recycled bookmarks
Originally uploaded by dalbhat

I save all greeting cards so that we have fodder for different art projects such as decorating book covers made of old shopping bags, making new greeting cards, collages, or...bookmarks.

We like to give books as gifts to friends and this adds a very special, handmade touch. You can use old artwork pages also and do rubber stamp designs (see elephant stamp made from erasers on old water color page)

You can keep a file or envelope marked "bookmarks," and keep small patterns for the different bookmark sizes inside. Just pull the file out when it's time to recycle greeting cards, get the children to trace onto the card they like, cut it neatly and punch a hole. Now add some pretty yarns or strings at the top. Have fun!

Paper boats and hats

paperboat
Originally uploaded by dalbhat

Take a tip from Curious George! Kids love to fold paper boats and if it happens to be a day when puddles have formed outside, it is one of the most fun and inexpensive craft ideas I can think of!

The folding instructions are found in Curious George Rides a Bike by H.A. Rey!

The same fold can also be made into party hats!