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Fun Frame Craft for Children

heidishome by heidishome

Classroom Party Craft for Small Children

I always love the crafts my children bring home. The crafts I always hold close to my heart are the ones that are personal. This is a fun activity for any school, home party or just a rainy afternoon. It is simple and easy for the children. There are also several variations depending on the age of the group. This is perfect for Mother's Day, Father's Day, Valentines day or any other holiday activity.

Frame Craft Supplies

Supplies needed to make a personalized photo frame

This is an inexpensive and easy craft you can do with your children or with a class.

  • Unfinished wood frames-This type of frame typically costs in $1-$2 range. You can find them at craft stores like Michaels or I have a few listed below from Amazon.

  • Craft Paint - Select a paint that is age appropriate. My favorite is a washable variety. The color will not be vibrant but it also will not permanently ruin furniture or clothing. Factor in the age and skill level of the children when selecting the paint.

  • Craft Paper - This is needed to cover the work space. Newspaper works just as well.

  • Brushes - I use foam brushes because they are easy for the children to use and paint well. You can use any brush type. Small shaped sponges are also fun if you are allowing the children to paint their own frame.

  • Foam Stickers-Foam sticker are fun and easy to peel for ages as young a 3. They come in a variety of different themes and are great for any type of party.

  • Camera - Take photos of all the children a few hours/days in advance and have them developed in Sepia Tone. It only takes a few minutes and you can send them on-line to a local photo development store like Walmart or CVS and have them printed within an hour.

  • Smocks
    • If you are allowing small children to paint their own frames have smocks or old t-shirts handy.


Prepare the area by laying down the craft or newspaper. Paint the frames and allow to dry based on the recommended drying time of the paint you selected. Once dry, adhere the foam stickers to the frames to decorate.

Search for Frame Supplies

Craft supplies can be found at local department stores such as Walmart, Target, Michaels and Hobby Lobby. There is also a great variety of craft supplies on Amazon. Search here to find additional supplies not listed in this article.

Tips

You can alter this craft based on the age of the children.
  • Pre-paint the frames for smaller children or for shorter craft times.
  • Use shaped sponges as paint brushes for fun effects.
  • For older children use fun objects and glue to decorate the frame such as buttons, ribbons and beads.
  • Take the photos based on the theme of your frame.
  • Plan how much time you have for the craft. Allowing the children to paint and both decorate will take longer times than having the freames pre-painted and ready.

Purchase Wood Frames

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Foam Frames

If you do not have time to paint and decorate wood frames, consider using foam frames. Place magnets on the back and they make cute refrigerator frames!
FRAMES,FOAM,MAKES 30

FRAMES,FOAM,MAKES 30

Amazon Price: (as of 05/31/2012)Buy Now
List Price: $7.99

Foam Stickers

There are tons of options on Amazon for foam stickers. There are stickers for themes like Valentines Day, St Patricks Day, Christmas, Zoo Animals, Under the sea to name a few.
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Painting Craft Supplies on Amazon

Be creative when painting. Standard brushes are great but foam shapes and brushes can add dimension and creativity.
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Please Leave Feedback

And before you leave check out the supplies below.

  • mypotlpeople Feb 7, 2011 @ 12:47 pm | delete
    I love this craft idea. I will definetly try this with my niece.
  • Senora_M Nov 17, 2010 @ 1:48 pm | delete
    Good idea! My boys are too young, but good idea for the future. Thanks for the lens!
  • SquidooKimberly Sep 13, 2010 @ 8:13 am | delete
    I tried this once with my stepkids and they loved it. Don't plan for it to be an all afternoon activity though...most kids' attention spans are barely long enough to explain directions and they'll zip through the painting. As long as you're dragging out the paint, I've found it helps to have a few different pieces for them to work on.
  • MsSnow4a May 15, 2010 @ 8:18 pm | delete
    Looks like alot of fun :)
  • NaturalMindset May 6, 2010 @ 8:22 pm | delete
    5* and featured on Card Crafting Ideas for Kids!
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This So Crafty page written by

heidishome

I am a mom that would love to be Erma Bombeck with a splash of Chelsea Handler. I work full-time as a senior financial analyst. Mostly I try to find h... more »

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