Home - 30 Minute Crafts

Paper Straw Kite

January 27, 2016 by Carolina 2 Comments

To celebrate Kite Flying day coming up, I thought I’d make a little kite craft. This kite is pretty lightweight, so you could try to fly it… but it is designed to be cute decor rather than a functioning kite to fly on a windy day. There are so many different adorable paper straws on the market, you’re sure to find lots of options to make the perfect kite for you!

To make the paper straw kite, you’ll need:
Paper straws
Craft knife
Hot Glue (optional)
Tissue Paper
String
Glue
Scissors

Cut one straw to 5 1/2″.

Cut a notch into the middle of both the long and short straws.

Put the two straws together – you can use a dab of hot glue to secure. Cut a notch into the end of each straw.

String around all four sides, then tie in place with a square knot.

Place on top of the tissue paper, cut out with about 1″ margins all around. Cut into the corners.

Glue the flaps in.

Tie a length of string to the middle.

Your kite is done! Go watch some Charlie Brown or dream of windy days…

Filed Under: 15 minute crafts, easy, fast and cheap, kids, paper, quick Tagged With: kid craft, Tissue

Valentine Owls

January 26, 2016 by Carolina Leave a Comment

If you’re looking for a simple Valentine’s craft to make with your kids, this little Owl from East Coast Mama is perfect! You can whip one up with your kiddo, using a toilet roll tube as the base, she’ll show you how to make your own Valentine’s Owl Craft.

Pin this to your Valentine’s board, but be sure to pin from the original source.

Filed Under: 15 minute crafts, fast and cheap, feature, kids Tagged With: heart

DIY Play Money

January 25, 2016 by Carolina Leave a Comment

My boys love playing “store”, and it is more fun to play with play money. I whipped up these fun play money bills for them. They were able to play store, buying and selling toys off the shelves, and I got to watch them practice their math while playing! That is a mom win, all the way around!

Just use the Silhouette money files to cut out the bills, if you’d like more small bills, I have an additional file for small bills as well.

I cut this play money out of a bright green lightweight scrapbooking cardstock so they’ll hold up to lots of playtime!

Filed Under: 10 minute crafts, easy, fast and cheap, kids, paper, silhouette Tagged With: play, toy

Valentine’s Chocolate Bar

January 22, 2016 by Carolina Leave a Comment

Sure, you could grab a chocolate bar from the store and give it to your sweetie, but what is more special that sweets that you made for your sweetie!? And these chocolate bars are crazy easy to make!

This post is part of Craft Lightning week. All week long I’ve been sharing Valentine’s crafts that can be made in 15 minutes or less, along with my co-hosts Angie from the Country Chic Cottage and Jen from 100 Directions, and a bunch of our friends around the internet. Check out their awesome ideas at the end of this post! If you missed any, check out the Valentine’s Doilies, Crystal Heart, Stamp Valentines, and Stampable Jewelry Box.

You’ll need:
Chocolate Melts
Candy Bar Tray (I found this one at Michael’s)
Candy Bar wrapper printable printed out on paper
Scissors or paper cutter
Aluminum Foil
Double sided tape

Place the candy melts in the tray and microwave for 30 second intervals, stirring between each, until melted. Set aside to cool for several hours (will depend on the temperature in the house).

Break apart the bars and wrap with foil. Cut the printable wrappers.

Wrap each around the chocolate bar. Trim any excess length

Tape in place.

Secure the wrapper in place, and your candy bar is ready for your sweetheart!

Check out these other awesome and quick Valentine’s Day projects:

Cyn at Creative Cynchronicity made this glitter heart canvas.

These shrink plastic earrings that Katie Berry made are simple and cute!

Over at Craftily Ever After, Ashley made these Valentine bird tattoos.

Get your fingers busy with these Valentine’s thumbprint hearts from One Krieger Chick.

Karen at Dragonfly and Lilypads is helping you create a custom beach scene for your valentine.

How cute are these love bugs from Ashley at Cute as a Fox.

These his and hers party favors over at Michelle’s Party Plan-it are easy to make, and a great idea for party decor.

Beth Watson has a genius idea for faux cross-stich.

Jen from 100 Directions shows you how easy it is to make your own Valentine’s card.

And she shows you how to cut your own Valentine’s garland.

Angie from The Country Chic Cottage whipped up these Valentine’s Day Muddy Buddies.

And she made these great Valentine’s Day Mason Jars.

To get this valentine’s chocolate wrapper printable as well as all our other fabulous Valentine’s Printables, join the email list using the form below:

Filed Under: 15 minute crafts, craft lightning, easy, valentine Tagged With: candy, Chocolate

Stampable Jewelry Box

January 21, 2016 by Carolina 5 Comments

I make a lot of Jewelry, because it is super fast to make, and also super easy! You can head to the jewelry section of your local craft store, and with a few supplies you can make professional looking jewelry in just a few minutes… but how do you gift your handmade creations? I’ve whipped up this Stampable Jewelry Box, perfect for giving handmade earrings. And, Expressionery has given me custom stamps that I can customize the tags with! Perfect for a personal, handmade gift!

This post is part of Craft Lightning – Valentine’s. All week long, I’m sharing Valentine’s Day crafts you can make in 15 minutes or less. And even better? My Craft Lightning co-hosts, Angie from The Country Chic Cottage and Jen from 100 Directions, are sharing a fun and fast Valentine’s Day craft each day as well. But it gets even better than that! Each day, we’re also featuring crafts from our crafty friends! So be sure to scroll down to the bottom of this post to see all of their fun and fast Valentine’s Day craft ideas!

To make the box you’ll need:
Hot Glue
Scrapbook Paper
Silhouette Cut file for Earring Box
Custom Expressionery Stamp
Double-sided tape (optional)

You can watch this video to show you how easy it is to put together.

Here are the basic steps, in case you’re not in a video-watching mood.

Fold the box, and glue the flaps. Fold the insert.

Put the insert in the box.

Stamp the tag and fold to fit the box.

Secure the tag.

I love making the boxes with different papers!

Check out these other Valentine’s Day crafts you can make in 15 minutes or less:

Steph over at the Silly Pearl made these fun Twist Tie Valentines.

Over at Simply Kelly Designs, you’ll learn how to make this “I love you to Pieces” card.

Laura Kelly is showing this cute Valentine’s sign (that’s fast to make)!

Get the details on this Valentine’s mug from One Artsy Mama.

A pillow in 15 minutes or less? You betcha! And Duct Tape and Denim shows you how…

Looking for more mature Valentines? Jen Gallacher shows you how to make teen Valentines.

Mrs. Greene shows you these , perfect for Valentine’s day.

If you’re looking for some whimsical decor, Jennifer Priest has you covered with these Puffy Paint Doilies.

My co hosts did a great job creating projects, too. I love this coloring page Valentine’s card from Jen at 100 Directions.

And Angie from The Country Chic Cottage made these adorable Emoji Treat bags!

Be sure to stop back by tomorrow for even more fast Valentine’s Day crafting ideas!

Filed Under: 15 minute crafts, easy, fast and cheap, jewelry, paper, quick, silhouette, sponsored, valentine, video Tagged With: earrings, Gift Box, Stamp

Stamp Valentines

January 20, 2016 by Carolina 4 Comments

I think what I like most about Valentine’s Day is the puns. And gifts. This stamp valentine is the perfect combination of a pun and a non-candy Valentine’s gift. I combined my love of puns with my son’s love of rubber stamp to make these valentines that he’ll bring to preschool this year – these stamp valentines.

If you like non-candy valentines, check out this googly eye valentine and this dinosaur valentine.

To make these valentines, you’ll need:
Heart Stamps (I found these at Michael’s)
Mini Stamp Pads
Plastic Bags
Ribbon
Hole Punch
Scissors
Cardstock with this stamp printable printed on it.

Cut out the tags and punch a hole in each.

Put the stamps and an ink pad in each bag. Tie on the tag.

Done!

More Valentine Craft ideas

Jessica from Mad in Crafts made this fast-food Valentine’s Card.

You can make heart canvasses like these from Albion Gould.

Paula at Frog Prince Paperie made these Birdhouse treat boxes – and is offering up the printable for you to make your own.

You can learn how Kimbo from A Girl and a Glue Gun makes these adorable heart envelopes.

These Love Rocks at Artistic Endeavors 101 are adorable, and quick to make!

Carla Schauer has this fun Valentine’s Bookmark for you to color.

You’ll fall in love with your skin again with this Milk Bath Recipe from Mom off Track.

The Hot Chocolate lover in your life will love this Hot Chocolate card from Scrappy Chick.

Jen from 100 Directions created this awesome ombre nail art.

Angie from the Country Chic Cottage whipped up these cute EOS Lip Balm Valentines (yay for more puns)!

Get the free printable file

To get this “You’ve left a Stamp on my Heart” Printable, as well as all our other Valentine’s Printables, join the email list using the form below:

Filed Under: 15 minute crafts, craft lightning, easy, kids, paper, printable, simple, valentine Tagged With: Stamp, Valentine

Crystal Heart

January 19, 2016 by Carolina 4 Comments

This Crystal Heart is a fun Valentine’s Activity to do with kids. My boys and I made Crystal Snowflakes as part of our Snow Party over break, and they loved them! These crystal hearts are made using Borax, which you can find at your grocery store, and basic craft supplies. You’ll want to pour the hot water for them, but they can do most of the other steps themselves – and when they pull out their crystal hearts in the morning, they’ll be amazed!

This post is part of Craft Lightning week. All week long, along with my co-host Angie from The Country Chic Cottage, and our guest-host, Jen from 100 Directions, we’re sharing fast Valentine crafts that you can make in 15 minutes or less. And each day, we’ve challenged our crafty friends to come up with their own 15-minute-or-less Valentine’s crafts. Check out today’s ideas at the bottom of this post, and be sure to check out Monday’s fast Valentine Crafts if you missed them.

You’ll need:

Borax (find it in the laundry aisle at the grocery store)
Red Pipe Cleaner
Mason Jar
Scissors
Pencil
String
Boiling hot water
Measuring spoon
String

Fold your red pipecleaner in half.

Twist in half (almost – you want the top to be about 1/2″ longer than the bottom).

Bend into a 4-part heart shape.

Secure the bottom 1/2 inch of the loose ends.

Tie a string to top.

Put 3 tbsp Borax into the mason jar. Fill with boiling water. Stir with end of pencil.

Loop the heart over the pencil, and submerge in the liquid. You’re done! Come back tomorrow and you’ll find…

Crystals have formed all over your pipecleaner heart, and you’ve got a “gemstone” on your hands! Kids will be amazed at how their pipecleaner creation turns into a sparkly stone overnight!

Think that’s pretty cool? Check out these fun and fast Valentine’s craft ideas:

Over at FrugElegance, you can see how easy it is to make this rose heart sign.

Lisa at Stuff N Such made a Love Letter Keepsake Box.

At Pet Scribbles, Laura made this easy ornament for Valentine’s Day.

You’re going to love these bath fizzies that Randi from Sowdering About whipped up.

How adorable are these packaged treats from Tikkido?

Occasionally Crafty whipped up these fun word magnets.

These simple wire hearts from Hawthorne and Main can add some fun to any decor.

Don’t you just love these 3D Paper hearts that Dinah from DIY Inspired Whipped up?

And this Heart Flag from 365 Days of Crafts is cute enough to stay up year round!

Jen Goode from 100 Directions, our guest co-host for the series has some fun watercolor hearts.

And Angie from the Country Chic Cottage, my co-host, created this Valentine’s Bark.

Be sure to stop by tomorrow for even more Valentine’s Day Crafts you can whip up in 15 minutes or less!

Filed Under: 15 minute crafts, craft lightning, simple, valentine Tagged With: crystal, heart

DIY Valentine’s Doilies

January 18, 2016 by Carolina 4 Comments

When I think of Valentine’s Day, I think of pink, hearts, lace, and doilies. Lacey doilies are great for making crafts, lining plates, and decorating tables. I thought I’d combine pink and hearts with this Free Silhouette cut file for making doilies.

This craft is part of Craft Lightning Valentine’s Week – all week long, Jen Goode from 100 Directions, Angie from The Country Chic Cottage, and I, along with dozens of our crafty friends, are sharing fast Valentine’s Day crafts that you can make in 15 minutes or less! Scroll down to the bottom of this post to check out day 1 of their fast and fun Valentine’s Day Craft ideas.

To make these doilies, you just need the doily Silhouette File, and regular copy paper in your favorite Valentine’s Day colors. Cut them, and then use them to decorate for Valentine’s Day!

Check out these other awesome and fast Valentine’s Day crafts!

I love these heart bookmarks from Laura’s Crafty Life – great as class gifts, or for anyone who loves to read.

Cori over at Hey Let’s Make Stuff, whipped up these Love Letters that are great as crafty decor for Valentine’s Day, or year-round.

Learn how Vanessa at Tried and True made this Sailor Knot bracelet, a fun and wearable Valentine’s Day craft.

These Heart Stamped Tea Towels from Happy Go Lucky are great to decorate your own kitchen, or to give as a gift!

My Very Educated Mother made these Valentine’s Tissue Paper Vases for Valentine’s Day Decor.

These cute Buggy Valentines from Busy Mom’s Helper are a great classroom gift as well.

Be sure to come back tomorrow for more fast and fun Valentine’s craft ideas!

Filed Under: 10 minute crafts, craft lightning, fast and cheap, paper, silhouette, simple, valentine

Tabasco Valentine

January 15, 2016 by Carolina Leave a Comment

Whether your Valentine has a spicy personality, or likes it hot, this is the perfect way to let them know how you feel! I found these mini Tabasco bottles, knowing they were just the right size for a sizzling Valentine! Here is how to make your own Tabasco Valentine for the hot folks in your life!

You can absolutely include a full-size bottle of tabasco sauce (or another favorite hot sauce if that is more your style). These mini tabasco bottles were just too cute to pass up, though! And of course the “You set my heart on fire” pun is just perfect! Who doesn’t love a punny valentine?

You’ll be making this Valentine’s card yourself – but it is super easy! Just a few steps and you’ll be ready to go!

To make this Valentine, you’ll need:

Fire Valentine Printable
Mini Tabasco Sauce bottles (I found mine at World Market)
Hot Glue
Scissors or paper cutter

Cut apart the Valentines. Put a little hot glue on each bottle, then glue in place on the valentine.

If you don’t have hot glue, you can cut two small slits and use a piece of string or ribbon to tie the bottle in place. Be careful when making your cuts – and remember that they don’t have to be very big. Just a quarter inch slit on each side of the bottle is plenty. You may want to add some tape to the back of the card to reinforce the area that you cut, so that the ribbon does not rip through. It depends how gentle you are going to be with the card, and if you used cardstock or just printer paper.

Done! Gift to your favorite spicy guy or gal!

These tabasco valentines are so much fun. If you’re looking for another simple foodie valentine, try the olive valentine or the nutella valentine.

Valentine’s printables like this one are so easy, and you’ll get to say that you made it yourself! Putting in that little bit of effort means so much! And this valentine is as easy as printing, cutting, and adding a little bit of glue.

To get the fire valentine printable, as well as all our Valentine’s Printables, join our email list below:

Here are some other fun valentines to check out:

Valentine Tags with your Cricut

Filed Under: 10 minute crafts, easy, edible, fast and cheap, paper, printable, simple, valentine Tagged With: food, hot glue, Valentine

Dinosaur Valentines

January 14, 2016 by Carolina Leave a Comment

It can be hard to find valentines for little boys to pass out to their class. I remember having one brother who was very particular about the valentines he gave to other kids. And he didn’t want to pass on a romantic message to anyone. These dinosaur valentines are easy to give, and have a simple message that most picky kids would be okay passing on. Plus, these are a non-food valentine, which many schools appreciate!

For these Dino-mite valentines, you’ll need:

Printable dinosaur valentine printed on cardstock
Paper cutter or scissors
Hot Glue
Dinosaur toys

You can find dinosaur toys at some craft stores in the diorama section. You can also find them at certain educational stores. Another fun option is to choose dinosaur erasers – which provide the fun of a dinosaur toy but also the usefulness of an eraser. There are lots of fun options for making these dinosaur valentines.

Print out the dinosaur Valentines. Cut them apart. Hot glue the dinosaurs in place.

If you don’t have a low-temp hot glue gun, you can cut small slits in the valentines, and tie them in place with string or ribbon, If you choose this route, cut slits only as large as you need to get the string or ribbon through. And make sure that you print your valentines on cardstock rather than traditional printer paper. Printer paper is flimsy and won’t hold up well to the holes and the string.

Another option would be to tuck the valentine and the toy in a small bag. Make sure that the age group the valentine is going to can handle small bags safely before choosing this option.