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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

Nature Impressions!

It is time to go out for a nature walk, otherwise known as a hike, for some fun craft supplies!

Try making nature impressions using supplies from things found in nature. Polymer clay seems to be a favorite by everyone else who has done this, according to my research. To make the lines pop, you can apply a thin coat of acrylic paint.

Here is the link with detailed instructions: http://myplumpudding.blogspot.com/2008/03/nature-sculpture.html. Have fun and get creative!

Shoebox Foosball!

Why not try to make a miniature Foosball table with the kids that they can play with after?!

This craft should be pretty quick and inexpensive, and here is the link with detailed directions: http://www.u-createcrafts.com/diy-mini-foosball-tableperfect-for-kids/.

Have fun and enjoy!

Paper Jellyfish!

I have not been able to find instructions for this craft, but I found it on this website which leads to another website, or rather a dead end. However the craft itself seems pretty straight forward!

You will need:

• paper bowls for the head
• construction paper for the eyes
• a lot of ribbon and different kinds for the tentacles
• markers or tissue paper for to color the tops of the head
• glue
• imagination for fun!

 I would start by decorating the head and gluing on the eyes first. When that is complete I would set it down on a flat surface like a table so the open side is facing up at you. Then I would glue on the ribbons and tissue paper and wait until it is done drying to flip it back over again to make it look like a jelly fish!

Good luck and enjoy!
 
 
 

Swatted Bug Painting!

Who wants to paint with a fly swatter instead of a paint brush or fingers and feet?!

This is the last bug related post as the summer reading program is officially over (as of this past Friday)!

So all you really needs here is some different colored paint, a fly swatter, and maybe bug stickers if finger painting bugs is too complex. Here is the link for detailed instructions: http://www.preschoolplaybook.com/search/label/bugs.

Enjoy!

Firefly Bottle!

If you have been out in your yard at night for past couple of months you might have noticed fireflies are out and about blinking around!

Here is the link for inspiration: http://megduerksen.typepad.com/whatever/2012/09/we-heart-art.html. I say "inspiration" because this person's craft was made using the Kiwi Crate. If you do not know what that is, it is an organization that sells craft ideas and supplies for kids, and the package gets delivered wherever you decide to send it.You do not need a glass bottle, a regular clear plastic one should work just fine!

Enjoy!

Butterfly Footprints!

Today's craft is going to be butterfly footprints! Christina gave me this idea, and I really like messy crafts. Go team!

Here is the link for pictured instructions: http://www.mommypotamus.com/how-to-make-butterfly-footprint-art/. Enjoy!

Egg Carton Bumble Bee!

Here is another cute little craft to go along with our bug theme this summer! And here is the link for instructions: http://www.craftymorning.com/egg-carton-bumble-bee-craft-for-kids/.

Younger children will need help assembling and gluing pieces. Enjoy!

Another Ocean Theme: Hand-painted Crabs!

This week's craft is going to be all about hand-painting and gluing oceanic scenes!

Here is the link for inspiration and full instructions: http://steffenatelyblessed.blogspot.com/2012/03/ocean-lesson.html. Enjoy!

Egg Carton Turtles!

It's turtle nesting season!  Until sometime in October, according to Sea Turtle Conservatory (their website: http://www.conserveturtles.org/florida.php?page=nestingseason). The last day has not been announced yet, sorry.

These are super adorable and really simple, and I'm sure you can create any design on the turtle shell that you want!

Here's the link for inspiration and full instructions: http://itsmunchkintime.blogspot.com/2013/09/easy-egg-carton-turtle-craft-for-kids.html. Enjoy!

Fork Painted Tulips!

Looking for something more spring themed or colorful to make with the kids? Why not paint tulips using forks!?

These are attractive and simple, and the kids will have fun making a mess using the forks, I mean paint!This craft can also serve as a gift for a loved one as well: refrigerator art, wall art, etc.

Also, protective wear might be a necessity for this craft, especially with the little ones!

Here is the link for inspiration and full instructions: http://www.kidsplaybox.com/spring-art-tulip-painting/. Enjoy!

Sponge Ball Splatter Paint

Did you make the sponge ball craft that was posted on the blog in August? If you did, you can use those sponge balls for this craft. If you didn't already make your own sponge balls, there are directions in this tutorial as well. It's pretty awesome that something you used to help cool you down in the summer can be used in the fall to have some fun making a crazy looking painting! Just follow the link for a full tutorial! Sponge Ball Splatter Paint

Marble Painting

Have you been looking at a lot of plain or lined white paper for your homework the past few weeks? did you know you can use marbles to create brightly colored designs on a piece of oak tag? Make yourself a few sheets of marble painted paper and use them during your free time to draw on, write a poem on, or whatever you think would look awesome! These paintings look so cool, you could even just hang them in your room without adding to them!

Follow the link for a full tutorial! Marble Painting Tutorial

Firework Painting

The birthday of the U.S.A. is coming up on July 4th! Our country will be 238 years old! Are you going to go watch any fireworks to celebrate?  You can make some pretty neat looking fireworks with pipe cleaners. Follow the link for a full tutorial: Firework Painting

Spiral Art Pendulum Pen

A Spiral Art Pendulum Pen is something you can build with a grown-up and use outside during the summer! You can reuse it once you build it and make beautiful paintings for your friends and family! Just follow the link for the full tutorial!: Spiral Art Pendulum Pen Tutorial