Melting Snowman Cookie Decorating

I was searching for cute holiday cookie decorating ideas for my daughter's Winter Party other than Gingerbread Men. We aren't allowed to use anything specifically Christmas so this cookie decor was too perfect. After a few test runs with my kids at home we'll definitely be ready to do this with, oh, 80 or so more.  :-P No problem, right?

Recycled Bird Feeder - Toilet Paper Roll

This is an activity that we did with my daughter's Kindergarten class.  I thought it was a great craft to do with kids.  It is also pretty inexpensive!  Who doesn't like that??

What You Will Need:
Toilet paper rolls (one per bird feeder)
String, yarn, or ribbon about 12 inches long
Scissors or hole punch
Peanut Butter
Popsicle stick or utensil for spreading
Bird seed in plate or pan

What You Do:
1. Cut or punch hole in both ends of paper roll.
2.  Tie string, yarn, or ribbon on both ends of paper roll.
3.  Spread peanut butter generously over the middle of the paper roll.
4.  Roll peanut butter covered paper roll in the bird seed.
5.  Hang outside where the birds can find it and wait for one to come eat!

Ready-To-Go Craft Kit!

 Bird Feeder Ready-To-Go Craft Kit

Do you have crafts in mind?  Do you run out of time to get it together?  Me too.  I decided to make some organizational changes.  And, oh how I needed to make them.  My biggest problem is not enough planning ahead.  My kids get bored so I threw together a make ahead craft box.  At night I can round up materials we might need for a craft and put them in the box.  The next day I can whip out the box and it's ready to go!  You don't have the worry of the kids following you around as you get items ready asking "When can we start?!"  That is no fun and my kids get overly excited.  This also works out of those of us who are bad at keeping up with items or bad about forgetting where they were put up.  If you start ready-to-go craft kit before you need to work on a specific craft.  I obtain items randomly and do not usually go out of my way to get specific things.  So I would gradually add them to the craft box for the upcoming craft idea.  It won't work for every person, every craft, every time.  But if you know you have one coming up this is a great idea to keep your craft-specific materials in order!  Happy Crafting!

Recyclables You'd Find in My Craft Bins

I do not have enough space in my home.  Therefore, I do not own a craft room, workshop, let alone a craft area.  That's something I should work on.  Hmmm... future blog.  Anyways, I keep all my craft supplies in 18 gallon bins.  I am not 100% sure how many I have.  Off the top of my head I'd guess 4 total. I keep a lot of things to reuse for crafts instead of buying everything new.  It works out! I've got one out.  Here's what's inside.

 

Cardboard

 

  ribbon and pieces of fabric 

 

 

 

coffee containers

 

 

 condiment dispensers 

 

 
 

  toilet paper and paper towel rolls

 
 
 

 

 

  formula cans

 

These are just a few of the examples of fun crafts you can do with recycled items.  They are all simple and easy for beginners and children.  All these crafts and more coming soon to a crafty blog near you!