Make this cute fashionable purse that is fit for you and the queen of Persia.
Adult assistance recommended
· 1/3 yard of fabric felt or fabric that does not ravel or fray on the ends (makes two purses)
· 1/3 yard of net with sparkles or glitter (makes two purses)
· 1 1/2 Yards of 5/8 inch satin or grosgrain ribbon
· Embellishments (optional)
· Scissors
· Fabric glue (optional)
· Large Safety Pin
· Craft Glue
Cut a large circle 15 - 18 inches round in diameter from both felt and net fabric. Use a large bowl or plate as a pattern to trace a circle. A smaller size 15 inch circle will make a coin purse or jewelry bag.
Mark slits on the back or inside of the fabric circle using a pencil or black ink pen. Lines should be about 1 inch long, 1 inch from the top of the rim of the circle and 1 inch apart all the way around the circle.
Fold the fabric at the slit lines and cut. Be careful to make sure the slits are all as close to the same length and the same distance apart as possible.
Take the ribbon, attach a safety pin to the end. With the safety pin attached to the ribbon, weave it through each slit all the way around the circle. Tie the ends of the ribbon together securely.
Glue on Embellishments and let dry.
Tie a knot where loose ends of the ribbon have come together. Fold the circle in half and find the spot immediately across from the tied ribbon. Pull that ribbon out from the loop to form a handle. Take ribbon handles from both sides and gather each side evening up to close the purse. Once the purse has been closed by pulling in all the sides, take the two handles and tie them across the opening, but do not tie a knot. Pull handles together and carry your new purse over your shoulder. The length of the ribbon might need to be shortened according to the length needed to make a shoulder bag hang appropriately. Have fun carrying your sparkle bag fit for a queen.
What is a queen? A queen is someone who is married to a king. She is powerful, beautiful, and considered very special and great in her kingdom. What do you think a queen does? She rules over a kingdom or a group of people from the same culture or country. Do you think it would be fun to be a queen? Why? Would you like to be a queen someday? Why?
Let’s take a look at Queen Esther in the Bible.
Esther was a Jewish girl who later becomes the queen of Persia.
Have you ever felt like you were not good enough or not popular enough because you did not have the right friends or the right clothes?
In the story of Esther we find out that this unpopular Jewish girl grows into a beautiful young woman and is later chosen by the king to be the queen of Persia. Esther soon became the most powerful and popular woman in Persia. Have you ever wanted to be popular, have lots of friends, and fancy clothes?
You see, Esther did not start out that way. She grew up as an orphan and did not have a mother or father. She was raised by her cousin Mordecai and was not part of the royal family. She was unpopular without fancy clothes and did not have much money, but God had a great plan for Esther and His plan was fulfilled in this story.
God desired for Esther to be the queen of Persia so that the Jewish people, God’s chosen ones, would not be killed. Esther was used by God to protect the Jewish people from death. When God is in control, His plan always wins. He used Esther’s power to accomplish His will. She was named queen because that was part of God’s plan.
God has a plan for you and desires to use you according to His will. You do not need to be the most beautiful, most popular, or have the most things, but instead trust In Jesus who will lead you down the path of life. In the eyes of Jesus you are His chosen queen and He desires to be your King. Let Him lead, guide, and direct you to accomplish great things for His glory. He desires to walk along side you and help you in all that you do. Trust in Him and He will direct your path. You do not need to be a queen for a day, but instead let Jesus make you a queen forever. Carry your purse with style because you are a queen chosen by the king of all kings, Jesus Christ.
Make this cute box big enough to hold a small Bible, special Bible verses, and a journal.
Adult supervision recommended
· 1 Medium Box 6” x 6” (any color)
· Scrapbook Paper Sheets (different colors and patterns)
· Embellishments, Ribbon, Trim (optional)
· 1 Container of Mod Podge (waterbase sealer, glue & finish) Can be purchased at a craft store such as Michael's or Hobby Lobby. Do not use glue.
· Foam Brush
· Craft Glue for Embellishments
· Scissors
· Ruler
· Newspaper (used to protect your work area)
Cover your work area with newspaper.
Cut squares and rectangles from different scrapbook sheets. Using a ruler measure squares 2 inches by 2 inches, 1 1/2 inch by 2 inches, and 1 inch by 2 inches. Make sure there is a variety of different shapes, sizes, and patterns enough to cover the outside of the box and the lid.
Select a square and brush Mod Podge on the back. Press the shape down on one side of the box. Continue adding shapes until the entire box is covered with the decorative paper. Select different shapes and patterns to cover each side of the box. Make sure the shapes overlap so that none of the box is showing and is completely covered. Work from side to side. Wait until one side is dry until moving to the next side.
Glue squares or rectangles to the top and bottom edges of the box. Make sure the shapes do not stick above the top of the box or the bottom.
At each end of each side, overlap the shapes and fold them around the corner.
When all four sides have been covered with the decorated paper, brush extra Mod Podge over the entire box to seal. Do not set the box on it’s side. Let dry 20 minutes. Glue on optional embellishments if desired.
Cover the lid the same way as the box. Overlapping shapes. When completed, brush the sides and top of the lid with Mod Podge to seal. Let dry for 20 minutes.
Do not put the lid on the box until everything is completely dry, about 1 hour.
Enjoy using your Mary’s Bible Box!
Do you know the story of Mary and Martha? Mary and Martha were two sisters from Bethany, the sisters of Lazarus, and they were dear friends of Jesus.
Do you have a sister or a brother? How are you alike? How are you different?
Even though Mary and Martha were sisters, and probably had some of the same physical traits and characteristics, they had very different personalities. When Jesus came to visit them they reacted in very different ways when He arrived. How do you act when your friends come to visit? Do you ever act differently when certain people come to your house? If so, why?
Let’s see what happens when Jesus visits Mary and Martha at their home. Open your Bible to Luke 10 and read verses 38-42…or have your mom or dad read them to you.
Jesus had been traveling with His disciples for some time. As they traveled along the road they came to the village where Mary and Martha lived. When they arrived, Mary and Martha greeted Jesus in two very different ways.
How did Martha greet Jesus? Well Martha welcomed Him, but instead of spending time with Jesus, she quickly left and went off to do other things. You see, Martha was worried about all the preparations that needed to be made for the meal and she forgot the most important thing, spending time with Jesus. He quickly reminded her that all He really expected and desired from her was to spend time with Him and to listen to what He had to say. Her attitude was not focused on Jesus, but instead on herself and trying to get things done. Do you ever act that way towards Jesus, the way Martha did, and not spend time with Him? Do you let other things get in the way of your alone time with Jesus?
How did Mary greet Jesus? Mary, on the other hand, was very happy to see Jesus. She found a place to sit quietly at His feet as she listened to His teaching. You see, Mary wanted to spend time with Jesus and learn from His words. She was focused on what He had to say and desired to obey Him. All Mary did when Jesus arrived was to fall at His feet and listen. She was not preoccupied with other things, but instead chose to be with Jesus and to spend time with Him. Her desire was to have a relationship with Him.
How often do you let other things get in your way of spending time with Jesus? Jesus desires for you to get to know Him personally…as His friend. You cannot get to know Him without spending time with Him. When you meet someone and want them to be your friend, what do you do? That’s right, you spend time with them, so that you can get to know them and develop a relationship and friendship. All Jesus desires of you is for you to have a close relationship with Him. He wants to be your special friend and He desires for you to listen and follow His words. Praying, reading your Bible, going to church, memorizing Scripture are all ways to get to know Jesus.
Mary and Martha’s character demonstrated their love for Jesus, but their attitudes towards Him were different. Does your attitude demonstrate your relationship with Jesus? Do you spend time with Him every day? Have you talked to Him today? He wants to be your friend and for you spend time with Him. Let Him be your special friend…today!