Do you smell that? Mmmm...that's the smell of fresh baked sugar cookies and gingerbread men coming out of the oven. Do you see that? Wow! I can see twinkling lights and stockings hung by the fire. I'm daydreaming, of course, but it's Christmastime!! It's time to pull out the totes of Christmas decorations. It's time to dig through our favorite cookbooks and find those yummy recipes we make year after year. It's time to make memories with our kids and make some new Christmas ornaments for the tree. Today I've got ten DIY ornaments you can make with your kids. They're easy enough for all ages. So, pick your favorites, make a list, head out to the craft store and pick up the supplies needed to have an afternoon of ornament making. {You may already have the supplies in your craft closet if … [Read more...]
How Snowflakes Form: Homeschool Lesson Plan
Like it or not, it's the beginning of winter. Some of us have snow and others don't. Snowflakes are one of the tiniest miracles and a perfect opportunity to introduce science into your lesson plan. Everyone knows that each snowflake is different, but do you know how they are made? Here are some ideas for your homeschool lesson plan. Books About Snowflakes Kenneth Libbrecht has numerous books about snowflakes and their beauty. I highly recommend The Secret Life of a Snowflake: An Up-Close Look at the Art and Science of Snowflakes and Ken Libbrecht's Field Guide to Snowflakes. Image credit and link sources: Amazon These books easily explain the formation of ice crystals into snowflakes, not to mention they are full of beautiful images. The books will even help you learn which … [Read more...]
4th of July Tissue Paper Craft for Kids
When I think of Summer, I think of all things red, white, and blue. With the 4th of July coming up I thought it would be great to make some decorations for the house that are perfect for the patriotic Summer holiday! Today, I bring you a fun and easy craft that can keep kids of all ages entertained for quite some time. Surprisingly, it held the attention of my 5 and 7 year old kids, as well as my 12 year old son. With only a few supplies you will have a piece of art that can hang anywhere in your home that needs a touch of patriotism. First, gather your supplies. You'll need: white school glue red, white, and blue tissue paper {cut in to 3x3 inch squares} scissors white cardboard a ruler a pencil Next, make your template. You could eyeball it as you go along, but since … [Read more...]
Easy Fourth of July Crafts for the Entire Family
In most areas around the country school is out for summer. For me, when school is out I need lots of activities to keep the idle hands of my little ones busy. What better way to do that than to decorate your home with red, white and blue!? After all, the Fourth of July is right around the corner! Today you'll find a craft for all ages. And ALL in preparation for our nation's Independence Day! /1/ Pop Rocks Marshmallow Pops - Pop Rocks were such a fun candy when I was a kid! Who am I kidding? I still love them! Combining Pop Rocks and marshmallows just seems genius. See for yourself! /2/ Hidden Flag Cake - Don't be intimidated by it's complicated appearance. This Flag Cake is really simple. What's more? Ice this cake with plain white icing, light some sparklers on top {like … [Read more...]
5 Reasons to Color and Create with Your Kids!
Ah, the power of the great box of crayons and the ordinary act of coloring! Is there anything better than watching your children doodle and create. Coloring is not just a way to occupy the kiddos but also a great way to teach valuable lessons and so much more. Here’s what I have come up with as my top benefits to coloring: Unleash Creativity Whether it is a blank piece of paper or a coloring page, it’s a chance to get the creative juices flowing! An opportunity to see what you can make with your kids or to challenge them to create on their own. There're no rules. No limits. Only a piece of paper as a starting point and then you choose your direction. Your kids will eventually even learn that they can map out a plan as they decide colors and the order. Teach Valuable … [Read more...]
10 Mother’s Day Crafts
Have you started to think about Mother's day yet? It seems to be creeping up on us this year since Easter was so close. I absolutely love Mother's Day. It has always been one of my favorite holidays to celebrate, even before I was a momma. I love showering my mom with extra love and gifts! Are you looking for the perfect homemade gift or craft idea for your mom? (Or grandma!) I've found 10 Mother's Day Crafts that will fit the bill for both gifts and fun crafts! 1. / Salt Dough Flower Thumbprints // These would be perfect as a gift from your little ones! Grandma would love them too. And they are so simple! 2. /DIY Sewing Kit // Any mom would love this sewing kit in a jar! Perfect for crafting or for everyday fixes. 3./ Stroller Cell Phone Carrier // This would be such an … [Read more...]