The dangerously cold winter weather that is blanketing the northern half of the nation is being described by Weather Channel meteorologists as the “Saskatchewan Slap.” I live in Wisconsin and have felt the sting of below zero temps far too many times, which is why I was not the least bit surprised that many school districts decided to cancel classes today. Having kids stand outside for a school bus when the windchills are 30 below is unreasonable and unsafe.
If you are home today with a house full of kids and are looking for ways to preserve your sanity the following simple crafts might come in very handy:
HOMEMADE SNOW GLOBES
Materials:
Glass Jar
Modeling Clay
Small Toy or Plastic Animal
Glue
Glitter
Water
Glycerin
Directions:
Rinse a glass jar with warm, soapy water. Let dry.
On the inside of the lid, make a tiny snow-covered “mountain” with waterproof modeling clay.
Next, attach a plastic animal (or any small toy) to the lid with glue.
Fill jar with water and 1 teaspoon glycerin (this makes the “snow” fall slower).
Add silver glitter.
Fasten lid and shake snow globe.
HOMEMADE GIFT BAGS
Materials:
Brown paper lunch bag
Pinking shears or decorative paper edging scissors
Hole punch
Pencil
Hot glue gun
12 inches of 1/2-inch-wide red-and-white ribbon
Markers
Paper gift tags
Small wrapped candies or other goodies to fill bags
Directions:
Cut upper edge of bag with pinking shears.
Carefully fold over upper edge of bag 3/4 inch to make flap; press in place.
Lift flap and punch hole in center through both layers.
Fold flap down; mark hole location on bag behind flap.
Glue center of ribbon to mark on bag; let dry.
Use markers to decorate tags and bags.
Glue tag cord to bag, just below ribbon.
Fill bag with candies, fold down flap and pull ribbon ends through hole. Tie ribbon into bow and present as gift.
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Winter Crafts for Kids: Cards and Ornaments