If you're a regular here, you know we're all about getting kids involved in contributing around the house early. Sometimes that means setting up regular family and money jobs, and sometimes it just means taking a little time for a bright and cheerful DIY organization project. Here's Kristen with the details... Things look better when they are organized. And I think we function better when things look better. Case in point: The Junk Drawer. We all have one and if you've ever … [Read more...]
Earth Day Activity: Upcycled Juice Box Seed Starters
Looking for a quick and easy Earth Day project to do with the kids? Our contributor Janssen teamed up with our newest sponsor, Juicy Juice, for the perfect Earth Day kid craft- upcycled juice box seed starters! It's spring break this week around here and I can't wait to make a whole batch with the kids this week. I also love Janssen's idea of making them now and using them as gifts for Teacher Appreciation Day later. spring break activity and teacher appreciation gift- who doesn't love a … [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...]
Free Printable: Mother’s Day (and Father’s Day) Mad Libs Card
Before I became a parent, I had no idea of the role knock-knock jokes, mad libs, and the like would one day play in my home. With a 6 year old and a 4 year old - these things are the stuff of magic around here. My kids think they are absolutely hilarious and just cannot get enough - ever. Which is why I asked our contributor MJ to put together a colorful Mad Libs style card that can be used for Mother's Day, Father's Day, Grandparents' Day, etc. Because I know the kids will want to fill them … [Read more...]
DIY Lego Art
Have you guys noticed that decorating kids' spaces can be one of the most interesting spots in the house to tackle? I think it's because I feel like I can go a little bolder, a little more creative, and a little more "outside the box" then I might in other rooms. Also, I'm not as afraid to DIY it - kids rooms are supposed to be about imagination and joy, not perfection, so it doesn't matter if my projects don't turn out professional grade. That being said, this ridiculously cool artwork … [Read more...]
Super Simple Art: Stained Glass Paintings
My great aunt passed away at the age of 101 (she almost made it to 102) last week and baby M and I made a quick over-and-back trip for the funeral yesterday. It was actually a really nice trip but it meant that things have been pretty quite around here. … [Read more...]
Make It: Thumbprint Heart Jewelry Dishes
Happy Friday guys! I’m stopping in to share a LOVE-ly little project I've put together for 31 Days of Love over at Red Ted Art. This has turned out to be one of my favorite DIY projects ever! It's so kid-friendly and the results are really stunning. These sweet Thumbprint Heart Jewelry Dishes would, of course, be perfect for Valentine's Day but I also want to really encourage you to make one with your kids and use it to store your #5ringstostopyelling. It will be just another powerful … [Read more...]
Kid Craft: Tissue Paper Fall Leaf Sun Catchers
Isn't the sun streaming through these fall leaf sun catchers lovely? This was a really easy, no-mess project the kids and I took on last week to welcome the new season. It was the perfect activity for working on our fine-motor skills while also beautifying our home. Get the full tutorial here. And if you need a laminator for home (great for projects like these as well as protecting all sorts of things from chore lists to meal plans), this is the one I use and love. Happy … [Read more...]
{Play Idea} A Simple Technique to Keep Kids Coloring Longer
Coloring is at the very top of my super-simple, go-to activities for keeping the kids happy and occupied. It's a total classic, of course, and encourages all kinds of open-ended creativity. So when my friends Holly and Rachel of Kids Activity Blog sent me their new book, I knew it was going to be well used in our house as soon as I saw this project. This is such a simple way to extend a basic coloring session. Can you guess what we're using to make our crayon creations pop? … [Read more...]