Some occasions call for a set of greeting cards – so here is one way of making a very special set of invitation or thank you cards. Although there are many many simple print making techniques that can be used, I really like this polystyrene tray print making method. It is simple to do and you are also recycling at the same time. Note that if you want to do text, you will need to do it in reverse so that it prints correctly.
This is a lovely way to make use of those puzzles missing some pieces. A great way to make Dad, or anyone else who deserves it, feel very special.
If like us, you want to make this card, but all your puzzles are intact – just trace some pieces instead. If you do have some spare puzzle pieces, paint the backs of them some nice bright colors and then have the children think of lots of ways that their dad is special to make this just lovely fathers day card.
Write the message ‘Dad we love you to pieces’ on the card and glue on the puzzle pieces with your special words and you will have a very memorable fathers day card.
I found this craft when I was researching ideas for one of the Paper Crafts for Children newsletters. It was not right for the theme of the newsletter but it is right for this site as it is quick and easy and turns out great.
Start with some green paper or lightweight card. Fold it in half and cut the shape like below, make sure the top of the crocodile (dino) is on the fold.
Cut out the mouth shape and cut angled slits along the fold.
Fold the cuts as pictured to make the ridged back of the crocodile (or dino!).
Add some skin texture with bits of paper like I have done, or you could paint or draw on the crocodile (dino) to decorate it. Add some teeth and an eye and then you just have to decide if you have created a dinosaur or a crocodile – well at least they are related.
You can of course write a message on the inside and use it as a greeting card, but the spikes along the back make it hard to open fully and it looks just great as a standing up critter.
Or get your children involved and use them to create special cards for Mothers or Fathers Day, or Valentines Day – or don’t wait for a reason, just make them because you want to!
Dribble the shape of some hearts with some acrylic paint and when it is dry color the shapes you have made with dye or runny paint.
Dribble a heart shape with acrylic paint or PVA glue and then use that as a print base to take a print from or do a crayon rubbing.
Cut half of a heart shape out of the fold of the card and then paint a heart shape in gold.
Draw a picture into a polystyrene tray with a pen or sharp pencil. Use that as a print base by dabbing or rolling paint onto it and then using the paper to pick up the image.
Dab around the outside of a heart shape with a suitable color and some gold paint for sparkle.
Some of my favorite cards for children to craft for Mothers Day and of course Grandmothers Day too.
Handmade paper is a great paper craft for children, this one has something extra to turn it into a great gift for someone special like a Mother for Mothers Day, she can plant your paper and grow a bunch of flowers.
Usually when you make paper you need some special equipment, it is not too hard to organise, but you can also make small amounts of paper without it which we have done here. These specially shaped bits of paper have some seeds added to them while the pulp was still wet.
Once they are dry, you can write some seed planting instructions on them before giving it to someone, or use it as a gift tag.