Springtime Family Keepsakes

Elegant Egg Door Hang

Greet guests one of the season's most enduring symbols: the egg. To start, purchase three to five Styrofoam craft eggs. Slice these in half, lengthwise with a serrated knife. Gather faux or dried small flowers, lavender, hyacinth, tulips, or daisy all work well. Cut down the stems, leaving only about one inch remaining. Apply the flowers with hot glue or by pressing the stems into the foam (using all one color is a classic approach, however, mixing colors and flowers can be rustic and beautiful as well). Completely cover the round side of each egg.

Now, decide how you want your door hang to look. You can create frames for your eggs out of cardboard covered with ribbon or fabric, use old frames inlaid with poster board for backing, or use wreath frames for a traditional touch. Whichever design you choose, when finished making your door hang creation, just punch holes with an awl into the tops of your cardboard backing, thread thick ribbon or sturdy metal wiring through the holes, and hang onto your door.

"Quilted" Storage Boxes

Using simple patterns, an ordinary hatbox will transform into a country-inspired decorative storage container. First purchase a large plain, cardboard hatbox. If using fabric for the appliqe, select pre-cut quilting squares from a fabric store, or make your own four-inch by four-inch squares of assorted fabric. Think spring when selecting your colors: lavender, pink, yellow, and green (select varying shades of one color for a simpler design, multi-colors for a more traditional quilt effect). Paper will also work well, try using scrapbook paper also cut into four-inch squares.

First paint the box a background color. Next, cut out the shapes for applique. This "quilt" will use only simple triangles, but you could get as complex as you wish with your design. Cut squares in half to create two triangles (you can continue to trim down these triangles in half to make even smaller shapes). Once all the triangles are cut, begin to test out different patterns on the hatbox lid. Working from the center out is a good way to start; experiment with turning shapes in different angles. Once your have a good design, begin to hot glue one at a time, until you've finished the lid. Next work on the box in the same manner, small pieces of tape stuck to the back of the triangles can help you temporarily stick the pieces onto the box until you find a set design If you used paper triangles, seal with a coat of clear acrylic paint. To finish you can add a bow on top or a finial handle. This box can be especially useful for storage in a nursery or child's room, to hold your favorite keepsakes, or as a memory box for you and your family.

Rain or shine, set some time aside for your family to create these fun springtime crafts together.