I don't know about your kids but my girls love slap bracelets. I too, loved them as a kid and still think they are fun now. Today I'm going to show you how to make your own slap bracelet using three simple things: duct tape, a measuring tape, and scissors. For those of you who can not watch the video, I will type out directions under the video. Cut your measuring tape Using your scissors, cut a 6-7 inch piece of measuring tape. You'll have to cut off the end of the tape before cutting a 6 inch piece for your slap bracelet. Duct tape the end you cut off and the cut end together so you do not lose your tape inside the casing. Round the edges of your measuring tape. Round the corners of your measuring tape piece just a bit using your scissors. This prevents you and the person wearing the slap bracelet from getting cut on a sharp edge. Curl your measuring tape. Curl your measuring tape toward the plain side. Curl it as tight as you can without actually bending it. It helps … [Read more...]
How To Make Acorn Squirrels
We're well into October and all the acorns have long ago fallen off the trees. However, if your kids are anything like mine, they've stashed a few acorns around the house just for fun (or for later, I'm not sure which). A few days ago I came across a stash in our china cabinet. Rather than throw them away, I decided we'd make acorn squirrels out of them because my girls hid the acorns just like squirrels do. These cute little critters would make a great addition to your fall decorating or even your Thanksgiving table! My girls, however, are having fun just playing with them. To make them yourselves you'll need: Those acorns your kids have stashed away Brown pipe cleaners Scissors A hot glue gun* A black marker *It goes without saying that you will need to help your younger kids with the hot glue gun! 1) Start by gluing two acorns together, one on top of the other. 2) Next cut a piece of pipe cleaner so that it is long enough for feet and a tail when … [Read more...]
How To Make Woven Paper Ball Pumpkins
I have to admit, this was almost a fail post for me. As I was searching the internet for Christmas inspiration a few weeks ago, I came across these woven paper ball ornaments. One look at them and I thought, "hey, I can do this but turn them into pumpkins for Halloween or Thanksgiving!" Thus I came up with woven paper ball pumpkins. I had every intent of letting the girls try to make these. I followed the instructions and videos in the original post and got very frustrated! I could NOT seem to get the finishing right! I had the braiding of 4 strands down, I just couldn't figure out how to tuck over and under to finish the ball since I was using only one color paper. If I couldn't figure it out, how were the girls going to do it?? I gave up and threw everything away. Then I thought, "hey, we do failure posts around here and this would make a great failure!" Since everything ended up in the garbage, I needed to start again for some photos of these tragic woven paper ball … [Read more...]
Tin Foil Leaves
A few years ago we did leaf drawings on the blog. This year we'll so something similar but with different supplies...tin foil leaves! Tottie and her friend had a blast making these and watching the different leaf patterns come through. To make these, you'll need: tin/aluminum foil card stock paper glue leaves of different shapes/sizes paint and a brush (optional) 1) Start by gluing at least one leaf on your paper. Make sure the veins/bumpy side of the leaf is facing UP. 2) Next cover the leaf with the tin foil by wrapping the foil around the paper and folding it on the opposite side of the paper as the leaf. 3) Flip the paper over and rub your finger over the tin foil so that the leaf pattern comes through. This is where your kid's faces will light up! 4) This last step is optional. You can use paint to make the pattern stand out a little more. Make sure to use just a LITTLE bit of paint (a thin layer) or you'll lose the pattern … [Read more...]
Acorn Owls
It's officially Fall and the acorns are starting to hit the ground. Time for some new acorn crafts! Today we're making acorn owls. To make these cute little birds, you'll need: a few acorns without the top construction paper a black marker glue toothpick (optional) a stick hot glue These acorn owls are pretty easy to make if you just follow the photos. 1) Cut round eyes out of white paper and use the black marker to make dots on the eyes 2) Cut a small beak out of orange paper 3) Cut wings out of what ever color you want 4) A toothpick works perfect to spread the glue over the tiny eyes, wings, and beak 5) Once assembled and dry, glue the owls onto a twig for display The girls had lot of fun making these acorn owls and can't wait to see what I've got up my sleeve for next week's acorn project! … [Read more...]
Catapult Painting
This post is sponsored by Tum-E Yummies® fruit flavored drinks however all opinions are my own. A few weeks ago the girls and I were supposed to run in the Color Vibe™ race sponsored by Tum-E Yummies®. However, last minute I discovered that there was a miscommunication with my scheduler at work and I did not get the day off. I was so bummed (as were the girls). Tum-E Yummies® asked me if I had another way to "color my world" besides the race. Of course! We LOVE colorful arts and crafts around here and catapult painting is a definite way to color things up a bit. To paint with a catapult, you'll first need to make a catapult. Directions to make a simple one like in the photo above can be found under our popsicle stick catapult post. Next you'll need some paint and cotton balls. Hint: water color paints are easy to clean up and this craft can get messy colorful! We diluted out some thicker water color paints thus you see stir sticks in our containers. Get your … [Read more...]
