Today we're excited to share with you a DIY from Yellow Owl Workshop's newest book, Little Prints, Stamp. Stencil . And Print Projects to Make for Kids. The talented Christine Schmidt offers up a selection of cool projects to create personalized toys, decorations, wall art, accessories, and awesome keepsakes.  These folks, are the coolest projects to make for kids that you've seen in a long time! Learn how to carve a personalized stamp (which could be used for stationery, baby blankets, tote bags and even bed linen), paint a rug (perhaps customize to match a child's bedroom decor), make a keepsake box and more. This book would also be a fun way to host a baby shower; the book includes a host of ideas for throwing a fun craft-themed party!  Little Prints, Stamp. Stencil . And Print Projects to Make for Kids is available November 12th, 2013 through Potter Craft and Amazon. Let's check out one of the projects shall we?

Alphabet Block Rubbing


Equal parts art class and spelling lesson, this easy, simple, and versatile project will earn an A+ in your repertoire. The best part is that you probably already have everything you need to get started! Spell out any name or message to create greeting cards, nameplates, bookmarks, or just about anything else you would like to write. Be sure to get traditional blocks with both the raised carved letters and flat sides. Although you could use any type of paper, I prefer transparent vellum. Its strength can take the rubbing and the transparency allows you to see exactly where you should be rubbing and align to additional words easily. Crayons work, but the concentrated color, clearer impressions, and lack of waxy residue make colored pencils the winner here. I asked the cashier from the grocer for the large rubber band I used here, but if you are unable to get one, you can secure the sides of the blocks together with masking tape. Just don’t use duct tape because it will leave a sticky mess on the blocks. Hear the school bell ring? Well, pull out your pencil case because class is about to begin!

Time: 30 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Love: Spelling our kid’s name or a favorite quote with a simple technique that anybody can master.

MATERIALS
Set of wood alphabet blocks
Large rubber band, approximately 3½" x ¼"
(9cm x 6mm) or elastic tie
9" x 12" (23cm x 30.5cm) sheet of vellum
Colored pencil

INSTRUCTIONS:


1. Arrange alphabet blocks face up to spell out the word or name.

2. Rotate extra blocks so the flat side is up and place them around the perimeter of the word.

3. Secure the blocks together with a rubber band.

4. Place vellum over the blocks. Put one hand on the blocks to secure the paper to the blocks. Use a colored pencil in the other hand to rub the raised surface of the blocks.

5. Repeat steps 1–4 as needed for additional words or names. Align the paper below the first line and rub with the nib of a colored pencil.


Little Prints, Stamp. Stencil . And Print Projects to Make for Kids is available November 12th, 2013 through Potter Craft and Amazon.

Also if you're in the San Francisco area this coming weekend (Nov. 16/13 2-5pm) join Christine as she launches Yellow Owl’s Little Prints at Rare Device, 600 Divisadero Street, San Francisco, CA or the following weekend (Nov. 23/13 4-6pm) at Poketo in Los Angeles, 820 East 3rd Street, Lost Angeles, CA.