Tag Archives: kids crafts

St. Patrick’s Day Fun for the Whole Family

If you think this blog is rushing things a bit, then you haven’t strolled through Wal-Mart or Target recently. Both stores are already hawking Easter items. Meanwhile, the St. Patrick’s Day loot is tucked away in an obscure corner near the pet items. I’m only an eighth Irish, but you don’t have to have an ounce of green blood running through your veins to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Just gather the family, whip up some Corned Beef and Cabbage, potatoes, soda bread, and some shamrock shakes and you’ll be in business. Then, gather the kids, clear off the table and … Continue reading →

Homemade Mardi Gras Fun

If you need a reason to party, this is it. During this last weekend before Lent, let the good times roll with these simple, yet spectacular Mardi Gras projects the whole family will enjoy. Gather the kids and pull out your leftover craft materials, then get cracking on these fabulous noisemakers and party beads. MARDI GRAS NOISEMAKERS Materials: Large paper plates Stapler Streamers Markers, paint or crayons in traditional Mardi Gras colors (gold, purple, yellow, green) Craft glue Dry pinto beans Craft sticks Embellishments–Sequins, glitter, buttons, stickers, etc. Directions: Have your children decorate the outsides of two paper plates. They … Continue reading →

Fun Mardi Gras Craft Projects for the Entire Family

My daughter is counting down the days until Fat Tuesday. While we don’t have plans to party hearty in New Orleans, the day before Ash Wednesday is traditionally when I allow my preschooler to choose not one, but two treats at our local bakery. It’s not exactly, a gorge-fest with booze and beads, but she’s just four and the simple outing makes her happy. Another Fat Tuesday activity that makes her happy is listed below. I try to do at least a couple craft projects with her to celebrate the day. The projects are simple, affordable, and yield cute results. … Continue reading →

Ways to Keep the Kids Busy on Valentine’s Day

How are you planning to spend Valentine’s Day? Will you be enjoying dinner out with your sweetheart or will you be celebrating Love Day at home with the entire family? For many families the flailing economy has forced them to cut back on Valentine’s Day spending. However, the following ideas prove that you don’t have to break the bank to celebrate February 14th in style. These simple kid-friendly projects are ideal for keeping children content on Valentine’s Day. VALENTINE’S DAY CARD HOLDER Students who got swamped with Valentine’s Day cards at school will find this craft to be exactly what … Continue reading →

Simple Valentine Crafts for Preschoolers

I swear it was just last week that I was mailing out Christmas cards (okay, maybe it was two weeks ago). Now, Valentine’s Day is just 11 days away, which means there’s no sense in putting away my craft bin at this point. This, of course, is welcome news to my preschooler, who is always ready for new craft projects. The following Valentine art projects are ones we made last year when she was 3 years old. They are appropriate for ages 3-5, provided an adult is present. Older kids could make them on their own. Besides being easy to … Continue reading →

Educational Craft Ideas for Kids

Growing up, whenever my brothers and I would complain about being bored my parents would suggest building a bridge to China… or California, or Costa Rica. Maybe it was because we lived in Hawaii, and constructing a bridge anywhere over the Pacific was not such a bad idea. Fast forward a few decades… I’m a parent living in the Midwest and I have yet to use the “build a bridge” line on my own daughter. However, when the time comes to make the suggestion I plan to make it an educational experience. Bridge building can be a terrific learning activity. … Continue reading →

Having Fun When the Temperature Plummets

The Weather Channel is predicting snow for parts of Georgia today. I guess no one is being spared from this nasty winter weather. Of course, a little snow is nothing compared to the 40 below temps other parts of the country dealt with last week. Still, it’s a sign that Old Man Winter is far from packing up and moving out. This might be good news to kids who are itching for another snow day, but for most parents winter has already overstayed its welcome. If you are looking for new ways to beat cabin fever, consider the following: Freeze … Continue reading →

Simple Snow Day Crafts for Kids

For parents, who have been affected by this week’s dangerously cold Artic blast, today marks the third day in a row that your kids have been cooped up indoors. By now your sanity may be as compromised as your video library. If so, you might consider the following simple craft ideas. They may not be as liberating as a sunny 80 degree day, but they will keep your kids busy for a few hours and perhaps preserve the last remaining hairs on your head. EDIBLE PLAY-DOH Ingredients: 2 cups flour 2 cups warm water 1 cup salt 2 tablespoons vegetable … Continue reading →

Making Cute Candy Snowmen

According to meteorologists, next week much of the nation will be battered with some of the most brutal winter weather of the season. For some parents that means preparing for a potential snow day. Hence this blog. With the kids home from class you’ll likely be searching for ways to ward off cabin fever. This next cute craft idea is ideal for keeping kids busy when they are stuck indoors all day. These Candy Snowmen are not only incredibly adorable (almost too cute to eat), but they are also simple to prepare, affordable (most of the materials are easily found … Continue reading →

Easy Winter Craft Idea

Here’s a simple and affordable craft that will keep your kids busy for hours on a cold winter’s day. These cute sock snowmen breathe new life into old stockings and allow your children to utilize their creativity in the decorating process. The adorable snowpeople can be made from any size sock you want to recycle. For example, if you want to make a baby snowman, then use children’s socks. For a snow mommy, use women’s socks, etc. SOCK SNOWPEOPLE Materials: 2 pairs of socks, one pair of white socks and the other with stripes or other patterns (tube socks work … Continue reading →