Craft Supplies to keep, or to find, around the house
You can make so many crafts just with things around the house:
-toilet paper tubes (Christmas tree angels, nativity characters, animals, buildings, castles...)
-paper towel/napkins -leaves
-packing peanuts -popsicle sticks (yup, eat a popsicle, use the stick!)
-bubble wrap -old crayons or candles
-styrofoam wrap (off any electronic items when new, or from fragile items when they are boxed)
-food colouring -scraps of sidewalk or other chalk
-toilet paper tubes (Christmas tree angels, nativity characters, animals, buildings, castles...)
-paper towel/napkins -leaves
-packing peanuts -popsicle sticks (yup, eat a popsicle, use the stick!)
-bubble wrap -old crayons or candles
-styrofoam wrap (off any electronic items when new, or from fragile items when they are boxed)
-food colouring -scraps of sidewalk or other chalk
Halloween Costumes
I've not taken pictures of all of these, as I haven't actually made each of them this year. If you make them please send pictures ([email protected]) so I can post them. Children do not need to be wearing costumes when picture is taken.
DORA: Short black wig, or black hair, pink t-shirt, jeans, and a back pack
Ballerina/Dancer: Body suit and tights or leggings, put hair in a bun
Black Cat: Black shirt and pants, purchase headband with ears from Dollar Store, they may also have a set with the tail... Colour nose pink with facepaint and add white whiskers
Rock Star: Old jeans with rips or holes, old t-shirt
Robot: Find a box, stand it on end, take off the top flap, cut a hole in the top (may also cut it out in a large U so it can slide on), cut out a hole in each side for the arms and remove the bottom. Allow child to decorate the box however they want, or draw on basic shapes and allow them to colour it. Dress them in black or grey pants and matching t-shirt or sweater (weather appropriate). This is also suitable for a snowsuit and hat if needed.
Cat Tail: Using an old pair of nylons simply fill the foot and part of the leg with stuffing (old clothes, craft stuffing, filler, etc) then tie it closed. Wrap the remaining part of the leg and the other leg around your waist and tie above the "tail" The remaining part may be cut off or hidden based upon your preference.
DORA: Short black wig, or black hair, pink t-shirt, jeans, and a back pack
Ballerina/Dancer: Body suit and tights or leggings, put hair in a bun
Black Cat: Black shirt and pants, purchase headband with ears from Dollar Store, they may also have a set with the tail... Colour nose pink with facepaint and add white whiskers
Rock Star: Old jeans with rips or holes, old t-shirt
Robot: Find a box, stand it on end, take off the top flap, cut a hole in the top (may also cut it out in a large U so it can slide on), cut out a hole in each side for the arms and remove the bottom. Allow child to decorate the box however they want, or draw on basic shapes and allow them to colour it. Dress them in black or grey pants and matching t-shirt or sweater (weather appropriate). This is also suitable for a snowsuit and hat if needed.
Cat Tail: Using an old pair of nylons simply fill the foot and part of the leg with stuffing (old clothes, craft stuffing, filler, etc) then tie it closed. Wrap the remaining part of the leg and the other leg around your waist and tie above the "tail" The remaining part may be cut off or hidden based upon your preference.
Christmas Crafts
It's that time of year again! So lets start making some great crafts with our kids!
Paint a tree
I actually got this one from a Gymboree art class. Easy way for kids to paint a tree for your wall.
Simply paint the bottom of their foot with brown paint, then stick leaves (either the plastic kind from a craft or dollar store, or ones you gather in the yard) into the wet paint, and let it dry.
Simply paint the bottom of their foot with brown paint, then stick leaves (either the plastic kind from a craft or dollar store, or ones you gather in the yard) into the wet paint, and let it dry.
SPRINGS
Ok, everyone feel free to make fun of this, but I was a little impressed such young children can do it, and it's still fun. I'm not sure where I learned them, but I've been making them for years. Honestly, it entertained my child for an afternoon.
You need: 2 strips of construction paper and glue
Hold the strips of paper to form an "L"
Cross the bottom piece over the top piece, ie fold the vertical piece down and across the horizontal piece, then fold the horizontal piece across the vertical one.
Continue until you reach the end of your paper.
Glue ends closed.
If you squish it and release it it will in fact "spring" just a little
These are great for Santa's arms and legs, put faces on the flat end and make a caterpillar, or put a construction paper flower on the top and you get a swaying flower.
Use your imagination too see everything they can do!
You need: 2 strips of construction paper and glue
Hold the strips of paper to form an "L"
Cross the bottom piece over the top piece, ie fold the vertical piece down and across the horizontal piece, then fold the horizontal piece across the vertical one.
Continue until you reach the end of your paper.
Glue ends closed.
If you squish it and release it it will in fact "spring" just a little
These are great for Santa's arms and legs, put faces on the flat end and make a caterpillar, or put a construction paper flower on the top and you get a swaying flower.
Use your imagination too see everything they can do!
PomPoms
I found the instructions for these online, and will add the link. The basic idea is to use cardboard cutouts to wrap the yarn around then cut the ends and fluff it out! I'll admit my first attempt didn't work so well, but with some practice I think they'll look great!! http://www.helloknitty.com/pdfs/pompom.pdf This was a great set of instructions, and I suggest this website for future ideas :)
I found the instructions for these online, and will add the link. The basic idea is to use cardboard cutouts to wrap the yarn around then cut the ends and fluff it out! I'll admit my first attempt didn't work so well, but with some practice I think they'll look great!! http://www.helloknitty.com/pdfs/pompom.pdf This was a great set of instructions, and I suggest this website for future ideas :)