Boredom Busters for Kids and Adults

Here in NE Kansas schools, the local Colleges and Universities canceled classes again for the third day in less than a week.  Unheard of.  We are covered in a beautiful thick blanket of heavy, heavy snow - perfect for making snowmen.  In fact, the children are just now putting the finishing touches on a snow family to stand watch out front.   

If you have some crafty little souls in your house who are complaining of being BORED - heaven forbid - let us suggest these patterns and printable PDFs that will allow you to quickly get them engaged in a productive project that won't end in 30 seconds.  If these don't match your children's skill or interest level, don't fear, we have an amazing archive of projects, tutorials, and activities - check out all the categories you can search in our sidebar, bottom right!    

Barn Farmhouse Skin PDF, Instant download from DollsAndDaydreams

Funky Fleece Hat PDF Pattern from monkeysbug

Peasant Swing Top and Dress, PDF sewing pattern from AveryLane

Paper Doll PDF Printout, instant download from DollsAndDaydreams

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Though the Weather Outside is Frightful

This was what my road looked like last week after 3 feet of snow fell in Connecticut.  I love the way the trees look in their winter white, but it's getting a little old. The snow, that is.  It's pretty at first, but now a week later, melting and refreezing, dirt thrown from the snowblower, the picture postcard charm is gone.

If I can't look outside for signs of spring, I'll try inside instead.  In my studio, I pulled out 50 yards of pastel and floral prints that I bought in the Garment District in New York, last year.  Why I haven't done anything with them yet, I can't imagine.  But I was very glad to have their cheery prints flung over my table. I am going to sew up a spring.

 If you can't wait for April showers or May flowers either right, now is a great time to check out these Etsykids Shops on Etsy.  Here are a few signs of early spring, delivered right to your door.

Leilas Flower Garden has everything you need to grow a garden on a bedroom wall.  You don't even need dirt or a shovel.  Never mind my daughter's room, I want these for my studio right now.

Crochet Village sells every pattern you could need to whip up your own bit of warm whimsy. The flamingos make me want to book my Florida plane tickets, right now!

A trip to  Masterpiece of Fun Art shows pages of little critters, cupcakes and cuties that will delight anyone with the winter blues.  The google eyes on these suns, made my day extra sunny.

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Chevron Chic

Chevron Minky Baby Blanket from BabyBeanzy

Waterproof Wipeable Bib from BurpieBundles

Teal & Black Chevron Dress from WearYouGo

Book Sling, 47" long from BoogieSmallsBoutique

Short Sleeve Boys Navy Tee w/ Chevron Tie from brownowldesign 

Red and Pink Chevron Headband from LeahsLittleBowtique

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Bring the Outdoors in: Snow

By Christine of Belly Bear Baby Gear

 

Sometimes you can't go and enjoy the great outdoors.  That doesn't mean you can't bring the outdoors inside.  For this experience we brought some fluffy wintery white into our living room.

Sean and Isabel love the snow, but as they are still young, they don't tolerate being out in the cold for very long.  Bringing a tub of snow into the house gave them the opportunity to explore the snow at their leisure.

Not many supplies are needed for this activity: a large sheet or table cloth to cover the floor, a dish pan, and a few kitchen utensils.  I provided them with spoons, forks and plastic cups for this occasion.  And of course a good dose of snow!

Isabel and Sean made quick work of this snow.  Of course their favorite thing was eating it!  Next time it's just too cold to go out and enjoy the snow, go ahead and bring some in.  Sit back and enjoy the show.  Our house was filled with squeals of delight as Sean and Isabel marveled at the feel of the cold snow on their hands.

Christine can be found online in the following locations:

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Etsy:

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The Stockings Were Hung

Top Row: 

Happy Land Floral Fabric Christmas Stocking from thomaspark

Knitted Christmas Stocking Personalized from knitsbygramma

Hula and Burlap HO Ho Ho Hawaiian Christmas Stocking from tikitales

Bottom Row:

Newborn Christmas Stocking Photography Prop from PerkyBeanies

XL Handmade Wool Christmas Stocking from reetmomma

Embroidered Christmas Stocking, choose design from MorningTempest

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Sensory Activity:: Candy Corn Sensory Seek

Who doesn't love a good game of hide and seek? Halloween and Thanksgiving are over and I'm sure y'all have some extra candy corn, Indian corn or candy pumpkins left, no? I know I do! Here's a fun way to use it up without eating all that sugar!


Materials::

• Box/Bag of White Rice (I used just about 2 boxes) 
• Rubbing Alcohol 
• Food Coloring (red & yellow) 
• Large Zip Bag 
• Sensory Table/Water Table/Bucket/Storage Bin...anything really! 
• Candy Corn (the yellow, orange & white kind) 
• Cookie Sheet 

Process::
You will be separating your rice so you can make 2 colors (since the rice is already white, you won't need to do anything to it for the white color...obviously). I'd say I used about 3-4 cups of rice for each color.

To dye the rice, just pour your rice into a zip bag, add a splash of rubbing alcohol and a few drops (I think I used about 8 drops of each color) of food coloring. Close the bag and have either your child or yourself shake it up! I found that to make the orange color it was best to pour the alcohol in a bowl and add the red and yellow first before pouring it into the bag. This gave it an even orange color.

Once you are done coating your rice with the color, spread it out onto a cookie sheet to dry overnight.

Now you can play! Mix the yellow, orange and white rice together in your sensory tub and add the candy corn. Bury the candy corn so it's not visible. You can leave some peaking out for starters.

We used an egg carton to collect all the candy corn Bug found.

She doesn't look too thrilled here, but I promise she was!

Isn't that fun?! Bug certainly thought so!

Like what you see? Come visit my blog Tutus & Tea Parties for more fun with the kiddos and; even some DIYs for you!

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An Elephant's Faithful, 100 Percent!

Elephant Trunks Onesie, by LeighandMichael

Elephant Children's Decor Wall Plaque, by WalterSilva

Birthday Circus: Cake Toppers, personalized, by sugarandsparkparties

Powder blue & Chocolate Minky Dot Elephant, by lindakraftykreation

Minky Baby Boy Blanket - Urban Circus, by DancingKat

Elephant Wooden Toy, by ArmadilloDreams

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Art Project:: Bubble Wrap Fall Tree

Article submitted by RaisingGreenKids, blog - RaisingGreenRichmondKids

Have your little ones create Fall trees using leftover bubble wrap. This is a fun and super easy eco-friendly craft for little ones of all ages.

What you'll need:
paper - heavier stock paper works best
cut squares of bubble wrap. mine were about 4x4
paints-yellow,red,orange,brown
brown markers or crayons

Directions:

If you child is older they can draw their own tree trunk, if they are younger draw it for them.
Put a thin layer of each color of paint on a left over lid or reusable bowl or plate.
Show your child how to take the square of bubble wrap into their hand and dip it into the paint, then dab up and down on the paper in different spots above the tree trunk.
Use different colors to create a fun Fall picture. Enjoy!

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25 Things For Kids To Do When Stuck Indoors

EtsyKids team member and mother of two, Katie of childhoodstore, who is also patiently preparing to wait out Hurricane Sandy, shares some really fun indoor activities to do with kids using stuff you already have at home (love that!).  Not in the path of Hurricane Sandy?  Count yourself lucky and bookmark this for later ... think endless freezing cold days of winter, indoor recess at the grade school, games and activities for classroom parties.

Like most everybody on the east coast we are preparing for hurricane Sandy, which means we are stocking up on batteries, waters and snacks. It also means I am preparing for the potential of a week home with both girls and no electricity. So here is a list of some activities we have done before that I am thinking we might revisit this week. Do you have any fun indoor activities for kids?

Shoe Matching Game
Play With a Box
Play With Waterbeads
Painters Tape Hopscotch
Bean Bag Games
Make a Cardboard Computer
Cave Drawing
Pipe Cleaner and Colander Sculptures
Walk the Line
Floor Puzzles
Play People Riddles
Shaving Cream Car Wash
Paint with Water
Post-it Note Art Gallery
Color Relay
Clean Penny Experiment
Form a Square Game
Play Dress-Up
Dance
Glue Painting
Make Plastic Straw Necklaces
Cloud Dough
Plastic Cup Printing
Apple Printing
Plastic Baggie Art

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Little Pumpkin Head

Pumpkin Hat, Orange Knit with Rolled Brim and Brown Stem from ThatsTheCutestThing

Pumpkin Beanie from LittleSnuggliesbyVal

Pumpkin Hat Knitted for Baby or Child from knitsbygramma

Crochet Pumpkin Hat with Flower from principessasweetpea

Baby Pumpkin Beanie from littlenogginknits

Super bulky Pumpkin Hat from IrishHooksAndYarn

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Sensory Activity:: Baby Lotion Body Paint

One rainy day my sister came for a visit and while looking for something to do, we came across this recipe for baby lotion body paint! Since I still have 4 bottles of baby lotion from my baby shower (3 years ago) I though it was the perfect paint to make!

Good times!

Like what you see? Come visit my blog Tutus & Tea Parties for more fun with the kiddos and; even some DIYs for you!

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Aarghhhh, Me Mateys!!

Pirates vs Ninjas Wooden Peg Dolls from BrightLifeToys

Pirate Boy Costume from RaeGun

Pirate's Bounty Personalized Print for Boys from Chichiboulie

Pirate Bunting from WeThreeBees

Initial Pirate Shirt from cortsthings

Wool Skull and Crossbone Jolly Roger Shorties from JillyBeanJar

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Chic Style:: Dresses for Little Girls

National Sewing month continues, are you following along over at The Sewing Loft?  Have the favorite tools and creative projects inspired you to put needle and thread to fabric or use your seam ripper or bias tape maker to whip up something new and fantastic?  

In honor of National Sewing month, I've done a little sewing for two of my kids.  A fun navy blue and white striped pair of Pajama bottoms for my 9 year old, and I finally used a beautiful piece of brown corduroy with hot pink polka-dots I've had for a while now to make a dress for my daughter to wear on her first day of preschool.  I love the freedom being able to sew has given me to make things for my kids.  

Nothing quite stands-up to the quality and uber chic style of well made custom handmade clothing,   and we have amazing designers and tailors to share with you today.  A little something for everyone's taste, size and budget. 

Above left:: Trendy Peasant Dress with Ruffled Trim Size 2T from cutieflair

Above right:: Ruffle Neck Peasant Dress with Double Ruffles from BoutiqueElliEtte

Above left:: Paisley Bloom Girls Dress, sizes 6mo-8yrs from brownowldesigns

Above middle:: Heirloom Dress for Little Girls from pinkmouse

Above right:: Paprika and Teal Peasant Dress from EmmaNicoleDesigns1

Above left:: Handmade Elephant Print Dress, size 2-8 from PlayPrettyWears

Above right:: Chevron Peasant Dress with Red Poppy Applique from CorinneCitrolo

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After School Snack:: Chocolate Chip Muffins

I've had some super hungry kids coming home from school this week.  Super hungry.  It surprises them and me how much they grow over the summer.  What they took in K/3rd/5th/6th grade isn't always enough to carry them through 1st/4th/6th/7th grade.  So we've been adjusting the menu options, boosting the nutritional value of what they take and making sure they are packing enough to sustain them.  But my brood still needs a little something when they come home from school to tide them over through homework and me making dinner.  

This muffin recipe is one I haven't used in years, and my kids are so glad I pulled it out this week and made it.  In the time it took everyone to unload backpacks, lunch boxes and put everything away, I had these mixed up and in the oven.  They are quick, simple and make a small enough batch that you're in and out in 30 minutes.  Perfect for an occasional after school snack.  

Chocolate Chip Muffins
2 cups all purpose flour
1/3 cup light brown sugar
1/3 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup whole milk (skim -2% also works)
6 tablespoons butter – melted and cooled (I needed to substitute oil here & it worked!)
2 eggs – beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla
3/4 cup mini chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line muffin pan with papers

Sift flour, sugars, baking powder and salt. In another bowl, stir together milk, eggs, butter and vanilla until blended. Make a well in center of dry ingredients: add milk, mixture and stir just to combined. Stir in chocolate chips.

Spoon batter into muffin cups; bake 15-17 minutes, or until knife inserted in center of one muffin comes out clean. Remove muffin tin to wire rack: cool 5 minutes and remove from tins to finish cooling.

Makes a dozen beautifully full muffins.

If a dozen muffins is more than your family needs as an after school snack, consider making half the batch into mini muffins to include in lunches.  Or bag up the left overs to use for breakfast.  They also freeze well so you can freeze extras to use later in the month.   

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National Sewing Month:: Handmade Quilts

September is National Sewing Month, and with sewing being a favorite medium of EtsyKids Team Members, we want to share a special month long series sponsored by EtsyKids Team Member, Heather of theSewingLoft.  Throughout the month, talented sewers -  quilters, garment makers, fiber artists and crafter's will be stopping by theSewingLoft blog and sharing their favorite sewing tool.  So far,  Amy of The Quilt Alliance, Becky of PatchworkPosses and Janelle of TrashN2Tees have shared their favorite tools along with amazing projects to help us practice using their favorite tool and get a good feel for why they use it all the time.

The EtsyKids Team is filled with hundreds of talented artists and crafters, many of whom are sewers.  We hope to inspire you with their creative talent this month as we periodically showcase the beauty, versatility and quality of the sewn products our members have to offer.  We also hope Heather's special series for National Sewing Month, will inspire you to sew ... for the first time, on a new or forgotten project, or branch out and try something completely new in the world of sewing.

Modern Quilt in Gray and White Flying Geese Pattern by theEarlyGirl

Chocolate, Blue, Beige Log Cabin Quilt, Full Size, Machine Quilted by Ahmelie

Doll Patchwork Quilt and Pillow by snowflakeboutique

Bunting Quilt by Sweetiebugs

Super Size Modern Baby Playmat by PeppermintPinwheels

Modern Baby Quilt by AudraRoseDesigns

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Back to School:: Crayons

It isn't the start of a new school year without a fresh box of crayons.

Preschool-sized backpack with adjustable straps from ChildishThoughts

Crayon Box Applique Shirt w/ Matching Hairbow from jbowsboutique

Crayon Wallet from OddEDesign

Back to School Korker Bow from SweetPriBow

Small Back to School Bows from NeverlandNook

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Sensory Activity:: Puffy Paint ABC Cards

Bug is starting to learn her letters. She knows a good amount already and she can write an H {the first letter of her name}. I love having some hands on ways to learn so I came up with this for letter learning. Bug seems to like them and we have been working on one letter at a time each week. I have all the letters she knows in one pile and the ones to learn in another so she can play games with the letters she learned. I am thinking about gluing a photo of the letter sign on the back to help her with signing her letters when I'm not there to show her the sign.


What you will need:
-microwave puffy paint recipe {found here}
-microwave
-writing utensil {I used a Sharpie}
-cardboard {we used an old box}
-food coloring
-scissors/razor blade
-a squeeze bottle or a spoon
-patience


What to do:
-cut 26 small-ish squares out of your cardboard {big enough to write a letter on}
-draw in marker a letter on each square
-make the microwave puffy paint {I doubled the recipe and had a little more than enough}
-using your squeeze bottle {I used a spoon} trace the letter with your puffy paint
-microwave according to instructions below the recipe {I think we did it for about 25 seconds}

Here are some things you can use these for:

Have your children trace along the letters with their fingers.

Do crayon rubbings with the letters. {not sure how well these would work...but it would be worth a shot}

Make words with the letter squares.

Spread them all out, mix 'em up and have a letter search.

Glue a photo of something that begins with that letter or a photo of the ASL sign for that letter.

If you like this post and want to see more toddler activities please visit my blog, Tutus and Tea Parties. You can also follow me on: Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Pinterest.

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