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Paper Bag Tree for Earth Day #kids #craft

April 18, 2013 by

The first Earth Day on April 22, 1970, activated 20 million Americans from all walks of life and is widely credited with launching the modern environmental movement. Today you can find green efforts everywhere you turn.  Brands are working towards reducing their carbon footprint, local recycling centers are charged with reducing landfill piles and everyday people are working towards reducing their waste using more renewable resources.

In our home we actively recycle, plant a veggie garden, use less toxic cleaning products and reuse and upcycle items.  Kids Crafts can be done more green too. I try not to buy too many crafting supplies and use what we have or find items that can be recycled.  Paper lunch bags are something we keep in the house but don’t really use since the kids pack lunch boxes with reusable containers.

Making this Paper Bag Tree is a great Earth Day craft because one of the best things you can do on this day is plant a tree.

Supplies

  • lunchsize paper bag
  • green paper for leaves
  • colored tissue paper for flowers
  • glue
  • kid safe scissors (I also usually keep lefty scissors on hand too in case someone comes over that needs them.)
  • heart hole punch, optional

Directions

I drew lines a little more than halfway down the bag so Shae could cut to get her branches.

cutting with kid scissors

Once all the lines were cut, Shae opened up the the base of the bag to make a trunk and started scrunching up the pieces of bag to get her branches.

scrunching up a paper bag

Once the strips of paper have softened up it’s time to twist them into branches.  Be careful not to twist too hard or you’ll rip them.  Take 2-4 strips at a time and gently turn them in your fingers to get a branch-like shape.

twisting branches

Twisting Branches for Paper Bag Tree

Now it’s time to make your leaves and flowers.  Leaves can be hand cut or can be made by cutting a heart shape in half.

Cutting a Heart in Half

Colored tissue paper cut into about 2″ squares in your child’s choice of color is all that is needed for flowers.  Have them pinch them and add a dab of glue to stick them onto their tree along with their leaves.

Tissue Paper Flowers on Tree

Adding Tissue Paper Flowers

Make some final adjustments and twists and your paper bag tree is done.

Paper Bag Tree

This can be modified with brown or green paint to give it more dimension.  Stuffing the bag loosely with a napkin or ad of paper will give it more standing power if you are worried about it falling over. Pre cutting the strips and tissue paper and leaves are simple ways to make this more toddler and preschool age friendly.

What are your plans for Earth Day this year?

 




KidsCraft Playhouses Recapitulation

April 24, 2010 by

Kids love to play in boxes but who has boxes big enough just laying around the house. It is nice if you are in the market for a new refrigerator or washer and dryer because the kids then hit the jackpot. If you aren’t in the market for new appliances Kidscraft Playhouses are the answer with their Creation Cottage and Shuttle Imagination.

Two dads and a grandfather from Atlanta got a first hand look at how the cardboard box captures a child’s way of thinking. While packing up their financial services business, moving from one office to another, their kids tagged along. Although the fathers brought along playthings like coloring books and crayons for the 3 to 7 year olds, it was the empty boxes that captivated the youngsters. The dads saw the sparks of a business and KidsCraft Playhouses was born.

Made of 100% recycled material and made in the USA, two sturdy designs are available online and at select specialty retailers. The Shuttle Imagination, a large spaceship and the Creation Cottage, a playhouse, are ingeniously designed so there’s no need for cutting, taping or measuring. The flaps and slots are specifically designed and pre-cut for easy assembly and can withstand hours of play.

The outside of these cardboard houses are blank so that kids can use their imagination and color them how they see fit. KidsCraft will mail a free 8-pack of crayons to kids when they redeem their sales receipt online at www.kidscraftusa.com. These aren’t your ordinary crayons – they’re 100 % recycled from unwanted crayons.

When we got our Creation Cottage for analyse Shaun and Shae were so excited they must have asked a million times when we were going to set it up. Set up was a breeze and took no longer then thirty minutes from box to full blow house with a door, windows and a chimney. Shaun and Shae love to take blankets, pillows and stuffed animals and just sit inside of the cottage and play. The one thing to beware of is its size as it is pretty large (42”L x 39”W x 54”H) and will take up a good amount of space. Otherwise no complaints at all. Sabreena customized our cottage with an awesome paint job and it looks like a real cottage.
Here are some further details on the two houses offered:
The Creation Cottage • $59.95
Indoors or out, this pint size cottage is a perfect playroom for solo play or for the neighborhood gang. Made from 100% recycled materials, the unique design allows for a sturdy drawing surface for tykes. The white exterior is a blank canvas designed to inspire the imagination and creation from little Picassos. Five windows and a door make for fun peek-a-boo play. The Creation Cottage comes with a promotional offer for free recycled crayons that are made in the U.S. The Creation Cottage measures 42”L x 39”W x 54”H.
 
Shuttle Imagination • $69.95
For out-of-this-world imagination, the space shuttle can take kids on a new adventure every day! Made of 100% recycled materials, the unique design allows for a sturdy drawing surface. Double bay doors and two portholes add a dimension of fun. Color the shuttle’s surface to show where you will travel or what discoveries you’ve already made! The Shuttle Imagination comes with a promotional offer for free recycled crayons that are made in the U.S. The Shuttle Imagination measures 39”L x 34”W x 72”H. Fin attachments are 12” long.

Enter for you chance to win either a Shuttle Imagination or Cottage Creation.  All you have to do is go to Kids Craft Playhouses and tell me would you perfer to have the Shuttle Imagination or Creation Cottage in you win.

EXTRA ENTRIES:
To receive these extra opportunities for entries, you must fulfill the first REQUIRED entry above and please be sure your email in your comment, attached to you blogger dashboard or easily seen on your website/blog. I will not search through About Me/Contact Me links.

  • Subscribe to LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! via email or RSS feed
  • Leave a relevant comment on a non-giveaway  Family Story or Article; let me know where to find your comment.
  • Enter any other current Giveaway for an extra entry for each one entered
  • Follow Mom and Dad and Kids Craft USA on Twitter and Tweet this giveaway unlimited times per day, please leave your twitter link each time, copy and paste this message: Enter to win a Creative Cottage or Shuttle Imagination from @kidscraftusa and @lkwhtmomfound…@and_dad_too! http://bit.ly/anSOu6
  • Become a fan of LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! and Kids Craft Playhouses on Facebook
  • Follow LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! via Google Friend Connect (bottom of page)

Your entries must follow the rules or they won’t be eligible for prizes. This contest ends 11:59 pm, Saturday,  May 15, 2010. The winners will be emailed and will have 48 hours to claim their prize. This contest is open to US residents only. For complete rules please read our contest rules page.

This is a sponsored post but the opinions and descriptions presented belong solely to LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! Your experiences and reactions may differ from ours.




Seventh Generation Cleaning Kit Recap

April 22, 2010 by

Green cleaning starts with non-toxic products without losing their ability to kill germs and remove dirt and grime. Seventh Generation is a leader in the manufacturing of eco-conscious and sustainable home and family care products. I knew about their baby care items when Shae was a baby but we cloth diapered her so I didn’t need chlorine free/dye free diapers. Now they have a complete cleaning selection that covers the kitchen, bath and laundry.
I’ve been considering some of these products over the last couple weeks and have liked the results so far. The one thing I don’t like is the after smell of the Lemongrass and Thyme Disinfecting cleaners and wipes. It starts off just fine with a natural woodsy scent but the lingering smell is too strong and almost chemical like. If they could do a more citrus smell I’d be all over it.
Regardless of my dislike of the smell Seventh Generation disinfecting cleaners they do kill over 99.99% of household germs, specifically: Influenza A, H1N1, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella enterica, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli on hard, nonporous surfaces. With kids in the house and their sometimes lack of hygiene and manners this is a HUGE bonus.
Seventh Generation operates with a very clear focus.
The Change We Want to See

  • Restore the environment
  • Inspire conscious consumption
  • Create a just and equitable world

The Different Way We Operate

  • Systems thinking
  • Radical transparency
  • Influence beyond our size

These things make Seventh Generation different than other household cleaning products. From the very beginning, Seventh Generation has pushed to have a real impact on competitors, suppliers, communities, and government. Products may be the vehicle, but far-reaching, genuine change is the mission.
Seventh Generation is offering LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! readers the chance to win a complete cleaning kit to celebrate Earth Day. The kit includes:

  • Disinfecting Multi-Surface Cleaner
  • Disinfecting Bathroom Cleaner
  • Disinfecting Wipes
  • Two rolls of 100% recycled brown unbleached paper towels
  • The Conscious Kitchen a book Alexandra Zissu
  • A handy Cleaning Caddy made from recycled plastic

 

To enter visit Seventh Generation and tell me something you have learned about the company.

EXTRA ENTRIES:
To receive these extra opportunities for entries, you must fulfill the first REQUIRED entry above and please be sure your email in your comment, attached to you blogger dashboard or easily seen on your website/blog. I will not search through About Me/Contact Me links.

  • Subscribe to LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! via email or RSS feed
  • Leave a relevant comment on a non-giveaway  Family Story or Article; let me know where to find your comment.
  • Enter any other current Giveaway for an extra entry for each one entered
  • Follow Mom and Dad on Twitter and Tweet this giveaway unlimited times per day, please leave your twitter link each time, copy and paste this message: Celebrate #EarthDay with @SeventhGen Cleaning Kit #giveaway @lkwhtmomfound @and_dad_too http://bit.ly/aRZ7zE
  • Become a fan of LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! and Seventh Generation on Facebook
  • Follow LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! via Google Friend Connect (bottom of page)

Your entries must follow the rules or they won’t be eligible for prizes. This contest ends 11:59 pm, Thursday,  May 13, 2010. The winners will be emailed and will have 48 hours to claim their prize. This contest is open to US residents only. For complete rules please read our contest rules page.

This is a sponsored post but the opinions and descriptions presented belong solely to LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! A complete Seventh Generation Cleaning Kit was provided to me through MyBlogSpark. Your experiences and reactions may differ from ours.




Privé’s Concept Vert Shampoo and Conditioner, Eco Conscious Haircare Recap

April 20, 2010 by

Achieving clean, green hair doesn’t mean skipping washes, using homemade formulas or rinsing with smelly products. Privé’s Concept Vert Shampoo and Conditioner is a new choice for those who want a more natural and ecofriendly choice for luxurious, healthy hair.

Laurent Dufourg is a world renowned stylist who realized there was a need for premium hair care that not only provided extraordinary cleansing, conditioning, styling and finishing but did it with a select blend of botanicals for a natural experience. Privé’s Concept Vert Shampoo and Conditioner is a luxurious eco-friendly haircare product line that not only gently cleanses the hair, but contains a sulfate and paraben-free formulation. Enriched with enriched with Amazonian Açaí, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect color from free-radical damage and Babassu Oil to rejuvenate the hair with strengtheners you are left with hair feeling and looking shiny, voluminous and healthy.

Sabreena’s been using Privé’s Concept Vert Shampoo and Conditioner for over a month now. She has super thick unmanageable hair and I’ve noticed a softer less frizzy finish even when she isn’t using styling tools. She has a looser curl and a softer touch when she lets her hair air-dry.

Privé’s Concept Vert Shampoo and Conditioner comes in an ingenious and recyclable can and can be shipped right back to Prive when empty. The 6.7 oz can provides as many washes as a 13oz bottle of liquid shampoo and conditioner. This is achieved by a patented air-powered technology delivery system that gives twice as many applications as regular products. The sleek aluminum bottle weighs less but offers a better value while also leaving zero footprint due to its reusability.

Privè’s Concept Vert Rejuvenating Pure Shampoo retails for $28 and the Concept Vert Rejuvenating Pure Conditioner retails for $30. Both are available at elite salons and spas nationwide. For information on purchase locations, visit www.priveproducts.com But you can win your own shampoo and conditioner collection here at LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! Visit Privè and tell me what products you are currently using for your haircare.
EXTRA ENTRIES:
To receive these extra opportunities for entries, you must fulfill the first REQUIRED entry above and please be sure your email in your comment, attached to you blogger dashboard or easily seen on your website/blog. I will not search through About Me/Contact Me links.

  • Subscribe to LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! via email or RSS feed
  • Leave a relevant comment on a non-giveaway  Family Story or Article; let me know where to find your comment.
  • Enter any other current Giveaway for an extra entry for each one entered
  • Follow Mom and Dad on Twitter and Tweet this giveaway unlimited times per day, please leave your twitter link each time, copy and paste this message: WIN luxury Prive Concept Vert haircare @lkwhtmomfound @and_dad_too http://bit.ly/9UAOxV
  • Become a fan of LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! on Facebook
  • Follow LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! via Google Friend Connect (bottom of page)

Your entries must follow the rules or they won’t be eligible for prizes. This contest ends 11:59 pm, Tuesday,  May 11, 2010. The winners will be emailed and will have 48 hours to claim their prize. This contest is open to US residents only. For complete rules please read our contest rules page.

This is a sponsored post but the opinions and descriptions presented belong solely to LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! Your experiences and reactions may differ from ours.




Ultimate Green Idea for Earth Week-Mobile Farmer’s Market

April 20, 2010 by

I’d love to go greener than we already do but I’d also love to impact my environment in a positive way. I’m sitting here flipping through all the Earth Day specials and I stumble on an interviewer asking people on the street “What would like to do to make a green change in your community or the environment”. Some of the answers were standard, offer more recycling, ride my bike to work, shop locally. This got me thinking about what I would love to do that was different. It didn’t take long to come up with several ideas but one really sticks out in my head; a Mobile Farmers Market.

Each morning local farms and dairies come together at a central meeting place with their freshest fruits, veggies, cheeses, meats and baked goods. A large pick-up/flatbed/utility truck is then loaded up with all the goods and it heads out to a specific location of the day. These locations must be in areas where farmers markets aren’t available and where they are needed the most. Low Income urban area’s come to mind first but that doesn’t leave out the suburbs. Stay at home soccer moms as well as the city dwellers all need healthy options for snacks and mealtime. I also think retirement/assisted living communities, military bases and college campuses would be great stops for the Fresh Food truck.

So I’d love to implement this idea but have no clue how to get started. I don’t own a truck, I only know of 3 or 4 local farms and I’m sure you need some kind of business license.

I ask you the same question, “What would like to do to make a green or clean change in your community or the environment?”