Back to School Printables

I’ve partnered up with Lindi from Love the Day and her amazing design skills to bring you these free printables for back to school. (Love the Day has all kinds of fun invitations, baby showers and birthday ideas, and wicked printables for Halloween!)

Supplies:

Simply download and print these out to make a fun tag to attach to a few apples or pears.

These caramel apple treats would make a fun gift for your child’s teacher or even for an after-school treat for the kids.

Instructions:

1. Place your pre-made caramel apples in a cellophane bag and wrap the top of the bag with ribbon.

2. Download and print out your free apple tag printables and cut one circle out. Punch a small hole in the top of the tag and add one of them to your wrapped caramel apples.

Have fun sending your kids off to school with a fun apple-tastic treat.

**Download your free back to school printables here!

Originally posted 8/19/2011

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I’m happy to have Amy here as my guest today. She’s sharing a great way to pack your kids’ lunch using reusable items you can make yourself.

DIY Reusable Lunch Set for School

Supplies:

• An old pair of jeans (a wide leg gives you the roomiest sack)
• Cotton fabric or a small cloth napkin for the sandwich wrap
• Sewing machine or needle and thread
• Scissors
• Straight pins
• Measuring tape or ruler
• Iron
• Sew-on Velcro
• Optional: extra fabric scraps for pockets or a silverware loop
• Stainless steel thermos or sippy cup
• Bamboo utensils

Instructions:

1. Cut off a good length of the pant leg.  I always think regular lunch sacks are too short to roll down and make a good place to hold, so mine is quite long.  Turn it inside out and stitch the bottom end closed.  Mine was hand sewn as I made it while at a cabin, but I’ll probably reinforce the seams with a machine so it’s sturdier.

2. To finish the bottom you’ll turn the bag right side out again and fold in the corners to make two triangles.  Then sew those down flat.  Think of those sturdy L.L. Bean bags.

3. Next hem the top of the bag (unless you’re lucky enough to find an old pair of jeans with hems still intact!).  If you’re so inclined you could add some pockets inside or out and even sew a strip of cloth along the inside with a few loops to keep silverware in place.

4. This sandwich holder is little more than a cloth napkin with Velcro tabs to keep it wrapped tight.  You could even use a small cloth napkin and skip the sewing.  I simply hemmed the sides of a piece of cotton cloth, eyeballing it for size (you might want to lay a slice of bread on it to get an idea; don’t forget to factor in the hems!).

5. On the top left side you’ll tack down two pieces of the “grippy” side of the Velcro.  On the right underside you’ll tack down two squares of the fuzzy side of the Velcro.  Test it out before you sew them on permanently though so you get them in the right spot.  The sandwich cover can be used as a napkin or laid down on the grass for a little picnic.  Throw them in the wash just like you would cloth napkins.  I’d make half a dozen or more so you always have clean ones.

That’s it, you’re ready for lunch!

We like stainless steel thermoses and sippy cups.  They don’t give your water that plasticky taste or leach yucky chemicals into the drinks.  Kleen Kanteen is a good one to try or Sigg if you want to get fancier.  And if you’re packing things that require forks or spoons consider using bamboo utensils; it’s cute, inexpensive, biodegradable (throw it in your compost pile!) and renewable (it grows really quickly!).  You can often find them at Whole Foods or Eco Bags.  Now just add some healthy snacks and a shady spot under a tree and you’re ready to go!

The sandwich wrap doubles as a napkin or a spot to sit for a little picnic on the grass. Toss it in the wash just like your cloth napkins. Amy suggests making half a dozen or more so you always have clean ones on hand. Now just add some healthy snacks and a shady spot under a tree and you’re ready to go!

Thanks, Amy! These look easy and fun to make, and they help the environment while saving us money.

Originally posted: 8/18/09

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Apple Stamped Cards for Back to School

Make a whole set to gift to a teacher! They’re always in need of thank you cards for all the gifts that come their way at the start of the school year. Or keep them for yourself as thank you notes or a cheerful fall greeting.

Supplies:

• Apples (bruised or past their prime work great)
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Paper towels
• Blank cardstock cards or folded cardstock
• Acrylic craft paint or washable kids’ paint in fall colors
• Paper plate or paint tray
• Paintbrush or foam brush
• Optional: small paintbrush for adding stems and leaves
• Optional: cookie cutters for shaped stamps

Steps:

1. Slice your apples in half. Cut vertically through the stem for a classic apple silhouette, or horizontally for a fun star pattern in the center.
2. Blot the cut side with a paper towel and let the apple halves sit for a few minutes. Drier surfaces hold paint much better.
3. Squeeze a small amount of paint onto a paper plate and spread it into a thin, even layer.
4. Press the apple into the paint or brush the paint directly onto the cut side. Brushing gives you more control and less drip.
5. Press the apple firmly onto your cardstock, hold for a few seconds, then lift straight up without wiggling.
6. Practice on scrap paper first to get a feel for how much paint you need, then move to your cards.
7. Repeat with different colors, wiping or blotting the apple between changes.
8. Let the cards dry completely, then add stems, leaves, or a handwritten greeting with a small brush or marker.

Wanna get ready for Halloween?  Head over to see the DIY and be sure to sign up with CreativeLive for my Halloween Party Planning Show.

More Fun Apple Crafts for Fall:

Looking for more apple-themed fun this fall? You’ve come to the right place!

Popsicle Stick Apple Craft

This popsicle stick apple craft is perfect for little ones, and you probably already have all the materials you need to make it!

Pipe Cleaner Apples

These little apples made out of pipe cleaners couldn’t be cuter, and crafting doesn’t get any easier than this!

Apple Shaped Cupcakes for Fall

I don’t know about you, but around here we like to celebrate everything with cupcakes! These apple shaped cupcakes are perfect for welcoming fall!

Marble Painted Apples

Another great craft for kids. It’s so fun to roll the marbles around and watch the design appear!

Apple Shaped Straw Buddies

These adorable apple-shaped straw buddies will brighten even the dreariest fall day!

Gobbling Turkey Apples

This apple craft tastes good, too! These little apple turkeys are perfect for snacking on while you’re waiting for Thanksgiving dinner to be ready!

Apple Stamped Crab Kids Craft

There’s more than one way to use an apple as a stamp! This apple stamped crab craft is a fun way to use up apples that are too bruised to eat!

Originally posted on 8/15/14

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This 10-minute and only four ingredients blueberry breakfast recipe is a delicious way for your kids to start their day this school year.

How to make our blueberry tortilla recipe

Ingredients

• Tortillas
• Blueberries
• Cream cheese
• Cinnamon

We’ve been trying to add cinnamon to a lot of our breakfast recipes lately. We’ve been reading a lot of articles about how it reduces blood sugar, fights inflammation, and promotes heart health. The experts suggest, though, just half a teaspoon a day is enough, so that’s roughly what we top each of our breakfast tortillas with; although, I may have gotten carried away and added a little too much to one of them below.

Blueberry breakfast recipe

This recipe is as simple as spreading a layer of cream cheese on a tortilla. Top it with blueberries and cinnamon, and put it into the oven to bake.

Serve them straight away; the blueberries do not get too hot. For kids’, I recommend cooking them for one minute less to roll them up, or one minute longer for a crunchier tortilla that is easier for little hands to pick up.

Please pin this post for later.

Print

Blueberry Tortilla Breakfast Recipe

A quick and easy blueberry breakfast recipe that kids will love before going to school.

Course Breakfast

Keyword blueberry breakfast, blueberry recipe, healthy breakfast

Prep Time 2 minutes minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes minutes

Total Time 12 minutes minutes

Servings 1 people

Author Tonya Staab

Equipment

• 1 oven tray

Ingredients

• 1 flour tortilla per person - gauge the size of the tortilla on who is going to be eating it.
• cream cheese
• frozen blueberries
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 350F
• Defrost the blueberries in the microwave for about 30-seconds.
• Place the tortilla on a baking tray.
• Spread cream cheese on the tortilla.
• Top with blueberries and shake cinnamon over the top.
• Bake in the oven for 10-minutes.

The post The Easiest Blueberry Tortilla Breakfast Recipe appeared first on Make and Takes.

I have loved arugula for a long time. I enjoy adding it to pastas, but it is great as a salad base as well. It has a peppery flavor to it that gives it added spice and texture. It is fairly small in size so no need to chop it smaller to make it bite-sized. Make sure to get all the ingredients in one bite for the full flavor. This salad is healthy but the bacon vinaigrette gives it that extra something without feeling totally guilty about what you are eating.

Plus, it has a beautiful green color that just screams FRESH! This salad is perfect for bring to gatherings with friends or family. I know it will become a recipe staple of yours. Have I convinced you yet? Let’s get started with the recipe down below.

Arugula Salad with Bacon Vinaigrette

(SCROLL DOWN TO PRINT RECIPE for Arugula Salad)

This recipe yields 2 servings

Ingredients:

3 cups arugula
1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
1/4 cup cheese – feta, blue, or gorgonzola
1/4 cup nuts – pecans, walnuts, almonds, or pine nuts
2 T. olive oil
1 T. balsamic vinegar

Method:

First, mix your cooked and crumbled bacon with the oil and balsamic vinegar. Then stir it all together to mix.

Then, pour your bacon dressing over your arugula and add your cheese and nuts. Just thinking about this salad is making my mouth water!

Doesn’t it turn out beautiful? I love the colors of this salad. It is ready to eat. Lunch or dinner (or an afternoon snack) is served!

Print

Arugula Salad with Bacon Vinaigrette

Servings 2

Ingredients

• 3 cups arugula
• 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
• 1/4 cup cheese – feta blue, or gorgonzola
• 1/4 cup nuts – pecans walnuts, almonds, or pine nuts
• 2 T. olive oil
• 1 T. balsamic vinegar

Instructions

• First, mix your cooked and crumbled bacon with the oil and balsamic vinegar. Then stir it all together to mix.
• Then, pour your bacon dressing over your arugula and add your cheese and nuts. Just thinking about this salad is making my mouth water!
• Doesn’t it turn out beautiful? I love the colors of this salad. It is ready to eat. Lunch or dinner (or an afternoon snack) is served!

You could eat this salad as your main dish and maybe add some chicken to it. It would also pair so well with one of these dinner dishes:

Slow-Cooker Lasagna

Turkey Sausage Stir Fry

Veggie Pizza Panini

I hope you enjoy this arugula salad with bacon vinaigrette as much as I do.

*Originally posted 2/18/15

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DIY Paper Spinner

Craft up a few really fun spinners–You spin them and they hum! It’s super fun and most things, you probably already have around the house! Here’s the how-to instructions.

Supplies:

• twine
• cardboard circles
• printer paper with circle template, see below
• markers
• scissors
• glue sticks

For the circle template:

Just right click and save to your computer if you want to use my circles…you could just decorate the cardboard.

1. Make 2 circles onto your printer paper, or download and print the template above.

2. Add color to these circles, the more colorful, the more fun it is to see as it spins…

3. Cut out paper circles.

4. Use these to trace on a cardboard box and cut out 1 cardboard circle.

5. Glue on the paper circles to the cardboard, (one on each side!)

6. Poke two holes right in the center of the cardboard circle.

7. Take a piece of twine, or rope, about 28 inches long. TIP: I used a match to burn the ends of my rope so they wouldn’t unravel. Run the rope through the holes and tie a knot.

Time to play with your DIY Paper Spinner

Take a piece of rope in each hand with the circle in the middle and go in circles to get the rope twisted.

Now you pull…relax…pull…relax. IF you do it right, the spinners make a humming noise!!!!

Here is a quick video:

More Kid Crafts:

Glitter Goo

Frozen T-Shirt Race

Straw Building

See more creative Get Out and Play ideas here.

*Originally posted 7/14/15

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9 Now Ideas for DIY Plant Holders

1. Lacy Airbrushed Flower Pots: You can find a plain terra-cotta pot almost anywhere. Spruced it up with this airbrushed paint look!

2. DIY Carved Hexagon Planter with Plant Stand: This project is a little bit more involved- but worth every step. Aren’t they gorgeous? I love the geometric look. (via Ugly Duckling House)

3. DIY Wood Dowel Vase: Love the minimalist look of this cute little planter. Perfect for small plants or even growing herbs indoors. (via Alice and Lois)

4. DIY Macarme Plant Hanger: Ever wanted to try the look of this hanging planter? This is the perfect project for first timers!

More Ideas for DIY Plant Holders

5. DIY Plant Stands: Can you believe this pretty plant stand was made for $7?! Dying over it. Definitely trying this project ASAP! (via LilyArdor)

6. Basket Plant Stand: Turn your favorite basket into a planter! How awesome is this DIY? It looks super high end. (via Alice and Lois)

7. Mini Fairy Garden Flower Pots: These mini flower pots are too cute and are bound to brighten any fairies day! Place them in your garden for a special flower surprise.

8. Make A Clay Petal Planter: This one wins for happiest DIY planter of all! I love the paint brushstrokes and all of the different colors. This DIY looks super fun. (via A Beautiful Mess)

9. DIY Cement Planter: a handmade square concrete and wood planter you’ll feel so proud of making!

Please pin these ideas for later:

*Originally posted 5/12/21

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In between all the vacations and pool parties, try one of these STEAM projects to enjoy the rest of summer. They’re filled with everything science and technology. These activities will keep your kids minds alive and learning all summer long.

STEAM =
Science and Technology interpreted through
Engineering and Arts and all have Mathematical elements

21 Summer STEAM Projects

1. Overnight Crystal Garden: Explore the science world by making an overnight crystal garden. The results are super cool! (via Babble Dabble Do)

2. Building with Jelly Beans: Kids love building with different materials. Try this Jelly Bean activity for some STEAM learning. (via Engineering for Kids)

3. Cloud in a Jar: This is a great STEAM activity for kids ages 3 and up. Make your own cloud in a jar! (via Parents.com)

4. Rainbow Baking Soda and Vinegar Science: This is a hands on learning experience that your kids are going to love. Plus it’s colorful and super fun. (via Make and Takes)

5. Build a Straw Roller Coaster: The materials you need for this activity are simple and inexpensive. This will be a hit with your kids. (via Frugal Fun For Boys and Girls)

6. Shadow Art Outdoor Science: Teach your kids about light and shadows with this outdoor shadow art. (via Rhythms of Play)

7. Paper Plate Marble Maze: This is a pinball-like marble game that will keep yours learning and entertained. (via Buggy and Buddy)

8. Color Mixing Tops: There is a little bit of science and a little bit of art in this STEAM project for your kids to try. (via Creative Family Fun)

More STEAM Projects:

9. Straw Rockets: Launch these colorful rockets off with straws. Click the link for the free rocket printable for this craft. (via Buggy and Buddy)

10. Center of Gravity: Gravity can be hard to understand. This science experiment explains it so that younger kids can understand the concept. (via Rookie Parenting)

More STEAM Projects

11. Geometric LEGO Blueprint: Teach your littles about construction and building with this LEGO blueprint activity. (via Handmade Kids Art)

12. Paper Building Blocks: Use paper as a structural material with this educational building activity for kids. (via Babble Dabble Do)

13. Plastic Easter Egg Towers: Any leftover Easter eggs lying around? Use them for the STEAM challenge. See how high your kids can stack the towers. (via The Resourceful Mama)

14. Building 2D & 3D Shapes: Use different colored craft sticks to build 2D and 3D shapes. Get creative and see how many you can create. (via In The Playroom)

15. Shape Geoboard STEAM Activity: Start with a piece of styrofoam for this geoboard STEAM activity. Your little engineers will love working on this project. (via Little Bins For Little Hands)

16. Straw Bridges: Teach your kiddos about bridges and how they are formed with this straw bridge activity. (via The Stem Laboratory)

17. Evaporation Art with Puddles: This STEAM project teaches your little ones about how the heat from the sun causes water to evaporate. This is beautiful art project too. (via Handmade Kids Art)

18. STEM Sticks for Brain Breaks: Make a bunch of STEAM sticks for your kids or students. These sticks have educational activities that they can try and do on their own. (via STEM Activities for Kids)

19. Catapult for Kids: Keep your kids entertained on a rainy day with this awesome catapult craft. Shoot pom poms across the room after you’ve built the catapult. So fun! (via Living Well Mom)

20. Build Magnetic Metal Robots: Little engineers and crafters are going to go crazy over the idea of building their own robots! (via Adventures in a Box)

21. Hands-On Coding Games: Get your kids learning to code and having fun with these hands-on coding games. (via Preschool STEAM)

Future engineers young and old will really enjoy these STEAM activities and projects. Your kids are going to love learning and having fun at the same time.

Enjoy these STEAM projects with your family!

*Originally posted 5/24/17

The post 21 STEAM Projects for Learning All Summer Long appeared first on Make and Takes.

When I saw this wooden tray at the flea market I immediately snapped it up! I knew I could use it either in my scrap room or on my dresser. I believe it is actually the game tray for the traditional African game called Mancala. The tray was entirely wooden and to update it I painted the depressions with gold acrylic paint.

Upcycle Wooden Tray with Gold Paint

Supplies:

• wooden dish or tray
• base coat
• gold acrylic paint
• 2 foam brushes
• soft damp rag

Look for these trays at flea markets, thrift shops or garage sales. You can also find new ones at Target.

Instructions:

First use your damp cloth to clean up the tray. Once dry, start by painting on a base coat. Trays like these tend to be varnished in some way, so the base coat will help your gold paint to stick. Keep the damp cloth handy, you’ll need it!

Use the damp cloth to clean off excess paint that smears on the top of the tray.

Once the base coat is dry, start painting with the gold paint.

Carefully swirl the paint brush around the depressions, trying not to go past the edge.

Add as many coats as needed, waiting for each coat to fully dry. I needed to paint four coats.

And now here it in on my dresser:

The perfect place for my small pieces of jewelry.

Other Ideas for upcycle wooden tray:

• Use a color of paint that complements your decor
• Paint each depression a different color, or use 3 coordinating colors
• Use as a color sorting tray for toddlers and pre-schoolers
• Use for holding small scrapbooking embellishments.

What a quick and simple update!

*Originally posted 9/23/14

The post Upcycle a Trinket Tray with Gold Paint appeared first on Make and Takes.

Easy Caprese Salad

Caprese Salad recipe requires only 5 ingredients: tomatoes, fresh Mozzarella cheese, olive oil, balsamic vinegar and fresh basil.

The traditional Caprese is made with large fresh tomatoes and large fresh Mozzarella cheese balls, but I like this version of Caprese Salad with grape tomatoes and small Mozzarella balls (pearls) because it’s so much faster to make it!

Not to mention that it serves better for large crowds if you’re having a barbecue or plan for a picnic. Travels well in any containers and can be made in the morning and store covered in the refrigerator.

How to Make Caprese

Caprese is one of the easiest salads you can make. It is simple and it is super fast to have it ready to be served. You just cut grape tomatoes in halves, add them to a large bowl with fresh Mozzarella pearls, season with salt and pepper, drizzle olive oil, toss to combine well and add fresh chopped basil to it.

It doesn’t get easier than this recipe! Fresh, healthy and quick summer salad, perfect for any occasion.

Caprese Salad Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 pints grape tomatoes, halved
• 1 container (8oz) fresh Mozzarella cheese pearls, drained
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• salt and pepper

Method:

1. Add tomatoes, Mozzarella cheese to a bowl.
2. Drizzle olive oil over the salad and season with salt and pepper.
3. Drizzle balsamic vinegar and toss to combine. Add chopped basil and serve.

Print

Caprese Salad Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 pints grape tomatoes halved
• 1  container (8ofresh Mozzarella cheese pearls drained
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• salt and pepper

Instructions

• Add tomatoes, Mozzarella cheese to a bowl.
• Drizzle olive oil over the salad and season with salt and pepper.
• Drizzle balsamic vinegar and toss to combine. Add chopped basil and serve.

Pin this recipe for later:

*Originally posted 9/19/26

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