Plain Graces

A View From Powder Creek

2013-05-22T08:29:00.001-07:00

Here is my wordless Wednesday post. We went fishing at Powder Creek over Mother's Day weekend and I took the opportunity to take a few pictures.

Letter Yy Preschool Activity

2013-05-20T14:58:00.000-07:00

I try to use an alphabet letter each week in my lessons with the younger children. As the end of the year approaches and summer beckons us outside with promises of sunshine, I need easy and low stress activities. This past week I crammed a quick "Yy" lesson in with the kids.

Here is what I used:

yellow yarn (but I let the children choose their colors)
a cardboard "Y" cut from a box

Here is what I did:

I started the yarn for the children. I simply tied a knot around the base of the Y and showed them how to wrap.
I let the children go and enjoy this activity. It is low stress and introduces the children to some fine motor movements that is great for coordination and developing skills.
I tied the ends of the yarn as the children neared the end of their string.
Voila! Easy Peasy!

Do you have any fun activities for the letter "Yy"?

My Dandelion Runneth Over...

2013-05-18T09:10:00.002-07:00

It's finally Spring here in Nebraska! I am so thankful to see green grass and vegetation growing this year that I don't mind mowing or pulling weeds. My yard and the neighbor's yard, at least what is left of them, are in bloom. Full bloom! The children took the opportunity to pick as many yellow bursts as possible.

I literally had bowls upon bowls of their sweet offerings lining my kitchen table.

We won't even mention the loaded ice cream buckets they had waiting on the porch!

Letters From The Tooth Fairy- Mission Fail

2013-05-15T06:20:00.000-07:00

I woke up yesterday to wails of disappointment escaping from my youngest son's room. It took me a minute to realize that I dropped the ball last night. Not a real ball, but I forgot to play the role of the "tooth fairy". I broke the parent and tooth fairy clause in the parent handbook.

He was upset that the tooth he tried so hard to wiggle loose for weeks remained in his cup- forgotten. He was worried that the tooth had a cavity or it wasn't good enough because of the hole in the bottom. It took a few minutes, but eventually I rationalized that something important probably had kept her away. Things happen...

Last night, in a last ditch effort to redeem myself, I wrote up a small apology and added 4 extra quarters to his haul. This morning he was so excited! I think he enjoyed getting the letter more than the money.

Have you ever botched a tooth fairy mission? What did you do?

Pioneer Lunch 2013 Style

2013-05-13T19:32:00.003-07:00

The school year is almost over and that means programs, fun days, and extra activities. My middle son and I had a lot of fun this evening preparing for "pioneer school". They are supposed to dress the part and bring an authentic lunch in a pail to school in the morning.

Here is what we came up with:

A biscuit filled with a slice of ham neatly wrapped in a blue bandanna

Two boiled eggs

1 juicy apple

I can't wait for tomorrow! He gets to wear plaid and suspenders...

Be A Gracious Mother

2013-05-09T17:23:00.000-07:00

The arrowhead necklace and blue heart are presents from my middle son. During his much anticipated class trip to Lincoln, he lovingly spent all of his souvenir money on me. Yes, me!

Needless to say, I was a little bewildered when he offered up his heartfelt treasures the minute he bounced off the bus. His eyes were twinkling and he was so excited to give me something "real". Something that he purchased with his money. Something that Dad or his brothers didn't help choose. Something to surprise his mother with.

It shocked me.

I was expecting him to collect odds and ends, little cheap trinkets from all the tourist shops they wandered through. I thought he would buy chewing gum and magnets. Not sentimental items for me.

"Thank you," I uttered.

A perfectly fine response. Then I HAD to open my big mouth. Looking back, I regret my response and wish I handled it better.

"I gave you money to buy things for yourself, not me," I lectured.

Luckily, it was dark in the van and I couldn't see the disappointment darken his hazel eyes. I hadn't considered how terrible my response was until my husband pointed out a startling concept. As much as I hate to admit it, he was right.

Here is his mind blowing statement:

"Why can't we do nice things for you? You always go out of your way to make our days special and he wanted to do something for you. Just let it go and let the boy treat you the way you treat us."

Please, learn from my mistake.

Allow the husband and children to lather their love on you. If they pick dandelions or buy you a bouquet of roses- let them. If they bring you breakfast in bed- eat it. I could go on and on, but I know you get the gist of what I am saying. Allow them the joy of helping. Let them show their appreciation and develop empathy for others.

As mothers, we are accustomed to putting everyone else first or their needs ahead of ours. Some of us have had years of practicing this martyrdom and it's become second nature. We may not even recognize it! We give the children our dessert or we scrimp pennies so they can go to summer camp. Isn't that what mother's are supposed to do?

Don't get me wrong, I am not saying we need to become the alpha mother and expect everything to be served to us on fine china. However, we can take these moments and enjoy them. Give the experience of loving to your children. Let them own it and cherish their appreciation.

So, here is an idea to ponder this Mother's Day:

Be a gracious mother.

Rustic Colored Jars- Perfect Mother's Day Gifts

2013-05-07T12:22:00.002-07:00

Mother's Day is approaching and I was on the lookout for easy gifts the children could make for their special ladies. I wanted something that the children could make themselves and be useful for their parent. I finally decided to try a new technique that I saw on facebook awhile ago.

I wish I would have pinned or bookmarked the idea. I just remembered they showcased painted colored Mason jars with glue and paint to tint the glass. I took this idea and simplified it by using school glue, food coloring, and a little water to create softer hues. We rummaged through the recycle bin and came up with enough empty pickle and salsa jars.

I gave the children a choice of making candles or vases and handed them the paint brush. Voila! Beautiful gifts and happy crafting children made for a productive afternoon. Now, we just need to keep our "secret" for a few more days to surprise Mom.

To make these recycled jars, all you need is:

* School Glue
* Food Coloring
* Water
* Mason Jar or Recycled Jar
* Paint brush

Here is how to create beautiful candles and vases for your Mothers:

Mix a small amount of glue, food coloring, and water.

Paint the outside of your jar. It may take several coats and a little retouching as the glue dries. THIS part can get a bit messy if you have very energetic artists!

Allow them to dry.

We added ribbons and stickers to our jars, but I want to make some wire hangers to use outside this summer. Could you imagine these lit up hanging above an outdoor dinner party? Gorgeous!

What did you make for your Mother?

5 Ways To Brighten Your Day!

2013-05-06T11:30:00.001-07:00

For the past few weeks it's been foggy and dreary in this part of Nebraska. If it isn't snowing, it's cold and damp. I will gladly take the moisture, but it is May! I need to let a little sunshine in, if you know what I mean.

So what is a girl supposed to do?

Sit and wallow in the shadows?

Absolutely not!

The weather may be dumpy, but I need to kick Spring into gear- even if it is only inside the house. I made a short list of frugal and easy ways I plan to brighten up my day.

1. Open The Curtains.

Pull back those drapes or blackout curtains and let the natural light filter in. Sunlight is important to our natural body rhythms, vitamin D levels, and frame of mind. Even if it is cloudy, opening the curtains allows you to glimpse outside. This is the simplest and easiest way to brighten your day!

2. Clean The Windows.

Housework? Yes, because those windows are dirtier than you think. The glisten a wiped window provides will instantly freshen up any dull day. It's cheap and takes little effort. Little finger prints and sloppy dog noses will quickly cover up the sheen in my house, but for the few minutes and little bit of vinegar, it was worth it. It's surprising how much grime collects on a plate of glass.

3. Make A Pitcher Of Lemonade or Raspberry Cordial.

I chose to make a food that reminds me of summer so I whipped up a batch of bubbly lemonade. I haven't decided if it's the pucker of the sour juice, the vibrant color of the yellow rind, or the ginger ale that washes away the blues. This drink instantly puts a little pep in my step and a smile on my face. You can easily choose another drink or treat, but choose something that you associate with summer.

4. Plant Something.

Damp dirt is one of my favorite smells that I have yet to find a scented candle for. The aroma after a rainstorm or the musk of tilled soil is iconic with renewal. So if you are like me, with no garden to plant until the temperature rises, what are we supposed to do? There are several ideas on pinterest for small planters or you can start a few herbs indoors. I concocted an old pallet I found laying in our basement into a planter for our lettuce and spinach. I even transplanted some thyme and rosemary for in the kitchen.

5. Shave Your Legs.

This probably is my craziest way to brighten the day, but the feel of freshly shaved legs makes me think of Summer. After all that cleaning and planting you will want to take a shower or soak in a hot bath. If it's warm enough, you can even wear capri's or shorts! Lather up and wash that dreary day down the drain.

What tips do you have to brighten up a rainy or bleak day?

May 2013 Blogging Challenge

2013-05-04T14:02:00.000-07:00

I am the first to admit that I falter when it comes to consistent, regular posting on the blog. Life gets in the way or the occassional television show, book, shopping trip, etc. See, I am great at making excuses. I decided to sign on for a blogging challenge for the month of May. Let's cross our fingers that I keep up with this, because it is a wonderful concept. Feel free to join up!

Beautiful Strawberry Pie

2013-05-03T16:18:00.001-07:00

It's almost strawberry season and I am starting to find great deals on the succulent fruit. I had several helpers this morning and we decided to concoct a couple of pies. I am a huge fan of this strawberry pie recipe- the filling is a cinch to put together and the chunks of fruit make this treat amazing. No complaints were heard from the children and almost everyone finished their piece.

I cheated and used pre-made pie crusts from the store. Honestly, I could have rolled out my own, but our Spring schedules are so hectic that I cut a few corners when I can. The children were too busy licking the bowls that no one seemed to notice we skipped a step.

This pie is easy and quick- we timed it at about 15 minutes of prep. Perfect for a busy day! Take advantage of the local produce or the sales at the supermarket and try this recipe. I think you will agree that it is definetly worth the hassle of a few dirty dishes.

For the strawberry pie, you will need:

* one baked single pie crust
* 4 cups sliced fresh strawberries
* 1 cup sugar
* 1 cup water
* 4 Tablespoons cornstarch
* 3 Tablespoons strawberry gelatin ( I just used a whole 3 oz. package)
* Cool Whip

Here is how you prepare this berry dessert:

Prepare your single crust pie shell. You can get elbow deep in the flour or cheat and buy pre-made. I won't tell if you won't...

Clean and slice your strawberries. I prefer a thicker slice and the children really enjoy it. Set aside.

In a saucepan, combine your water, sugar, and cornstarch. Bring to a boil.

Add the strawberry gelatin and mix.

Cool.

Mix in the strawberries and pour into your baked pie crust.

Refrigerate and let set up for a few hours.

Top with cool whip or softened ice cream for a cool treat.

What do you like to make with strawberries?

Birds In Pane

2013-05-03T11:51:00.001-07:00

On our morning walk we spied a couple of sparrows enjoying the sunlight streaming in an old carriage house. We heard them chirping and noticed them in this glass free window. We were lucky to have the camera along and snapped a few pics of the birds for prosperity. This carriage house is currently being torn down and salvaged, but it allowed us a nice view of the pair hidden inside.

Nutella Croissants

2013-05-02T12:27:00.000-07:00

These are delicious! The chocolate hazelnut spread and warm flaky croissants melt together and create a tasty treat. They are made from two ingredients and you can pull them together fast.

I saw these on Budget Savvy Diva's blog and just had to make them. Her recipe is a lot more detailed and exact. You might want to read her post for a better recipe. I just winged it.

Here is what I used:

1 can croissant dough
Nutella

Here is how I put them together:

Unroll the croissants.

Use a spoon and spread Nutella on the triangles.

Roll them like a traditional croissant.

Bake according to their directions.

Serve warm with a tall glass of milk.

Happy May Day!

2013-05-01T06:57:00.003-07:00

Speechless...

It's definitely a Wordless Wednesday in this part of Nebraska. This is what we woke up to on May 1st!

Nesting?

2013-04-24T14:00:00.000-07:00

The boys and I were playing outside a few weeks ago when we noticed a sparrow family making a nest in one of our birdhouse gourds. The paint was peeling, but they were happily piecing together sticks to make a humble abode on this nice spring day.

We just had to take a few pictures.

Inside the gourd, with wonderful organic "mood" lighting.

Outside, looking in.

We can't wait to watch our new feathered neighbors this summer!

Dried Cinnamon Apple Chips

2013-04-22T06:10:00.002-07:00

Feeding kids can be a grueling process. We don't always have an inner compass that guides us to the right kind of snacks. Sometimes, we get nutritionally lost. I have reached for the over processed food on occasion and feel guilty about it.

I want fast and healthy snacks...

Preferably ones that don't involve a microwave or plastic baggies. I found this simple recipe for making cinnamon apple chips from the daycare food program I use. This snack is easy enough and as an added bonus- I couldn't keep the children from devouring these sweet treats. I had to ration the chips to ensure my oldest had enough slices to take on his winter camp out.

To make these Apple Chips you will need:

1 pound sliced, cored apples about 1/8 inch thick
cinnamon
sugar

Here is how you bake them:

Spread the apple slices onto parchment paper lined cookie sheets or a dehydrator rack.

Be careful not to overlap.

Sprinkle the apples with cinnamon sugar.

Bake at 250 degrees for about 2-3 hours in the oven, rotating them once or twice. If you use a dehydrator, use the fruit settings and dry for about 6 hours.

They will be done when they are slightly pliable, but will crisp up when cool.

Store in an airtight container at room temperature until served.

Do you have any recipes that you dehydrate?

Conscious Box Review

2013-04-17T20:36:00.003-07:00

Eeekkk! Look what I had waiting for me at the Post Office! My Conscious Box!

We recently ran a Conscious Box giveaway on the blog. If you aren't familiar with the company, they deliver Earth friendly products right to your door. I loved the concept behind Conscious Box and eagerly awaited my shipment.

I was immediately impressed by the website and array of products that they offer. I loved the fact that you could choose gluten free or vegan products. I have several friends who are gluten free and know the difficulties of finding lotions, shampoos, and foods that won't interfere with their health. I can only imagine the difficulties a Vegan would encounter trying to find products that support their ideology (at least out here in the Middle of Nowhere, Nebraska).

The site showed products you could order, but Conscious Box also offers a subscription service where you receive a box of goodies every month for $19.95. (This is what I was given to review and I personally ordered their Earth Day mystery box, but I haven't received it yet.) Our giveaway was for a FREE 3 Month Subscription worth $59!

The box was a little small, but I wasn't sure what I would be receiving when I ordered. Some of the best things in life come in small packages, right? I decided that the size wouldn't damper the fun of opening the box. I was a little shocked to find another box nestled snug inside the first box, but I would rather have a sturdy shipping container than all of my purchased goods floating along conveyor belts in a Kansas City or Omaha mail processing center. Plus, the cardboard could be recycled or converted into crafting material.

Once I opened the second box, my eyes were greeted with samples and products from companies that take a more natural and planet conscious approach. The items were attractively packaged and Conscious Box included a discount card, inserts, and coupons in addition to these received items: hand soap, laundry detergent, deodorant, lotion, baby food, dietary supplements, snacks, and more.

Some of the samples were small, but several of the products were larger in size. I was impressed to receive a nice bottle of lavender laundry detergent, a bar of deodorant, full size baby food items, and a nice bar of soap. The chocolate covered greens were a little out of my comfort zone, but I bit into it anyway. After all, it was covered in chocolate! It wasn't bad, didn't taste too "healthy", and the children willingly took pieces without uttering a complaint.

Overall, opening the box was a lot of fun and very interesting!

I could see how a monthly subscription would be entertaining and a great way to try new products. I spent nearly 30 minutes going through the contents, sniffing and tasting as I sorted. I enjoyed reading a lot of the products I received were made in the United States and they offered me a viable option to help my family live a more "green" lifestyle. I will definitely be looking into other products and offers from Conscious Box in the future.

If you would like to try Conscious Box for yourself, they offered our readers a 25% discount for any monthly Conscious Box subscription.

Use code: LOVELIFE

Sign up HERE to get a subscription with your discount:

And Winter Hangs On...

2013-04-17T19:15:00.003-07:00

The calendar says it's April, but I must have bought a faulty calendar or else Mother Nature is confused, VERY CONFUSED. Winter finally appeared and is now refusing to leave. Tonight we are supposed to get another 5 inches of snow and ice- so I dedicate this wordless Wednesday post to the endless winter that has frozen and refrozen Nebraska. Happy Shoveling!

A trip to town to pick up my oldest from his winter camp out. Yes, he was camping in a tent during a blizzard, but in my defense it wasn't snowing when they left on Friday evening.

Winter has me stuck in a rut...

This is a small sample of some of the remaining ice from a storm last week. Hidden under a few inches of snow was a layer of ice and about 3 inches of sleet/hail. I won't even mention our power outage fun...

Is winter still hanging around your neck of the woods? How are you coping?

Reusable Buffet Markers

2013-04-07T18:20:00.000-07:00

I love buffets and potluck dinners, but it's nice knowing exactly what food you are scooping on your plate.

Is this rice and cheese?

Is this chicken or turkey?

Is this gluten free?

Which one has the mushrooms in the stuffing?

You know the drill...

I enjoy surprises as much as the next person, but I have discovered a fun and simple way to mark your buffet items. This will take the guess work out for your company and add a little character to the table. I am going to use this during our Easter celebrations, but I think it would also make a fun addition to a Mother's Day Brunch, Spring Bridal Shower, or a Summer Picnic.

I used metal garden markers that I scored at a garage sale last year. I didn't know what I was going to do with them at the time, but I finally found a purpose. I took a dry erase marker and wrote the names of the dishes on them and labeled the gluten free ones. If I made a mistake, I just wiped off the writing and tried again.

I stuck them in the casserole dishes and I was done. No more surprises at this buffet! After the dishes were all cleared- I washed the stakes in sudsy water. They are waiting to be used again and again.

Do you have any unique ways to use garden markers?

Pull Apart Garlic Bread

2013-04-04T11:44:00.000-07:00

I was browsing through the Taste Of Home cookbook when I found this fun recipe for pull apart garlic loaves. I love it for two reasons:

1. My family LOVES garlic bread.

2. The lady who submitted this recipe was from Bartlett, Nebraska! GO BIG RED!

Needless to say, these are easy and well worth dragging out the mixer. If you fear kneading dough, you could use premade frozen dough from the grocery store. The smell is amazing and the kids couldn't wait for supper tonight.

I tried it two different ways, but used the same recipe:

This one was smaller for the younger children- It resembled monkey bread.

The second loaf was made from small "rolls" that lined the pan. These pulled apart nicely and created a nice presentation.

To make this easy bread, you will need:

2 packages active dry yeast
1/4 cup warm water
2 cups warm milk
2 Tablespoons sugar
1 Tablespoon shortening
2 teaspoons salt
6 1/4 - 6 1/2 cups flour

1/2 cup melted butter
1 Tablespoon dried parsley
2 teaspoons garlic powder (I used minced garlic, because that is what I had on hand)

In your mixer, activate the yeast in the warm water.

Add milk, sugar, shortening, and salt.

Stir in the flour and mix with a dough hook (or knead if you like) for about 6-8 minutes. You will want the dough to form a soft ball.

Cover and let rise for about an hour or until it has doubled in size. Some people grease their bowls first, but I just let it rise in the mixer covered with an old flour sack towel.

Knead or mix again for a few minutes.

Cover and let rise for another hour.

Divide the dough into small balls.

In a small bowl, combine the butter, garlic, and parsley.

Roll the dough balls into the butter mixture.

Place in a greased bread pan.

Pour the remaining butter over the balls.

Cover and let rise for about 30 minutes. The dough will double in size.

Bake in a 350 degree oven for about 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.

Cool for approximately 10-15 minutes and remove from the pans.

Serve warm!

A Vintage Nebraska Sunset

2013-04-03T11:28:00.001-07:00

Summer? Summer? Where Are You?

AND REMEMBER TO ENTER THE CONSCIOUS BOX GIVEAWAY!

http://www.plaingraces.com/2013/03/conscious-box-giveaway.html

Easter Egg Bread

2013-03-28T20:34:00.000-07:00

I found this recipe in an old Taste Of Home cookbook and thought I would try it out. It smells wonderful, filling the whole house with a sweet aroma. It looks beautiful and the eggs really pop nestled in the dough braids. It was easy and the only complaint I have, is that I should have made two loaves instead of one large bread.

It turned out epic- in size and taste! Serve this with a sweet jam or real butter. You will have a wonderful addition to any Easter breakfast or brunch.

Here is what you need:

6 to 6 1/2 cups flour
1/2 cup sugar
2 packages yeast
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon cloves
1 Tablespoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups warm milk
6 Tablespoons cubed butter
4 eggs- 3 for the recipe, 1 for the glaze
3 to 6 dyed hard boiled eggs
2 Tablespoons water

In a large bowl, activate the yeast, milk, seasonings, salt, and sugar.

Add the butter and 2 cups of flour. Mix well.

Slowly add the 3 eggs and using the kneading hook, add the rest of the flour. You want a soft dough ball that is not sticky to the touch.

Cover and let rise for about 45 minutes- or until it doubles in size.

Knead again for a few minutes, cover, and let rise for another 30 - 45 minutes.

Turn out the dough and divide it into thirds. When I make this again, I will divide it into sixths and make two smaller loaves.

Roll the sections into 24 inch ropes.

Braid them together and fashion them in a circle. Pinch the ends to seal the edges.

Take your dyed eggs and coat them with vegetable oil. Separate the braids and insert the eggs. Tuck them around the bread.

Cover and let rise until doubled. About 20 to 30 minutes.

Take the remaining egg and beat it with the 2 Tablespoons of water. Wash it over the dough.

Bake in a 375 degree oven for about 25-30 minutes. Look for a golden brown and a hollow sound when the crust is tapped.

Remove from pan to a wire rack to cool. Refrigerate the leftovers.

Conscious Box Giveaway

2013-03-27T17:42:00.001-07:00

DRUMROLL PLEASE. . . . . . . . .

We have a winner! Noelle B. (entry 253) is our winner! Congrats!

I am excited to announce:

Conscious Box , the monthly subscription service that delivers the purest, most natural products on the planet, right to you doorstep is sponsoring a giveaway for Plain Graces readers!

One lucky reader will win a 3-month Conscious Box subscription! That's a $59 value!

They are also offering my readers a 25% OFF discount for any Conscious Box subscription. Use code: LOVELIFE

SIGN UP HERE TO GET A SUBSCRIPTION AND USE THE DISCOUNT:

This is an exciting, fun opportunity to win some incredible prizes (including their Earth Day box!). This is a giveaway you don't want to miss!

It's easy to enter using Rafflecopter and you can gain multiple entries.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/cb65be2/" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway

Let's have fun!

A Vintage Nebraska Swim

2013-03-27T12:47:00.002-07:00

I took this photo last summer with my model sporting a vintage 1920's swimsuit by a local cattle pond in Northeastern Nebraska. Teddy Kent, our Jack Russell Terrier, also volunteered to appear in the photos from this shoot. I can't wait for summer to return!

Stunning Jelly Bean Tower Centerpiece

2013-03-27T10:34:00.002-07:00

I was telling the children about Jack and the Beanstalk yesterday afternoon and we stumbled upon the subject of magic beans. The older boys started singing a rhyme and the younger children were talking about climbing enormous bean stalks. Naturally, all this talk started my mind churning around a fun Easter centerpiece.

What is more magical than jelly beans? Sugar, vibrant color, and a wide variety of tastes are only a few of the mystical traits this candy sports. Harry Potter and President Regan both loved them- I couldn't go wrong with a bean inspired project. Could I?

I thought I would concoct a tower, similar to a bon bon tree, using jelly beans for our Easter dinner table. I don't know who was more impressed with the finished project- me or the children! Their eyes lit up with so much joy and it added a splash of whimsy and color to the table. It might not be Easter yet, but we are enjoying this stacked magical goodness at every meal.

This is frugal and easy- no hot glue or complicated templates. The only requirements are that you can stick a toothpick into styrofoam and have a little patience. I thought that this would make a fun birthday party centerpiece or a candy land themed party decoration during other times of the year.

For this simple project, you will need:

jelly beans (I used about two large bags of Starburst jelly beans, but the amount will ultimately depend on the size of cone you use)

styrofoam cone

leftover Easter grass

boiled eggs

plate

pretty glass or parfait cup

Here is what you do:

Carefully, break a toothpick into thirds and pierce a jelly bean.

Insert the bean onto the cone. Start at the top and work your way down. Try to mix and match the colors.

When you reach the bottom, place the decorated cone onto a plate and sprinkle paper grass around the base. Nestle eggs around the bottom to add a lower layer.

Place the plate on top of an overturned glass to create more height.

Voila! You have created an easy centerpiece with little cost and no sweating was involved.

What do you adorn your dinner table with?

Adorable Easter Lilies

2013-03-27T09:42:00.000-07:00

Every year during Easter celebrations, I love to have the children craft lilies. These are remarkably easy and create a nice display that the wee beasties are proud of. If you need something to keep your little ones' hands busy for a few minutes- this is the craft for you!

To make this simple Easter craft, you will need the following:

white or pastel colored paper
green paper (optional)
scissors
pencils
green pipe cleaners
colored pipe cleaners (optional)
clear tape

Now that we have everything, let's get crafting! Here is what you do:

Trace your hand print on one side of the white paper. I do this so you can fold the paper and get two hand prints at one time. Lazy, but when you cut for 10 children it saves time!

Cut out the hand prints. I fold them into halves and cut.

Curl the finger tips back using a pencil for a guide.

Roll the palm of the hand into a cone shape. Make sure you leave a space big enough for a pipe cleaner to fit through at the base. Secure with clear tape. Young children may need some help.

Cut a pipe cleaner in half. Take a long green pipe cleaner and wrap a small piece at the top. Curl. I ran out of green pipe cleaners, but the children didn't mind. These will be your stems.

Insert your stem into the cone part of the flower.

Add long leaves if you desire and spritz with perfume if you want "stinky" lilies.

Here is the finished product! Display in a vase or give a bouquet to a friend.