Activities Featured on 4 at 9NEWS

Photo Cube Puzzle: Start by finding 6 (or more) photos. It is best to print them on light weight copy paper or have them color copied onto regular paper. Cut each photo into a 3 inch by 3 inch square. Then carefully mark off lines to divide the pictures into four, equal 1 1/2 inch by 1 1/2 squares. Cut the pictures along these lines. Place eight 1 1/2 inch wood cubes together to form one big cube. Start with one side and use Modge Podge to attach 4 picture pieces to the 4 cube faces on that side. Then move to the next face and repeat with the next picture. When using the Modge Podge, first paint the cube suface and then paint over the entire surface of the picture, making sure there are no wrinkles and no unglued corners. When all the faces of the cube are covered, your photo puzzle is complete. Or, if you want a trickier project (and harder puzzle!) use the interior cube faces as well. Decorate a box to keep the cube in!


Handmade & Homemade Christmas Ornaments


It’s time to trim the tree! Looking at a family’s Christmas tree is like looking at their family history. Through the years ornaments are added that means something special. This year, make some ornaments using some unique materials and then enjoy the memories for years to come.


Salt Dough Ornaments:


Mix 1 cup salt and 2 cups flour. Add in half cup water, then gradually add another half cup water. Knead until the dough is smooth, this can take up to 10 minutes.


For flat dough ornaments roll out the dough. You can also be creative and make odd shapes and wreaths (takes longer to bake.) Use cookie cutters, cut-out templates, or just use your hands. on't forget to use a straw or toothpick to make a hole so you can hang the ornament. The baking time varies based on thickness of ornament. Start with about 1 ½ hours at 325°F or until dry. Let cool and then paint with acrylic paints. Glue on beads, buttons, or any fun accessory. Coat with acrylic varnish when everything is dry.


Reindeer Hats:


These aren’t hats for reindeer, they are reindeer made out of hats! Purchase some small straw hats (at craft stores in the doll section). Poke one end of a brown pipe cleaner up through the back of the hat and the other end up through the bottom, about a half inch over. Twist another small piece of pipe cleaner around each end of the first pipe cleaner to make antlers. Add googly eyes and a red nose. If you want, add a ribbon and jingle bell and a greeting or the year the ornament was made with paint.


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