NeedleReads: Back-to-school with pencil bags

 Make a pencil bag you'll be happy to see each time you do your homework!

Project:  Zippered pencil bags
Supplies:
10" or longer zippers
fabric
grommets or extra large eyelets (get the "kit" that has the hammer-ready setting tools in it!)
(optional) clear plastic for a "window" in your bag
patterns/instructions:  here and here

Craft Lab: Glow in the Dark Party

Fun with florescence!

Craft Lab:  Glow in the Dark Party

Supplies:
glow sticks
glow-in-the-dark paint
a blacklight (the florescent, bar-shaped kind, not just a "black" lightbulb)
baking soda
hydrogen peroxide (6% solution, available at beauty supply stores)
yeast
Dawn dish soap
liquid starch (or Borax)
white school glue
vinegar
plastic tubs to catch messes
highlighter pens (especially yellow, orange and pink)
balloons
resealable plastic baggies
plastic or glass bottles with a narrow neck
glass jars with lids
neon colored straws, pipe cleaners, anything, really!
camera with adjustable shutter and aperture settings for long exposure shots
black t-shirts

NeedleReads: Snappy Bags

Snappy bags use a surprising material for the "snap" (hint:  you might have some in your toolbox).

Project:  Snappy Bags

Supplies:
fabric
thread
metal measuring tape
scissors (not your best ones, but not kid-scissors either)
duct tape
rotary knives and cutting mats (optional, but very handy!)

Craft Lab: Sock Zombies

Sock Zombies want to eat your brains and steal your heart!


Supplies:
clean socks in a variety of colors and sizes
scissors
glue
needles and thread
wiggle eyes
buttons
paint (especially red)
permanent markers
pipe cleaner
felt
stuffing
eye makeup?  metal washers?

Craft Lab: Duct Tape Mania!

Duct Tape--on beyond duct work!

Supplies:
Duct tape (buy tons.  more than you think you'll need.  in colors and in patterns.)
scissors
cardboard
permanent markers (variety of colors!)
patterns and instructions for projects (see links at the bottom of this post for ideas)
plastic "jewels" (optional)
sticky back velcro (optional)