Author Archives: Tammy

Coffee Filter Shamrock

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St Patricks Day Craft ~ Easy Preschool Coffee Filter Shamrock

We love creating simple holiday crafts.  These adorable little coffee filter Shamrocks are one of our favorite preschool St Patricks Day Craft ideas.  They are quick/easy to create, and only use a a few simple craft supplies.  Love that!

Coffee Filter Shamrock ~ St Patricks Day craft

 This post contains affiliate links for your convenience.

Shamrock Mateirals:

Coffee Filter Shamrock ~ St Patricks Day craft

Begin by tracing the  Shamrock Template onto the coffee filter.  Since the coffee filters are lightweight (similar to tracing paper) this step is super easy.  Just place the coffee filter over the printed shamrock and trace with a permanent marker.

Color the shamrock with a number of different shades of green washable marker.  Make sure the markers are WASHABLE.  You will want the colors to bleed into each other when you spray them with water.

Coffee Filter Shamrock ~ St Patricks Day craft

Layer a couple of paper towels under the colored shamrock and spray generously with water.  The kids will be amazed as the markers bleed and blend as they become wet.

Coffee Filter Shamrock ~ St Patricks Day craftLay the wet shamrock flat to dry.  You could also use a similar technique as we used for out monster marker prints to achieve a couple of prints at one time.

These little Shamrocks look great hanging in a window.  This super simple St Patricks Day Craft is a fun way to brighten your windows in a festive way.

Coffee Filter Shamrock ~ St Patricks Day craft

 For more creative St Patricks Day craft ideas, check out our:

Stained Glass Shamrocks

Glitter Shamrocks

Rainbow Q-tip Painting

Racing Balloon Leprechauns

Shamrock Crystals

Credit Card Art

Ladybug Craft Ideas

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15 Adorable Ladybug Craft Ideas ~ Spring Crafts for kids

Ladybugs are hands down my favorite bug!  Ladybugs, ladybirds, lady beetles – whatever you choose to call them, they’re crazy cute!  There is something about their bright red color and black polka dots that just makes me smile.  Here are 15 of my favorite Ladybug craft ideas to inspire you.

15 Adorable Ladybug Craft Ideas ~ Spring Crafts for kids

Before we get down to bug-business, I thought I would share a few random facts about Ladybugs, that I’m sure you are just dying to know:

  •  Ladybugs aren’t really bugs at all, they’re Beetles!

  • The ladybug’s spots will get lighter as time passes and they get older.

  • Their larvae grow very quickly and shed their skin 3 times.

  •  When a ladybug is flying it will beat its wings 85 times a second.

  • Ladybugs come in a variety of colors – some are orange, yellow and red.

I can’t wait to share 15 of my favorite Ladybug Craft Ideas for kids!  Click on the link for the full tutorial for each little Ladybug.

15 Adorable Ladybug Craft Ideas ~ Spring Crafts for kids

1.  Spring Ladybug Craft from Housing A Forest ~ I adore these little textural recycled ladybugs.  Who knew cardboard boxes could look so great.

2.  Eric Carle Inspired Lady Bug from I Heart Craft Things ~ These little lady bugs are so adorable!  I would love to have a set of them framed on my wall.

3.  Paint Stamping Ladybugs from The Craft Train ~ Head to your kitchen to make the perfect ladybug stamp.  Have you tied making a potato stamp?  They are amazingly easy to make and perfect for kids.

4.  Ladybug Suncatchers from Here Comes the Girls ~ Brighten your windows with these adorable little ladybugs.  Perfect for spring!

15 Adorable Ladybug Craft Ideas ~ Spring Crafts for kids

5.  Grouchy Ladybugs from Tippytoe Crafts ~ These little ladybugs are so cute!  Check out the clever little grouchy insight hidden under the the leaves.  Adorable!

6.  Heart Ladybug from Housing A Forest ~  Have fun making an simple ladybug mainly designed with heart shapes.  Adorable little love bug!

7.  Paper Plate Ladybug from Housing A Forest ~ I love this fun twist on the classic paper plate ladybug.  I can’t help but smile when I see the long dangly legs.

8.  Egg Carton Ladybug from Crafts by Amanda ~ Adorable little recycled bugs. I love that they are not all painted in traditional colors!

15 Adorable Ladybug Craft Ideas ~ Spring Crafts for kids

9.  Ladybug Finger Puppet from Lalymom ~ A super easy and totally adorable little bug puppet.  Perfect craft to accompany a sweet little snack!

10.  Ladybug Paper Bag Craft from Kara’s Party Ideas ~ I love this little Ladybug craft station.  Super simple craft for a kids birthday party.

11. Make a Pet Ladybug from Mom it Forward ~ I adore this super low maintenance pet.  I’m a sucker for mason jars, so this little bug house is perfect!

12.  Bottle Top Ladybug Jar from Love and Lollipops ~ Head to your recycle bin and create a super simple set of Ladybugs your kids will have fun playing with.

15 Adorable Ladybug Craft Ideas ~ Spring Crafts for kids

13.  Five Little Ladybugs from I Heart Crafty Things ~ Super simple Ladybug craft that only takes minutes to make.  Love that!

14.  Ladybug Hat Craft from Lets Pour Tea ~ These are the cutest little ladybug hats ever!  Perfect for a little Ladybug pretend play.

15.  Tissue Paper Lady Bug from Craft Ideas ~ I love the puffy texture of this little Ladybug.        Comes with a Free template so you can create your own.

16.  Observing Ladybugs from Housing a Forest ~ This is not a craft, but I couldn’t resist adding it.  We had so much fun observing the ladybug life cycle first hand.

Vinegar Baking Soda ~ Paint Experiment

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Vinegar Baking Soda Preschool Science ~ Fizzing Paint

We had a bunch of left over Easter Egg Dye, and decided to turn put a little twist on classic science experiment! Since the kiddos especially enjoy baking soda fizzy eruptions, we decided to make some exploding paint. Have you seen our Exploding Rocket Art?  It is seriously cool!  This is a milder version, but still lots of fun for preschool kiddos.

Vinegar Baking Soda Preschool Science ~ 3 fun ways to learn and play with Fizzing Paint

Fizzing Paint Recipe:

  • Left over Egg Dye ~ or you could use water and food coloring
  • Baking Soda
  • Vinegar

You will also need:

  • Small containers for the paint ~ I used small mason jars
  • Squeeze bottle
  • Angled Spatula ~ it has no sharp edges and works great for spreading.
  • Spoons
  • Thick cardboard
  • Tray to catch the fizz

Mix baking soda into the egg dye until you form a thick paste.  Pour vinegar into the squeeze bottle.  The paint tends to settle, so you may need to give is a quick stir every now and then.  Now you are all set to try any or all of these 4 simple baking soda and vinegar experiments.

Spreading Fizzing Paint:

For our first experiment the kids used an angled spatula (normally used for icing cakes) to spread the thick paint onto a cardboard.  The kids loved mixing the colors and smearing the paint on the board.

Vinegar Baking Soda Preschool Science ~ 3 fun ways to learn and play with Fizzing Paint

Once they were satisfied with it, they squeezed the vinegar over their master piece.  The kids loved this step.  Anything that fizzes and bubbles is always a hit.  Have you seen our  Volcano Easter Eggs?  The kids think this is the coolest way to dye eggs, and I have to say I totally agree!

Vinegar Baking Soda Preschool Science ~ 3 fun ways to learn and play with Fizzing Paint

Spoonfuls of Fizzing Paint:

For the second experiment, the kids dropped spoonfuls of the baking soda paint onto a thick piece of cardboard.  They then squeezed vinegar on top of the mounds of paint.

Vinegar Baking Soda Preschool Science ~ 3 fun ways to learn and play with Fizzing Paint

Since the colored baking soda was in large lumps, there was more fizzing and bubbling than our first experiment.  They loved watching their paint globs come to life.  The kids thought it was just “like magic”.

Vinegar Baking Soda Preschool Science ~ 3 fun ways to learn and play with Fizzing Paint

Hot Vinegar Experiment:

The third experiment was just as intriguing to me as it was for the kids.  We decided to heat up the vinegar to see what would happen.  I microwaved a bowl of vinegar and encouraged the kids to drop spoonfuls of the fizzy paint into it.

Vinegar Baking Soda Preschool Science ~ 3 fun ways to learn and play with Fizzing Paint

The reaction was basically the same as room temp vinegar, although the reaction was quicker.  Another added bonus to heating vinegar is the steam.  The kids LOVED their steamy fizzy concoction.  We ended up heating lots of vinegar;)

Just be careful that no little fingers touch the hot vinegar.

Vinegar Baking Soda Preschool Science ~ 3 fun ways to learn and play with Fizzing Paint Classic Vinegar and Baking Soda Experiment:

Finally, like the classic science baking soda and vinegar experiment, the kids squeezed vinegar straight into the last of fizzing paint.  They loved watching it fizz, bubble and foam.  Perfect way to play, learn and experiment with leftover Easter Egg Dye!

Vinegar Baking Soda Preschool Science ~ 3 fun ways to learn and play with Fizzing Paint

Make sure to engage the kids with they are playing and experimenting.  Ask questions!  Some of our best conversations happen when we talk with each other about what’s happening.

Want to know more about why baking soda and vinegar react with each other?  Check out this informative post from UCSB Science Line.

For more simple Exploding Science Experiments, check out our:

 Volcano Easter Eggs

Erupting Playdough

Exploding Outdoor Art

Clever Barbie Ideas

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Quick and Simple Barbie Ideas your kids will Love!

There has been a bit of a Barbie explosion at our house.  Are you like me and tripping over Barbie shoes and tired of scattered dolls all over the floor?  Then you are going to love these clever Barbie ideas.

8 Clever Barbie Ideas your kids will love

 Click on the link or image for the full tutorial!

How to Fix Doll Hair ~ Set up a barbie salon. My girls love this simple trick , and it totally works!

How to Fix Barbies Hair from Housing A Forest ~ How to tame Barbie hair with this simple trick.  My girls has a blast with this simple pretend hair salon.

DIY: From Paper Clips to Mini Hangers

 

DIY: From Paper Clips to Mini Hangers from Agus Yornet ~ No need to spend money on little hangers anymore.  Make your own with these simple tips.

DIY Bookcase Dollhouse

Bookcase Dollhouse from Apartment Therapy ~ Make our own adorable Barbie “loft apartments” no altering required!  Best of all, when your child is done playing with the dollhouse, turn it back into a bookshelf ready.  Easy Peasy!

How to make a braclet using Barbie Shoes

How to make a Bracelet using Barbie Shoes from In My Own Style ~ We loose Barbie shoes constantly.  This is the perfect project for all those unmatched shoes, plus they look adorable!

Barbie Shoe Organization

Barbie Shoe Organization from The Organized House Wife ~ Keep track of all those tiny shoes and accessories with with simple tip.  Brilliant.

Modest Barbie swimming suits with nail polish

Cute Modest Barbies from Remodelaholic ~ Tired of naked barbies laying all over your house?  Nothing a little nail polish can’t fix.

how to make a barbie boat

Bottle Boat Barbie from Kids Kubby ~  Make bath time twice as fun with this simple DIY Barbie boat.

Shoe rack turned Barbie storage

Barbie Organization from Buzz Feed ~ Give an over the door shoe rack into the perfect storage solution for your Barbies.  Easy and cheap solution!

For more indoor play inspiration, check out our:

Play Kitchens

Polly Pocket Snow For Play

String Telephone

DIY Paper Climber

Pretend Elevator

Kids Valentine Party

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Valentines Party for kids ~ Lots of Valentine party ideas

A few years ago I hosted a Valentine’s Party for my kids and a few of their friends.  The kids had so much fun, that I just had to share it with you.  If you’re looking for kids’ Valentine party ideas, check out these simple suggestions that work perfectly for celebrations at home and at school. It took was a little preparation, but it was totally worth it.  Check out these simple tips, tricks and suggestions to help your kid’s Valentine’s Day party go off with out a hitch.

Valentines Party for kids ~ Lots of fun ideas!

This post contains affiliate links for your convenience.

This party was too cute for words! I love all of the darling hearts, garlands and the color scheme used throughout!  School isn’t the only place kids can enjoy a Valentine’s Day party.  With these simple ideas, you can host a fun party for your little ones and their friends right at home.

This party is perfect for Valentine’s Day or just to say “I Love You”!

Fun Valentines Party for kids ~ Lots of Valentine party ideas from decorations to activities.DIY Hanging Heart Garland

I’m not going to lie…our heart garland took an extreme amount of cutting to put together.  Did I mention that this garland is double sided?  Good thing the kids are good at cutting out hearts.  Just to prove it, have you seen the heart animals they made.  Adorable!

To make your own, you will need to:

  • We cut out a huge pile of hearts in various sizes
  • Use painters tape to attach red string to the ceiling.  I love that the painters tape is blue, so it worked perfectly with our color scheme.  We cut hearts out of painters tape to add a decorative touch.
  • Tape/glue the hearts to the string.  We glued a small heart inside each larger one.
  • Sit back and admire your work, you know everyone at the party will be!

Fun Valentines Party for kids ~ Lots of Valentine party ideas from decorations to activities.

Cardboard Heart Decorations

We created a number of cardboard hearts in 2 sizes (one large, one small).  The kids then used the same process as they used on our cardboard apple trees and our spring ladybugs.  They peeled, painted and glued the hearts together.  A simple string loop was hot glued to the back of each heart so that we could hang them.

Fun Valentines Party for kids ~ Lots of Valentine party ideas from decorations to activities.

We used 2 old french doors (minus the glass) to hang our cardboard hearts on.  We flanked the buffet with the doors, and it looked stunning.  Plus it was basically free, love that!

Fun Valentines Party for kids ~ Lots of Valentine party ideas from decorations to activities.

DIY Paper Heart Chandelier

The kids were able to create this beautiful chandelier in just a few moments.  Check out this simple heart garland tutorial!  Seriously, it is so quick and easy to make.

Fun Valentines Party for kids ~ Lots of Valentine party ideas from decorations to activities.

We hung more paper heart garlands through the house.  Between the archways, over the mirror and accenting the buffet table.

Since this was a Valentine’s Crafting Party, we needed a way to organized our craft supplies.  I love our simple/cheap solution…upcycling simple tin cans covered in paper.  Yep straight from our recycle bin.  Love that!

Fun Valentines Party for kids ~ Lots of Valentine party ideas from decorations to activities.

Tissue Paper Vase

The kids had a blast making these simple Valentine’s Tissue Paper Vases.  The kids covered Starbucks Coffee Bottles with modge podge, tissue paper and glitter.  I think the glitter station was their favorite part.

We used lids from peanut butter jars to contain the mode lodge.  It worked great since they were blue and red, but also the perfect size for sharing with a friend.

Fun Valentines Party for kids ~ Lots of Valentine party ideas from decorations to activities.

Potato Stamped Paper Heart Flowers

Did you know you could make beautiful flowers with a simple potato stamp?  These little flowers are so easy to make, and looked amazing!  Ready to make some heart flowers with your kids? Just click the link for the full tutorial.  My kids had a blast making them, and they are so easy to make with a group.  Love that!

Fun Valentines Party for kids ~ Lots of Valentine party ideas from decorations to activities.

For more Valentines Day Activities, check out our:

Paper Strip Valentines

7 simple Heart Animals

15 Origami Hearts

Glitter Tissue Paper Hearts

10 Heart Stamp Activities