If you're like me...messes are something that drive you crazy! The thought of ooey gooey slimy pumpkin guts all over my kitchen makes my anxiety level rocket! However, Jamie doesn't mind the gooey pumpkin guts but her girls won't have anything to do with the slime. Solution- PAINT your pumpkins! This project is great because your itty bitty toddlers really shouldn't be carving with knives and sharp tools anyway. Here is what you will need: Mini pumpkins (or big ones if you want) Craft paint Paint brushes Kids eager to decorate for Halloween Bowl of water to rinse brushes Step 1: Clean off any excess dirt from your pumpkins Step 2: Paint shirts!!! They're a must. Step 3: Paint away, and have fun doing it. Step 4: Hose down the kiddos Step 5: Let dry (however we learned that a hairdryer makes this step go waaaaaaaaaaaay faster! Do you paint or carve your pumpkins? Why? … [Read more...]
Boo Boo Bunny
"Mommy, I've got a boo boo!" How many times a day do you hear this, or something similar? If your kids are anything like mine they are constantly asking for band-aids and ice packs to make the owie better. I found this really cute idea years ago on "How to Make a boo boo Bunny" and I have one in my freezer right now. Its really easy to make (even if you are craft-challenged) and it will be a quick fix for any boo boos, scrapes, bumps, or ouchies that come your way. To make your own boo boo bunny you'll need: A washcloth A rubber band Thin ribbon Google eyes Small pom pom Craft glue (or hot glue gun if you prefer) Step 1: Fold your washcloth in half to make it look like a triangle. Step 2: Roll the cloth from the point to the long side of the cloth. Step 3: Fold the rolled up cloth in half. Step 4: Fold it in half again so that the loose ends point backwards towards your first fold. Step 5: Secure the folds with a rubber band (place it … [Read more...]
Tissue Paper Flowers
Want something easy to do on a rainy day? Have a bunch of tissue paper laying around? Then this is the project for you! If you are like me you purchase tissue paper for gifts and always have a few pieces extra...I try not to toss it and I save it in a box. Well, now I you have a great and easy way to use it and to create a pretty flower! We love to make these for grandparents, I have each kid pick out the colors they want and then they each have one to present to Grandma or Grandpa...plop them in a vase and viola....a vase of flowers. You can use seasonal colors too, the ones below are my "fall" mum colors. Here is what you need Tissue paper Twisty ties Pipe cleaners Step 1: Layer your tissue papers on top of each other (usually 6-8 pieces works best) Step 2: Fold them in accordion style (back and forth) Step 3: Attach the twisty tie in the center Step 4: Cut a decorative shape on each end (if you want) Step 5: Peal back each layer of the paper, one layer at a … [Read more...]
Toilet paper pumpkin
Here's a super easy and super cheap festive craft for this time of the year, and one pretty much anyone can help with. Here is what you need: 1 roll of toilet paper 1 sheet of orange tissue paper 1 sheet of black tissue paper (or a black marker) scissors glue or clear nail polish a green bow Roll your toilet paper (I must interject- I can't stand when people try to be polite and call it "bathroom tissue" lets be honest it's nothing but toilet paper) with the orange tissue paper Tuck the ends of the tissue paper into the ends of the toilet paper Attach the green bow to the top of the toilet paper Cut out and attach eyes, nose, and mouth (of your liking) Taaaaaaaa daaaaaaaaaaa! A toilet paper pumpkin! … [Read more...]
Leaf drawing
Leaf drawing is a super easy, super fun craft to do with your kids. It requires little effort and little supplies, yet produces a beautiful piece of artwork that you will be proud to display. You'll need flat, dried leaves of all shapes and sizes, crayons, and paper. That's it! Step 1) Take your kids outside and go hunting for multiple kinds of leaves. The flatter the leaf is, the better it works. Step 2) Bring in the leaves inside (if it's super nice and not too windy, stay outside) and lay them out so it's easy to choose which leaf your child wants to use. Step 3) Put a leaf under a piece of paper, take a crayon and rub over the leaf. Have your child take the paper off the crayon and turn the crayon on it's side so they can rub. Don't let your child color over the leaf or the pattern won't come through. Step 4) Repeat putting leaves under the paper and rubbing until your paper is full of leaf patterns. Step 5) You're done! Compliment your child on their … [Read more...]
Pine Cone Bird Treat Fun
Are you ready to get messy and have fun all at the same time? This is the perfect craft for you and your kids then! Fall is here and the birds are on the hunt for a tasty treat of their own. Here is what you need: string, yarn, dental floss, or ribbon pine cone(s) lard or crisco birdseed butter knife After making this with my kids I will make one suggestion....you will want to do this outside OR you will want to be prepared for a bit of a mess. Simply tie your string or other around the pine cone (and while you are at it make it a fun adventure finding pine cones). Have your kiddo spread the lard or crisco all over the pine cone. (A note-peanut butter can also be used but I found that the lard sticks better and doesn't melt as easily). Once your pine cone is covered have your child roll it in the birdseed. Make sure you get it fully covered, those birds are hungry. Hang it in the tree closest to you and sit back and watch the birds. … [Read more...]
