Essential Art

For many, creative expression has become a vital part of keeping busy through uncertain times.  Art can be a form of comfort, a means to channel emotional energy, and even a means to improve mental health.  The simple craft ideas below were all envisioned by friend of the museum and volunteer, Lucy Thomas. Try some of these out, share them with a family member or a friend. This activity was originally envisioned as a means to thank essential workers during the 2020 pandemic, so you may wish to use these to thank the essential worker in your life as well!

Button Craft Project

Supplies:
  • Suggestions for design tracing: cookie cutters
  • Assorted sizes of colored buttons
  • Background: (size optional) Card Stock Paper, Canvas board,
  • Picture frame insert, terra cotta or ceramic pots.
  • Glue or Glue Gun
Directions:
  1. Trace out the design on basic paper
  2. Then trace the design on the preferred background  
  3. Arrange the buttons on the basic paper design.
  4. Glue traced area on background area.
  5. Transfer the buttons into the background area. Let dry 24 hrs.

Terra Cotta Flower Pot Project

Supplies:
  • Terra-Cotta pot (size optional)
  • Acrylic paint or Permanent colored markers
  • Assorted paint brushes
  • Sponge piece or folded cloth dab 
Suggestions:
  • Dry 24 hours
  • Outdoor use: seal with mat Mode Podge 
  • Trace your design or free hand paint

Wine Cork Trivet

Supplies:
  • Approximately 21-22 used wine corks (preferably cork although plastic logo corks works as well)
  • Elmer’s glue (Multi-Purpose/Extra Strong Formula)
  • One – 5 1/2 inch x 6 inch cork base
Directions:
  1. Set your design on paper next to cork base
  2. Spread glue (generously) on cork base
  3. Firmly place corks on glued area and place dab of glue in between corks.
  4. Let dry 24 hours
  5. Seal corked area with mat Mode Podge let dry and seal cork base.

Pine Cone Bird Feeder

Supplies:
  • Twine
  • (3) large paper plates
  • (1) or more if desired- Pine Cones (any size)
  • Wooden popsicle stick or butter spreader
  • (1) jar of crunchy peanut butter or (1) stick of softened vegetable shortening (Crisco)
  • All Purpose Bird Seed
Directions:
  1. Cut twine to length for handing pine cone.
  2. Wrap twine under top of pine scales and tie.
  3. At the desired length make a loop and tie or leave length to tie around a branch.
  4. Plate #1: Crunchy Peanut Butter or Vegetable Shortening
  5. Plate #2  Bird Seed
  6. Plate #3 Finished pine cone
  7. After attaching twine to cone, roll cone and coat with crunchy peanut butter or shortening
  8. Then roll coated pine cone in bird seed 
  9. Press in the bird seed and it may take a few rolls
  10. Hang from branch or garden hook.

Note Cards

Supplies:
  • Card Stock Paper,or Construction Paper, or Paper Bag Paper
  • Colored Pencils, Colored Markers, Stickers,  Yarn, String, Ribbon. 
  • Cookie Cutters for design tracing (optional)
  • Glue (Regular or glue stick)
  • Photo (optional)
Directions:
  1. Cut paper to note size
  2. Trace your design or just let the creative juices flow!