Bakersfield Mom

Here’s a fun project that could be done each year, to see how their dreams change. 

From Parents.com:

Ask your child to draw you a picture of an imaginary dream house — a fantastical place that she could inhabit in her dreams What color would it be?  Would there be ladders and rainbows?  Grassy fields and forests?  Would it be on an island surrounded by dolphins?

Here’s a great idea from All For The Boys on decorating your son’s room with something they can still play with!

LEGO MiniFig Display

From Melissa at www.number-2-pencil.com:

I have a fun and easy craft to share with you today. This DIY glitter ring is so pretty, and looks so professional. I used one of my favorite products, Mod Podge Dimensional Magic, which really gives it a finished, polished look.

Outside of drying time, this ring only takes minutes to make, and gives a fresh pop of color to your wardrobe.

DIY Glitter Ring with Mod Podge Dimensional Magic

Cute idea for a personalized gift for Valentine’s Day!

How to make it: Fold an 8 ½- by 11-inch sheet of paper in half lengthwise, trace the template (see below for template) shape onto it, and cut it out. Unfold the paper, then accordion-fold it lengthwise, with each fold about 1/2- to 3/4-inch wide. Staple through the center of the folded paper. Glue a craft stick to either side of the staple on the longer side of the folded fan.

When the glue is dry, open the fan by bringing the sticks together. Glue together the two flaps at the top of the heart. Write a message on a slip of paper, then glue it to the handle of the fan. Keep the fan closed with a tiny rubber band.

Download: FanTemplate

Let’s face it, there is enough sugar floating around this time of year. So why not have your kids give out something different? And honestly, kids just LOVE these bouncy balls! 

How to do it: Cut a large heart out of colored card stock. Use a craft knife (adults only) to cut a circle that’s slightly smaller than the ball. (Tip: Make holes in scrap paper until you get the right size for your ball, then use that hole as a template.) Insert the ball; it should fit tightly and stay in place.

An “out of this world” Valentine!

Here’s a cute idea for any holiday or occasion. Handmade gifts are always the best!

DIY Sharpie ceramic mugs

A fun idea for your kids to decorate for Valentine’s Day!

Googly Eyes Valentine’s Day Garland, from Number-2-pencil.com

This is a FABULOUS idea for kids to make as Christmas gifts!

DIY Safety Pin bracelet from RedflyCreations.com

Over the years, we’ve made a few dozen of these. It’s always fun for my son to pull them out and see how much better hid got over the years. Use a paint marker to add the date to each one, and even the name of each family member. Your tree will look so wonderful decorated with these unique ornaments! 

What you need:

• Glass ball ornaments
• Acrylic craft paint in holiday colors
• Empty egg carton
• Ribbon for hangers (or standard ornament hangers)
• Water
• Paintbrush
• Clear glaze spray suitable for glass ***Optional, see note below.

How to make it:

1. Remove the hanger top from each ornament and set aside.
2. Place egg carton upside down and place ball ornaments in the middle of four egg cups to act as your holder.
3. Place some paint in a palette and water the paint down until it begins to drip off the paintbrush.
4. Keep the paint palette close to your egg carton holder. Dip paintbrush into the watered down paint, picking up a generous amount. Move the paintbrush to the top of the ornament immediately. Place a dollop of paint onto the ornament. If it doesn’t begin to drip down, add some more paint until it does. Continue this technique around the ornament, alternating colors as well. When finished, allow the ornaments to dry completely.
5. Once the ornaments are dry, replace the hanger tops and tie ribbon in place.
6. Hang ornaments on a dowel or strong twig, and then in a well-ventilated area, spray with clear glaze spray. Let dry completely. ***NOTE: This is optional. Sometimes I haven’t sprayed them and as long and you pack them carefully, the paint seems to hold up well.

Tips:

• Using the egg carton as a holder will cause the paint to stop where the paint drips down and meets the egg carton. You can avoid this by hanging the ornaments on something sturdy while you paint, just be sure that you have newspaper below to catch the drips.
• The thicker the paint, the darker your drips will be. If you would like lighter drips,  thin out the paint more.