With all the fun we've been having over here, I've neglected to keep you informed about what I've been up to at my other gig. First over at momtastic, C and I tried out what may be the most brilliant art activity ever. He absolutely loves using these glue paints (asked for them three days in a row after we made them). They're the perfect antidote to those days when you just cannot face trying to clean up a feisty toddler yet again. Plus, with all the back to school sales going on, … [Read more...]
How to Have Fun Playing with Rocks
Happy Friday everyone. I have to start today with a great big THANK YOU! Not only have you all been voting for MPMK as Parent's Best Craft for Kids Blog (that's right, I said "you all" - the five years I spent in the South comes out when I get emotional), you've also been sending me some really sweet feedback. Here are a few excerpts from emails I've received this week, "My children are 8, 6, and 4. I'm a separated father and your craft ideas really enhance my quality time with my … [Read more...]
Final Summer Fun: Pitching a Tent Out Back
Monday we did back-to-school, Tuesday was summer vacation, and yesterday back to school again so today it's time for summer vacation again - yay! Nothing says "summer break" to me more than a good 'ol fashion camping trip. Unfortunately, there's also nothing that says "nightmare" to me more than the idea of trying to camp with a baby. So instead of packing up the family and heading to the mountains, we did the next best thing and headed to the backyard. Actually my … [Read more...]
Color Creativity – 5 Unique Ideas for Art Time
C is really into colors these days. (Sidebar: He learned his colors and numbers many months ago but he still often confuses green and yellow. My husband and I have always thought it was kind of funny how those two colors trip him up then, this weekend, we caught my dad calling something yellow that was very definitely green. Is there some kind of crazy hereditary color-blindness that only applies to these two hues?!) C is so into it, in fact, that his standard crayons and paints are starting … [Read more...]
Kid Craft: A Modern Take on the Classic God’s Eye
Happy Monday everyone, I hope you had a wonderful weekend. I'm excited to be over at Make and Takes today participating in their wonderful Summer Camp for Kids series. I'm posting my modern take on the classic summer camp craft: the God's Eye. Head over for lots of pictures and step-by-step instructions like these. See you back here tomorrow! Similar Stuff:Paper Crane Tutorial to Help Your Children & Those in Japan DIY Paint Chip Birthday BannerDIY Vases for Mother's Day … [Read more...]
Outdoor Kid Activities & DIYs for the 4th of July
I'm at momtastic again today posting on lots of outdoor kid activities to keep the kids happy during your 4th of July cookout. And speaking of the 4th, click through for a special look book of my favorite patriotic goodies from around the web. As always, click on the pics (including the one above) for more info. Similar Stuff: Our Favorite Stuff to Play Outside with ALL Weekend! Summertime Fun Here and Around the Web Previous Look Books … [Read more...]
Modern DIY Bracelets – Perfect for Summer Crafting with Girls
As a girl, I spent a lot of summer days lounging around making friendship bracelets of one form or another. It started simply with trios of embroidery thread and eventually evolved into more intricate creations involving beads and other such adornments. Lately, all sorts of inspiring DIY bracelet posts have cropped up around the web and it's made me nostalgic for those uncomplicated summers. So today I've rounded up a dozen wonderful bracelet crafts. Share them with a special … [Read more...]
DIY Window Paints & Reader Projects
My little guy and I recently came across a recipe for washable window paints at our local craft store and just had to try it. The process couldn't have been more simple! Head over to momtastic for all the details. And look what I found on the web this week. Reader Fawnda over at Fireflies and Jellybeans tried out my Customized Baby Play Mat tutorial. Didn't she do a great job? Be sure to check out our pinterest page of reader projects for lots more MPMK-inspired goodies and have a great … [Read more...]
Got Bored Kids? Get Out the Camera!
I was recently part of a contest that required I make a home movie reviewing a toy. Although I didn't win, I had a great time making the video and, more importantly, so did C. All week he's been asking to see the footage and he cracks up watching himself on playback, in part because of the fast and slow motion effects and in part because he just thinks he's a funny guy. That got me to thinking about what great boredom busters cameras are (both the photo and video varieties). I'm … [Read more...]