Arts and crafts idea: foam glasses case

 Arts and crafts idea: foam glasses case

Are you a camp director, teacher, or stay-at-home mom looking for a new arts and crafts idea for your kids? Or maybe you're a recreation director at a senior center or nursing home and could use a new project. Either way, this arts and crafts idea will be interesting and fun for everyone. This glass case can be used, given as a gift or turned into a necklace purse.

To make the glasses case, you will need the following simple materials: a square of craft foam, plastic or large blunt needles, lace strap or thick yarn. Cut two rectangles out of the foam, each 3-1/2 inches (9 cm) by 6 inches (15 cm). Using a hole punch, punch holes on three sides of each rectangle, leaving one short side unpunched. Make holes 1/2 inch apart and leave at least 1/4 inch between the hole and the edge of the craft foam. The holes must line up so that the two pieces can be laced together. If you are preparing crafts for young children, you must make the holes yourself. Alternatively, artisans can do this step if you have enough pairs of hole punches.

At this point, crafters can cut decorative shapes from other colors of craft foam, or you can purchase sets of ready-made foam shapes. If you are making the craft at a special event, such as a holiday Bible school, choose shapes that echo the theme of the event. For example, if the Bible school or camp has a cowboy theme, find shapes that fit well, such as boots, cowboy hats and stars. Let the children choose the shapes they like and glue as they wish. You can also provide beads or sequins to stick on, especially if the artisans are a bit older.

The next step in this arts and crafts idea is to thread the plastic needle with the yarn or lace strap. The yarn might be a little easier to handle, but the lace strap is shiny and attractive. In a pinch, some teachers of young children use a bobby pin as a needle. It is definitely a safe alternative. Simply wrap the yarn through the opening and use the open end of the bobby pin as if it were the tip of the needle. Kids can now start lacing the front and back of the glasses case.

To turn this arts and crafts idea into a necklace purse, simply tie a piece of lace strap at each corner making a long handle. Children will enjoy using this case as a place to store secret notes and small items. If they prefer, they can give the glasses case to a parent, grandparent or friend who wears glasses. Anyway, this arts and crafts idea will be interesting for everyone.