Make your own Ladybugs

A great way to create your own ladybug projects is to make a batch of ladybugs to have on hand for all sorts of projects. The list of ways they can be used is endless.

For 3-D gift cards, on greeting cards, glue to clay flower pots, make up yard signs, create wood wall hangings, glue to bird houses, glue magnets or pinbacks to the back (be sure they're flat on the bottom side) - as I said the list can go on and on. The first ingredient for these then would be a little imagination. These are so easy to make that even the wannabe crafter can create a slew of these fun ladybugs.

First, make the dough by combining 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of salt and 1 cup of water  in a bowl. Yes, you probably have all the ingredients at home and yes, this is the same recipe that's been used for years by the kids in school. How hard can that be? Knead the dough until it's rubbery yet smooth. I have a little trouble with the kneading ... because I'm old. So I break off a chunk, put it in a plastic bag and knead while I'm watching TV or talking on the phone.

For each ladybug, roll some dough into a ball (step 1). You don't have to measure, you make them the size you want them to be. The more you make, the easier it'll be to determine what size they'll end up. Now take a toothpick or if you don't have any just use the back of a knife or a coin or anything you have handy that is flat - and do a little marking to make the head (step2.)  Work the shape of the head with your fingers and smooth it being careful to keep the back "domed". Make a line down the back of the bug. (step 3.) You can't make a mistake. If you do, roll it up in a ball again and start over. You can spend a lot of time on them to make them perfect - or they can have a country art look by not being the exact replica of a living ladybug. When I finish shaping, I usually wet my finger a little and smooth out any wrinkles (gee, wouldn't that be great if that would work on our skin?)

Bake the ladybugs on a foil-lined cookie sheet (step 4) for 2 hours in a 275-degree oven. Remove from the oven and set aside until cool enough to handle.

Let them cool before painting (acrylics work best). If you want them to have their feelers and legs, you can insert wire that can be baked (available at most ceramic or craft stores). If you want your bugs to last "forever" and want them a bit more professional looking, you can substitute the flour/salt/water dough with Sculpey or any other clay - also available at your local craft store.

When finished, spray with a glaze for a high gloss look (left) - otherwise spray with an acrylic spray (above right).

Unbaked dough will keep in the refrigerator for about a week.