I guess I can wish a happy 4th of July to everyone, since it does appear on everyone’s calendar, but I’ll wish a special Happy 4th to those of you from the U.S. out there.
After a busy weekend of festivals and fireworks, we’re looking forward to a cookout with our parents and kids for the day itself. Nothing too high key, and I think we can all use the break! However, if the kids get a little bored, I may have to look at some of these 4th of July themed crafts and activities.
Enchanted Learning
FamilyFun
Kaboose
DLTK
Hopefully, that’s …read more

You were laughing at me, weren’t you? I mentioned that I was all nostalgic for the suncatchers of my youth with all of the little colored crystals that melted in the oven, and you just laughed at me, didn’t you?
So, we finally made the suncatchers that the kids received in their Easter baskets. Man, what a mess that was! I’d forgotten how easily those little crystals jump out of those little metals frames. My 6 year old actually did a great job with hers, but I slightly bumped it when putting it in the …read more

It’s that time again, already!!! Time to get out your Paas coloring kit (they have a ton to choose from now) out and get those eggs all fancied up for the holiday!
From the initial stink of the vinegar being poured into the cups (I never have been a fan of that smell), to the cry of the first kid saying, “This crayon is broken!” (you know, the wax one whose effects show up only after the writing and then the dying is completed), to the crack of the last of the many eggs being dropped by slippery little …read more

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 …read more

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?

Are you still looking for a great gift for a kid on your list? How about a bin or bucket of crafting supplies? One of my daughter’s great joys is pulling out her craft bin and being able to create with all of the different items that it contains. I think a bin full of possibilities would be a great gift for any kid. Here are some ideas of what to include in your bin:

Googly eyes
Feathers
Yarn
Glitter Glue
Sculpey Clay
Crayola Model Magic
Construction Paper
Crayons
Sidewalk Chalk
Watercolor Set
Foam cutout shapes
Fun scissors
Glue sticks or school glue
Beads

Don’t forget to make sure that the items are age appropriate …read more

Today’s holiday themed craft at our abode was from the FamilyFun website. Pictured here are our interpretations of the Merry Mice. Though ours did turn out a little different than those featured at FamilyFun, I was just excited that we had all of the supplies on hand required to complete the project! It was good to find a craft that included aspects that were fun for both the 3 and 5 year olds.
Though these mice are made mostly from felt, I think a version of them could be completed with construction paper or the craft …read more

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 …read more

Mike, over at Career and Kids, recently shared a Thanksgiving craft for kids. It reminded me of a craft that my daughter and I constructed last year for Thanksgiving.
We were hosting Thanksgiving dinner, and decided it would be fun to have homemade placemats for all of our guests. We traced my daughter’s hand on pieces of construction paper, and she turned each into a turkey. She then decorated the rest of the paper with stamps and markers.
To turn them into an heirloom of sorts, I had her write her name and age on the back of each …read more