NEW! Backpack Tags

By: Amanda Formaro Use fun shrinkable plastic to make personalized or character tags for your backpack, lunch box, umbrella, or even your jacket! These are a really fun way to carry around permanent pictures of you and your best friend, or a way to display your favorite cartoon character. What you'll need: • Shrinkable plastic • Key rings or lanyard hooks • Clear jewelry cord • Scissors • Hole punch • Water based markers • Acrylic sealer spray, matte finish • Cookie sheet • Brown paper grocery bag or a few brown lunch bags • Rubber stamps (optional) How to make it: 1. There are a few different types of shrinkable plastic to choose from. We found the kind made specifically for ink jet printers worked best because it allows you to use clip art and photographs for this project. Note that you will need to have a graphics or photo program on your computer that allows you to change the lightness setting of your images. You can also scan images to use for this project. If you're using inkjet shrinkable plastic, please follow the instructions on the package for best results. If you're using standard shrinkable plastic, use markers or colored pencils to write the child’s name and grade (along with their teacher’s name), and use a rubber stamp to add a design or character for your child to color in. Remember to write the words large enough to allow for the shrinkage that will occur. 3. Cut out the designs and use a hole punch at the end of the “tag”. Remember that the plastic shrinks to about a third its size which means the holes shrink too! You will need to make it about three times larger than you think it should be. 4. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for baking your designs. 5. Spray with acrylic sealer spray and allow to dry. 6. Run a piece of clear jewelry cord through the hole and attach both ends to a lanyard hook or key ring. Tips: Remember that the plastic shrinks to about 1/3 of the original size. Also, one brand mentioned in their directions that shrinkable plastic tends to shrink more one direction than the other.

Snowball Mix

Materials Approx. 1 Quart / 1.1 Litre Wide mouthed Jar Recipe ingredients as shown below Card for making tags Ribbon Zip Lock Bags Recipes in a Jar These make great gifts for friends and family for every occasion from Christmas to birthdays, to mothers day's and even just a pick me up for someone who is feeling down. For these recipes you will need a jar that holds around 1 quart or 1.130 litres. If your jar is airtight add the ingredients directly otherwise place them into an airtight or ziplock bag and attach the recipe card instructions. Tie the whole jar up with some cellophane or add some curling ribbons and a bow to finish off this gift Jar Ingredients: 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 cup chopped pecans In a medium bowl, combine the confectioners' sugar and flour. Place into a 1 quart canning jar. Put the chopped pecans on top and close the lid Tag Instructions: Snow Balls, Makes 4 dozen. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Grease cookie sheets. In a medium bowl, cream together 3/4 cup of shortening and 1/4 cup of margarine. Stir in 2 teaspoons of vanilla. Add the entire contents of the jar, and mix well. Roll dough into 1 inch balls and place them on the prepared cookie sheet. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until lightly browned. Cool, and roll in confectioners' sugar. Craft ideas by: Craftbits