Search Results for: fun arts crafts

Fun and Affordable Dad’s Day Gifts

He may say that all he wants for Father’s Day is a long nap, but if you have young children at home, they’ll want to give Dad more than some quiet time on Sunday. Put your kids’ energy and enthusiasm to good use by having them assist you make the following easy, affordable and fun Father’s Day gifts: POTATO STAMP SHIRT Materials: One white t-shirt Large piece of cardboard Bag of large potatoes Cookie cutters (use shapes that will match dad’s interests, including dogs, trains, stars, sailboats, hearts, balls, or letters that spell out special words, such as “love” or … Continue reading →

Simple and Affordable Valentine’s Day Fun

    Why say it with fancy flowers, expensive jewelry or extravagant five-star dinners when you can show love this Valentine’s Day with affordable gifts from the heart? Whether you are celebrating the holiday with your child or a significant other, these simple crafts will go a long way to show your special someone how much they mean to you: I LOVE YOU HEART BANNER Materials: 12×12 scrapbook paper in Valentine’s Day colors or prints Red, white or pink cardstock Scissors Ribbon Hole punch Directions: Cut-out heart shapes from the 12×12 scrapbook paper. Make one heart for each letter of … Continue reading →

Seasonal Fun for Families on a Budget

What family doesn’t enjoy spending quality time in the great outdoors soaking up the fantastic fall weather? Most of us would love to explore the far reaches of the country during this most magnificent time of the year, but not all of us have the financial resources to do so in a grand way. Luckily, you don’t have to be rich to enjoy the wealth of natural gems offered this time of year. Instead of dropping hundreds of dollars on a family getaway, consider sticking closer to home and attending free local fall-themed festivals, such as: California: Fortuna’s annual Apple … Continue reading →

Last-Minute St. Patrick’s Day Fun

History is being made in Chicago right now. It’s the first time ever that the mercury has hit 84 degrees on St. Patrick’s Day. Talk about lucky. Who needs four-leaf clovers, rainbows and pots of gold when you’ve got record-breaking spring temperatures? What’s more, the Windy City is not the only place where Mother Nature is confusing March for June. Unusually high temperatures are being recorded from coast-to-coast. Forget about slaving over a hot stove making Corned Beef and Cabbage. Rather, break out the brats, heat up the grill and make this festive green pasta salad to dine al fresco: … Continue reading →

Office-Friendly Valentine’s Day Fun

Since Valentine’s Day falls on a Tuesday this year, you will likely be spending the majority of the holiday at work with colleagues you may or may not have a lot of love for. Not exactly F-U-N. While your office may not be the best place to be decking the halls with shiny foil red hearts or candy-tipped arrows being shot by underdressed, chubby babies with wings, it also doesn’t have to be a bastion of death. With a little creativity, some sensibility (and permission from your boss) you can host a whimsical Valentine’s Day party at work that includes … Continue reading →

Let the Valentine’s Day Fun Begin

Punxsutawney Phil is back in his hole, the NFL crowns its champ tonight, and 15-day celebration to usher in the Year of the Dragon wraps up at midnight. That can only mean one thing: Let the Love Day games begin. Valentine’s Day is just about a week away, and even though Wal-Mart and Target have been selling Love Day merchandise since December 27th, now is the time to really solidify plans for the heart-shaped holiday. If you are planning a Valentine’s Day party you’ll want to get your shopping list set. Think: pink, red and silver confetti to sprinkle on … Continue reading →

Kiwi Crate: Fun in a Box

I have found one of the most exciting monthly mailing subscriptions for children out there. Kiwi Crate! Kiwi Crate is fun in a box. Your child will be thrilled each time that green box comes in the mail. What is Kiwi Crate: Kiwi Crate is a subscription service for children ages 3-6. They deliver hands-on learning and arts and crafts in one box. Kiwi Crate has an advisory panel of early childhood educators and experts who thoughtfully and purposefully put together projects to encourage learning and developmental skills. You can purchase subscriptions month to month or in three, six or … Continue reading →

Cornucopia of Fun Fall Touches

The calendar may say November, but judging by the snow pack in my front yard, I would say that Old Man Winter has arrived and is planning to stay for a while. Unfortunately, the early and unwelcome dumping of nearly four inches of the white stuff has put a damper on my fall outdoor decorations. On the bright side, my indoor seasonal embellishments have fared much better. Tis the season to drape your home in oranges, yellows and reds. Then, add some leaves, acorns and berries, and you’ve got a fun and festive centerpiece to display on your Thanksgiving buffet. … Continue reading →

Paper Plate Crafts

Paper plates are inexpensive and make fun crafts. The materials can mostly be found in your craft box at home. Kids love to use paper plates to make all types of fun crafts so just having a supply will keep your child having fun with arts and crafts. Purchase the most inexpensive paper plates at your store. The uncoated ones work the best but if you have coated at home don’t worry. Tambourine: Place a paper plate on the table. Add dried beans or rice to the plate. Put another plate upside down on top of the plate and staple … Continue reading →

Cool Find: Shirley’s Prepackaged Crafts

I love arts and crafts time in my home. It provides a fun afternoon of creating from our imaginations and memories to treasure. My preschool area is filled with glue, markers, pom poms, buttons, paper, pipe cleaners, glitter, and so much more fun and colorful items. Coming up with ideas is never a problem. However, coming up with the time to create projects can be challenging. For many coming up with the ideas for arts and crafts time can be challenging. My two little ones ask to do a project daily. I may have a thousand pom poms and a … Continue reading →