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We Tried It! – DIY Edible Fingerpaints

August 8 by Steph (MPMK Founder)

I was recently lamenting on the facebook page that I find myself blogging about fun activities for the kids more often than we actually do them.  I've told myself engaging in messy art projects with a toddler and a baby is just too difficult.  And while that may have been true in the past, S is a year old now and the name of the blog is Modern Parents MESSY kids... it's time to put up or shut up.   So today I'm introducing a new series, called "We Tried It!", in which I'll be trying … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Art + Kid Crafts, Learning & Engaging, Sensory & Interactive Play, The Make & Play Vault, We Tried It

Party DIY: Make Custom Colored Donuts

July 26 by Steph (MPMK Founder)

Today I have another short tutorial from S's recent 1st birthday bash.  I decided to keep it to two homemade elements for the party - her paint chip birthday banner and some custom colored donuts.  Why donuts instead of more traditional party treats like cake or cupcakes?  The party was at 10:15 in the morning (we were working around naps) so I thought it would be fun to do something a little more breakfast-y.   In fairness, I guess I should say these are "semi-homemade".  In an effort … [Read more...]

Filed Under: In the Kitchen, The Make & Play Vault Tagged With: colored donut recipe, DIY colored donuts, frosting recipe, party donuts

DIY Puppet Theaters & the Benefits of Puppet Play

July 25 by Steph (MPMK Founder)

I'm so honored to have Amanda of Not Just Cute guest posting today.  If you've been an MPMK reader for long then you know what a big fan I am of both her blog and her e-book, Parenting with Positive Discipline.  I've referenced Amanda's insightful posts many, many times on topics ranging from picking the right preschool and talking to young children about death to being a better listener and Dr. Seuss.  Today, in typical Not Just Cute fashion, Amanda shares with us not only her favorite DIY … [Read more...]

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

Ideas & Tools for Dramatic Play

July 13 by Steph (MPMK Founder)

This week started off with routine doctor appointments for the kids, which also meant routine shots.  To say I wasn't looking forward to it is an understatement.  I had visions of one kiddo watching the other scream in pain only to find out (from me) that they were next on the hot seat.  In the end, though, it turned out to be a rather benign experience.   Ironically, my saving grace was C falling down and scraping his knee the day before.  The cut was so minor that I didn't really … [Read more...]

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

Modern DIY Bracelets – Perfect for Summer Crafting with Girls

June 28 by Steph (MPMK Founder)

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...]

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

DIY Window Paints & Reader Projects

June 24 by Steph (MPMK Founder)

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...]

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

Meet the Light Box – Your New Must Have Toy?

June 23 by Steph (MPMK Founder)

photos via Play at Home Mom   Are you guys familiar with children's light boxes?  I recently ran across two different blogs (Play at Home Mom and Teach Preschool) that are having all kinds of fun with them and I'm kinda in love.  These blogs have shown me so many cool things you can do with a light box that I'm pretty sure it won't be long until I decide we absolutely have to have one.  Seriously, I think these could be right up there with our beloved sensory box.   From … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Learning & Engaging, Sensory & Interactive Play, The Make & Play Vault

DIY Scavenger Hunts and I Spy Games

June 21 by Steph (MPMK Founder)

Scavenger hunts (whether outdoors, in the car, or just in the living room) are a perfect kid activity.  Along with being a fun way to pass some time, they also provide children with opportunities to practice skills like observing, sorting, and classifying.  Today I've rounded up 9 creative posts to help you get in on the fun.  Click through for the goods.   First up is this super simple nature scavenger hunt from Curly Birds.  Head over for the easy instructions and free printable.  You … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Outdoor Play, Sensory & Interactive Play, The Make & Play Vault

More Homemade Fun

June 13 by Steph (MPMK Founder)

You all seemed to really enjoy the DIY Toys that are Totally Worth the Effort post a few weeks back. So today I've got another collection of DIY toys and games that are so easy to make, even the kids can get in on the fun.  What can I say, I'm a pleaser! (My real life friends are shaking their heads right now - I'm so not.)  Read on for all the goodies. Sock Monkey Puppets at Mom Inc. Daily. Shapes and Colors Memory Game at dandee. Vacation Crafts: Rubber Band Balls at Creative Jewish … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Learning & Engaging, Sensory & Interactive Play, The Make & Play Vault

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