Crafts for Kids Archives - Page 4 of 9

Fabric Bead Necklace Kids Craft

July 30, 2014 by Melissa

Crafting is becoming a big passion for Shae. I’m not talking about cutting out construction paper and gluing it to each other to make odd shapes. I’m talking about thought out creations that have a purpose. These fabric beads happened after seeing my trunk full of fabric and other random stuff. She wanted to make something permanent, something that was useful not something that would’ve ended up in the recycle bin in a month.

We started off with a stack of thin fabrics in a variety of colors and patterns. We cut them into strips of all lengths and widths. Don’t exceed 1 inch wide as your bead with be very big. Lengths can vary from 5″ to 12 depending how thick your child wants the beads.

Hold your strip flat and apply a thin strip of glue the entire length. Using a pencil start rolling the strip up. Don’t roll too tight as it will be difficult to remove. Slide your rolled up fabric gently off your pencil and set aside to dry. Use an extra touch of glue if the end isn’t secure. If you find your pencil is getting too much glue, use another pencil.

*roll your bead close to the pointy end, it’ll be easier to remove.

After all of your beads have set and seem to have hardened (we let them sit overnight) you’re ready to create your jewelry. Shae made a necklace using a thin suede cord.

I created a cool knot/loop on one end and when she done I created a larger knot to close the necklace. Elastic cord would work well too and then you won’t have issues with closures.

Make tons of beads for rainy day projects or make gifts for others.

Supplies needed

thin fabric in a variety of colors/patterns
scissors
school glue
pencil
thread/cord for necklace

Goop A Lesson in Quicksand #StreamTeam

July 24, 2014 by Melissa

While showing Shae The Princess Bride for the first time this week, the three of us (kids) got into a discussion about what quicksand is and how it works after watching the scene when Buttercup sinks into the lightning sand. With the Netflix theme for this month being all about staying engaged during the summer, Shae and I decided to do a little experiment.

The next morning we set out to discover the science behind quicksand. I gathered the necessary supplies; cornstarch, water, a large bowl, some food coloring for extra fun and an array of victims.

We decided to move outside because this is a notoriously messy experiment. Shae helped me pour the two main ingredients into the larger bowl but we quickly realized that there wasn’t nearly enough quicksand for a good experiment. What started out as a carefully measured experiment soon became me dumping a ton of cornstarch into a bowl and adding water in a splash at a time until we decided it was perfect. Adding the food coloring was a lot more difficult than I thought because the goo was so thick. I suggest that you add it to the water before you pour it in to guarantee even mixing.

Then we began subjecting our victims to the quicksand. First we killed the dinosaurs, then we sent a diver in to save them. We galloped some horses across the surface and then watched them slowly sink like that scene in A Neverending Story. I had Shae punch the surface and feel how oddly solid it was. We rolled the goo into balls and then watched them melt on the table.

I’m not entirely sure if Shae learned anything but it sure was a lot of fun. Cleaning up was a pain because Shae was covered up to her elbows in caked cornstarch.

Jelly Bean Tree Kids Craft #KidsintheKitchen

April 10, 2014 by Melissa

With spring comes Easter and with Easter comes the influx of sweet, brightly colored candies. Jellybeans are a staple for this season and what better way to use them (besides eating them) is making crafts like this Jelly Bean Tree.

I made a different kind of Jelly Bean Tree(coming next week) but Shae wanted to make her own. Using the same jelly beans leftover from my project I thought this was a good project for her. While it wasn’t HARD it took a little more maneuvering than I initially figured. The trick is to use a thick tacky glue, NOT HOT GLUE. You don’t want to be stuck holding the jelly beans in place for a long time.

The Quick Grip adhesive from Beacon works really good for projects that use beads, candies, buttons, etc. I wish it came in a different container, a squeeze bottle would be beneficial. (not sponsored)

Materials
styrofoam balls
vase, mini flowerpot
strong adhesive
jelly beans
lollipop stick or skewer
cotton balls
decorative filler/cover, like grass or moss

Directions
Using a dab of glue, stick a styrofoam ball into the bottom of your flower pot and let set.
With another dab of glue slide a larger styrofoam ball onto the stick then into the base. Distribute the glue onto the styrofoam ball in sections. We did lines at first then just filled in spaces. Be sure to hold the jellybeans in place for a few moments so they get a good grip.

(This is where a good glue is important. School Glue might work but I don’t think it dries fast enough to make this a project suitable for kids)

As one side of the ball was getting heavy we supported the stick with pompoms (or cotton balls). these can be removed at the end but Shae ended up keeping them and making them part of her arrangement.

At one point the one of our ball was filled with jellybeans making it a bit top heavy so I placed it in my hand so Shae could add the last of the jelly beans. Once your ball is covered in jelly beans and set sprinkle the top of your flowerpot with “grass”. We used crumpled up, cut up scrap paper. Now it’s sitting on my shelf in the kitchen.

Come join me and my co-hosts, Sarah of Play to Learn with Sarah, Paula at Frosted Fingers and Sara at Sensibly Sara, each week linking up a post, new or old, that feature the theme Kids in the Kitchen. It doesn’t matter what you are doing as long as you are doing it together, enjoying it and learning something along the way.

preparing healthy snacks
having a tea party
counting skills with m&ms
pouring from measuring cups
discovering a local restaurant that your kids love
creating new family friendly recipes

You’ll find so many more ideas on the #KidsintheKitchen Pinterest Board.

Follow Melinda Babiak’s board #KidsintheKitchen on Pinterest.

An InLinkz Link-up

Paper Bag Birds Nest #kidsinthekitchen

April 4, 2014 by Melissa

The weather has finally changed for the better. No snow for almost 2 weeks now, that might be longest run we’ve had for the last 4-5 months. We’re noticing the birds making nests in the trees so why make our own Paper Bag Birds Nest to celebrate the great weather we’re experiencing and the new feathered friends taking over the neighborhood.

A simple lunch bag and some jelly beans makes an adorable little nest.

Supplies
paper bag
school glue or glue stick (shae used both)
jelly beans

Directions
Cut open your paper bag so it lays flat. From it cut 4 circles, 2 of them about 4 or 5″ across and 2 of them 3″ across.

Cut the larger circles into a spiral.

Starting from the middle of the spiral create a flat-ish base and wrap the spiral of paper around the OUTSIDE of itself. Add drops of glue as you go to keep it in place.

Crumple your spiral before wrapping for a more rustic look.

Glue your smaller circle on the bottom of your nest. This gives it more support and closes up any holes so the “eggs” don’t fall through.

Set aside your nest to dry for 20-30 minutes then add eggs.
These would be cute placecards for the Easter dinner.

To make this more permanent go ahead and glue your jelly beans into the nest or make eggs from clay.

preparing healthy snacks
having a tea party
counting skills with m&ms
pouring from measuring cups
discovering a local restaurant that your kids love
creating new family friendly recipes

You’ll find so many more ideas on the #KidsintheKitchen Pinterest Board.

Follow Melinda Babiak’s board #KidsintheKitchen on Pinterest.

An InLinkz Link-up

Silly Monster Faces for Kids #craft

March 27, 2014 by Melissa

My kids are never short funny stories, jokes and even faces. But that didn’t stop us from making these cute Silly Monster Faces craft that work great for photo bombs or fun photography sessions or even strange conversations between each other.

All you need is some paper, scissors, glue & tape and popsicle sticks.

Sketch out the shapes of your crazy mouths, some crooked teeth, fat lips and big tongues. Match them up and attach them with glue and add a popsicle stick with a piece of tape.

Let the fun and laughter begin.

Butterfly Clothes Pin Fridge Magnet #kids #diy #craft

February 19, 2014 by Melissa

Everyday Shae comes home from school and empties her backpack of a stack of papers. Among these papers are art projects and drawings that she cherishes with every fiber of her being. She’s 6 so every single crayon stroke is important to her. I’ve often turned my kitchen walls into a mini art gallery but there is something about the refrigerator that beckons a masterpiece. That’s why these Butterfly Clothespin Magnets are so handy to have.

Making these fridge magnets can be done by any child, any age. The materials used can vary from foam sheets to wooden shapes to molded clay.

Materials
Cardstock butterfly
Fine point markers
Glitter glue, glitter, sequins, stickers, etc
Clothes pins
Glue (something strong enough to keep magnet attached to clothespin)
Button magnets

Directions
Give your children creative license when decorating their shape. These magnets are to hold not just notes and photos but their artwork. If using glitter glue allow time to dry fully before handling.

Using a strong adhesive attach the magnet to the lower half of the clothes pin. Set aside to dry.

Glue the shape onto the clothespin so the opening is at the bottom. This works best when displaying sheets of paper.

Save the chip clips for the chips & pretzels and make multiple fridge magnets to exhibit the many pieces of artwork your children are creating at school and at home.

Painted Bow Tie Pasta Art #kidsinthekitchen

February 14, 2014 by Melissa

Going to the grocery store can be really inspiring for art and creativity. Our last trip motivated this new art piece in the kitchen. Bow Tie Pasta is not only a tasty addition to salads and soups its utterly adorable in shape. Shae and I created this Painted Bow Tie Pasta Art for the kitchen.

Using mine and Sabreena’s wide array of nail polish choices gave us an endless rainbow of colors to paint the bow ties. The drying time took the longest time and the fumes sometimes were a bit much as both Shae and I had multiple bottles open at once. I encourage this be done in a well ventilated room and with adult supervision.

Materials Needed

Bow Tie Pasta
nail polish in multiple colors
school glue
paper
Canvas Board or Frame with glass missing
Permanent Craft Adhesive like Beacon Quick Grip or hot glue
Lettering of choice

Directions

Start with choosing your bow ties. I went with a uniform look because I knew they would be displayed. Check for broken edges or curled edges.

Using just a tiny dab of school glue, attach each bow tie to a piece of scrap paper. Doing this gives a stable foundation to let you paint.

Choose your paint colors and give each pasta shape 2-3 coats. Top come off with glittery or shiny topcoats for added dimension.

Once they’ve completely dried and your happy with the coverage carefully peel them off the scrap paper. Remove as much residual paper as possible but this side won’t be seen.

Arrange your painted bows on your final canvas or frame and then adhere them. Let this set till the glue is completely dried.

Add lettering or stickers of your choice. I added Let’s Eat but Play With Your Food was another phrase I liked.

I cut my letters out on my Silhouette then mod podged them onto the board. Just 2 coats was all that was needed. This was ready to hang then next day. This is a great rainy or snow day activity for even little hands working on fine motor skills.

After painting we tried adding polka dots and stripes with markers. They didn’t stick. I think toothpicks or super small paint brushes dipped in nail color would work very well to get those details.

Skip the nail polish and fumes and go for acrylics or poster paints. We used nail polish for the bright intense hues and shiny finish.
Come join me and my co-hosts, Sarah of Play to Learn with Sarah, Paula at Frosted Fingers and Sara at Sensibly Sara, each week linking up a post, new or old, that feature the theme Kids in the Kitchen. It doesn’t matter what you are doing as long as you are doing it together, enjoying it and learning something along the way.

preparing healthy snacks
having a tea party
counting skills with m&ms
pouring from measuring cups
discovering a local restaurant that your kids love
creating new family friendly recipes

You’ll find so many more ideas on the #KidsintheKitchen Pinterest Board.

Follow Melinda Babiak’s board #KidsintheKitchen on Pinterest.

Snow Day Unplugged Boredom Buster Indoor Activities

February 13, 2014 by Melissa

Mother Nature isn’t pulling any punches this year. Snow, rain, sleet, hail and earthquakes are happening all over the country these days, at levels that we’ve never seen before. Schools and activities are being cancelled. Parents are home from work. Conditions are so hazardous that there are no kids playing outside.

What’s a family to do? Get creative that’s what. These indoor activities will keep kids of all ages occupied, entertained and cabin fever free while staying unplugged.

Paper Roadway from Rusty & Rosy

Using paper, cars and bit of imagination your children can build an entire city in the living room.

Circus Clown Flip Book by LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too!

Don’t stop at clowns. Expand on this Flip Book idea with animals, peoples, occupations and other themes. Using an old notebook and scissors works perfectly for this craft.

Paper Climbers from Housing a Forest

Introduce a little bit of physics and science into the fun with these DIY paper climbers. Kids can personalize with the designs and characters of choice.

Marshmallow Shooters from Come Together Kids

Begin the battle with mini marshmallows or pompoms with this DIY shooter made from materials found around the home.

Indoor Putt Putt from The Craft Train

While this activity definitely needs some adult participation to set up, the fun can be had my kids only giving mom and dad time to themselves.

Bathtub Fishing by The Artsy Mom

We all have some bathtub toys tucked away so why not put them to use and create a game where kids can fish for letters, colors and toys.

Whether you try one of these activities or come up with your own stay safe, stay warm and enjoy yourself.

Last Minute Valentines for Kids

February 12, 2014 by Melissa

Did you realize Valentine’s Day is jsut 2 days away? You’re quickly running out of time to get something together for your kids to hand out to their classmates. Don’t fear. These crafts are QUICK, EASY and only use 2-3 everyday supplies to complete.

BEE Fingerprint Valentine’s Card from Rusty & Rosy Blog

Create this personalized card with some paper, stamp pads or markers and your child’s fingerprints.

DIY Mutlicolor Crayons from Hands On As We Grow

Upcycle those broken and mismatched crayon boxes into one kid sized magic crayon. Use a muffin tin or silicone molds in whatever shape you choose.

Fingerprint Bookmarks from LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too!

Fingerprints, paper and a little ribbon or yard and you’ve got unique and useful gifts for a crowd.

Pillow Box for Treats from MomDot

In case you already have a stash of goodies to share why not give them in these adorable treat box made of paper and glue and some embellishments of your choosing.

Watercolor Valentines from Nest of Posies

Choose paper of your choice and create a beautiful watercolor masterpiece to hand out with a special handwritten message inside.

Arrow Straw Toppers from Wild Olive

Paper and scissors is all that is needed to make these to top off straws or pencils.

Sewn Heart Valentine from Tinkerlabs

Let little hands weave a heart through cardboard or cardstock with yarn, thread, twine or ribbon to fashion a little love note.

As you can see all of these ideas only need a couple things plus your imagination to make it your own. You better get moving, time is running out.

Wish Jar for Kids #craft

January 30, 2014 by Melissa

Shae has a wild imagination. She sits at the kitchen table and draws amazingly odd pictures of pretend creatures. She talks about a future living in Greenland with 10 children married to her classmate Max. I love this about her. I love that she can turn a dark and dreary day into one full of magic and wonder.

Because of this we thought it would be the best idea ever to make her own Wish Jar. This lets her make wishes anytime she wants for whatever her little heart desires.

Supplies

Clear jar with tight fitting lid
Fine glitter
Food Coloring
School Glue
Warm water
Permanent Glue (I used Beacons Glass, Metal & More)

Directions
Start with a super clean jar and lid. Add in 2-3 tsp of our desired colored glitter. We choose a fine red and then a large cut silver for a touch of sparkle.

Fill not quite to the top your warm water along with your food color. Only add 1-2 drops at a time. Stir to see the final color.

Pour in 2 tsp of school glue. Stir again to help glue melt into water.

Add strong glue to the lid and close tightly.

Let you child decorate their jar & lid and shake away!

Just a couple words of wisdom when making your own Glitter Wish Jar.

Do not add too much glue
Do not add HOT water. It will cause pressure when putting on the lid.
Do not use hot glue or Krazy glue on the lid, they set up too fast to get your lip properly closed.

Try a

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