Help needed project ideas for teen girls

[PMR]

Hello all,
My dh is on the board of our local teen center, actually he is in charge. They got a complaint last year that there is not enough for girls to do. They have video games, ping pong, etc. The girls seem to enjoy craft time. Last year they did a beading project. He volunteered me for scrapbooking nights, once a month starting in December. I have 3 sons-so I am not sure what the girls would enjoy

should I have scrapbook pages predesigned and they can copy? What size would be best. I was thinking 12x12 with an option to cut down to 8x10 so they can frame it

maybe cards would be better

or some 3-d projects, notebooks, ornaments etc.

The girls are in grades 6,7,8

I am not sure how many will show up, it is a drop-in center.

Thanks for any help!
Pia

[garkarlon]

I like the idea of altered composition notebooks, decopaged letters (their initials), altered frames, or even big altered clothespins. Scrapbooks are fun, too. I'd try 6 x 6 first, to see if they really like it.

[GnarlyGirl]

You could try lunchbag scrapbooks. Here's a sample I found in the gallery.

Paper Bag Album by ceramics at Splitcoaststampers

[The MFT Lady]

Here are some options from a line developed for teen girls!

[maryrose]

Quote:

Originally Posted by GnarlyGirl

You could try lunchbag scrapbooks. Here's a sample I found in the gallery.

Paper Bag Album by ceramics at Splitcoaststampers

I think this is a great idea! They are so fun and easy to make, with lots of pockets and room for embellishment.

[candyf]

Altered/personalized composition notebooks or journals. Backpack tags. If you go with scrapbook pages, I'd go with a smaller size that they can then carry around in an album when they finish -- friends would be a good theme to start with. Another idea would be anything having to do with shrinky dinks -- these are great to make jewelry -- earrings/pendants.

HTH,
Candy

[dianerh]

I've used pre-cut mats (for frames) that I got from the $ store--2/$1. If they're smooth, they're really easy to stamp on. They can add whatever embellies they want to the front AND A MAGNET to the back. When they tape their photo in, it becomes a photo magnet. I did this for a girl's b-day party, and they loved it!

[garkarlon]

These envelope scrapbooks are really easy, too!

http://pinefeather.typepad.com/pine_.../my-entry

[OakvilleMom]

Creative Memories sells Paper Albums-they come with everything you need to make a fun paper album. They are very reasonably priced too-something to consider.
http://www.creativememories.com/Main...per-Album-Kits

[luvpaisley]

I also like the altered journals...and to go along with that, I forget where I saw them, but they can do journal jars. Decorate a jar or even a coffee can. Then have questions or journaling prompts written on strips of paper and curl the papers up and put into jar or can (looks pretty). Then when they want to journal they pull out a strip, so they have something to write about. It can be questions about school, friends, personal likes/dislikes, etc. You could just print out the question sheets, then have them cut and curl the strips of paper.

I'm sure they also wouldn't mind making little photo albums where they could have their friends school pictures and stuff like that too.

[garkarlon]

Here's one more cool idea!

http://nicholeheady.typepad.com/capt...ucing-rem

[PMR]

Great ideas so far. I was thinking 12x12 was too big for a page, especially if they do not ever do it again. I was thinking of having a few projects for the first time so I can get an idea of what they would like. My oldest son is supposed to ask a few girls at school what they would like. They are in high school though.

The school picture book is a great idea. Maybe something for their lockers?

[PMR]

Quote:

Originally Posted by The MFT Lady

Here are some options from a line developed for teen girls!

Great stamp!

[PMR]

bumping for more ideas

[valeriecathleen]

Name Frames - always a hit!

I saw something today at Ben Franklins that I am considering using with my Rubber Stamping for Kids class (1st-3rd graders) in the spring. They stamped alphabet letters (initials) on softly printed patterned paper and covered the letter with a 1-1/2 inc "page pebble". Then I think they cut around the page pebble, and lined up another one on the back side so it became a circular monogram charm. Then they drilled a hole (or I am thinking of using the small punch on the Crop-A-Dile) and made a hole for a jump ring. Strung it on some black cord and voila - an initial necklace!

The Dollar Store has little white favor boxes in the wedding junk section. I am having the kids stamp these and then stamp nugget labels. Wrap them around nuggets, put them in a little bag and voila - a little gift item!

[PMR]

I think I have a package of those favor boxes at home. The necklace is a great idea too. I think I have those page pebbles.

[maryrose]

Has anyone mentioned covered journals? You could decorate a matching pen to go with it, too.

[PMR]

I have little notepads. My father has a box of them from 1992, I only know this because there is a calendar on the back. I may bring this along as one project.

So far I am thinking of
paper bag scrapbooks
birthday cards (my son did ask some girls at school)
altered notebooks

My first meeting will be the Saturday before Christmas. SO I may try a Christmas project.

[PMR]

One reason my dh wants me to do this is to use of some of my stuff.

[RiverIsis]

I still love shrinky dinks - could make jewelry out of them - but it would depend on the group. Probably be more inclined to use an oven rather than a heat tool.

[PMR]

I have shrink plastic, I will have to check out the room, maybe I could bring my toaster oven. Have you noticed that everything someone mentions, I usually have, I really do have too much stuff! My friends tell me that I dabble, I like to try new things in little bits! For example I have 2 copics, just to try them out.

[Stampin' Sooz]

I was the "craft mom" for a Girl's Leadership Club that my DD attended. One mom would talk to the girls about a virtue -- like patience, modesty, etc. -- and I would do a craft with them that somehow tied into the virtue. Anyway, one thing we did that the girls (12-13 yo) really thought was cool were explosion boxes. I had the pieces pre-scored and the girls cut and glued the box and covers together. It was a definite "way cool" craft for them.

[scrappy knitter]

I have worked with groups of kids ranging from 10-14 years old. The grade 7 girls at my school really enjoy most paper crafts. They love the "candy" ones (like nugget wrappers and boxes). They also enjoy 3d containers, boxes, etc. We've also done pocket folder (like a library pocket) magnets where they can pull out a pic of a buddy, and they hang in lockers. HTH.

[StampinHappyInCT]

The first thing that came to mind when I saw this thread was Friendship Bracelets. They are fun and easy to do and don't require too many materials.

[Lollies]

They could make bookmarks, bags and boxes (check out the resources section) Nameplate's, beading, ATC's (They could make heaps and swap them)
Hope that helps. xx

[bound4london]

Something small is good---not the big pages but purse size for photos
Birthday or Christmas cards
Gift wrap--use your stamp supplies and they can make their own wrapping paper and you can make gift tags too
Funky picture frames---if you can get someone to donate picture frames you can decorate them with buttons, ribbons, or whatever glued on the sides

Cute handbag I want to try
http://leanneshouse.typepad.com/phot...oct_06012.html

Marble magnets
http://www.notmartha.org/tomake/marblemagnets/

Tiny Pinatas---saw these at same site and thought cute gift packaging
http://www.notmartha.org/tomake/tinypinata/

You could go through the tutorials at SCS and find gift bags and such, and boxes, oh fun. We did the clipboards at church and the teen girls loved them. And the cans where you take the stuff out and then decorate the outside and re-seal up for a gift tin.

Beads are really popular too for necklaces, bracelets etc

Also, the teens I work with are into learning how to knit so if you can find someone to teach that too

[nancystamps]

Just echoing the recommendation for journals...my 14 YO DD is always writing/doodling in a book. Shrinky dink is great, you can also do initials on those and make water bottle or cell phone charms out of them. Friendship bracelets are also a great idea.

[PMR]

thanks for the great ideas! I was thinking of a project that they could start and finish. At least the first night and then I could ask them what they want to do. I will look at the tutorials here. The charms are a great idea. I have to check on the power supply. I do have a cricut and a big shot so I can bring those along.

I will check with my dh if someone could offer knitting, great idea,.

[mztamela]

You could have them make cards to send to the servicmenand women sometime too. I personally don't think we do enough to teach our youth to serve and then we wonder why they don't think of others.

I know the servicemen and women have limited access to cards to send back home for birthdays and holidays (Mothers Day).

They could also just make thank you cards to thank parents, teachers, friends, etc.

[PMR]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mztamela

You could have them make cards to send to the servicmenand women sometime too. I personally don't think we do enough to teach our youth to serve and then we wonder why they don't think of others.

I know the servicemen and women have limited access to cards to send back home for birthdays and holidays (Mothers Day).

They could also just make thank you cards to thank parents, teachers, friends, etc.

Great idea, I have lots of images from the WRAK group that I could use.

[Lmaco]

This gave me some great ideas for my daughter's 12 bday coming up. We just did her invitations. I ordered two Simply Scrappin' Kits from SU and the girls are going to decorate journals. I did see a picture somewhere where small bags were made to hold bottles of nail polish. I'm trying to find that again. . .

[PMR]

Glad we could help! I am leaning towards altered journals and paper bag scrapbooks. Now I need to gather the supplies.

[Gina K. Designs]

Quote:

Originally Posted by PMR

bumping for more ideas

Okay, how about this one:
Girly Gifts

[PMR]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gina K. Designs

Okay, how about this one:
Girly Gifts

That is a great one, I think I have Mason jars kicking around. I could have them decorate them and then give it to someone for Christmas, or keep it!

[PMR]

any other ideas?

[dawndreger]

We do a 'Girls' Time Out' program at our school (goals: develop leadership skills in older girls, support growth of self-esteem and healthy body image, etc.) Another teacher is in charge, but I try to help out.

We've done suckers (use the circle punches and scallop circle punch to make layered flowers or stamp in the middle of the flower shape to make it seasonal and then stick the flowers on to each side of a sucker.

Also: cards with embossing (a bit of a pain to do, but they looove the effect!), big buckle cards, criss cross cards, etc. I usually cut all the pieces and show them how to assemble.

I've thought about doing bag toppers (and filling the baggies with fixings for hot chocolate). Sour cream containers would be fairly simple.

Hope this helps!

[kathy tucker]

If you are starting in Dec - how about some retro looking gift card holders??? Also I made mirror frames (Ikea $2.99) that I stamped on tissue paper and moge podged onto the frame... Simple with a great look. The paper bead idea is also a good one.

[bound4london]

I saw this today and thought it was cute. It is a yo-yo (no not the ones that go up and down--quilt term) ornament.

http://www.craftster.org/forum/index...197#msg1336197

Gypsy lanterns
http://www.curbly.com/DIY-Maven/post...-Gypsy-Lantern

[PMR]

Great ideas, I guess I need to sit and try some and figure out which ones would be best. I am going to do this once a month.
Thanks!

[Noel in TX]

Thanks for all the great ideas.