Advent began December 1 for Catholics and Orthodox Christians. This season counts down to Christmas. As a homeschool family, we did Christmas crafts all through Advent and gave them as gifts. I set up a craft station using our portable kidde picnic table (cleaned it up and brought it inside). Several holy days and feast days fall during Advent. Here are crafts for Dec. 8-9 Feast of the Immaculate Conception, based out Our Lady Mary Mother of God. Feast of the Immaculate Conception, Advent ActivitiesBlessed Mother Mary Crafts for Feast of the Immaculate Conception
Advent began December 1 for Catholics and Orthodox Christians. This season counts down to Christmas. As a homeschool family, we did Christmas crafts all through Advent and gave them as gifts. I set up a craft station using our portable kidde picnic table (cleaned it up and brought it inside). Several holy days and feast days fall during Advent. Here are crafts for Dec. 8-9 Feast of the Immaculate Conception, based out Our Lady Mary Mother of God. Feast of the Immaculate Conception, Advent Activities
Free Printable Advent Wreaths to Color, Cut and Paste
Yesterday was the first day of Advent. Each week on Sunday, Christians light one candle on the Advent wreath. Each candle symbolizes our hope, expectation, preparation and joy at the Birth of Christ on Christmas. If you'd like to make an Advent wreath with your children, classroom, Sunday School or day care, there are free printable Advent wreaths online. Help children explore the lovely tradition of the Advent wreath with these printable coloring, cut and paste wreaths. Free Printable Advent Wreaths to Color, Cut and Paste
Homemade non-toxic kids clay recipes
Have you considered making homemade non-toxic clay for your kids? Children love molding and shaping clay into their own sculpture creations. Children's fingers tend to end up in their mouths. Making your own homemade non-toxic modeling play clay insures kid's safety while they create. All these clays can be stored in Tupperware or baggies in the fridge for several days. I always read "Bartholmew and the Oobleck" when making clay. Recipes come courtesy of my friend Jaipi). How to make homemade non-toxic kids clay
Homemade Christmas Gifts for Kids, Read-Aloud Story CDs
With costs rising, it's time to think outside the box for Christmas gifts. Like homemade and personal. Capitalize on your talents. I'm not skilled with crafts but I'm a fabulous storyteller. So my homemade Christmas gift for kids is read-aloud story CD and book sets. Here are free printable books for kids to make and then read aloud or have read to them. Plus a tutorial to record books. Homemade Christmas Gifts for Kids, Read-Aloud Books
Free Rangoli Printables for Diwali
Shubh Diwali, my Hindu-Sikh-Jain friends, a little belated. Diwali or Deepavali was celebrated Sunday, November 3,2013. It's the five-day festival of lights, ending with Bhai Dooj on November 5. I have a Sikh friend who has explained some of the festival to me. So I thought, being the free printable crafts lady, you'd like rangoli printables. These would make pretty tattoo stencils, too. If you're not into permanent ink, let kids trace patterns on their arms with washable markers. (photo from Wikimedia) Free Diwali, Bhai Dooj, Rangoli Printables for Kids
Roaring Twenties Flapper Gangster Couple Halloween Costume
I dressed as a dead flapper for our Haunted Museum Saturday. I used costume ideas from a Roaring Twenties gangster-flapper couples' costume my husband and I wore in 1994. Here's how to make, easy and cheap, dead or alive. This couples costume is tres Gothic and very definitely for adult-only parties. Roaring Twenties Flapper Gangster Couple Halloween Costume, Dead or Alive
Multitasking 2 fo r1 Halloween Costume, Scary and Non-Scary
I'll be dressing up for Halloween this year and needing two costumes. I'll need a non-scary one for helping at my daughter's school concert. The I'm volunteering at our local "Haunted Museum." Here's how I plan to make one costume do double duty. You can make many costumes multitask with a few simple tweaks. Here's how. My Dual Purpose Halloween Costume, Boadicea Scary and Non-Scary
Printable Pumpkin Carving Stencils
I can't believe Halloween 2013 is almost here! I started this blog in 2008 around Halloween. Time flies. Anyway, if you celebrate Halloween, Trick-or-treat, All Saint's Day or harvest festivals, you might be looking for pumpkin crafts. Use these free printable pumpkins crafts, coloring and cut and paste for preschool lessons and games.Free Printable Pumpkin and Jack-o-Lantern Stencils and Craft Activities
Repurpose Summer Toys for Indoor Preschool Learning Play
I homeschooled four kids in a single-wide old mobile home. So I know about space-saving as well as money saving. A favorite way to do both is by repurposing. We made outdoor toys do double duty in winter with indoor uses. For example, their Little Tikes Sand Turtle was filled with Lake Michigan beach sand and enjoyed all summer. Then in winter, I cleaned it out, bleach and sanitized and brought it indoors. Repurpose Summer Toys for Indoor Preschool Play
Archaeology Crafts, Lesson Plans
I just discovered Bonekickers from BBC One. This show is from 2008. It explores new archaeology digs in Somerset England. If you'd like to unearth some cool history-based crafts and activities, visit the Bonekickers website for nifty idea. And for a quick easy craft, press leaves, ferns and shells in clay. This shows kids how fossils are made. Bonekickers TV Show, a Fun Archaeology Thrill Ride
Recycle Bin Crafts for Bored Kids: Homemade Hats
Got stuck-at-home-itis? can’t Got rainy-day, can't go out to play bored kids? Maybe someone is sick, or the whole family has head lice (been there done that)? Maybe the car is down or little ones are lonely with siblings at school? If so, you need teacher mama's boredom first aid kit. I’m your go-to gal for cheap, easy, parent friendly fun. 'Cause you know I'm short on artistic skill!
For every craft you can imagine, your recycle bin is your best bud. Today's craft from trash: homemade hats. And ahem, with Halloween fast-approaching, why not start thinking costumes? This design was developed by our oldest daughter at 20 months old. We kept her blocks and toys sorted in those old 5 pound peanut butter pails. Recycle Bin Crafts for Bored Kids: Homemade Hats - News - Bubblews
Free Printable Labor Day, American History Coloring Pages
Labor Day, celebrated the first Monday is September, in the US remembers the contributions of organized labor, unions and workers. Here are free printable coloring pages to celebrate: occupations, careers and worker coloring pages. Labor Day is also the last picnic holiday before school starts, so if you are organizing a Labor Day BBQ, picnic, or party, you will want these free printable coloring pages for the children at your party. Teachers, start your school year off right with a social studies unit that explores community helpers, workers, occupations and careers. These coloring pages make excellent activities for that a unit on Labor Day. Free Printable Labor Day Coloring Pages
Back-to-School Science Crafts: DIY Nature Detective Kit
Hello green crafters, did you miss me? I've had a busy, productive summer and I hope you have too! But now, my thoughts are turning to back to school. Want some nifty nature activities for a back to school kick off? Make science exploration kits, easy, cheap and homemade. Lots of recycled stuff too--you know there wouldn't be an activity on this blog that didn't involve recycled. Make individual nature detective kits for homeschool, elementary or middle school students. Great for special needs kids with learning disabilities or cognitive impairment. Here's the recipe! Back-to-School Science Kick-Off Activities: DIY Nature Detective Kit
Free Printable Preschool Board Games, Learning Activities
I'm a certified special needs teacher for CI (cognitively impaired) students. I always write interactive lesson plans. Hands-on activities, like games, make content relevant, approachable and understandable for both general and special education students. Preschool kids particularly need multi-sensory learning activities. Happily, there are many free printable preschool games available online. Free Printable Preschool Board Games, Learning Activities
Preschool Game Craft--Pirate Treasure Box
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I read a blog post recently about digging through old jewelry. That post got me thinking about a nifty game-craft I did with my kids when they were younger. It was especially popular with my sons. We made pirate treasure boxes. Here's how.You will need:
old, recycled boxes (wood, metal, cardboard) You might use old jewelry boxes as I did.
aluminum foil (to cover box if it isn't already)
fabric scraps and decoration do-dads: feathers, yarn, sequins, ribbon, faux gems, glitter (kids can use this to decorate box) Read on for complete directions. Preschool Game Craft--Pirate Treasure Box
Free Printable Educational Crafts
Summer is an excellent time to explore the wonderful world of free printable craft projects. Cut and paste activities are perfect for day care, kids at home, road trips, rainy day fun and summer craft camps. During the summer, teachers and homeschoolers have an opportunity to make educational games and activities for their classrooms. Free printable activities are the perfect resource for educational games. Free Printable Educational Cut and Paste Projects and Activities
Outdoor Summer Life Science Activities, Biology Nature Crafts
Life science, or biology, is an essential school subject. But kids often hate science because it's taught from boring textbooks in meaningless paper-and-pencil activities. Rediscover the inherent fascination of life science this summer with hands-on experiments and crafts. Teach green, using recycled supplies. Outdoor Summer Life Science Activities, Biology Nature Crafts
Graduation Hat Cookies and Favors Recipes
Sheet cakes for graduation open house parties are very expensive. And pretty though the cake may be, they usually taste like cardboard and sweetened shortening. How about cookies shaped like mortarboard graduation hats instead. Here's the recipe. We recently celebrated our son's graduation open house. I made graduation hat cookies instead of buying a cake. I saved about 75% of what I would have paid for a nice cake and there was no wasted cake. These yummy cookies went over big with young and old alike. Alas, I forgot to take pictures, so you'll have to use your imagination. But the concept is easy to follow. Since writing this, I saw these made with chocolate cupcakes instead of peanut butter cups (use mini muffins or larger packaged ones).Graduation Party Mortarboard Hat Cookies and Favors Recipes
Free Printable Memorial Day Worksheets, Crafts, Games
Memorial Day, celebrated the last Monday in May, isn't just the first summer holiday. As Remembrance Day, we honor veterans and those lost in U.S. wars. It's also Decoration Day, when we commemorate loved ones lost by putting flowers on graves. Teachers and homeschool parents, here are free printable lesson plans, worksheets, crafts and games to teach kids about this national holiday.Free Printable Memorial Day Worksheets, Crafts, Games
Free Printable File Folder Games
File folder games are one of the most popular types of educational games. File folder games are made using manila tag-board file folders. The game board is printed on the inside of the file folder. In necessary, a spinner is designed on the folder to replace dice. Any cards or game pieces are kept in a zippered plastic bag or pocket attached to the inside of the folder. The file folder stores upright in any filing cabinet or drawer. File folder games can be created to teach any subject or content area in school. File folder games are perfect for homeschool families, day care, tutoring and preschool centers also. File folder games work especially well with special needs students. Teachers print and make this summer for fall lesson plans! Free Printable File Folder Games
Free Printable Baby Shower Games, Decorations, Invitations, Cards
Got a baby on the way? Or maybe a friend or relative does? If you're planning a baby shower, baptism or christening party, you know costs can easily get out of hand. Why not save money using free online printables? Print baby shower games, crafts, decorations, banners, invitations, cards and thank-you notes. Give what you save as a gift to the mom-to-be.Free Printable Baby Shower Games, Decorations, Invitations, Cards
Cheap, Homemade Cake Decorations, DIY Food Coloring, Edible Crafts
This article was written about Easter egg crafts, but use for any cake decorating, food or edible art. There are even recipes for homemade letter and word foods (great for lesson plans, class treats and parties!) Need last-minute party food or crafts? Take it from this mom of four--been there, done that. Never fear--super DIY mom is here! Here are homemade edible food art recipes using recycled and on-hand materials. And best of all--they're cheaper and safer than store-bought food decorations! Read more Homemade Edible crafts, food coloring
Cheap, Personalized Bridal Shower Crafts for Wedding Gifts
I just threw a bridal shower for my daughter. I wanted to make gifts personal and meaningful by involving guests. At the shower we had guests write notes to the bride and groom on household items give as wedding gifts. Here are shower games and crafts to make for brides-to-be.Wooden Spoon Advice Craft: Purchase a set of wooden spoons or kitchen utensils, permanent markers, ribbon in bride's wedding colors and an inexpensive wide-mouth vase or utensil cup. Write couple's name and wedding date on vase and decorate with ribbon (use leftover for shower decorations). Guests sign wooden spoons and write advice to bride and groom. Bride gets utensils and a useful, commemorative vase. Read more
Easy, Green Earth Day Gardens
Do you love to garden but find yourself cursed with poor soil in your yard? Or maybe you're one of those unfortunate apartment dwelling green thumbs. Either way, it seems impossible to reconcile a love of gardening with a lack of basic garden essentials. With spring planting, Earth Day and the lure of summer bounty right around the corner, would-be gardeners long to tend plants even more. If you find yourself in this situation, do not abandon hope of gardening. You can have a flourishing garden right on your patio, deck or porch.Easy, Green Earth Day Gardens
Cheap, Homemade, Safe Easter Egg Dyeing, Recycled Decorations
Waited till the last minute to buy Easter egg dyeing kits for the kids? Now you have to pull a rabbit out of a hat (pun intended) and come up with your own egg decorations. Take it from this mom of four--been there, done that. Never fear--super DIY mom is here! Here are homemade Easter egg decorations using recycled and on-hand materials. And best of all--they're cheaper and safer than store-bought egg coloring kits! Cheap, Homemade, Safe Easter Egg Dyeing, Recycled Decorations
Free Printable Disney Easter Crafts, Easter Egg Decorations, Cards, Games
Celebrate the joy of Easter with these free printable Disney Easter activities. Need some free printable greeting cards? Here are links for ten different Disney character Easter cards. Print Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Eyeore, Rabbit, Roo and all your friends from the Hundred Acre Woods. How about some free printable "Looney Tunes" Easter cards? Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Wile E. Coyote and other "Looney Tunes" friends. For Easter letters, why not print some stationery, decorated with Disney's Winnie the Pooh? Write an Easter message to grandma and grandpa, teachers and friends. Free Printable Disney Easter Activities
Activities for Bored, Winterbound Kids: Crafts-travaganza Party
Winter is finally getting serious in our area. Kids are loving the big snow drifts! But below-zero wind chills force some parents to keep kids in the house. Schools cancel recess if it's too cold. Excess times indoors makes for restless, irritable children. Looking for cheap, indoor activities for bored, winterbound kids? How about a crafts-travaganza party? Winter Party--Arts and Crafts Day
Cheap, Kids' Cabin Fever Reliever: Homemade Castle
Snow is great for winter play, but near-zero wind chills aren't. During the holidays, there's usually enough to keep homebound kids occupied. But around February, creativity wears thin and winter blues set in. Here's a cheap, cabin fever reliever for kids and parents--homemade castle. Cheap, Kids' Cabin Fever Reliever: Homemade Castle
5 Repurposed Uses for Valentines--Art Projects, Crafts, Gifts
Little Miss took her neatly-labeled valentines to school and arrived home with reciprocal Valentine cards from friends. So now, what to do with these prized missives? Clean freaks will surrepititiously toss them when she isn't looking. Sentimental (ahem, packrat) parents will encouraging saving. Artsy (aka messy) moms won't know what happens to them as valentines will filter into the child's general room litter. None of these is very satisfying considering cost and work put into valentines. Here are five cheap, homemade recycled ways to repurpose kids valentines. 5 Repurposed Uses for Valentines--Art Projects, Crafts, Gifts
Preschool Arts and Crafts Party, Cheap, Recycled
Winter is finally getting serious in our area. Kids are loving the big snow drifts! But below-zero wind chills force some parents to keep kids in the house. Schools cancel recess if it's too cold. Excess times indoors makes for restless, irritable children. Looking for cheap, indoor activities for bored, winterbound kids? How about a crafts-travaganza party? Activities for Bored, Winterbound Kids: Arts and Crafts Party
Free Printable Chinese New Year 2013 Crafts for Year of the Snake
Homemade Valentine's Day Crafts to Print
Recycled Craft Supplies
Reduce, reuse, recycle is a good environmental policy. Your recycling bin is also an excellent source for craft materials. If you recycle items, you have a ready supply of craft materials on hand for literally hundreds of projects. Here is a list of recycled items to save and how to organize them. Having lived in small spaces all my life, I've listed ways to organize craft areas in small places. You may think that you don't have room for all this stuff, but it can be condensed into a fairly compact area that can fit in most closets for home-schoolers or classrooms for teachers. Crafts Organizer System
Pagan Crafts, Wiccan Printables, Fairy Coloring Pages
No religion exemplifies "green crafts" like pagan. Wiccans and pagans teach us to embrace creation and respect our earth. Major holidays in the pagan calendar include Samhain (Halloween), Yule (Winter Solstice), Imbolc (Candlemas), Ostara (Easter), Beltain (May Day), Litha (summer), Lughnasadh (late summer) and Mabon (harvest). Wiccan holiday activities include bonfires, incantations and magic of all kinds. Here are free printable Wiccan, fairy and pagan coloring pages and crafts. These would fit in with seasonal holiday crafts. I've included literature and book selections, too. Free Printable Wiccan Craft Activities
Free Printable Valentine Crafts for Preschool Kids
With Valentines Day coming up soon, my email box overfloweth with nifty crafts, treats and card ideas to celebrate. Alas, many are also costly. As a penny-pinching teacher and homeschool mom of four, I don't spend big. Here are free printable preschool valentine crafts, lesson plans, learning activities and games, for my fellow fru-gals and guys. Read more
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