Now that we've filled our bellies with turkey and stuffing it's time to crank up the Christmas tunes, pull out the Christmas decor and start making Christmas crafts with the kids. Creating keepsake crafts with my kids is something I do all year long. But, Christmas keepsakes are even more special. I think it's because after the season is over they all get packed away and forgotten about until the following year. When I pull the totes out of the attic and begin to unwrap each handmade craft is when the tears begin to fall. Hand prints that are no longer so tiny, coloring pages with scribbles outside of the lines, anything that each of them made that I can spark a memory from is so very special. Today I have gathered together a bunch of crafts that you can sit down and do with your kids. … [Read more...]
Back-to-School Photography Inspiration
It's almost that time of year...Back-to-School time! New school supplies, new clothes and a new grade are exciting and fun for children and parents. The first day of school is one that almost always gets captured on film (ahem, I should now say memory card!) and will be viewed over and over again as your children grow. Are you looking for a few new ideas this year instead of the standard picture-in-front-of-the-bus? Here are a few creative ideas to inspire you and your kids to make this years pictures fun and memorable! 1) I love this new spin on the classic first day of school photo in front of the school bus from The Crafting Chicks - take a step back and capture Dad (or Mom) walking their child to the school bus. It's an exciting day for kids and parents and it's fun to get them both … [Read more...]
Decorate and DIY with Vintage World Globes
When decorating or creating eye-popping DIY projects with globes there is a WORLD of possibilities. Literally. Today I've gathered a collection of decorating ideas and DIY projects that will leave you longing to go antique shopping to find the perfect world globe {or ten}! Everything about this grouping makes me happy. The number five to indicate the number of family members, the bright yellow cabinet and most of all the GLOBES! Do you enjoy traveling? Re-create this vintage suitcase and world globe stack in your front entryway and let all your guests in on your passion. This collaboration of an atlas and world globes would be fabulous in a child's playroom or a homeschool classroom. That space above your cabinets is often wasted...unless you fill it with colorful, … [Read more...]
7 DIY Back-to-School Supplies That Are A+
Back-to-School is right around the corner. The sales flyers and store front windows are proof in themselves that it's almost time to send our kids back into the classroom. Do you have what it takes to save a little money and make a few of their supplies on your own? Or, would you like to simply add a little DIY to your school supply organization? Keep reading. I've got a few DIY tutorials to get you started! /1/Pencil Pouch - Sure the pencil pouches at the big box stores are cheap, but are they this cute? With even a little sewing knowledge YOU can make this super cute pouch for all of your pencils and pens. /2/Toddler Backpack - Almost always, our older children have a strong opinion on what color and style backpack they want to carry. Our preschoolers, on the other hand, … [Read more...]
Super Fun, Old-Fashioned Games for Modern Kids
Remember when a friendly game of Kickball was all you needed to stay entertained for hours? Or, how about stepping out on the front porch to swing the Hula Hoop around your hips? Old-fashioned games are still so much fun...when we turn our video games off and put our smart phones away long enough to enjoy them. Let's get outside and show our kids how WE used to play!! {photo credit} Pull out the sidewalk chalk, draw a Hopscotch Board, grab a rock and get to hopping! {photo credit} You don't have to have burlap potato sacks to enjoy a classic backyard Sack Race. Step into a pillowcase {as a substitution}, line up against your competitors and JUMP to the finish line! {photo credit} What you lack in coordination you can make up while having a good time with a Hula Hoop. … [Read more...]
Valentine’s Day Heart Homemade Gummies
Store bought gummie candy full of preservatives are not really my ideal snack. Now you can make your own homemade gummies with the kids and turn it into a fun craft activity with a delicious treat at the end. Ingredients for Homemade Gummies 3 oz package of flavored gelatin 2 small packets of unflavored gelatin 1/3 cup of water Silicone ice cube trays or plastic candy molds These heart shape silicone ice cube trays were purchased at Target and at IKEA. There were a dollar each. Mixing Homemade Gummies Have your child pour 1/3 cup water into a saucepan. No need to heat it, just plain cold water will be fine. Then have them add the two packets of unflavored gelatin. Have your child carefully pour the flavored gelatin into the saucepan next. Stir slightly … [Read more...]
