tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30843876337339088142024-03-13T04:37:38.953-07:00Wee Can Do ItDIY ideasWee Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03603414394819292947noreply@blogger.comBlogger13125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3084387633733908814.post-9922950211567654962013-08-29T18:38:00.001-07:002013-10-23T10:59:47.738-07:00Color Matching Activities with IKEA Kids Dish Set<div>On a recent trip to IKEA, I picked up some new dishes for my kids. The utensils, plates, cups, and bowls were each bagged separately for under $3 each. I love practical learning and these have been great for color matching activities.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSNr3XfcRdqL3UmNmdWyrjgf2NAv85KmISQVRqbCcRzDgShGXPhvYD-wc9H1DpXPamOP88wr8Av_VKVbFxqDvBr20ptRiN-5tHzCQDo7NuA9db_Xq8KYyqaz0YELyXEvfqMAtjdweVhgcT/s640/blogger-image--1426007242.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSNr3XfcRdqL3UmNmdWyrjgf2NAv85KmISQVRqbCcRzDgShGXPhvYD-wc9H1DpXPamOP88wr8Av_VKVbFxqDvBr20ptRiN-5tHzCQDo7NuA9db_Xq8KYyqaz0YELyXEvfqMAtjdweVhgcT/s640/blogger-image--1426007242.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">One way to start is to get out just the utensils, and have your child color match the fork, spoon and knife. Then introduce the cups and have them place the utensils in the corresponding cup. If you have everything out at the beginning, it could be overwhelming and your child could lose focus.</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6OIKoVdEzxZ9JqwqN4OY-SEubhbfqDtz55K56LF1HaYBNcz3rSrlGc70UMUk135Iu_ifykjW16PMlQJRRG6Jv3RjOp8MdGfSaeEz6uYSEJXepS8ZSbPveJMn4BbFcVmpWKwcLvC9IIhk1/s640/blogger-image-1263020418.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6OIKoVdEzxZ9JqwqN4OY-SEubhbfqDtz55K56LF1HaYBNcz3rSrlGc70UMUk135Iu_ifykjW16PMlQJRRG6Jv3RjOp8MdGfSaeEz6uYSEJXepS8ZSbPveJMn4BbFcVmpWKwcLvC9IIhk1/s640/blogger-image-1263020418.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Match each color bowl to each coordinating plate.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPK9rZr0jyYs1OvQDrbn-qqyVSlgLuu-veuIvUsqpylcWSbouM9LDkiHutXJDAfISf46nqcrAdrh8vlnFYSOJ2ZDvTWc7eV4_yNIIBAoMmttwcn3qgOyD8xMRkoacMXPOi6QQY7V3MEeOQ/s640/blogger-image-407348193.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPK9rZr0jyYs1OvQDrbn-qqyVSlgLuu-veuIvUsqpylcWSbouM9LDkiHutXJDAfISf46nqcrAdrh8vlnFYSOJ2ZDvTWc7eV4_yNIIBAoMmttwcn3qgOyD8xMRkoacMXPOi6QQY7V3MEeOQ/s640/blogger-image-407348193.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Lastly, match each colored dish set together; the utensils, cups, bowls & plates. Ta-da...as my younger daughter would say.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvVRFYGhFxe_ZSqN6LrgJwT8AGq0rwrWuyrGQ-rQndQdMjnk0AoUPEyPLigorbBYjZUwzvsiklvSfk5g73MRsOnJBH4LMtckkYxb5blWEO_WXilWQ1dJ0616FlYTeh7Y6y9GWsvMg6KQ_O/s640/blogger-image--942121780.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvVRFYGhFxe_ZSqN6LrgJwT8AGq0rwrWuyrGQ-rQndQdMjnk0AoUPEyPLigorbBYjZUwzvsiklvSfk5g73MRsOnJBH4LMtckkYxb5blWEO_WXilWQ1dJ0616FlYTeh7Y6y9GWsvMg6KQ_O/s640/blogger-image--942121780.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">There are a lot of ways to incorporate color matching activities with these rainbow dishes. <u>A quick trip to the dollar store and you will find many choices:</u></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Colored erasers</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Chip clips</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Colored popsicle sticks</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Crayons</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Pipe cleaners (cut in half)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Pom poms</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheIDieiZeZFkYQQ3OfogbiLwOqf7GmY6HtbbNK5O5AP8cXutSQGWuQAndrILhov7WYrRycd7zUA31ixKkgNVFNKAN-F6Bl_mIm_gtnQq8nxhLSOf3p9L_gsEBbTmojvIuv2yda6BB6AS8P/s640/blogger-image-1808911031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; "><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheIDieiZeZFkYQQ3OfogbiLwOqf7GmY6HtbbNK5O5AP8cXutSQGWuQAndrILhov7WYrRycd7zUA31ixKkgNVFNKAN-F6Bl_mIm_gtnQq8nxhLSOf3p9L_gsEBbTmojvIuv2yda6BB6AS8P/s640/blogger-image-1808911031.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Pom poms come in different shades of purple, green, etc. This is a great way to talk about how colors can vary but still be in the same color family. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyEUWhngm38EK2XnkX3RkvP3p0vN9HqbNgD_Iec7Idb_rFsP1hNsZLGPFKXE80dOMDOPDfa8rhf0RAVkRFGT9I3OeMANJOndP49y28qTDIGdiLNFQAp3cc0pZ9BDZxcRLQ_-O1EwVLsV52/s640/blogger-image--998430690.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyEUWhngm38EK2XnkX3RkvP3p0vN9HqbNgD_Iec7Idb_rFsP1hNsZLGPFKXE80dOMDOPDfa8rhf0RAVkRFGT9I3OeMANJOndP49y28qTDIGdiLNFQAp3cc0pZ9BDZxcRLQ_-O1EwVLsV52/s640/blogger-image--998430690.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">To increase fine motor skills, think about introducing a spoon or plastic tweezers to pick up each pom pom.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoqvuAQfW6AH7XubBoiEvWl_kgu2ShvyDwudSQ8qXLi4fmENoxW7vSUhgnRWtbifBnMTJ9OZLAB5vAEZn26O8BeFOfesfpBD2aRmEGPtl_eMcT1nUVRXNcn5uOUYnDDTMmGzrExC0G_Klj/s640/blogger-image--225966576.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoqvuAQfW6AH7XubBoiEvWl_kgu2ShvyDwudSQ8qXLi4fmENoxW7vSUhgnRWtbifBnMTJ9OZLAB5vAEZn26O8BeFOfesfpBD2aRmEGPtl_eMcT1nUVRXNcn5uOUYnDDTMmGzrExC0G_Klj/s640/blogger-image--225966576.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">I used construction paper and a one inch circle punch to create circles in a variety of colors. You can see my post about color matching using egg cartons to see other ways to use the colored circles, pom poms and popsicle sticks.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZadjCnMnb3xAg-AYCdWorXWlDR8Ed1wxT6B6ClWlOaI5IA-n7ULJTZp7WiF9N6P55bSD5YTt07IoRRAS0Hwc7MZkSjILhnANc0R3kbZCoxvH2o2C8CvP1MVjFoBfqs7LZBq4HoxGYEReA/s640/blogger-image-1968580110.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZadjCnMnb3xAg-AYCdWorXWlDR8Ed1wxT6B6ClWlOaI5IA-n7ULJTZp7WiF9N6P55bSD5YTt07IoRRAS0Hwc7MZkSjILhnANc0R3kbZCoxvH2o2C8CvP1MVjFoBfqs7LZBq4HoxGYEReA/s640/blogger-image-1968580110.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhQDSValTAXnF0CB5RHJMpK-4eJfJZs_CMDjg32P-o8BATcMXM7WtIV8CPrtBvTBje2zuBacdDwSu0ZvimjszsplOqd3d93mh-TTjFp9qDXug0GRp_jOAKbmnUkJvODird-kknaFUNqG1a/s640/blogger-image-364665659.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhQDSValTAXnF0CB5RHJMpK-4eJfJZs_CMDjg32P-o8BATcMXM7WtIV8CPrtBvTBje2zuBacdDwSu0ZvimjszsplOqd3d93mh-TTjFp9qDXug0GRp_jOAKbmnUkJvODird-kknaFUNqG1a/s640/blogger-image-364665659.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAn3wDi_3VG62A7wFd-6-miMiCUu2yPn9pdXRI-Hw4Afg2nRvHGKr-e9URnjJlzpD1j5mi31TpWVk5482TSc7KmS-DA775abUh33iqz53UzqpWOIqpcA6YUDt8VTTU85xmU9lrTovb9_Z2/s640/blogger-image-1045074262.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAn3wDi_3VG62A7wFd-6-miMiCUu2yPn9pdXRI-Hw4Afg2nRvHGKr-e9URnjJlzpD1j5mi31TpWVk5482TSc7KmS-DA775abUh33iqz53UzqpWOIqpcA6YUDt8VTTU85xmU9lrTovb9_Z2/s640/blogger-image-1045074262.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Here is a photo of one of my daughters with her bed head doing a sorting activity involving beans. </div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzebvHxeX_4wTb5kUyVpgCNc5au7OGZD9sA9mUII8RHCee6wmGy0EB_P5l5qOlk3igTtimmRuoM4T1tqxBI5u46_iizgjYKrEaP-FZPGPhzOsemeJX0-pLlpm4XCfOqLuhypoJ8M5TiIEH/s640/blogger-image-375070037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzebvHxeX_4wTb5kUyVpgCNc5au7OGZD9sA9mUII8RHCee6wmGy0EB_P5l5qOlk3igTtimmRuoM4T1tqxBI5u46_iizgjYKrEaP-FZPGPhzOsemeJX0-pLlpm4XCfOqLuhypoJ8M5TiIEH/s640/blogger-image-375070037.jpg"></a></div><br></div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">I hope this post inspires you to look in your cabinets or craft supplies to create learning opportunities for your kids from everyday items!</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><br></span></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div>Wee Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03603414394819292947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3084387633733908814.post-80595719965173632712013-08-29T17:45:00.001-07:002013-10-17T21:18:34.378-07:00Color Matching Games with Egg Cartons<div>This blog post is about repurposing egg cartons for color matching activities with your toddlers! As moms, we are always looking for new ideas and creative activities to encourage our kids curiosity for learning. My girls are 1 1/2 & 3 1/2 and I rotate their toys frequently. It's amazing to see the spark in their eyes when they play with something "new". </div><div><br></div><div>I love to make learning activities from items I already have at home. Once or twice a week, I try to set out new activities on a few of the bottom shelves in our family room. It doesn't usually cost anything to make, I just go through my craft supplies or household items. For example, the girls both loved when I set out two trays, each with an (empty) individual tea pot and bowl, funnel, makeup sponge, a Barbie and a small towel. I only put water in when I can monitor them at their table, but they have a blast pouring the water back and forth, putting water on their faces with the sponges and bathing their Barbies. I have another post on how to do color matching activities with a kids dish set. Here are two egg carton color matching activities that are simple to create. </div><div><br></div><div><b>Egg Carton Color Matching with Paper Circles & Pompoms</b></div><div><br></div><div><u>For the first project you will need:</u></div><div>A cardboard egg carton</div><div>One inch circle punch</div><div>Cardstock and/or scrap booking paper</div><div>School glue</div><div>Assorted pompoms</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7KoH6tB4VVqwUeXBC5nSYn3DEJLGMXNeeXhSWafeNFrQ0mKDRXPYimfTqNkRqBtngbZrnrKzaOp2VzEeCJXljCdqCRBqwHDQSM7ki9lLKaI5VDpr4UIQcPZzp5HQfN2VVFzFubhIR0VtE/s640/blogger-image-1888180002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7KoH6tB4VVqwUeXBC5nSYn3DEJLGMXNeeXhSWafeNFrQ0mKDRXPYimfTqNkRqBtngbZrnrKzaOp2VzEeCJXljCdqCRBqwHDQSM7ki9lLKaI5VDpr4UIQcPZzp5HQfN2VVFzFubhIR0VtE/s640/blogger-image-1888180002.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">You could use a 6, 12 or 18 count cardboard egg carton, depending on the age of your child & how challenging you want to make it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">For the cutout circles, I just went through my supply of cardstock and hole punched two of each color. You could also choose patterned scrapbook paper for a little variety.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Cover one side of the circles with a basic school glue like Elmer's and press into the bottom of each section of the egg carton. Let it dry overnight & you are ready to play! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Your little ones can match up the circles, pompoms, and other items. See my post on color matching with a rainbow colored dish set to get ideas on other things to color match.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Egg Carton Color Matching with Popsicle Sticks</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><u>For the second project you will need:</u></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Styrofoam 18 count egg carton</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Colored Sharpies</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Scissors</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Colored Popsicle sticks</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I let my daughter help with the creation of this activity. The first thing we did was to get our colored Sharpies (bought from Costco) & Popsicle sticks and decide which shade of Sharpie went best with each colored Popsicle stick.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3-CNQrztR3iVxpAIT4AB34mu9u38GTwKbExr9OorW_60NwmKov20hXvxdKb112rJwdyMWezSw_yzdaahxaHTTFif9Nbv2P8SCWoQGw1yTLfSLcZeAxXitMQkbSa1WrrYIXITz97RqvOAk/s640/blogger-image-342561107.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3-CNQrztR3iVxpAIT4AB34mu9u38GTwKbExr9OorW_60NwmKov20hXvxdKb112rJwdyMWezSw_yzdaahxaHTTFif9Nbv2P8SCWoQGw1yTLfSLcZeAxXitMQkbSa1WrrYIXITz97RqvOAk/s640/blogger-image-342561107.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Then I let my daughter color the bottom of each section of the egg carton.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3kBsao2fsuHGFSYfufb3w0l-ESCwzVKgj-JltSg8FxTxJfhu82sb1RTkadAMNLct0YOyvA8m-fN10-iFdKQsTdqDv0sy79mVQaXUCYCYWONOBtG4TuJuXuGvZWn_Adl-Ady6Cjvr3yL2G/s640/blogger-image-1738646045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3kBsao2fsuHGFSYfufb3w0l-ESCwzVKgj-JltSg8FxTxJfhu82sb1RTkadAMNLct0YOyvA8m-fN10-iFdKQsTdqDv0sy79mVQaXUCYCYWONOBtG4TuJuXuGvZWn_Adl-Ady6Cjvr3yL2G/s640/blogger-image-1738646045.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Next, cut slits in the bottom of each section. As you can see in my photos, if your kids want to put several sticks in one hole, it will tear on its own to a larger size. And that's it, you're done! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTgLmEZrGHmeMY8JCJqpjQEHCL9LcSxRgS_YmVtb7N5y2rAuhRsCOenjPnfbhed0dn4IPX7hyHM03UsVxee0uIbF707j7kXxw8Rhh7ncJFymS5Xp7EGaQzYqqmGa-LZVd28D4HUr1zYJ0p/s640/blogger-image-744311537.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTgLmEZrGHmeMY8JCJqpjQEHCL9LcSxRgS_YmVtb7N5y2rAuhRsCOenjPnfbhed0dn4IPX7hyHM03UsVxee0uIbF707j7kXxw8Rhh7ncJFymS5Xp7EGaQzYqqmGa-LZVd28D4HUr1zYJ0p/s640/blogger-image-744311537.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I lay the Popsicle sticks on a tray next to the egg carton. Then my kids bring the whole tray over to the table to play! I was inspired to set up Montessori style shelf activities by watching Jady A's channel on YouTube. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn3JLywXkG3aOmh9EwIaO3RBUJf8ei3UZ7eEVBNA-EJI9I8p9V-izfZh0pCHgSJEFSH5l78UNINZhIxHNQU83FcmcbdBk3lTRa3v1aL2S3poK3uvyQt5toyK6-ojgRHLGwp1luxzUXTFL2/s640/blogger-image--750119756.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn3JLywXkG3aOmh9EwIaO3RBUJf8ei3UZ7eEVBNA-EJI9I8p9V-izfZh0pCHgSJEFSH5l78UNINZhIxHNQU83FcmcbdBk3lTRa3v1aL2S3poK3uvyQt5toyK6-ojgRHLGwp1luxzUXTFL2/s640/blogger-image--750119756.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhat820Y1qmdREIv6P9nCVui3JPPmZ7YpH8jNZkuLv9dJ5LlLgjguc_HopqhDJWBbSAIYpE1yNeZCVkhfjco1lRKCRa-aQSabs_yxKRB-hnfntvq7bvBy3DiDZEBGnSZu6Ob_ype2luU2f3/s640/blogger-image-312819230.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhat820Y1qmdREIv6P9nCVui3JPPmZ7YpH8jNZkuLv9dJ5LlLgjguc_HopqhDJWBbSAIYpE1yNeZCVkhfjco1lRKCRa-aQSabs_yxKRB-hnfntvq7bvBy3DiDZEBGnSZu6Ob_ype2luU2f3/s640/blogger-image-312819230.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">Children practice several skills through these activities. For my youngest child, she is working on her fine motor skill development. For my oldest she is identifying colors and matching them with other objects of the same color. I like to ask her questions like, "where is the yellow one?", "can you put two green Popsicles in the green hole? Good job!", etc.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I hope you enjoy creating these fun and simple egg carton learning activities with your kids!</div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div>Wee Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03603414394819292947noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3084387633733908814.post-17998808362493909832013-06-30T19:46:00.001-07:002013-09-01T20:56:46.459-07:00Yarn & Foil ArtThis craft has been around for a while, but I thought I'd share our take on it with glue, yarn and crayons.<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEN6KKOKmEhGX4OJToiltAlCH3RWL4RdOCP-c0IQzuRWuSTJizT0V8RP5g2TiamyiFWJd6FOS2nbAlaFVsXXonRP67I8qeTwSY6pdL1YWY1CIslI-x_FeIZWzswJBW81ChegQ_nVcdN8va/s640/blogger-image--1959493346.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEN6KKOKmEhGX4OJToiltAlCH3RWL4RdOCP-c0IQzuRWuSTJizT0V8RP5g2TiamyiFWJd6FOS2nbAlaFVsXXonRP67I8qeTwSY6pdL1YWY1CIslI-x_FeIZWzswJBW81ChegQ_nVcdN8va/s640/blogger-image--1959493346.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); clear: both; "><u>Supplies you will need:</u></div><div style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">Repurpose one side of a cereal box</div><div style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">Yarn</div><div style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">School Glue</div><div style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">Glue Stick</div><div style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">Scissors</div><div style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">Crayons & Markers</div><div style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><br></div><div style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><div class="separator" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); clear: both; ">My plan was for my 3 year old to create the design, but she had a hard time squeezing the glue bottle and was more interested in smearing the glue around. I let her have her fun, then after she went to bed I created a design.</div><div class="separator" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); clear: both; "><br></div><div class="separator" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); clear: both; "><b>Step one:</b></div><div class="separator" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); clear: both; ">I started by squeezing glue onto the cardboard & it looked like a snake, so I went with it. I put the yarn on the glue gently, wanting the top of the yarn to stay soft, so the foil would go on smoothly later. I let this part of the project dry overnight. In the morning my daughter was excited to see what she interpreted as a rollercoaster, so we were ready for the glue stick!</div></div></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX6jbCI5d7-IP3ewjbhLb98EdrgawIWR4D9N1DGB67fyWG39GW_Y0xxcWADS3GsD_GXu9bh8VRRh1Bbi1HC-VvQCnO1hJS8ZdDsPG4UkA-JKM4_Yrk53rA9Ra1P0E0jeSk86n4WOVVkqup/s640/blogger-image-1364939583.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX6jbCI5d7-IP3ewjbhLb98EdrgawIWR4D9N1DGB67fyWG39GW_Y0xxcWADS3GsD_GXu9bh8VRRh1Bbi1HC-VvQCnO1hJS8ZdDsPG4UkA-JKM4_Yrk53rA9Ra1P0E0jeSk86n4WOVVkqup/s640/blogger-image-1364939583.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><b>Step two:</b></span></div><div style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">Roll the glue stick over the exposed card board. The 3 year old loved this part.</div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYcBryJ7vk5fwfWSu0wGsk8ZHDmB_QHCh5Ko6xMW5P3irr9yUqgd6UD03mvx7-RRftuvK1_vt0nTTzuEhxtKc0JZNy2tje9dRWGiEzswn-BqkoUN8hlbSeAvgWMV4ToDQ79-kYPzXWukLl/s640/blogger-image--260391613.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYcBryJ7vk5fwfWSu0wGsk8ZHDmB_QHCh5Ko6xMW5P3irr9yUqgd6UD03mvx7-RRftuvK1_vt0nTTzuEhxtKc0JZNy2tje9dRWGiEzswn-BqkoUN8hlbSeAvgWMV4ToDQ79-kYPzXWukLl/s640/blogger-image--260391613.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><b>Step three:</b></div><div style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">Cut a piece of aluminum foil to size & press on to the cardboard.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgatxjoMjzXdbvRfnqwoEOjbtO3SQ0VH6qADhEQAiMfgfsIjzQHpDdfoPYA9mWYRA9Ug6m0XJZHVKKIMbgq-7lCT4RocMwdHbNlY4fzFOkyjxuwC1lKySBnyggZL2L5gHLaGiE_FBvwPuoS/s640/blogger-image--1095168179.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgatxjoMjzXdbvRfnqwoEOjbtO3SQ0VH6qADhEQAiMfgfsIjzQHpDdfoPYA9mWYRA9Ug6m0XJZHVKKIMbgq-7lCT4RocMwdHbNlY4fzFOkyjxuwC1lKySBnyggZL2L5gHLaGiE_FBvwPuoS/s640/blogger-image--1095168179.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Step four:</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Rub the foil onto our yarn lines; we used an old toothbrush. It was gentle and didn't tear the foil.</div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLmQemEVulSKmUf1xg2cjm8sqE9onHWFT8buKXNyfO_RmxnGtkI5L75cbKr89NkU5Y-vTVX7drPbLKFS0CCpFEHtyDxZN6wf5Ig00wqGnRpaKvvH8bFGt5nWcI6E55Wqwxamdi3CU2qiRh/s640/blogger-image--865990356.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLmQemEVulSKmUf1xg2cjm8sqE9onHWFT8buKXNyfO_RmxnGtkI5L75cbKr89NkU5Y-vTVX7drPbLKFS0CCpFEHtyDxZN6wf5Ig00wqGnRpaKvvH8bFGt5nWcI6E55Wqwxamdi3CU2qiRh/s640/blogger-image--865990356.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Step five:</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Sharpies work well on foil, but permanent markers aren't the greatest medium for young children, so we mostly used crayons, but I did let my little artist use a sharpie and a paint pen a little. I played around with heating the crayon areas, but I don't think it added anything. The crayons went on smoothly, brighter colors worked better than pastels. </div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju2Nw8W9dv875pFn30M4glK74Er8_JzXTaTGRJr9N4YEhJTuTcPL0Lt06COLTseh5RwKuk7aGoon2_GcfbjqnkhUJM-zVN9NV7nAXhJrebTGlG4toVKN2-rUkg2axJNlFxzLO7ywjI6l9R/s640/blogger-image-518969312.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju2Nw8W9dv875pFn30M4glK74Er8_JzXTaTGRJr9N4YEhJTuTcPL0Lt06COLTseh5RwKuk7aGoon2_GcfbjqnkhUJM-zVN9NV7nAXhJrebTGlG4toVKN2-rUkg2axJNlFxzLO7ywjI6l9R/s640/blogger-image-518969312.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_VUwL78ZVDeQchm92Qq5MRBjX2fYxjufd3UehQ-plyf53r09FQS6eWmi7idMbBL-OxwSRk_s6jt_4C4ejGn51cOxSiOXlfq_MSQDIENXCh_Cn4GMlywMFVVR4R_3BKLF8xDBjJiROPM_3/s640/blogger-image-2097631102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_VUwL78ZVDeQchm92Qq5MRBjX2fYxjufd3UehQ-plyf53r09FQS6eWmi7idMbBL-OxwSRk_s6jt_4C4ejGn51cOxSiOXlfq_MSQDIENXCh_Cn4GMlywMFVVR4R_3BKLF8xDBjJiROPM_3/s640/blogger-image-2097631102.jpg"></a></div><div><br></div>Tada! Our finished foil & yarn project. It was fun, I think we may try it again as a seasonal craft (pumpkin, flag, Christmas tree, Easter egg)...lots of possibilities!<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV2F4_O18XC7jM3GnqotudiESgFNPGwYxDHmI_HZaPxFYfBDfy64Os-J8CtnWjz_twescDLVsTqgO2A2hx2GBgOwNECEDLv1Er3RKS-fgp4y2NdvlP7YZwgKSjvd0P-qAX1EVkjJlvaYRp/s640/blogger-image-1124470913.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV2F4_O18XC7jM3GnqotudiESgFNPGwYxDHmI_HZaPxFYfBDfy64Os-J8CtnWjz_twescDLVsTqgO2A2hx2GBgOwNECEDLv1Er3RKS-fgp4y2NdvlP7YZwgKSjvd0P-qAX1EVkjJlvaYRp/s640/blogger-image-1124470913.jpg"></a></div></div>Wee Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03603414394819292947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3084387633733908814.post-26480198585670892192013-06-18T19:57:00.001-07:002013-06-30T20:58:55.083-07:00Toddler Bath Time PlayWe love bath time in our house! Different themes keep it fun for my 1 & 3 year old. Most baths include a little bubble bath. Our favorite bubble bath is California Baby. It is not as sudsy as some, but has great aromatherapy and is organic. <div><br></div><div>Here are some ideas we have enjoyed:</div><div><br></div><div>Food coloring: create a one color bath or pour different colored water in squeeze bottles and let them add it</div><div>All ducks</div><div>All frogs</div><div>All cups; different shapes and sizes</div><div>All balls</div><div>Blowing bubbles </div><div>Homemade bath fizzies (aka alka seltzer tablets) :)</div><div>Glow in the dark bracelets (must admit my 3 year old didn't like them in the tub)</div><div>Toy cars</div><div>Snap lock beads (and they make great microphones too)</div><div>Plastic farm animal figurines</div><div>Winnie the Pooh set of figurines</div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">Plastic little pony figurines (and they get washed as a bonus)</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">Bath mirror and silly shampooed hairstyles always gets a laugh</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">Polka dot bath with foam craft circles (warning-don't leave them on your bath wall overnight-the colors may bleed)</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">The theme I have pictured below are the foam craft circles you can buy at Dollar Tree. I put about 12 drops of blue food coloring and we pretended the green foam craft circles were lily pads and balanced bath cups on them. </span></div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwuANRE1aHm1e3R3yQLBpvwp7d2STYUqFF9Y6JH4fUZyDQoqxQ76UcihWnH24i1pB4wFQmoXc1IkXzs6FTgSEYOm18-sXCQJCya9OJzP4RpPuK42FXqCzrTh4AapNZzDwt2poNqhBdHuMH/s640/blogger-image--1524684360.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwuANRE1aHm1e3R3yQLBpvwp7d2STYUqFF9Y6JH4fUZyDQoqxQ76UcihWnH24i1pB4wFQmoXc1IkXzs6FTgSEYOm18-sXCQJCya9OJzP4RpPuK42FXqCzrTh4AapNZzDwt2poNqhBdHuMH/s640/blogger-image--1524684360.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Next up for us will be homemade bath crayons created by grating bar soap, adding food color and molding them into the shape of big crayons. What is your kid's favorite bath time fun?</div>Wee Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03603414394819292947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3084387633733908814.post-4701480665792474812013-02-02T07:07:00.001-08:002013-02-02T12:42:04.664-08:00Hand Scrub Floors the Natural Way<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTJ7mlkrn0jUz1IjHM5x-gf2iBCNGPn0MSUUAqU7hxfxZZnDQ8sKhwnyNha1GUEzcggzbU0843tOI9q6Nd1DMlY0mXsrilsVoZJy0Wf2RNLC5FuQLTpcs4wtj15yU8k2XtU_kET0N6qVVy/s640/blogger-image--1854710589.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTJ7mlkrn0jUz1IjHM5x-gf2iBCNGPn0MSUUAqU7hxfxZZnDQ8sKhwnyNha1GUEzcggzbU0843tOI9q6Nd1DMlY0mXsrilsVoZJy0Wf2RNLC5FuQLTpcs4wtj15yU8k2XtU_kET0N6qVVy/s640/blogger-image--1854710589.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Yesterday I was literally on my hands and knees cleaning my floors. I geared up for my hand scrubbing with a new extra large cellulose sponge and small non-abrasive scrub sponge. Although I usually use a non-toxic homemade floor cleaner on my laminate wood floors for daily cleanups, I thought I'd check out store-bought cleaners for the deep cleaning I had in mind. To sum it up quickly-NOT impressed! Those that proclaimed to be natural or organic, I can make myself for half the cost. The other store-bought floor cleaners had warnings about eye irritations and dangers if inhaled (which of course I will be since I am standing right over the bucket). <br />
<br />
The nice thing about using a natural cleaner is that my pet and small children can be around me without worrying about toxic chemicals. When my 3 year old got up from her nap, I was about half way through so I let her help. She was all too eager to get a sponge and wet the floor for mommy! <br />
<br />
This homemade cleaning mix worked really well:<br />
<br />
Natural Deep Cleaning Floor Recipe<br />
1 cup vinegar<br />
1 T dish soap<br />
1 T lemon juice<br />
1 gallon hot water<br />
<br />
Other supplies:<br />
A cleaning bucket<br />
Large cellulose sponge<br />
Small non-abrasive scrub sponge<br />
Old hand towels/rags<br />
Gardening knee pads (wish I had them)<br />
<br />
I used the old hand towels for buffing as I went along. I truly felt like the Karate Kid waxing on my natural cleaner with the large sponge, and waxing off with my towel. The scrub sponge was handy if a spot needed extra attention (i.e. under my daughters kitchen stool).<br />
<br />
I changed out the cleaning mix and towels often and the end result? Shiny, squeaky clean floors! That is until the next spill from one of my sweeties. <br />
<br />
My blog usually involves crafts and such for the kids, but kids have fun helping mommy clean too and with a natural homemade cleaning recipe, they can!<br />
<br />
If you are wondering about my daily floor cleaner recipe, I use a professional spray bottle (from Lowe's) with the ounces written on the side for easy measuring. Here it is:<br />
<br />
Daily Floor Cleaner Recipe<br />
5 oz vinegar<br />
20 oz filtered water<br />
1 T Dawn<br />
1 T rubbing alcohol<br />
<br />
If this is your first time using vinegar as a cleaning solution, I promise the odor fades fast and you will love the results on both real wood floors and laminate.<br />
<br />
<br />
Wee Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03603414394819292947noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3084387633733908814.post-71713787545094181932012-10-20T20:03:00.000-07:002013-10-23T11:11:05.432-07:00Yarn bowls<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp0fdmdjif9IWMclW4k_4NSBByii7VlnaEgSD8jpiV3GcPK4jNYr-OU18FJLMiFEFSEJjYx8vXH8dNc4ad_pfeW4Ts-hhJ0QFOMYzfOQXiM9e6QfweVIjEKVs5UN7M_4mjngDbMJ4U_5eM/s640/blogger-image-1333734938.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp0fdmdjif9IWMclW4k_4NSBByii7VlnaEgSD8jpiV3GcPK4jNYr-OU18FJLMiFEFSEJjYx8vXH8dNc4ad_pfeW4Ts-hhJ0QFOMYzfOQXiM9e6QfweVIjEKVs5UN7M_4mjngDbMJ4U_5eM/s640/blogger-image-1333734938.jpg"></a></div>I was inspired for this idea by seeing a yarn bowl on Pinterest. It seems the perfect holder for the acorn crafts my daughter and I are making.<br>
<br>
What you will need:<br>
1/2 cup of flour<br>
4 cups of water<br>
3 tablespoons of sugar<br>
Yarn in the color of your choice (I used two: a thick wool and a thin blue yarn)<br>
Small ramekins, tea cups, &/or baby food jars to use as molds<br>
Sturdy cutting board<br>
Press n' Seal plastic wrap<br>
A ziplock sandwich bag<br>
Optional: wooden or glass beads<br>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtS-D0NvQCP8MW-Ghqm2kKyn-fpneZa1Mfd9Qc79Hi15UBP9GjnCxk-ph3HA5DvLZlaoQNXqJ6DrqOpNbq1SpztPRv-8Mf9jDzPrVPQ1KwbKotopotH5Un8sGYbvKzMCYMBgWKrkZPC72z/s640/blogger-image--556469284.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtS-D0NvQCP8MW-Ghqm2kKyn-fpneZa1Mfd9Qc79Hi15UBP9GjnCxk-ph3HA5DvLZlaoQNXqJ6DrqOpNbq1SpztPRv-8Mf9jDzPrVPQ1KwbKotopotH5Un8sGYbvKzMCYMBgWKrkZPC72z/s640/blogger-image--556469284.jpg"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br>
Step One:<br>
Mix up some homemade stiffener (I am not a fan of playing with liquid starch and would rather use this <a href="http://blog.kanelstrand.com/2011/12/weekend-diy-yarn-bowl.html?m=1">child-friendly recipe</a>.<br>
<br>
Boil 2 cups of water, while separately mixing 1/2 cup of flour with 2 cups of lukewarm water in a bowl. Once thoroughly mixed, add your lukewarm flour & water mixture to the boiling water and return to a boil--stirring constantly. Then remove from heat and add three tablespoons of sugar, stir and let cool.<br>
<br>
Step Two:<br>
Not having made a yarn bowl before, I decided to experiment. I looked in my cupboard and found ramekins, a tea cup and baby food jars- all small, just what I want for my project. So I wrapped a sturdy cutting board in Press n' Seal (sticky side down) and wrapped each glass mold in Press n' Seal (sticky side touching the glass).<br>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW8OZbhGds_GW-RRPMtEk1089ogA08ffE7C-yPXW3YVMSEpI7BL8ANY23FnfL7JZyz_PkV2yO4SoVXHtrmn4Hr3oWG53zj3T3RBBwljnktXHkzagSBqUbE4xQHNK9fd5gP7fhLRPTgqzfd/s640/blogger-image--1893868972.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW8OZbhGds_GW-RRPMtEk1089ogA08ffE7C-yPXW3YVMSEpI7BL8ANY23FnfL7JZyz_PkV2yO4SoVXHtrmn4Hr3oWG53zj3T3RBBwljnktXHkzagSBqUbE4xQHNK9fd5gP7fhLRPTgqzfd/s640/blogger-image--1893868972.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br>
Step Three:<br>
Spoon cooled stiffener into a ziplock sandwich bag.<br>
<br>
Step Four:<br>
Cut long lengths of yarn and place in the bag with the stiffener, knead well.<br>
<br>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBAUwBzCLQ7qH15AByE8wauiWsGnhrTqbE6h8lXItIr3z0FOMmMVtrQDhpHYxAQfmFSK1gN_SzKrQCPuzpAE5xD_KX05T9ftOk3-sAckm-VW_qo9hchuICCAXsKpftAN1o4aKCCC_USshz/s640/blogger-image--120213490.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBAUwBzCLQ7qH15AByE8wauiWsGnhrTqbE6h8lXItIr3z0FOMmMVtrQDhpHYxAQfmFSK1gN_SzKrQCPuzpAE5xD_KX05T9ftOk3-sAckm-VW_qo9hchuICCAXsKpftAN1o4aKCCC_USshz/s640/blogger-image--120213490.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Step Five:<br>
For the the thick wool skein, I found it better to pull through my fingers (hold the outside of the bag and squeeze excessive wetness from the wool as you pull it from the bag) and place directly on my mold.<br>
<br>
For the thin yarn, I gently squeezed it all through my fingers and placed it in a pile on the cutting board instead of keeping it in the bag while arranging it on the glass mold.<br>
<br>
Start in the middle of the bottom of your bowl and create your design. I tried it several ways to see which turned out the cutest. It's pretty easy to do a tight circular pattern, all from one string of yarn. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg13bs4KTpztY7b1LQzLHFtrtxDTP2B24HXO6QzPifOv7V8Jix_EY0YcFhEp2tJvfAWbKMtrmixxDLUTVf1Ubr_4rXmiCcwAoRBeHkOJL71DdwCKV0f74rAu90FrAK292JEnXW7BnbY3ihz/s640/blogger-image--1812968021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg13bs4KTpztY7b1LQzLHFtrtxDTP2B24HXO6QzPifOv7V8Jix_EY0YcFhEp2tJvfAWbKMtrmixxDLUTVf1Ubr_4rXmiCcwAoRBeHkOJL71DdwCKV0f74rAu90FrAK292JEnXW7BnbY3ihz/s640/blogger-image--1812968021.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy8fQ-IzvgAi-FExaTsYWe-7vagXsucfrH8cOmvQ-E4nHTVuOdOLWrDa_7hQRzZj6cQhEyh0IeSjMjsazf79NcFZRKXkkvRcfvWsa4OHohKGcUgwL-rUA-u7sjADvH-j2PGyqw96rD55AN/s640/blogger-image--1979384031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy8fQ-IzvgAi-FExaTsYWe-7vagXsucfrH8cOmvQ-E4nHTVuOdOLWrDa_7hQRzZj6cQhEyh0IeSjMjsazf79NcFZRKXkkvRcfvWsa4OHohKGcUgwL-rUA-u7sjADvH-j2PGyqw96rD55AN/s640/blogger-image--1979384031.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">For the beaded bowl, I used several shorter lengths of yarn to make adding the beads easier. The first layer of yarn was placed in a tight circular pattern, adding beads periodically, then I added a second layer of yarn that wove up, down and around the beads in an unpredictable pattern; in hopes of giving the bowl more stability. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8lhMTh7m48xyOTIfJ_RIv6pCmd46kPhI5cWfwKIYpMBDIR0g_JbFs_x1GalqUrc6WfjJPd9_15bCv2FYFF81cPbVQGmrHwAElUYMW7C6-1EB_rFqKeOmUQC_gxRq9T-isgzwxvCdkjDri/s640/blogger-image--2038893856.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8lhMTh7m48xyOTIfJ_RIv6pCmd46kPhI5cWfwKIYpMBDIR0g_JbFs_x1GalqUrc6WfjJPd9_15bCv2FYFF81cPbVQGmrHwAElUYMW7C6-1EB_rFqKeOmUQC_gxRq9T-isgzwxvCdkjDri/s640/blogger-image--2038893856.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimc42YtgIzphZYFx5INxO12bq7ba1bGXyvtarcrGmnCQ3xiR-o7kMNtxy8OUc0J5pD6VZsYVh3SHnPfrwjTlw1IB7c-0OcuSKPTKy6Ql1SmW15YkwAyxDZHXGjEwbadiyNEeV_IeSPluqj/s640/blogger-image--1897073653.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimc42YtgIzphZYFx5INxO12bq7ba1bGXyvtarcrGmnCQ3xiR-o7kMNtxy8OUc0J5pD6VZsYVh3SHnPfrwjTlw1IB7c-0OcuSKPTKy6Ql1SmW15YkwAyxDZHXGjEwbadiyNEeV_IeSPluqj/s640/blogger-image--1897073653.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The loopy bowl was a last minute addition. I grabbed a rectangular baby food container, wrapped it in Press n' Seal and arranged the yarn in layers of loops, in hopes that it may turn out to look like an eclectic flower of sorts.<br>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNDzGLPLHE0Yuwxo0oHzroQjW9GuKCUET-JdRuhMjSBO_EZOZglvb9P20CXl_SKoWKt15N1qHo2PGHffbUsPZiRrojeif9RunEUx2GTwBYRTQepofj21jLrNtxx1KLOkGrLmLV76VQGqMI/s640/blogger-image--268263574.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNDzGLPLHE0Yuwxo0oHzroQjW9GuKCUET-JdRuhMjSBO_EZOZglvb9P20CXl_SKoWKt15N1qHo2PGHffbUsPZiRrojeif9RunEUx2GTwBYRTQepofj21jLrNtxx1KLOkGrLmLV76VQGqMI/s640/blogger-image--268263574.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVm3wi3sTylaYgh8nPTu-xAltt6MSNXMMdbnCVG1-1s83Z8QXOM34hZHweHiaU6NeUWcMuh1UzjdqqyUe-7-H3dcuSFLvyGud8YJkQo-aeiJy5IO4qONKN2nNkyTG8-9edTcLUpDQSvnoJ/s640/blogger-image-751383647.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVm3wi3sTylaYgh8nPTu-xAltt6MSNXMMdbnCVG1-1s83Z8QXOM34hZHweHiaU6NeUWcMuh1UzjdqqyUe-7-H3dcuSFLvyGud8YJkQo-aeiJy5IO4qONKN2nNkyTG8-9edTcLUpDQSvnoJ/s640/blogger-image-751383647.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Step Six:<br>
Let dry 24-48 hours. This will depend on how much stiffener you left on your yarn and whether you can sit it outside on a sunny day.<br>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKbxsxJXlq4rhyu3T3szp8lixSroX-L3zkROgD4NiS8HytdgqzdGc666-3c_4j7Y8ltbGDNg0H1-nKXbUtNxTfVD3ih-33giITmncir_I5IbYCPmd42pY9HIhxktM8hF_5WvFl1sfpuEVa/s640/blogger-image--481564507.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKbxsxJXlq4rhyu3T3szp8lixSroX-L3zkROgD4NiS8HytdgqzdGc666-3c_4j7Y8ltbGDNg0H1-nKXbUtNxTfVD3ih-33giITmncir_I5IbYCPmd42pY9HIhxktM8hF_5WvFl1sfpuEVa/s640/blogger-image--481564507.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br>
Overall, I found the thick wool yarn much easier to work with, but it did have fewer design options than the thin yarn. It was fun to experiment with different bowl shapes an designs.<br>
<br>
These are gifts for neighbors in our small community when we go trick or treating. I think it will give the kids as much joy giving something that we made, as it will receiving the candy. Ha! Maybe not, but I still really like the idea of sharing our crafting adventures.<br>
<br>
Followup: I didn't care for the look of the loopy flower bowl and I think the thick wool yarn looked the most natural. We filled the bowls with our acorn craft (acorn tops from the backyard glued with a pom pom or glass bead).<br>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghQsn8MznAsXJ5GxV14-eWZETKHVHRspbzmrqelCoIJEUCTJDZmhVELr_w-yFIUgEFJaBYXQNZ4oAsmNvR4p2rwG11Ci2zVsn7q8SrV4v4nkkXIbn1EAqnstRLyD42E0qa91lD5p8u0dCC/s640/blogger-image--1838213740.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghQsn8MznAsXJ5GxV14-eWZETKHVHRspbzmrqelCoIJEUCTJDZmhVELr_w-yFIUgEFJaBYXQNZ4oAsmNvR4p2rwG11Ci2zVsn7q8SrV4v4nkkXIbn1EAqnstRLyD42E0qa91lD5p8u0dCC/s640/blogger-image--1838213740.jpg"></a></div></div>Wee Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03603414394819292947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3084387633733908814.post-46074163701004111132012-10-19T21:35:00.001-07:002012-10-20T19:42:37.286-07:00Advent Scratch-Off Ornaments<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB_P9XndJjoHdUF1mv2d4Wd501rCz1fBtTMzDd09GNQMJj4UFf_hYB97Wq5Eqwzbjus6ZmuKWx4Mo_Fiyy00zvLZ-axfLnGs5QT5rnXAAmxmWwlU41lzOwQ-l2xUmgB_64uUirUxbikZhB/s640/blogger-image--262201554.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB_P9XndJjoHdUF1mv2d4Wd501rCz1fBtTMzDd09GNQMJj4UFf_hYB97Wq5Eqwzbjus6ZmuKWx4Mo_Fiyy00zvLZ-axfLnGs5QT5rnXAAmxmWwlU41lzOwQ-l2xUmgB_64uUirUxbikZhB/s640/blogger-image--262201554.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This advent idea is fun because it is a scratch-off game for the kids! I am happy to share my free ornament template with 25 advent ideas, but I cannot upload the pdf file through Blogger. Send me a comment if you know how! <br />
<br />
Scratch offs are usually metallic silver, but in this Christmas craft, they are metallic red, green & gold! <br />
<br />
Metallic acrylic paints<br />
Dish soap<br />
Clear contact paper<br />
Empty egg carton<br />
Cardstock paper<br />
Hole puncher<br />
Paint brushes<br />
Scissors<br />
Ribbon<br />
Ornament hangers<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL_EefcM8tmAD4gbFmwkDPv6QbKIS21kIuNXMdd6CsEqAuwIMFM6dFhF-MHp3kVztEASJF-n5pCVtgnYSDJsQiFx61bDxk0YPi9SUstXJdtAew8_VkTzvXCL5QhhJiwKdihisrCPYljI5i/s640/blogger-image-1295210801.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL_EefcM8tmAD4gbFmwkDPv6QbKIS21kIuNXMdd6CsEqAuwIMFM6dFhF-MHp3kVztEASJF-n5pCVtgnYSDJsQiFx61bDxk0YPi9SUstXJdtAew8_VkTzvXCL5QhhJiwKdihisrCPYljI5i/s640/blogger-image-1295210801.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Step one:<br />
Print the ornament template out on cardstock.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj90XRnC7gc7i6z7PXCWsh9VH1GZ5IRkyeLLtb_XhSXwYwdoSSkOv6vkSqe_DYpVSAMnvO0TtqOkzE7xhHyS2nlfzzpxkopFsSeigr6oZl6LAN-KicZk5MMb05vzKLQl1B-xHXyDdeoSjwA/s640/blogger-image--668067313.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj90XRnC7gc7i6z7PXCWsh9VH1GZ5IRkyeLLtb_XhSXwYwdoSSkOv6vkSqe_DYpVSAMnvO0TtqOkzE7xhHyS2nlfzzpxkopFsSeigr6oZl6LAN-KicZk5MMb05vzKLQl1B-xHXyDdeoSjwA/s640/blogger-image--668067313.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Step two:<br />
Cut contact paper squares and stick each one to cover the wording on the ornaments.<br />
<br />
Step three:<br />
Mix 1 part dish soap to 2 parts metallic paint in one of the spaces in the egg carton.<br />
<br />
Step four:<br />
Paint within the lines of each ornament. Paint 3-4 coats until completely covered. (Use a hair dryer on a low setting to speed drying time between each coat.)<br />
<br />
COAT ONE<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwCgyLFsMSnL3h_ZhsQylqLNjodYqA7y2nD1NFyTfOxWDKnUNADUH13pRV_Ufrkk2Mx6okqa4Vfj4to7NF6TxlWL8xCPd225bfhLZWW1MN756yDjSNZeS-2-_f7EsCsf8vwC3cIy5VXsGg/s640/blogger-image--401452317.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwCgyLFsMSnL3h_ZhsQylqLNjodYqA7y2nD1NFyTfOxWDKnUNADUH13pRV_Ufrkk2Mx6okqa4Vfj4to7NF6TxlWL8xCPd225bfhLZWW1MN756yDjSNZeS-2-_f7EsCsf8vwC3cIy5VXsGg/s640/blogger-image--401452317.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;">COAT TWO<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPm7KcIwtkZV9nfAVge3DVQXoQGnlGzyC9uIGUj5bmmlNMdjRAx1wtY4GM6MWnpXMLiv6ZaDSlN2T7AYgxR5v-aUTSoCVWmjWL_jK5cYdSKKHbVPNgVkWotlYbKSPyZg83UkGM8rB_Dfvc/s640/blogger-image--845387787.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPm7KcIwtkZV9nfAVge3DVQXoQGnlGzyC9uIGUj5bmmlNMdjRAx1wtY4GM6MWnpXMLiv6ZaDSlN2T7AYgxR5v-aUTSoCVWmjWL_jK5cYdSKKHbVPNgVkWotlYbKSPyZg83UkGM8rB_Dfvc/s640/blogger-image--845387787.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;">COAT THREE<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyW391mJtTjj82teAFpd-MSxtygLlfuYHv2hLguzhaE_8ZsYu6L0NuJXqcm6UGtI0m-bZHNlxNCIPpk3Wu-XUiBEUZXOlXdcICvFx9Y6tUuKQYttQWKKZtD92TcsZf7DSDlGLJ0TIwk7aB/s640/blogger-image-1604493876.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyW391mJtTjj82teAFpd-MSxtygLlfuYHv2hLguzhaE_8ZsYu6L0NuJXqcm6UGtI0m-bZHNlxNCIPpk3Wu-XUiBEUZXOlXdcICvFx9Y6tUuKQYttQWKKZtD92TcsZf7DSDlGLJ0TIwk7aB/s640/blogger-image-1604493876.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-HHilRa-mnMO7pzsmheANQCaJrVNlsAMTDmdL_wz-BQvUUDd0ZnpIBR1-xo3SMiS5ZhxS3MFn6R98dEbO1ckxAhvwrvLM-teKWZDybrwkwId6uKSwFXl22DyQ6YPRmX-VvJSy-iOHkvBg/s640/blogger-image-562382587.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-HHilRa-mnMO7pzsmheANQCaJrVNlsAMTDmdL_wz-BQvUUDd0ZnpIBR1-xo3SMiS5ZhxS3MFn6R98dEbO1ckxAhvwrvLM-teKWZDybrwkwId6uKSwFXl22DyQ6YPRmX-VvJSy-iOHkvBg/s640/blogger-image-562382587.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Step five:<br />
Have fun decorating each ornament with any of your metallic paints that have been mixed with the dish soap!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEAPOlz8hvLia4j2DsEWN40aO6Ji1G3YWk1q8zanssHFa-JFMT1EfhbBDbmZ9JjKqtQ4b26jLm1vw6pSqVAFvz_YNbPjnGPW4NTTk5mocadVrkshCZGC2WIGbN-oIl5TYY8j3Pw6v2-hp0/s640/blogger-image-1854112587.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEAPOlz8hvLia4j2DsEWN40aO6Ji1G3YWk1q8zanssHFa-JFMT1EfhbBDbmZ9JjKqtQ4b26jLm1vw6pSqVAFvz_YNbPjnGPW4NTTk5mocadVrkshCZGC2WIGbN-oIl5TYY8j3Pw6v2-hp0/s640/blogger-image-1854112587.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglm00sHppw4H27EvBWDRxZzbBWe9U8DuiyJiVyct_-gEDSipkLcMIHs6STgEkMuYf4EHAt7iHD4V1aB4-Rd1XST10USUgG9vdCi5_C7uLarSCoGS_O32PTM3nCOdJAuUt1VC0vDXH2fIE8/s640/blogger-image-1767686948.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglm00sHppw4H27EvBWDRxZzbBWe9U8DuiyJiVyct_-gEDSipkLcMIHs6STgEkMuYf4EHAt7iHD4V1aB4-Rd1XST10USUgG9vdCi5_C7uLarSCoGS_O32PTM3nCOdJAuUt1VC0vDXH2fIE8/s640/blogger-image-1767686948.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
Step six:<br />
Hole punch the top of each ornament, you could also secure it with a brad.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI4KJbyCz91Fw8q6gl6DweHUXp98KFhihuCWX0R_A3EcrMTd_5RUNFbntjyOTRuDuvz8tUqJjQGM3mXGRY335PY5KHSJ9BqKv6vHBdRQWpOIL3aqYsi_8UHad5U-vmY_eKMAbPtRLnHDEM/s640/blogger-image--1094107386.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI4KJbyCz91Fw8q6gl6DweHUXp98KFhihuCWX0R_A3EcrMTd_5RUNFbntjyOTRuDuvz8tUqJjQGM3mXGRY335PY5KHSJ9BqKv6vHBdRQWpOIL3aqYsi_8UHad5U-vmY_eKMAbPtRLnHDEM/s640/blogger-image--1094107386.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
Step seven:<br />
Attach a ribbon and/or ornament hanger and hang them on a Christmas tree, wreath or garland. Get the coins ready for scratch-off and lots of Christmas fun!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWj9c5ZWoi9CDm1kAPWcLxH4qgddNyLYIStCM4vmS7kGAw6ruMgrMapDLr1Y7Ywx47VWKgK1DUy7XzI_ixyZFpr-wkR2f0HM0IDcpr6VxwlP17ibU0YRN0hKa0NihW1HjgvcEBiUrmFptC/s640/blogger-image--25488640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWj9c5ZWoi9CDm1kAPWcLxH4qgddNyLYIStCM4vmS7kGAw6ruMgrMapDLr1Y7Ywx47VWKgK1DUy7XzI_ixyZFpr-wkR2f0HM0IDcpr6VxwlP17ibU0YRN0hKa0NihW1HjgvcEBiUrmFptC/s640/blogger-image--25488640.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwBe1UnlqQqxgqWNN8mmPAa3gA9D__eg2cz0DhR-xgjrqDUdsgi2hd_rJ2PknFN3xq0QkPcU1Wcye_ACc1E1Hyh0a6ftcs9V6etsOGcYvnQDaRZLM2uHnJ5BU12HKKeVkQBch7J9jsChoi/s640/blogger-image--1248006364.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwBe1UnlqQqxgqWNN8mmPAa3gA9D__eg2cz0DhR-xgjrqDUdsgi2hd_rJ2PknFN3xq0QkPcU1Wcye_ACc1E1Hyh0a6ftcs9V6etsOGcYvnQDaRZLM2uHnJ5BU12HKKeVkQBch7J9jsChoi/s640/blogger-image--1248006364.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB6mJG0rK0EtqVRzNkktb25cjceNunHB8pYQS-qC7yCUd2os7Irh44AwLn4HttLHg-0n0XLQooc3-pFTnEvVpu7ZPbug6mwKsXNWEJEobJ2_OPYKFXQns51jcNXXjZw610OX0uc0YZ5SLL/s640/blogger-image--305947437.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB6mJG0rK0EtqVRzNkktb25cjceNunHB8pYQS-qC7yCUd2os7Irh44AwLn4HttLHg-0n0XLQooc3-pFTnEvVpu7ZPbug6mwKsXNWEJEobJ2_OPYKFXQns51jcNXXjZw610OX0uc0YZ5SLL/s640/blogger-image--305947437.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Wee Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03603414394819292947noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3084387633733908814.post-51094825570871356242012-08-05T12:30:00.001-07:002013-06-10T06:37:53.969-07:00Pony Bead Suncatcher Chimes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1B2Skg6lyR1ZlcE3WUhCs4jkvZBm2mvBbmuaj7dk4fUIIZ4xQa92ZsC7EadDf1MUgmmidS_FepqAvhMIKmlvk4Z7GcmJ-MXvJj5D1DIphgBU49IbS7klk98ZsDgB3ZLAgGJNfBbQTgGFm/s640/blogger-image--1847970564.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1B2Skg6lyR1ZlcE3WUhCs4jkvZBm2mvBbmuaj7dk4fUIIZ4xQa92ZsC7EadDf1MUgmmidS_FepqAvhMIKmlvk4Z7GcmJ-MXvJj5D1DIphgBU49IbS7klk98ZsDgB3ZLAgGJNfBbQTgGFm/s640/blogger-image--1847970564.jpg"></a></div>This creation looks so sweet in our garden. You can make one very easily by following these steps:<br>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR7-R-Q_P-d6pLblGFHFIDLuyjE7Bh4zBgZ0DZ2qW6ZIOKuEakWBE5rqYkSL5tXbueZ45dojApnjMsarhmUsxaNNzsA1WGwdB3SyapGUSGQs2hdz-FInD9DbDS6TfFD2Z36GNMMeBQOHzL/s640/blogger-image--573169640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR7-R-Q_P-d6pLblGFHFIDLuyjE7Bh4zBgZ0DZ2qW6ZIOKuEakWBE5rqYkSL5tXbueZ45dojApnjMsarhmUsxaNNzsA1WGwdB3SyapGUSGQs2hdz-FInD9DbDS6TfFD2Z36GNMMeBQOHzL/s640/blogger-image--573169640.jpg"></a></div>Supplies:<br>
Translucent pony beads (Translucent are vital!)<br>
Fishing line<br>
Glass Beads<br>
Baking dishes<br>
Drill <br>
Scissors<br>
<br>
1-Turn your oven on 300 degrees<br>
2-Let your child create a full singular layer of beads in each dish. We chose two color dishes, a singular color dish, and multi-colored dishes. We think the multi-colored is the cutest.<br>
3-Melt in the oven for 12-15 minutes, cool completely and they pop right out.<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRwewQ0dY79Jl5cmtjmrY-4ro97wz56GDffgugb-I_8rJwIGetPe4aXbaSNDoS9e4qHbQOXRd0aE0RWZuousINHqYhkUXriasO804X5ne7J8zXALCVN6t2UTJNtVwh0Vv9ePms4Xyk4_M3/s640/blogger-image-277083057.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRwewQ0dY79Jl5cmtjmrY-4ro97wz56GDffgugb-I_8rJwIGetPe4aXbaSNDoS9e4qHbQOXRd0aE0RWZuousINHqYhkUXriasO804X5ne7J8zXALCVN6t2UTJNtVwh0Vv9ePms4Xyk4_M3/s640/blogger-image-277083057.jpg"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZn9MzEBC8Mcqh5WrnP88mOLDx2agHkHA2p4SeK_Erdm_1yeyz2DFEbHtBglZH-P4JtfAsuvAOzX0WM6YwvXe3Wz-8czejxyWs-BkbWEo26WngRi-NzIjt6qFQe1ZQ-dtvyC9DZp55rsx-/s640/blogger-image--28456066.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZn9MzEBC8Mcqh5WrnP88mOLDx2agHkHA2p4SeK_Erdm_1yeyz2DFEbHtBglZH-P4JtfAsuvAOzX0WM6YwvXe3Wz-8czejxyWs-BkbWEo26WngRi-NzIjt6qFQe1ZQ-dtvyC9DZp55rsx-/s640/blogger-image--28456066.jpg"></a></div>
4-Drill one hole about an inch in on each one and on the large center circle drill 5 additional holes along the bottom. (In hindsight, I should have spaced mine further apart.)<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5tgQ7xXMkoYpTZLF5PzALiUCjDRpsL1qA8Z7QURlfeJYfX_FDXHzxC0SkZGR4pQusI186K22zv5GZNzrq_NboPdKNemvkAwTGclD7ysS6ovsSgsCnMnTq3m8ro-8LSw2m2VOJ-1D3Sy8b/s640/blogger-image--1587799040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5tgQ7xXMkoYpTZLF5PzALiUCjDRpsL1qA8Z7QURlfeJYfX_FDXHzxC0SkZGR4pQusI186K22zv5GZNzrq_NboPdKNemvkAwTGclD7ysS6ovsSgsCnMnTq3m8ro-8LSw2m2VOJ-1D3Sy8b/s640/blogger-image--1587799040.jpg"></a></div>
5-Tie a long piece of fishing line to each drilled hole and attach desired beads and a sun catcher at staggering lengths. Sorry I didn't take a picture of this step, but I added 1-2 glass beads knotted to the fishing line before and after where I attached each mwlted bead sun catcher.<br>
<br>
My daughter mainly played with the beads while I attached them. But after I completed each strand I would show her and she would reply with her eyes full of excitement, "Mommy that's wonderful!". (I think she's pretty wonderful too.) <br>
<br>
We enjoyed making it and now playing with it in the garden. Hope you and your wee one enjoy your project!<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPt6rG4dcfSKev0NLgibBE93g7IHIyIfd5ZGxi6y8ZbKpk9yuONPs2sjojIPVUBDWHKlmrHxmMYVkIIdsXyfKFv933szFcog2UVJDiNecIGyaiOxSVc9xqf70XUqMksJ6rOLhrzB0gK8AS/s640/blogger-image--39632144.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPt6rG4dcfSKev0NLgibBE93g7IHIyIfd5ZGxi6y8ZbKpk9yuONPs2sjojIPVUBDWHKlmrHxmMYVkIIdsXyfKFv933szFcog2UVJDiNecIGyaiOxSVc9xqf70XUqMksJ6rOLhrzB0gK8AS/s640/blogger-image--39632144.jpg"></a></div>Wee Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03603414394819292947noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3084387633733908814.post-47068131865244625822012-06-20T17:49:00.001-07:002012-10-20T19:51:21.288-07:00Fabric Painted Cork Board<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVPIdqzqdUwvplnCk5CB688t3E0kt93r0DaLeeiigz71ed1SkbuDoyCicBEZuD78GvArWlgBKh3EaHXtazRwSsMld_PF2o7AtrenA8xbEyDQGdjiJz3FfKEpNphuRnAyg0_4WOtjZjVSWQ/s640/blogger-image--321560769.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVPIdqzqdUwvplnCk5CB688t3E0kt93r0DaLeeiigz71ed1SkbuDoyCicBEZuD78GvArWlgBKh3EaHXtazRwSsMld_PF2o7AtrenA8xbEyDQGdjiJz3FfKEpNphuRnAyg0_4WOtjZjVSWQ/s640/blogger-image--321560769.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Okay, so I love Pinterest! I got into it when I was on bedrest in the last weeks of my pregnancy. It helped pass many an hour. I digress. <br />
<br />
One idea I loved was <a href="http://www.brassyapple.blogspot.com">a saying spray painted on canvas over vinyl letters</a>. For my project I used a cork board (much cheaper than a canvas of the same size and may serve more purposes) with acrylic paint. Here's how I did it.<br />
<br />
1-Remove the cork from the frame. Paint the frame in your desired color. Spray with a sealant.<br />
<br />
2-Cover the cork board in your fabric, staple it to the back around the edges. <br />
<br />
3-Position your letters on the fabric as desired. I don't have a cricut machine so I bought a pack of vinyl letters from Walmart for about $5. You could also print your letters in the desired font onto paper and trace each one onto contact paper and stick on to the fabric or trace onto freezer paper and iron onto the fabric.<br />
<br />
4-I used pink with white acrylic paint and swept it on with a large brush for a dimensional look. <br />
<br />
5-When dry, remove the letters and reassemble into the frame.<br />
<br />
I chose a portion of Romans 12:12 and hung it in my girls room. The cork board project could also be cute with your child's name, and favorite pictures pinned to it. <br />
<br />
Other ideas using this technique could be on a mirror using chalkboard paint or glow in the dark paint on a surface in your kid's room. The ideas are endless! <div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4JuUTrzOVaBptQ29j-xMlN9rTjvR98OzTl9D-2ewotqncKKAbyvu7xea8RMgV36CtlWYjxZUi05wKBxffaIxTQdAEN-iiwuA4asOAdBuDcvQaeyJt9wowIYIO7XclNdb0VseMCC6eQnKt/s640/blogger-image-308337803.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4JuUTrzOVaBptQ29j-xMlN9rTjvR98OzTl9D-2ewotqncKKAbyvu7xea8RMgV36CtlWYjxZUi05wKBxffaIxTQdAEN-iiwuA4asOAdBuDcvQaeyJt9wowIYIO7XclNdb0VseMCC6eQnKt/s640/blogger-image-308337803.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkOxAMtHtBu3jAb692tWA5rZjBvUzcYg-nHwVt4o9XYJbPwBe-gvcaorB_R-3aokhZXOz59ySFnD-HzzHVY-aZUc2k1xzmSMEOi4Fygqg6PXJTIntQYIkJCEGqxzbD6dzHC7oXowEaBbvo/s640/blogger-image-1286747676.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkOxAMtHtBu3jAb692tWA5rZjBvUzcYg-nHwVt4o9XYJbPwBe-gvcaorB_R-3aokhZXOz59ySFnD-HzzHVY-aZUc2k1xzmSMEOi4Fygqg6PXJTIntQYIkJCEGqxzbD6dzHC7oXowEaBbvo/s640/blogger-image-1286747676.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJOLbR2QmFlxVOFRTWVDNs3XTJdl2s4K0w0T2VAM9crjeejXkyzJHVnellhaItxHd4qzZh2lcA18cWdEhYJgfmW3sENsUjEkzUjkkiGYmx2qfKinxW4pI-Of_z8r-E08F5rlsz4p92xeJu/s640/blogger-image--1974605178.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJOLbR2QmFlxVOFRTWVDNs3XTJdl2s4K0w0T2VAM9crjeejXkyzJHVnellhaItxHd4qzZh2lcA18cWdEhYJgfmW3sENsUjEkzUjkkiGYmx2qfKinxW4pI-Of_z8r-E08F5rlsz4p92xeJu/s640/blogger-image--1974605178.jpg" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOt4rahlwbWFbNiiOR2aVpJDMvbOMv7ns1RJ8ytHgSohufkyiptV02vZe8stMuzZnrXFg7AbFYYdUa7q8Gx-Emmgx7A9ECUClG5kuo3ZHSRdYbwa0ZpvVk2dtBkHNwWUbhhpECDzOCBOY0/s640/blogger-image--1252544528.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOt4rahlwbWFbNiiOR2aVpJDMvbOMv7ns1RJ8ytHgSohufkyiptV02vZe8stMuzZnrXFg7AbFYYdUa7q8Gx-Emmgx7A9ECUClG5kuo3ZHSRdYbwa0ZpvVk2dtBkHNwWUbhhpECDzOCBOY0/s640/blogger-image--1252544528.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW3HQrTWq7GHS_5T-t5xCTONJRF4z270tZR6uvBgqpsnjaF4XpypkD87n9eRbWGil8Pq0-lIJ2EmUpTLXjQYkigp5Umv2ilEFn0exRiqpvGbxBIzfoUUIs-NSrwCFgmmij5M6C0FAU20cT/s640/blogger-image--1062287606.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW3HQrTWq7GHS_5T-t5xCTONJRF4z270tZR6uvBgqpsnjaF4XpypkD87n9eRbWGil8Pq0-lIJ2EmUpTLXjQYkigp5Umv2ilEFn0exRiqpvGbxBIzfoUUIs-NSrwCFgmmij5M6C0FAU20cT/s640/blogger-image--1062287606.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Wee Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03603414394819292947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3084387633733908814.post-28162199824624016992012-06-18T19:45:00.001-07:002013-10-23T12:13:18.450-07:00Fairy Garden<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU1ExANZJI6yoB41ZJBciZM7_lhvanijn9EknYEOspTm3yje8f7wk3VUHyjMNWV7gAq7yAzMOBwPsIB-pVHgB1xZNwUFzKSX_FL8JkNXrSjlqOqBi7yak3eVnULA4-F6F9vNvAOJcFuWWO/s640/blogger-image--3360126.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU1ExANZJI6yoB41ZJBciZM7_lhvanijn9EknYEOspTm3yje8f7wk3VUHyjMNWV7gAq7yAzMOBwPsIB-pVHgB1xZNwUFzKSX_FL8JkNXrSjlqOqBi7yak3eVnULA4-F6F9vNvAOJcFuWWO/s640/blogger-image--3360126.jpg"></a></div>
We created a fairy garden for my girls in an existing flower bed. It's a very inexpensive and sweet project that you and your kids can add to over time. We recruited the grandparents to make it especially memorable. I started by gathering anything I thought we could use and spread them out on a towel outside, for my daughter to explore. We also hunted around the yard for interesting sticks and rocks. What is in our fairy garden?<br>
<br>
1-At the base of the tree is a birdhouse from dollar tree that my two year old painted and I sealed.<br>
<br>
2-Tiles from an old bathroom remodel serve as a winding road through the village.<br>
<br>
3-Decorative blue stones & marbles add to the landscape; items I already had.<br>
<br>
4-A defunct two-story birdhouse I got from Hobby Lobby several years back. Wrapped in whimsical garland, it is also surrounding the base of the tree.<br>
<br>
5-An old crystal belt winds through the garden as a sort of railroad track.<br>
<br>
6-Unique looking sticks we gathered from the yard are planted periodically.<br>
<br>
7-A sweet neighbor bought a few items for the girls from Blue Moon Gardens in Edom, TX (the metal bridge, tool shed & a bike leaning against the stick by the hand painted birdhouse).<br>
<br>
8-The platforms outside the homes are the reverse sides of dominos that I stamped with leaf patterns and sealed.<br>
<br>
9-I bought a few succulents to line the path and have a 'resurrection plant' in the pond that can live without water as needed.<br>
<br>
10-A few pieces of a favorite broken teacup are also scattered in the garden, along with a miniature watering can, a chair and a gazing ball that I already had. <br>
<br>
You'll be amazed at how many things you have that can add a bit of whimsy to your fairy garden! Pieces from a doll house, seashells, buttons, glass gems, glitter, tiles, old compact mirrors, etc. There were even a couple of books at my local library on how to build fairy garden furniture from sticks-let your imagination run wild! <br>
<br>
Our next addition to the garden will be a miniature clothesline & perhaps another fairy house made with a button roof and glitter, lots of glitter...
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_CBXdz6yh3IrnTxE9go1J9I52AhPcFFxEx-I52EIkIaEBt_KzORGCeRTPWsWezVJKZlZ4iZ15mpyKU5qfLrT_IjHPYQDT0wQuvVRw0AhxwjmTTjbvjlYx4JgqD71SVn87EBxUnz6OHOsn/s640/blogger-image-1948625763.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_CBXdz6yh3IrnTxE9go1J9I52AhPcFFxEx-I52EIkIaEBt_KzORGCeRTPWsWezVJKZlZ4iZ15mpyKU5qfLrT_IjHPYQDT0wQuvVRw0AhxwjmTTjbvjlYx4JgqD71SVn87EBxUnz6OHOsn/s640/blogger-image-1948625763.jpg"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWVrdzQ97OO7FMY9WVjNk1WyOwLLu4AXap8lQwJMfbsCIK-HPIVdsAhg-BkQtQXLs9LhQuHj0Xw5a9j9BQjKprZfVHlBUxj4kDYSa24aMa8euI5IalIcLy933MwyUHh7wtQzpuN8zYOST9/s640/blogger-image--217540033.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWVrdzQ97OO7FMY9WVjNk1WyOwLLu4AXap8lQwJMfbsCIK-HPIVdsAhg-BkQtQXLs9LhQuHj0Xw5a9j9BQjKprZfVHlBUxj4kDYSa24aMa8euI5IalIcLy933MwyUHh7wtQzpuN8zYOST9/s640/blogger-image--217540033.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-yOPx-HMhWibeBquTmDc3cXchYe3x2u87Euk6Y5WOUls1dukhbSVZsRr5jdvrjCOmreOp9jukdgyZeyTJ0w9i9JhVJkiuYCOQ7qguI34jh0YatXRprZgg3kYMsCArlaBhtcreWhz0nTV_/s640/blogger-image-304764826.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-yOPx-HMhWibeBquTmDc3cXchYe3x2u87Euk6Y5WOUls1dukhbSVZsRr5jdvrjCOmreOp9jukdgyZeyTJ0w9i9JhVJkiuYCOQ7qguI34jh0YatXRprZgg3kYMsCArlaBhtcreWhz0nTV_/s640/blogger-image-304764826.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik7nbb5ykyX_Iza3LWtI1kCJkWpksCwjzPhFgGcVjySMuXSkaAna5Du70bACesgI6LuFLGqn8IBu1F8_a-EishVYIwN4h7Gyy6r3Kjp1ZMQJVzOkpb8RcAjkQ70XfL8NnrBb68mKTDpHaW/s640/blogger-image--1938532117.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik7nbb5ykyX_Iza3LWtI1kCJkWpksCwjzPhFgGcVjySMuXSkaAna5Du70bACesgI6LuFLGqn8IBu1F8_a-EishVYIwN4h7Gyy6r3Kjp1ZMQJVzOkpb8RcAjkQ70XfL8NnrBb68mKTDpHaW/s640/blogger-image--1938532117.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi495BrIYtOTrc-e7GCDTtCsZc30tH6DT5p4niIqkZ5EZvfHslxrdJKLVukjIEDSgsd6msP-H43d-Sof628DeLioLFDozxNhFpYTSHvgcoaKHAwFO8hkZD0uClPqVjEgw-lpa8A7Vkez2sg/s640/blogger-image--1613242324.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi495BrIYtOTrc-e7GCDTtCsZc30tH6DT5p4niIqkZ5EZvfHslxrdJKLVukjIEDSgsd6msP-H43d-Sof628DeLioLFDozxNhFpYTSHvgcoaKHAwFO8hkZD0uClPqVjEgw-lpa8A7Vkez2sg/s640/blogger-image--1613242324.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmNSmIIALkcsv9Y02q4sc925KWLrt9FT4NXcXYVGUIVCGzLLV6shjJvDRj8dJI43hLoZvKQTpcofR-GSNWAwnzIBFyB-7XuQesI2m8qJgFcQqW94tuJUv6H-bVOdvAn7DS4d08PNsRFPY-/s640/blogger-image-1511592373.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmNSmIIALkcsv9Y02q4sc925KWLrt9FT4NXcXYVGUIVCGzLLV6shjJvDRj8dJI43hLoZvKQTpcofR-GSNWAwnzIBFyB-7XuQesI2m8qJgFcQqW94tuJUv6H-bVOdvAn7DS4d08PNsRFPY-/s640/blogger-image-1511592373.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div>Wee Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03603414394819292947noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3084387633733908814.post-30153703702321598282012-06-14T06:55:00.000-07:002012-06-17T19:24:29.118-07:00Chalkboard Paint Flower VaseA cute and personal way to share flowers! We all have plain vases from flowers we've been given. This is a great gift that someone can continue to use by changing the message week to week, season to season!
<b>What you need:</b>
a small can of chalkboard paint,
a $3 vase at Walmart,
foam brush,
painter's tape,
chalk, choose a bouquet of flowers and you are all set!
<b>Step One:</b> Tape your vase with painter's tape.
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCWeSnn6c4qsCB1bmIFJ-h0J1vmofceSn4gemgueq6FggxhBP01CsATPMcS8MRzXL2CreJJa8jAaNpi62ToWe3qtMJW4lzKDOn76xt3j064uf9ZJoeTnTOxIXUO_Jd4KsaK_hSfDk0GFhw/s1600/cb1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="150" width="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCWeSnn6c4qsCB1bmIFJ-h0J1vmofceSn4gemgueq6FggxhBP01CsATPMcS8MRzXL2CreJJa8jAaNpi62ToWe3qtMJW4lzKDOn76xt3j064uf9ZJoeTnTOxIXUO_Jd4KsaK_hSfDk0GFhw/s400/cb1.jpg" /></a>
<b>Step Two:</b> Paint 3 coats of chalkboard paint, letting dry 1 hour in between.
<b>Step Three:</b> Peel off tape and clean up any stray marks with a razor blade.
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUxhvZS3ux2iZm6zu_kGC3RnYTpPqyTCtZGNHfG3fHSoCf1q1OJTORTn7wbs7Dxm-sN07RDYvNdXElfW4A3C0HgFSSofRQjYbcfHnr_TBInkDhmfhNdahfc2QmocUd0suZoXArptNrkxcP/s1600/cb2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="150" width="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUxhvZS3ux2iZm6zu_kGC3RnYTpPqyTCtZGNHfG3fHSoCf1q1OJTORTn7wbs7Dxm-sN07RDYvNdXElfW4A3C0HgFSSofRQjYbcfHnr_TBInkDhmfhNdahfc2QmocUd0suZoXArptNrkxcP/s400/cb2.jpg" /></a>
<b>Step Four:</b> Write the message of your choice.
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsYrsYNvsh2-mncRd-dYNMdqib46it3cBNTDQ3r3eVwYvGuI0RE4gZwZwalfUuL0bmH77we2q7W6dow-JqR5haIs-MrFx8LqRiO-kXyJ4T65bo8O1jbpjAA2UhEzYd85y4NTdW35o6p2r6/s1600/cb3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="150" width="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsYrsYNvsh2-mncRd-dYNMdqib46it3cBNTDQ3r3eVwYvGuI0RE4gZwZwalfUuL0bmH77we2q7W6dow-JqR5haIs-MrFx8LqRiO-kXyJ4T65bo8O1jbpjAA2UhEzYd85y4NTdW35o6p2r6/s400/cb3.jpg" /></a>
<b>Step Five:</b> Enjoy giving your personalized gift!
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTGYNNPg_TWD3p8iIxuVnC-fh7QqDhU9VT_AwoJaE3nMBpZ1Jw_FXAUbjzoSrMeymue0Bow_ZQeJAGmDDJcs8bjpxbMEIFXu519dmSUMYd7uqnSefxDFs2oT7fUmritfnGnMwksELsUdDJ/s1600/cb4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="150" width="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTGYNNPg_TWD3p8iIxuVnC-fh7QqDhU9VT_AwoJaE3nMBpZ1Jw_FXAUbjzoSrMeymue0Bow_ZQeJAGmDDJcs8bjpxbMEIFXu519dmSUMYd7uqnSefxDFs2oT7fUmritfnGnMwksELsUdDJ/s400/cb4.jpg" /></a>Wee Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03603414394819292947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3084387633733908814.post-75000234874712563662011-02-02T10:22:00.000-08:002012-06-17T20:15:33.890-07:00Create using wallet size photos<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYfehJYUPm7NbJh38KuSoxVsv1sbpJfc-ymVHA9R3rJjV63bqX1UzY5pcjWtlG9Xb5_5UQFZkueSAlX0-fZxuSiynrZNCveiJzPejQNX3WyJIDDVttf-bP0NcqjB7erZa86WklL65sLdqT/s1600/DSCN3869.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYfehJYUPm7NbJh38KuSoxVsv1sbpJfc-ymVHA9R3rJjV63bqX1UzY5pcjWtlG9Xb5_5UQFZkueSAlX0-fZxuSiynrZNCveiJzPejQNX3WyJIDDVttf-bP0NcqjB7erZa86WklL65sLdqT/s320/DSCN3869.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569159592230556146" /></a><br /><br />Unless you carry photos in your wallet, you may not see a use for wallet size photos. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I had ordered 12 monthly photos from Costco of my daughter for her first year baby book. With 3 extra wallet size photos, here are some ideas on how to use them! <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><strong>Photo Notecards</strong> A fresh idea for notes to friends and family is to use your photos as the greeting! If you are mailing a photo to a loved one, it is so much nicer to see the photo highlighted on the front, rather than shoved inside the card. A nice idea if you have just come back from visiting a friend, is to send a thank you note with a picture of a sunset taken from your friend's back porch or capture their beloved pet curled up snoozing. What a great surprise, they can prop up and display, or remove the photo and tuck in an album.<br /><br />1. Buy a pack of plain greeting cards at a craft store, they come in a variety of colors and sizes. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv6nJhMMQHyLSyiUY5fkgN366Ge7MO44WEcVupdHrw1tKcnG1evH0w490DyBes-KpNL4vLr_AguAA48_HMdxigGN6yBGdz-VshknQVG5Ka02vjoZsMA7o8XJt6tAWK2FxdZewpEZHAJwrs/s1600/DSCN3841.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv6nJhMMQHyLSyiUY5fkgN366Ge7MO44WEcVupdHrw1tKcnG1evH0w490DyBes-KpNL4vLr_AguAA48_HMdxigGN6yBGdz-VshknQVG5Ka02vjoZsMA7o8XJt6tAWK2FxdZewpEZHAJwrs/s320/DSCN3841.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569161970374427186" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />2. Place clear photo corners on each corner of the photo.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggvLQKMqPHgmFbRFLVjW1_aaFwukyD3Eaw875LgzdMqSqJcPudup_vcR0qbYHY70cNILKjoM_YUytHGrVWTm-QAUzUwfz9rmbEx-RObivep0I25QW91m14A0bCg2C15mU0iyPL0EJAAclL/s1600/DSCN3842.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggvLQKMqPHgmFbRFLVjW1_aaFwukyD3Eaw875LgzdMqSqJcPudup_vcR0qbYHY70cNILKjoM_YUytHGrVWTm-QAUzUwfz9rmbEx-RObivep0I25QW91m14A0bCg2C15mU0iyPL0EJAAclL/s320/DSCN3842.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569161975862821218" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg17yEYa4G0qSELf0g-_OE_o053XZZwR1aRooexrVoZpJr4mHiNQKFfqmEGvze3KoEEXA1b8ShI0HuMtpbSK7iFcY9-0blHgY91cGESwthUTyib9xAPUcwIN_97QoZXraVwnp1rPX4VhgVY/s1600/DSCN3845.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg17yEYa4G0qSELf0g-_OE_o053XZZwR1aRooexrVoZpJr4mHiNQKFfqmEGvze3KoEEXA1b8ShI0HuMtpbSK7iFcY9-0blHgY91cGESwthUTyib9xAPUcwIN_97QoZXraVwnp1rPX4VhgVY/s320/DSCN3845.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569161986208398610" /></a><br /><br /><br />3. Center the photo on the front of your card. If you are feeling crafty, you can embellish the card with stamps, paint, glitter, whatever your whimsy.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><strong>Photo Blocks</strong><br />My husband cut me some 1 inch blocks out of some scrap wood he had in his workshop. I lightly sanded them, painted a layer of acrylic paint, then when they were dry, I added photos and other images, to each of the six sides.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQevsjx1EWDe_PUJaurj2HPaU-d7mS2kzJUZMBtVWLiwEdpn9awMQSyDGkQxuqVeyFh7KeDo4IE_SKfEQ647SVc5zWjWqVBPHPO49KvI3AghLxdD0rjC2VUS98h-cWywrfzzhCfoHI2UB1/s1600/DSCN3858.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQevsjx1EWDe_PUJaurj2HPaU-d7mS2kzJUZMBtVWLiwEdpn9awMQSyDGkQxuqVeyFh7KeDo4IE_SKfEQ647SVc5zWjWqVBPHPO49KvI3AghLxdD0rjC2VUS98h-cWywrfzzhCfoHI2UB1/s320/DSCN3858.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569161987748501266" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq_9P7BYS-t3l4eDYrOzDjm0LY-1BoPUj5HaeDJaA4p2bkhfO6L-Wgha3Ru3en1wEA4KvOzrPMOwFxGZXfMCdfxdVbLqvuGvQsnRtqDbizThN0Wj9ynJ1BqyEXf29k8wEIbkwv0W8QP8B2/s1600/DSCN3862.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq_9P7BYS-t3l4eDYrOzDjm0LY-1BoPUj5HaeDJaA4p2bkhfO6L-Wgha3Ru3en1wEA4KvOzrPMOwFxGZXfMCdfxdVbLqvuGvQsnRtqDbizThN0Wj9ynJ1BqyEXf29k8wEIbkwv0W8QP8B2/s320/DSCN3862.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569281157807486610" /></a><br /><br />Cut the image into 4 equal parts, it's okay if it overlays the edges a little. Apply firmly with mod podge, ensuring there are no air pockets and let dry. Then take a nail file and burnish the edges, this will prevent it from lifting off the block. After you have applied images (in addition to photos, I used favorite greeting cards, pictures from magazines and stamped words), go over it with a coat of lacquer or watered down mod podge. (I learned the hard way that full strength mod podge went on too thick). <br /><br />My daughter loves playing with these blocks, looking at the images and matching the sides. Photo blocks also make great gifts!Wee Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03603414394819292947noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3084387633733908814.post-13482269035214369812011-02-01T17:58:00.000-08:002011-02-01T18:29:56.332-08:00Wee RetreatI am a crafter. I love watching diy shows and dreaming up new projects. Whenever a creative idea hits, my mom and I order up what has affectionately become known as a 'craft day', where we try out our latest project. Now that I have a wee-one, craft time is a bit more sparing, but my desire to create is still avid. As a matter of fact, creativity is now my retreat, my pampering mommy-time. <br /><br />I love making gifts for my loved ones. On this blog, I will introduce you to some great, fast and inexpensive projects; for the kids, for the home and for yourself. I hope you will join me on this adventure. Wee can do it!Wee Mehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03603414394819292947noreply@blogger.com0