Paper Quilled Theme Photo Frames for Kids

Like most of my creations, this one was inspired for two kids who happen to be my kiddo's closest and best friends. It just so happened that while thinking about some new product ideas for our online etsy shop (which I call product development) it dawned on me what to create if it were to gift to both of them. Luckily I didn't have to think much. I had a helper, my 3 yr old daughter helped me out.
She immediately told Fire Truck and balloons for Aarav and Air plane or Space ship for Arhunth. What followed was cute little photo frames with paper quilling embellishments of their choice.

It is so interesting to watch kids interpretate your creation. I was happy that Aarav could really see the fire truck in those paper quilled strips. And yes, what I thought was balloons were actually lollipops for him. Thankfully those are his favorites too. I learnt my lesson, look for a better way to make balloons :-)
This is what Aarav got for his birthday.



Now it was Arhunth's turn to get something personalised. He loves airplanes of any kinds. My daughter Anoushka had recently learnt about space shuttle so that was her obvious choice. This is what Arhunth got as a keepsake gift, a picture frame with paper quilled space shuttle and paper quilled alphabet A. This time I got full marks as he was able to identify the space shuttle as well as the alphabet A.


Both kids loved it, as well as their moms. Anoushka loved giving it to them.

Happy Birthday "Craft Ideas for All"

Two years ago, this day we started this blog. The idea was to have a portal to share our creativity and in the process inspire and get inspired to create new and beautiful things. We did not know then how much time and energy we will be able to devote, but we were sure about one thing, we wanted to give it a try.

Two years later Craft Ideas for All has become such a special part of our lives. A lot has happened in these two years. One of us has a little baby girl all grown up into a toddler( that too a crafty one), the other has had a baby boy who keeps her on her toes all day... we have had our share of joys and tough times. And in between all these CIFA had been the escape, the place where we both love to share our creativity and get connected with the creative world on web. Both of us live in separate cities , but CIFA has made our bond stronger too. Its so much fun to create something and ping immediately to get feedback from the other(Hoping its positive :)).

We have received so much love and appreciation from our readers and still get excited on each and every of your comments. Hoping that all the love and encouragement from our readers and the support of our family will give wings to our imagination just like this butterfly and we will keep bringing fun and new craft ideas for all of you to enjoy and create.

Happy Birthday CIFA and a very Happy Festive Season to all our readers.

-Amrita and Nimisha

Make your own Paper Cups for snacks

This summer, the craft that I found the most interesting, cute and useful is the origami paper cups. They are great for mini snacks like pop corn, god fish crackers, chips or even grapes. The size of the paper cup is perfect for little hands. Best part is you can make it quickly and it takes less space too. Also, if you forgot to bring bowls it comes handy too and kids have great fun eating from sothing different and colorful.
With its success in few of the get togethers I had during last few outdoor gatherings and on popular demand I am finally posting the instructions of creating these cute paper cups or paper pockets here.

Supplies:

-Square origami paper 6 inch or 8 inch or A4 sheet paper preferably colored for added attraction

Following these simple instructions you can create these wonderful paper cups.
1. Take the square paper and fold it in half diagonally. You will get a triangle as a result. Crease or score using your finger or a bone tool.See step 1,1a in the picture above.

2. Hold the left corner and try to bring it to the mid-point of the edge of the right side of the triangle. Crease or score using your finger or a bone tool.See step 2 in the picture above.

3. Now hold the right corner and try to bring it to the mid-point of the edge of the left side of the triangle.Crease or score using your finger or a bone tool. See step 3 in the picture above.

4. At the top you will get a open flap with two traingles. Hold the upper triangle and fold it towards you. Crease. Repeat on the other side. Refer steps 4 and 5.

Your Paper cup is ready to be used. Put some snacks and have fun. Little bigger kids can make these themselves too.It will be even more fun in that way. Simply take some square papers with you in your next barbeque party or beach party and let kids make their own paper cups. Of course you will have to show to make one.


Tips:

-Make multiples and in different colors and keep it in diaper bag of your kid.
You will have a clean surface and your kid will have so much fun everytime.
-To make it recyclable craft use old magazines.
-You can make them little larger for adults too. Use Parchment paper or Aluminium foil whichever comes handy.
- Personalise by writing kids names with a marker.
-Can use in birthday parties too.