Nostalgia Toy #7: Suncatchers by Quincrafts

A few years ago, I wanted to make some suncatchers with my daughter like the ones I made as a kid. When I went looking for them, however, all I could find were the plastic ones that you colored with a see-through paint. While those are fun and great for the little kids, I wanted to share the fun of putting the colored crystals in a little metal frame. Then, it’s so fun to see them come out of the oven all melted and ready to bring bright colors to the windows.

So, I was soooo excited to see these suncatchers from Quincrafts last weekend while at Michael’s. I had to do a double-take to make sure these were the same type that I loved as a kid. I knew immediately that these would be part of the kids’ Easter baskets. I hope the kids enjoy these. I know I will!

Just to be clear, these do require the use of a very hot oven, so don’t send the kids off to complete these themselves! This is a very hands on activity for parent and child, so enjoy a bit of craft time together.

What is your favorite craft to share with your child?

Arts and Crafts Themed Birthday Party

The day after the Groundhog excursion for my daughter’s birthday, the traditional caffeine and sugar sponsored madhouse (AKA the birthday party) occurred. Don’t worry, the caffeine was strictly for the adults who were silly enough to stick around to help (thanks for being silly enough to stick around and help! ).

Inspired by our recent jaunts to Kids’ Club at Michael’s, we decided on an “Arts and Crafts” theme for the birthday party. Each child was given a canvas tote bag to decorate with fabric markers, a zoo animal magnet to assemble, and a felt pillow to stitch, fill and decorate. The girls were given heart pillows, and the boys were given a variety of sports balls to make (how very non-gender neutral of me, I know).

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Wooden Toy Craft Kits

Hsien mentioning toys without batteries reminded me of the craft my oldest did at Michael’s this past weekend. Each child was given a kit to paint and assemble a wooden toy. They all had a such a fun time with their creations, and were very proud of their accomplishments!

In this age of all the high tech gadgets and toys marketed for kids, it’s good to be reminded that they can enjoy the simple activities in life!

What are your favorite non-high tech activities to enjoy with your kids?

Crayola Model Magic Santa

This is what my oldest was busy creating yesterday while I was fervently finishing up my Christmas cards. (I know, I’m such a procrastinator.)

The kids decided to pull out the Crayola Model Magic to keep themselves busy. My 5 year old first used it while at the Kids’ Club at Michael’s one Saturday. She loves playing with it. There’s no “working it” to get it soft like regular clay. It’s very easy to use, and you can still mix colors and such like you do with regular clay. The only downside is that you have to work quickly with it. It dries out pretty fast, so it’s best if you have a project in mind when you get started with it.

As for Santa’s pants? I’ve no idea why he’s not wearing any. Maybe he just wanted to show everyone just how skinny his legs have gotten and make sure that everyone leaves him lots of cookies this Christmas Eve!

Santa’s Workshop at Michael’s

Looking for some last minute gifts for grandparents? Head on over to Michael’s this Saturday (12/9/06) for their special Kids’ Club event, Santa’s Workshop. They’ve extended their normal 10-12 hours to 10-2. Although the website says the event is $2, the helper at our local store said that this event costs $4 (USD). For that $4, kids aged 5-12 will get to make three crafts, as well as a gift bag.

Make it a day out with your little one, avoid the “what are we going to do today?” questions, and let the dust collect on the crafts at someone else’s house for a change. Oh yeah, and bless a grandparent or relative with a handmade gift from their precious grandchild.

Will your kids be making gifts for family?

Kids Club at Michael’s Arts and Crafts

Are your kids as craft crazy as my daughter? Well, if you have a Michael’s Arts and Crafts store in your area, I have an answer to your Saturday morning, “What are we doing today, Mom (or Dad, Grandma, etc.)?!” Unless, of course, your Saturdays are already chock full!

Every Saturday morning, Michael’s offers Kids Club. From 10am until noon, they have a craft room open for kids from ages 5-12 to participate in the featured craft of the week. The cost is $2 in the U.S., $3 in Canada. For your fee, you get instruction on the craft, as well as all supplies required to complete it.

This week’s craft was the photo frame pictured above. The wooden frame, paint, and all of the Crayola Model Magic was included.

A new friend of ours told us about Kids Club, and it’s becoming a regular date for our daughters. And since they’re both homeschooled, it counts as schooling time as well. Woo hoo!

I also found out that Michael’s offers craft-themed birthday parties! Who knew? Click here for more information. Happy crafting!