Crafty Bubbles

Teddy Bear Picnic

noreply@blogger.com (Crafty Bubbles) — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 17:27:00 +0000

If you go out in the woods today
You're sure of a big surprise.
If you go out in the woods today
You'd better go in disguise.
For every bear that ever there was
Will gather there for certain, because
Today's the day the teddy bears have their picnic.

Let's gather up the stuffed animals and gather under a shady tree for a teddy bear picnic.

We'll need tiny sandwiches and drinks. Easy sandwiches kids love are of course peanut butter and jelly, sliced strawberries and cream cheese, nutella, banana and nutella. Make as desired. Quarter the sandwiches or use mini cookie cutters for fun design sandwiches. Bag up some baby carrots or celery. It's a teddy bear picnic so no need to make fancy drinks. Just whip up some kool-aid or lemonade to refresh outside. A cute tiny and easy to make dessert is Teddy Graham sandwiches. Take Teddy Grahams spread nutella, peanut butter, jelly or icing on one and top with a second graham.

If it's getting a little too hot then head in and let the kids have fun making this paddington bear craft. I found it on http://www.dltk-teach.com/alphabuddies/mpaddington.html. Print out the template of paddington on the site. You'll also need crayons/markers (if coloring), glue stick, scissors and a used toilet paper roll.

No toilet paper roll then just cut a used paper towel roll in thirds. Let the kids color away. Depending on your childrens age let them cut the parts of Paddington out or you cut the pieces and allow your kids to paste him together.

Picnic time for teddy bears,
The little teddy bears are having a lovely time today.
Watch them, catch them unawares,
And see them picnic on their holiday.
See them gaily dance about.
They love to play and shout.
And never have any cares.
At six o'clock their mommies and daddies
Will take them home to bed
Because they're tired little teddy bears.

Easy Father's Day

noreply@blogger.com (Crafty Bubbles) — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 04:16:00 +0000

Instead of buying an over-priced greeting card let the kids give Dad a homemade valuable card.

Take a piece of paper fold in half crosswise and if you or the kids want a smaller card then fold once again. Give the kids crayons, markers, glitter, glue sticks and/or stickers. Don't forget to make sure they sign or you help them sign it. Great ideas for kids that need direction is draw a picture of them and daddy doing there favorite activity. We actually got the one in the picture while shopping at Old Navy last week. You can also print out cards to have the kids color from these sites:

http://www.parents.com/holiday/fathers-day/printables/printable-fathers-day-cards/

http://www.fisher-price.com/fp.aspx?st=5254&e=thumbnail&mcat=pcFathersDay

http://holidays.kaboose.com/dad-printable-card.html

http://familyfun.go.com/printables/fun-fathers-day-coupons-704055/

For the tech savvy kids and Dads don't forget free e-cards.

Let Dad be KING for a day. You'll need to borrow your husbands hat for this one. You will also need cardboard or poster board, paint or foil, tape measure, scissors and decoration supplies (glitter, letters, markers). Measure Dad's hat for width of crown but add an inch. If you don't have a tape measure just wrap the board around the hat, lightly mark where it comes together and estimate about an inch.

Cut cardboard to length with extra inch added. Cut the cardboard into a crown design. Now either foil the crown or paint. If you paint then wait for it to dry but if you foil be very careful when you decorate so you don't tear the foil off.

When done wrap around to glue together or staple together. Make sure to put KING on the crown because we wouldn't want Dad thinking he's the princess! Once done decorating you can crown Dad.

We didn't make gifts this year for Daddy because he's a Mavs fan. So he got Mavs stuff during the finals.

Happy Father's Day!

Shrinky Dinky

noreply@blogger.com (Crafty Bubbles) — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 16:15:00 +0000

So seriously who remembers shrinky dinks? I loved making those things when I was a kid. So when I saw some kits at the stores I bought a couple. After purchasing them to give to my daughter I wondered do I really want a bunch of shrinky dinks all over my house. My youngest is only a year old. Here are some great ideas of what else you can do with them so they don't end up everywhere in the house.

Keychains - punch hole and add a chain (available at hobby/craft stores).

Necklace - punch hole and add chain or ribbon.

Gift Decorations - take a bow for a present, punch holes in the shrinky dink and tie to bow. If using a gift bag then punch hole in shrinky dink cut ribbon in assorted lengths. Tie ribbon to shrinky dinks and bag.

Action figures - Use cardboard for this one. Cut board in dome shape then cut slit in middle. Slide the dink into the slit. Use an old sandwich box or shoe box for storage.

Fridge Magnet - You will need to buy magnet strip with a sticky side (available at most stores & hobby stores). Easy enough. Cut magnet strip to fit on back off shrinky dink. Untape & stick. Let it sit an hour then stick to fridge.

Or you can look for kits like the Barbie one I bought. I actually divided it up to use as party favors.

If you punch holes and are using a hole punch then do it before baking!

'Tis the Season

noreply@blogger.com (Crafty Bubbles) — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 14:53:00 +0000

While you are out holiday shopping please remember the less fortunate. Pick up a toy or book to donate. These are a short list of my favorite charities.

Salvation Army - They are the easiest way to donate. Pull out some change and drop it in the bucket at a participating location. You can also take non-perishable food items, gently worn clothes to drop off or host a family for the holidays. www.uss.salvationarmy.org
Toys for Tots - Donate toys or cash via several locations in Waco and surounding communities. These are then given to children based on family needs (via Salvation Army). www.toysfortotswaco.org
Let's Say Thanks - Easy and inexpensive way to brighten the Holidays. Visit www.letssaythanks.com pick a card and greeting for free. It will be mailed to a military person stationed overseas during the holidays.

Snowing in Texas

noreply@blogger.com (Crafty Bubbles) — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 21:28:00 +0000

Last week it actually did. Nothing stuck to the ground. To make the snow last here in Texas Em and I made a snowglobe. We took an old baby food jar, silicone sealer (like for kitchens or bathrooms), a tiny toy, glitter and baby oil. (You can also substitute silicone for hot glue and baby oil for mineral oil or water.)

The night before I let her pick out the toy and I sealed it to the inside of the lid.
Em chose her own glitter/snow colors; red and silver. I measured out the baby oil.
I allowed her to put the glitter in the baby food jar and then pour the baby oil in.
I finished the snow globe by sealing the lid to the baby food jar. If you do this craft allow the jar to sit over night upside down.

This will ensure the seal is dry before turning it over to shake. Happy Snowy Holidays!

More Leftover Candy

noreply@blogger.com (Crafty Bubbles) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 21:15:00 +0000

Today I had a craving for brownies plus an urge to clean the garage. Hmmmm....think the pregnancy urges are kicking in. Em and I spiced the brownies up a bit by adding some leftover candy bars to the brownies.

While I sprayed the baking pan Em unwrapped the candies.

We followed the instructions to make the brownie mix.

After pouring the brownie mix into the pan we placed the candies on top. We did half plain and half with the candies. Then we baked the brownies according to the box.

Here's Em eating the remaining mix.

Ooey Gooey Candy Brownies! YUMMMMM!

Halloween has come and gone!

noreply@blogger.com (Crafty Bubbles) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 16:54:00 +0000

So don't foget to make sure your children are brushing and flossing to help prevent cavities!!!

Leftover Rotting Pumpkins

Instead of leaving them out to rot for the neighbors or throwing them in the trash start a tradition and bury the pumpkins. Along the same line you could chop or cut up the pumkin and put in your compost bin.

Dress-up All Year Long

Now is a great time to purchase dress-up outfits for the kids. Most places have leftover halloween items 50% off. I bought Em a Dorothy costume last year for $7. I found some red glitter shoes a few sizes too big and boxed them together for a great Christmas present. Em is also big into Hannah Montana. I found a returned Hannah Montana costume for $5 and halloween makeup for a couple of bucks. Another great Christmas present. This year I've been searching for a cheerleading outfit. :( So far I've found nothing for cheap.

Don't foget if your children out grow this years costume to save it to consign next year or drop off for donation. You can also save and pass it down the line if you have several children.

Shopping

This is also a prime time to purchase pre-packaged crafts and decorations for next year. They are on sale too. I bought a halloween foam frame kit for under $4. If you are a scrapbooker then check local craft stores for halloween and fall themed scrapbooking paper and cut-outs.

Ugh! Leftover Candy

noreply@blogger.com (Crafty Bubbles) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 17:29:00 +0000

Now that the kids are done trick-or-treating and you have piles of candy dying to be eaten what do you do. Over the years I've read and heard of creative ways to save the kids teeth or make the candy last. I let Em eat some candy then I put the rest in a bucket. When we have movie night the bucket comes out and we indulge in sweet treats. I also reuse some candy as stocking stuffers. Another idea is trading candy for money. Basically, you buy the candy back from your kids to save their teeth, blood sugar levels and your sanity. Some people use a simple per piece set amount. Others place higher values on beloved candy treats and lower values on smaller candies. Their tootsie rolls or dum-dums earn them 5cents but mini candy bars are 25cents.

I received this site in my inbox this morning. It's creative ways to re-vamp the candy. http://www.parents.com/holiday-planner/?d=20091031/?sssdmh=dm17.401947&esrc=nw100dpmm1_10_38&email=565881459 I think the cupcakes are the cutest. The candy-bar bars and Burnt Sugar Candy Bar Cake are two I might make.

I found this article that has many crafts kids could make with their leftover sweets on Family Fun. http://familyfun.go.com/playtime/games-by-age/preschooler-games-activities/candy-crafts-709000/

Your family could also conduct candy experiments. I read an article Loralee Levitt in FamilyFun about her family's experiments. They have a website about the. Check it out here: http://www.candyexperiments.com/

I hope everyone had a Happy Halloween!

Class Fall Party

noreply@blogger.com (Crafty Bubbles) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 04:33:00 +0000

So tomorrow is Em's class Fall Party. I'm in charge with another mom that's really busy. I chose to entertain the kids with a carnival theme. The other mom is bringing tablecloths so I made some table decor. It was relatively cheap because my mother gave me two huge bags of items from years past. So I bought candy that I was buying anyways for the trunk or treat. I took four small pumpkins my mother gave me.

I filled them with bite size candies.

I then put the mini candy bars sticking out the opening in the pumpkins. You can also puncture the candy with craft sticks to help give height. My original idea was using full size trick-or-treat pumpkins and full-size candy bars.

For a preschooler craft I wasn't very crafty. I bought a pre-packaged candy corn foam craft kit. I also bought jewelry string and glow-in-the-dark paint.

I painted the tops and bottoms of the corn so the necklace will glow in the dark.

The local Micheal's (hobby store) had a huge halloween sell. I saw several foam games and picked up a candy corn toss for under $3. Cheaper and quicker than making my own toss game.

I have the other mom bringing contents and boxes for a guess what's inside game. Ewwwwww such fun with giggly preschoolers. Some ideas for this "game": cooked, cold spaghetti - guts, grapes - eyeballs, small, uncooked pasta shells-toenails, jello-brains, little weenies - fingers or toes, uncooked spaghetti or a wig - hair.

I also have a mom bringing some small pumpkin. I have a decorated trick-or-treat pail that I'll fill with water. I plan to label the pumpkins with 1-4 and float them in the water. Kind of like the floating duck game at the fair. Everybody wins! And the kids get to practice their numbers. For the last game I borrowed Em's bowling set. I printed out and colored different monsters to tape on the pins. Monster Bowling!

To send them home I made cute little treat cups.

Once again this was relatively cheap because of all the stuff my mother gave me. She gave me a dozen books, there's eight in my daughters class, dozen toy spiders or spider rings and a dozen halloween mini notebooks. I bought the cups, activity books, stamps and stickers in the dollar sections at stores. The crayons I had on hand for party bags. I divided up the boxes and wrapped three colors in raffia. I placed the activity book and halloween book curled on the outside then put the little treats in the middle.

Animal Crackers

noreply@blogger.com (Crafty Bubbles) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 02:47:00 +0000

It's finally cooled off a bit here in Texas. We decided to take a trip to the zoo. Take a nice, long walk during the cool, breezy weather. This weather brings out the animals. During the heat of the summer you normally find them lying about or not even out in the exhibit. I think every animal was out and about during this trip.
The night before we decided to make a snack to enjoy while out. Em loves nuts and I’m more of a fruit fan.

We mixed 1 cup nuts, ½ cup dried fruit mix and ½ cup animal crackers into a Ziploc baggie. I gave it to Em and she did all the mixing by shaking it up a bit.

We had a blast at the zoo. A couple months ago the zoo opened an Asian Exhibit. It houses three orangutans and a komodo dragon.

It also has a cool, new play area. It has rope swings where the kids are able to practice being orangutans.

We also saw a beaver in the gulf coast aviary. I have never seen a beaver before in that exhibit. I have no idea if the beaver is a new animal or if it was a good day to come out! Her favorite is the jaguar. Yep, she’s a Go Diego Go fan!
On the ride home she passed out from all the fun. When she woke up we ate a bit and I showed her a fun craft to commemorate the day. We saved a few unbroken animal crackers.

We modpodged them.

After they dried I took my hot glue gun placed a dot of glue on the back of them and put a small safety pin in the glue. We made animal cracker pins! Once edible art!

Fall Parties

noreply@blogger.com (Crafty Bubbles) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 02:19:00 +0000

For Em's pre-k class I signed up for the Halloween and Easter parties. I had three theme ideas for the party. The other mom is extremely busy so I'm in charge of the ideas. I'll share two of the ideas that I won't be using. Use just one or two suggestions from each category. The target age for these parties is 3-5 years old. Each party takes approximately an hour.

Party 1 -- Fall Theme
Decor of hanging leaves, pumpkins, scarecrows, orange and brown tablecloths with pumpkins and leaves on tables.

Snack Ideas
Pre-baked pumpkin/scarecrow cookies that the kids can decorate themselves.
Bob for their own apple.
Jack-o-lantern cake pops that the kids can draw a face on. Or just decorate! In case your wondering what are cake pops take a look here http://www.bakerella.com/category/pops-bites/cake-pops/

Craft Ideas
I think a craft with reflector is always good idea since it's close to Halloween. You can find many pre-packaged kits at local hobby stores or on http://www.orientaltrading.com/

If you have time a picture frame craft is fun. Take pictures of kids in costumes before the party or during for them to place in the frame. You can purchase these pre-packaged as well.
Toilet Paper Pumpkin.

Not as trashy as it sounds! Em made one last year in pre-K. You'll need a roll of toilet paper, a 22" square of orange fabric, green pipecleaner or raffia, green leaf, 5" rectangle of brown construction paper and glue. Place toilet paper roll in middle of fabric square. Squeeze some glue on the inside of the paper tube. Fold the fabric over and push extra into the tube. Roll up the rectangle to fit into the tube and glue edge. Put into tube and glue. Curl up pipe cleaner. Place dangling out of tube. Glue the leaf to the edge of stem.

If you need time between setting up the room reading a book about fall or Halloween to the children is a quick distraction.

Games
Remember with younger children to make sure everyone "wins" at the games you choose. that way ALL children feel included.

Fall/Halloween Bingo.

You can print one out via online search or create your own. Print out. Let the children use candy as markers.
"Pin" (tape) the Mouth on the Jack-o-Lantern.

Cut out an orange poster board in a pumpkin shape. Glue on eyes, nose and stem. Use the cut-out mouth for the children to "pin" it to the jack-o-lantern. Don't forget the blindfold!
Pumpkin pinata.

You can make or buy one. If you make one paper-maiche is the best bet. Fill with candy and let the kids take a whack at it. Just don't forget the treat bags to put their prizes in!

Don't forget to involve the other parents!
They can bring plates, napkins, cups, knives for frosting cookies, sprinkles, candy/toys, decorations, apples, parts for crafts and blindfold.

Party 2 -- Spooky Trails

Decor hanging leaves, pumpkins, hay (if you can), scarecrows, and bats.

Snack Ideas

Trail mix! Simple set up all ingredients (you can use cheerios, chex, nuts, m&ms, raisins, candy corn, etc) in individual bowls. Insert spoons. Give each child baggie and let them mix their own.

For a drink make it simple and bring juice boxes or small waters.

Crafts

Once again you can't go wrong with a reflector craft at Halloween time. Same goes for the picture frame craft.

Make their own scarecrow.

With construction paper cut out a scarecrow shape. Make or buy shapes of hats, pants, shirts, eyes, nose, mouth for the kids to glue on. Bring some hay or use raffia to make the scarecrow look more like a scarecrow. Don't forget a stick!

Read a story or book to the children preferably about a hayride, spooky trail or a scarecrow.

Games

Spooky Trail.

Before the kids arrive tape or pin items around the room pertaining to a trail ride. Owls, scarecrows, bats, moon, stars, hay bales, spooky trees are good suggestions. Have each child bring a flashlight. (Have a couple extra on hand in case one is forgotten). Turn the lights out or dim them. Lead the children around the room looking for the spooky items. If your creative make a story out it.

Hay, Hay, Scarecrow!

Fall take on the duck, duck, goose game. Have the children sit a circle. One begins by tap other children on the head saying "hay, hay, scarecrow". The scarecrow then chases them around the circle trying to beat them back to their seat. Laugh and repeat.

Needle in a Haystack.

This one can get messy. If you use real hay bring in a tarp or small kiddie pool to put the hay on. For a small group of younger kids use cut up raffia. In the hay place pixie sticks or blow pops. The children dig through to find the "needle". Make sure there's enough for everyone.

Don't forget to involve the other parents! They can bring the juice boxes, water, trail mix ingredients, baggies, "needles", hay, spooky trail items and craft items.

ballerina fun

noreply@blogger.com (Crafty Bubbles) — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 14:39:00 +0000

Today begins the 2009-2010 dance year for Em. She has been involved in dance for two years. To commemorate today we used a pre-fab ballerina craft.

It contains pre-cut foam stickers and glitter glue. It also outlines where stickers should go. Easy and fun for Em.

For a few of the stickers I did take the backs off for her.

She had to debate whether to put the sticker dress on because she thought the white dress was very pretty. Finally, she chose to put the dress on the ballerina.

I think the glittering was Em's favorite part. Here she got to be creative and glitter where ever she choose to.

kooling off

noreply@blogger.com (Crafty Bubbles) — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 01:27:00 +0000

It's time to take a break to make some drinks to cool off with! Start by making kool-aid. Flavors and amount is up to you. Pour into ice cubes trays and freeze.

After a few hours take them out. Fill glasses with ice cubes and add your favorite lemon-lime flavored soda.

Enjoy! This is compliments of my good friend Leslie. She made this drink for her daughters birthday. What a BIG hit!

Speaking of Kool-Aid, we made some fun play dough with it. What you’ll need is 2-3 cups flour, 2 cups boiling water with Kool-Aid added, 2 tablespoons oil, ½ cup salt, 1 tablespoon alum.

Note: Depending on your kids age let them be included in what you deem okay. Em is going to watch then help knead the dough.
Boil water. Pour 2 cups water into a bowl and stir in any flavor Kool-aid packet. Add oil, salt, alum and stir.

Add 2 cups flour (more if you need it) and mix together. Sprinkle flour on your counter to knead the dough.

When it’s at a consistency you like it’s ready to play with.

Just remember to seal it up when done playing or it gets all crusty.

A few quick facts about Kool-Aid.

Kool-Aid was developed in Hastings, NB by Edwin Perkins.

The original flavors were cherry, lemon-lime, grape, orange, root beer, strawberry and raspberry.

cake and cake pops

noreply@blogger.com (Crafty Bubbles) — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 00:14:00 +0000

A few months ago I made some fairy wand cake pops and a Tinkerbell cake for Em's 4th birthday. I saw the cake pops on bakerella and knew I'd make fairy wands. I used tiny flower and butterfly shaped cookie cutters. They were lemon or strawberry flavored with white chocolate. I dipped them in pink, green and yellow pastel sprinkles.

For the cake I used box cake mix; white and chocolate fudge. I also used store bought icing. I experimented with various fondant recipes I found online. I used a simple marshmallow fondant recipe that I found on whatscookingamerica. The cake was two tiered with TinkerBell colors; purple, green and pink. The leftover fondant was used to make flower and butterfly shapes. I brushed a bit of water to make the shapes stick to the cake. The cake topper was a TinkerBell toy. It was soo cute because the wings fluttered when you pushed a button.

Treats for the Birds

noreply@blogger.com (Crafty Bubbles) — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 19:52:00 +0000

Watching the local birds cool off in the birdbaths encouraged us to feed them as well. Instead of running out to buy a feeder and big bag of seed we used what we had around the house. For the first one I took an old bagel and sliced it in half. Note: Don’t let young children use the knife or scissors without adult supervision or at all! We spread peanut butter all over both halves.

You can substitute PB for honey or Nutella. Then we sprinkled sunflower seeds over both of them. See the table at the end for what type of seeds attract various birds.

I took two strings, looped them through each bagel hole and tied at the top.

Our next birdie treat was made with old cereal and string. I cut the string about 2 feet long. We poured the cereal into a bowl. I held the string while Em placed the cereal on the string.

When done I tied the ends together.

Now the birds can cool off and have a treat!

This chart will give you some ideas of what seeds to use to attract the birds in your area. I found this chart on Project Feeder Watch. Click on the picture to visit the site.

Water Bowling and Soaping the Fish!

noreply@blogger.com (Crafty Bubbles) — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 19:36:00 +0000

Summer time in Texas is ….well it’s HOT! Like 102 HOT. We enjoy our time going to the local pool to cool off but some days I don’t feel like driving. Em and I could stay inside, fill up the plastic pool or find some other fun ways to cool off! Today some water bowling was in store. I filled up water balloons.

Then we set up some bowling pins in a bowling V formation. You could use 12 oz cans, 20 oz or 2L bottles for makeshift pins. Take turns rolling a water balloon to knock down as many pins without busting the balloon. Yea right!

I thought it would be fun to make a soap fish with Em.

If you want to make this soap fish you'll need a small bar of soap, washcloth, sting or rubber band, sticker foam pieces for eyes, mouth and fins. Take a washcloth place a small bar of soap in the middle of it. We used tip towels I found at Target in the $1 section.

Gather all the corners together and secure with a rubber band.

You can cover the rubber band with a piece of twine or pretty ribbon. We used some ribbon leftover from gift wrapping. Using foam pieces create fins, mouth and eyes (or use googly eyes). We used leftover Valentine sticker foam pieces. I used the hearts as fins and cut some to create a mouth and eyes.

Attach them and your fish is ready to clean or look really cute in your kids bathroom.

Tada!