Now that summer break is just around the corner (or maybe even here for some of you!), It's time to start thinking about how to keep our kids active and engaged without resorting to video games and television. At the top of my list is (rather predictably) outside, unstructured play. Here's Julee with one of my all-time favorite set-ups for doing just that... Our yard was one of the top reasons we chose our new house. We have lots of space, a large deck and trees to keep us sheltered from … [Read more...]
Sun Print Art Project
There are two things I absolutely adore about this simple kid project - No, wait, make that three! First, it gets the kids outside from start to finish. Second, the results are so pretty you can easily frame them in any room for some easy and inexpensive artwork that will boost your kiddo's confidence (score!). I've been itching to try this send-away framing service and I think this might just be the project for doing it. And third, it's an opportunity for learning at home, which we … [Read more...]
DIY Easter Centerpiece: Leather and Felt Colorblock Vases
I have to admit, with three small kids in the house, I don't have a lot of time for DIY projects anymore. These days I'm more about simple activities to keep the kids entertained more than pinterest-worthy crafts. There's something about spring, though, that always inspires me to want to do something to spruce up my abode. Even if it's something small. And, of course, Easter is always a great opportunity to get creative. I love this smart little project Julie put together for us. It's a … [Read more...]
DIY Jewelry Organization Board
I'm gonna go on record right now and say this is one of my very favorite Project Organize Your ENTIRE Life projects ever! So cool, so easy, and so perfect for storing your #5RingsToStopYelling and/or a few pieces of "Not Your Mother's Engravable Jewelry" (both of which will support keeping families out of poverty). Here's Julee with the full how-to... Now that my daughter is six-going-on-sixteen, the number of necklaces, bracelets, rings, hair clips and other accessories in our home seems … [Read more...]
POYEL: DIY Open Shelf Storage that’s Functional and Beautiful
Happy New Year's Eve guys! Any big plans? We highly recommend a DIY balloon drop, some kid-friendly mocktails, and filling out our free year-in-review/family resolutions printable for a fun-filled night with the kids. Then, once those shannigans are through and the kiddos are finally in bed, it's time to take a moment to reflect on the year-to-be. What are you hoping to accomplish in 2015? A more simplified home? More time to connect with the kids? Or maybe you just want to finally do … [Read more...]
Kid-Friendly DIY Holiday Decor: Stamped Napkins
The holiday season seems to be the time for DIY decor. I don't know if it's an attempt to avoid spending bucket loads of money on spendy store-bought decorations, or just the endearing memories that are created sitting around a table together getting our craft on, but even the most creatively-challenged amongst us seem to be up for a DIY or two this time of year. I think it's fantastic, of course, and today we've got the perfect activity to get your started. It's one of those rare projects … [Read more...]
DIY Melted Crayon Lanterns
A couple of weeks ago my daughter and I decided to make wax paper lanterns. She loves decorating our house for holidays and, since Halloween is right around the corner, we used black and orange colors to create something that could double as Halloween decor. Although the project is incredibly simple and well-suited to children, the results are very dramatic and sophisticated. Here's how we made them ... … [Read more...]
Keep Kids’ Art Organized All Year with DIY Artist’s Portfolios
Are you struggling with what to do with ALL THAT ART & SCHOOL WORK coming through the door when the kids come home from school? Never fear - today Julee's with us sharing a simple DIY project we think you're going to love. We create - and save - quite a bit of art at our house. With school just starting, the volume of paintings, drawings, and other crafts is only going to increase. My current storage solution for keeping my children's creations is to pile them on my desk until it becomes … [Read more...]
Our Fail-Proof 3 Step Plan for Saving Kid Art & School Projects
My kiddos headed back to school last week, and I know it won't be long before they start coming home with all sorts of papers, projects and pictures. Last year, I struggled quite a bit with deciding what to keep and where to keep it. This year, I'm starting with a plan. My plan is intentionally simple. I don't follow through with overly structured systems for managing household tasks, and I know it's likely to fall to the bottom of my to-do list if it isn't amazingly easy. Here are the basic … [Read more...]