Egg Shell Mosaic Art

You will need:

• at least 3 dozen clean dry egg shells

• food coloring

• brown grocery store bags

• white liquid glue

Instructions:

Mix food coloring according to package instructions just like you were dying Easter Eggs and dye the shells. Let dry thoroughly then break shells up into smaller pieces.

Cut open a grocery store paper bag so it lays flat. This will be the canvas for your art so cut it into whatever size or shape you'd like.

Use glue and the colored shells to create a design on the paper. You can draw a design then fill it in with colored shells or just glue shell pieces down in bunches or one at time to make free-form designs.

Be even more creative by using paint, markers, or glitter to embellish your eggshell art.

Coffee Can Stilts

These things are loads of fun. You may have seen them in toy stores, but you can save your money and help save the planet by making your own.

You will need:

• Two metal coffee cans of the same size.

• Some twine.

• A hammer and a large nail.

Instructions:

Use the hammer and nail to punch holes about an inch from the bottom of the cans directly across from each other.

Measure 3 ft. of twine for each can. From the outside of the can, thread one end through one of the holes and knot to hold. Do the same with the other end of the twine in the other hole. Do this with each can.

Flip the cans over so that the open end is down. Step up on the cans, holding the twine so that you can pull on it to hold the cans against your feet as you walk on your new "stilts". If you need to, adjust the knots in the twine to make it easier to hold the cans tight against your feet.

These are best used outside to avoid scuffing floors.

Fall Leaf Display

You will need:

• your collection of outdoor goodies

• tacky glue

• twine, string or yarn

Instructions:

Once you've arranged your branches, set them aside and work on your leaves. Make some small loops from the twine. - You can use ribbon or yarn. I like twine because it has an earthy look and feel.

Using tacky glue attach a loop to the back of each leaf. Do the same with the seed pods, berries and all the other of natures gifts you were able to find.

Once the glue is dry hang your natural "ornaments" from your branches.

Rock Family

This eco-friendly crafts project can be a real hoot when everyone makes their own version of every member of the family.

Go rock hunting. Gather a collection of rocks and stones. Acorns and acorn caps are fun to have for this too. Wash and dry the rocks thoroughly.

You will need:

• a good assortment of clean rocks

• a variety of wiggly eyes

• permanent markers and/or acrylic paints

• yarn (for hair)

• glue

Instructions:

This project also works well with seashells. You aren't limited to your family either. Make rock animals and create a "stone zoo" or even an entire "rock town".