I have already done this as a program and it was very successfull.
I also made these as presents for my co-workers, using old novel covers.
They best way to get images that are small enough is to print them out using Windows Picture and Fax Viewer using the Contact Sheet print size.
Altered Mint Tins
I always saved my mint tins, hoping I could find what they were good for. I finally found it!
The collage paper will stick to the tins wonderfully if you apply the glue to the paper and stick it to tin. I use Mod Podge as a glue and sealer.
Comic Cards
These are simple and look like you bought them at a specialty stationary store.
To make the envelope, just carefully unassemble the envelope and use it as a template to cut out and fold the comic pages.
For the images on the card, just white out the speech bubble and write in your own message.
Altered Books
Secret book boxes
Using book glue, paint the outside edges of the book. Use a Xacto knife or box cutter to cut out the middle of the book. Coat the inside of the 'box' with the book glue.
Paperback coin purse
Many old paperbacks have great funky covers. Go through your donated items and see what you can find!
Tear off the cover. Cover it with clear packing tape or contact paper. fold it into thirds. Sew it together to create a pocket with a flap. (You can also just use tape, but it's not a lot of sewing and makes it look much nicer.) use self stick velcro create a closure for your wallet!
You've heard of a Duct Tape Wallet...
Here's a Packing Tape Wallet!
What's great about this is that you can use anything... newspaper, sheet music, book pages...
Here is a scan of the directions:
Paint Your YA Bookends
This is a great craft for teens that also gives your YA area a little personality!
It's super easy! I just sprayed our existing bookends with a spraypaint primer. We used acrylic paint and our imaginations!
I also had an idea for a program based on the book,
The Plain Janes. In the book, PLAIN stands for people loving art in neighborhoods and was formed by Jane to make the world more beautiful, noticable and happy. I call these Inspiration Cards. They don't really change your outside, but rather your world. This could also be used along with the book, Stargirl
They are collages made on playing cards with words and phrases designed to inspire and encourage. The purpose is to make them and leave them in public places to make someone smile, or think, or feel warm and fuzzy.
Teens always love my collage programs. It's so creative and easy and open ended. You can buy the metal words and phrases in a craft store along with great paper. It's really easy to collect great collage supplies and it really doesn't cost anything! Save your weeded magazines and old foreign language newspapers.
The very first program I did when I began working in Wake County was a Tshirt Surgery program. There was a HUGE turnout and they keep asking for another. There are great books out there to give you directions and tips, including Generation T.
Our TAB group also make Tshirts using stencils. If you have a graphic image you would like to use, print it out, tape a piece of overhead projector acetate sheets to the image and use an xacto knife to cut out the stencil. We love our shirts!
