Doing crafts with your teenagers gives you a great opportunity to be creative while your kids while spending quality time with them. Here are some alphabet crafts that you can do you’re your teens.
ABC Sweetheart Snack Mix
* Materials Needed:
o 4 cups alphabet cereal
o 3 cups caramel corn
o 2 cups small pretzel twists
o 2 cups mini teddy bear cookies
o 2 cups M & M’s, (pink, red, and white, if available)
o 2 cups conversation heart candy
o 20 decorative cellophane bags
o 20 – 8″ lengths of curling ribbon
* Directions:
o Gently toss all ingredients together in a large bowl.
o Pour ¾ cup portions into separate bags.
o Use curling ribbon to seal each bag.
ABC Cross Stitch
* Materials Needed:
o ABC patterns for cross stitch
o Cross stitching thread
o Embroidery hoop
o Cross stitch material
* Directions:
o Find an ABC pattern for counted cross stitch. Numerous websites offer free counted cross stitch patterns.
o Print out your counted cross stitch pattern.
o Create your cross stitch pattern.
o First, find the center of the pattern. To do this you will need to count the number of squares across the pattern from one edge to the other and then divide that number in half; this is the vertical center of your piece.
o Secondly, count the number of squares from top to bottom and divide that number in half so that you can determine your horizontal center.
o Once you have figured out these numbers, begin counting at the bottom left hand side of the design the half number of horizontal squares and then the correct number of vertical squares; that’s the center of the pattern.
o Now you need to find the center of the material. To do this, fold the material in half and then in quarters. Once the material is folded into quarters take a piece of string on your needle and push it through the hole that is in the folds of the fabric. Open the fabric up; the middle of your material is the spot where the needle comes through.
o Now, to start your thread secure the end of your thread before you start by pulling the thread through the material and leaving about an inch of thread on the underside. With the first few stitches, stitch the thread against the material so it’s held in place.
o Make your cross stitches go in the same direction and that they are square. Stop and check to see that all of your stitches are going to the right or left as this gives it a uniform look.
o Once you are done cross stitching, you need to wrap the thread; do not tie a knot. Simply stitch the thread through the back of several stitches with the needle.