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!

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!

Puffy Paint: Snow Edition!

Today's craft is... Puffy paint! Only this is a special kind of puffy paint, it involves iridescent glitter to give it a real snow feel!

Here is the link with detailed instructions: http://www.growingajeweledrose.com/2013/11/shivery-snow-paint-recipe.html. The creator of this blog used peppermint extract, which is entirely optional.  I believe you have to use a more sturdy paper type like cardboard or watercolor paper. Or any paper that will not be ruined by moisture.

Have fun and see you next week!

Inkblot T-shirt!

Here is a fun and colorful way to simultaneously teach your kids about symmetry and creativity that they can also wear!

The t-shirts are modeled after the Rorschach inkblot tests. The idea of this craft is that you and your child scatter colored drops of paint on a shirt, fold it in half, and open it back up to see the vibrant creation you have just made! The kids will learn about symmetry and why mixing colors produce new or different hues of color. Plus, it is also fun to re-purpose old t-shirts that are still in wearable condition!

If you do not have any fabric paint on hand, Joann Fabrics sells it for about $2-$10 depending on the bottle's brand. In my past experiences with fabric paint and iron on designs, it's best to let the material air dry after it has gone through the washing machine. This craft can get a little messy, and I strongly urge you to cover your clothes or wear old clothes because fabric paint will stain just about anything.

Here is the link for full instructions: http://www.elsiemarley.com/ink-blot-shirts.html, enjoy!

Leaf Rubbing Tree

Here is a fun indoor fall tree that you use real leaves for! This colorful creation would be a great addition to your window sill so you can see beautiful leaves even after all the trees outside are bare! Follow the link for a tutorial: Leaf Rubbing Tree

Spring Palette Scavenger Hunt

They say April showers bring May flowers. There are definitely a some tulips and daffodils that have bloomed already and lots of pretty, colorful buds! Now that nature is coming back to life it would be a lot of fun to spend some time outside and have this Spring Palette Scavenger Hunt!

Follow the link to see how to get your scavenger hunt started: Spring Palette Scavenger Hunt

Cardboard Comb Painting

Here is a different way to use finger paints! Instead of using fingers, a grown up can cut some different designs out of pieces from a cardboard box. Watch and see all the cool swirls and zig-zags you can make with these combs! Follow the link to see some really neat pictures of this craft!

Cardboard Comb Painting!