an effort to find inspiration in popular artists works and apply them to camp projects. I found the Laurel Burch felines so charming, and I think our campers will find them appealing as well.

The earring's pictured above are cloisonne, sell anywhere from $20 to $30. I think we can get a similar effect using (my FAVORITE) Shrinky Dinks. We will provide campers with a template of the outline of these adorable kitties, as well as some pattern ideas. They'll color them in, using colored pencil, and outline with Sharpies and cut them out.

We'll punch a hole in the top of them before we bake them and watch them shrink....

Shrink Film can now be found in a variety of colors(!) through Nasco , and that will certainly add to the fun of this great little project.

Classroom Chihuli

2009-03-25T10:06:00.001-07:00

Blick Arts and Crafts has been around for years. I was very lucky to meet with two of the representatives at a recent camp convention. I've mentioned before that they have some of the best lesson plans and ideas for Art Teachers.

They now provide beautifully detailed video lessons on a variety of their projects. What an incredible help for the Camp Art Lady! I normally don't get to "try-out" projects prior to our summer sessions, as our materials are shipped directly to camp. With these videos, I can be more comfortable selecting projects that I feel will work within our curriculum.

The Classroom Chihuli was originally presented a year or two ago, and it's always struck me as an attractive project, but honestly, the written directions confused me! Click HERE to see the video tutorial for this beautiful project!

If you prefer, here is the PDF version of the instructions.

Pretty in Pink Bracelet

2009-03-16T17:25:00.000-07:00

Oriental Trading is a great resource for art supplies and project ideas. What's even better for the group leader, they break down each craft and show you exactly the beads you need to complete the project.

We strive to offer jewelry projects that will be treasured and appreciated. This bracelet certainly fits the bill. For variety, I might order the beads in a second color to offer campers a choice.

This beading project can be found here.

Marbleized Paper

2009-03-16T16:57:00.000-07:00

In my first summer teaching Arts and Crafts, we offered paper marbling to our campers. It remains one of my favorite crafts, as it truly appeals to all ages. Below is a clip from Martha Stewart on marbling, you can see how much fun it is.

She uses a gelatinous water thickening agent and acrylic paints to cause the separation of liquids that creates the funky marbleized design. We have used marbling dyes that can be ordered through enasco.com. They are oil based, so there is no need for any thickening agent.

In a group setting, we use one pan of water shared between 3 to 4 campers. They agree on a "color palate" between them. They each take turns dipping paper in the solution. You can marble nearly any kind of paper. (We've used blank stationary).

Enjoy!

Eco-Friendly Shrinky Dinks

2009-03-01T17:12:00.001-08:00

Who knew?? You can shrink recyclable plastic containers marked "6", very much the same as Shrinky Dinks...

Check out this tutorial for a very cute bracelet...

Eco-Friendly Bracelet

My Favorite Craft Book

2009-02-17T09:21:00.000-08:00

I wanted to share a really cool craft book I picked up once at the bargain rack at Borders. It has some really beautiful craft inspirations, great from camp and home use.

It's still a bargain, only about Five Bucks (and Change) at Amazon...

Follow this link

Enjoy!!!

Flower Pot Pen

2009-02-15T15:27:00.001-08:00

I kid you not, this is one of my favorite classic crafts. The "flower" you see here is really a pen in disguise. Totally cute, right?

For this craft, you'll need:

Artificial flower
Plastic encased ball point pen
Floral Tape
Mini Clay Pots
Beans or rice to fill pot
Little Plastic Bags to wrap craft
Paint or rub-ons to decorate pot

Before your campers join you, prepare flowers by removing stems. Discard stems. Remove little cap from back of your pen (depending on the brand of pen you choose, this can be a little tricky...pliers help). With a glue gun, use a drop or two of glue to adhere the flower into the pen.

Have your campers choose their favorite flower, and wrap floral tape around their pen, stretching the floral tape as they wrap.

Decorate the flower pot as you please. We've done decoupage, paint (that can be really a mess!), stickers, rub-ons, etc.

Fill the inside of the pot with dried beans,then insert the pen.

Helpful hint: So you don't spill the beans (literally!), The Camp Art Lady recommends wrapping these in plastic favor bags tied with ribbon or raffia. Makes a really pretty gift, too!

Uses: We made these once for a Girl Scout Mother Daughter Dinner. The girls each made slightly larger pots than pictured, and filled each with 3 pens. They served as centerpieces, and then each mother was given one as a party favor. So CUTE!!!

Fabric Dying -

2008-10-19T17:34:00.001-07:00

I must admit that I'm a little afraid of fabric dying...we've run tie-dyes nearly every year with our campers, and I can't say we've had one year where something doesn't go wrong. This year, as a matter of fact, every campers garments were inexplicably, lost. LOST!

Can you blame me for being a little gun-shy?

But I've found a cool blog with all kinds of fabric dying instructions, and I'm particularly interested in Shaving Cream method of dying...neat-o...huh?

Paint your own Pottery - Plaster version

2008-08-21T12:58:00.000-07:00

With the popularity of "Paint Your Own Pottery" studios in the last few years, we had every reason to seek out a similar activity for our groups.

Unfortunately, we hit one big stumbling block...money.

Bisqueware, the unfinished pottery pieces you'll find in these stores, is very expensive. To provide these ceramic lovely bowls, vases, boxes and figurines wouldn't be cost effective. Not to mention, they also require a second firing in the kiln, which, if space in your kiln is an issue, might be a problem.

That's why I was so happy to run into the nice people from Millie's Plaster Craft at a recent convention. They offer plaster molded pieces, at a fraction of the cost of bisqueware. They simply need to be painted with acrylic paints, and sprayed with an acrylic glaze.

Instant gratification in just 45 minutes. This project appeals to ALL ages, boys and girls alike, and the final product will look great hanging up in a bedroom, kitchen, or family room.

Beeswax Candles

2008-08-20T18:14:00.000-07:00

Working with beeswax has many advantages. We made these lovely candles in our very first week of camp this summer. The campers had an awful lot of fun with "Wikki-Stix", which they used to embellish these works of art.

We allowed each camper to make to candles, each were about 6 inches tall. The sheets of beeswax are fairly pliable, and after cutting a piece, we tightly wrap the wax around the wicking, (leaving about 1/4 inch or so at the top).

My favorite part of beeswax? It has a lovely sweet scent...what could be better?

Extreme Checkers

2008-08-19T16:54:00.000-07:00

For each project, you will need:

1 square piece of plywood (I think ours was 12x12)
Sandpaper
Acrylic Paints
Masking Tape
Ruler
Pencil
Paint Brushes
16 Bottle Caps (available online or at craft stores)
2 colors of polymer clay to compliment board colors
Envirotex Lite (or spray glaze)
Jewels, Glitter, Puffy Paint (optional)

1. Sand your board down to eliminate splinters
2. A light base coat can be put down now ( optional)
2. Measure one inch all around, for border and 8 even lines up and down and across.
3. Using masking tape, tape off areas, and paint your first color in remaining boxes.
4. Dry either overnight, or speed up the process with a blow dryer or heat gun.
5. Remove tape, and tape over areas that have already been painted
6. Paint second color in empty areas
7. Touch up any uneven parts.
8. When painting is complete, embellishments can be added, such as jewels, glitter, puffy paint etc. (As long as embellishments are put on outer edges of board, ONLY)
9. Roll polymer clay out, so that it is fairly thick. Using bottle caps, like cookie cutters, slice into the clay, so that the clay sticks into the underside of the cap.
10. Bake bottle cap and clay according to package directions
11. When cool, spray caps with Acrylic glaze or brush clear nail polish on to give a finished look.
12. Following package directions, pour Envirotech Lite on the top of the board. This will give your board an AWESOME shine and very professional finish. (If Envirotech is unavailable, you can substitute Spray Glaze...but seriously, the Envirotech is the BEST!)

Pottery Solutions

2008-08-18T15:35:00.001-07:00

Being the Art Lady at camp has its share of advantages (creative opportunities, the happiest job in camp, meeting wonderful campers and staff members, and lots of messy time), but a couple of disadvantages. Being the only Art Lady, sometimes, I (mistakingly) believe that I'm the only one in the UNIVERSE that has a job like mine.

NOT TRUE!

So, when I read this article on the ACA (American Camping Association) website, it felt like finally someone understood my issues!

I thought I'd share this insightful article on running a successful Pottery program in a camp environment.

Link:

Pop Art!

2008-08-16T10:09:00.000-07:00

I'm home from camp, and very glad to say I had an extremely successful and fulfilling summer. I was surprised to see how relatively busy the blog has gotten in my absence. I guess simple art projects are always in demand!

Anyhow, I wanted to share a new project today. This was a great idea given to me by Samantha, one of my staff members from Australia. It was wonderful, the kids loved it, inexpensive and easy as pie.

We started out taking photos of each camper, in front of a simple background. We encouraged the girls not to smile with their mouths open, instead, to pose in an "artsy" fashion. We wanted to avoid photos looking like mug-shots or yearbook photos.

Next, we opened up the photos in Photo-Shop. By converting photos to Black and White, and playing with the brightness and the contrast (and if you are familiar with Photo-Shop, this only takes a tiny bit of practice), we were able to change the picture to look more "cartoonish".

We printed photos onto Transparency Paper, (we made 3 copies of each photo...5x7 sized).

Once photos were printed, we provided construction paper to the campers, which they ripped and cut, and basically made collages, in bright colors underneath the transparencies. We let them make several versions of the same picture, each with different color underneath.

Finally, we mounted the whole creation on black construction paper.

The camper's parents went INSANE, and each parent commented that this project was frame able art. I totally agree.

Bulletin Boards

2008-07-16T11:52:00.000-07:00

Bulletin Boards are a perfect specialty project. Over the course of 4 days, we decorate wood plaques, add cork and embellish with gems, shapes and ribbons. If time allows, decorating push-pins with polymer clay is an excellent addition to this project.

Wooden Pens

2008-07-06T16:13:00.000-07:00

Our Art Center creates more than your average arts and crafts....check out these pens we make in our woodshop. Campers work on individual lathes, and over the course of 4 days, create these gorgeous pens. We will also be making candle sticks and mini-baseball bats on the same equipment.

Photo courtesy of Sarah C. our especially nice Woodcrafting Specialist

August 19, 2008 - Addendum:

Wood turning supplies can be found here!

Clunkers and Solutions

2008-07-04T11:09:00.000-07:00

We are well into our 2008 summer season, and doing very well. It has occurred to me that every once in a while, even when we think everything is planned, we hit a clunker. A clunker is a craft that no matter how good it looked on paper, just doesn't work in reality. Such is true of the Beaded Bottle Craft that I thought was a winner. NOT A WINNER!!! We had a very hard time working with the materials recommended, and we ended up scratching the project from our lessons. So now what do we do with 40 empty little bottles...and look what I found...Polymer Clay People! Can't wait to get started sorting this one out!

Camp Is HERE!

2008-06-16T06:18:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited because Camp Orientation has begun!

I just wanted to extend a warm welcome to our staff, and most especially my Arts and Crafts Staff. This is just the beginning of a wonderful journey, and I'm looking forward to getting to know you and sharing the journey.

Good LUCK!!!

Love,
The Camp Art Lady

Scotty DO!

2008-05-29T13:17:00.000-07:00

Love this little Scotty dog and it will perfect for our sewing class. How cute!

LINK

String Bracelets

2008-05-29T13:10:00.000-07:00

Our campers are OBSESSED with embroidery floss. We buy tons and tons, and then spool the string around scrap cardboard (if we don't we end up with a huge tangled mess).

The campers creations are amazing, and I recommend the KLUTZ book on Friendship Bracelets. We keep it hanging around our jewelry room, and the girls just go to town.

Gimp

2008-05-29T13:05:00.000-07:00

What's camp without GIMP??? I never do this as a group project, but when the campers are done with other work, and have finished cleaning up, I offer gimp upon request. I haven't done gimp myself since I was a kid, but my 7 year old daughter is quite adept.

Here's a little tutorial.

Glass Bead Bracelet

2008-05-22T08:12:00.001-07:00

From Fire Mountain Gems
LINK

We can add strands, or matching necklaces/earrings to stretch this activity out.

Wow, SAFE Candle Making

2008-05-20T10:22:00.000-07:00

Our utmost priority in all of our creative projects is SAFETY. I love the idea of candle making and we have done traditional candle dipping in the past, and truly, it is one of my favorite standard activities.

Beeswax candles are a wonderful alternative to the traditional candle making, and of course we are not working with heat, so they are an incredibly safe and simple and a perfect immediate gratification project...

Oooh, and dig the pretend sushi candles!!! Cool Beans!

Resin BottleCap Craft

2008-05-19T09:37:00.000-07:00

C'mon, how cool is this! I'm going to do these as a magnet craft for boys and daycampers, and an earring craft for the girls..

Instructions and inspiration: LINK

Collage with Resin and Found Objects

2008-05-17T13:10:00.000-07:00

We haven't worked intensively with resin, but we used a wonderful product last summer called Envirotex lite. It added a sheen to a couple of our projects that was astounding and simple. I'm ordering decorate your own trays from Oriental Trading, and a bunch of fun objects, beads, cool papers, fabrics, and we're going to do a version of the project below. I'm VERY excited about this one!

Fine Art Self-Portrait

2008-05-17T09:36:00.000-07:00

I remember doing something very similar to this in my high school art class. I would love to do this project as an elective, and think it would appeal to all ages. It's really beautiful.

I'd like to thank Kathy Barbaro, and her beautiful blog, www.artprojectsforkids.blogspot.com for this wonderful project inspiration.

Paper Lantern

2008-05-06T14:25:00.001-07:00

I searched high and low for a paper lantern to decorate, and what do you know...Oriental Trading strikes again!!

Link

Paper Posies

2008-05-06T14:10:00.000-07:00

Link
From Accu-Cut

Another nice tutorial - Link
From Gabriela Delworth

Altered Paint Cans

2008-05-06T09:28:00.000-07:00

After mod-podge and embellishing, you have a cool container to hold stuff in! Neat-o!

LINK

Donkey Beads and Bells

2008-05-06T07:38:00.001-07:00

From Dick Blick
Link

Pillows

2008-05-06T07:34:00.000-07:00

From Dick Blick
Link

We did these two years ago, and though the campers had a little trouble with the sewing, I think the end result was well worth it. Absolutely gorgeous pillows. We stamped them using acrylic paints and then simply painted the dye over the fabric.

Carnival Scratch Mask

2008-05-06T06:30:00.000-07:00

From Blick Art Supplies
Link

Heavy Metal Book

2008-05-05T12:24:00.000-07:00

From Blick Art Supplies
Link

Earrings with Power Cord

2008-05-05T12:06:00.000-07:00

From Fire Mountain Gems

Link

Book Mark

2008-05-05T10:59:00.000-07:00

From Fire Mountain Gems
Link

Mother of Pearl Earrings

2008-05-05T10:25:00.001-07:00

FROM FIRE MOUNTAIN

LINK

Bracelet with Glass Beads and Memory Wire

2008-05-01T11:47:00.001-07:00

From Fire Mountain Gems
Instructions

Crystal Bracelet

2008-05-01T11:42:00.000-07:00

From Fire Mountain Gems
Instructions

Daisy Bracelet

2008-05-01T11:37:00.000-07:00

From Fire Mountain Gems
Materials Needed: click here

2008-05-01T11:07:00.001-07:00

We offer a jewelry program at camp. Along with the requisite "gimp" and "friendship bracelets", I have hopes of offering our campers experience in beading skills. Beading can be challenging for a camper, who only has 45 minutes to complete a bracelet (or earrings), particularly when part of that challenge is selecting beads for their project. (I know that I could spend hours upon hours just rummaging through bead bins!)

I've simplified it, a bit for the girls, by providing specific beads for specific projects. The final outcome is always more impressive, and again, it's that immediate gratification that we are going for!

This project, from Oriental Trading (of all places, they have an extensive variety of craft supplies and within the past couple of years, they have great craft ideas as well), look simple and cute...I like 'em.

Instructions

Buggy Hut

2008-04-09T11:37:00.000-07:00

It's always a challenge to come up with cool projects for boys. Maybe it's because I'm the ultimate girly-girl and I'm drawn to the more feminine projects. Nevertheless, we see boy campers once a day. The boys I see are 6-10, so Bug Catchers are a staple.

I found this one today, and I love it especially, because, I get to use our Ellison Die Cutter, which, by the way is THE COOLEST piece of equipment in the art center.

Instructions

Cornflower Sculpture

2008-04-02T05:46:00.001-07:00

I don't watch a lot of episodic TV. Therefore conversations about Desperate Housewives or Grey's Anatomy completely go over my head. I do however enjoy HGTV. Recently on Landscape Smarts, they redid this backyard. What I loved the most about this was the metal sculpture in the foreground. It's made with a flexible copper (the petals) and a toilet bowl thingy (the round part). I think it's somehow attached to a dowel, but the best part is that it twirls in the wind.

It's so beautiful, in fact this photo doesn't do it justice. My only issue is that the website didn't provide specific instructions, and frankly, The Camp Art Lady isn't all that clever without a "recipe". So guess what...I e-mailed the artist who designed it, and he responded! So I'm awaiting his instructions...hooray!

This is the artist...

Nick Legeros
Sculptor
Nicholas Legeros Inc.
Website: www.nikosculpture.com

Sculpture

Fairy Wand

2008-03-29T16:39:00.000-07:00

This would probably not go over well with our older campers, but I think our younger girls would enjoy making their very own magic wands. Okay, actually, I want MY very own magic wand.

I have shyed away from this project in the past, since I wanted to appeal to all ages, but I think this could be a really fun activity for our junior girls...and also...me.

Instructions can be found here.

Sunflowers

2008-03-29T16:19:00.000-07:00

Our Art Center offers Craft Activities such as Jewelry Making, Rocketry and Ceramics. Now and then, I love to offer lessons in Fine Arts, and I am always amazed at what our campers produce. One of my favorite lessons was based on Van Gogh's famous Sunflowers. We set up a vase of silk sunflowers and offered the campers acrylic paints. The finished products were varied and amazing. Even the youngest campers created impressive works.

More information on this project can be found here.

An Oldie But a Goodie - Paper Clay Bowl

2008-03-29T09:14:00.000-07:00

This was our first project EVER at camp. In fact, the bowl pictured above was created by my daughter when she was 8 years old. It is so simple and useful, and considering this one was made in 2003, it has held up pretty well after all these years.

The bowl above was made with Paper Clay, we softened with our hands, and then folded in glitter specs. We eventually started adding tempera paint right into the clay. When you work the paint into the clay, the clay changes color. Super cool. We rolled the clay out and molded around little plastic bowls from the dining hall. They dry overnight, feather light, yet surprisingly sturdy.

I found instructions for a similar project from Crayola.com

You can find project instructions here.

Now This Looks Like Fun! Packing Tape Casting

2008-03-21T17:02:00.000-07:00

I just found this amazing project at TapeSculpture.org.

If you Google "Packing Tape Casting", there are a ton of websites that give instructions. In a nutshell, you basically wrap any figure or object in packing tape, cut it off and then repair the seam.

This will be a huge hit with the campers, and I think a worthy exception to my "It should be useful" rule of thumb. This is one project that's just fun.

I can't wait!

Here's a Youtube video that shows exactly how it done.
I can't wait! (Did I already say that????)

Topiary, I Want One!

2008-03-18T17:44:00.000-07:00

Not sure that 14 year old girls would appreciate a topiary, but, once again this is something they can make look beautiful without having to be terribly talented artistically. Fake-o flowers from Walmart are inexpensive and a perfect addition.

These could be made in one class or 4, depending on how elaborate we would want to get.

The instructions call for Topiary forms, but I would opt for a foam ball attached to a wooden dowel.

Ribbons and pretty paper embellish this.

Instructions can be found here.

Gel-ly Bowls

2008-03-18T17:05:00.001-07:00

Dick Blick does it again. What a beautiful project! This is constructed with wire mesh, collage materials (i.e. tissue paper) and "gel medium". I wonder if you could simply use mod-podge (I love mod-podge)...I'm going to look into that.

I got to meet the creative forces at Dick Blick at a recent conference. Once again, I was not disappointed. They have a boatload of amazing projects that they haven't even posted online yet...I'll have to keep checking back...but they never fail to inspire me.

Again, I love this because it is useful, fairly inexpensive to construct, and a camper doesn't need to be Picasso to end up with a thing of beauty.

Instructions can be found here.

Tick Tock Block Clock

2008-03-18T16:47:00.001-07:00

Hello! How adorable is this. We have done clocks in the past, but this one is so original. The colors on the blocks are actually paper which is decoupaged on. And if Mod-Podge is involved, I'm totally into it.

I can see using different coordinating patterns to get a really cool effect, or we could simply paint these.

This is a great older girl project, though I think the younger girls would probably do well.

We need clock works, wooden blocks, mod-podge (of course!) and general embellishments.

From the geniuses at www.DuncanCrafts.com
Click here for instructions.

3d Chalk Drawings

2008-03-18T16:31:00.000-07:00

Okay, I'm pretty sure we are NOT going to do this project, but oh my, it is incredible.

Home Made Checkers

2008-03-18T14:46:00.001-07:00

I love when projects are USEFUL. Something that our campers will use during the winter and think about warm summer days. Something that their moms won't want to toss in the trash the minute they come home.

Several summers ago, we made our own Checkers Sets.

The campers painted checkerboards with acrylic paint on wooden boards. We sealed the paint with acrylic spray, or we could have used Envirotex for an extra shiny finish.

My daughter made hers in pink and green by first painting with the lighter color, and then masking off the areas to be checkered and then painting the darker color.

Checkers were made out of Sculpey in complimentary colors. It was just precious, and I think its time to pull that project and put it back into circulation.

Sculpey Swirley Frame

2008-03-17T19:56:00.000-07:00

We have used Sculpey clay every year. The colors are vibrant, the clay is easy to work with and the funnest part is when you can mix the colors to make new beautiful marble-y patterns.

Sculpey has come out with a new product called "Studio" by Sculpey. The colors seem richer, the finish is suede like, and they say that the finished product is more durable than projects made with traditional Sculpey.

Picture frames are always divine, everyone can use and enjoy them, and this project seems simple enough. Even though this is shown with the new Sculpey, I'll bet the good old classic Sculpey will work just fine.

Instructions for Sculpey Frame

Nature Necklaces

2008-03-17T07:47:00.001-07:00

Family Fun Magazine and website has a very clever array of original craft ideas. I kind of like this one, part nature, part jewelry.

The campers could spend the first ten minutes of their class hunting for beautiful stones, and then the balance working with wire to turn their finds into cool necklaces.

I think the younger campers would find this particularly appealing, and think this would be one of the few jewelry projects that might appeal to younger boys as well.

At our camp, we hold on to all projects until visiting day. I think our biggest challenge with this one will be keeping the campers from sneaking these back to their bunks!

Nature Necklace Instructions

Just for Monkey Girls

2008-03-15T09:52:00.001-07:00

We have offered a sewing class at camp for one season. Last year we made a lot of pillows, pillows, pillows. I'm hoping that we expand our repertoire this year, and thought what could be more appealing than the classic sock monkey.

I'm thinking this might be appropriate for our older campers only, since the younger girls might not yet have the fine motor skills needed for this craft.

My measure of a good project is whether or not I can do it. Sounds silly, right? Not really. I am a craft lover, not afraid to get messy and open to trying new things. But, I'm not patient! My skills aren't much different from our older campers...and believe me, some of the girls talents far eclipse mine!

So this one, I'm going to attempt myself...I'm a sucker for stuffed animals, and I have a soft spot in my heart for monkey girls. Assuming I finish, I'll post the results...and if it's really cute, there's a certain New York City Monkey Diva that'll get to keep it.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR SOCK MONKEY CRAFT

NEW! Carol Duvall Video - How to make a Sock Monkey!

Beaded Bottles

2008-03-13T07:59:00.001-07:00

Dick Blick is an Art Supply Company that I love. They come up with fresh project ideas every year, that are above and beyond any other company that I have worked with.

I'm extra lucky, because I'm going to meet the crafty geniuses from Blick tomorrow, when I attend the American Camping Association Conference. They always have amazing samples that I love to see.

This craft struck me as a simpler, yet more intricate kind of mosaic project. The beads are stuck onto the bottle with wax, and can be removed fairly easily if needed.

Instructions

I love Shrinky Dinks.

2008-03-12T14:19:00.001-07:00

Cute earrings, huh? Can you believe they're made with good old Shrinky Dinks? So simple and the best part is watching them shrink. Just when you think they are going to fold into themselves, and be ruined forever, they magically flatten out.

One caveat, always punch the hole in for the earring hook BEFORE baking, or else...

Great for key chains, necklaces, book marks, scrapbooking embellishments...endlessly wonderful.,

I love Shrinky Dinks.

Button Frame and Flowerpot

2008-03-12T10:21:00.001-07:00

What can I say, I'm a sucker for punishment. Mosaic work can be tedious, and is usually a big mess when we start the grouting process, but the end result is really wonderful.

This project is a little different because it uses buttons instead of tiles, and I think it looks really quirky and cute.

The how-to's can be accessed here:

Inspiration Card

2008-03-12T08:59:00.001-07:00

We have offered Scrapbooking to our campers for the past 4 or 5 summers, and this year, I'm planning to extend into Paper Crafting.

Here is a pretty card that can serve as a starting point for a lot of other cards.

We'll need some card stock, pretty scrap-paper, some embellishments, a nice choice of rubber stamps and colored pencils.

Another option would be to emboss the rubber stamp area as well.

Instructions for this card are here.

Painted Rocks

2008-03-12T08:23:00.000-07:00

This might be the simplest craft yet, I don't understand why we haven't ever done this. This would be great for boys and girls alike, and can run the gamut from simple to extremely detailed.

I love this most as a rainy day craft, since we need so little prep to get it ready. Just nice smooth rocks and stones and acrylic paint. Then we'll seal them with acrylic spray. Voila!

All Natural Bath Products

2008-03-12T06:17:00.000-07:00

Last summer, we created custom bath salts using
2/3 cup Epsom salts
2 or 3 drops of candle fragrance
A few drops of food coloring.

We stirred our mixture with wooden craft sticks, and poured our bath salts into glass jars which we decorated with pretty gem embellishments.

This was a great craft for our youngest campers, and though we didn't get a chance to do this with our oldest campers, they all seemed very interested. This summer, we will definitely give the older girls a chance.

I found a cool site called www.kitsforcrafts.com. They have all kinds of project kits and recipes for homemade, all natural bath products, just right for kids. Perfect!!!

Day One

2008-03-11T16:38:00.000-07:00

Every summer, I pack up my three children and head for 2 months as camp art director for a Pennsylvania overnight camp. Though I'm only at camp for 8 weeks, I spent many months preparing project ideas for our campers. This blog is going to journal the different project inspirations and ideas that I have.

Today, I have no inspirations, other than to start this blog! But, as soon as I start coming up with stuff, you'll be the first to know.