These beautiful hand-illustrated paper doll templates are perfect for Spring. There’s one for boys and one for girls – or both for both! You can find more paper toy templates here or scroll down for this one! This post contains affiliate links.

Download the Spring dress up dolls here!

To follow up with my winter paper doll printables, I created a Spring version! They are compatible with each other – you can use them together as a set! I used the same template but redesigned the base doll so that you have different characters, but they can swap clothing.

These were designed as a boredom buster, and a tool to teach kids about weather-appropriate dress up. They are perfect for teaching about changing seasons and for encouraging kids to start choosing their own clothing.

So whether you want this for your weather lessons, a sick day activity, a rainy day boredom buster, or just because, these paper doll printables are perfect for you!

These paper doll templates are also just plain fun! I loved these as a child and your child will too – especially since this is a color-your-own printable!

I illustrated these digitally using a pen in my Surface pro – so you get sharp lines with hand-illustrated, storybook feel. I kept it somewhat realistic for children to relate to, and focused on different hair styles, eye shapes, etc (your child adds the skin tone!) so that every child can feel part of this!

There are two ways to assemble these paper doll templates.

I did mine using the Print then Cut feature on myCricut Explore Air 2, but you can also just print and cut out the PDF on your own.

Download the Spring dress up dolls here!

Click on the image to get the set you want! You’ll be taken right to the listing in my Etsy shop. If you’re looking for the winter set, get it here.

Get the girl paper dolls!

Get the boy paper dolls!

Get both sets bundled!

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How to print and assemble your paper doll templates:

You need:

• Cardstock
• Scissors
• Markers (I used these)
• A printer

(Instructions are also included on your actual printables.)

1. When printing, choose to print actual size so all paper dolls are compatible with each other.
2. Print on card stock.
3. I find it easier to color before cutting, unless you’re cutting it in advance for your child.
4. Cut out around the outer border.
5. Fold down the tabs.
6. Dress up your doll!

Print then Cut with Cricut Explore Air 2:

I recently became a proud Cricut user, so if you’re wondering about using your cutting machine to make this easier, I have your back!

For a change, I made these paper doll templates with Print then Cut-ready PNG files. These files have white backgrounds on the areas you’ll want to color, but are transparent around the cut border.

You’re welcome.

You need:

• Cardstock
• A Printer
• A Cricut machine (Explore Air 2 or Maker)
• Fine point blade (included with your machine)
• Blue mat (included with your machine)
• Spatula, weeding tool

How to print then cut these paper doll templates:

First, download the Zip file that you received with your purchase and move your images to a new folder.

Open Design Space and create a new project. Click “Upload” and then “Upload Image”.

Find the image you want to upload. Choose “Complex” and then continue.

You don’t need to do anything on the next screen – just hit “continue”. The checkered background is for transparency.

Choose “save as a print then cut image” but take a peek at the “cut image” because that’s exactly how your image will cut after it prints. Name and tag your image so you can easily find it later.

Do this for each image. Once all your images are uploaded, select them and hit “insert images”.

Resize your images to the desired size – but make sure you do it proportionately so that the clothing fits!! Your max size for “Print then cut” is 9.25×6.75 inches so make sure it fits. Then hit “make it”.

Design Space will automatically lay out your paper doll templates to print then cut. It’ll also add a box around your print file. That’s their “registration” marks – the scannable points from where Design Space figures out where to cut. Hit “Continue” and keep on following the prompts to print then cut your image.

I leave bleed “on” when I print then cut, so that if my calibration is slightly off, it still looks good.

You’ll see that when you set up your cut, there’s a blue light that first locates the box around your image.

Then it’ll cut beautifully.

If your cutting is a bit off, you may need to calibrate your machine. Read how to calibrate Print then Cut here.

Remove your parts carefully using the spatula and weeding tools.

Once again, you can download your paper doll templates here!

Loved this? Try the free paper dolls coloring pages to design your own!

Or, find more of my paper crafts for kids below:

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The post Paper Doll Templates for Spring – Print & Craft! appeared first on Moms and Crafters.

This post was originally published in August 2017 and sponsored by STABILO. It was updated to make it more relevant today!

I love crafting alongside M and I know that many of you love to bond over craft time as well.

So I designed this fun paper houses craft to be something that moms (or grandmas, aunts, and babysitters) can create together with kids of all ages.

I truly believe that arts ‘n crafts come in all sizes, and I love crafts that ANYONE can do, which is why I took this direction. You can add texture and detail and make this craft more complex.

Or, do like M did and just color for the fun of it!

I pulled out our big stash of coloring supplies, and set it up on the dining room table so that M and I can craft together.

M and I colored these using a mix of STABILO markers. M loves using the Power Max markers because it looks just like the Power markers that I use, but it’s chunkier and easier for him to grip. I love them because they’re washable, and don’t dry out for a long time, even if he forgets to cap them.

Color-in paper toys are the perfect “together” activity, because they are open-ended enough for multiple age groups to enjoy. I designed these with a mature enough style for adults but it’s still relatable for kids.

Even though they’re designed for kids, I found the Power markers to be so much fun to use! The color quality is on par with my “grown-up” markers but it has the same quality as the Power Max markers: if I forget to cap them properly, they don’t dry out for weeks!

These printable paper houses were created in a blend of whimsical and realistic styles.

You’ll find vintage homes, fairy houses, and even an apartment block!

I also included a copy of my “blank template” that I designed as the basis for these so that you can get more creative and design a simple paper house yourself.

You can leave the doors and windows as is, or cut them open. When you’re done, they are the perfect DIY paper toy, holiday display, or whatever you want to use them for! Add them to your car play or to your train set for a customizable play experience for your little ones!

You can also color them in holiday themes to turn them into seasonal decor (especially the whimsical styles!) You can see how I printed these on colored paper to turn them into printable paper houses for Christmas here!

If you’re looking for a more 3-D paper house template try using the template for this gingerbread house craft – it can be made as any type of paper houses!

Ready to get crafting? On to the printable and the tutorial!

What you need to create beautiful paper houses:

• The printables – download them by entering your email address into the form below, and then check your inbox for the PDF file! Print them on card stock.

 

Download Your Paper Houses

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•  Markers
• Optional: a craft knife (adults only)
• Optional: glue stick

How to craft and assemble these printable paper houses:

Watch the video below to see it in action. Or scroll down for step-by-step photos:

1. Color, color, color! This part is the most fun! Use different shades of similar colors for a little extra texture.

Add your own detail, or to simplify things, combine details and color them in together.

Or, add your own detail to the blank templates.

2. Cut out your printable paper houses using scissors. If you want (grown-ups only) you can cut out details such as windows and doors. On this one, I even made the shutters open and close.

3. (Grown ups only) use a craft knife to cut slits in the lines underneath your house as pictured.

4. Fold your house on the dashed lines – those are marked for folding.

5. Insert your tabs into the slots from the outside inward. This is a bit difficult. If you pull it through from the inside of the house, it will work, but if need be you can widen the slots (it will just be less secure once assembled).

If you really want the kids to be able to complete this on their own, you can skip the “tab and slot system” and just glue the tab to the base. If you DO use the tab and slot, you can fold them flat for storage, but kids will need help cutting the slots open, and may need help pulling the tab through.

They’ll also need help if you’re doing cutout windows and doors.

Details, details, who cares? The idea is that you have the time of your life creating these paper houses and that you allow yourself and the kids to be creative while doing so.

Don’t be afraid to use color and imagination as I did when creating the templates.

What will you be using these paper houses for? Comment below!

Want more like this? Check out these adorable mix ‘n match animal blocks that are great for crafting together too!

You can also check out the printable paper gingerbread house template!

Still haven’t printed your paper houses? Print them by entering your email address below and then check your inbox! (Check your spam folder too if you don’t see it right away).

 

Download Your Paper Houses

Sign up for updates and your download will arrive right in your inbox!

send it to me!

Thank you for subscribing!

The post Foolproof Free Printable Paper Houses for kids and grown-ups! appeared first on Moms and Crafters.

My boys are obsessed with glasses. I don’t know what it is about them – maybe it’s because both my husband and I wear them and they want to be like us?

I don’t know, but I’ve been meaning to create these paper glasses for them to play with for ages!

You can assemble these paper glasses a few ways. You and your kids can color them in and create new designs. Or, trace the templates onto scrapbook paper to create them.

They were designed to fit kids’ faces but they might be a bit off since every face is different so just adjust them to suit your needs by enlarging the eye holes as needed.

For the temples, I was planning on using craft sticks with the end bent back. I did that on some, but I found it easier to cut a paper straw to fit. If you want you can create your own temples from card stock and color that too.

We love coloring crafts that then double as toys, like these paper houses and clothespin puppets we did a year ago.

I colored some using Stabilo Power markers:

And some using dot markers:

If you’re going to be coloring these directly on the template, make sure to print it on card stock.

If you’re going to be tracing it onto scrapbook paper, it doesn’t matter what you print it on.

What you need to make paper glasses:

• The template – print it below:

• Scissors
• Coloring supplies OR Scrapbook paper (go for thicker, card stock papers)
• Craft sticks and a utility knife OR paper straws
• An adorable kid model…

How to make paper glasses:

Watch the video below, or scroll down for the step-by-step photos and tutorial:

 
1. Color in your glasses.

2. Cut it out.

3. Cut out your eye holes.

4. Or trace it on scrapbook paper instead of coloring.

(Optional: Back it on another piece of card stock for reinforcement.)

5. Score the tip of a craft stick well with a craft knife (grown-ups only).

6. Bend it back. You might not have 100% control of this, but do the best you can. Trim if needed.

7. Glue your temples onto your glasses fronts.

8. Or, trim paper straws to size and glue those in place.

9. Prop your glasses against something that’ll hold them in place (a stack of books, etc) until the glue is set.

Look how proud M is to be wearing these paper glasses!

What are you making these paper glasses for? Which variations will you be trying? Comment below!

Want more like these paper glasses? Check out the cool ideas below!

The post Paper Glasses – Color-in Pretend Glasses Craft appeared first on Moms and Crafters.

Not long ago, when I was challenged to come up with clothespin crafts, I discovered the art of making puppets out of clothespins. The clothespins are the perfect tool for opening and closing the mouth.

When my first set of clothespin puppets went viral, I was trying to come up with follow-ups but felt like my creativity was getting me nowhere! Giving it some time worked, and eventually I stumbled into this idea on Pinterest. The problem is, it didn’t come with a link or instructions, so I figured I’d be inspired and create my own version of it.

The cool thing about these toilet paper roll clothespin puppets is that you don’t even need to use the template (although that makes it more fun!) You can stick to googly eyes and pom pom noses with  yarn hair. The slit in the toilet paper roll automatically turns it into a mouth. But I like to give you extra resources to make this craft easier, and more doable with young kids (who may struggle with using the right kinds of glues that’ll actually keep googly eyes stuck on…).

I actually mixed it up a bit. My “drama king” puppet I made using only parts  of the template.

On my quirky lady puppet, I used parts of the template but added in a pom pom nose and yarn hair.

However you craft these toilet paper roll clothespin puppets, you can rest assured that it will come out good. The main thing is to keep the craft open-ended and to inspire creativity.

When you’re done, these are an amazing fine motor toy, a cool way encourage self-expression, and a fun communication tool. I’ve had people tell me that they use puppet crafts for all of the above purposes, to teach about mood and feelings, to teach music, as a literacy tool, and so much more.

You can also try these toilet paper roll clothespin puppets in a turkey puppet version for a super fun Thanksgiving craft!

How to make toilet paper roll clothespin puppets

What you need

• Paper tubes (or toilet paper rolls). If you don’t like the idea of using used toilet paper rolls, here are some ideas: Buy them new, cut paper towel tubes in half, or squeeze and pinch to get them out of a clean roll of toilet paper.
• Clothespin
• Hot glue gun – adults only. Other types of glues might work, but I chose hot glue because it dries quickly. Since it’s an awkward position, you may want this advantage
• Any glue for the facial features
• Markers (I used Stabilo Power markers)
• Scissors
• Paint. I used this beautiful craft paint that I received from Plaid as part of their Ambassador program. I also used this black paint.
• Optional: accessories such as pom poms, yarn, googly eyes, etc.
• The template – download at the end of this post

Process

Watch the video tutorial below, or scroll down for step-by-step photos and instructions

1. Cut your toilet paper roll about 1/3 of the way through. You can semi-smash it while doing this – it won’t really ruin the shape.

2. Adults only – hot glue your clothespin to the smaller half of your toilet paper roll as pictured.

And then do the same with the larger half on the other side. If you’re working with young kids, this would end the “adult prep” portion of the toilet paper roll craft and you can hand the “blank template” over to the kids.

 3. Paint your base a fun color. Set it aside to dry.

4. Color the parts of the template that you plan to use.

5. Cut them out.

6. And glue them on (make sure to do it in order of how you want it to lay – nose over mustache, eyes over nose, etc.)

7. You can glue the ears on flat, or do what I did: bend a small flap of the ear back and add as trip of glue, using the folded part to attach it, so that it sticks out.

8. To make the yarn hair, you need to know how to make a flopped pom pom. . Wind yarn around your hand/four fingers until you like the thickness.

9. Place another strip of yarn on the inside, as pictured, perpendicular to the others.

10. Slide it off your hand and tie your string tightly.

 11. Flip it over and cut the loops open.

You should end up with this. Trim it if you want to, or leave it super messy like I did.

12. Before we attach the hair, I wanted to show you a few variations on this puppet. If you’re using a mouth as one of your facial features, cut it in half, and place one half on top of the clothespin, and one on the bottom.

13. To attach hair, I first flattened the top so that it sits better. I hot glued (adults only) the top front to the top back.

14. I hot glued it on (adults only), first placing a strip of glue in the front and then in the back, attaching the same hair on both sides (it’s hard to explain with words but it works…)

Now that you’re done crafting your toilet paper roll clothespin puppets,  it’s time to put on a puppet show!

 Make one or make a dozen – the main thing is to have fun with it!

Download your free printable TP roll clothespin puppet template

To download, fill out the form below. You’ll be signed up for our free newsletter – unsubscribe at any time in the footer of the emails. I respect your privacy and the law and won’t share your information with anyone.

What or whom will you be using these toilet paper roll clothespin puppets for? Check out some more cool toilet paper roll crafts here and comment below!

The post Toilet Paper Roll Clothespin Puppets (Free Printable Templates) appeared first on Moms and Crafters.

For ages, I’ve been wanting to do some unicorn puppets in the same style as my original clothespin puppets. Since I discovered those, I’ve been making loads of  clothespin crafts, but I wanted to go back to that original puppet idea and make something fun.

More importantly, I wanted to create some fun and crazy unicorn hair with the yarn like I did last time. I didn’t have rainbow colors in yarn, so that one fell flat a bit, but I tried another version with embroidery floss.

I created two unicorns for you to download – one is slightly more “realistic” (if you can even use that word for a unicorn…) One is more fun – kind of like kawaii style. That one was created simply by adding unicorn elements to the design of my original clothespin puppets.

Clothespin puppets are great for so many things: as an OT tool, for fine motor skills, to teach about mood, expression, as a reading tool, and so many more great ideas that my readers have suggested to me. Craft them and play with them however you’d like!

Come join the Sisterhood of Crazy Crafters so that you can share your own crafts and find inspiration from fellow crafty sisters!

What you need to make unicorn clothespin puppets:

• The template. Print it by entering your email below:

 [convertkit form=5161543]

• Markers (I used Prismacolor Premiere including the portrait pack for the paler colors)
• Clothespins
• Yarn or embroidery floss
• Glue – I used wood glue for the paper and clothespins, and tacky glue for the hair. You can most likely use tacky for both
• Scissors

How to assemble your unicorn clothespin puppets:

 
Watch the video below, or scroll down for step-by-step photos and instructions:  

 
1. Color your puppets. You two sets of each style on your printout – print a unicorn and its mirror image to make one of your clothespin puppets.

2. Cut out your template, and cut it across where the mouth is.

3. Glue the top half to the side of your clothespin. You might need to work around the metal bits and hold it for a few seconds until it sets.

3. Repeat with the bottom half, and then flip over and glue the mirror image to the other side.

I made two different styles of hair for the unicorn clothespin puppets:

4. Braided hair: Cut out a few lengths of yarn for the hair

5. Knot them, leaving about an inch at the top to allow for some “bangs”.

6. Braid them together.

7. When it’s as long as you’d like it to be, knot it and trim.

8. Glue it so that the knot sits about where the ears are.

I glued it once on each side to the inside of each ear, held it in place for a few seconds until it set, and then reinforced it as I felt necessary.

9. For the unbraided hair: 
This will work with yarn or embroidery floss, but since I used floss, I’ll write accordingly. Cut about 20 or so pieces of embroidery thread – a few of each color in long, uneven lengths.

10. Tie one piece around the others about an inch from the top, so that the ends of your knot will mostly fall in line with the rest of the “hair”.

11. If you like the messy look, scrunch it up to mess it up.

12. Glue it in place like you did the previous style.

Invite over some friends and put on a show!

And don’t forget to join the Sisterhood of Crazy Crafters so that you can share what you’ve done!
 


 
 

If you loved these unicorn clothespin puppets, check out the crafts below too!

The post Clothespin Puppets – Unicorns! (Free Template) appeared first on Moms and Crafters.

It’s very important to me to inspire my kids to love reading.

One of my favorite ways to turn reading into a happy habit in our home is to carve out special reading nooks and areas where kids can unwind.

• We have a small chair with a bookcase full of kids’ books in our living room.
• In the kids’ room, we typically keep a tee-pee with floor pillows, open and ready for the kids to read in.
• We also have a hanging hammock chair, the perfect, cozy spot for little readers.

A few weeks ago, I made this book tote so that the kids can choose the books they like to read and bring a few at  a time to the reading nook of their choice. I decided to create some wall art that can work in any of these reading areas to help complete the picture.

Involving the kids in creating their home library:

You know how you get attached to something that you create, and it becomes a part of you?

Kids work the same way.

That’s why involving the kids in the process of building up the home library will make them more attached, and want to read more.

M was so excited when we got the free books that HE chose via the Fantastic Scholastic Book Giveaway in the mail!

Another cool way to involve the kids further is to allow them to color the wall art on their own!

You can download the free printable color-in AND full color versions by entering your email in the form below. Check your inbox for the files. I created it as a 2 page PDF so just choose the page number of the one you’d like to print.

[convertkit form=5124876]

Time is running out to help your child choose some FREE books!

Reading opens up a World of Possible, and when you can get free books, everyone wins!

Since 2012, Kellogg’s and Scholastic have been partnering to get books into kids’ hands—here’s how:

1. Buy participating Kellogg’s products at Walmart
2. Send a photo of your receipt.
3. Get a credit to get your free book!

Text BOOK to 89332 to see participating products (message and data rates may apply).

Each item purchased equals a free Scholastic book – so this is the perfect time to stock up! And the best part? Your child can choose which books you receive from over 80 titles!

When you upload your receipt (purchase deadline 9/30/2017, receipt upload deadline 10/30/2017) you get Kellogg’s Family Rewards credit toward a Scholastic book (redemption deadline 11/30/2017).

You can keep the book, or even donate it to your library, another great way to involve kids and get them to love reading! Learn more about how to get your free books here.

Do you have a special reading nook for the kids to relax in? What are some ways you involve your children in building up your home library? Comment below!

Click here to learn how to get free books from Kellogg’s and Scholastic!

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Kellogg’s. The opinions and text are all mine.

The post Reading Nook Wall Art – Free Printable appeared first on Moms and Crafters.

If I didn’t create printables myself, I would have never guessed the wealth of resources out there- there are so many awesome paper toy templates that you can find online. The ones that are listed here are just a small sampling of what’s available- you only have to look! I have a dedicated list of printable puppets so check that out too!

Gone are the days where we had to choose between plain paper or a coloring book. There are so many exciting ways to play and create with printables. What I love about these paper toy templates is that they are not limited to any season or time of year- you can print these out for a rainy day, a lazy Sunday or some good old family bonding any day of the year.

Copyright:

All of the images for these paper toy templates were used with the permissions of the respective bloggers for the purpose of this post. Click on the title link or image for the full tutorial. 

I have created a square and vertical image for your convenience for sharing these paper toy templates. Please use the first or last image in this post when sharing and not one of the individual photos below, out of respect for the creators’ copyrights.

14 Free Printable Paper Toy Templates:

1. Clothespin Puppets

These puppets are so simple to make, and so much fun to play with! Using a printable, some yarn and clothespins, they’re not just for a puppet show- use these printable puppets for fine motor play, and all sorts of games. You can also try a Thanksgiving turkey puppet using clothespins!

Watch the video:

2. Pretend Play Watermelon

The perfect summer activity- because who doesn’t love watermelon? Use these as a centerpiece for your BBQ, or add them to your child’s kitchen toys.

Watch the video:

3. Pretend Play Groceries

I love the fact that when my kids destroy one of their play grocery items, I can just print out a new one on card stock, instead of shelling out money for a new set. Print them out in color or black and white- these are adorable either way!

4. Mix ‘n Match Animal Blocks

These printable blocks are a great way to get your kid’s creativity and imagination flowing. What a great way to get your children learning and having fun!

5. Constellation Projector by Playground Parkbench

This project is such an awesome way to teach kids about the constellations. Plus, it gets them so involved by making the projector, and the constellation cards. This might just be our new nighttime activity this summer!

6. Monster Puppets

A new spin on the clothespin puppets listed above, these monster puppets are incorporated into a fun and educational game for the little ones (and big ones, too)!

Watch the video:

7. Photo Props

I love a good photo booth! These adorable photo props will add so much to your next party! But even more so, you can use it as an opportunity for dramatic play, and add it to your dress-up box!

8. Kaleidocycle by Hattifant

Even as an adult, kaleidoscopes have always mesmerized me. This beautiful craft takes it to the next level! This printable has so many designs to choose from, you won’t know where to start.

9. Shark Cootie Catcher by Easy Peasy and Fun

These cootie catchers are reminiscent of the origami fortune tellers we all made as kids. These are so much fun to fold and play with!

10. Bird Finger Puppets by Mr Printables

These are not just any regular finger puppets! These bird finger puppets are a whole new world of awesome. Make a whole family of finger puppets and have the kids put on a fun puppet show!

11. Paper Teacups by Red Ted Art

I  love everything about these paper teacups. Girls and boys alike will have a ball playing tea party with these. They are perfect for an Alice in Wonderland kind of day.

12. Cat Memory Game by Sunny Day Family

The memory games you can buy in stores all look the same, and can get boring after some time. So why not make your own? Check out this adorable printable- a cat memory game for all the cat lovers out there.

13. Paper Fairy Puppets – by Arts & Crackers

Anything fairy related tends to make me smile- and these paper fairy puppets are no exception! My kids will adore coloring and playing with these!

14. Paper Dolls by Molly Moo Crafts

Dressing up paper dolls is one of those timeless activities you never get bored of doing. (Yes, I’ll admit to having played with my children’s paper dolls as an adult.) This printable is such a great way to add some variation and new exciting dolls to play with!

Bonus! Try making these paper rockets with the free printable template!

What are your favorite paper toy templates? Do you also enjoy using printables for play? Comment below! Don’t forget to share this post on your favorite social media site so that your friends can enjoy it too!

The post 14 Free Printable Paper Toy Templates to craft and play! appeared first on Moms and Crafters.

These magnets are a great activity for a wide range of ages – perfect for anyone who loves cars. My toddler is can’t stop playing with them!

I included lots of cars, trucks, and roads. I did reserve some as “spare” but keep in mind that you can always come back and print extras! That’s the cool thing about a craft that’s so inexpensive and easy.

It’s designed for my toddler, so I used very simple shapes and basic primary colors.

Update: a year and a half later, M messed these up and I’m printing it again! I’m loving that this is something that I can just print as I need it. Originally I had made these with promotional magnets and decoupage glue. This time I’m using magnet sheets, as the decoupage does not do a great job. It works but it’s not as durable as I’d like it to be.

Take this road play a step further by using them on cookie sheets or in metal tins for travel.

Watch the video to see them in action:

What you need

• The printables files (download them at the end of this post)

• 8.5×11 inch magnet sheets.
• A printer – I love my Epson printer!
• Good scissors
• A playful child 
• A refrigerator, oven side, washing machine, or (as in our case) all of the above.

Bonus! Due to the popularity of this post, I decided to add an optional train play add-on pack, you can purchase on Gumroad here.

How to make DIY car magnets

1. Print out the cars and roads

2. Cut out your cars, trucks, roads, and signs!

I left some of the roads as a  spare, and cut some in half to make shorter roads.

Time to allow your child to use his or her imagination!

M has so much fun playing with these on the fridge. Alternatively, you can use it on a metal cookie sheet as a “busy tray” or on any metal surface.

It’s amazing how a toy that’s so inexpensive, and quick to make can entertain him for so much longer than some of his expensive toys. Children are sometimes easier to please than we might think…

Download the free printable car magnet toy

To download, fill out the form below. You’ll be signed up for our free newsletter – unsubscribe at any time in the footer of the emails. I respect your privacy and the law and won’t share your information with anyone.

Or, get the new train version of this toy:

This post was originally published on Jun 12, 2015

The post DIY Car Magnets Craft + Free Printable appeared first on Moms and Crafters.

I also skipped the “box” part, left it flat, and made it so that you can add a fun message inside. Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links.

I love the pretty look of citrus fruit. Their colors brighten up any setting, but even more so, the insides create the most beautiful patterns when sliced.

Instead of turning this one into a box, I decided to keep it flat and add a message or photo inside instead. The message inside was inspired by Easy Peasy & Fun’s paper heart flower, which also opens up with a message.

I gave the lime with the photo of me and M as a toddler to M. It’s a great little gift for the separation anxiety he sometimes gets when going to preschool, and to help him feel special with a baby brother around. As Baby Y gets older and cuter, M gets a bit more jealous, so something simple like this reminds him how special he is to me…

After you’ve colored these fruit coloring pages, you can throw them into a wire bowl as a centerpiece too. If you plan to keep them fixed in place, you’ll want to glue the swirl on the back shut so that it doesn’t open (as it doesn’t lock in place.)

Or, just scatter them around as a party centerpiece….

I colored these fruit coloring pages using an assortment of STABILO markers. The trick for getting a bit of texture in is to use different packs where the colors are a bit off – but pick two that are the same color officially. Test them, see which is slightly darker, and add soft strokes using that one.

I used STABILO Pen 68 and Power markers.

I created a lemon, lime, and orange out of the fruit coloring pages – and you can do a grapefruit too!

What you need to assemble your citrus fruit coloring pages:

• The printable files – download them by entering your email below.

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• Card stock (recommended)
• A printer that can handle card stock – for this reason, I used my color printer for this and not the regular black and white laser printer I use for most of my coloring pages.
• Coloring stuff…

Alternate: if you prefer just to have the fruit, you can purchase the full color version in my Etsy shop or on Gumroad.

• Scissors
• A scoring tool
• Optional: something for the inside: bright card stock, a photo, and a marker to write a message.
• Tape, Glue dots/lines

How to turn these fruit coloring pages into citrus halves:

Watch the assembly video, or scroll down for photo instructions:

1. Color away!

Get creative… Layer strokes for a subtle texture on the wedges.

Those funny attached triangle-ish shapes are going to be the “rind”. Color those too.

2. Cut it out around the straight lines. Cut out those little triangles too.

3. Tape together those two rind sections as pictured.

4. Score the dashed lines.

5. Use the included plain decagon shape to measure whatever you plan to put on the inside.

6. Stick it in place on the reverse side of the decagon.

You can be a little corny if you want…

7. Place glue strips on the tabs and bend them upward.

8. Attach the segments to the tabs.

9. The folds here should rotate between mountain and valley folds. Fold them as pictured on the scoreline, and attach that last tab to connect into a circle as pictured.

10. Fold them inward to connect as pictured. If you want you can put glue dots strategically so that it stays. It’s designed to curve so that it’s like a half fruit.

Gather your assembled fruit coloring pages in a wire bowl, put them on display, or give one to someone as an upgraded greeting card!

They will really brighten up your day!

Get the full color version on Etsy or Gumroad.

The post Fruit Coloring Pages & A Citrus Slice Paper Craft appeared first on Moms and Crafters.

I hand-illustrated these free printable photo booth props and then colored them in digitally for a fun, smooth digital finish.

We took instant photos with these using our Fujifilm Instax camera – I think that’s going to be a go-to activity for future parties as it was a huge hit!! I manned the camera for a few minutes here and there and the kids had a blast with their props.

It made for a fun activity and an inexpensive party favor – take home, instant souvenirs of the party.

How to set up a hair styles photo booth with these free printable photo booth props:

1. Download your printables by entering your email below. You’ll get a download link right in your inbox:

2. Print them on card stock. You can paste them onto cardboard after if you want it to be stiffer, but I didn’t.

3. Cut your photo booth props out. You’ll see that some of them are split into two, and the blond ones include separate hair and ponytails that you can use alone as a short cut, as a ponytail, or as pigtails. Print doubles or triples if you’d like to do both!

4. Assemble your photo props. Tape on one-foot dowels using washi tape on the back. It doesn’t NEED to be washi, but decorative tapes mean that it will look nice, even though people can see the back.

5. Snap away! You can set up an official photo booth, or just have someone walking around, offering the props, and taking photos of everyone having fun!

The Instax photos print on the spot, so you can hand them out as take-home souvenirs. Or, try the HP Sprocket printer for higher quality photos that double as stickers too!

You can check out the large barber poles I made here and use them as props for a barber shop photo booth too. These printable photo booth props are also amazing for pretend/dramatic play – so when you’re done, throw them into the dress-up box and they won’t go to waste!

What will you be using these fun photo booth props for? Comment below!

The post Photo Booth Props – Big Hair Styles appeared first on Moms and Crafters.