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We love to make things from recycled materials that we have collected from around the house.  In fact, we keep a few plastic tubs for just this purpose, filling them with things like discarded plastic containers, small boxes, bottle caps and other fun discards.  You can make this fun, colorful and inexpensive bowling set with your child with plastic bottles that you have saved.  This will provide a fun do-together activity, some exercise, and a real sense of accomplishment for your child.You will Need:6 empty plastic bottles (we used drink containers from kids meals that were saved from fast food places)1 foam ball1 brushgesso (white paint from art/craft sections)non-toxic colored paintsOptional : 6 small foam balls and glue (we used foam replacement balls from the Toy section) What to Do:Wash bottles and lids and let dry thoroughly.Screw lids on tightly.Paint bottles with gesso and let dry.  This is a primer that will keep paint from scraping off any smooth or shiny surface. Paint ... read more »

As much fun as it is to have your child bring home his or her art treasures from school, it sometimes gets overwhelming with all the artwork.  And if you have a couple of children who have been bringing their artwork home since preschool, it is a daunting task figuring out what to do with it all.One of the best ideas I have come across for displaying my kids' art is to string a long line of cording across the length of one wall where you would like to feature all your little artists' work.  This can be attractively done by using a cutout shape, such as a star, to anchor each end, which then gives the appearance of a planned Art area.  Use tiny clothes pins, which are available at craft and hobby stores, to hang artwork as it comes home.  When art has been hanging for a while and you are adding new pieces, then take down the older pieces of art and keep them in a flat sweater container that can be stacked or stored.Kids love to see their art featured in the home and are quite excited... read more »

Kids love Valentines...we all love Valentines!  This is a super easy Paper Valentine to make that is double the fun because you get to fill it with a little surprise!  We like to fill these with a few red hot hearts, glittery hearts or just a sweet little note written on another paper heart -- much smaller, of course.Make the Paper Valentine to give to someone very special.  After you have folded it into a little envelope, write their name on the front.  You can even make them guess what is inside...little kids, especially, love playing this guessing game. What You Need:Red or Pink paper, 8.5 x 11ScissorsPencilPen, markerTiny hearts, candies, or notes to fill the Mystery ValentineScotch tapeWhat to Do:Fold paper in half lengthwise.Draw one half of a heart, so the middle of the heart will be on fold.Cut out heart.Fold into a little envelope.  You may need to try with a white sheet of paper first til you get the hang of it.First fold rounded tops of heart, starting at the V.  Then fol... read more »

If your kids love to make things, they will really enjoy making these little rock critters.  Our example here is for a little Frog Prince -- but let the kids use their imaginations and see what wonderful creatures they can create.  They are simple to make and fun to play with.Make a whole gang of these cute critters with just rocks and foam.  This is an easy preschool craft that both boys and girls will enjoy.  Make the Frog Princess to go with the Frog Prince.Need:RocksSheets of FoamNon-toxic craft glueScissorsWiggly eyes or buttons for eyesNon-toxic poster or craft paintBrushWhat To Do:Print pattern for frog legs and crown.Cut out pattern and then trace onto foam or substitute thin cardboard.  Cut out.Paint the rock and set aside to dry.When the rock is dry, glue eyes into place and let them dry.Attach legs with glue and then glue crown together.  Place crown on frog's head and secure with a few drops of glue.This same procedure can be utilized to make a whole assortment of animal... read more »

All kids love bubbles.  They love to blow bubbles, catch bubbles, and run after bubbles.  Here is an easy recipe and directions for making giant bubbles.  Kids can make these easy giant bubble blowers and then create the biggest bubbles ever.  This is a fun outdoor activity any time of the year -- and it's fun for parents too!Need:Plastic strawsCotton stringLiquid dishwashing soapLiquid glycerin (found at general stores with first aid creams or hand creams, or crafts stores with cake decorating supplies)WaterPan/container (such as a 9x13-inch Cake pan)What To Do:Mix 1/2 cup dishwashing soap, 1/2 cup glycerin, and 4 1/2 cups waterMix bubble solution and set aside.  The longer the solution sets, the better the bubbles. For each bubble blower, cut two straws to a six-inch length.  Cut a 36-inch piece of string and thread through both straw pieces.  Tie end and then slide end into the middle of one of the straws.  You can adjust the blower size by making the length of string shorter or ... read more »

This is a fun and easy little puppet to make.  Few materials are required for this little bunny puppet, and it can be fun to play with any time of the year.  It's a great Easter activity to do with kids.Need:SockFelt or foam for noseButtons, wiggly eyes, or felt for eyesNeedle and threadScissorsGlueWhat To Do:Lay sock on table with heel facing up.  Make a cut from the toe of the sock, all the way to the beginning of the heel.  Make sure you cut right through the center of the foot section, so that you will have two equal ears.Turn the sock inside out and then, using a whip stitch, stitch each ear together.Turn sock right side out and then cut nose and glue on with white or tacky glue.  You can also use sticky-back foam and just press into place.If using felt or wiggly eyes, glue into place and let dry.  If using buttons, stitch into place.  We used a small black button on top of a white button for each eye. read more »

This is a super simple project that is perfect for little girls.  You need few materials and it is very easy to make.  If you would like, you can also use this as an easy beginner sewing project, by having your child do simple "up and down" stitches to secure the sides of the little purse.  Colors and choice choice of buttons or beads should be left to the "maker."

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This is an easy and inexpensive Halloween craft for little kids and a great preschool group project.  The black spider is made from pipe cleaners and a pom pom.  This spider can be used as a fun table decoration or hung in a doorway to make things a little "spooky."

Need:

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Let kids have some fun at dinnertime with this cute Halloween "I Spy" placemat that you can print and then laminate for use during the entire Halloween season.  Kids love to play "I Spy" and this is a great activity for when you are preparing dinner.  Give the kids a crayon and a napkin so they can draw, circle the items they find and then erase with the napkin.

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