Rejoice in the Lord always. Philippians 4:4a
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"The Lord be with you! The Lord bless you! ..." ~ Ruth 2:4 NIV
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"You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think." ~ A. A. Milne
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"Never place a period where God has placed a comma." Gracie Allen
“It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are.” –e.e. cummings

Don't let the noise of the world keep you from hearing the voice of the Lord.

Thursday, May 5, 2011

Simple Gifts from Egg Cartons

Kids in school love to create things and this teacher wants her students to develop a life long love of creating and enjoying making memories.
Budgets are very limiting so instead of buying cotton linter to make pressed paper ornaments, we tear egg cartons into small pieces and soak them in water. Put several scoops into a blender with LOTS of water so you won't burn up the motor. Especially when you have to borrow a friend's blender because you can only find 3 lids, 2 jars, 1 base, but no blades that do the real work~grr... still don't know where that piece is hiding!!
Blend for several minutes until the pieces look like moosh. Most everyone said, "Yuck!"
Drain as much excess water out and plop into the molds. Use a sponge to soak up excess water. Wring it out and repeat. Then use old towels to finger press the pulp into the nooks and crannies so you get a good impression. Repeat with a dry section of the towel. Again and again.
Let the molds dry overnight or in an oven at a very low temperature, 200-225 degrees for several hours. I helped these dry by putting them in the microwave for 1 minute. The molds will get very hot, so be careful.
When they are dry, remove the shape from the mold and paint or decorate. The teapot is just out of the mold and the heart has been painted with a lavender metallic paint. We aren't very fancy because we don't have a lot of time. Ribbons, lace, and little flowers make them even sweeter. Most students wanted to make one for Father's Day, too! I encouraged them to try to things on their own with simple materials found at home--like egg cartons.

Happy Mother's Day to all the women in the village. Cherish those children I have for only a short time each day. They are such a gift to me. ♥♫

6 comments:

My Cottage Charm said...

Hey Marilyn! Thanks for your sweet comment on my boy preaching...you're gonna get a boy soon huh?! I'm glad your future son in law already loves you...what a true treasure that is!
Hugs to you my sweet friend
Missy

summerland cottage said...

Well what a clever gal you are,
these ornaments came out just precious !
Happy Mother's Day !

My Cottage Charm said...

We ARE vertically challened indeed! :0) lol
Love ya
Missy

Remington said...

That is SO cool!

Donna said...

I adore these! Cute idea!

Deanna said...

NEAT-O!