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Jazzing Up Your Photos with Sidewalk Chalk

September 23 by Steph (MPMK Founder)

We're FINALLY having professional family photos taken next weekend and I'm so excited!  (There is a small chance it might not happen due to C developing a very persistent stye in his eye - of course -  but I'm sticking my head firmly into the sand and moving forward with haircuts, outfit selection, and the like as if everything will go off without a hitch.)   I found this wonderful photographer through a question/comment she left right here at MPMK.  As shoot time approaches, we've been … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Creating & Exploring, Photography & Memory Keeping, The Make & Play Vault Tagged With: sidewalk chalk photo ideas, sidewalk chalk pictures

Glue Paints & Other Boredom Busters

September 22 by Steph (MPMK Founder)

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...]

Filed Under: Art + Kid Crafts, Creating & Exploring, The Make & Play Vault

The Super-Sized-Mega-Big-Post on Playing with Shadows

September 21 by Steph (MPMK Founder)

photos via Small Types   So I bet you're expecting a slew of shadow puppets and Halloween fun from this post, right?  You won't be disappointed - there's TONS.  That is, afterall, what sparked the idea for today's collection.   But in tracking down lots of interesting shadow activities, I found a surprising number of ideas that don't involve puppets or jack-o-lanterns.  In fact, I've found activities for every occasion - indoors, outdoors, daytime, nighttime, sun, or … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Dramatic Play, Learning & Engaging, Outdoor Play, The Make & Play Vault

Counting Down with Kids Too Young for Calendars

September 20 by Steph (MPMK Founder)

This is an impromptu post inspired by C yesterday morning.  As we were sitting at the table eating breakfast, he asked me, "How long 'till my birthday?".  I told him the number of days but that didn't seem to satisfy him.  Nor did my explanation that it's next month (he's entering into that wonderful phase where all he does is question, question, and question some more).  Finally I decided to show him.   Have you guys made this type of countdown chain with your kids?  They're such a … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Art + Kid Crafts, Simple Ideas, The Make & Play Vault

Handmade Halloween: DIY Paint Chip Garland

September 19 by Steph (MPMK Founder)

That's right, I'm officially diving into Halloween.  I know, it's only September and usually I'd be totally with you in thinking it's a little obnoxious to start gearing up for a holiday this far in advance.  However - C is at a super fun age for getting into the holiday spirit and I have so many Halloween activities that I want to do with him.  They bounce around my head all night, every night and keep me from sleeping.  So I've decided to start purging them in order to finally get some much … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Seasonal Fun

Weekend Look Book

September 17 by Steph (MPMK Founder)

As always, click on the photos for details  Similar Stuff: Previous Look Books … [Read more...]

Filed Under: The Weekend Look Book

How to Have Fun Playing with Rocks

September 16 by Steph (MPMK Founder)

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...]

Filed Under: Creating & Exploring, Outdoor Play

Starting a Birthday Custom

September 15 by Steph (MPMK Founder)

Lots of good ideas here on starting birthday traditions - saving for later!

photos clockwise from upper left: Home & Harmony, Parents.com, giver's log, Swiss Miss, and The Handmade Home   I've got a 3rd birthday rapidly sneaking up on me and, to be honest, I'm not feeling the party planning high I usually get around this time.  Maybe it's because I feel like we just had S's first birthday bash. Although, in reality, that was two full months ago. (Seriously, where does the time go?)   Or maybe it's because of an awesome article I recently read … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Parenting, Simple Ideas Tagged With: birthday customs, birthday ideas, birthday traditions

Simple DIY Hammer & Nails Toy

September 13 by Steph (MPMK Founder)

Do you guys remember the play workbench roundup I did a while back?  After all that research we ended up deciding we just didn't have the space.  Plus, one of C's favorite games lately is to "fix" one of his riding toys with a series of pretend tools that I hand to him one by one (Now I need a hammer Mommy, OK now I need a screwdriver Mommy) and I didn't want to kill all that imagination with actual tools.   Every once in a while, though, C just really wants to pound on something.  So I … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Dramatic Play, Learning & Engaging, The Make & Play Vault

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