Spider and Ghost Pops

This is a fun and easy project that is fun for kids and adults.

Spider Pops

MATERIALS:

Lollipops (I used chocolate tootsie pops)

Black pipe cleaners

Googlie eyes or red pom poms

For each spider twist 4 pipe cleaners around the stem of the lollipop and twist them securely.  Depending on the length of your pipe cleaners you may want to cut each one in half so the spider legs are not too long.  Bend the legs similar to the picture shown.  Glue on googlie eyes or pom poms to the flat portion of the pipe cleaners.

Ghost Pops

MATERIALS:

Lollipops

Tissue paper or Kleenex

White pipe cleaner or white string

Googlie eyes

To start cut the tissue paper into a 10 inch square (if using a Kleenex there is no need to change the size.  Drape the tissue over the top of the lollipop.  Cut 1 inch pieces of the pipe cleaner or string.  Gather the tissue at the base of the lollipop stem and secure with pipe cleaner.  Glue two googlie eyes on the tissue for eyes.  I used a piece of foam covered in spider web to display the finished ghost pops.

Spider Nest

MATERIALS:

Plaster fabric strips (Rigid Wrap)

Large balloons (at least 11 inches)

Fishing line

Plastic spiders

Hot glue

Pin/needle

2 bowls

DIRECTIONS:

Inflate balloon and set it in a bowl to avoid it rolling away from you.  Fill a bowl of water to be used with the plaster strips.  Read and follow the directions that come with the plaster strips.  It is easier to use if the material is cut into pieces 8-10 inches long.  With the knotted end of the balloon pointed up toward the ceiling start covering the balloon from the top working your way down and around layering each piece over each other.  Don’t worry about smoothing out all the bumps as this will add texture to the finished project.  Continue layering the plaster cloth around the balloon.  Let dry according to the directions.

Once the plaster has dried, use a pin or needle to pop the balloon.  Cut several pieces of fishing lines in various lengths.  Tie the spiders onto the fishing line every 6 inches.  Use a pin to make a hole at the top of the plaster mold and tie the fishing line securely allowing the spiders to hang down.  To finish the project add a few spiders to the outside of the plaster form using hot glue so it looks like they are hatching and leaving the spider nest.  Use fishing line or thin twine to hang the completed spiders nest.

This project was found at http://familyfun.go.com/halloween.  For a more kid friendly version of this craft visit, http://www.ehow.com/how_4500321_make-spider-nest-halloween-decoration.html.  Styrofoam balls and cotton are a simple and clean version of this creepy craft.

This recipe makes great playdough and it is easy for the kids to help make.

Ingredients:

2 teaspoons cream of tartar

1/2 cup salt

1 cup flour

Food coloring

Kool-Aid (optional for color and smell)

1 tablespoon of salad oil (veg oil fine)

1 cup water

Large plastic bag

Combine all the dry ingredients and food coloring in a large plastic storage bag.  Allow children to mix up all the ingredients.  Empty the dry ingredients into a sauce pan.  Add water and oil.  Cook over medium heat stirring constantly until the mixture becomes thick and pulls away from the edges of the pan, about 2-3 minutes).  Knead on countertop until smooth.  Once cool, allow the kids to knead the dough.  Store in an air-tight container.  Use cookie cutter to make shapes.  If you have no artistic juices try making worms, snakes, or caterpillars.

Here is a great idea for kids to make for their friends, teachers, and loved ones for Valentine’s day.

Materials:

3 tbls butter or margarine

1 package (10 oz., about 40) marshmallows

6 cups Rice Krispies

Funnel

Aluminum Foil

Paper

In large saucepan melt butter over low heat.  Add marshmallows and stir until completely melted.  Stir in food coloring and flavoring if desired.  Remove from heat.  Add Rice Krispies. Stir until well coated.  Let cool for 2 minutes.

Spray funnel with Pam.  Spoon mixture into funnel and compact down to form the kiss shape.  Turn funnel upside down releasing the mixture on a cookie sheet.  Let cool for 30 minutes.

Using foil squares, wrap each kiss.  I found that pulling the foil in a diagonal motion looked more realistic compared to a chocolate kiss.  Print out a special message and cut into strips.  Add your special message before sealing the top of the kiss.

Take it to the next level:

-Add food coloring to the melted marshmallows for colored kisses (I used 8 drops of red to get this shade of pink)

-Use Cocoa Krispies for a chocolate flavored treat

-Add flavoring to the melted marshmallows (I used peppermint)

Krispie Kisses Message

For another idea using Rice Krispies Treats check out http://www.ricekrispies.com/#/recipes/valentine-cut-out-treats