Craft ideas, craft solutions, halloween craft, joe dirt costume, craft

35 Times Around The Sun - Rainbow Craft Birthday Brunch

2011-01-03T14:57:00.008-08:00

I celebrated a Milestone Birthday recently

and it was a lovely celebration,

surrounded by close friends,

enjoying brunch,

crafts,

and a beautiful RAINBOW Birthday Cake!

(baked by the music teacher at school, Bene,

who also happens to have a cake business

and gifted to me by my very good friend

and kindergarten teacher, Sharon)

It was Rainbow inside

and out!

Good Drinks.

(Champagne Mimosas)

Good Food...

Spinach Quiche.

Cheesy Potato Awesomeness.

Baby Arugula Salad.

Anyone recognize my beautiful Table Cloth/Art Quilt?

It's from Martha Miller's Etsy Shop Brainstorm Studio

(Mother's Day gift to myself this past year!)

Good Friends.

Etsy Rainbow Waldorf Star Votives

From Green Baboon Design's Etsy Shop

(Birthday gift to myself- because what husband

is going to know to order them!)

Art Studio tables decked out in

Contractors Paper.

We made Pressed Leaf Lanterns

(with Mod-Podge)

some of the leaves stuck better than others.

It was a bit of a craft fail.

But MOST of them turned out.

We also made Kite Paper

Window Stars.

(I order my kite paper here from Palumba)

Favor Bags to take home Glass Leaf Lanterns

(with Paint Chip Name Tags)

My Awesome Card from "E" ; )

(Color Wheel printables from One Charming Party's

Free Printable Art Gallery Party)

I have the best friends a girl could ever ask for.

A perfect way to celebrate

35 times around the Sun.

Fondly,

pink and green mama,

Mod-Podge and Glass Dried Leaf Lanterns

2011-01-03T14:57:00.007-08:00

'Tis the Season for Pressed

Leaf Lanterns!

I've seen these lanterns all over

the bloggy-sphere lately!

I thought I would share more photos

and details of our leaf lantern making project

from my 35th Birthday

Crafty Brunch

Rainbow Party.

We collected leaves ahead of time and

pressed them/dried them in phone books

for several days.

The thinner, skinnier leaves

seemed to work the best

on the glass vases.

I picked up the glass vases at Walmart

in the craft department but you can also

find them at the Dollar Tree

or rummage in your own cabinets for old

flower vases.

I love this craft because

children

AND

adults

can do it!

(Warning: If you're wearing your wedding rings

while crafting be careful not to get

any Mod-Podge in the stones!)

Coat the OUTside of the glass

container with a generous layer

of Mod-Podge

then carefully press dried leaves/flowers

into the goo...

Carefully paint another layer (or 2 or 3)

on top of the leaf/flower to

seal it to the outside of the vase.

"E" made this vase for her desk

with dried flowers

we saved from the spring/summer.

Warm candlelight glowing

on a chilly fall evening --

a perfect combination.

Fondly,

pink and green mama,

Pink and Green Mama Crafts: Homemade Gifts Kids Can Make From the heART eBook

2011-01-03T14:57:00.006-08:00

The holidays are fast approaching

and it is the perfect time to start

crafting and creating

homemade gifts from the heART.

My daughters and I usually

make our own gifts

for their teachers,

grandparents,

cousins,

aunts and uncles,

and school bus drivers!

Now you can create your own

simple, heARTfelt gifts at home

(or in your classroom!)

with my latest eBook,

Homemade Gifts Kids Can Make

From The heART

15 Complete Projects

in a 53-page PDF Formatted

Craft e-Book

for only $8.00.

These simple,

but meaningful projects

come with:

* Complete Supply Lists

* Full-Color Photos of Actual Projects

* Detailed Step-by-Step Photo Directions

All 15 projects featured in this e-Book

are gifts we have made and shared

with the people we care for.

These projects are not just for Christmas.

Several of them work for other special occasions

like birthdays, anniversaries, etc.

The lessons are meant to be made

together with your child.

Younger children, ages 2-4, will need a lot of

assistance but older kids, ages 5 and up, will

be able to do a lot of the work by themselves!

These projects are simple

and do-able

even for the craft-phobic!

What could be better than

a gift made with love,

given with love,

and created with inexpensive supplies

or materials you already have on hand?!

The PDF book is designed

to be printed out

(I recommend using card stock paper

and assembling it in a binder)

or you can read the directions directly

from your own home or classroom computer screen.

This 53-page Homemade Gifts

Kids Can Make e-Book

is best suited for

elementary-aged children (ages 5-11)

but can also be used with preschoolers (ages 3-4)

This $8.00 Homemade Gifts

Craft e-Book

includes

15 Complete Craft Lesson Plans,

a compilation of some of my best homemade gift

lesson plans with 3 brand new (never published on my blog)

Homemade Gift Idea Lessons.

To purchase the PDF:

Please click on the PayPal button below.

After I receive a confirmation email from PayPayl,

I will email you an easy-to-print PDF

and you will be ready to start making some homemade gifts!

Please make sure to keep an eye on your junk mail folder

for a Pink and Green email.

I will send your order as soon as possible,

and always within 24 hours!

These craft lesson plans are copyrighted

by MaryLea Harris (pink and green mama)

they are intended for personal or classroom use,

not for re-sale or reproduction.

Thank you!

Happy Homemade Crafting!

Fondly,

pink and green mama,

Preschool At Home: Button Turkey

2011-01-03T14:57:00.005-08:00

After seeing these on several blogs,

inspired by the original, ADORABLE button turkey

made by My Montessori Journey

for her classroom... I just had to make one.

In fact,

I actually made three!

Stayed up till the wee hours

sewing 3 of these little button turkeys

last week.

One for my daughter.

One for her preschool teacher.

One for my niece.

Felt,

buttons,

and embroidery thread.

I love cute crafts that are educational and fun

and practically free when you have all of the supplies on hand!

Gobble, Gobble, Gobble!

Fondly,

pink and green mama,

Indian Corn Bubble Wrap Printmaking

2011-01-03T14:57:00.004-08:00

The girls and I made these bubble wrap

corn cards last year

to send to family and friends

that wouldn't be with us to celebrate

Thanksgiving.

I thought I'd re-post this craft

in case you want to recreate it

with your own children

or in your classroom this year.

Start with some scraps of plastic bubble wrap.

Paint with layers of orange,

yellow, and red washable tempera or acrylic craft paint.

Press your painted bubble wrap

onto sheets of brown, orange, yellow

construction paper.

(Brown paper grocery bags would be cool too!)

Keep some baby wipes or a wet rag handy

to clean up painty fingers and hands as you work!

After the paint has dried,

trace your child's feet to make the corn cobs

and let them cut them out.

Happy Bubble Wrap Printing!

Fondly,

pink and green mama,

Preschool At Home: Clothespin Turkey Fine Motor Practice

2011-01-03T14:57:00.003-08:00

Remember our button practice turkey?

He needed a friend.

I saw a clever activity like this

on a preschool blog (Montessori Beginnings) with a

paper plate turkey and feather clothespins.

I loved the feathered clothespin idea

so of course, I had to whip out my glue gun

the other night and make some of our own.

(while I was cooking dinner --

we seem to do a lot of last minute crafts this way!)

I also drew a turkey for "C" on a piece of

stiff brown felt

with Sharpie markers.

Great fine motor, pinching, practice

for my favorite 3-year-old!

You can see my favorite 7-year-old

in the background sitting at the piano

(she was playing "Over The River and Through The Woods" for us!)

We made two turkeys;

one to keep at home

and one for my daughter's preschool class.

Gobble! Gobble!

Fondly,

pink and green mama,

Giveaway: Ecosystem Notebooks

2011-01-03T14:57:00.002-08:00

As we approach Thanksgiving,

I wanted to let all of you lovely readers

know how truly thankful I am

for each and every one of you.

When I started writing this blog

on "E"s first day of Kindergarten in 2008,

I didn't think ANYONE would actually ever read it

(other than my mom and a few patient friends.)

As my readership has grown,

I've been lucky enough to be given the opportunity

to do some product reviews and giveaways.

This week,

to thank you for reading my blog,

I'm giving you an opportunity to

win some goodies too!

First up, I was contacted by Ecosystem Notebooks

and given the opportunity to review

two great blank journals

in Pink and Green!

(ummm...yes, I already love it -

wish I could get some shoes and a purse in that green too!)

The books are made from

100% Post-Consumer Recycled Paper

and 100% Made in the USA.

Yeah for local jobs and

being planet friendly!

I used our smaller green book to start a family journal.

(It's the Artist style, Flexi Cover, journal in Kiwi Green, Size Small

in case you want one too!)

The Large, Watermelon Pink, flexi cover, artist journal

is momma's new sketch book/idea book.

At dinner, we write down

highlights from the day.

I've also been gluing in little drawings

"C" has been making in tiny notebooks.

For "C" (age 3) I'll ask her to color what kind of

day she had or to draw something.

Above you'll see that she drew a cat,

(her favorite animal)

and that she had a "Pink and Green" day.

I've also been jotting down funny things my kid's say

and letting "E" practice her handwriting

by letting her write her own entries.

Want to start a family journal,

or momma's memory book,

or sketch book of your own?

We're giving away

3 Notebooks

to 3 Winners!

~~To enter~~~~, you must~~
~~become a~~ ~~fan of ecosystem on facebook~~
~~and~~ ~~comment on this post~~.

~~Three (3) winners~~ ~~will be chosen at random.~~
~~Giveaway ends this~~
~~Friday, November 26th at 10pm EST.~~

Official giveaway rules :

- Pink and Green Mama is the official host of the giveaway and is sponsoring the giveaway,

ecosystemlife is just providing the prizes to the eligible winners.

- Winners will be chosen via random generator and then checked

on ecosystem’s facebook fan page for eligibility.

Only those who both comment & became a fan via ecosystem’s facebook fan page are eligible to win.

- Only those whom are in the domestic United States are eligible to win.

- Contest ends Friday November 26, 2010 at 10pm EST

If you don’t win,

you can always purchase an ecosystem online

at http://ecosystemlife.com/products/build/

Thanks and good luck!

Comments for this giveaway are closed.

fondly,

pink and green mama,

Giveaway: Creativity For Kids Kits

2011-01-03T14:57:00.001-08:00

Another "I'm Thankful For My Readers"

review and giveaway...

I'm giving away 2 Creativity for Kids kits

to 2 of my readers!

and....

I was recently contacted to do a review and giveaway

of these two fun Creativity for Kids Craft Kits,

Diva Puppies and Create Your Own Enchanted Storybook Activity Kits.

Spend some quality time with my girls

making fun little girly crafts? Umm...okay!

Here's what we got...

DIVA PUPPIES: Everything you need to paint & style

a trio of adorable bobble-head puppies.

Just add imagination…

Pamper 3 pooches with paint, sequins, flowers, ribbons,

heart charm collars, fur, boas and tutus.

Time for a nap? Each puppy has a soft furry bed to curl up on.

Each bobble-head pup measures 5" x 2 1/2" x 2 1/2",

all packaged in an adorable doghouse style box.

Everything is included!

3 bobble head puppies, 3 fluffy puppy beds,

acrylic paint, glitter glue, craft glue, leopard print fabric,

sequin flower bow, sequin flower, paint brush, sequin trim,

2 tulle flowers , feather boa, tulle skirt,

3 heart stickers, 3 heart charms

Age Range : 6 and up

"C" (age 3) concentrating while painting her puppy.

She used my acrylic craft paint

because we had "better colors."

(pink, lime green, and lavender -- naturally occurring Diva-dog colors!)

The bobble head doggies come apart

which makes it easier to decorate them.

"E" used a small paintbrush and black craft paint

(but my sharpie was laying nearby!)

"E" carefully painting "Dotty's" Spots.

My decapitated puppy...

I used Sharpies to decorate mine.

"E" said it looked like the owner of a tattoo shop's dog!

"E"s puppy,"Dotty"

"C"s Diva Puppy, "Lilly"

My finished "Diva Puppy"...

I call it "Perro de los Muertos"!

E also made her own storybook

about a Tooth Fairy who looses a tooth.

CREATE YOUR OWN ENCHANTED STORYBOOK:

Everything you need to

create and decorate your own fairy tale

with Create Your Own Enchanted Storybook!

Just add imagination…

Adorable castle-shaped, hard-cover book comes ready to decorate

with markers, glitter stickers, color-in stickers and rhinestones.

Create your story on the lined pages

then use the blank pages for your illustrations

Open the drawbridge door and

personalize the story with your name –

add your picture to the tower window, too!

Everything is included!

10-Page Hardcover Blank Book: 10.75 in x 8 in

Self-Adhesive Rhinestones ,

3 Sticker Sheets: Glitter, Color-In & Full Color ,

9 Mini Markers , Instructions and Ideas

Age Range: 5 and up

"E" loved decorating the cover with the vine stickers

and the stick-on gems.

I really liked the way the instructions

walked her through the elements of a story

(who, what, when, where, why, how)

and how to outline, brainstorm

her plot before writing it all down in the book.

Two winners from my site will receive:

Diva Puppies and

Create Your Own Enchanted Storybook

Activity Kits!

~~To enter this giveaway:~~

~~(make sure I can reach you via email!)~~

~~Visit the~~ ~~Creativity for Kids Website~~ ~~and tell me~~

~~what other product you would love to do with your kids!~~

~~For an Additional Entry:~~

~~Go to the~~ ~~Creativity For Kids Facebook Page~~

~~and become a fan, leave a comment letting me know you did this!~~

~~(If you're already a fan, let me know too)~~

~~For Another Entry:~~

~~Watch~~ ~~this instructional Diva Puppies video~~

~~and come back to leave a comment here.~~

~~Contest ends~~ ~~Friday November 26th, 2010~~

~~at 10pm EST.~~

I will contact winners via email.

Giveaway is open to people living in the United States only.

Comments are now closed.

Fondly,

pink and green mama,

Thanksgiving Traditions

2011-01-03T14:57:00.000-08:00

Today, I thought I would share a few of our favorite

Thanksgiving Day Traditions.

One of our favorite activities

is our annual Turkey Bowl,

a flag football played

on the street in front of our house.

It's a multi-generational event.

My husband's family always hosted one

on the street they grew up on...

we've continued the tradition

with our own daughters.

Friends,

Family,

and Neighbors gather for

the big game!

I mark the end zones

(and the 50 yard line)

with white flour.

Fresh cider, doughnuts, and hot coffee

are served on our front yard.

After hot showers/baths, we head over

to Grandma and Grandpa's house

for the yummiest dinner ever

(cooked by my dad the chef)

He's a jack of all trades --

he MADE that cute, little,

glowing pumpkin village

on their sideboard.

Then, we all take turns signing

the cotton table cloth at my mom's house.

(we use sharpies and put a magazine underneath

so we don't ruin the table!)

It has notes and drawings

from each person present at Thanksgiving Dinner

every year.

First hand prints,

Hand Turkeys,

Poems,

Gratitude Lists...

They're all on there.

Signing the table cloth,

Thanksgiving 2009.

Big sister, "E" adding an elaborate drawing!

Tracing my niece's hand for her

very FIRST Turkey Day last year.

That table cloth has first thanksgiving hand prints

from all three little cousins,

"E", "C", and "A"

That tablecloth is priceless.

What are your favorite

Thanksgiving traditions?

Gobble, Gobble.

Fondly,

pink and green mama

Nature's (Free!) Art Supplies

2011-01-03T14:56:00.031-08:00

During the crisp Fall Season,

while the squirrels and birds are busy

gathering seeds, berries, and nuts for the long Winter ahead,

my girls and I can be found collecting our own

supplies around our neighborhood.

We are busy

collecting and gathering

free art supplies!

Leaves

(pressed and dried in phone books)

Acorns

(Mostly Acorn Caps)

Walnuts,

Pine Cones,

and

Dry Pine Needles.

With visions of projects like:

Pom-Pom Acorns

(Click Here for a link to the post)

Pine Cone Elves

(Click Here for a link to the post)

Leaf Lanterns

Happy Nature Crafting!

Fondly,

pink and green mama,

Countdown to Christmas: Homemade Family Advent Calendar

2011-01-03T14:56:00.029-08:00

Last year, my daughters and I

made this Family Advent Calendar

to countdown to Christmas.

Each envelope contains a daily family activity

to help us slow down and enjoy

the month of December.

We can't wait to set it up again this year.

In case you want to make your own,

I wanted to post again this week so you would

have time to make one before December 1st!

Here is our Harris Family Advent List

1. Candlelit bath for the girls!

2. Make Paper Snowflakes and Decorate the Windows

3. Make a CD of Christmas Music for the playroom/mom's minivan.

4. Rootbeer Floats!

5. Bake something yummy with Mama

6. Make Christmas Cards for Friends/Family

7. Have hot chocolate with marshmallows.

8. Make a pipe cleaner candy cane or wreath.

9. Make a Paper Chain.

10. Use puppets to tell a Bedtime Story.

11. Have an indoor picnic.

12. Family Game Night (Wii, board games, puzzles?)

13. Make and Decorate a Gingerbread House.

14. Dance and Sing to Christmas Music.

15. Set up the Mouse Nativity.

16. Make a Christmas Craft.

17. Make a Christmas Ornament.

18. Dress Fancy for Dinner tonight.

19. Fashion Show with Clothes made out of gift wrap!

(Recycled from opening presents with grandparents)

20. Make and Hang Edible Gifts/ornaments for the Birds and Squirrels.

21. Surprise a neighbor with an act of kindness.

22. At Home Pedicures!

23. Watch a Christmas movie with popcorn.

24. Pick your Favorite Christmas book for mom (or dad) to read aloud.

25. Open Presents!

Happy Countdown!

Fondly,

pink and green mama,

Preschool At Home: Newspaper Delivery Toss Game

2011-01-03T14:56:00.027-08:00

So I recently made some classroom goodies for my daughter's

preschool teacher (table games, manipulatives)

and asked her to please let me know

if there were any thematic units or

specific games she would like me to make

for the classroom.

She took me up on the offer,

and shared this great idea with me.

It was so cute (and easy to make) that I had to share it with you too!

She had clipped the idea from a teacher newsletter

once upon a time and asked if I could make one.

So here you have it,

a Newspaper Toss,

Newspaper Delivery Game.

Great practice for that hand-eye coordination.

I painted a simple house (with acrylic craft paint) on a piece of

foam core

that we just lean against the wall.

(easy to clean up and store out of the way!)

Then, wrapped some gift wrap around a box

from our recycling stash

(about the size of a shoe box)

Set it up on the floor in front of the front door.

Then I bundled up some mini newspapers

with rubber bands

(each paper was about 9" long)

Step back and toss them to the house,

try to get them in the box!

You probably have everything you need to make your own

at home (or in your classroom) right now.

Happy Newspaper Delivery!

Fondly,

pink and green mama,

Mod-Podge and Decorative Napkin Votive Lanterns

2011-01-03T14:56:00.025-08:00

As a variation on a theme

to our Mod-Podge Pressed Leaf Lanterns,

the girls and I made these

Decorative Napkin

Mod-Podge Lanterns.

"C" made this beautiful little flower

and butterfly lantern.

First we cut up

decorative paper napkins

with flower and butterfly designs

(you could use any kind of napkin

to match your theme/decor).

Most of these napkins,

(and paper finger tip towels)

have three layers of paper --

you will want to separate them down to the

last (thinnest) top layer

and recycle/discard the rest.

She coated the outside of her glass bowl

with a thick layer of Mod-Podge

(applied with a foam craft brush)

We added a few

"real" pressed flowers and leaves

to add more color and texture

(and... because her sister was using

real leaves/flowers so she wanted to too!)

After the Mod-Podge is completely dry,

add a real votive

(or battery operated votive)

and enjoy your beautiful lantern.

These would make beautiful

Homemade Holiday Gifts!

In fact, you can find this project (and many more)

in my newest craft lesson e-book,

"Homemade Gifts Kids Can Make From The heART"

Fondly,

pink and green mama,

Homemade Christmas Tree Advent Quilt

2011-01-03T14:56:00.023-08:00

I've been wanting to make a wall-hanging

Advent Quilt like this for a few years now.

I've seen similar ones at places like Pottery Barn

and various stores over the years.

I finished it on the third day of December

but we can catch up, right?!

I wanted it to be colorful,

whimsical,

and handmade.

Something that would be fun to make

and that the girls would be able to

enjoy and create memories with for years to come.

I had the felt and buttons in my stash.

The turquoise fabric (1/2 yard) and one package of

red quilter's binding/bias tape are goodies I picked up at Walmart.

The backing was made from a funny little

green polar fleece baby blanket that was

taking up space and not being used by anyone in our house

but the cats lurking in our linen closet!

I used a combination of machine stitching

and hand stitching with embroidery thread --

mostly just to get'er done

more than for an aesthetic reason!

Note: Learn from my mistake:

I learned that if you use

fabric glue to attach the numbers and little outside

felt squares to the bigger felt square pockets --

DON'T pin them right away with your

straight pins to the quilt.

I glued my pins inside each pocket and

had to use pliers (and my hubby's brute strength)

to remove several of the pins!!

I actually had this little dowel rod and finials

in my crazy art supply stash.

I painted them with acrylic craft paint.

Each pocket contains a little miniature

ornament to hang on the tree's buttons

with a gold star pin on the 25th to top the tree.

Happy Homemade Holidays!

Fondly,

pink and green mama,

Homemade Christmas: Homemade Nativity

2011-01-03T14:56:00.021-08:00

Get ready for my latest favorite craft project!

How stinkin' cute is this little Nativity?!

This mama has been down for three weeks

with the Worst. Cold. Ever.

Long story short -- my new hobby is "coughing."

It has meant a lot of time spent indoors

so we've been keeping busy with

art projects and crafts

made with

stuff that's already in the house.

"C" (age 3.5) and I decided to make our own

homemade Nativity last friday.

My kitchen table still has glue gun glue

and glitter residue on it but it was totally worth it.

"C" did a great job and it sure is cute!

We made the manger with the

Shutterfly box our Christmas cards arrived in.

I cut out the front with a knife and she and I

worked together to glue popsicle sticks to the outside.

We left a hole in the top to stick our

pencil angel.

"C" drew faces for Joseph, Mary, the Angel,

and Baby Jesus.

I love Joseph's soul patch

and Mary's Eyelashes!

We made Joseph and Mary by wrapping

toilet paper tubes with felt and gluing

fabric scraps on them.

The Angel started with a cardboard

shape I cut out of the leftover box front

with a fabric scrap dress.

"C" cut out and added doily wings

and another sweet face.

I glue-gunned a colored pencil

(that never worked well anyway)

to the back of the angel

so we could stick her in the top of the manger.

Yes, we used a wine cork

to make Baby Jesus.

(I thought it was kind of funny)

We wrapped and glued a swaddle

of scrap fabric and added another cute "C" drawn face.

For the cradle, we used another toilet paper tube

with two pieces glued to the bottom for feet.

Added another scrap of fabric inside to

make it "fancy"

We didn't have a sparkly star

so we added glue and gold Martha Stewart glitter dust

to a foam craft star

that mama glue-gunned to the top of the manger.

We glued some raffia in the bottom of the manger

to be the "hay."

When it was all dry,

"C" set up the manger with visiting ponies,

sheep, and unicorns.

Gifts of gold rocks, gems, and presents

from the three wise Polly Pockets.

If you look carefully at the last photo

you might be able to see that she also

glued some doily snow flakes

on the back wall of the manger.

She worked so hard to cut them out carefully

and said they had to be there because,

"Baby Jesus was born on a cold winter night"

"C" loves her new Nativity set and so does

our whole family.

I think I'll be setting this one up for

many, many years!

Happy Celebrating!

Fondly,

pink and green mama,

Preschool At Home: Jingle Bell Activity

2011-01-03T14:56:00.019-08:00

"C" likes to be given challenging little activities

and it's handy to have a few tricks up my sleeve

(like this one) when I'm trying to get something

done like get dinner on the table before bedtime!

I set her up in her Learning Tower

(greatest thing ever!)

at the kitchen counter with a work tray.

I set out chunky Jingle Bells (from the Dollar Tree)

Sparkly Pipe Cleaners

and two empty glass Cheese Shaker things.

First she laced each bell onto a pipe cleaner

(this was tricky for both of us!)

Then, she poked one end of the pipe cleaner into

a hole in the cheese shaker lid.

Then, she decided to poke the other end

of each pipe cleaner into another hole.

It held her interest and

was really good for her little

fine-motor skills!

Why can't three year olds

ever do natural smiles for the camera?

It's always the forced smile

with Mad-Scientist eyes!!

Her finished project!

Good job kiddo,

you practiced your fine motor skills

and momma got the dishwasher unloaded

and dinner started!

Fondly,

pink and green mama,

Wishing You A Happy and Healthy 2011!

2011-01-03T14:56:00.017-08:00

Shimmering Snowflakes Holiday 5x7 folded card

Turn your holiday photos into holiday cards with Shutterfly.

View the entire collection of cards.

Homemade Christmas: Felt Food Cookie Jar

2011-01-03T14:56:00.015-08:00

My sweet little niece is getting her

first play kitchen this Christmas.

Aunt MaryLea is hooking her up with some

homemade felt food.

I found this cute little plastic jar at the Dollar Tree

and thought it would make a perfect little cookie jar.

I made little felt cookies

to go inside her jar.

Perfect for little tea parties

and very low calorie!

I traced little felt circles and stitched them

together by hand with some embroidery thread

and a bit of fluff, stuffing inside.

For the OREO cookies I just stacked up three white felt

circles inside two chocolate brown circles and stitched

through all of the layers with dark brown floss.

I'm also making some fruit (strawberries and watermelon)

and veggies (peas, tomatoes, broccoli).

We'll see what else I come up with before Christmas,

it has been a fun little sewing project during evening

TV time....of course I'm making doubles of everything

because my own girls ask for everything

they see me making for their cousin!

Happy Homemade Gift-Making!

Fondly,

pink and green mama,

Homemade Christmas: Felt Bad Guys Set!

2011-01-03T14:56:00.013-08:00

Who is that masked bandit wearing Moose Pajamas?

Role play is a huge part of our day around here.

Especially on the weekends.

Props like Masks, Wands, and Silk Scarf Capes

play a big role in that.

I apologize for the fact that you pretty much only see my kids

wearing Pajamas in all of my posts!

My kids live in their PJs at home

(we really do get dressed when we go out in public....

most of the time --

maybe it's because their mom lives in Jeans and Slippers)

I've had this little project

bouncing around in my head

for the past year and I finally made it last weekend.

And no...I couldn't save it for Christmas but it

WOULD make a fantastic Homemade Christmas Gift!

For the "Sack" I cut down an old

pillow case and made it not quite as deep

(It was a King Sized Pillow case and

little arms would have had a hard time with it)

Now, I have to admit I thought I was being clever

by re-purposing materials we already had

(using the pillow case) BUT....

sewing the Felt "Dollar Sign" to the pillowcase

was a giant pain in the butt

because I was trying to manipulate the whole pillowcase

through my sewing machine (ugh!)

Using a flat piece of fabric to sew the felt to first

would have been MUCH easier.

I also should have stitched down the two straight lines

of the "Dollar Sign" first then the "S" shape.

I did it in a different order and it doesn't look great up close.

(However, my kids don't seem to care.)

Pinning the "Dollar Sign" in place.

I made up my own pattern by tracing

an existing play mask from our Dress-Up Box

onto two pieces of Green Felt.

Then, I stitched it all up with a piece of elastic

sandwiched in-between as the strap.

Then, I carefully cut out the eye holes with my

sharp sewing scissors.

The finished Mask.

We might need some more in other colors!

Of course we needed some Gems and Jewels

for our Theif(s) so we raided our gold rocks

(gravel I spray painted Gold)

stash from "C"s Pirates and Mermaids Party

and some of our Dollar Tree Glass Stones

and Michael's Plastic Jewels.

Hey! Get that bad guy!

Happy Homemade Gift-Making!

Fondly,

pink and green mama,

Homemade Christmas: Toy Kitty Cat Carrier

2011-01-03T14:56:00.011-08:00

My little 3.5 year-old "C" is OBSESSED with Kitty Cats.

She has quite a collection of stuffed kitty friends.

They all have names and distinct personalities.

She even has a "real" (pink) kitty bed upstairs in her room

that I let her buy on sale (with a coupon!)

at the pet store earlier this year.

It's a really easy way to corral all of her plush feline friends.

She also loves carrying them around the house

but that usually means that mommy has to transport

6-8 kitties up and down the stairs several times a day.

I decided she needed a little cat carrier to keep

her furry friends contained and portable.

My solution after looking at several

overpriced and ugly "real" carriers

was to make my own with stuff I already had in the house!

I used plastic needlepointing mesh material,

I don't know what this stuff is actually called!

I used one "Whole" Sheet of Plastic Mesh (far left above) as the topper

(10 1/4" by 13 1/2"),

One Rectangle as the Bottom (approx. 6" x10")

One skinny Rectangle as the Handle (7 1/2"x 2")

and Two Curved Semi-Circle Pieces

as the Back of the carrier and Front Door (approx. 6 1/2" wide by 6" tall).

I'm sorry about the wacky dimensions, this was one of those

make-it-up-as-I-go projects so I was just

cutting stuff out and using scraps I had to make it work,

(I really didn't want to go to the store!)

Same with how I sewed it together...

I just started stitching pieces together while sitting on the couch!

I did the little front door last.

Stitching away with pink yarn and a big

embroidery needle.

Side view of the cat carrier

(also known as a mesh mail box with a handle)

View of the front of the carrier.

Pink elastic Ponytail holder stitched to the door

to be the "clasp" for the door.

"Samantha" cat and "Strawberry" cat check out their new digs!

How many kitties can this thing hold?

Such a happy Cat Mama, she even brought

her cat carrier to school for Show and Tell!

Happy Crafting!

Fondly,

pink and green mama,

These Are A Few Of My Favorite Things (and people!)

2011-01-03T14:56:00.009-08:00

As Christmas, out of town visiting family, and

winter break from school all arrive this week,

I'm trying to slow down and enjoy the little things

that make me smile throughout the day.

No crafts or projects to post today,

I'm just going to share a few of my favorite things,

(and favorite little people) around here.

First Snow of the Winter!

It was only about 2 inches but they still managed

to sled in it for three days.

New batch of re-cycled crayons

with Wilton heart pan, Ikea starfish molds and Ikea fish molds.

We'll stick with the heart molds-- the others break too easily!

Big sister reading Christmas books to little sister

on the couch in the morning

while I make breakfast.

Playing "Orchard" on the family room floor

in Pajamas. Nicely. Without Bickering.

Best. Game. Ever.

"C" Over the moon to have finicky Daisy Cat settled in on her lap.

Playing Barbies under the Christmas tree.

I think the whole world should be lit in Christmas tree light.

Wouldn't they make pretty street lights?

My beautiful, German, winter light from Mom and Dad

(favorite birthday present this year along with my wool felting set)

This will be up all winter, not just for Christmas.

Little girls playing under the tree...again.

"E" twirling in the Tree Skirt

the day we set up the Christmas tree.

Dimples just like daddy!

Baskets of Good books=

lots of extra couch snuggling.

Happy Favorite Things

and Happy Holidays!

Remember to slow down this week and enjoy the little things

and little people who make your days worthwhile.

Fondly,

pink and green mama,

A Few More of My Favorite Things (and Little People!)

2011-01-03T14:56:00.007-08:00

Okay... Just a few more shots of daily life around here.

Will post our Christmas crafts after the holiday

so we don't spoil any homemade gift surprises!

I added little jingle bells to the girls' shoes this week.

(Might have to add some to my own shoes.)

It was so fun walking through the grocery store today

with my little jingle bell elf bouncing along next to me --

she got several smiles!

Lots of kitchen table crafting taking place here.

Spoiler alert for Grandma(s)...

Don't look too carefully or you might see your Christmas gifts!

Part of our winter village set up on the playroom window sill.

"C" added the fiberfill "snow" yesterday from my sewing stash.

We also added peppermints as little walking stones and populated

the village with penguins in honor of my mother-in-law.

My great grandfather's clock.

The fireplace still works!

I have fond memories of sneaking out of bed at night,

when I would sleep over at my grandmother's house

as a little girl, to watch the "fire" in this clock at night.

Now my own little girls love it.

We set up our jellybean-pooping snowman and penguin by the hearth.

It was "E"s idea to add the little presents, I wanted to make tiny

stockings but didn't have enough time!

Christmas "dinner" set up by the girls

in the playroom for their baby dolls.

Yes those are real flowers and greens in the centerpiece.

More on this fun little project after Christmas!

(Hooray for Winter Rainbows!)

Finally took down our watercolor rainbows

and replaced them with snowflakes this week!

Look closely....

These are the BEAUTIFUL snowflakes

my very talented Aunt Linda made me years ago.

Instead of their usual place on the tree, this year

they have a new place of honor over our kitchen table.

I plan to leave them up for January as well!

More kitchen table masterpiece-making!

"C"'s Christmas Tree and Snowman Drawing!

We will be celebrating with both sets of Grandparents,

our Favorite Aunt and Uncle,

and our favorite little cousin.

There will be lots of silliness, giggling,

reminiscing, cookie consuming,

cookie decorating, and hugs.

We wish you and your family

a very Merry Christmas

and a Happy New Year!

Fondly,

pink and green mama,

Homemade Gift: Wood-burning Kid Illustrated Art Keepsake Boxes

2011-01-03T14:56:00.005-08:00

So I couldn't post this project until after Christmas

because I didn't want Grandma's to see their gifts early.

But it's also my favorite Christmas gift we made this year

and it has been REALLY hard to not share it with you all!

I have complete directions on how to make these

wooden keepsake boxes in my Homemade Gifts From the HeART

lesson plan PDF booklet.

But here's a quickie version.

Start with some cute wooden boxes from the craft store

and some favorite drawings by your extremely talented

resident artists (your kids!)

Transfer the drawings to the wooden boxes with tracing paper,

then use your wood-burning tool to trace over the whole drawing.

Try not to pass out from the fumes!

Don't forget to add their names (in their own handwriting)

to the project. My girls signed and dated the boxes on the bottom.

Now for the tricky part,

carefully watercolor your design/drawing.

The wood bleeds easily.

You don't need a lot of water.

I like nicer watercolors better (like my Yarka watercolors)

Use a tiny brush.

Some sap may come to the surface from the woodburning process-

creating a bit of a "resist" effect on the wood == frustrating!

Have facial tissues or coffee filters handy to soak up excess

watercolor blobs and mistakes!

Close ups of the sides of the girls' Christmas box.

Both girls worked on the picture together,

doing different parts.

It really was a joint project.

Because I copied the original drawing onto the boxes,

I was able to make two identical boxes

for both sets of Grandparents.

"E" is making the snail box to keep

her fossil collection in.

You can seal the box with beeswax or clear acrylic spray,

I left ours plain.

Happy Wood-burning!

Fondly,

pink and green mama,

Coffee Filter Snowflake Art

2011-01-03T14:56:00.003-08:00

Remember this little guy from my favorite things post last week?

The girls and I have been having fun with coffee filters all week.

I bought a package at the grocery store specifically for craft-usage.

We don't use this kind in our coffee maker-

we having boring brown #4 cone shaped filters

that aren't really good for much when it comes to crafting.

(They are, however, great for composting in our kitchen vermicomposter!)

"E" decided to make a color wheel with hers.

She said the window in my art studio, over my sewing machine,

is/was boring and needed some color.

She cut out the center of the filter,

then, carefully drew black lines with a marker

to divide each section. Then, she carefully painted

this little spectrum/color wheel.

I love it and it looks great with the sunlight streaming through it.

AND...

I love that she came up with the project completely on her own!

We also cut out snow flakes,

laid them on newspapers,

and carefully painted them with watercolor.

I like cutting them out first,

because the watercolor paint flattens them out

and stiffens them up a bit.

They display really beautifully

on windows, mirrors, and bulletin boards

when they're dry.

My new view from my sewing machine --

Thanks "E"!

Fondly,

pink and green mama,

Homemade Gift: Grandpa Book!

2011-01-03T14:56:00.001-08:00

We celebrated my dad's birthday yesterday.

We did our traditional go out for yummy Mexican Food lunch,

homemade Angel Food Cake for Dessert (at home)

and gifts!

(blurry photo of Dad unwrapping his new Garden Gazing Balls)

The girls made my dad's gifts this year.

A set of Garden Gazing Balls

for his garden this spring...

yes, it's only January and freezing cold here

but we can dream about warmer days right!?

Want to make your own?

Check out my old Tutorial Here.

Then, the favorite gift this year...

A homemade book

illustrated by both girls

(it's really fun now that "C" is old enough to make her own artwork!)

"The Grandpa Guidebook:

How To Be A Terrific Grandpa"

It was a huge hit and the favorite gift

for both my Dad and my Mom.

Some photos are a bit dark but you get the idea.

Bake Yummy Bread.

(Dad bakes us Ciabatta bread every week! Yum!)

Make Naughty Bacon,

Bean Salad,

Deviled Eggs,

Rolls,

and

Peaches Stuffed With Sweet Potatoes.

(My dad is the chef in our family.)

Take Field Trips.

(This is a favorite memory my girls have

from going to the aquarium this summer

with my parents)

Plant Fairy Gardens.

(Dad has now planted two different AWESOME

Fairy Gardens with my girls)

Grow Pretty Things.

(Dad is a wonderful gardener too!)

Have Naughty Cats.

(Molly doesn't have a tail and Murph is the naughty orange

kitty who is possibly the loudest and most persistent

cat I have ever met!)

Rescue Pink Kitties.

(C's lovey, "Rosie Cat" was accidently left behind

on Christmas at my parents' house.

My dad drove out to our place, in snow, the next day

to deliver her safely back to her rightful three-year-old owner.

I think my dad earned permanent hero status with that one last week!)

Even "Rosie" the cat got a festive makeover

with leftover ribbons and bows!

Collect Santas.

(My dad has a really cool collection of Santas

and this "Birdhouse Santa" is E's favorite.)

Share Your (Angel Food) Birthday Cake!

Give Lots Of Hugs.

Happy Birthday Dad!

Here's to another year.

Fondly,

pink and green mama,

Creative Guest Blogger at Ucreate Kids

2011-01-03T14:54:00.049-08:00

I am guest blogging over at Ucreate with Kids today! I know many of you are fans of Ucreate. They recently expanded and have a great site devoted to KIDS CRAFTS!!! I am so pleased they asked me to guest blog since I am such a fan of both sites. Please pop over and check out this cute recycled MINI PILGRIM HAT craft. Thanks!

Fall Leaf Napkin Holders

2011-01-03T14:54:00.047-08:00

This is a popular fall craft that is so simple and fun to do. Your grade school aged (on up) children will have fun making these for your Thanksgiving Day table.

Cardboard tube, leaves, glue or mod podge, glitter, paintbrush for glue, scissors to trim.

Cut tubes into rings.

Paint glue onto ring.

Apply leaf to tube.

Paint some more glue on top of leaf.

Overlap leaves using this method.

Don't worry that leaves are hanging over the edge.

You can trim them after the glue dries.

Sprinkle on some glitter (if you like.)

Let dry them dry on some wax paper

Trim leaves.

I took this photo before I had a chance to apply an outer layer of glue for a final seal. You may find letting them dry then going back and gluing down the stubborn edges is more manageable.

Pine Cone Bird Feeders

2011-01-03T14:54:00.045-08:00

The weather has started to get colder. We even found snow blanketing our lawn yesterday morning. The colder weather brings back such wonderful memories of my cold weather childhood traditions. The girls and I have found we are starting some cold weather traditions of our own.

Walking through the woods in the fall has become a favorite activity of ours. Hearing the leaves crunch under our feet and collecting pine cones. Lu remembered us making pine cone bird feeders last year and asked to make them again. We use Crisco because Lu is out growing her allergy to peanuts. I gave the girls Popsicle sticks to use as knives. I tied a ribbon onto the end of the pine cone. I gave them each a container of Crisco to coat the pine cone with. Then they each had a large plastic container with bird seed in it. The rolled and sprinkled their pine cones with the seed.

Afterwards we toasted marshmallows in the fire place...

What cold weather traditions do you have with your children?

Paper Bag Vest Craft

2011-01-03T14:54:00.043-08:00

Remember the grocery bag vest craft from when you were a kid? I think this is my first craft memory now that I think of it! I have a photo of me wearing one at my preschool graduation. I bet there is a picture out there of you sporting one too!

Well, Lu's homework this week was to make one and decorate it with Native American storytelling symbols. I am loving Kindergarten! Homework is fun! I cut it out for her and Lulu decorated it. The teachers provided a sheet of picture symbols they could use.

Em made one too!

Thanksgiving Kids Craft: Paper Tee Pees

2011-01-03T14:54:00.041-08:00

Thank you for being patient with me while I update the look of the blog. I felt it needed a face lift and then I realized I didn't like it being so busy. So...how many hours later and it looks pretty much the same. Just new header picture. In case you were wondering what the picture is, it is a closeup of this butterfly collage that Lu, Em & I made last year for the Holocaust Museum's Butterfly Project.

Back to business, I signed the girls up for a Native American Customs and Crafts class. They made these cute little tee pees their first class. Very simple to make for even the youngest crafter.

Trace a large circle using a plate or bowl. Cut in half. Decorate tee pee. The curved edge will be the bottom and the straight edge the top. Tape top half. Fold flaps up.

Older children could research traditional decorative symbols before decorating theirs.

Special Delivery

2011-01-03T14:54:00.039-08:00

With our new house came a new arrangement... Daddy works from home. It has been several months now and for the most part the girls have gotten used to him working in the basement. We still had lots of little trips or visits down to Daddy. Recently we hung up a mailbox for Daddy. This way when Lu or Em tells me, "I just have to tell Daddy something." I tell them to send Daddy some mail. So far, the mailbox has been working like a a charm. Both the girls enjoy sending mail and their Daddy loves receiving mail.

We just used packaging from a blanket we had laying around. It had a handle and window on the top cut out (so you could feel the blanket) already. I took out the label, flipped it over and Lu drew the sign. On a rainy day I will have them decorate it with some stickers.

A Thanksgiving Solution or What to do with all those Silly Bandz

2011-01-03T14:54:00.037-08:00

I am sure many of you have piles of these plastic little bands littering your house, your car and getting sucked up your vacuum cleaner. Your kiddos have probably moved on to the next craze. So what to do with all those Silly Bandz?

Recycle them of course! When we have a large family gathering usually we put colored rubber bands on the glasses to help keep track of whose drink is whose. This holiday season we will be using our stash of Silly Bandz instead.

Sick Day Crafts

2011-01-03T14:54:00.035-08:00

More often than not, our kids are "in between sick." Sick enough to stay home from school but not sick enough to be bed ridden. So what do you do with an "in between sick" kid beside pull your hair out?

These two standbys work for us. Plus they require little to no prep and minimal supervision.

Decorate A Kleenex Box

Pull together a bunch of stickers, ribbons, foam shapes...

I cut out cute details from cards we get throughout the year and store them in a big zip lock for just this purpose. I also stock up on clearance stickers and gems.

Give your child a Kleenex Box (try to buy ones that are fairly plain) and a glue stick. Let them have at it! Something a simple as personalizing their own box of tissue can entertain your crafty (albeit sick) kid for awhile. You can even add little sayings on the box with Paint Pens. Like "God Bless You!" and "Feel Better!" You may even find that want to make one for a sick or elderly family member or friend as a gift so stock up.

Beading

This is a simple activity for sick kiddos because they can do this propped up in bed or sitting at the kitchen table. They can create beaded necklaces for their friends and teachers they may be missing. The great thing about beading is you can use beads, cut up drink straws, pasta, buttons, air dry clay, model magic.... whatever you have on hand.

Instead of a needle just wrap end of yarn with tape to make a sturdy needle-like end.

Have fun crafting with your kids!

Can you tell, I have an "in between sick" kiddo?

The Newest King...

2011-01-03T14:54:00.033-08:00

We just adopted a little tiger kitten. We named him after a fellow bloggers daughter. I know, Sharon...the girls just love your daughter's name! I have to be honest that it was their third choice after Mulan and Sleeping Beauty. I nixed both of those. So...Momo won!

Isn't our little Momo just the sweetest little kitty?

We are all in love!

Thanksgiving Kids Craft: Paper Tube Turkey

2011-01-03T14:54:00.031-08:00

This is called crafting by the seat of your pants. Last week Lu's school had a visit from some live turkeys. When she got home she wanted to make a turkey. Since we had made several Model Magic turkeys already...I came up with this (slightly wonky looking) turkey idea.

You need, a small section of a paper tube, cardboard circles, feathers, and markers. It was easy for Lu to do fairly independently after I cut out the circles and put slits on the sides of the tube.

Elves At Work...

2011-01-03T14:54:00.029-08:00

We will be back Dec 1st with lots of great Christmas crafts! We have been busy little elves. Please come back and check in on us for some awesome kids holiday crafts.

Plus we have to walk off Thanksgiving dinner. Even Momo looks like he ate too much!

Christmas Kids Craft: Model Magic "Peppermint Candies"

2011-01-03T14:54:00.027-08:00

To kick off December, I thought these little mints would be so sweet (couldn't resist) to make with your kids!

Can you tell I love Model Magic? And no, I don't get paid to endorse Model Magic. (Wouldn't that be nice.) When you see all the cute things you can make with this stuff you'll be a convert too! It is so light which makes it easy for little hands to work with plus the colors are much more vibrant than air dry clay. The one draw back is that it is a bit $$. I always try to use my Michael's 40% off coupons and then buy a multi pack.

This is a project for elementary aged kids on up.

Start with equal sized amounts of red and white. Roll out into fat snakes. Stick them together (lightly.) Gently hold each end and twist in opposite directions.

Once they are loosely twisted roll gently with palm of your hand on work surface.

You should end up with a straight candy cane.

Roll up into a pinwheel shape. If making a lollipop add stick at this point. Let Dry

Wrap in plastic wrap or cellophane and secure with tape or tie with ribbon.

What to do with your candies?

Use a a package decoration.

Hang from a tree.

Glue to a paper plate wreath.

Make a bunch and tie together to form a garland.

If you think of any other ideas let me know!

Happy Decorating!

Elegant (Last Minute!) Advent Calendar

2011-01-03T14:54:00.025-08:00

I taped up some glittered chipboard letters spelling out "We Wish You A Merry Christmas." Exactly 24 letters! I bought 2 boxes of glittered snowflakes from Walgreen's on the cheap.

Notice I have conveniently cropped out our dining room table that is overflowing with a jumble of craft supplies, Thanksgiving school projects, and Christmas decorations. If you look in the bottom picture you can see the silhouette of Lu's pretzel rod tepee! Word is they are making pretzel rod advent wreaths in Sunday School this Sunday. Who knew you could make so many seasonal crafts with pretzel rods. This coming from the lady that constantly finds new uses for toilet paper tubes ;-)

I tapped in some straight pins under the letters. Each day the girls will hang up a snowflake. My kids know that when we get to the word "Christmas" we will be close to actual Christmas.

I think it looks very elegant and understated. I'm not sure if glittery letters and glittery snowflakes could be called understated? In our house the fact that they are all one color makes them understated! I have to admit I was looking for red glittery chipboard letters. Fortunately for us they only had silver at Michael's.

Christmas Kids Craft: Model Magic Gingerbread Wreath

2011-01-03T14:54:00.023-08:00

Here is a fun way to craft with all ages. Everyone can make a few "gingerbread" cutouts to create one family wreath or older kids can create their own wreaths. This would make a cute bedroom door decoration.

Supplies: Model Magic (it is lighter than clay), Paper Plate, Scissors, Glue, Cookie Cutters, Hole Punch, Fine Glitter & Ribbon

Tip: Use a plastic place mat or wax paper to roll out your MM.

Cut out your "gingerbread" shapes, ice them with glue and dust them with liberal amounts of fine glitter.

Cut out center of paper plate by folding plate in half and cutting along embossed line.

Assemble your "cookies" onto the paper plate and glue down.

I glued ours down while they were still slightly pliable. Doing so allowed the pieces to mold to the slightly concave edge of the paper plate.

Add a ribbon to hang.

I don't know if you can tell, we had a broken foot on the lower right gingerbread man. Watch out that you don't roll your MM to thin. The good news is, the MM glues together beautifully.

Have a great weekend!

Christmas Kids Craft: Simple 3D Paper Ornaments

2011-01-03T14:54:00.021-08:00

Paper, scissors, glue, clothes pins, glue, ribbon, sequins & glitter (optional), jingle bell (optional)

We made a simple triangle tree (using 3 panels) and a dreidel (using 4) to illustrate this project. You can do this project with any symmetrically shaped object (bell, circular ornament, gingerbread man...) For the dreidel we used 4 cutouts. You could do a star and do as many a six cutouts for a really cool effect.

Tip: you can trace around a large cookie cutter if you don't trust your ability to free hand draw.

You will need to prep this activity for little ones.

Cut out 3 identical triangles to make a tree.

While holding the tree upright - fold each triangle in half corner to corner.

This makes it easier to glue together later. Have your child decorate each triangle.

Make sure they don't place and sequins or stiff objects in the fold.

Let dry.

Measure out a length of ribbon longer than the ornament. allow for space at the top for hanging and the bottom for the bell (optional.)

String bell on and tie of to create a loop.

Assemble trees by gluing back half of one tree to the back half of a second tree.

It will look a bit like a paper airplane.

Use a clothes pin to hold in place.

You can let dry to make it easier or throw caution to the wind and keep on gluing.

You just may end up a little gluey.

Add a bead of glue to the spine of the tree (where the two trees meet)

Next lay the ribbon into the spine.

Adjust so the bell hangs out the bottom of the tree..

Squirt glue all over the exposed halves to the backside of the third tree.

Place third tree on top of glue.

Use one or two clothes pins to hold in place while it dries.

Have fun crafting with your elves!

Christmas Kids Craft: Simple Wreath

2011-01-03T14:54:00.019-08:00

You can't get simpler than this. Well, maybe...but than you would just have a paper plate.

Bonus: this is a kids craft that you won't mind hanging up.

(You know what I am talking about!)

paper plate, green felt, red pompoms, red ribbon, scissors, glue

Fold paper plate in half.

Cut out center along embossed edge.

Cut out leaf shapes from felt.

Tip: cut out rectangles first so all your leaves will be aprox. the same size. Also don't make them too small or you'll be cutting leaves until Valentines day. Fold leaves rectangle in half and cut out half a leaf shape. Open up and you should have a symmetrical leaf.

Give your kiddo the leaves and the glue. Let them glue the leaves on. Let them know that they can overlap the leaves and that they are trying to hide the white plate. After they glue on the leaves you can have them glue on the red pompoms (you can use sequins, buttons...)

Let dry.

Tie a wide ribbon around top to create a pretty hanger (see picture.)

Christmas Kids Craft: Work In Progress Gumdrop Trees

2011-01-03T14:54:00.017-08:00

The Gumdrop Tree is a new Christmas tradition. Last year was our first year making them. It came out so cute we are making a trio this year. Last year I learned a few lessons.

It takes a ton of gum drops and several hours to make just one tree. That is why we are starting early.

Little helpers make the process take 5x longer! But...the girls love helping so fa la la la....allow for extra time. It actually makes for a good quiet time activity. Depending on the child they may be able to do it for 15-20 minutes at a time.

Stock up on your gumdrops! Get the larger ones so you won't have to use so many. I had slim pickings the few days before Christmas when I ran out.

Buy round toothpicks not flat - rooky mistake there.

Gumdrops have a sugary coating that little kids are attracted to. See story below.

Toddler Friendly Tip: cut your toothpicks in half and attach toothpick to gumdrop so all your wee one has to do is poke it in the styrofoam.

Last years tree in progress.

Last year, I was a bit mortified when my Brother-in-law asked if he could eat the Gumdrop Tree after Christmas dinner. I gave him full disclosure. Which was, it had been sitting out for two weeks and a toddler who may or may not been trying to lick the the sugar off the gumdrops was my helper. He said he didn't mind and commenced to pick the gumdrops off the tree and eat them one after the other. Eww? I don't consider myself a germ-a-phobe but...anyone else with me on this one?

Anyway, Brother-in-law will be in GUMDROP HEAVEN because we are making 3 Trees.

Girls, make sure you lick a couple of those gumdrops for Uncle C!

The Joy of Taking the Christmas Card Photo

2011-01-03T14:54:00.015-08:00

The day of the Christmas card photo shoot...

Not even a bribe of a lollipop was going to wipe that look off her face.

Winter Kids Craft: Glitter Stars

2011-01-03T14:54:00.013-08:00

This craft is for those not adverse to mixing small children, glue and glitter together. I am fearless (perhaps a bit too fearless) and let my girls have at it with the glitter and glue.

Supplies: paper bag, glue, glitter, old or cheap snowflake stamp, and a plastic lid to use as your "stamp pad"

Squirt glue onto plastic lid. Squish around. Tap stamp into glue or paint glue on with paint brush. I just let the kids squish the stamp into the glue not worrying about even coverage.

Add glitter while glue is still wet. Work in sections if you are doing a large piece of paper. Tap excess glue off paper.

Use to make cards or gift tags.

Not a fan of glitter? Use plain old stamp pads.

Santa, if your reading this, we need new stamp pads!

Have fun crafting with your kids!

Homemade Gift: Treasure Soap

2011-01-03T14:54:00.011-08:00

It is that time of year again! Treasure Soap production is in full swing. Our little elves look forward to this annual tradition. Making soap is a great way for the kids to make a gift for their teachers. We contribute to the teacher money collection but like to give something small and personal from the girls.

The instructions for making soap comes on the package of glycerin you buy at the craft store. I let the girls add the special soap coloring, soap scent, soap glitter and of course the treasure! In the past we have used plastic toys and erasers (there are a lot of cool small erasers available these days.) This time we used miniature ornaments.

You can buy a soap making kit but we bought all the items individually from Michael's Craft Store. The coloring, scent and glitter have lasted several years. We are just starting to run low on the coloring. I melt the soap in a large Pyrex measuring cup in the microwave. It is easy to cleanup since it is soap!

Tip: fill your soap mold halfway then add your treasure. Wait until somewhat set (you can pop them in the fridge) then add the rest of the soap. This prevents lighter objects from popping up and floating. Using this method allows for you to create a two tone color if you like.

Tip: melt the soap in small batches so you can create a variety of colors.

Common Sense Tip: the soap is hot! You know your kids. If they are accident prone or prone not to follow directions than this may not be the craft for you. My youngest is 3 and really enjoyed adding the color, scent, glitter, and treasure. I supervised her the entire time and assisted her with the stirring. It is a great exercise in following directions. I poured the hot liquid into the molds for both my girls.

I used the stamped paper from yesterday to package the soaps. I used small plastic gift bags but you could use a zip top bag. Fold paper in half and cut the paper to size. Staple onto top of bags.

Have your child or you write the person's name on the front. I wrote on the back, "Emme's Handmade Treasure Soap."

Have fun crafting with your kids!

Christmas Ornament Craft: Glittered Sea Shells

2011-01-03T14:54:00.009-08:00

Em and I saw the prettiest glittered sea shells in a local boutique. The "I could do that" bell rang in my head (you know that bell! I know it happens to you too my crafty readers!)... well, here you go!

Supplies: Sea Shells, Glue, Paint Brush, Fine Glitter*, Hot Glue Gun, Ornament Hanger

*Tip: fine glitter is smaller than regular kids craft glitter. It can be a more expensive than regular glitter so pick it up on sale or when you have a coupon. It makes a big difference in the finished look.

We have jars of sea shells at home from all our summer excursions at the beach.

All we did was dip a paintbrush in Mod Podge and paint onto the shell until the exterior is covered.

Tip: clean off glue from little hands before starting the glitter part!

Add glitter. Let dry. Tap off excess glitter.

Heat up hot glue gun**.

**Tip: You don't need an expensive glue gun. I have a cheapo one. I like the dual tempature ones just make sure you buy the correct glue sticks that go with your glue gun.

Squirt a glop of hot glue on the inside. Add a ornament hanger or ribbon. Let dry and hang on tree.

These would make great accents on the outside of a package.

Merry Christmas

2011-01-03T14:54:00.007-08:00

The 4 Crazy Kings wish you all a wonderful Christmas!

Unfortunately, the girl's Grandpa King and my dear sweet Father-in-Law is gravely ill.

We will be on hiatus until the New Year.

PEACE LOVE & JOY!

XO Mama King

Last Minute Christmas Crafting

2011-01-03T14:54:00.005-08:00

I wanted to pop in and let you all know that Grandpa King is doing much better than expected and we are all very optimistic. Thank you all for your kind words and prayers!

Above is a snowman craft I helped Lu with for homework. We used one Styrofoam egg (I shaved a bit off the bottom so it would stand) and two Styrofoam balls held together by toothpicks and frosting. Lu did the decorating. The hat is a large marshmallow glued with frosting to a foam circle. The arms are made from the branches of some table grapes we had.

I wasn't able to finish the three gumdrop trees. I did manage one. It is pretty tall. I think Uncle C will be satisfied.

Hope you are all managing to finish up all your loose ends.

Have a wonderful holiday!

XO Mama King

Happy New Year!

2011-01-03T14:54:00.003-08:00

Thank you for crafting, laughing and playing along with us in 2010!

We had a great year and hope you did too!

The most popular post of 2010 was the Recycled Apple Craft.

Although it is not the all time most popular project. How To Make A Quick Clay Owl from 2009 has gotten more hits and continues to be popular.

Have a safe and Happy New Year!

Fancy Felt Collar For A Furry Stuffed Friend

2011-01-03T14:54:00.001-08:00

Dilly the dog needed a new collar...

A strip of felt, 6 sequins, 6 seed beads, and some iron on velcro.

Easy...right?

The trouble is, now there is a line of furry friends that all of a sudden NEED a collar.

Be careful what you start. :-)

Although, this would be a cute Valentine's Day gift for your little one!

Ferret Craft Template

2010-12-23T05:30:00.001-08:00

Well, let's start again to make a new kids craft. This is a good and cute craft template for kids.
To make this cute animal template, prepare your thick paper, sole or Funky Foam.
Craft supplies and Tools you need :
glue
paper
pencil
scissor

Step Instructions :

Print the animal ferret craft template
Make copy of body and Ferret legs and use scissor to cut the part of the templates
Combine all part of the templates.
Use glue if necessary
Your Ferret Craft is Done!

Poodle craft template

2010-12-23T05:28:00.001-08:00

You can make this cute little dog with sole, Funky Foam or thick paper. The important thing is you must adjust the hole to fit with your craft material thickness.

Tool and Craft Supplies :

Printer
paper crafts or sole
Scissors
Glue

Step to make:
1. Print the Poodle template
2. Duplicate body and legs template
3. Construct your craft template
4. Use glue as necessary
5. Your poodle craft is ready to play

joe dirt costume ideas

2010-11-05T14:45:00.000-07:00