Cookies, Crayons, Classes, & Chaos

Sub-Irrigated Gardens: Easy to water, perfect for small spaces

2012-01-29T01:32:00.000-05:00

Why haven't I thought of this? It's a perfect use for drainage pipes!

I'm thinking of using this in my raised beds that are so far away from the water source which is a pain to hook up to the soaker hose.

Visit Inside the Inside Urban Green site with instruction for many different types of Sub-irrigated gardens aka SIP's.

One type of SIP garden from Inside Urban Green

My 6 year old's emoticons

2012-01-29T00:21:00.000-05:00

My artist daughter spontaneously created these emoticons over the holidays.She queried all the different family members about their meanings. I guess she was testing our facial expression recognition. It created a few laughs.

Before the go into the Styrofoam recycle bin I wanted to share them here. What are your guesses for each of these?

See answer #1

See answer #2

See answer #3

See answer #4

See answer #5

See answer #6

See answer #7

Answers:

1. Angry

2. Scared

3. Sad

4. Happy

5. Sleepy

6. "Blushful" I think that means embarrassed.

7. Bored

Upcyled Clay Drainage Pipe Tile

2012-01-28T20:08:00.001-05:00

January is such a fun time for armchair gardening here in the Northern Hemisphere.

A craigslist posting for some clay tiles has been thinking about these projects I might try while I wait for spring to arrive. Garden fountains, flower pots, planters, stoves, and more!

From this....

To these....

Welcome to My World - upcycled tile drains

One of many Squidoo garden craft projects

Sauna rocket from Permies

Clay tile planters from My Personal Jungle

Clay drainage tile fountain from Fountains Unique

And while we're in the business of sealing and painting terracotta how about this?....

Clay pot birdbath tutorial from Patricia's Pots

Handwriting Help

2012-01-26T10:58:00.001-05:00

For some of our kids the mechanics of handwriting are a barrier to learning. So alternatives like computer keyboards, sign language, and oral reports bridge that gap.

However, this Wall Street Journal article, How Handwriting Trains the Brain: Forming Letters Is Key to Learning, Memory, Ideas, suggests that the mechanics of handwriting provide some important benefits.

Handwriting Help

I've posted tips here and here in addition to these new ones below:

Fix it Write provides 10 days of exercises to help create more fluid writing movements. It also suggests an alternative handwriting grip to make writing easier. Users can choose what font style, writing style, and handwriting grip works best for them.

Apps in My Pocket offers touch screen help with letter formation and phonics together in one app. A nice, and somewhat rare, feature is that they use the D'Nealian font which aids in the transition to cursive. Children can use the fingers or a stylus to form the letters.

Kidz Occupational Therapy has a handy guide for choosing the right pencils and devices

Handwriting solutions from Kidz Occupational Therapy

Glass sippy cups!

2012-01-19T15:25:00.000-05:00

I've been trying hard, and mostly successful, in eliminating plastic from our kitchenware.

The last bastion is the sippy cups.

My youngest really doesn't need them but some times a girl's just gotta drink lying down, you know? And they are kinda nice at bedtime so we don't end up with a late night bedding change from a spilled glass of water.

They are sitting in the paper bag waiting for me to have the courage to recycle them.

My husband's water bottles from his mountain biking days are in there too. They aren't BPA free. I'm just waiting to make sure he is okay with me sending them along.

Well, here are some alternatives to plastic sippy cups!!

Mason jars with paper lids and paper straws from Family Bites

Mason jars with metal lids and paper straws from A Bit of Sunshine

Upcycled jar from ReMarkable Home

Upcycled jar and stainless steel straw from Apron Stringz

Steel Bendy Straws available from Reuse It

Glass Straws (and bamboo case) available from Reuse it

Paper Straws available from Magnolia Bakery

If you want to forgo the crafting upcycling or recycling you can just buy some innovative products:

Products from The Glass Baby Bottle

Coke Bottle Oil Lamp

2012-01-19T11:35:00.002-05:00

Instructables has a complete tutorial for turning this antique coke bottle turned into an oil lamp.

Corvidae Instructables author

Others have done this with different glass bottles, different wicks, and different liquids for burning.

Sappho Instructables author

Wicks:

First author used a continuous length of wick from a hobby store.
Second author recycled a 100% cotton sock into a wick.
JoelCrisman from the survivalist forum suggests making wooden wicks from a twig.

Other uses for Coke Bottles

If you have left over coke bottles, try turning them into oil dispensers or storage for herbs or salts.

Musings of a kitchen witch

And this was too funny to not include! Here's a use for leftover plastic soda bottles as sprinklers.

"Franken Fix" from There I Fixed It via Matt Hinkman

Light it up!

2012-01-19T11:02:00.000-05:00

I'm obsessed with bright shiny things here in the dark winter days. I just want to be surrounded by these beautiful beams and things that reflect them....

Three Tier Upside Down Mason Jar Chandelier

BootsNGus etsy shop

Pastel Mason Jar Hanging Lights

BootsNGus etsy shop

Mason Jar Hanging Lights AMAZING TUTORIAL!

Kara Paslay Designs Tutorial

Chandelier transformed to Mason Jar chandelier

Home Stories A 2 Z

Mason Jar Candlelight

Occasions Online via Capitol Romance

Curtain of lights with glass ornaments

Save-on-Crafts glass ball curtains

Curtain of lighted tulle

Save-on-Crafts

Curtain of crystals

Save-on-Crafts

Hanging mirror garland

Save-on-Crafts

Lights AND mirrors!

Apartment Therapy tutorial via Lovella Bridal

Pink and Purple Heaven: 20 exquisite floral treats

2012-01-19T05:48:00.000-05:00

Ahh..... Some of my favorite color schemes... I always want to splash these colors of paint on my walls.

Here are some pink and purple floral bouquets and arrangements for a variety of different styles.

Cool and Modern - blues and magenta with and midollino sticks or bling

Modern purple wedding by Bontanical Floral Designs

Cool Color Bouquet from etsy shop Wildwood Floral

Save on Crafts inspiration - pastel pink and lilac and midollino sticks

Pretty Purples from Botanical Floral Designs

Tutorial for using midolinno sticks and flat cane from oasis

Sweet Cottage - Pastels, pink, lavender, green, old English

From Save on Crafts floral designing tutorials

Purple, magenta green from Botanical Floral Designs

Purple wedding by Botanical Floral Designs

Pink & Green English centerpiecetutorial from Floral Advisors

Purple Garden from Botanical Floral Designs

Zen Tropical - Orchids and Cherry Blossoms

Now and Zen from Teleflora

Zen arrangement from Creative Sprinkle

Save on Crafts inspiration featuring calla cones

Zen artistry from Teleflora

Purple silk wrist corsage from Save on Crafts

Pink silk wrist corsage Save on Crafts

Silk wrist corsage from Save on Crafts

Save on Crafts inspiration with cherry sticks

Painted Mason Jars

2012-01-18T14:15:00.000-05:00

There is so much ♥ Mason Jar Love ♥ out there. Here are a few of my favorites that involve various paints and tints.

Glowing jars

Photo from Deviant Art, Instructions From Panka with Love

Pastel Tinted Jars

Momtastic

Painted Jars

The Crafty Scientist

Learning about the Circus

2012-01-17T13:40:00.001-05:00

The kids are getting excited about going to their first circus. Me? Not so much knowing that sometimes animals aren't treated so well in some operations. In preparation we're learning some things about the circus.

What's it like to be in the circus today?

PBS Circus explores what it is like to own, operate, and work in a circus

What concerns do some people have about animal treatment in circuses?

Peta
Animal Aid (UK)

Writing about the circus

Circus Drawing

Step by step drawing guides for animals and performers

Circus Math

What is the history of the circus?

What were the different types of jobs in the circus?

P. T. Barnum's Great Traveling Exposition & World's Fair Season of 1872

How many miles did they travel between shows?

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey, 1960 Route
Using google maps recreate their route and calculate miles for one month

What scientific principles are used by circus performers?

Learning how to do things like circus performers:

How to Make a Clown Face

In this activity students can learn to paint faces from a real clown.

How to Juggle

Jake LaSalle demonstrates how to get started learning how to juggle.

How to Do a Handstand

Doing handstands takes a lot of practice, but students can learn the basics with this short activity.

How to Train a Dog at Home

In this at-home activity, students with pet dogs can learn to teach them a few tricks.

How to Walk a Tightrope

With a bit of focus and practice, students can learn the basics of walking the tightrope.

20 Ways to Melt and Use Crayons

2012-01-17T09:15:00.000-05:00

I realized that for a blog with "Crayons" in the name I should really have some posts about crayons!! So here we go with the ultimate guide to melting crayons.

Being the OCD academic classifier than I am, I adore sorting things like crayons which comes in handy for some of these projects.

DIY Crayon sorter from Simply Craft Blog via Monkey See Monkey Do

TO PEEL OR NOT TO PEEL?

Most of these blog authors peeled the paper off their crayons (or had the kids do that during church lol). Some folks like The Go Green Blog melted crayons with the paper on and just removed papers before pouring into molds.

If you do peel save the wrappers!

Crayon wrapper collage from etsy artist Price Jamie

HOW TO MELT CRAYONS AND WHAT TO DO WITH THEM

Please visit these blogger sites to learn more about their specific instructions for temperatures and what molds worked best for them and what special safety instructions apply, especially with kids. Hint: Some molds melt with the crayons and empty pill bottles and empty deodorant sticks make great molds!

(1) Melt and pour -- using the stovetop

Tin can as double boiler from Apple Shoe

Soda cans as double boiler from The Go Green Blog

The Go Green Blog pours into mold

(2) Melt and pour -- using the oven

Better in Bulk melts then molds

Finished product from Better in Bulk

Melted then poured into molds from Lego Express

(3) Melt crayons directly in the molds -- using the oven

Oven baked crayons from Eric Carle Museum of Art

Oven baked crayons from Better in Bulk

(4) Melt crayons directly in the molds -- using the microwave

Layered crayons

Polka dot crayons

(5) Melt the crayons with the sun

Hot sun + car roof = crafts for boys from Come Together Kids

Hot sun + canvas = art from Clumsy Crafter

Hot sun + mason jar + wick = crayon candle from ..and chaos ensued

(6) Melt crayons with a blow dryer

Art from Unsimple Living (Wrappers off)

Art from 52 Kitchen Adventures (wrappers on)

Art from Sam's Scrap Candy

Art from Etsy seller Light and Spoon

Art from Crafster

(7) Melt crayons with embossing gun

Embossing tin with melted crayon at Instructables

(8) Melt crayons with candle warmer

Melting crayons with candle warmer from Teach Preschool

(9) Melt crayons with candles

Abstract crayon art from Ideals to Life

Dot art from U Create with Kids

(10) Melt crayons on hot rocks

Fun ways to melt crayons from Wise Craft

(11) Melt crayons on heated iron for transfer

Melted crayon art backgrounds from Split Coast Stampers

Iron-melted crayon papers from Ink Stains

(12) Melt crayons with iron and wax paper

Transparent crayon heart mobiles from napcp

(13) Melt crayons with a light bulb

yeah, that light bulb works says Instructables author K.Therman#8

Here's the proof from K.Theman#8

(14) Melt crayons into sculptures

Crayon sculpture in process from Butterfly Dreams

(15) Melt crayons into a bowl

Award winning Kookabura at Worth 1000

(16) Melt crayons into candles or use to tint candle wax

Bottle cap candles from Craftaholics Anonymous

Wax and candle crayon from Crafty Corner

Crayon candles in Easter eggs from The Magic Onions

(17) Decorate Easter eggs

Disney Family Fun

(18) Melt crayon on fabrics

Melted crayon with fabric on skillet from Heather's 3 Stars

(19) Warm and bend crayons into art

Bob Bonanno winner at Bergen Museum

(20) Melt crayons and draw on warming tray

Melted crayon art at Play Based Learning

Engineering Labor of Love: Music for the Eyes

2012-01-17T04:45:00.000-05:00

I've seen some of these wonderful mechanical music machines before, but they were all computer animated, which was definitely an accomplishment in itself.

But this...it says it is actually constructed! Having it built by human hands with real physical pieces makes it all that much more extraordinary to me.

Many of my family and friends will also be excited that it was built with a bunch of John Deere parts. Enjoy!

Retro Kid Kitch

2012-01-16T09:36:00.000-05:00

These retro art pieces, textiles, and illustrations (some old, some new) are so delicious to me I can barely breathe!

Some of these artists have current pieces for sale so check them out. Other things are vintage and rare so enjoy the thrill of the chase.

Retro art from Michelle Bickford

Jared Andrew Schorr Commissioned Muppet Exhibit

Jared Andrew Schorr Post-Its Collection

Ellen Giggenbach cut paper and art illustrations

Gartner Press at the Licensing Nook

Bewitched Magic's Retro Kitch photo gallery

Eleanor Thompson illustration via Betwitched Magic

More Betwitched Magic photo collection - I think I wore some of these

Brian Wildsmith illustration via Flutterby Patch

Wall decals by NE Indiana business Off the Wall Expressions

Whimsical Mobiles

2012-01-13T13:24:00.001-05:00

We're past the need for mobiles to distract a squirmy baby during a diaper change, but I am so in love with these mobiles!!! I'm thinking they might be really great as pendant lampshades too... Wheels are turning.

Mobile from Young House Love

Woodsy Room Decor

2012-01-04T11:44:00.000-05:00

When the seed catalogues are arriving in the midst of the snow falling it's no wonder I'm itching for some nature inside.

Here are some things that are inspiring me today:

JenlovesKev etsy shop and blog

Cutting Edge Stencils etsy shop

Driftwood mirror via Abode Love

Camp-inspired bedroom at Offbeat mama

Ikea hackers lighting

Ikea Hackers lighting

20 x 200 Art

3 tips to organize, simplify, and light up this winter

2012-01-03T06:09:00.000-05:00

It's so exciting to see all the wonderful organizing blog posts surfacing for the annual new year's resolution push!!

Here are some ideas I will be giving serious thought about implementing:

(1) Pack up Christmas ornaments the safe way

Unpacking Christmas is always the first task at the start of the new year. I've managed to get my seasonal stuff pretty well organized. But this would certainly help simplify the ornament packing process.

Plastic cups, hot glue, and leftover cardboard are all that are needed to make this DIY ornament storage insert with individual compartments for each ornament.

Safe ornament storage from Martha Stewart

(2) Minimize paper clutter, starting with Christmas cards

Home organizing and productivity guru Aby Garvey at Simplify 101 is offering everyone a FREE command central reference binder to help everyone find their own best way to organize the paper stream!!!

Freebie from Simplify 101

I adore her tagline: More fun, more done! Makes me want to jump right in and get to it.

Plus, she has weekly organizing tips via an email newsletter. Here is her fabulous tip for what to do with Christmas cards as part of her January newsletter checklist.

Simplify 101 January checklist

I love it that she didn't tell me to throw them away. I'm going to do this with all our cards from now on. The kids still have all their birthday cards stashed in various places in their rooms. Now I know what to do with these keepsakes.

(3) Bring in the light with white cabinets

Darkness zaps my energy. We have so little natural light in the house and not near enough artificial light to compensate.

Geek light

Needless to say, living in a cave does not help me keep up with the tasks of daily living, let alone try to tackle the big organizing projects. I'm aiming to bring in the light this year.

Bring in the light!

Color expert Maria Killam at the Color Me Happy and designer Kristie Barnett aka The Decorologist both advocate for painting dark kitchen cabinets white.

White kitchen via Color Me Happy

They both say white kitchens are a timeless look that will never go out of style and it brings so much light into the home. (And Maria has great advice on finding the right white!)

White kitchen via the decorologist

Fortunately, the hip homeowners at Young house love show you just how to make that transition with the right paint, tools, and techniques to make it simple...er. They made the complete transformation with $60!

Young House Love paints cabinets

When the painting is done I would like to add pull-out shelves to the cabinets that are so hard to reach into. Luckily, the folks at This Old House have an easy tutorial.

Norm saves the day with the pull out shelves

Easy Bake Oven Recipes from scratch and mixes

2011-12-25T21:46:00.000-05:00

Frosting the Easy Bake Cupcakes -- Much smaller than expected!

Santa brought an Easy Bake oven to our house.

So I figured it was time to look up recipes to make without relying on the expensive (and currently out of stock everywhere) Easy Bake mixes.

There are a plethora of made-from-scratch and make-from-from-boxed-mix recipes available for the Easy Bake oven.

I guess the big question will be whether or not these recipes work in the new microwave style easy bake oven.

I'm guessing these recipes were made with the classic style light bulb easy bake oven in mind. But we'll get them a whirl in the new ultimate version.

Easy Bake Oven Recipes from Scratch (From Kiddio, eborecipes, Budget 101)

Bars

6 Layer Bars- intermediate

Apple Bars - intermediate

Chocolate Caramel Bars

Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars -easy

Granola Bars - intermediate

Oatmeal Fruit Bars - intermediate

Orange Marmalade Bars -intermediate

Peanut Butter Butterscotch Brownie -intermediate

Raspberry Bars - easy

Strawberry Bars -easy

Breads & Biscuits

Biscuits

Biscuits Mix - easy

Blueberry Danish - easy

Cheese Twists - easy

Cheesy Biscuits -easy

Cherry Danish - easy

Cornbread- intermediate

Ham-and-Cheese Bagel - easy

Scones -intermediate

Strawberry Danish - easy

Tea Cakes - easy

Brownies

Banana Chocolate Brownies- advanced

Blondies

Brownies

Brownies Mix -easy

Chocolate Brownies - intermediate

Chocolate Mint Brownies

Double Fudge Brownies -easy

Easy Bake Oven Brownies

Easy Bake Oven Graham Brownie Mix

Quick Brownies -easy

Cakes

Advice on using box-mix cakes

Award-Winning Mom Cake -advanced

Banana Cream Cake -intermediate

Banana Split Cake -intermediate

Banana Trifle Cake - intermediate

Barbie's Pretty Pink Cake Mix - easy

Birthday Cake - intermediate

Black Forest Cake - easy

Blueberry Shortcake - easy

Butterscotch Pudding Cake- intermediate

Butterscotch Trifle Cake - intermediate

Carrot Cake - intermediate

Cherry Cheesecake - intermediate

Children's Lemon Cake Mix

Children's Lemon Cake Mix or White Cake Mix

Chocolate Cake

Chocolate Cake - intermediate

Chocolate Cake from scratch

Chocolate Cake Mix

Chocolate Cake Mix -easy

Chocolate Cherry Cake - easy

Chocolate Fudge Cake -intermediate

Chocolate Mint Brownies- easy

Cinnamon Bread Pudding - intermediate

Cinnamon Coffee Cake - easy

Coconut Cream Cake - easy

Crazy Cake

Crazy Cake Mix

Crazy Cake Mix -intermediate

Devil's Food Cake - easy

Easter Bunny

Easter Bunny - advanced

Easy Bake Chocolate Cake Mix

Easy Bake Oven Quick Cake Mix

French Vanilla Cake- easy

Jalapeno Corn Cakes - VERY Advanced

Jeweled Tea Cakes Mix -intermediate

Kira Jeweled Tea Cakes

Lemon Cake from scratch

Lemon Cake Mix

Lemon Cake Mix (10 pkgs) -easy

Lemon or White Cake Mix

Lemon Trifle Cake - intermediate

Orange Nut Cake -intermediate

Oreo Cookies 'N Creme Cake -intermediate

Oreo Trifle Cake - intermediate

Patriotic Trifle Tower -intermediate

Peach Upside-Down Cake -intermediate

Peanut Butter Cake -intermediate

Pineapple Trifle Cake -intermediate

Pineapple Upside-Down Cake -intermediate

Pink Velvet Cake -intermediate

Pot Of Gold -intermediate

Pretty Pink Cake Mix -intermediate

Quick Cake Mix -intermediate

Rainbow Cake -intermediate

Raspberry Orange Cake -intermediate

Shortcake -intermediate

Skippers Kool Aid Cake - intermediate

Snowman Cake -intermediate

Strawberry Cake -intermediate

Strawberry Cheesecake -intermediate

Strawberry Shortcake -intermediate

Strawberry Trifle Cake -intermediate

Toffee Trifle Cake -intermediate

Turkey Cake

Valentine Strawberry Cake -intermediate

Very Berry Cake -intermediate

Watermelon Cake Mix (10 pkgs)

White Cake Mix

White Cake Mix (10 pkgs) -intermediate

White Chocolate Cake -intermediate

Yellow Cake -intermediate

Yellow Cake Mix

Cookies

Angel Cookies

Angel Cookies Mix -intermediate

Apple Cookies -intermediate

Butterscotch Cookies -intermediate

Candied Cherries Cookies -intermediate

Caramel Chocolate Cookies

Children's Cookie Mix

Chocolate Chip Cookies -intermediate

Chocolate Meringue Cookies -intermediate

Cinnamon Crisps -easy

Cookie Mix A -intermediate

Cookie Mix -intermediate

Cranberry Cookies -intermediate

Cream Cheese Snowcaps

Cream Cheese Snowcaps -intermediate

Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies -intermediate

Cut It Out -easy

Gingersnaps -intermediate

Krispie Treats -intermediate

Oatmeal Cookie Mix #1 -intermediate

Oatmeal Cookie Mix: Kid's Oven

Oatmeal Cookies

Oatmeal Cookies #1

Oatmeal Cookies #2 -intermediate

Oatmeal Cookies #3 -intermediate

Orange Cookies -intermediate

Peanut Butter Cookies

Peanut Butter Cookies #1 -intermediate

Peanut Butter Cookies #2 -intermediate

Peanut Butter Cookies #3 -intermediate

Pecan Cookies -intermediate

Penuche Drop Cookies

Pink Velvet Cake

Potato Chip Cookies -intermediate

Raisin Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix -intermediate

Raisin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Raisin Cookies -intermediate

Santa's Whiskers Cookies -intermediate

Secret Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix -intermediate

Simple Decorated Cookies

Snow Mounds Mix -intermediate

Snowball Cookies -intermediate

Sports Balls

Sugar Cookies #1 -intermediate

Sugar Cookies #2 -intermediate

Sugar Spice Cookies

Sugar Spice Cookies -intermediate

Thumb Print Cookies

Thumbprint Cookie Mix -intermediate

Vanilla Cookies -intermediate

White Chocolate Cookies -intermediate

Desserts & Candies

Baked Apple-easy

Butterscotch Candy

Butterscotch Candy -easy

Cheesy Baked Apple -easy

Cherry Cheesecake - intermediate

Cherry Ladyfingers

Chocolate Bird Nest

Chocolate Candy - easy

Dessert Pizza -intermediate

Frosted Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Treats - intermediate

Fruit S'mores - easy

Graham Brownie Mix- intermediate

Peanut Butter Candy -easy

Peanut Butter Fudge

Peanut Butter Fudge Mix -intermediate

Raisin Bread Pudding -easy

Rice Krispie Treats- intermediate

Smores -easy

Snow Mounds Mix

Strawberry Cheesecake -intermediate

Strawberry Shortcake -intermediate

White Chocolate Bird Nest -easy

White Chocolate Candy -intermediate

Frostings

Barbie's Pretty Pink Cake Mix

Barbie's Sparkling Frosting -easy

Butter Cream Frosting Mix -easy

Buttercream Frosting Mix

Children's White Frosting Mix

Chocolate Frosting

Chocolate Frosting -easy

Chocolate Frosting Mix -easy

Cream Cheese Frosting Mix -easy

Crystal Sugar Frosting -easy

Frosting -easy

Lemon Frosting

Peanut butter Frosting Mix

Peanut Butter Frosting Mix

Sparkling Icing -easy

Strawberry Frosting -easy

Strawberry Frosting Mix

Watermelon Frosting Mix

White Frosting Mix

Main Dishes

A Bird's Nest - easy

Cheesy Potato Hot Dogs - easy

Ham and Spinach Quiche - advanced

Ham-and-Cheese Bagel - easy

Lasagna- intermediate

Quick Quesadillas-easy

Pies

Ambrosia Cream Pie - intermediate

Lemon Whipped Cream Pie- intermediate

Oreo Butterscotch Pie - intermediate

Strawberry Pie - intermediate

Pizza

Banana Split Pizza - intermediate

Barbeque Chicken Pizza - intermediate

Deep Dish Pizza - intermediate

Dessert Pizza -intermediate

English Muffin Pizza- easy

Ken's Deep Dish Pizza

Pizza

Ranch Chicken Pizza - intermediate

Sauces & Dips

Asian Peanut Sauce- intermediate

Bean Dip - easy

Snacks

Ants on a Log

Apple Tortilla - easy

Bacon Roll-Ups - intermediate

Bean Dip Nachos - easy

Boats - intermediate

Caramel Corn - easy

Caramel Popcorn - easy

Cheese Balls - easy

Chocolate Balls - intermediate

Chocolate Covered Pretzel - easy

Chocolate Tostadas

Chocolate Tostadas - advanced

Cinnamon Raisin Pockets

Cinnamon Raisin Pockets - easy

Crunchy Cheese Sticks - intermediate

Flutter the Butterfly - advanced

Fruit S'mores - easy

Ham-and-Cheese Bagel - easy

Hot Dog Cheese Crackers - easy

Krispie Treats - easy

Nachos - easy

Nachos 'N Cheese - easy

Olive Poppers - very Advanced

Palace Olive Poppers - Very Advanced

Peanut Butter, Chocolate & Butterscotch Rice Krispies Treats - intermediate

Popcorn Balls - easy

Rainbow Rice Krispies Treats - easy

White Chocolate Covered Pretzel - easy

White Chocolate Tostadas - advanced

Tarts

Caramel Apple Tart -intermediate

Fruit Tart -intermediate

Patriotic Fruit Tart -intermediate

Make your own snowstorm

2011-12-24T02:33:00.000-05:00

It looks like there will be no white Christmas this year. But here is a great way to make your own snowstorm from craftstylish.

Photo: Jeff Rudell for Craftstylish

DIY Drum Shade and Modified pendant light -- Cheap Glam!

2011-12-23T16:18:00.000-05:00

Dittle Dattle has a great tutorial for an inexpensive pendant light with drum shade.

Dittle Dattle Cool Teen room

It uses a portfolio pendant kit from Lowes.

Inexpensive pendant lamps with drum shades

2011-12-23T16:16:00.001-05:00

This portfolio pendant kit from Lowes (out of stock until I checked again recently) has really been making the rounds on blogland.

It appears to be an inexpensive way to get the modern look of lighting with a drum shade with a bit of tinkering.

Check out these blogs for instructions, ideas, and inspiration:

Dittle Dattle

Decorating Cents

Teal and Lime (with tutorial for the lampshade too!)

Free Montessori Resources

2011-12-22T02:23:00.003-05:00

Montessori Resources from a bit of this & and bit of that and the Montessori Goldmine -- Check their websites for updates!

Montessori Primary Guide - online albums and videos of presentations

wikisori - online albums and lots, lots more

Montessori Materials.org - lots of free downloadable resources

Free Montessori Resources - PDFs and lessons

Moteaco.com - has a couple of albums for 3-6, more for the 6-9 ages, plus the great lessons

Shu-Chen Jenny Yen - On-Line Montessori Teacher Albums for 3-to-6 year olds

Montessori Mom - lots of free downloads, newsletters and printouts.

Famous Montessorians - a list of

Cultivating Dharma - a blog of free downloads and some albums just made available

podcast about Montessori education

BBC podcast about Maria Montessori

Articles about Montessori

Montessori fossils/geology timeline and printables

Miss Barbara - list of lesson ideas etc and the great lessons

Yahoo Groups

Montessori Online This is a discussion group for parents and educators who are interested in Montessori education, sponsored by the Montessori Foundation.

Montessori By Hand Welcome to the file, photo and pattern archive for crafty, creative and passionate Montessori teachers and homeschooling families. Meg's albums can also be found here.

Continent Swap Montessori homeschoolers and schoolteachers who would like to join an international swap of native materials, specifically for the Continent Boxes.

Montessori makers a place to help you make Montessori materials.

Montessori Swap a place to purchase or sell Montessori items

Montessori Beginning for teachers, parents, and caregivers who use the Montessori Method with infants and toddlers

Montessori Pearls Of Wisdom - a post with lots of advice for those new to Montessori.

Montessori Bloggers

Montessori Goldmine

Montessori By Hand - Now Sew Liberated but there is a lot of Montessori goodness on the old blog

LaPaz Home Learning

Making of a Montessori Mum

The secret of Childhood

A Montessori Classroom

Adventures Of A rainbow mama

My Childs Diary (in Hebrew)

The Moveable Alphabet

Montessori Secrets

The Wonder Years

What Did We Do All Day?

Wide Open on the Mommybahn

Chasing Cheerios

Shannon's sharing

Gray Family Circus

Montessori House - for infants and toddlers

Confessions Of A Montessori Mom

Teaching Montessori

The Elves and the Shoemaker + Make your own shoes activity

2011-12-22T02:16:00.001-05:00

BOOK TO READ

I loooved the Elves and the Shoemaker book by Hilda Miloche when I was a child. It must have been a book we lost in a basement flood since it is no longer in my parents' collection of our childhood books. So I was thrilled to find a pdf with images from the book.

SHOE MAKING ACTIVITY

I thought it would be really fun to read the book with the kids and have them make shoes!

Free slipper patterns and instructions:

Fleece slippers from Sew Love Sew
Room shoes from Sew-ing
1 Seam Rag slippers from The Pink Slipper Project
Mocassin slippers from Flower Girl Designs ($) though similar patterns available for free from Sew, mama, sew and Studio Cherie
Mocassin style felt slippers from Martha Stewart
Felt slippers from Martha Stewart
Kids butterfly or branch slippers from Martha Stewart
Recycled sweater slippers from Craft Stylish
Mary Jane felt slippers from Craftbits
Recycled blue jean slippers from Make Projects
Handstitch felt slippers from Home Life
Recycled blue jean baby slippers from Prudent Baby (more pattern sizes from New Conceptions)
Recycled towel slippers from Queen of DIY
Recycled wool blanket slippers from Sew Green

3 Super Inventive Creations

2011-12-22T00:02:00.000-05:00

Looking at these projects makes me really appreciate the ingenuity that some people possess!

(1) No glue, No screw shelf

This PROP shelf from Design Soil is made to be compact for shipping and storage then assembled with no screws or glue!

PROP shelf

(2) Transforming children's drawings into realistic drawings

Elezea profiles the Monster Engine project in which children's drawings were transformed into realistic images by artist Dave Devries. He has a book of drawings and prints available for purchase.

Child's drawing to realistic drawing by Dave Devries

(3) Pretty things from discarded fixtures

It takes such creativity to see this kind of potential in cast off materials. Guess what these pretty things were in a former life? Visit Pretty Handy Girl to learn how to make these treats.

Beveled glass ornament

Glass ornament

Candelabra

2011-12-17T07:02:00.001-05:00

Silly me. I thought Sharpie markers were for writing. I guess not!

Here's what folks have been doing with Sharpies:

(1) Tie-Dye

Science guru Steve Spangler shows you how to make mess-free tie-dye shirts.

Science with Sharpies

(2) Decorate Ornaments

Sure, you can decorate ornaments by drawing and writing on them with Sharpies like the folks at the Sharpie blog suggest....

Sharpie-drawn ornaments

But why not have more fun and sorta tie dye your ornaments like instructables author ChrisN suggests?

Tie Dye Ornaments

(3) Customize Shoes

Sharpie folks have taken their markers to college campuses along with Toms shoes and let students show their creativity by drawing on the blank canvas shoes.

Shoe by Sharpie and you

(4) Personalize electronics

Instructable folks are using sharpies to customize things like controllers and cell phones.

Customized controller

Personalized cell phone

(5) Remodel fixtures

Instructables author Thrift Store Remix used sharpies to colorize this glass light shade.

Lite Bright dome

(6) Upcycle Plant Tags

Mineralled at Instructables shows how to use Sharpies and recycled plastic utensils to make plant tags.

Cheap plant tags

(7) Dream and Create

This artwork, entitled Dream, was created by Esfiedy using sharpies, reminding us to use our imagation to dream. See more good stuff at the Sharpie blog.

Dream

Grab your Sharpie and get started! Here are just some of the products available....

Decorating with Nature: 3 Design Projects

2011-12-17T05:52:00.000-05:00

These projects are more sophisticated adult versions of nature crafts that can be used for decorating the inside and out.

(1) Graffiti Moss

Inhabitat provides all the instructions and tutorials needed to make letters, shapes, or whatever graffiti inspiration is on tap with moss!

DIY Moss Graffiti

(2) Tree themed shelf

One of Inhabitat's many green gift guides for 2011 showcased this awesome shelf made with real trees. Available from Hold Close The Moon on etsy.

Wall Hook / Shelf by Hold Close the Moon

(3) Tree branch wall hooks

Those wild and crazy inventor-hackers at Sugru have figured out how to use their moldable sugru silicone putty to make permanent wall hooks using tree branches.

I think it's really cool-looking and functional. But I just wonder what happens when you want to take the hooks down since the sugru appears to be really really permanent.

If I were to do this I would put the tree branches on a back board type of thing so it can be hung on the wall and removed later if needed.

Wall Hooks by Sugru

Spectacular sensory bins

2011-12-15T07:26:00.001-05:00

These are so cool!

The Imagination Tree has some really delectable sensory bin contents.

Go check out their amazing ideas for so many fun ways to play and learn!!!

Here are the sensory bins I want to replicate:

Christmas Sensory Tub from The Imagination Tree

Flowers and Fairies Sensory Tub from The Imagination Tree

How are the Advent craft projects going?

2011-12-15T07:04:00.001-05:00

Well, we're plugging away trying to do a whole bunch of crafts in preparation for Christmas.

Here is my version of the magazine wreath from the great tutorial at Childhood 101. Check it out if you want to make one yourself.

I followed their example although I used a scalloped edge cutter to give the edges some frill. I also added the center "magazine lace" to cover the raw edges.

All the supplies are now ready so the kids can make their own today!

I just had to make my own first to make sure I wouldn't interfere with their creative vision. [blush]

My magazine wreath

Hmmm.... I used the local business women's magazine to make this. I hope it isn't sacrilegious to transform a publication designed to showcase women's ability to lead in the professional world into a traditional craft.

Ah, yes. We women can have it all, right? CEO by day. Crafter by night.

To be sure I did read it first though before I cut it up! And I secretly wished I was still in my professional world where I had the opportunity and means to hobnob at all these gala events.

Sensory Overload and Sensory Delight at Christmas

2011-12-11T00:03:00.001-05:00

Christmas comes with a variety of sights, smells, sounds, and social interactions that can be pleasant for some and overstimulating for others.

But here are some things I think my sensory kids would really like to visit.

(1) A swinging Christmas

Racho Siempre Verde Christmas Tree Farm in the San Francisco Bay area brings out the kid in all of us and focuses on nature's delights.

They have free activities that include GIANT swings from their giant trees, straw bale forts to explore, a giant xylophone to play up on the hill, and all the roasted marshmallows you can make and eat by the fire.

You can make your own wreath using their array of supplies and materials from nature for $7-$10.

Oh, and you can buy a Christmas tree.

Xylophone

Tree Swings

swings @ tree farm from laura copeland on Vimeo.

(2) A singing Christmas

Brown's Christmas in Mason Michigan features a musical light show set to music that can be enjoyed with the car radio. This year's display features a special tribute to the Michigan State University Spartans.

Unschooling with boys: Finding passion outside the box

2011-12-05T03:26:00.001-05:00

This post about Supporting passions (no matter what!) from Unbounded Oceans was such a great encouragement and reminder to me today.

She talks about exploring her son's passions with him in their unschooling, even though his interests are far from what interests her.

Her efforts to delve into his world yielded many exciting developments in his learning and his own initiative. And she reflects on this post about how one dad came to see the value in letting kids follow their hearts.

She tells and adorable story about her son's passionate learning experiences that made me smile and laugh out loud. It's worth a read.

Art is everywhere!

In my heart I know that many young boys don't do well in traditional elementary schools because the environments are so feminized.

Classrooms are neat, tidy, and sedentary. Books are without references to bloody battles. Recess is short.

I know our home learning environment is girl-centric too.

My daughter's art supplies have taken over the house.

Experiments with fire and magic

The trouble is, I'm not sure what it should be filled with to support my son's passions, other than the computer.
He's doing alot of tech stuff and learning about programming from videos and dad.

He's passionate about stuff that blows up, catches fire or otherwise changes chemical states.

If he could work side by side with Steve Spangler all day I'm sure he would be thrilled and engagaged.

But I'm no Steve Spangler. I'm a social scientist, not a chemist. Chemistry gave me an ulcer. What can I learn and do to support his interests?

I subscribe to the Steve Spangler newsletter, but I notice that many of his experiments are things my son has already done on his own watching the youtube videos.

I'm curious to know how other unschoolers and home educators have found resources to support their kids passions when you need a mentor but can't be the mentor.

I guess I'll be reading the book she suggested from Dayna Martin for more inspiration and ideas.

Advent (and beyond) Projects 2011

2011-12-02T02:16:00.001-05:00

Let's see if we can craft our way with a craft a day with things that both boys and girls can enjoy!

Here are enough craft projects to get us making and decorating for Christmas and then keeping ourselves cheerful after the holiday let down and we're far away from family again.

To start with we need to have on hand, lots of glass jars with lids, plastic produce containers, tissue paper, sugar, sugar cubes, contact paper, tissue paper, lots of candles, wax, clothesline, fabric, felt...

Put up our felt advent calendar -- just like the one I had as a kid that my grandma made.
Sugar snowflakes from Here We Are Together
Tissue paper window stars from Here We Are Together
Twig lanterns from Here We Are Together or Layered felt flower hair pins using designs inspired by the Super Simple Magnets craft book and cool flower patterns from Danielle's Place
Corn starch modeling clay for rubber stamped ornaments from Here We Are Together or recycled magazine bowls from Eye Spy DIY
Coiled baskets or coasters from Disney Family Fun or a Magazine wreath from Childhood 101 [Here is the one I made]
Wax painting from Here We Are Together
Felt Christmas Trees from Felt-o-Rama or All Sorts
Make a video read-along book for faraway cousins [dh, ds, and dd completed! I wish the out-takes weren't deleted before I got to see them.]
Lighted Christmas castle or igloo from Here We Are Together
Floating candles from Here We Are Together
Moonbeams in a jar from Adventures at Home
Ice Magic from Adventures at Home
Decoupage marble magnets from Bumbleberries Boutique
Japanese Inspired Upholstered Ornaments from Crafty Pod
Fleece hats from Martha Stewart
Bowling Boys from Disney Family Fun
Hand-made dolls from Martha Stewart
Monogram Corkboards from Martha Stewart
Felt slippers or Felt moccasin slippers from Martha Stewart
Star garland from From Blah to Tada
Scrappy Tree from Beneath the Rowan Tree
Take a break
Take a break
Well, you know. It's Christmas.
Figure out how to address the Post-holiday blues and plan to make more stuff:
Melted spoon rose pins from Can't Stop Making Things
Melted fabric rose napkin rings from Creative Jewish Mom
Fairy light wreath from Esprit Cabane
Button wreath from Pyjama School
Snowflake prints from Pyjama School or sequin snowflakes from The Moffat Girls
Wax Pinecones
Hot wax rocks from Wisecraft via Dano Gold
Toilet paper Owls from Creative Jewish Mom or Toilet paper villages from Even Cleveland
Newspaper bunting from H is for Homemade
Sea glass pendants from The Magic Onions
Make something from felt from Practical Enrichment
Sew pin cusions like cupcakes, farms on jars, tomatoes, or please enter your pin
Waldorf felt playscape or felt playscape from One Crafty Place
Story stones from Beneath the Rowan Tree
Matchbox dollhouse from One Crafty Place
Gelato playdough from LMNOP
Felt Chrysanthemum pillow from H is for Handmade
Paper Roses from Folding Trees
Magazine jewelry from Craft Stylish
Folded paper Circus Cake from Bigfoot and Pickle face
Many things from the Must Have List at the Handmade Experiment
Felt broch from ecouterre
Ribbon bracelet from Martha Stewart
Fabric flower and button broches from Craft Stylish
Fleece flower pillows from Come Together Kids

3 Inexpensive "Better than Bookshelves" Book Racks

2011-12-02T01:28:00.001-05:00

Who says books only have to live on shelves??

Here are some great alternatives to ordinary bookshelves that are also super kid friendly.

Kids can see the fronts of the books instead of the spines.
You can put the books within reach, or out of reach depending on your needs or desires.
The books don't topple over on the shelf just because you pulled on book out.
It serves as a display for rotating book selections, keeping things "fresh."

(1) Bookshelves from vinyl gutters

This is pretty and "designer-ish." I suppose if I did this it would look like the gutters misplaced inside the house.

However, Brooke from "Let Kids Create" did a fantastic job using these materials in a functional AND stylish way. I'm so impressed. Her blog is full of amazing and beautiful ideas.

Let Kids Create

(2) Bookshelves from IKEA spice racks

Over at Domestic Simplicity they used inexpensive IKEA spice racks for book storage. Again, another beautiful application that makes unique materials look super stylish.

Domestic Simplicity

(3) DIY Flat Wall Bookshelves from Ana White

For style, options and super helpful instructions, you cannot do any better than the free colorful design plans from Ana White. She has plans for every kind of cool thing you could imagine, including kids furniture and playscapes.

Ana White

25 Blogs promoting natural playful childhood

2011-12-02T01:21:00.001-05:00

Thanks to Grass Stain Guru: Childhood was meant to be messy for compiling this list of websites and blogs devoted to natural and playful childhood experiences!

Please send your suggestions folks!!!

Roadside trash into treasure?

2011-12-02T00:31:00.001-05:00

I'm a little giddy today. I finished a project!!

Watching HGTV will make anyone think they can take a found piece of junk and turn it into the most beautiful piece in the room.

My attempts are usually less than successful. My one piece of trash turned treasure still looks like junk in a cluttered mismatched junky room.

But today I at least turned roadside trash into ~~treasure~~ something useful.

I saw a pretty periwinkle dresser, sans drawers, sitting by the road in my neighborhood. I thought it had already been taken.

But then one day in a pouring rain, after a few days of pouring rain I saw that it was still there and *had* to have it.

My dear darling wonderful supportive ♥ husband ♥ hauled it home.

Warped from the rain, peeling paint, and no drawers, it came home.

I removed the entire back and parts of the sides that were warped.

I sanded the paint. I probably should have tested for lead but didn't. At least I was outside.

Surprisingly, as I sanded the paint a sweet rose fragrance emerged.

I imagined this dresser must have belonged to a very lovely neighbor lady.

I puttied. (shh! Don't tell anyone but I spackled. I would have needed gallons of wood putty and spackle was much easier to work with.)

Then the blizzard came. Temperatures dropped. The garage floor got wet.

Time for the project to come indoors, lest I have more warped boards.

I sanded again. Indoors.

Did I mention the "workshop" is also the laundry room.

Did I also mention that the hand sander is supposed to catch the dust but doesn't do a really good job?

So this was my "girl" solution.

I pretended like I was the dentist drilling the teeth AND the dental assistant with the sucker thingy catching all the tooth bits.

One hand on the sander (or the camera) and one hand on the vacuum hose.

Problem 1: The "dust catcher" doesn't stay on the sander.

I usually have to have one hand on the sander and one holding the dust catcher.

It attaches in much the same way the vacuum hose does....or doesn't.

Problem 2: The vacuum hose attachment kept falling off as well.

This method of "notch" attachment just doesn't seem to work. Whose idea is this?!

Solution: Clearly the solution for both problems is duct tape.

Or duck tape as it was first called.

And sometimes still called if you use that duck brand stuff.

Done: With my trusty sander, vacuum hose, and paint brush, I got the job finished!!!

I know what you're thinking.

It looks the same as before only may a little less roughed up.

What can I say? I had periwinkle "oops" paint on hand. And I don't make drawers.

Since there are no drawers I'm just planning to use it as open shelf storage.

Like I said, it went from trash to something that functions. Who said anything about being stylish?

Now, if I was an HGTV designer this would look great.

My Genre

2011-11-29T18:36:00.001-05:00

When you go to the library to pick up reading for enjoyment where do you go?

Photo: Of Good Report or Praiseworthy

Do you go to a specific section? Fiction or non-fiction? Books or Magazines?

Do you wander the aisles waiting for something to speak to you?

Do you gravitate toward whatever is new or recommended by the staff?

I usually wander aimlessly, searching for "just the right book."

The problem is that I don't often know how to describe that "right book."

A good book is enlightening and energizing. I dance around on clouds for a few days.
The wrong book leaves me angry that I wasted my time and loathing the book. I get grumpy.
Needless to say, finding the "right book" is high stakes!!

I've decided this is what a good reading book is for me:

It teaches me about another culture or another time
It is usually told from a first person perspective or reveals truths about a real person or character(s) and thus life itself
It makes me laugh or gives me ideas
It lets me escape in some way
It doesn't make me angry, sad, or depressed!!

Here's what I have loved recently:

Here's the stuff I started by couldn't finish [blush]

6 books that teach art history through hands-on activities

2011-11-29T14:45:00.001-05:00

I love colorful picture-book style books that "sneak" in topics of "academic" importance.

Art History through Hands-on Activities

These books provide hands-on projects and activities to correspond with a particular artist and time in history.

Each activity has a bit of background about the artist and period; just enough to whet appetites for further learning.

(1) Kid Made Modern: 52 Kid Friendly Porject Inspired by Mid-Century Modern Design - by Todd Oldham

(2) Usborne Art Treasury: Pictures, Paintings, and Projects - by Rosie Dickens

(3) Discovering Great Artists: Hands-On Art for Children in the Styles of the Great Masters - by Kim Solga and MaryAnn F. Kohl

(4) Dynamic Art Projects for Children: Includes Step-by-step Instructions and Photographs - by Denis M. Logan

Art History through Looking and Listening Activities

(5) Can you Hear it? - by William Lach and The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Look and listen for over 40 details in 26 works of art and music included on DVD.

(6) Look Closer: Art Masterpieces through the Ages - by Caroline Desnoettes. A lift-and-learn art adventure with clues to find in each piece of artwork.

Experimenting with the Laws of Physics: Grandpa and the Grandkids

2011-11-26T15:27:00.001-05:00

I love how my dad plays with the grandkids!

My dad is really smart and talented.

If you need something excavated and leveled in a tricky, difficult situation my dad is the one to call.
He has an amazing talent with earth.
His abilities to get unstuck in wet dirt are legendary.
Like many boys today, he loves to learn with his hands and by experimenting.

I love that he encourages that kinesthetic learning with all the kids, boys and girls.

Here is some fun they had today experimenting with trajectories, weights, ballasts, pulleys, leverage and force.

Grandpa's stone yard is full of natural and manmade materials for exploration

Goal orientation and persistence in action

It is clearly evidence that I am not a helicopter parent when it comes to real world play :-)

Levers

Balancing

Climbing

Tying knots

Pulling from the right

Pulling from the left

Brainstorming strategies

More people pulling

Adding ballast weights

Grandpa asking questions about how strategies might work

Success!! Pallets down!!

...and the *real* playground sits empty at grandma and grandpa's

Easy to make Felt Shape Sorters

2011-11-25T17:30:00.001-05:00

Here is a fun craft to make for little ones learning colors, shapes, and sorting.

This set includes 5 sorting containers and 5 squares, circles, half moons, triangles, and rectangles; one in each color.

Step 1: Gather materials

10 sheets of felt, 2 sheets of each each color
1 spool of thread for each color of felt used
Fiberfill
Sewing machine with zig zag stitch (or needle for hand stitching)

Use 2 sheets of felt for each container and coordinating shapes

Step 2: Cut the first sheet into (1) square for the container and (1) strip for a rectangle

First sheet of felt

Fold the rectangle sheet of felt diagonally into a right triangle

Use this fold as a guide to cut the felt sheet into a square

Save the remaining strip of leftover felt

Fold over the strip to form a rectangle shape to sew

Step 3: Cut the second sheet into the remaining sorting shapes

Second sheet of felt

Fold the second felt sheet in half.
When you cut out shapes you will end up with 2 of each shape.

Make patterns for tracing and cutting full circles, half circles, squares, and triangles.
These are in addition to rectangle left over from first sheet.

Cut out remaining shapes so you have 2 of each: full circles, half circles, squares, triangles, and rectangles.

Step 4: Sew sorting containers

Using large square from first sheet fold diagonally

Sew from top to bottom of the corner using a regular stitch
If no sewing machine is available hand stitch with running stitch

This results in a "pinched corner"

Repeat this step 3 additional times for 4 "pinched corners"

Cut off the triangle section alongside the stitch

This results in a square with sides

Flip inside out to form sorting container

Step 5: Sew shapes with zig zag top stitch

Switch to zig zag stitch
If no sewing machine is available hand stitch using blanket stitch

Layer both pieces of shapes on top of each other (of the same color)
Using a zig zag stitch, sew around the outside of the shapes, leaving a small opening for stuffing

Stuff fiberfill into the shapes leaving enough fabric flat to fit under the presser foot

Continue sewing the shapes closed using the zig zag stitch

Repeat the process with all the colors of containers and shapes

Kidscaping and Natural Playgrounds: 10 Sources for Design Inspiration

2011-11-22T08:32:00.001-05:00

Kidscaping at Hoffman Hoopla

I've been introduced to lots of folks (lots from Australia!) encouraging "Natural Playgrounds." (Thank you Facebook!)

Instead of (or in addition to) commercialized play structures these natural play spaces encourage interaction with nature and reliance on natural, rather than "man"-made structures.

This is something many play and child development specialists are advocating, especially in light of increasing autism spectrum disorders, childhood obesity, and early and extensive use of technology by kids.

Google Search "Natural Playscapes"

Here are some great resources for inspiration:

Natural Montessori Playgrounds. This includes an overview and checklist of potential materials to include in a natural playground.
Dwell. Features a step-by-step slide show tutorial on how to build a natural playscape.
Let the Children Play. This blog features ideas and photos from amazing schools that are implementing natural play areas.
Rusty's Blog. Author and owner of Earthplay, Rusty shares photos and ideas for incorporating natural features into kids' play.
Hoffman Hoopla Kidscaping Projects. Please visit their blog to see all the amazing features they've incorporated into their backyard!
Childscapes (AU). Company specializing in natural playscapes.
Natural Playgrounds (US).Company specializing in natural playscapes.
Earthplay (US). Company specializing in natural playscapes.
Google "Natural Playscapes" and select images. You'll be lost daydreaming for hours!
Library. Check your local library for these inspirational design books:

Books for more ideas:

Pumpkie Pie Playdough

2011-11-21T09:34:00.001-05:00

Moffatt Girls Blog photo

I don't know why I hadn't thought of this!

We've made coffee playdough, mint playdough, chocolate playdough and of course kool-aid playdough, but never this.

Pumpkin spice playdough recipes:

No Ordinary Moment Blog
The Moffatt Girls Blog
Disney Family Fun Website

**UPDATE**

Pumpkin pie playdough turned out great. We wanted to make some additional fall color playdough but didn't have kool-aid. So to add to the pumpkin color/spice playdough we made plum vanilla and pickle green!

Turn old worn out socks into clothing for American Girl size doll

2011-11-16T04:34:00.001-05:00

What do you do with socks that are too worn out and thin in too many places to be worth darning?
Easy! Turn them into knee-high socks for your favorite American Girl sized doll.

Here's how to turn these (boys medium size) holey socks into something for little sister's dolls:

Assuming the holes on in the heels or toes...

Cut off the bottom of the washed sock, retaining the upper cuff portions

Cut each cuff in half into two pieces

2 old socks = 4 new doll socks

Flip the socks inside out so the "right sides" are facing each other inside

Pin the sock so the sides stay together during sewing

Sew the cut ends and sides

Pink thread shows the sewn end and side (original top cuff is still open)

Flip the sock inside-out

Now the outside of the sock is on the outside!

Slip on the comfy socks so your dolls can relax

Controlled Burn: 3 Crafts for kids who like flames (with supervision!)

2011-11-13T21:39:00.001-05:00

I was excited to see some crafts that involve flames and fire given my son's interest in them. I figured I might be able to entice my tween son to join in crafty endeavors with his sister and me.

Please visit the websites of these amazing crafters for simple tutorials on how to make these beautiful treats.

*** Be very careful and use all necessary cautions in working with flames and potentially harmful chemicals. These activities require responsible adult supervision. ***

(1) Burn spoons = Plastic Roses

You've got to go to the Can't Stop Making Things website to see the finished product!!

Flame makes roses at Can't Stop Making Things

(2) Burn fabric = Fabric Roses

Creative Jewish Mom has a wonderful tutorial for these fabric roses and lots of ways to use them.

Creative Jewish Mom flame enhanced roses

(3) Burn yard waste = Colorful fire starters

Wisconson Dells Travel & Green Country Living Magazine

Wisconsin Dells Travel & Green Country Living Magazine has instructions for several different fire starters from yard materials.

Tipnut has a tutorial on making colorful pinecone fire starters that use chemicals (not to be mixed while making or in the fireplace!) to create different color flames

Here are the chemicals that are said to produce different flame colors:

Copper Sulfate: Green flame
Boric Acid: Red flame
Calcium Chloride: Orange flame
Alum (thallium): Bright Green Flame
Salt Substitute (potassium): Violet Flame
Epsom Salts (magnesium sulphate): White Flame
Table Salt: Yellow Flame
Borax (sodium tetraborate): Yellow/Green Flame

Mrs. Adventure has an easier version without the chemicals and just plain wax.

Mrs. Adventure's fire starter tutorial

BONUS: Here is a list of 10 crafts and activities that might appeal to boys from Come Together Kids.

Controlled burn: Safe ways for kids to enjoy flames

2011-11-13T20:34:00.001-05:00

Happy Moon Festival Lantern for our walk

Yes, I'll admit it. My son likes fire.

He craves the intensity of the flame and is enamored with the ability of substances to change states when exposed to heat.

It's chemistry on steroids. And it is highly relaxing to him.

As a two year old he found matches in my purse and tried unbeknown to me to light them.

I'm just really happy we lived through those intense years of sensory-seeking, failed industrial strength childproofing, and only painful bits and shards of sleep.
I'm guessing there are other mothers of sensory-seeking kids who can relate. It appears to be a fairly common passion among children with ADHD or autism spectrum tendencies.
I always figure Einstein and Edison's mothers had it much worse than I do and I take comfort in that!

GO WITH IT

I'm always one to follow the principles of jujitsu and martial arts...give into the energy and work with it instead of fighting it.

Do it safely and teach respect.

So we have times of controlled burns and our kids know the dangers of fire and use it safely.

*** Do not try these without responsible adult supervision! ***

OUTDOOR CONTROLLED BURNS

We use the stone firepit
We have the water hose ready
We have supervision
We review safety rules
We have long sticks for catching a temporary flame with hand sanitizer
We squirt hand sanitizer on the end of a stick
We the stick into the flame while held over the firepit
It burns a cool color and is generally extinguished when the sanitizer is burned away

Opportunities to use the lighter safely

Here are also 3 crafts that involve flames or fire you might want to try with supervision.

INDOOR CONTROLLED BURNS

We put tin foil on the table.
We get out lots of tea light candles (Thank you IKEA!) and some really really long skewers.
We have cups of water nearby for extinguishing rogue flames should there be any.
There are tin cans for disposing of matches and burnt skewer bits.
There are also plastic cups for dumping the liquefied wax for fun and for potential reuse.
We have a source flame from which everyone lights their skewers to carry the flame to the tea light candles.
After using the skewer the kids know to grind down the used portions into the tin can so there aren't any loose charred parts hanging that could accidentally start a fire.
We also fill large size tin cans with rice and put birthday candles in the tin which can be lit with the skewers.

And I am happy to say we've only seen the fire trucks at community festivals and have not needed them at our house!!

Test your Happiness: The Positive Psychology Center

2011-11-11T22:38:00.001-05:00

One thing that attracted me to the field of Community Psychology was the profound asset orientation, looking at the strengths and assets of people and their communities.

Traditional clinical psychology has historically focused on people's deficits and was oriented toward problems.

In the past decade, however, the field of Positive Psychology has emerged within the traditional field of clinical Psychology.

So now there are multiple questionnaires made available for free from the Authentic Happiness Project out of the University of Pennsylvania to assess different levels of happiness.

If you've got a free minutes you might want to try them out!