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Encourage Creativity: The 5 Best Apps for Kids

August 20, 2013 by AllFreeKidsCrafts

This post brought to you by Megan Gilligan and Katherine Sutton of AppCertain.

Read our review of AppCertain!

How can we use technology like iPad apps to stimulate kids’ creativity and encourage it? There are many apps that enlist a child’s creative thinking while they use them. Here are our top five picks for apps that encourage kids to be creative on their own, not just in the digital world of a mobile device!

Foldifyfolidfy-app

This is an awesome app that lets you color in different shape templates on your iPad. The unique part of this app is the feature that allows you to print your custom design on a regular sheet of paper, cut it out, and construct a real life object that you designed on your iPad.

kids-crafts-appKids’ Crafts

Enjoy a wide selection of arts and crafts activities that clearly state the goals and outcomes for the children.  It is very helpful that each activity  includes an organized list of materials available for purchase and needed to complete each project.  You can browse by new activities, gift ideas and seasonal crafts.  Visit often since new activities are constantly being added!

Dorling Kindersley’s Kids’ Crafts

DK-kids-crafts-appThe New York Times featured this app in their App Smart section.  It is based on DK’s award-winning activity books and contains three interactive activities for the iPad along with hands-on tasks allowing access to knitting, sewing, and drawing off the screen.  It strikes the perfect balance between quick-fix fun and games while inspiring children to get creative at home.

On-screen crafts:

Scrap bags: Design your own scrap bag on-screen or use it to try out a new design that you can create in the real world!
Cross-stitch: Tap on a pattern, your choice of yarn, and a type of stitch to start creating. You can even use a blank canvas to design your own cross-stitch from scratch.

How-to off-screen activities:

Pirate Pete: Make your own pirate friend who’s full of beans!
Rainy day doodles: You won’t believe what you can do with a doodle! This activity shows you all the different types of patterns you can make with a set of felt tip pens.

Lazoo:  Squiggles!

laz00-appFun drawing app for smaller children with unique animation features.  You simply pick a scene (there are 12 ready-made scenes + blank canvas + an option to choose a picture from the device).  Then listen to the instructions (the goal is to draw squiggles complementing the picture, e.g. add ‘squiggly’ wool to the sheep or waves in the sea).  Just press the go button to see a simple animation involving the objects in the scene and the user-made squiggles (e.g. spaghetti swirling on the plate).

The app also includes a short animated movie with the main characters and a mini book with simple interactive elements.  The bonus points include excellent concept, great graphics, easy operation, spoken and visual instructions.  The painting tools are excellent and easy to use.  There is also an option to save and share the pictures.

Martha Stewart Craft Studio

martha-stewart-appThe app comes with four themed bundles: Everyday, Birthday Party, Doily Lace, and Nature. You can add on to the fun by purchasing bundles of punches, papers, stickers, and glitter, featuring seasonal and occasional motifs: Elegant Celebrations, Spring, Outdoors, Vacation Adventure, and Summer Fun.

This easy-to-use app allows you to personalize cards, invitations, thank-you notes, scrapbook pages, keepsake, and more. Browse through an array of colored and patterned “paper” backgrounds, import your own photos, and embellish your work with an abundance of stickers, stamps, glitter, textured borders, fonts, and punches. Tap to share your works of art with family and friends. So versatile, it’s the only digital crafting tool you’ll need!

 

What is your favorite kids’ app?

Filed Under: Advice, Tips, & Tricks Tagged With: crafting with kids, Electronics, ipad, iPhone app, ipod, Kids Crafts

Trendy Quilted Gifts for Tech Geeks

July 31, 2013 by FaveQuilts

Although there are quilt designs called Grandma’s Garden Flowers and Log Cabin Blocks, quilting is anything but outdated. Actually, I’ve found that quilting and technology go hand in hand. Not only is there a diverse collection of free quilt patterns and quilting tutorials on sites like FaveQuilts, there is also a growing interest in small handmade gift patterns for tech accessories.

You can choose to create a graduation gift for a college student with a laptop, a birthday gift for a dad that likes to read his Kindle on the train, or a quilted Christmas present for a photographer who wants a DIY camera strap. You are guaranteed to find a fantastic free quilted gift pattern for every tech geek on your list.

 

 Camera Accessory Quilt Gift

Digital Camera Case

Whether they are a photographer for National Geographic or a new parent who loves snapping pictures of their baby, anyone with a camera will love a personalized camera strap. I’ve noticed that avid photographers always need to keep their cameras close to them; which is why a Quilted Camera Strap Cover is such a fashionable idea for anyone in need of a DIY camera strap. Need a quilted gift design for someone who goes on a lot of fun family trips? This Digital Camera Case is an easy quilted gift pattern that does an excellent job of protecting a camera on the go. For an even quicker pattern for a personalized camera case, check out a contemporary Quilted Camera Case that would be a perfect quilted gift for a teenager.

 

 

Laptop and iPad Case Quilt Gifts

Vintage-looking Laptop Case

Nowadays, every college and high school student has a laptop. Any young adult is sure to appreciate your talent when you make them a cool laptop or iPad case quilt gift. Your daughter or granddaughter will be the chicest girl on campus when you quilt her this Vintage-Looking Laptop Case to carry her computer between lecture halls. For college-aged guys, check out an ironic pattern for a Retro iPad Case DIY that actually looks like a vintage transistor radio. Last but not least, make a DIY laptop case for dear old dad or a beloved husband with this Manly Man Laptop Case.

 

 

eReader Cover Quilt Gifts

Love of Literature Tablet Cover

One of the greatest features about gadgets like ereaders is that they help save trees by putting news articles and books online. I especially love this idea for the Love of Literature Tablet Cover because it protects a tablet  but also flaunts an appliqued vintage typewriter. You can also protect your electronic reader by making this Mexican-themed scrap quilt design for a Dia de los Muertos Kindle Sleeve. For an even quicker tutorial on constructing a Kindle or eReader cover, check out this pattern for a  Last Minute Gift Kindle Cover.

 

The free quilted gift patterns for new technologies don’t stop there. Check out 23 Geeky Gifts for Nerds for even dorkier gift ideas!

 

Tell us, what kind of handmade quilt gift will you make YOUR tech geek?

 

 

Filed Under: Gifts Tagged With: Christmas Gift Ideas, Claire Hawkes, DIY gift ideas, DIY trends, FaveQuilts, geek crafts, Gifts, Gifts for Men, holiday gift guide, ipad, ipod, nerd crafts, Quilting, technology, teens

Link Love: DIY Tech Cases

November 1, 2012 by FaveCrafts

We’ve all been there. At first it’s just a little speck out of the corner of your eye. But upon closer inspection, you see it clear as day. Your heart starts racing and you start to wonder, “How did this happen?” It’s too late – you’ve found a scratch.

Everyone is connected these days, and it seems we can’t go more than a few seconds without our beloved devices. These items are expensive and precious, so it’s important to take good care of them. Before you head outside, create your own tech case and save yourself the stress. Use durable materials like felt, yarn and fabric to create a chic  sleeve for your most precious items.

There isn’t a right or wrong way when it comes to creating your own case for a computer, tablet or phone. You can even add cute elements that really speak to your personal style. Not sure how to express yourself? Show your love for technology with a Heart iPad Case or display your playful side with a Crochet Skull Tablet Case. If you’re a fan of a needle and thread, sew a Padded Laptop Tote. This is a great option for travelers!

Don’t forget – handmade tech cases make great gifts during the holiday season! Start making one now and save it for your next gift exchange.

 

 

  1. Cell Phone Cozy Tutorial from All About Ami
  2. Phone Case Knitting Pattern from Forty Percent Fringe
  3. No Sew DIY Felt iPad Sleeve from Creative Dish
  4. Custom Laptop Sleeve from The Gilded Hare
  5. Easy Peasy iPad Case from Oh No Rachio
  6. Felt iPhone Case from Sew Knit Click
  7. Free People Inspired Phone Case from Minted Strawberry
  8. Bohemian Style iPhone Case from By Wilma
  9. Envelope Cellphone Case from Swell Mayde

What piece of technology can you not live without?

Filed Under: Link Love Tagged With: Crochet, ipad, iphone, Knitting, Sewing, technology

Link Love: Cozies for All Your Cool Travel Gadgets

December 29, 2011 by FaveCrafts

Looking for a few ideas on how to use up some yarn and fabric scraps?  Why not make a cozy for your cool travel gadgets?  Cell phones, laptops, tablets, MP3 players, cameras, and e-readers all deserve a lot of TLC, so here are a few projects to help keep your tech toys safe and warm!

  1. Easy Fleece iPad Cozy from CraftSanity
  2. An iPod Case for Your Arm from One Shabby Chick
  3. Star Felt iPod Cozy from Craftster
  4. Cell Phone Cozy from All About Ami
  5. Padded iPad Case from The Polkadot Chair
  6. Laptop Sleeve from Skip to My Lou
  7. Knitted Kindle Cover from Pretty Puzzles
  8. iPod/Camera Cozy from Sew, Mama, Sew!
  9. Kindle Case from The Sometimes Crafter

Filed Under: Link Love Tagged With: DIY gift ideas, fabric crafts, Favecrafts, gadget cozy, gadget sleeve, ipad, ipod, Melissa Conner, sewing crafts

Link Love: Apple Crafts in Memory of Steve Jobs

October 6, 2011 by FaveCrafts

In memory of Steve Jobs, here are the best Apple themed crafts (no, not the fruit) from around the web. Make an iPhone carrier, iPod themed gifts, and other geeky projects inspired by Apple! Show your love for the tech mogul with one of these clever craft ideas.

  1. iPhone Cupcakes from Dolce
  2. iPhone Pouch Tutorial from Made During Quiet Time
  3. iPhone App Magnets Tutorial from Infarrantly Creative
  4. Crocheted iPad Sleeve from Revving it Up
  5. iPhone Case MakeOver from Accidental Crafter
  6. Handmade Wooden Ipod from Jozaeh on Flickr
  7. iPod Gift Card Holder Tutorial from Just Give me Stamps
  8. iPod Scrapbook Page from Life and Memories

Filed Under: Link Love Tagged With: geek crafts, ipad, iphone, ipod, Mac, Steve Jobs, technology

Guest Post: How to Make a Custom iPad Case

May 5, 2011 by FaveCrafts

This guest blog post was written by Elizabeth Miller.


With online retailers and electronics stores trying to sell everyone the same ten iPad cover designs, it’s time for a design revolution. If you’re not particularly crafty it is possible to find semi-personalized products online for around $50 plus shipping and handling, but if you have a knack for design or know what you like, it’s possible to customize an iPad case for much less with a simple run to your local craft store.

Before You Begin:
First off, you will need a plain iPad case. You can find one at your local Apple store, other electronic retailers, or any other place that sells office supplies online.  Clear ones or those of a solid color are much less expensive than graphic designs. If you like the color your iPad came in as a base for your design, a clear one will work best, but if you prefer another solid color feel free to shop around. Once you have the case as your foundation you will need a few other supplies.

Necessary:
-Mod Podge, or any other brand of decoupage sealant and glue
-Scissors
-Craft paper
-Paint or permanent markers
-Pencil
-Ruler
-Drafting paper
-Cleaning items such as rags, soap, and a paint scraper

Suggested:
-Glitter
-Photographs or magazines
-Buttons
-Grease marker
-Butcher block paper
-Other items that you may use to finish off your project

Getting Started
Step One:
Once you have your materials, you should use the drafting paper, pencil, and ruler to lay out your design. This is the most important step in your process.  As they say, ‘failing to plan is like planning to fail.’  You should trace the exact dimensions of your iPad case onto the drafting paper then use your pencil, ruler, and other items to lay out the exact design you wish to add to your case. It is possible for someone to get lucky and design something amazing on a whim, but it takes hard work and lots of plastic safe solvent to start over, unless you bought a metal case, so better to be safe than sorry.

Step Two:

Now that you have your design laid out, it’s time to start preparing a space to work. Mod Podge or other decoupage glues and sealants are generally water based for easy clean up, but if you don’t clean them up quickly they can fuse quickly with natural woods. You should definitely cover your work area with butcher block paper, an old sheet or towel, or use a work table that won’t be destroyed if it gets messy. It is also a good idea to be close to a sink as sticky hands make it difficult to place your design pieces where you want them.

Step Three:
Cut out, lay out, and design all the pieces you are going to place on your case. If you’re making flowers, cut them out and lay them close to hand before beginning. If you want to paint something, use a grease marker to lay it out on the case so you can erase as you go. Once you have everything ready it is time to begin.

Step Four:
If you are placing items on the case, use the mod podge as an adhesive and carefully place them where you want. You can move them for a short time before the glue sets in but it’s easier to be careful and get it right the first time. If you’re painting, paint in layers and stages. By letting the paint set in and dry you make sure that it is less likely to flake off or run out of the lines you laid out with the grease marker.

Step Five:
Once everything is in place and dry, cover the entire case with at least two coats of Mod Podge, letting them dry fully between coats. This is a sealant and will protect your art work, 3-D or otherwise from being destroyed as you use your iPad.

Helpful Hints:
Try not to use items that have metals in them. Metal buttons, wire, aluminum foil and etc can get you in serious trouble if you travel, especially through airports, or if the building you work in has metal detectors. These items can also become very hot if your iPad is left in a car or by a heat source and will sometimes melt your case. Double check what is in your buttons–sometimes they are metal coated with plastic. The best hint of all, have fun!

By following the above steps, as well as using your own creativity, you can not only create something lasting and beautiful but something uniquely you. Express yourself through this creative process and when you get sick of the same design, use plastic safe solvents and start over.

Elizabeth Miller is a contributing writer for Viking.com and a crafting enthusiast who lives by the motto, “if you can make it, then why should you buy it?”

Filed Under: Guest Post Tagged With: CD cases, Decoupage, ipad, travel

Win an iPad from VogueKnitting!

August 3, 2010 by FaveCraftsBlog

Have you heard the latest craze about all this new technology we have? Do you love knitting? Are you fond of the new iPad? Well today might be your lucky day!

VOGUEknitting is giving away a brand new 16GB iPad to one lucky FaveCrafts reader. The iPad is so new and exciting you can download all your favorite knitting patterns and view them on your new iPad all while knitting up your newest creation.

There is no purchase necessary, all you have to do is sign up to receive VOGUE Knitting’s e-newsletter. Click and Knit for your chance to win a new iPad!

Filed Under: Events, Knitting Tagged With: free knitting patterns, ipad, Knitting

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