Smile Saver (Retainer Holder)

When I caught the dog carrying off my daughter's retainer, I knew it needed a home! I drew a face on a tiny picnic basket, positioning the mouth in an eyecatching way. The basket weave allows the retainer to dry and keeps it safe. Great quick gift for anyone who wears a retainer.

Approximate Time: 20 minutes

Supplies:

• tiny (3 1/2-inch) unpainted picnic basket with hinged lid
• craft paints or paint pens
• "Sharpie" style fine point black marker
• paintbrushes
• pencil
• terrycloth fabric scrap or paper towel

Instructions:

1. Lightly sketch face on basket lid and side with pencil. Use photo as a guide. (Position "mouth" so it opens like the lid).
2. Paint eyes desired color.
3. Fill in tooth area with white.
4. Paint lips red.
5. When paint is dry, use black fine point marker to add eyelashes, nose, and teeth. (Omit eyelashes if you are drawing a boy!)
6. Use marker to outline lips and eyes.
7. Write "__________'s Smile" on the lid with the marker.
8. Place fabric scrap or paper towel inside as liner. Change as needed.

By Cindy from Waynesburg, PA