When I tell people I love to do crafts, I usually get, “Me Too!”, or ,”I can’t craft to save my life”. I also love to teach people how to do crafts and I love exchanging crafts ideas. Especially during holiday season when you can hand make great gifts for family and friends. Every season brings different craft ideas so I decided to start a Monthly Craft Exchange. We’ll be adding our links to our crafts the first of every month.

• Why only once a month? Crafts take time- you need to purchase, make time, and actually make the craft. They also range from an hour to Two weeks, depending what you’re making.

• What should I include in my post? You should include step by step instructions and pictures if possible. I also include my email for any questions, after all, we want the person to be able to complete our craft. Please also include the link to our linky so your readers can enjoy everyone’s craft.

• I’ve never crafted but would love to be a part of the craft exchange. Please join by trying some of the crafts posted, before you know it, you’ll have ideas of crafts to make and you can add your link too.

Let’s get Started!!

My craft for November is to create the perfect Thanksgiving table (with the kids help)

Leaf Placemats-

Items needed: Colored leaves, Wax paper, crayons, Iron, (towels are optional)

1. Have the kids collect colored leaves.
2. Rip 2 piece of wax paper about 14 inches long (the size of a placemat)
3. The kids can now place approx 5-8 leaves randomly on one sheet of the wax paper (don’t cover the whole thing, leave room between) Leave the edges of the wax paper clear at least 1 1/2 inch
4. Shave different color crayons in between the leaves directly on the wax paper
5. Add 2nd piece directly on top of leaves and crayon, lining up edges
6. Iron over wax paper to melt crayons and wax paper together.

****I usually lay wax paper on large towel to protect my table/// I also lay a dish towel over wax paper gently and iron – lifting towel to check when its melted together.****

7. Trim edges…Done!

Centerpiece

Items needed: Colored Bowl, 3 pillar candles (different heights), pine cones, cinnamon sticks, 2 artichokes, 2 tapered candles

1. In bowl stand 3 pillar candles
2. add pine cones around candles
3. add cinnamon sticks around candles & pine cones

1. Slice bottom of artichokes so they will stand up with out tipping over
2. plunge tapered candle through bottom of artichoke (in the middle) until it comes out of the top.

You now have artichoke candle holders to place on each side of your centerpiece. Done

Place Cards- This one is for the kids to make

[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Q8BWB1TD9o]

Add your Craft link here

[]