Tin Drums!

There are plenty of things to do on a rainy summer day, like making tiny drums out of tin cans! I think rainy days are the best for making crafts.

Here is the link with detailed instructions: http://www.makeandtakes.com/earth-day-craft-challenge. Enjoy!

Campfire!

Have your kids make their own campfires and don't forget the marshmallows!

Here is the link with detailed instructions and inspiration: http://gluedtomycraftsblog.com/2015/05/handprint-campfire-kid-craft.html. Enjoy!

Very Hungry Caterpillar Craft!

Have you ever read The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle and have wanted to eat everything insight like the hungry caterpillar?

Try creating a craft like this one based off of The Very Hungry Caterpillar, maybe you can read the book like they are instructions while the kids help put together the caterpillar or put the fruit in the cups?

Meanwhile you should come by the library and check out our copy of the book.

Here is the link with detailed instructions and other fun ideas: http://seevanessacraft.com/2012/09/tot-school-tuesday-the-very-hungry-caterpillar/.
 Enjoy!

Shark Binoculars!

G'morning!

This is our last week of the Summer Reading Program, so today is the last S.R.P. themed craft.

Here is a cute pretend play craft, shark binoculars! And here is the link with full instructions: http://www.pinkstripeysocks.com/2015/02/toilet-roll-shark-binoculars-kids-craft.html.

Enjoy!

Gold Slime!

We are already coming to  a close on Summer Reading Program, the last few weeks have practically vanished into thin air, but the fun still does not stop there.

Today's craft can be enjoyed by all, it can be put away and played with again later, it is gold slime! Please refrain from trying to eat it as it does not taste good and will upset your tummy!

Here is the link with detailed instructions: http://fun-a-day.com/super-easy-gold-slime-recipe/. Enjoy!

Treasure Chest Experiment!

Ahoy there!

Today's craft is a fizzy science experiment that's fun to create and a blast to destruct!

Here is the link with detailed instructions: http://fun-a-day.com/pirate-science-fun-exploding-treasure-chests/. Enjoy!

Pirate Bingo!

Having a party soon? Make a pirate bingo game!

Here is the link for inspiration: http://ourhomecreations.blogspot.com/2013/02/letter-x.html. Enjoy!

Pirate Hook!

This week's pirate themed craft is pirate hooks, argh-h-h-h!

Here is the link with detailed instructions: http://eastcoastmommyblog.blogspot.ca/2014/07/simple-pirate-hooks.html.

Enjoy!

Pirate Telescope!

Good morning!

Today's pirate themed craft is a.... telescope! Or a spyglass, whichever you prefer. This picture doesn't really do it justice as there are more to this than is present in the example.

Here is the link with detailed instructions: http://onetimethrough.com/kids-sea-view-telescope-craft/. Enjoy!

Treasure Map!

As of yesterday, we are officially in Summer Reading Program mode.

So here is the first Weekly Craft post for the first week of the Summer Reading Program, a treasure map! These are a lot of fun, and you can make them really easy or really detailed. Here is the link with full instructions: http://theimaginationtree.com/2011/06/diy-pirate-map-and-treasure-hunt-games.html. Enjoy!

Rainbow Weave!

Try a colorful weaving craft to make with your kids. Who doesn't enjoy rainbows?

Here is the link with full instructions: http://www.pinkstripeysocks.com/2016/06/rainbow-paper-plate-weaving-craft-art-kids.html.

Enjoy!

Ocean In a Bottle Experiment!

Good morning!

Have you been to the beach yet? Here is a fun experiment for you to do with your preschoolers today: make an ocean in a bottle!

Here is the link with full instructions: http://happyhooligans.ca/ocean-in-bottle/. The photo evidence is impressive, but watching the bubbles and waves move in person is definitely more fun. Enjoy!

Bubble Wrap Craft!

Oh, the many crafts that can be made with bubble wrap!

Make a sheep like the one in the picture, or make another animal of your choice. Here is the link for instructions: http://www.craftymorning.com/bubble-wrap-sheep-craft-kids/. I think the sheep in the picture looks like it could be from Shaun the Sheep, enjoy!

Sock Caterpillars!

Make your own stuffed animal, or in this case, caterpillars!

You can use tube socks or stocking socks, depending on how long you want your caterpillar to be. Craft stores do sell fabric glue if regular glue does not work. You don't have to add floral wire either, I thought it would be neat to bend it in a billion different ways and have it stay that way each time because of the floral wire. Shenanigans.

Here is the link for inspiration: http://www.artbarblog.com/category/create/page/2/. Enjoy!

Coffee Filter Suncatchers!

Go catch some sun!

Here is a cute and easy craft to make with the kids: http://alittlepinchofperfect.com/ocean-animal-coffee-filter-craf/. Add some color to your playroom or any room with these suncatchers, make a few or make a bunch! Enjoy!

Shaker Eggs!

Got summer jitters? Make shaker eggs with the kids!

Here is the link with full instructions: http://www.mamasmiles.com/fancy-shaker-eggs-version-two/. Have fun!

Boats!

On your mark, get set, sail!

Let your children discover how many different ways they can build a boat that sails or floats. Which boat floats the best? Which boat sails the fastest?

Here is the link for full instructions: http://www.teachpreschool.org/2013/05/making-simple-boats-that-float/. Also, the book mentioned in the post, Little Tug by Stephen Savage, is a good book that my preschool story timer kids and I enjoyed reading. Enjoy!

Pipe Cleaner Dragons!

Here is a really cute craft for today: Pipe Cleaner Dragons! I would make dozens of these and suspend them from my bedroom ceiling just to tease the pooches, I jest, because I think they are that cool!

The link with detailed instructions: http://frugalfun4boys.com/2015/08/25/pipe-cleaner-dragons/. Caution: this craft does call for hot glue guns and scissors, please be careful with these around small children.

Chalkboard Paint!

Anytime you get to make your own crafts to play with is always a good time. You can either make your own colorful chalkboard paint, or you can pick-up a small can of it from the hardware store for under $5.

Here is the link with detailed instructions: http://www.abeautifulmess.com/2012/02/how-to-mix-chalkboard-paint-in-any-color.html#. The text formatting is a little bit off, but there are plenty of photos along the way for you to get the idea of how to do this craft. Enjoy!

Magazine Drawing Craft!

Let your child's imagination go on an adventure with this craft. It's cost effective, and you can do it almost anywhere.

Have your child cut out and gather images or pictures from their favorite magazines and paste them onto blank construction paper. Then they fill the rest of the page with images or scenery they make-up. Here is the link with detailed instructions: http://artfulparent.com/2015/01/drawing-prompts-for-kids-with-magazine-pictures.html. Enjoy!

Woven Butterflies!

Today's post is a pretty easy weaving craft that the whole family can do. You only need five things, and the clean up is hassle free!

Here is the link with full instructions: http://www.thecrafttrain.com/1/post/2015/11/woven-craft-stick-butterflies.html.

Enjoy!

Styrofoam Tray Printmaking!

We did Styrofoam tray Printmaking for our Make-It & Take-It craft today. This was a pretty easy and fun craft for all ages, younger children will need help with their drawings.

Here is a brief description of how to do it:
1. Grab a spare (clean) Styrofoam tray and cut out a rectangle.
2. Using non-brush-end of a smaller paintbrush (or dull pencil) draw your picture on the tray.
     HINT: when writing names or words WRITE THEM BACKWARDS, because the child's name will be backwards if you write it the right way (mirror effect).
3. When your drawing is done, roll a brayer in paint so that it is completely covered. Then roll the brayer on the tray, completely covering that too.
4. Take the paint-covered-tray and put it face down on construction paper. Press or rub it so that way the paint spreads evenly.
5. Remove the tray and voilà! You have just made your first Printmaking painting!

So much fun, and you can do it repeatedly. Also, use primary colors (red, yellow, blue) so you can mix other colors too or just overlap the colors! Oh, and do not forget to lay down newspaper for an easy clean up. Enjoy!

Bouncy Balls!

Here's a neat craft for kids to go bonkers over: bouncy balls! Plus, this is perfect weather for fun crafts like this one, indoor or out!

Although I do strongly advise that puppies should not be allowed to take part in this craft, they might mistake it for being edible. Those silly pooches!

The link for detailed instructions: http://www.the36thavenue.com/how-to-make-a-bouncy-ball/. Enjoy!

Puffy Paint!

Don't put away your cocoa mixes just yet, it appears Winter demands one more day of snow before it is gone for several months.

Here is a bright and colorful craft reminiscent of Spring that the kids can easily do: Puffy Paint! They can take turns adding, mixing, and making the paint.

Here is the link with detailed instructions: http://onelittleproject.com/how-to-make-puffy-paint/. Enjoy!

Leprechaun Trap!

Do you have a pesky Leprechaun who visits your home each year and don't know what to do about it? Try setting up a trap to catch the little fellow, make sure you add plenty of gold. I hear Leprechauns LOVE the stuff.

Here is the link with full instructions: http://thecraftingchicks.com/st-patricks-day-ideas/. Good luck, and have a Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Rain Sticks!

Today for our monthly Make-It & Take-It craft program, we made rain sticks! We were pretty musical for about two hours this morning.

Here is a link with detailed instructions from which I based the technique for this craft: http://www.nationalschoolsupply.com/blog/a-fun-spring-craft-idea-rain-sticks/.

Hint: it is much easier to draw on the tube after it has been filled with the foil and rice, and the kids may need to press down a little bit harder with the crayons to make the colors pop.

Have fun!

Galactic Tye Dye!

Here's an out of this world "twist" on ye old-fashioned tye dye technique! I think the example in the photos look like a nebulous, which is basically a colorful cloud of chemicals deep in space that look really cool! Check out the Milky Way for more info.

Any who, here is the link with detailed information: http://alldaychic.com/galaxy-twist-dye-bleach-shirt-diy/. CAUTION: you only need drops of bleach, and I DO NOT recommend doing this anywhere in your house except for possibly the bathtub or a designated work bench.

Enjoy!

Pom Pom Popper!

Looking for something fun to do today? Give the Pom Pom Popper or Marshmallow Shooter a try!

Here is the link with full instructions: http://www.cometogetherkids.com/2011/09/mini-marshmallow-shooters-or-pom-pom.html. Have fun!

Spectroscope!

If this bitter cold weather is keeping you inside today, here is a family fun science experiment to do with your kids -- make a spectroscope!

A spectroscope is a device that is used to split light into different wavelengths, which we see as different colors of the rainbow (buggyandbuddy.com).

Here is the link with detailed instructions: http://buggyandbuddy.com/homemade-spectroscope/. Have fun and stay warm!

Photo Blocks!

Here is a different craft for you to try with the family, especially if you have some photos tucked away in a safe place that need to be decorated.

And here is the link with really detailed instructions: http://www.craftibilities.com/2014/01/photo-blocks-valentines-day-diy.html?m=1. Have fun!

Puppet Show!

Do you and your little ones like puppet shows? Check out this Farm Animals Puppet Show Craft inspired by the book Big Red Barn by Margaret Wise Brown
   

The kids will have fun making the animals and the props. They can act out the book or a different book (for instance, one of my favorites is Acoustic Rooster and His Barnyard Band by Kwame Alexander) or create an entirely different story!

Here is the link with photos and detailed instructions: http://www.sugaraunts.com/2015/08/big-red-barn-book-craft.html#_a5y_p=4257832. Have fun and see you next week!

Snowflake Stamping!

Do you and your little one love to paint? Do you also have extra pipe cleaners lying around that you've been meaning to use? Why not try and make a snowflake stamp painting using pipe cleaners?

Here is the link with detailed instructions: http://www.craftoart.com/2012/01/pipe-cleaner-snowflake-stamping.html. You can also use Tempera paint instead of acrylic paint. Plus, it is almost too chilly to be outside today so get cozy and be creative, have fun!

Glue Batik Process!

Why not do a fun decorating process with the kids if you are going to be snowed in for the next day or two?

This is a pretty neat fabric dying process that can be made for any occasion. For example, the owner to the blog had her kids make them for Mother's Day.

Here is the link with detailed instructions: http://artfulparent.com/2015/05/how-to-do-glue-batik-with-kids.html. Have fun and don't forget to take frequent hot cocoa breaks!

Foam Play Dough!

If you were not able to make it to our craft session today, we made foam play dough - so many colors! If you have one child, you don't need to use a whole box of  corn starch unless you want to fill a dish pan or tote full of colored corn starch and shaving cream.

My measurements are as follows:

• 1/4 cup (2 ounces) of corn starch
• About 7 drops of food coloring
• 2 1/2 cups of shaving cream

Combine ingredients in a bowl with tall sides or a big measuring cup that measures up to 2 or 2 1/2 cups. Stir them together with a jumbo popsicle stick until the shaving cream absorbs the corn starch; it should form a foam-like dough that holds its shape.

Here is the link with detailed instructions: http://www.mykitchenescapades.com/2013/07/foam-dough.html.