"I Spy" Toy

This is a very simple tutorial

to make a fun toy for elementary school aged children...

Let me apologize in advance for the poor photo quality!

Start with a "View-tainer" - I bought mine at K-mart for less than $3

These containers are made to bounce when they fall, without
losing any of the items inside. However, I didn't want to
take the chance that a small piece would fall out of it.
Even if a child is older, there is always the chance
that a smaller child will pick up any pieces that
might fall out of it.

So I bought duct tape and this adhesive:

I don't know why I didn't take any pictures of this next part, but here is what I did...

I first took one end-cap off of the Viewtainer, and covered it with 2 crisscrossed pieces of duct tape. Then I spread the glue around the cylinder, and affixed the lid.

I then filled it with beads, and found objects that were small enough to mix in, but not too small. Most of the beads I used were similar in shape, but I made sure to throw in a heart and a star bead in, and some other shapes.

Next I duct taped and glued the top on, just as I had done with the other end.

Ta-Da!

This is a fun game to take in the car.

I hope you get the chance to be creative today!

...from Lori @ Kitchenfunk

Simple No-Sew Puppets and Puppet Stage

Yesterday my youngest daughters joined me recreating something they did when they were little. We made puppets and a puppet stage. We are going to give it to my youngest niece for her birthday. We aren't done yet but here are very simple instructions for you to get your own Puppet Show started!

We started with three stuffed animals, though for some reason we didn't take a picture of the third one. He is a polar bear. Aren't they cute?

You will need some scissors and maybe a seam ripper.

The first step is to turn your stuffed animal over and cut out the bottom seam. Don't worry, the animal will probably get more use as a puppet!

Make sure you remove the stuffing from every area inside the stuffed animal. Also, depending on the ages of your children, you will want to check the steadfastness of its eyes or nose or any attached decorations.

Its that easy. Once the stuffing is out, you are done!

Next we worked on the polar bear...

It was fun; they're so cute.

Here are two of our puppets in repose:

Next you'll need a stage. This part even more simple than the puppets. You will need a curtain. Yup, a curtain. You can find one in your closet or if you need to, just stitch up a sheet so that it has a rod pocket. Next you will need a spring rod.

From Country Curtains

From Target

I know it sounds like you are putting up curtains on a window, but you aren't.

You will be putting the curtain up in a doorway! Just use the bottom of the cafe curtains. That is your stage. Make sure it is tight so that any exuberant little puppeteers have less chance to pull down the stage.

And you're done! That's it.

You probably have a great supply of puppets and you didn't even know it!

I hope you have a chance to do something creative today!

Kids in the Kitchen - Playdough to Make at Home

It's Thursday - Kids in the Kitchen Day!

Let's make Play dough!

I taught preschool for years, and I was always surprised to hear how many parents do not allow their children to paint or sift flour or do other important learning activities in their own homes.

Allowing your children to make messes and play with play dough is so important for your child's development. Fine motor skills are mastered and creativity grows. Concepts including texture and size and the five senses are explored without a word being said. In addition, creating shapes with play dough can become an academic AND fine motor lesson - teaching about circles and squares? Form one from play dough! Teaching your child how to spell their name? Help them to create letters using it.

You will need to make this for your child before he or she can play with it.

Here is the recipe:

3 cups of Flour

1 1/2 cups of salt

3 tablespoons of oil

2 tablespoons of cream of tartar

3 cups of water

Food coloring or packets of unflavored Kool-aid in various flavors

Mix and cook this over very low heat until not sticky to touch. It is easier if you add the food coloring to the mixture prior to cooking.

If you choose to add the coloring after cooking, you will have to knead it into the dough when the dough is somewhat cool.

Okay, now go PLAY with the kids!! The mess will wait, the kids will not!

Just a note: Be aware that the Kool-aid will make the dough smell good, even if it won't taste good.
Keep an eye on little ones who enjoy munching on things!