FaveCrafts

1000s of free craft projects, home decor ideas and DIY tips

Charming Chameleon Coloring Book Page

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Charming Chameleon Coloring Page DownloadAdult coloring pages do not have to be extra fancy or all about intricate, teeny tiny mandala designs that belong on gallery walls. While adult coloring sheets might be a bit more complicated, they can still be fun! This is why we adore this Charming Chameleon coloring page! Featuring a funky little lizard, this downloadable PDF is the perfect half-hour project for any crafter or any crafting level. Whether you want to shade in this little guy in bright and bold colors or stay subdued with light greens and blues, this chameleon will convert his colors to your mood! Print this coloring page download immediately and save the PDF for later.

While this coloring book page was designed especially for adults to shade in, it is an excellent page for older elementary school kids and teens, as well. Teachers looking to teach their kids all about reptiles can download this free coloring book sheet as a take-home assignment or quiet time activity.

Click here to download the Charming Chameleon Coloring Page.*

*Need help printing out this coloring book page or any other of the downloadable coloring sheets we have? Check out our full tutorial on How to Print Coloring Book Pages!

5 Fun Facts about Chameleons

  1. Chameleons are reptiles and part of the iguana family – they’re just smaller!
  2. The smallest chameleon grows to only half an inch long and is the smallest vertebrate alive!
  3. It is a misconception that chameleons change their color to fit their surroundings. They change their colors in response to their moods and emotions!
  4. They have special toes that help them cling onto tree branches and other surroundings.
  5. Unlike many other lizards and reptiles, chameleons do not lay eggs. They give live births!

More Animal Coloring Book Pages to Download

Let Us Know:

Which type of adult coloring pages do you prefer: quirky animals or intricate designs?

How To Make Pretty Paper Valentines Day Cards

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This tutorial is brought to you by Latrice Murphy from Any Occasion.

Can you believe it’s almost February? The time is flying and Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. I’ve made a resolution to send more cards in the mail. Yes the mail- not an email, not a text, actual mailman mail. I just love the thought of a little surprise in a friend’s mailbox. So I cranked out this fun little card set for a few friends.

Materials:

  • DCWV gemstones
  • Bazzill white cardstock
  • Studio Calico wood veneer hearts
  • Freckled Fawn wood veneer hearts
  • Echo Park yours truly collection
  • Pink Paislee Cupid collection
  • Pebbles With Love collection
  • Freckled Fawn Hearts washi tape
  • May Arts Ribbon
  • Scrapbook Adhesives 3D squares
  • Tombow adhesive runner

 

I’ve created a short photo tutorial for you to see how easy it is to make these cards.

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Get out some supplies today and brighten someone’s mailbox this Valentine’s Day!

What Valentine’s Day crafts are you making this year?

 

Butterflies, Flowers, and Hearts: Creative Romantic Ideas with Easy Paper Crafts

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Just because we’re in the middle of winter doesn’t mean we can’t think of spring. Try a few paper crafts ideas that were inspired by warmer weather, and you’ll stay cheerful even in these chilly temperatures. Now that it’s past New Year’s, the countdown to Valentine’s Day begins. This year, we at AllFreePaperCrafts want to give you a head start on your Valentine’s Day to do list. We’ve put together a sampling of some of the most adorable homemade valentine cards and homemade valentine decorations you’ve ever seen. These simple paper crafts are an inexpensive and fun way to show your sweetheart how much you care.

Whimsical Wings: How to Make a Paper Butterfly

Test out some of our butterfly craft ideas to keep a smile on your face when the days are short. Check out some of our easy tutorials and learn how to make paper butterflies. You can use these adorable accents on almost anything from greeting cards to home décor. Plus, we have some super cute valentine treat ideas that were inspired by our fluttery friends.

Super Sweet Butterfly Treat

Forever Florals: Making Paper Flowers, Rain or Shine

Learn how to make paper flowers that will never fall victim to a cold snap. Homemade paper flowers come in all colors, shapes, sizes, and textures. We have a great collection of DIY paper flowers, and, like our butterfly craft ideas, you can use these floral embellishments all year. You can make flowers that will lay flat in a scrapbook, or 3D blooms with folded petals for a fancy card. These projects may look intimidating, but they’re actually as easy as they are elegant. When you start cranking out enough paper flowers to fill your snow-covered garden, the world of Valentine’s Day crafts won’t know what hit it.

Funky Heart Flower

Happy Hearts: How to Make a Paper Heart

Most people learn how to make a heart out of paper in elementary school. Give yourself a refresher on this childhood skill with some heartwarming paper craft ideas for all occasions. You can use these embellishments to make garland, cupcake toppers, and more decorations for Valentine’s Day. After all, there’s no quicker way to say “I love you” than with this iconic shape.

Washi Tape Heart Card

 

Which of these crafts would you like to try?

 

Holiday Gift Guide: 5 Craft Must Haves

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Perhaps you have a crafter on your list this holiday season? Or you, yourself would love to find a crafty tool under your tree this year? Well, we have teamed up with Sarah Moore from Craft Critique to bring you five hot craft products that you should ask for this year. Sarah talked about these great products on our December FaveCrafts Radio show, which you can listen to anytime, online! FaveCrafts Radio December Show

 

1. Martha Stewart Yarn and Knit and Weave Loom
Martha has done it again! Her new Knit and Weave Loom is the hottest thing in the world of yarn. And if that wasn’t enough, she is also offering brand new yarn including Alpaca, Extra Soft Wool, and Cotton Hemp. This completely customizable loom allows for crochet or knitting and can be done in a variety of shapes and sizes. It would be a great gift for that yarn lover on your list or even someone who has wanted to learn a craft.

If you need to whip up some last-minute Christmas gifts, try out the versatile loom and luxurious yarns on a Beginner Montgomery Scarf and Fingerless Mitts, or try out one of these other great projects from AllFreeKnitting.com:

 


  
2. Electronic Die cutting Machine: Silhouette Cameo or eCraft by Craftwell
 Whether you are a lover of paper or fabric, you will just love the wide variety of crafts you can do with the touch of a button on an electronic die cutting machine. These handy dandy cutting machines allow you to create your own designs on your computer or use their pre-made images. Perhaps you are throwing a Justin Bieber birthday party for your tween, you could make the invitations, party decorations, cupcake liners, and even custom tattoos with the Silhouette Cameo.

These two are perfect gifts for the ultimate papercrafter. Try the following amazing projects for impressive gifts and Christmas cards:

 

 

3. Hot Glue Gun Helpers by Cathie Filian for Plaid

The tools in this Hot Glue gun Helpers set are a great way to use a hot glue gun without feeling the burn! A great set in bright pink comprised of craft mat and a set of tools will protect your fingers and increase your precision crafting prowess. The kit is also great for Mod Podge, folkart paint, embossing, and use with craft glue. Try using it for styrofoam projects and on faux flowers for a neat and clean look with no sweat and no stringy hot glue stragglers. Any craft enthusiast would love this handy gift, and it’s great for making quick and easy gifts with that oh-so professional charm.

Try out the following projects with the Hot Glue Gun Helpers for remarkable homemade Christmas happies:

 

4. Clover Crochet Hook Set and Yarn

The Crochet Master Steel & Aluminum Crochet Hook Set from CutRateCrafts.com makes the ideal gift for the crochet enthusiast in your family. The set comes in a classy vinyl case with helpful slots for each of the 16 steel crochet hooks and 8 aluminum crochet hooks inside—a set of 24 total hooks for any imaginable crochet project. Buy these for your crafty family members and friends and they’ll be “hooked” in no time, making projects like this gorgeous In-the-Round Square Navajo Lap Blanket. Take advantage of this one-week special: $20 off the whole set!

Meanwhile, Red Heart Yarn makes some of the softest, coziest material for all of your winter needs. Scarves, blankets and more will be the talk of the town if you combine these two excellent gifts or use them to make apparel for your loved ones! Try these projects combining Red Heart Yarn and The Crochet Master Steel & Aluminum Crochet Hook Set:

 

5. Books: Big Ass Crafts Two by Mark Montano,  The Burda Style Sewing Handbook, or Martha Stewart’s Crafts and Keepsakes for the Holidays

Give these amazing books as gifts, or use them to create your own homemade gifts!

Big Ass Crafts Two by Mark Montano is chock full of DIY projects for every genre of craft imaginable. Mark has really outdone himself with this book. It includes over 150 projects that will be inspiring to any crafter. This book is a feast for the eyes with bright colors and funky patterns. The 21 chapters inside cover everything from jewelry to kids crafts.

The Burda Style Sewing Handbook succeeds at appealing to the entire sewing community. You can sew an entire wardrobe using the 5 patterns included with this book, as the book walks the reader through the process of tweaking patterns to change the style, fit, and overall look of a garment. You’ll learn how to sew a skirt, a blouse, a dress, a jacket, and a bag with the patterns and instructions included in this book, and you’ll also see variations of each pattern as conceived by BurdaStyle members.

Martha Stewart’s Crafts and Keepsakes for the Holidays is one of Martha Stewart’s latest books for the holiday season. Try the crafts inside for some thoughtful gift ideas and projects.

This Week on Cool2Craft TV – Holiday Happenings

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11-14-11 Holiday Happenings 3-up FaveCrafts Cool2Craft
Join host Tiffany Windsor for a new episode of Cool2Craft TV. This week’s show theme is Holiday Happenings. EcoHeidi Borchers is creating a paper doily angel – perfect for your tree or tabletop display, Candace Jedrowicz is crafting a jingle holiday barrette and Tiffany is reverse painting a glass holiday plate with Christmas ball theme.

It’s easy to watch the Cool2Craft TV Channel right from your computer. Monday November 14, 2011 at 9 am Pacific/ 10 am Mountain/ 11 am Central/ noon Eastern. Watch craft demos and join in the live chat at showtime at Cool2Craft.com. See you Monday!

Watch live streaming video from cool2craft at livestream.com

FaveCrafts Celebrates World Card Making Day!

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Happy World Card Making Day! Here at FaveCrafts, we couldn’t contain our excitement for the exciting holiday (well, it’s a holiday to us). During a meeting earlier this month, our team decided to celebrate World Card Making Day by hosting an office card swap!

Here’s what we did for the card swap:

  1. Each person picked the name of a fellow editor out of a bowl.
  2. All card swap participants were tasked with making a homemade card. It could be as creative or innovative as they wanted it to be . Basically, there were no specifics when it came to the cards – the more creative the craft, the better.
  3. On the day of the swap, we each presented our homemade cards, Secret Santa-style.
Here are some of the cards:

FaveDiets editor Matt made AllFreeSewing editor Kirsten a cheese-themed collage card. This is a great way to recycle old magazines and pamphlets.

FaveQuilts editor Jessica made a quilted card for Blair, editor of AllFreeSlowCookerRecipes, AllFreeChickenCasseroleRecipes and AllFreeCopycatRecipes. Think outside the box when creating a card – use fabric and other materials you wouldn’t “normally” choose.

Simone, director of social media, created a needlepoint spider for her card for AllFreeHolidayCrafts editor Rachel. Yes, you read right. She actually used needlepoint for her card! Such a cool way to mix up craft styles to create a unique project.

AllFreeSewing editor Kirsten made a card for AllFreeBeadedJewelry editor (and daily driver) Maggie. Cards can fit any occasion, not just birthdays or the holidays. A homemade card is a quick, easy and heartfelt way to say you care.

AllFreeKnitting editor Caitlin created this cute owl card for me! She actually knitted the body of the owl and used glue to add buttons and yarn to the card stock! This card has so many pretty colors and textures – I love displaying it on my desk!

How are you celebrating World Card Making Day?

FaveCrafts.com 365 Handmade Brown Paper, No Problem!

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Recently I was asked to make some handmade brown paper for a friend who just opened a wonderful Hair Salon and Spa. He wanted an arty look to the price cards for his shop’s line of products. I loved the idea and volunteered to make the paper. Heck, I’ve been making handmade paper for over 15 years. Well, play the video and find out if I was successful or not!

Would you like to make some paper? We have a great tutorial about how to make handmade paper here plus lots of great projects that use handmade paper like our LOL Card, Handmade Paper Roses, and From the Heart.

Do you make handmade paper? Is there a part of a craft technique that gives you a little trouble now and then? Please leave a comment!

21 Days ’til Christmas: Favorite Family Craft Project and a Giveaway

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From now through Christmas day, we’re featuring a project here on the FaveCraftsBlog, along with a question for you to comment on. From those comments, we’ll pick a daily winner and you’ll receive a Gift from Santa’s Sleigh! How’s that for a great way to celebrate all month long?!

For today’s topic, crafts to make with your family, we’re sharing a Winter Wonderland paper craft. And this project has a SPECIAL giveaway with it. We’re giving away the very same kit that we had a chance to play with here in the office! The Winter Wonderland paper kit from Fall River Press is such a neat craft for the whole family.

Winter Wonderland

By: Mary Beth Cryan

In this Winter Wonderland kit you will find different winter-related items such as a snowflake, ice skates, a bird house, merry mittens, chilly snowman, fun and frosty toboggan and much more. Each project comes with its own set of directions.

Reviews by Editors of FaveCrafts:

Christine– This project is great as you can make each little creature or craft into an ornament to hang on your tree. Every project comes with a pre-cut template for you to put together. My Aunt once taught me this about recipes: Read the recipe first, then read it again, then read it for a third time before starting. I suggest the same for these projects because the end results are adorable!

Karisa- This kit makes adorable paper decorations, and I love that they can be used as ornaments, centerpieces, or other winter decor. My favorites were the Scrappy Squirrel and the Blustery Birdhouse.  These papercrafts were convenient to make because the kit includes pre-printed and perforated templates for all of the shapes you need, ribbon to attach if you’re going to make them into ornaments, and instructions for putting the paper crafts together. While the instructions were unclear at times, the end results look exactly as shown on the box–what you see is what you get! If you can follow detailed instructions to the T, you should be able to create a festive winter wonderland too. And here’s a tip: Photocopy the templates so the whole family can make what they want!

Caitlin-I had a difficult time deciding which papercraft to make from this cute kit, but in the end I chose the Hooting Owl which is still my favorite from the lot.  The directions are clear but only after you read them a few times.  These paper animals are a great way to get the whole family involved.  Let the kids help punch out the pieces while the adults assemble the rest.  My advice: make sure to read all of the instructions at the beginning of the instruction book before beginning any project.  Important terms like “mountain fold” and “valley fold” will all be explained.

Meanwhile, what’s your favorite holiday craft to do with your family? Leave a comment below – one lucky commenter will receive this special Gift from Santa’s Sleigh – their own copy of the Winter Wonderland book and kit. Hurry. You only have until Midnight central time to enter. Tomorrow will be another day, another featured project, and another giveaway!

P.S. Since our comments require approval before they are live on the site, your comment will be included as an entry even if you don’t see it on the page. Also, we only include one comment per person, but you can make more than one comment if you want!

[Note: The giveaway is now closed, but feel free to leave your comments if you like! See all of our Christmas Countdown posts here!]

How to Make Paper Snowflakes

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The snow is on its way in Illinois. Tomorrow is Turkey day and I am so excited. We’re supposed to get a wintry mix so who knows what that will bring. With Christmas shortly to follow it’s time to bring out all your winter decorations and crafts. One of the easiest crafts to make are those cute paper snowflakes, they’re so easy to make.

The only materials you need are a pair of scissors and multiple pieces of paper. You can also choose to add some glitz and glam like glitter if you wish. If you choose to add glitter you will also need glue.

Fold a few pieces of paper in half and then fold it in half again. You then cut in any shapes you want. You can cut out triangles or cut a full circle then cut some more triangles, whatever you want it to look like.

You then unfold it and they should all look the same for you to hang up. I love shiny and sparkly things so I would then paint some glue on the snowflake and then sprinkle some glitter on top of it. My favorite snowflakes are plain white, but you can use any color paper you wish for a fun winter wonderland.

Also try a Snowflake Cookie Cutter Card! My favorite snowflake patterns are the crocheted ones. Check out these Beautiful Crocheted Snowflakes, you’ll love them.

Kids Saturday: Papercrafts

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It’s that time of week again, Saturday, the day to spend with your kids doing some fun crafting ideas. I know you look for new ideas every week because it’s hard to keep your kids entertained. Making papercrafts is fun as you can get really crafty with many designs.

Flower Sticky Notes Pad– Foam and craft sticks makes this a fun one. It’s easy to make and the kids can draw and write all they want.

Crayon Friends Greeting Card– Let your kids make cards for their favorite friends. It’s quick and easy while giving them something to do.

Make your own Paper Doll– Now where were these when we were little? Kids can now make their own dolls to play with. They might need a little help, but how cute?!

Since the kids will be going back to school soon, be sure you check out some back to school crafts.

Crochet

Jewelry

Knitting

Paper

Sewing

Thrifty