Materials

• 2 large felt pieces of felt
• Various colours of felt
• Ribbon
• Fabric glue or sewing machine/thread
• Fabric scissors
• White paper, pencil & eraser
• Plastic figurines (people, cars, animals etc.)
• Ribbon
• Smock

Make a paper version

• Bristol (Poster Board)
• Construction paper
• Scissors
• Glue
• Pencil/ Eraser
• Felt markers, pencil crayons, crayons etc.
• Ribbon, yarn or twine

Directions

• Have your child draw out the plan for their play mat.  You might want to brainstorm a theme beforehand (city, under the sea, a farm etc.).

• Based on your plan, cut out your pieces of fabric using your fabric scissors.  If your child isn’t ready to use fabric scissors (as they can be quite sharp), have them draw the pieces out on paper, cut them out and pin them onto the felt for you to cut out.  It is a good idea to cut out all the pieces and arrange them on the felt before you glue them down to make sure everything fits.

• Glue the pieces to the large felt piece or sew them on should you like. (As you can see, this is a fun project for beginner sewers- glue it to hold it in place for later sewing!)  Allow to dry overnight.

• If you went with the sewing option and you want to cover up the back, glue or sew an additional layer of felt to the back of the mat. Before you go all the way around, sew (or glue) ribbon in between (as shown) on one side to form a tie when the mat is rolled up.

* You can do the same thing using paper!

Purpose

• Making a plan and creating something based on that design.

Safety Notes

• Use scissors with direct supervision.
• When using fabric glue, be sure to don a smock so as not to affect your clothes.
• Based on your child’s age and ability, have an adult sew the project or do so with direct supervision/guidance.

Materials

• Small twigs
• Craft wire
• Wire cutters
• Beads (we painted wooden ones and used a variety of others)
• Letter beads (you can purchase various sizes and styles of these dollar and craft stores.)
• Optional: Modge Podge/Paint Brush/ Craft Tray/ Plastic Container for product

Directions

• Go out on a nature walk together.  Gather twigs (you will need 3-4 per ring and it always good to have a few extras).

• After an adult has broken the twigs to be about the same size (big enough to put a napkin through when they are looped together), lay 2 of the twigs parallel to each other.  On top lie two of the other twigs, forming a square.  We decided to make triangle shapes, so we used 3.

• Wrap pieces of wire (you will need four longer pieces) around the corners of the squares (as seen on the photograph), going several different ways.  We found it helpful to make an “x” so it was secure.

• We decided to cover our sticks with Modge Podge to add a bit of gloss and for longevity.  Paint your triangles and allow them to dry overnight.  Be sure to wash your brush following and discard your container.

• Now for the decorative part.  Lace beads through another piece of wire to wrap around your napkin ring.  We used alphabet beads to spell out the names of our family and/or friends.  (You could also do initials or a nick name as we did).  Wrap it around the napkin ring (well to be more accurate- triangle!) and secure the ends, having an adult cut off any excess wire.

• Gently slide  a napkin into the centre.

• Following the meal, put them in a safe spot to re-use for another gathering or use them to make a mobile or garland to remember a special get together (birthday, holiday celebration etc.)

Purpose

• Getting out into nature, re-imagining a familiar item (twigs)
• Developing hand/eye coordination & fine motor skills (bending wire, lacing beads etc.)
• Making family rituals special.

Safety Notes

• Have an adult cut the wire into manageable pieces for you and be cautious of the ends as they may be sharp.
• Beads can be a choking hazard and are not recommended for children 0-3 or those that tend to put them in their mouth.  Be sure to store them in safe spot when done.
• Follow the directions on products.

Materials

• Cardstock
• Printer
• Candy or dried fruit
• Popcorn
• Paper bag or plastic loot sized bag (you can find these in dollar and party stores)
• Printout of the Movie Night Treat Topper movie_night_treats_topper_template
• Pencil, eraser, pencil crayons, markers etc.
• Stapler
• Scissors
• Ribbon (optional to close bags)
• Twist Ties (to close bags under the ribbon)

Directions

• Print out the Movie Night Treat Topper.  (We used cardstock)

• Personalize it with a message, drawing or the name of the title you want to watch together.  We included two in case you would like to make more than one.

• Cut the topper out and fold along the middle, dotted line.

• Fill your bag with a container/bag of popcorn and your children’s favourite treats (candy, dried fruits etc.).

• Fold over the top of your bag and staple it shut with the topper on as shown.

• Surprise your children with bag and let them “cash it in” on a rainy day for some family fun.  OR surprise your spouse/partner with the package when your children have gone to bed! (That is why we included two!)  You could even add a follow-up thing to do based on the movie (such as LEGO for The LEGO Movie).

Purpose

• Spending time together.

Safety Notes

• Many organizations recommend that children under the age of five do not eat popcorn or hard candy as they are choking hazards.
• Be sure to directly supervise children directly while eating these types of snacks.
• Exercise caution when using a stapler, scissors.

Materials

• Wax paper
• Tape
• Plastic eye droppers (these can be purchased inexpensively at a drugstore) or pipettes (you can buy these online or at educational and/or science stores)
• Straws, condiment containers
• Food colouring (red, yellow & blue)
• 3 small containers or more if you are working with a large table and/or many children
• Water
• Smocks
• Cloths to clean up any spills

Directions

• Prior to staring we read these books:  The Great Blueness and Other Predicaments (Arnold Lobel) & The Color of Things (Vivienne Shalom) to get us thinking about colour.

• Tape down (overlapping them) strips of wax paper to cover your table.

• Don your smocks.

• Add food colouring to water, making three small containers of red, yellow and blue.  (With young children I wouldn’t fill them too full.)

• Put droplets of the coloured water onto the wax paper and have fun mixing the colours.  (e.g., blow the drops towards each other with the straws, create images with the water drops, race each other blowing droplets across the table, see if you can move them with your condiment squirter).

• When you are finished, wipe your water droplets up, allow your wax paper to dry and re-use it for another project such as: http://make-it-your-own.com/sun-catcher-peacock/

Purpose

• Developing a beginning understanding of colour theory .

Safety Notes

• Some tape may leave a residue when removed so you might want to use a picnic table or craft table.
• Food colouring may leave a stain, so keep this in mind in regards to the surface you work on, cloths you use for clean-up etc. and be sure to wear a smock.

Materials

• Cardstock
• Tea bag (black tea or something similar works best)
• Felt or construction paper
• Permanent marker
• Water
• Small plastic container
• Smock
• Stick(s)
• Glue
• Scissors
• Ribbon (optional)
• Craft tray
• Any other embellishments you might like to add (we used craft gems)

Directions

• First we are going to make your map paper look aged.  Rip the edges of your cardstock slightly.  Fill your plastic container with approximately 5 tablespoons of warm water. Allow your tea bag to steep in the water for about 5 minutes.  Then using the tea bag, gently wipe it over your paper (after you have placed it in your craft tray as tea can stain light surfaces!).  Discard the bag and the water.   Allow your paper to dry overnight.

• Cut out land forms and water out of felt/construction paper or structures, road ways if you are making a city map.

• Create a dotted line for the pathway to find the treasure, adding an “x” to mark the spot where the treasure is buried.

• When your map is complete, glue a stick to the back on the edge of the paper and wrap the map around (creating a scroll of sorts).  Tie it closed with a ribbon.  Or add two if you want to hang it for display instead.

• If you made a map that is “real”, then create a series of written clues and hide a real treasure!

Extensions:

• Draw a compass on your map and write up a set of clues based on directions (e.g, Go north until you reach the bubbly creek and then go west until you are at the foot of Munson Mountain…)

• OR with a ruler, make your map into a grid using letters and numbers and set up an activity where another person (such as a classmate) needs to find items at certain locations (“What is at C3?  Or describe the location of an item: “What are the coodinates of the palm tree?”)

Purpose

• Understanding that maps correspond to locations.
• Making props for pretend play.
• Learning directionality and spatial awareness.

Safety Notes

• Be aware of others when using/playing with a stick.
• Put a craft tray under your paper when applying the tea so as to not stain a surface.
• Use warm water, rather than boiling to prevent potentials injuries.

This post was featured on The Crafty Crow!  Check it out for developmentally appropriate, engaging and creative ideas!

http://www.thecraftycrow.net/2014/09/spin-art-butterflies.html

It also appeared on Red Ted Art for their springtime collection of butterfly crafts, where you will find loads of thematic ideas!

http://www.redtedart.com/2015/04/04/35-butterfly-crafts/

Materials

• Construction paper or cardstock
• Re-use an old salad spinner (after the use with crafts it is not recommended that you use it with food products.  You can often find them at garage sales or re-use centres for quite inexpensive!)
• Paint (we used metallic and neon craft grade acrylics)
• Sticks
• Glue (glue gun or white glue)
• Old butter knife
• Artificial flower stamen (you can find these at craft stores, cooking stores- in the bakery section or online)
• Craft trays
• Smock
• Scissors

Option 1:

• Magnet buttons or tape
• Strong hold glue

Option 2:

• Larger stick
• Transparent fishing line or beading cord

Option 3:

• Ribbon

Directions

• Go out on a nature walk and get a pile of small sticks.

• Take the basket out of your salad spinner and trace around the bottom on pieces of paper, creating large circles.

• Place your salad spinner onto a craft tray (especially if yours is like ours and is meant for use in the sink and drains out the bottom!)

• Place the paper into your basket and put it into your spinner.

• Add blobs, dribbles etc. of paint of various colours.

• Secure the lid of your salad spinner and give it several spins.

• Open the lid and be amazed!

• Using a butter knife, slide it under the edge of your work to lift it carefully from the basket.

• Put it on a craft tray and allow it to dry overnight.

• Flip your work over (to the side without the paint) and draw your butterfly wings.  Cut out your butterfly shape.

• Glue a stick in the middle for the body of the butterfly.

• Create antennae using artificial floral stamen folded in half (gluing them onto one end of the body.)

• Allow to dry overnight.

Option 1

• With strong hold glue, attach magnets on the back of your butterflies to dress up a fridge, whiteboard, filing cabinet, metal door etc.

Option 2

• Hang your butterflies, using transparent fishing line or beading cord to a larger stick to create a mobile or wall hanging.

Option 3

• Secure your butterfly with ribbon to the top of a present for a personal touch.

Purpose

• Exploring different tools to use for painting.
• Getting out into nature.

Safety Notes

• As mentioned above, once you use your salad spinner with paints, it is recommended that you do not use it for food products.  You may want to label it, “For craft use only” following.
• Be sure to follow the directions on all products.
• Use non-toxic paint/glue.
• Use scissors with adult supervision.
• Magnets are a choking hazard and should not be accessible to children 0-3 or those that tend to put things into their mouths.  Seek medical attention immediately if they are accidentally consumed.

This project was featured on The Crafty Crow– an amazing website for both parents and educators!  Be sure to check it out!

http://www.thecraftycrow.net/2014/08/childrens-art-mobile-craft.html

This activity was also featured on Fun Crafts Kids.  And indeed it is fun!  Take a peek!

http://funcraftskids.com/kids-art-mobiles/

Materials

• Sticks
• Craft wire
• Wire cutter

Materials for your  hanging elements

• Scissors
• Glue
• Cardstock for the base of your creations
• Your child’s art work
• Laminating supplies or clear contact paper (optional for longevity)
• Pin (we used a tack)
• Beads, sequins
• Transparent beading cord (you could use twine, lace etc.)

Directions

• Go out for a nature walk with an adult and collect 4 sticks that are approximately the same length.  You could also do 3.   We wanted a challenge so we looked for sticks with a fork in them and then one more to add to make a 3-sided mobile base.

• If you go with the option of 4 sticks, place 2 of the sticks down in a parallel fashion.  Place the other 2 on top on the opposite side.  Wrap the corners with craft wire and secure them with a few knots.  We found that to make it sturdy you want to wrap the wire in several different ways around the sticks (forming an “x” of sorts).

• Wrap your sticks with wire and beads, should you like.

• Cut out and glue your child’s artwork to a more sturdy piece of paper such as cardstock.  As it may be twirling around, you may want to consider putting a piece on each side.  It doesn’t need to be artwork that is something specific, you could also make punches out of more abstract pieces too. (See example below.)

• Cut out two pieces of contact paper a bit bigger than your child’s artwork piece.  Peel off the backing and lay the first piece sticky side up.  Place the artwork piece in the centre.  Peel off the backing of the second piece and lay it over the artwork with the sticky side facing down.  (So the two sticky sides face each other, creating a sandwich and covering the work to preserve it.)   Depending on the age of your child, they may need adult assistance with this step, as it is difficult to reposition once the pieces are stuck together.  Smooth out any bubbles (pushing them to the edges) that might occur.  Cut around the edges of the finished artwork covered in contact paper, leaving a border of approximately 1/2- 1 centimetre or 1/8- 1/4 of an inch.  You could laminate the work instead if you prefer that finish.

• OR if you don’t want your cord to show in the final product cut a long piece and insert it in between the artwork and the cardstock before gluing, including it in the process of covering the piece with contact paper.  However, you would not want to put the cord through the laminator (if you are using this option) as it will likely melt and/or cause a jam, damaging your machine.

• Using a pin, poke two small holes in your child’s artwork near the top and the bottom.  For large pieces you may need to do a few more.  If you are using a thicker material such as twine for your mobile, you may want to use a small single hole punch and make two holes.

• Once you have your beads laced onto your cord (for under the piece, knotting one at the bottom for an anchor), put it through the front of you artwork at the bottom where you punched the first tiny hole and then lace it up the top hole. Add some more beads should you like for above the piece.

• Create other cords of beads and/or beads and artwork.

• Secure your cords to the branches with several knots and cut off the excess cord at the top and bottoms.

• Take additional cord (we used 3 pieces as we made 3 sided mobiles) and tie one end of each piece onto the middle of each of the sticks.  Bring all the pieces together at the top so that they are equal and tie them together to form a hanging knot.

• Have an adult hang your mobile on the ceiling for you.

Purpose

• Hand/eye coordination (beading, wrapping wire), exploring the outdoors, re-purposing, displaying artwork

Safety Notes

• Beads are a choking hazards and are not meant for children 0-3 or those that tend to put things in their mouths.
• Exercise caution for sharp ends when using wire.  Have an adult cut it for you.
• Cord, lace, twine etc. can pose a strangulation hazard- exercise proper use of these materials.
• Laminators are meant for adult use.
• Be careful when using a pin not to poke yourself or damage the surface underneath.
• When working with sticks, be cautious as not to scratch yourself or others.

Materials

• Glue
• Tape
• Drawing Materials
• Various types of paper
• Scissors
• Markers

Put out whatever you like, have, even if it is odds and ends of things that you might have left over (some cities have re-use stores or fairs).  Below are a few favourites.

• Crepe Paper
• Tissue Paper
• Paper towel rolls
• Pom poms
• Popsicle sticks
• Milk jug caps
• Feathers
• Yarn
• Beads
• Shape stickers
• Ribbon/twine
• Craft gems, sequins

Directions

• Create a space and arrange the items in an appealing/ inviting manner.

• Put out a few different items and then rotate them the next day.  Your child(ren) may have their own requests- go with their energy.

• See what they come up with!

Purpose

• Hand/eye coordination, developing one’s own ideas, growing creativity

Safety Notes

• Use scissors with supervision.
• Use non-toxic products.
• Be aware of choking hazards.