Homemade Soap
Homemade soap can be a luxurious treat for yourself or to give as a gift. Lather up with this fun and functional craft! Materials ½ tsp. body safe fragrance oil, desired scent (we’re using Berry Wine) 1 tsp. body safe soap colorant (we’re using Merlot Sparkle Mica) ½ tsp. body safe glitter (optional) Soap molds, store-bought or household... Read More
Olympic Crafts
The 2014 Olympic Winter Games will be held February 7-23, 2014 in Sochi, Russia. Get in the game with your family with these spirited crafts! Ceremonial Olympic Torch Materials 1 sheet of white construction paper Clear tape Red, yellow, and orange tissue paper, 12″x12″ square of each color White craft glue Tips: 1. To create a really tall torch (like... Read More
Simple Science Experiments: Baby Powder and Surface Tension
Let’s kick off the New Year with another simple science experiment. Ever see a bug skitter across the surface of a pond? Ever wonder why raindrops are the shape they are? This month’s simple science project will delve into the world of water’s surface tension with a couple of experiments. Surface tension is a barrier formed on the surface of water caused by something called... Read More
Reindeer Holiday T-Shirt
Made with Christmas Spirit…North Pole Approved These adorable hand-made shirts are fun to make, cute to wear, and sure to attract Santa’s attention. But be warned, he may want to recruit your little fawn to guide his sleigh on Christmas Eve. Materials: T-Shirt (any color) Paint (light brown, dark brown) Paint brush Pom-Pom (red or black) Large googly eyes Accessories (optional):... Read More
A-Maize-ing Autumn Lanterns
Transform plastic bottles into sweet corncob luminaries that can light the way to your family’s feast! Materials 2 plastic bottles: a 1-liter and a slightly smaller 24-oz Yellow tissue paper Green tissue paper Paintbrush Decoupage glue (Mod Podge) Plate Yellow paint White paint Bubble packaging Tape Glue stick 1/2 cup of rice or sand Battery-operated tea light Directions Total... Read More
Simple Science Experiments: Slime Time
It’s almost time for Halloween, and here is an experiment that is as creepy as it is cool! Of course, it will also help your child become a good thinker….but you don’t have to tell them that. Science is all about learning from observations and figuring out how things work along the way. Simple, hands-on experiments that begin with, “What do you think will happen?” or end... Read More
Coffee Can Drum
Kids love music and banging on pots, pans, and plastic containers. Combine their creativity with their musical talent by making this adorable homemade drum. An hour of craft time will end with music to your ears! Materials Aluminum coffee can with plastic lid 2 sheets yellow construction paper 1 sheet tan felt ½ sheet magenta felt Magenta yarn 1 rubber band Scissors Glue stick White... Read More
Simple Science Experiments: Crush A Can With The Force Of Air Pressure
Crushing a can? Just with air pressure? Science CAN be fun! This simple science experiment is really cool but requires some safety measures to get it done right. Since the use of a stovetop electric burner (or gas alternative) is necessary, this is a parent-assisted project. Children should not attempt this experiment without parental supervision! Materials Several empty and clean... Read More
Liberty Wreath
Materials ¼ yard of red, white and blue patterned fabric Pool noodle Duct tape Hot glue and glue gun 4th of July embellishments Directions Trim pool noodle to desired wreath size. Note: Noodles are commonly 63 inches long; we cut 6 inches off. Using duct tape, adhere the ends of the noodle together to create a circle. Cut fabric into 4 stripes about 2 inches wide. Wrap fabric... Read More
Jenga Keychain
Family trips create the fondest memories. This craft will keep vacation memories close to your heart and in the palm of your hand! Collect travel maps from your favorite destinations to pair with recycled board game pieces. Creativity and imagination are key to unlocking the treasured memories of your family travels. Materials: Jenga board game piece or other small wooden block Decorative... Read More
Simple Science Experiment: The Rubber Egg
“A box without hinges, key, or lid; yet golden treasure inside is hid.” This is perhaps my favorite riddle from The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien. The answer is, of course, an egg — the largest cell in the world. Fun Fact: The ostrich holds that record. So what can we do with an egg that is science-like and fun? Why, dissolve the shell with a mild acid and turn the innards to a... Read More
Bottle Cap and Scrabble Tile Magnets
These personalized magnets are a fun and simple recycled craft to create with the whole family. They can make the perfect party favor or unique gift. Try both creations! Bottle Cap Magnets Materials Bottle caps Paint color swatches or colored paper Scissors A quarter Craft casting epoxy or resin Small stickers (to fit inside caps) A strong bonding agent or glue Magnets Instructions Cut... Read More
Sweet HeARTS
Fill these hand sewn hearts with your choice of a sweet surprise. Your little Valentine’s will adore your crafty labor of love! Materials Two heart-shaped lace doilies (6” doilies are pictured; smaller sized doilies are recommended for large quantities) Silver or white marker Craft cord Plastic needle Instructions Write a heartfelt Valentine’s Day message on one or both... Read More
Simple Science Experiments: Homemade Icicles
Winter is upon us, and with it comes freezing weather. Well, I suppose that really depends on where you are. Some Central Florida children rarely have a chance to see snow or iconic icicles. But, this month’s simple science experiment will have your kids creating their own homemade icicles! Sure, this project may not replicate the actual way icicles form; in fact, this is how... Read More
Family Resolution Journal
Happy New Year! With the hectic holiday season finally settling down, it’s time to turn your focus toward setting your New Year’s resolutions. Try to incorporate resolutions that can engage the whole family and foster positive, shared goals. A family resolution journal can be a fun and imaginative way to commit to new objectives. Together, you’ll identify things that are... Read More
Handy Snowmen Ornaments
These cutie-patootie snowmen are so easy to make and they won’t melt into a puddle after the cool holiday season has passed. You will need: Solid color glass ornaments that will fit in your child’s hand Acrylic washable paint – white, black, orange, and red Small paint brushes and fine tip markers Empty egg carton Thin white ribbon Instructions: Brush your child’s hand... Read More
Festive Native American Napkin Ring & Place Setting
Turkey and ham and yams, Oh My! Stuffing, green beans, and butter on rye. Cobblers and pies a mouthwatering surprise. Thanksgiving is on its way. First comes the location, then the guest list…plans for Thanksgiving are officially underway! This year, when considering how to adorn your holiday table, invite your children to help by creating personalized place settings. These dual-purpose... Read More
Dog Feeding Sign
Paws down… with this very handy sign, you won’t need to worry about when your dog was last fed. Materials: Thin Wood Sign (available at your local craft store) Acrylic Paint & Paintbrush or Colored Markers Ribbon (12” length) Wooden Decals (optional) Hot Glue Gun Steps: Paint a base coat on both sides of the wood sign, any color (we chose black). Paint or color the... Read More
The Dancing Grapes Experiment
Not enough time on your hands to think of scientific experiments your child can do? Think that most require lots of shopping? Actually, you’ll find most of what you need to conduct meaningful experiments right in your kitchen. The challenge, however, is knowing what to do. Science is all about discovering how things work and trying to solve problems. Simple, hands-on experiments... Read More
Glass-Bead Picture Frame
This craft is one that kids can easily make…just in time for Grandparents’ Day on September 9. Really make Nana and Grandpa’s day special and let the kids put a photo of themselves into this colorful frame for a unique, personal gift. Materials you will need: Wooden picture frame (craft store) or old framed mirror. Make sure frame has a flat surface and is wide enough to... Read More
Back to School “WOW” Board
With the end of summer vacation (sigh…) comes the start of a new school year. Soon your child will be working on new projects and accomplishing new things. But instead of just hanging your child’s important academic, artistic, and sporting accomplishments with a standard, run-of-the-mill refrigerator magnet, why not feature these milestones on a personal WOW Board made with... Read More
