Modern Parents Messy Kids

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Christmas Gift Idea: DIY Playtime Mail Center

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Between last year's Sensory Box and Easy Handmade Gifts for Imaginative Play posts and this year's DIY dress up box post, you've probably figured that I really like the idea of a homemade creative play box for Christmas.  So it should be no surprise that I'm back today with yet another idea along those lines - the DIY Playtime Mail Center.   Playroom mailboxes have been popping up all over the web lately and it's not hard to figure out why.  Kids absolutely love getting mail and parents … [Read more...]

Christmas Gift Idea: Busy Bags (Great for Advent, Stockings, or Under the Tree)

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photos via MADE and the rigneys   The popularity of our current giveaway for a 6 month kid craft club subscription tells me that you guys are hungry for some quick and easy kid activities to fill up your winter months.  So today we're gonna talk about a magical little wonder know as "the busy bag".  If you're not familiar with the concept then it's your lucky day - this post may just change your world.   The definition of a busy bag varies somewhat based on who you talk to.  … [Read more...]

Make Like a Montessori Mama: Part 4 – Shape Activities

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Part 4 of the "Make like a Montessori Mama" series is definitely my favorite, it's right up our alley.  C loves creating pictures with his Magnetic Pattern Blocksand learning the names of the shapes (everything from quadrilaterals to trapezoids).  Plus this shape sorter is currently S's toy of choice.  I can't wait to try out these activities with the kids later this week... Take it away Kylie:   Five great Montessori inspired activities about SHAPES! There are many Montessori … [Read more...]

We Tried It! – Discovery Bottles

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I've been on the lookout lately for a new activity both the kids would enjoy. S is going through an afternoon crankiness phase (at least I hope it's a phase) and C is always up for something novel to play with. After thinking over my options a bit, my mind turned to the various discovery bottles I've seen popping up on pinterest.   These guys are easy to make and open to lots of interpretation.  I figured if I came up with multiple version, C and S were each bound to like a few of them. … [Read more...]

Elsewhere: A New Art Technique to Try

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I'm guest posting at Whip Up today with one of my favorite new art techniques: block printing with yarn.  This one is truly appropriate for all ages.  Our first go at it was a fascinating experience for C (he couldn't believe he was actually allowed to paint on a few of his blocks) and a successful attempt at DIY modern art for me.  Head over to Whip Up for the full tutorial.   P.S. Looking to simplify in 2013? Bonus: Use the code JANUARY for 10% off the PDF file through the end of … [Read more...]

Hello, Autumn!

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Thanks so much to you all for another lovely week.  There's been so much going on, I'm not sure where to start.  How about with these amazing candy apples?  The shine on them is nothing less than perfection.  For the tutorial on those, as well as 5 more quintessential fall crafts (actually, 105 more to be precise), checkout my momtastic post from yesterday. Have a great weekend everyone! … [Read more...]

Jazzing Up Your Photos with Sidewalk Chalk

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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...]

Glue Paints & Other Boredom Busters

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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...]

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

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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...]