Munchkins and Mayhem

Valentine Heart Wreath

2012-02-13T11:57:00.012-06:00

Mom tried it shows how to make a heart wreath out of toilet paper rolls, a pipe cleaner, and paint.

Good for ages 4 and up.

Get the instructions here:
http://www.momtriedit.net/2011/02/recycled-heart-craft.html

Fingerprint Valentine Tree

2012-02-12T12:08:00.007-06:00

Scumdilly do has instructions for how to make a valentine's day tree using just paint and paper. The secret to the heart design is to use a cut-out of a heart over another piece of paper so that a heart shape forms for the top of the tree.

Finger Paint Valentines

2012-02-12T10:29:00.016-06:00

Modern parent messy kids has an amazing idea for an interactive kids valentine using colored shaving cream to create self contained finger paint valentines. The instructions are very involved and not really a craft for young kids to help with but are great for them to dispense and sure to be a huge hit.

Good for ages 11 and up.

Get the instructions here:
http://www.modernparentsmessykids.com/2011/01/tutorial-shaving-cream-valentine.html

Valentine Heart Ornaments

2012-02-11T22:36:00.001-06:00

The long thread shows you how to make heart ornaments using salt dough, a very simple recipe of salt, water and flour. They then paint them and dust with glitter.

Good for ages 5 and up.

Get the instructions here:
http://thelongthread.com/?p=5678

Valentine's Day Snowglobes

2012-02-11T14:40:00.003-06:00

Dandee combines the traditional winter snow globe with a valentine's day twist using pipe cleaners, styrofoam balls, glitter, glycerine, and baby food jars.

Good for ages 9 and up.

Get the instructions here:
http://www.dandee-designs.com/2012/01/snow-globe-valentines.html

Valentine Ice Ornaments

2012-02-11T09:50:00.003-06:00

Poppytalk has the most beautiful ice ornaments using flower petals and leaves encased in frozen ice hearts. You'll need a heart mold to make these as well as petals and leaves and yarn if you want to hang them outdoors.

Good for ages 4 and up.

Get the instructions here:
http://poppytalk.blogspot.com/2012/01/valentines-diy-no-4-hearts-of-ice-by.html

Valentine Heart Magnets

2012-02-10T22:28:00.020-06:00

Parents.com has a tutorial for making heart magnets using heart shaped wood cutout and stick on magnets. The images they show are more involved however kids can have fun just painting the hearts.

Good for ages 4 and up.

Get the instructions here:
http://www.parents.com/holiday/valentines-day/crafts/easy-kid-crafts/?page=7

Pebble Valentines

2012-02-10T14:44:00.002-06:00

Vintage office type turns smooth pebbles into valentines using simply scrapbooking paper and glue. The results are really stunning for a very simple and creative valentine.

Good for ages 5 and up.

Get the instructions here:
http://vintageofficetype.blogspot.com/2010/10/love-rocks.html

Paper Heart Necklaces

2012-02-09T22:08:00.004-06:00

Craftzine has a really simple valentine's day paper heart necklace project using scrapbooking paper and yarn. One cute idea is to stick a secret message or some candy into the pocket.

Good for ages 5 and up.

Get the instructions here:
http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/2011/01/how-to_heart_paper_pockets_for.html

Clay Heart Valentines

2012-02-09T11:43:00.010-06:00

Disney's family fun has a cute idea for valentines using molds of make your own clay hearts. The instructions are more involved than their usual craft ideas though.

Good for ages 6 and up.

Get the instructions here:
http://familyfun.go.com/crafts/play-clay-hearts-666616/

Clay Heart Necklaces

2012-02-09T11:42:00.004-06:00

Mommy blessings has a really pretty tutorial on how to make heart necklaces out of clay using a heart mold, jewelery pins, ribbon, and of course clay.

Good for ages 8 and up.

Get the instructions here:
http://www.mommyblessings.com/2010/02/valentine-clay-heart-necklace-tutorial.html

Origami Heart Necklaces

2012-02-09T09:45:00.003-06:00

Zakka life has another version of the paper heart necklace using origami hearts and yarn. They even have a template for the cards to affix the necklace to.

Good for ages 7 and up.

Get the instructions here:
http://zakkalife.blogspot.com/2012/01/valentine-cards-with-heart-necklaces.html

Heart Shaped Melon Kabobs

2012-02-08T21:49:00.003-06:00

Six sisters has a cute lunchbox idea for valentine's day. Using a heart shaped cookie cuter and popsicle sticks they've created melon kabobs.

Lollipop Flower Valentines

2012-02-08T21:28:00.002-06:00

Martha Stewart turns paper hearts into flowers with a lollipop stem for a sweet valentine's day.

Good for ages 6 and up.

Get the instructions here:
http://www.marthastewart.com/306836/kids-valentines/@center/276967/valentines-day#/181233

Candy Dot Valentines

2012-02-08T11:53:00.013-06:00

Martha Stewart has a cute way of combining candy and valentines using the paper dot candy and construction paper. All you need to do is cut everything into heart shapes and glue them together.

Good for ages 6 and up.

Get the instructions here:
http://www.marthastewart.com/306836/kids-valentines/@center/276967/valentines-day#/269839

Candy Guitar Valentines

2012-02-08T11:17:00.013-06:00

Zakka life has a guitar valentine template that wraps around a heart shaped lollipop. It's a nice simple valentine that the kids will enjoy.

Good for ages 8 and up.

Get the template here:
http://zakkalife.blogspot.com/2010/01/rockin-valentines-day-cards.html

Mystery Valentines

2012-02-07T21:27:00.016-06:00

Better homes and gardens has a secret valentine recipe using a white crayon and heart cut outs. Kids can use watercolors to reveal the message.

Good for ages 4 and up.

Get the instructions here:
http://www.bhg.com/holidays/valentines-day/crafts/valentines-day-crafts-for-kids/#page=8

Mad Lib Valentines

2012-02-07T21:14:00.002-06:00

Disney's family fun has a cute idea for classroom valentines by rolling a mad lib form and tying it with paper, yarn and a heart shaped gift tag. Note, that they don't link to any mad lib pages so you'll need to find the print outs.

Good for ages 6 and up.

Get the instructions here:
http://familyfun.go.com/valentines-day/valentines-day-crafts-cards-gifts-decorations/valentines-day-cards/mad-love-1033777/

Valentine's Day Word Search Puzzle

2012-02-07T16:44:00.000-06:00

We've created a simple valentine's day word search puzzle containing valentine friendly words.

Good for ages 6 and up.

Get the full size and print out the puzzle here

Eye Spy Valentines

2012-02-07T12:40:00.012-06:00

A mom with a lesson plan has created an eye spy valentine game using photos from her neighborhood block and stickers as markers.

Good for ages 4 and up.

Get the instructions here:
http://amomwithalessonplan.com/2012/01/13/i-spy-valentine/

Instant Win Valentine

2012-02-07T10:52:00.012-06:00

Oopsey daisy blog has an interactive valentine that lasts 10 days. Each night the recipient scratches off a new heart to see the message. It's fairly complicated and not for young kids to make but they will enjoy receiving them.

Good for ages 11 and up.

Get the instructions here:
http://www.oopseydaisyblog.com/2012/02/scratch-off-card-easy-peasy-valentine.html

Secret Message Valentines

2012-02-07T10:44:00.004-06:00

Minieco has a fun secret message valentine that she spruced up using a bottle and cut out confetti hearts. The secret is lemon juice. Using a paint brush or even a q-tip write the secret message on a blank piece of paper. To reveal the secret message the recipient must heat it using an iron, light bulb or heater.

Good for ages 15 and up.

Get the instructions here:
http://www.minieco.co.uk/message-in-bottle/

Paper Clip Heart Valentines

2012-02-06T21:42:00.003-06:00

This is a really cleaver way to bend a paperclip to make a heart which could be used as a bookmark.

Good for ages 8 and up.

Paper Heart Bookmarks

2012-02-06T17:34:00.015-06:00

Sew many ways has a great tutorial on how to sew a heart bookmark. This idea could easily be adapted using scrap booking paper and some glue. It might not be as sturdy in the long run, but it still makes a really cute craft.

Good for ages 6 and up.

Get the instructions here:
http://sewmanyways.blogspot.com/2012/01/tool-time-tuesdayfabric-heart-bookmark.html

Bloomize shows how to make the bookmark using origami in 15 folds.

Get the instructions here:
http://www.bloomize.com/fold-a-heart-page-marker/

Martha Stewart also has a paper bookmark tutorial. It's fairly simple. All you need is 2 pages of scrapbook paper and glue.

Get the instructions here:
http://www.marthastewart.com/273705/heart-bookmark

Valentine Bookmark

2012-02-06T11:47:00.010-06:00

Free kids crafts shows you how to make a simple bookmark decorated with thumbprint hearts.

Good for ages 4 and up.

Get the instructions here:
http://www.freekidscrafts.com/valentine_thumbprint_bookmark-e1355.html

Felt Heart Bookmark Valentines

2012-02-06T11:02:00.002-06:00

Thirty handmade days has another version of a heart bookmark combining a paperclip with a stitched felt heart.

Good for ages 9 and up.

Get the instructions here:
http://thirtyhandmadedays.com/2012/01/homemade_valentine_cards/

Valentine Fortune Cookies

2012-02-05T22:48:00.016-06:00

Design wash rinse repeat has instructions for how to make valentine fortunes.

Good for ages 10 and up. It's unclear how the fortune glue together.

Get the instructions here:
http://celesterockwood-jones.typepad.com/designwashrinserepeat/2009/02/freebie-fortune.html

Unfolded Envelope Valentines

2012-02-05T13:59:00.011-06:00

Martha Stewart shows how you can make a really easy folded heart valentine that folds up into its own envelope.

Good for ages 4 and up.

Get the instructions here:
http://www.marthastewart.com/272470/folding-hearts?czone=crafts/craft-card-making-center/card-spring-summer&center=276974&gallery=274260&slide=269660

Valentine Fortune Teller

2012-02-05T11:08:00.002-06:00

Ihabitot has a free printable valentine's day fortune teller with cute messages inside each flap.

Good for ages 7 and up.

Get the template here:
http://www.inhabitots.com/6-adorable-diy-valentines-day-cards-to-make-for-your-love/2/

Valentine Creature Printables

2012-02-05T10:58:00.002-06:00

Made by Joel has really cute and free printable valentine's day creatures. There are 6 creatures to choose from.

Good for ages 6 and up.

Get the template here:
http://madebyjoel.com/2012/02/valentines-card-creatures-kids-craft-printable.html

Heart Dream Catchers

2012-02-04T22:13:00.002-06:00

Our art lately has another idea for yarn this valentine's day with information on how to make heart dream catchers out of yarn and wire.

Good for ages 4 and up.

Get the instructions here:
http://ourartlately.blogspot.com/2012/01/valentines-dream-catchers.html

Paper Bracelet Valentines

2012-02-04T14:48:00.002-06:00

An even easier bracelet valentine is this free printable one from Kaden's corner. Simply print the bracelets, cut them out and you're done.

Good for ages 6 and up.

Get the template here:
http://kadenscorner.com/357/free-printable-valentine-bracelets/

Friendship Bracelet Valentines

2012-02-04T14:36:00.004-06:00

Friendship bracelets make a comeback for valentine's day. The purl bee has a great tutorial on how to make valentine friendship bracelets using valentine's day colors and hearts and arrow designs.

Good for ages 10 and up.

Get the instructions here:
http://www.purlbee.com/valentines-friendship-bracelet/

Dandee also has a friendship bracelet valentine tutorial featuring a cute message.

Get the instructions here:
http://www.dandee-designs.com/2010/02/friendship-bracelet-valentines.html

Homemade Yarn Valentines

2012-02-04T13:41:00.011-06:00

Disney's Family Fun has a cute idea for valentines made from yarn. Your kids will love getting messy the yarn. All you need is some cornstarch glue, yarn and a heart shaped cookie cutter.

Good for ages 2 and up.

Get the instructions here:
http://familyfun.go.com/crafts/sticky-hands-warm-hearts-973682/

Secret Candy Valentines

2012-02-04T11:10:00.014-06:00

Dana made it has a clever interactive valentine that includes hidden candy in a stitched up heart. The kids will love ripping them open to find the prize inside.

Good for ages 9 and up.

Get the instructions here:
http://www.danamadeit.com/2008/07/tutorial-heartbreaker-valentines.html

Lace Up Yarn Valentines

2012-02-04T11:08:00.002-06:00

Parents also has a yarn valentine. Using a punched out heart, kids can lace yarn through the holes to make a cute valentine's day card.

Good for ages 4 and up.

Get the instructions here:
http://www.parents.com/holiday/valentines-day/crafts/adorable-valentines-day-crafts-snacks/?page=3

Stuffed Heart Valentines

2012-02-04T10:42:00.009-06:00

MM scrap shoppe has a tutorial on how to make stamped and stuffed paper heart valentines which can easily be adapted for younger kids just using either regular paper or felt or pre-stamped and cut hearts.

Good for ages 10 and up.

Get the instructions here:
http://mmscrapshoppe.blogspot.com/2012/01/stuffed-paper-hearts.html

Flower Seed Valentines

2012-02-03T22:04:00.002-06:00

Disney's family fun has a unique idea for valentines using a packet of flower seeds and a cut out of a pot to make an envelope.

Good for ages 7 and up.

Get the instructions here:
http://familyfun.go.com/crafts/plant-one-on-me-673677/

Lollipop Flower Pot Valentines

2012-02-03T22:03:00.001-06:00

Kathyorta has a video tutorial for how to make flower pots using a lollipop as the flower that makes for a great valentine.

Good for ages 9 and up.

Valentine Crayon Hearts

2012-02-03T13:36:00.012-06:00

Disney's Family Fun site shows an easy way to make your own crayons. Simply chop various crayons into little pieces, place them into a mold and bake. You can even plan the color combinations by using complementary colors, such as a pink, red and white crayon heart.

Good for ages 7 and up.

Get the instructions here:
http://familyfun.go.com/crafts/crayon-hearts-671639/

Insect Inspired Valentines

2012-02-03T13:04:00.002-06:00

Dandee designs has a cute love bug valentine template featuring what must be the cutest plastic insects ever. Imagine the dollar store variety will work well too.

Good for ages 7 and up.

Get the template here:
http://www.dandee-designs.com/2012/02/love-bug-valentines.html

Flower Doily Valentines

2012-02-03T11:28:00.000-06:00

Martha Stewart shows how doilies can become full flowers using cut out green paper leaves to make a simple, pretty valentine.

Good for ages 8 and up.

Get the instructions here:
http://www.marthastewart.com/267267/easy-doily-valentines?czone=holiday/valentine-center/valentine-cnt-gifts&center=276967&gallery=306836&slide=267267

Valentine Pencil Bow and Arrow

2012-02-02T21:49:00.002-06:00

Alpha mom has a unique idea for how to make a pencil into a cupid bow and arrow with pipe cleaners and a cute template.

Good for ages 7 and up.

Get the instructions here:
http://alphamom.com/family-fun/holidays/valentines-day-cards-from-cupid/

Valentine Pencil Toppers

2012-02-02T13:31:00.014-06:00

Disney's Family Fun site has yet another, even easier pencil valentine idea. All you need for this one is a pipe cleaner, pencil and some construction paper.

Good for ages 4 and up.

Get the instructions here:
http://familyfun.go.com/crafts/be-my-valentine-pencil-toppers-666415/

Simple Valentine Charm Pencils

2012-02-02T13:27:00.000-06:00

Disney's Family Fun has a cute way to adorn a pencil for a simple valentine. All you need is a ribbon, a few beads, some paper, and of course the pencil.

Good for ages 5 and up.

Get the instructions here:
http://familyfun.go.com/crafts/valentine-charm-pencil-668276/

Groundhog Day Pudding Cups

2012-02-02T09:55:00.000-06:00

Little paper house has the cutest snack for groundhog day -- a cookie groundhog popping out of an oreo topped pudding cup. Your kids will love it.

Get the instructions here:
http://littlepaperhouse.com/2010/02/groundhog-day/

Free February Craft Events

2012-02-01T18:53:00.013-06:00

Saturday, February 4

From 9-12 am Home Depot has a make a keepsake box for kids to make for Valentine's Day to give as a gift or keep for themselves.

Get more information about the event here:
http://www.homeimproverclub.com/kidsworkshops.aspx?month=feb&site=microsite-_-homeimproverclub-_-kids/feb

Sunday, February 5

Michael's is having a free make it and take it kid's valentine's card event from 2-3 pm.

Get more information about the event here:
http://www.michaels.com/Store-Events/store-events,default,pg.html

Saturday, February 11

At 10 am Lowe's is having a make a valentine's day card creator clinic. It looks like the project includes a box to collect and keep the cards, cards to decorate and stickers.

Get more information about the event here:
https://www.lowesbuildandgrow.com/Home.aspx

The Disney Store is having a create a valentine's day card from 10:30 am to 1:00 pm.

Get more information about the event here:
http://www.disneystore.com/in-store-special-events/mn/1001271/

Paint Your Own Toast

2012-01-31T17:19:00.000-06:00

Share & remember has a fun way to play with your food. They'll show you how to paint your toast using just milk, food coloring and some paint brushes. A good after school activity and snack combined.

Good for ages 3 and up.

Get the instructions here:
http://shareandremember.blogspot.com/2011/06/rainbow-painted-toast.html

Individual Pinatas

2012-01-30T17:08:00.000-06:00

Ruffled blog has the cutest idea for how to make individual pinatas using paper mache. Their idea is for wedding favors but they could easily be adapted for kids.

Good for ages 6 and up.

Get the instructions here:
http://ruffledblog.com/diy-mini-pinata-wedding-favors/

Artificial Pet Jellyfish

2012-01-29T14:19:00.012-06:00

Bhoomplay has a video tutorial for how to make a jellyfish in a bottle and they look so real. All it takes is a plastic water bottle, a transparent plastic grocery bag (the thinner the better, like the ones used in the produce department) and some food coloring.

Good for ages 6 and up.

Get the instructions here:
http://bhoomplay.wordpress.com/2011/09/09/diy_jellyfish_eng/

Paper Mache Bank

2012-01-28T14:15:00.000-06:00

Smaller has the cutest idea for how to make a bank using paper mache. They call the money balls and start with an inflated balloon.

Good for ages 3 and up.

Get the instructions here:
http://smallmagazine.typepad.com/smaller/2010/02/heres--a-creative-way-to-encourage-saving-which-lets-face.html

Snowball Search Game

2012-01-27T11:02:00.002-06:00

The amazing mess has the cutest idea for a game that brings the outdoors inside. Hide cotton balls (snowballs) throughout the house and then give each child an ice cube tray for collection, that way they'll know if they've found all of the snowballs.

Good for ages 3 and up.

Get the instructions here:
http://www.amazingmess.com/2012/01/indoor-snowball-hunt.html

Colorful Thread Bowl

2012-01-26T14:07:00.011-06:00

Elizabeth Andree shows how to make a beautiful bowl out of colored yarn and paste. Your kids will love getting messy with the paste and love the pretty bowl they made as well.

Good for ages 3 and up.

Get the instructions here:
http://elisabethandree.posterous.com/threads-threads-lots-of-threads

How to Make a Bouncing Ball

2012-01-25T13:55:00.011-06:00

about.com's chemistry guide has instructions for how to make a polymer bouncing ball. Once again, the main ingredient, as with most of the science projects is borax. Beyond that it's just cornstarch and glue and some food coloring to make it pretty.

Good for ages 7 and up.

Get the instructions here:
http://chemistry.about.com/od/demonstrationsexperiments/ss/bounceball.htm

Candy Cane Science Experiment

2012-01-24T15:34:00.011-06:00

Candy experiments shows yohow to see the colors that make up a candy cane. All you need is a shallow dish of water and a candy cane and the stripes of the candy cane will slowly melt into the water.

Good for ages 4 and up.

Get the instructions here:
http://www.candyexperiments.com/2011/12/candy-cane-stripes.html

Make a Snowman Out of Soap

2012-01-23T14:42:00.021-06:00

Mama in Wonderland has a really cute idea for making a snowman out of soap. The main ingredient is a grated bar of white soap.

Good for ages 4 and up.

Get the instructions here:
http://mamainwonderland.blogspot.com/2011/12/yet-another-easy-holiday-craft-for-kids.html

How to Make a Snow Globe

2012-01-22T10:45:00.010-06:00

Ask listen learn show you how to make a snow globe using glass jars, glitter and virtually any small plastic object.

Good for ages 5 and up.

Get the instructions here:
http://www.asklistenlearn.com/blog/make-your-own-snow-globe

Paper Lantern for the Chinese New Year

2012-01-21T12:22:00.026-06:00

Kiboomu has details on how to create a paper lantern for the Chinese new year. It's tradition that the celebrations begin with a lantern festival. Each color means something different.

Red: Good fortune
Pink: Romance
Peach: Opportunities
Orange: Money
Yellow: Success
White: Health
Green: Growth

Blue: Hope

Purple: Idealism

Everyone chooses the color that shows their wishes and writes down a written message on the lantern itself.

Good for ages 6 and up.

Get the instructions here:
http://www.kiboomu.com/2012/01/19/chinese-new-year-paper-lantern-craft/

Balloon Animal Party Favors: Balloon Birthday Party

2012-01-20T11:51:00.002-06:00

Make your own balloon animal kits start at about $5. Kids will love to see you make them and they make a great party favor.

Balloon Pinata Activity: Balloon Themed Birthday Party

2012-01-19T13:46:00.000-06:00

Scrap Happy Heather has a great idea for a balloon activity. Hang water balloons and use them as mini-pinatas. The kids will love getting wet. If your balloon party is in the winter you can always change the water to candy or toys.

Good for ages 3 and up.

Get the instructions here:
http://scraphappyheather.blogspot.com/2011/07/water-balloon-pinata.html

Balloon Painting Activity: Balloon Themed Birthday Party

2012-01-19T11:28:00.001-06:00

Share and Remember has a great balloon party activity. Fill the balloons with different objects such as rice, flour, salt, water, corn and other small objects and use them as paint brushes, let the kids dip them in paint and use the balloons to make a design. The kids will have fun with the different textures and trying to guess what's inside each balloon. They'll also have a nice art project to take home.

Get the instructions here:
http://shareandremember.blogspot.com/2011/07/sensory-balloons-painting-rainbows.html

Balloon Cupcake Idea: Balloon Themed Birthday Party

2012-01-18T12:31:00.001-06:00

Continue on the balloon theme with this easy to make and assemble cupcake balloon cake. One great thing about this cake is that the balloon bunch can grow to as many guests as you have.

Get the instructions here:
http://familyfun.go.com/recipes/balloon-cupcakes-685709/

Balloon Filled Window: Balloon Themed Birthday Party

2012-01-17T23:01:00.000-06:00

Balloon Walkway: Balloon Themed Birthday Party

2012-01-17T21:22:00.002-06:00

Balloon Wakeup: Balloon Themed Birthday Party

2012-01-17T16:58:00.002-06:00

Crafty moods has a very festive idea for how to wake up the birthday boy or girl on their special day by filling the room with helium balloons.

Get the instructions here:
http://www.craftymoods.com/2010/12/kids-priceless-morning-birthday.html

Light up balloons: Balloon Themed Birthday

2012-01-17T12:23:00.011-06:00

Save on crafts, a Yahoo shop sells LED lighted balloons in a variety of colors. The balloons either light up or blink at a fast or slow pace. They sell for $8 for a package of 5 balloons.

http://www.save-on-crafts.com/balloons1.html

Balloon Themed Birthday Party: Keep the balloons deflated with this colorful birthday wreath

2012-01-17T12:22:00.000-06:00

What a great way to welcome guests to the birthday party. Make sure to have just as many inflated balloons inside to make for an extra festive and colorful day.

Unfortunately not a craft you kids can help assemble, but they can definitely help with color selection and placement.

Get the instructions here:
http://www.howdoesshe.com/birthday-wreath

Balloon Pary Invitation: Balloon Themed Birthday Party

2012-01-16T10:49:00.008-06:00

Funky time has a really easy balloon birthday invitation. Simply blow up the balloon, and write the details, deflate and tape to a card. That's it.

Get the instructions here:
http://fun.kyti.me/index.php/2011/11/inflatable-birthday-invitation/

How to Make Bubble Cards

2012-01-15T10:27:00.010-06:00

The chocolate muffin tree has a tutorial for how to make cards using paint bubbles however the idea of having children put straws with paint at the other end of the straw seems really risky. Instead just using a bubble want will do the trick. Crayola makes a paint bubble but beware they're really messy and not very washable. Make sure to lay down lots of newspaper even if you do this outside.

Good for ages 4 and up.

Get the instructions here:
http://www.thechocolatemuffintree.com/2011/05/bubble-printing-fun.html

Tissue Paper Confetti Tray

2012-01-14T10:15:00.017-06:00

Vicki O'Dell has a great post on how to make a colorful tray with tissue paper pieces. Simply get a plastic tray and lots of cut up squares of tissue paper and glue. You'll have a beautifully colored tray to use everyday.

Good for ages 5 and up.

Get the instructions here:
http://www.vickiodell.com/mod-podge-and-tissue-tray/

Free Disney Princess Craft January 14

2012-01-13T14:44:00.000-06:00

The Disney store is having a dress as your favorite princess event Saturday January 14. It will include a sing-along and craft project for girls age 3 and up. There are three sessions 10:30 am, 11:30 am and 12:30 pm.

More information is available here. Click the events link to see the details and find a location:
http://www.disneystore.com/in-store-special-events/mn/1001271/

Star Wars Paper Dolls

2012-01-13T14:43:00.018-06:00

Toy-A-Day offer fantastic free fold up figures including all of the Star Wars characters including Darth Vader, C-3P0, R2D2, Yoda, Storm Troopers and Boba Fett.

Get the templates here:
Darth Vader - http://toy-a-day.blogspot.com/2009/11/day-117-darth-vader.html
C-3PO - http://toy-a-day.blogspot.com/2008/12/day-85-c-3po.html
Boba Fett - http://toy-a-day.blogspot.com/2008/05/day-8-boba-fett.html
Yoda - http://toy-a-day.blogspot.com/2008/10/day-73-yoda.html
Storm Trooper - http://toy-a-day.blogspot.com/2008/12/day-84-stormtrooper.html
R2-D2 - http://toy-a-day.blogspot.com/2008/06/day-16-r2-d2.html

Putting Green Rug

2012-01-12T10:48:00.016-06:00

This putting green sells for $139 at flor.com. However it looks so easy to make using two small area rugs. One smooth and one shaggy

Make Your Own Bird Feeder

2012-01-11T17:28:00.010-06:00

Alpha Mom shows a simple way to make a beautiful heart shaped bird feeder. The key to this recipe and making the shape stick is gelatin. The heart is probably one of the easier shapes to make but any cookie cutter should work.

Good for ages 6 and up.

Get the instructions here:
http://alphamom.com/family-fun/crafts/heart-shaped-bird-feeder-diy/

How to Make a Friendship Bracelet

2012-01-10T12:37:00.000-06:00

Homemade gifts made easy has resurrected the friendship bracelet from the 80s. This one is pretty neat because of the tassels. It's not as easy as some of the other methods but is definitely unique. You need a piece of circle cardboard and 3 colors of needlepoint thread.

Good for ages 10 and up.

Get the instructions here:
www.homemade-gifts-made-easy.com/make-a-friendship-bracelet.html

Make Your Own Switch or Outlet Plates

2012-01-09T14:27:00.022-06:00

Let your kids lend a hand in the design of their room by letting them decorate a switch or outlet plate is using stickers or paint. All you need are the plates, stickers and/or paint.

Good for ages 8 and up.

How to Make Rock Candy

2012-01-08T14:19:00.013-06:00

Gluesticks has a great tutorial for how to make rock candy. All you need is sugar, water, food coloring, and some bamboo skewers. These are great to make for parties or just a fun project.

Good for ages 6 and up.

Get the instructions here:
http://brandyscrafts.blogspot.com/2011/09/homemade-rock-candy.html

BFF Wire Necklace

2012-01-07T13:55:00.009-06:00

Quiet Lion Creations shows how to make a BFF wire necklace, using colored jewelery wire and ready made necklace chain.

Good for ages 8 and up.

Get the instructions here:
http://quietlioncreations.blogspot.com/2011/12/gauge-inc-bff-necklace.html

How to Make a Custom Notepad

2012-01-06T13:28:00.000-06:00

Chica and Jo demonstrate how to make your own mini-notepads using padding compound. This is a great project for any left over scrapbook paper you didn't use.

Good for ages 6 and up.

Get the instructions here:
http://www.chicaandjo.com/2008/10/22/make-your-own-custom-notepads/

Build-A-Saurus - Free Lowe's Craft - January 28

2012-01-06T00:00:00.016-06:00

Lowe's is having a free build-a-saurus event on Saturday, January 28 at 10 am. In addition to the project kit, kids receive a Lowe's apron, goggles, a completion patch and certificate. Registration is required and you need to bring the signed waiver to participate.

Register here:
https://www.lowesbuildandgrow.com/Home.aspx

Design a Tiara - Free Michael's Craft - January 21

2012-01-06T00:00:00.012-06:00

Michael's is having a Fancy Nancy make your own tiara and story telling time for ages 3 and up on Saturday, January 21 from 10 am to noon.

Get the full event and location information here:
http://www.michaels.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-Michaels-Site/default/StoreEvent-Show?event=se249

Yarn Backpack Buddy - Free Michael's Craft - January 7

2012-01-06T00:00:00.011-06:00

Michael's is having a free craft project Saturday, January 7. Children ages 3 and up can make a yarn backpack buddy from 1 to 3 p.m.

Find full event information and Michael's locations here:
http://www.michaels.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-Michaels-Site/default/StoreEvent-Show?event=se243

Build a Castle - Free Lowe's Craft - January 14

2012-01-06T00:00:00.008-06:00

Lowe's is having a free make a castle event on Saturday, January 14th at 10 am. The castle even has a working drawbridge. Kids receive a Lowe's apron, goggles, a completion patch and certificate. Note the craft involves the use of a hammer and nails. Spaces are limited and you need to sign up in advance and bring a waiver to the clinic.

Register here:
https://www.lowesbuildandgrow.com/Home.aspx

Shed Bank - Free Home Depot Craft - January 7

2012-01-06T00:00:00.004-06:00

The Home Depot is having a free kids craft where they can make their own bank on Saturday January 7 from 9-12 am. Kids are given a Home Depot apron to keep along with a pin showing the completed project. Note that most projects involve the use of a hammer and nails and recommended for ages 5-12.

Get more information about the event and locations here:
http://www.homeimproverclub.com/kidsworkshops.aspx?month=jan&site=microsite-_-homeimproverclub-_-kids/jan

How to make indoor snowflakes

2012-01-05T13:22:00.000-06:00

Mom in Madison has a fun tutorial for how to make your own indoor snowflakes. The trick to the crystal looking effect is Borax which you can usually find at the hardware or grocery store.

Good for ages 8 and up.

Get the instructions here:
http://mominmadison.blogspot.com/2008/12/snowflakes.html

Build Your Own Igloo

2012-01-04T11:02:00.010-06:00

Education.com has an awesome tutorial for how to make your own igloo and it's really simple. You can make a small igloo indoors with ice cube trays or a large igloo for outdoors with milk cartons that you cut in half. One word of warning, make sure your ice is flat. Otherwise it will be a lot more challenging to get the ice to stay put, although probably a lot more fun as well.

Good for ages 3 and up.

Get the instructions here:
http://www.education.com/activity/article/homemade_igloo/?cid=50.20

Make Your Own Plastic Bottle Bowling Set

2012-01-03T10:58:00.008-06:00

Jill from Meet the Dubiens has a nifty idea for how to create a beautiful bowling set. All you need are plastic bottles and paint. Very simple and a great activity when you are done.

Good for ages 3 and up.

Get the instructions here:
http://www.ucreatewithkids.com/2011/02/creative-guest-meet-dubiens.html

Hanging Clouds - Kids Bedroom Decor

2012-01-02T15:33:00.007-06:00

Oh Crafts has a really simple way to turn a bedroom ceiling into a cloud-filled sky. Your children can help form the cloud shapes they'd like to watch and see.

Good for ages 3 and up.

Get the instructions here:
http://www.ohcrafts.net/kids-clouds-on-the-ceiling.php

Make Your Own Bath Sponges

2012-01-01T15:27:00.015-06:00

Martha Stewart has a great idea for pop-up sponges, but unfortunately doesn't provide a template. Luckily there's a ton of stencil sites with templates online. You can also have kids create and cut their own designs using flat sponge material.

Good for ages 3 and up.

ABC stencils here:
http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=abc+stencils&qpvt=abc+stencils&FORM=IGRE

How to Make a Lava Lamp

2011-12-31T11:33:00.000-06:00

Home Chemistry has a great video showing you how to make a lava lamp. The most difficult item to find is the LED push light, but everything else is very easy to obtain.

Good for ages 5 and up.

Get the instructions here:
http://homechemistry.blogspot.com/2011/05/homemade-lava-lamp-new-and-improved.html

Make Your Own Scratch Art Paper

2011-12-30T11:53:00.000-06:00

Frugal Family Fun Blog shows how to make nifty do it yourself scratch art boards. Kids will have fun designing the hidden colors, hiding their colors and scratching off the paint to make fun designs.

Good for ages 5 and up.

Get the instructions here:
http://www.frugalfamilyfunblog.com/2011/11/diy-scratch-art-pages.html

Keeping track of you child's favorites

2011-12-29T11:22:00.000-06:00

All for the boys has a fantastic "interview" you can give your kids every year. This is a great idea for their scrapbooks because you can see how their answers change and don't change every year. You can also use the template as questions and record their answers in addition to the paper version.

Good for ages 2 and up.

Get the template here:
http://www.allisonwaken.com/AllForTheBoysMyInterview.pdf

Rolled Paper Beads

2011-12-28T11:15:00.000-06:00

Creative Jewish Mom has a great tutorial on how to make colorful paper beads out of magazine pages. This makes for a great, easy activity and your kids will love their finished result.

Good for ages 6 and up.

Get the instructions here:
http://www.creativejewishmom.com/2009/07/recycling-crafts-rolled-paper-beads-and-necklaces.html

Make Your Own Rubber Stampers

2011-12-27T11:25:00.000-06:00

Vanessa's Values has the easiest stamper idea ever. All you need is foam stickers and bottle caps. You just stick the stickers on the top of the caps and there you go. Kids love stamping and this will give the lots of options and designs.

Good for ages 2 and up.

Get the instructions here:
http://vanessasvalues.blogspot.com/2011/11/create-with-kids-make-your-own-bottle.html

Colorful Finger Paint Recipe

2011-12-26T11:56:00.000-06:00

Food.com is cooking up a new recipe of finger paint and the main ingredient is dish soap so your house won't get too messy with this fantastic recipe.

Good for ages 2 and up.

Get the instructions here:
http://www.food.com/recipe/homemade-finger-paint-176355

Super Simple Fruity Lip Gloss

2011-12-25T11:50:00.000-06:00

Jill Dubien has the easiest lip gloss recipe ever. It's literally Vaseline and kool-aid. The great thing is kool-aid comes in such cool flavors your possibilities are almost endless. Plus you can combine the flavors to make to your own. She also has a template for the stickers for pretty packaging and gift giving.

Good for ages 3 and up.

Get the instructions here:
http://www.meetthedubiens.com/2011/01/make-your-own-lip-gloss.html

Turn a Kleenex Box into a Monster

2011-12-24T14:37:00.000-06:00

Giggles Galore created these boxed to eat all of the tattles, but they can also make for a fun activity that's tattle free to store or not anything else you'd like.

Good for ages 4 and up.

Get the instructions here:
http://gigglesgalorenmore.blogspot.com/2011/08/tattle-monster.html

Printable Star Wars Snowflakes

2011-12-23T14:26:00.001-06:00

A galaxy far, far away has invaded our snowflakes with these very cleaver and free printables. Templates include storm troopers and Darth Vader.

Good for ages 6 and up.

Get the instructions here:
http://dancell.cwahi.net/star-wars-paper-snowflakes-instructions.html

Volcano Color Game

2011-12-22T14:03:00.000-06:00

House of Baby Piranha takes a scientific approach to learning colors. To begin, the colors are all hidden underneath the baking soda. Whether you child knows his colors or not he'll still have lots of fun creating these mini-volcanoes and seeing the colors come to life.

Good for ages 3 and up.

Get the instructions here:
http://www.houseofbabypiranha.com/2011/09/magic-potions-colour-review.html

Wintery Gum Drop Pops

2011-12-21T13:58:00.000-06:00

Martha Stewart does it again with these adorable gumdrop pops. Kids can help by making the bodies, but an adult may need to add the faces and adornments.

Good for ages 5 and up.

Get the instructions here:
http://www.marthastewart.com/273470/gumdrop-pops?czone=holiday/workshop-christmas/workshop-christmas-kids&center=307034&gallery=275712&slide=273470