This Week: POP-UP TENT

This little tent is great for Father's Day. It folds up into a tent-kit in a card.

Make this with your kids (there are a few tricky steps) then they can draw a nice landscape on the background. The welcome mat opens up! So leave a message under the mat.

Or, keep going and make the whole camp!

GET THE ARTWORK HERE

Or get the artwork in the "artwork downloads" column to the right. Print it out on 4" x 6" photo paper, and make sure the print size is 100%. You might need to save the file and print using a photo application.

This art is only for your personal use, and may not be reproduced.  And please, if you use my artwork, send me a picture of what you made, so I can pin it to my pinterest board.

Ready? There are 28 steps; my biggest project yet! Parents: watch out for those wire cutters, and tiny parts.

FIG. 1 Supplies: Pencil, ruler, detail scissors, tape (I used masking, but you could use transparent), two pieces construction paper (9” x 12”), glue stick, five bamboo skewers, and wire cutters (parents, you could also cut skewers with plant clippers or a sharp knife on a cutting board).

FIG. 2 Cut the tent-colored paper into two 6” x 7” pieces.

FIG. 3 Fold one piece of paper into thirds (across the short side), crease, open up.

FIG. 4 Fold the two side flaps in half again.

FIG. 5 Open the left flap. Fold the corners down (like you are dog-earing a book page). Notice you are folding two layers of paper on one side, and only one layer of paper on the other side.

FIG. 6 Close the left flap, and fold the right flap open, on top of the left flap. Fold the corners down.

FIG. 7 Close the right flap. Fold down the top and bottom points, crease, then open again.

FIG. 8 Open the box from the center flaps.

FIG. 9 Reverse the direction of the folds in the box corners and crease sharply. Congratulations you made a French Baker’s Box! Or, in this case, a tent base.

FIG. 10 Fold the remaining 6” x 7” piece of paper in half vertically, and then in half vertically again. Draw  horizontal lines 1 ½” from the top and bottom. The center should measure 4”.

FIG. 11 Draw diagonal lines between the folds to make two points on the top and bottom. Cut out the points. Save the big triangles for your flag base.

FIG. 12 Mark four skewers at 3 ½”

FIG. 13 Cut the skewers. BE CAREFUL! THE POINTY END WILL SHOOT ACROSS THE ROOM. POINT IT INTO A TRASH CAN.

FIG. 14 Lay two skewer pieces at the edge of a piece of tape. Leave a little space between them.

FIG. 15 Roll the tape around the skewers to make a hinge.

FIG. 16 Lay the hinged skewers just inside the lines on the tent. Tape down one side.

FIG. 17 Fold the tent at a right angle, and then tape down the other side. If you try to tape both sides flat, the paper will rip when you fold it.

FIG. 18 Fold back a tiny flap on each side of the tent opening. Put a piece of tape on the inside, and tape the sides together.

FIG. 19 Put the tent on the base.

FIG. 20 Cut your flagpole skewer to 5”.

FIG. 21 Fold the two big triangles, that you saved, in half, and glue them shut.

FIG. 22 Fold the triangles in half again and place them on either side of the flagpole. Attach with one piece of tape underneath and one on top.

FIG. 23 Open the stand and make adjustments so the flagpole stands up straight.

FIG. 24 Cut out the flags. Fold them in half, glue.

FIG. 25 Pinch the flags tightly onto the flagpole. Let dry.

FIG. 26 Glue the welcome mat onto a slightly a bigger card. You may have to tape two scraps together.

Fig. 27 Set up camp.

Fig. 28 Fold the pieces up. The tent top will need to be folded in half again. Fold the remaining piece of construction paper in half to make a card. Secure the tent pieces  to the card with strips of paper. You might want to draw a landscape on the top of the card.

Related articles

Week 17 {tiny paintings project}

Week 16 {tiny paintings project}

Week 21 {tiny paintings project}

This Week: KITCHEN SCRATCH PAPER

Keep scratch paper handy on this little hook. Possible categories to write on the label: "Shopping List", "Receipts", "Recipe Notes", or sometimes I just want to write “Take a Number” and put a number on each scrap of paper.

GET THE ARTWORK HERE

Or get the artwork in the "artwork downloads" column to the right. Print it out on 4" x 6" photo paper, and make sure the print size is 100%. You might need to save the file and print using a photo application.

This art is only for your personal use, and may not be reproduced.  And please, if you use my artwork, send me a picture of what you made, so I can pin it to my pinterest board.

FIG. 1 Supplies: Mat knife, Tacky glue, printout, poster hanging goo, (or stick-on magnet, depending on where you want to hang project), adhesive picture hangers, hole punch, scissors, scratch paper, pencil, glue brush, ruler, craft wood (I used 3/32 bass wood from model making section of art store).

FIG. 2 Make multiple passes with the mat knife to cut wood into pieces. Mine are 3 ½" x 6". For strength, make sure the grain is running the long direction.

FIG. 3 Cut out the art. Draw a centerline on the back of the art, at the bottom.

FIG. 4 Paint glue all over the back of the art. Line up the hook so you can see the centerline through the hole. The hook is facing the front of the art.  Trim off any of the tab that overhangs the art.

FIG. 5 Paint glue over the back of the hanger and place it on the top of the board.

FIG. 6 Cut poster adhesive into four small pieces and apply it to the back of the board.

FIG. 7 Punch holes in your scratch paper and hang it on the hook. Write a category on the label like “Farmer’s Market,” or “To Do.”

This week: LOCK GIFT WRAP

Thinking ahead,this could be a fun way to wrap a father's day present. Hint:get a small present. The chain is labor-intensive. You won’t want to make enough to wrap  a bicycle.  This project requires some delicate gluing. If your fingers get sticky, just go ahead and wash your hands. Don’t try to push through the mess. Getting the wires to line up, and stick down in position, is one of those things you just have to get right on the first try.

GET THE ARTWORK HERE

Or get the artwork in the "artwork downloads" column to the right. Print it out on 4" x 6" photo paper, and make sure the print size is 100%. You might need to save the file and print using a photo application.

This art is only for your personal use, and may not be reproduced.  And please, if you use my artwork, send me a picture of what you made, so I can pin it to my pinterest board.

 FIG. 1 SUPPLIES: Printout, tacky glue, glue brush, wire cutters, scissors, decorative paper for the back of the locks (something you can write on), X-acto knife, Floral stem wire (keep it straight! Bent wire will be difficult to work with.)Or you can use twist-ties - like the kind that come in produce or bulk bins, metallic and colored crepe paper. I used this kind of crepe paper. 

FIG. 2 Make the twist-ties. You are basically making the wire ties you get with the bags in the produce section of the grocery store. So if you want a green chain… To make a gold chain, cut a piece of gold crepe paper and stretch it out a little. It should end up 12” x 4” with the grain running in the 4” direction. Cut a piece of contrasting paper (red) just a little bit bigger.

FIG. 3 Cut the stem wire into 12” lengths, keeping them as straight as possible. Working in 1” strips, brush glue down the length of  the back of the gold paper. Make sure to get it in all the cracks. Lay a piece of wire in the glue and press it down with the edge of a pencil, or a bamboo skewer. Continue placing wires with a 1/8” gap between.  If you are using twist-ties instead of wire, put a little glue on the back of each tie and then line them up on the crepe, burnish the metallic side. Measure how long of a chain you need to make. My box is a 4” cube, so I used about 34” of chain. Each 12” wire section makes about 3” of chain, so I used about 12 strips of wire.

FIG. 4 Let the wires dry enough to stay in position. Paint more glue on top of the wires and sandwich the red crepe paper on top. Press both sides thoroughly with your fingers so the wire impression comes through evenly everywhere. Let Dry!

FIG. 5 Cut in between the wires to make long strips.

FIG. 6 Cut into 2” lengths with wire cutters.

Fig. 7 Fold one length in half, and then bend over the top edges and squeeze closed, to make an oval.

FIG. 8 Insert the next length and fold in half.

FIG. 9 Bend the ends, and close the link. If you want a strong chain, you should put a dot of glue in the closure of each link.

FIG. 10 Keep going until you get enough to wrap around the box one direction.

FIG. Loop the chain around the box and close with another link. Make two more sections for the other sides and connect them to the center front and back. Mount the artwork to the decorative paper backing and cut it out. Use an x-acto knife to cut out the holes. Write “To/From” on the back of a lock. And use more pieces of chain to attach the locks to the gift.

This Week: HAPPY BIRTHDAY PRIZE RIBBON

You can customize this prize with the correct number of candles for the birthday boy or girl. Just print out multiple copies of the art.

GET THE ART HERE

Or get the artwork in the "artwork downloads" column to the right. Print it out on 4" x 6" photo paper, and make sure the print size is 100%. You might need to save the file and print using a photo application.

This art is only for your personal use, and may not be reproduced.  And please, if you use my artwork, send me a picture of what you made, so I can pin it to my pinterest board.

FIG. 1 Supplies: Printout of artwork (make multiple copies to have enough candles for recipients over 11 years old), ½” masking tape, detail scissors, wire cutters, Tacky glue, floral stem wire, 3 ¼” poster board circle, 1 ¾” poster board circle, crepe paper in metallic and blue, and a pin-back if you want to wear the ribbon. I used this kind of crepe paper.

FIG. 2 Cut the metallic paper into a 2” x 8” strip with the grain running across the short side. Tape the ends together to form a tube.

FIG. 3 Flatten the tube out, stretching the outside edge. Glue the large circle to the center of the back.  Flip it over and glue the small circle in the center of the front.

FIG. 4 Cut out the artwork. Cut thirteen 1 ½” pieces of wire. Tape one to the back of each letter (make sure the letter is right-side-up), and trim excess tape.

FIG. 5 Repeat with all the letters.

FIG. 6 Tape the wire ends, one at a time, to the center circle. You may want to dry-fit the letter spacing before doing too many.

FIG. 7 Cut a strip of crepe paper 1” x 6” with the grain running across the short side.

FIG. 8 Flatten it out, and secure it in place with a piece of tape on the back.

FIG. 9 Glue the blue ruffle to the center, and then glue the cake on top. Fluff everything up a bit: stretch the crepe in opposite directions to ruffle the edges, and bend the wires toward you to lift the letters.

FIG. 10 Cut a piece of blue crepe paper 6”tall with the grain running across the width. The width will be determined by how many candles you are using. Glue candles along the bottom (with a tiny bit of glue) with 1/8” space between. I taped the paper to the table, with two small tape balls on the back, to keep it from curling and slipping.

Fig. 11 Cut between the candles.

FIG. 12 Tape the candles to the back one-by-one, checking the front to see positioning.

Fig. 12 I taped on a small loop of wire as a hanger. Or glue on a pin-back. Turn it over and stretch out the crepe on the candles in the back to make them hang a little lower. If you are using a lot of candles you may need to make two rows.

This Week: TINY FLOWER BOTTLES

Hang a little fragrant flower just about anywhere: from your bike, next to your desk, on the bathroom mirror, or on every chair at a party. You can stamp or hand letter a monogram on each tag. Or string a bunch together to spell out a word.

GET THE ART HERE

Or get the artwork in the "artwork downloads" column to the right. Print it out on 4" x 6" photo paper, and make sure the print size is 100%. You might need to save the file and print using a photo application.

This art is only for your personal use, and may not be reproduced.  And please, if you use my artwork, send me a picture of what you made, so I can pin it to my pinterest board.

FIG. 1 Supplies: Three flower tubes, printout, floral stem wire, scissors, wire cutters, Tacky glue, and crepe paper. I used this kind. Ask a flower shop for the flower water tubes. These are 3 ½” tall. Sometimes they come with pointy ends. You can use those too, but dry-fit the paper first because you might need to adjust the size.

FIG. 2 Cut the blue crepe paper 2 ½” wide x 5 ½” tall with the grain running top to bottom. Cut the orange paper 2 ½” wide x 3 ½” tall with the grain running crossways. Turn the blue paper face down and run a bead of glue 1” from the bottom. Attach the orange piece with grain running crossways.

FIG. 3 Cut fringe through both layers, almost to the top of the orange paper.

FIG. 4 Sparingly glue the blue paper, except for the top ¾” so you don’t glue the paper to the cap.

FIG. 5 Wrap the paper around the tube. You may need to add a dot of glue to the top seam near the cap.

FIG. 6 Cut a 2” piece of wire. Twist it tightly below bottle, to make a tassel.

FIG. 7 Cut out the artwork, keeping the circles attached together like wings. Bend a bottle into a trough shape and lay a bead of glue down the center.

Fig. 8 Attach the bottle just under the cap. Let it dry!

FIG. 9 Cut two 2” pieces of wire. Attach a loop to the center of the wire, with the ends about 1” apart.

FIG. 10 Lay the wire loop underneath the flower tube.

FIG. 11 Bring both ends around to cross in front, while simultaneously tucking the open tag art, face down, underneath the wire cross.

FIG. 12 Bring the ends around the back and twist.

FIG 13 Apply a small dot of glue inside the tag and pinch it tightly closed.  Add a monogram  to the tag.

FIG. 14 Remove cap, fill with water, replace cap, insert flowers in front of the wire loop. Hang it somewhere near enough to smell the flowers.

This Week: CHAMPION MOM

Give this prize ribbon to anyone who is a champion to you. If you want to get extra fancy, download the “Week 16 Elephant Brooch” artwork, and add some hanging jewels to this award.

GET THE ART HERE

Or get the artwork in the "artwork downloads" column to the right. Print it out on 4" x 6" photo paper and make sure the print size is 100%. You might need to save the file and print using a photo application.

And please, if you use my artwork, send me a picture of what you made, so I can pin it to my pinterest board. 

FIG. 1 Supplies: Printout, detail scissors (or an Xacto knife), wire cutters, pin back and tacky glue, thin floral stem wire, double-stick tape (not removable),baking parchment (see fig. 2), and crepe paper or ribbon. I used this double-sided and metallic paper. You could use ribbon too. But, the gold rosette in the center would be an advanced skill.

FIG. 2 Cover the back of the printout with double-stick tape. Press it onto the parchment paper as a sticker backing. Carefully cut out all the images. Keep the flowers and leaves together like butterflies. I used an Xacto knife to get the little bits inside the trophy handles.

FIG. 3 Remove the backing from the large circle art, and place it face down. Cut eight strips of crepe paper (or ribbon) 3 ½” x 1 ½”. Put a small piece of tape on one end of a strip. Bring the other end around to overlap the tape. Just overlap, don’t fold over. Stick four loops to the back of the circle art.

FIG. 4 Fill in between the loops, with four more loops.

FIG. 5 Cut a piece of crepe paper 1” x 4.” Tape the two ends together with a piece of double-stick tape on the back. Pinch the seam, so they are securely stuck together.

FIG. 6 Flatten out the rosette, stretching the outside edge carefully, while pressing down in the center.

FIG. 7 Add a few more bits of double-stick tape to the back of the rosette and stick it in the center of the loops. Peel the backing off the laurel wreath, and put it on the top.

FIG. 8 Cut seven 2” pieces of stem wire. Remove the backing from the leaves and flowers. Fold them around each stem, pinching tightly.

FIG. 9 Arrange the stems on the back of the trophy sticker. Add more tape on top of the stems.

FIG. 10 Stick the trophy vase to the center of the rosette. Bend the wires slightly to arrange the bouquet.

FIG. 11 Cut a strip of crepe paper 7” x 1.” Fold it in half, putting a small piece of tape in the fold to keep it in place. Cut a strip of (gold) crepe paper 3” x ½.” Put a piece of tape under one end and stick it to the center of the folded piece. Trim the ends.

FIG. 12 Put a small piece of tape on both sides of the ribbon's top fold. Turn the rosette over and carefully slip the ribbon underneath the circle art. Glue on the pin back.

This Week: FORTUNE COOKIE FAVORS

I love the contrasting look of plain craft or newsprint paper, combined with details of fancy, decorative paper. Wrapping paper is a good weight for this project. Change up the colors and messages inside to fit any occasion. Make a special winning gold ticket to hide inside of one.

Download the art here.

Or get the artwork in the "artwork downloads" column to the right. Print it out on 4" x 6" photo paper and make sure the print size is 100%. You might need to save the file and print using a photo application.

And please, if you use my artwork, send me a picture of what you made, so I can pin it to my pinterest board.

FIG. 1 Supplies: Floral wire, and wire cutters, A 3 ½” circle (like a jar lid),  masking tape, scissors and pinking sheers, a pen that writes on photos, artwork printout, pencil, ruler, glue stick, and a variety of paper.  I’ve used: wrapping paper that looks like craft paper, crepe paper, and some decorative wrapping paper details.

FIG. 2 Cut out a3 ½” circle and decorate it how you like.

FIG. 3 Cut a 10 ½” piece of wire and tape the ends together in a circle, slightly smaller than the paper disk.

FIG. 4 Coat the whole back of the disk with glue, especially the edges. Sandwich the wire between two layers of paper and press down thoroughly to enclose the wire. Trim the edges with pinking sheers.

FIG. 5 Press the discs under some books until the glue is thoroughly dry.

FIG. 6 Cut out the fortune papers and glue some decorative paper on the back. Write fortunes on them. Press until dry.

FIG. 7 Fold the cookie in half.

FIG. 8 Start folding the cookie in half the other way. Insert the fortune.

FIG. 9 Finesse the cookie to fold in half. You’ll need to pinch and straighten the ruffles and wires, while pushing up on the middle.

FIG. 10 The fortune should peek out one side.

Instructions for this fun project are over at Mom inc. Daily.

Get the artwork in the "artwork downloads" column to the right. Click on "Badges for Mom inc.  Print it out on 4" x 6" photo paper and make sure the print size is 100%. You might need to save the file and print using a photo application.

And please, if you use my artwork, send me a picture of what you made, so I can pin it to my pinterest board.

This Week: ELEPHANT BROOCH

Here is a brooch to go with the ones that I made for little hands over on Mom inc. Daily.

Get the artwork in the "artwork downloads" column to the right. Print it out on 4" x 6" photo paper and make sure the print size is 100%. You might need to save the file and print using a photo application.

And please, if you use my artwork, send me a picture of what you made, so I can pin it to my pinterest board.

FIG. 1 Supplies:  Printout, precision scissors, double stick tape (removable won’t be sticky enough), baking parchment, gold embroidery thread, and a pin back (and Tacky or hot glue) or you could use a safety pin or straight pin. Crepe paper (I used this), ribbon, felt or vintage paper to make a ruffle.

FIG. 2 Cover the back of the printout and stick it to the baking parchment. If you have an old piece of sticker backing that works too. Carefully cut around the images, you’ll end up with a pile of tiny stickers.

FIG. 3 If, you are using the gold embroidery thread, it unravels instantly. So, you will need to tie knots before you cut.

FIG. 4 Cut nine pieces ranging from 4” to 1 ½”.

FIG. 5 Sandwich one end of the string between two sides of a sticker, and squeeze them together tightly.

FIG. 6 Cut out some shapes to decorate your elephant.

FIG. 7 Remove the parchment from the back of the elephant face and arrange the shapes.  Stick the strings to the end of the trunk. Do three at a time, then add a tiny piece of double-stick tape between layers.

FIG. 8 Cut an 8’ x 2” piece of crepe paper with the grain running across the 2” dimension. Fold it in half

FIG. 9 Fan it out around the elephant’s head.

FIG. 10 Add the sticky back and glue on the pin back.

FIG. 11 Stretch the edges of the crepe paper in alternating directions to make a ruffle. Stretch and twist the points to give them some volume.

 This Week: PLAID POPSICLE BOOKMARK WITH NOTES

I thought I would continue the popsicle theme from my art contest entry. Thinking ahead to summer reading, this bookmark hides a place for ideas and page flags.

Get the artwork in the "artwork downloads" column to the right. Print it out on 4" x 6" photo paper and make sure the print size is 100%. You might need to save the file and print using a photo application.

And please, if you use my artwork, send me a picture of what you made, so I can pin it to my pinterest board.

FIG. 1 Supplies: Printout, glue stick, index card or other card stock, decorative paper (I used origami paper, but you can omit the index card layer if your decorative paper is thick), small post it notes and page flags, 8” of cord, and scissors.

FIG. 2 Glue the printout to the paper, wrong sides together. If you are using card stock to thicken the cover, sandwich that in between the printout and the decorative paper. Cut around the popsicles and fold the cover in half.

FIG. 3 Cut the popsicle stick off the front cover.

FIG. 4 Glue the piece of popsicle stick to the inside of the back cover, securing the end of the cord between layers.

FIG. 5 Tie a square knot in the leash (you can hang this out of the bottom of the book to mark your place) and add a few notes and flags, but not the whole stack.