Entry in Craftiest Mom contest of Parents Magazine

Some days back I suddenly came across a contest for Craftiest Mom for the popular Parents magazine.

I was about to make a craft for and with my toddler. Inspired by the contest I thought why not enter for this contest. Though I saw this couple of days before the last date to enter, it was only on the last day that I finally could squeeze the time to create this. I read the rules, they were a little confusing. Though some people do mention their websites and email address it seemed that's not what you are supposed to do. Well, to be on a safer side I didn't mention anything other than how the craft is made.
My daughter really loved the craft and I was so eager to share it with my readers. Well, my craft didn't make the final cut :-( but I am satisfied with my creation.

These contest sometimes surprise me. Some much more deserving crafts don't make it to the finals and some less desrving ones sometimes become the winner. Sometimes networking plays wonders and sometimes pure luck. What I feel is you should definitely participate if you can and give it your best shot. If you enjoyed making it, if your child enjoyed making it and learned something out of it , then the purpose is served. I am not saying this only for my craft but for lot many others too.
Just thought to share with my readers and followers that such contests do exist and it is a good thing to participate. If you have participated in some contests related to craft do share your experiences. We all can learn from each other's experiences. May the best deserving entry wins !!

You can see my creation and all the steps to make this easy to make, green craft, using recycled materials here.

http://www.parents.com/photos/photo-contests-1/craftiest-mom-contest/2124200010/?photoId=2120500014

Click on all the pictures and read the detailed text for materials used and the steps by step instructions for making this useful green craft.
This size is perfect to fit in Fischer Price Easels color holders. Surprisingly perfect for using as jumbo crayon holder.

Tips:
- You can use old newspaper or old magazine papers to make the paper bamboos. Once they are glued and dried paint it with any acrylic color of your choice. A little varnish spray after the color dries wil make it even more durable.
Let your child decorate it whatever way he likes it.

- Using the same concept if you use different size of base container you can make one for different purpose. Like use a taller container for brushes and long tubes of paints or pencils.