Money Banks

My girls love money [even though they haven't figured out the true pleasure (or pain) that comes from money or the lack there of.]  They love collecting the loose change around the house, car or parking lot.  They love hearing its chime as they drop it into their "baby food jar piggy bank".  Maybe its time to give an allowance - a very very small allowance with the express purpose of teaching how and why to save, spend and give.  I think this is a timely message with Christmas coming.

To promote the girls from a baby food jar to a real money bank, I began a search.  It was difficult to find exactly what I was looking for, so I made my own.  Though I made this as a money bank, I'm sure you creative people out there could find many uses for this simple craft.

What you need:

3 small tins (I got mine at Michaels)

wood block (1" thick) equalling the length of combined tins

wood letters

paint

ribbon

letter stickers

drill and 3 screws

hot glue gun

First paint your block of wood and wooden letters.  Using a drill, screw the tins to the block of wood to secure them.  Cut a slit through the tops (optional).

On the back, I used the letter stickers to designate what each tin will be used for: tithe, save, spend.  Using the glue gun I attached the wooden letters and some velvet ric rac along the front.

Thats it!  Super easy!  There is still room to decorate.  You can add flowers, buttons, magnets....and of course, money.