These shark cupcakes are the perfect addition to Shark Week viewing or an ocean-themed party.

Related: Make an ocean-themed grazing board

Shark cupcakes

I will share options below for baking your own cupcakes from scratch or using store-bought cupcakes.

Ingredients

• Store-bought cupcakes with white frosting (waves)
• Sprinkles – blue (ocean)
• Sprinkles – red (shark attack)
• Gummy sharks
• Silicone cupcake liners (optional)

If you would rather make cupcakes from scratch, use our recipes below:

• chocolate cupcake recipe
• homemade buttercream frosting

Instructions

Step 1

Pour the blue sprinkles into a shallow dish and roll just the edges of the frosting in the blue sprinkles.

Step 2

Oh no, there’s been a shark attack. Time to add a few red sprinkles onto the top of the cupcake.

Step 3

Top your cupcake with a gummy shark and enjoy!

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The minimalist look is very in style these days. Less is more when it comes to home decor. That’s why I am loving the look of Tree Branch Home Decor in decorating and design. Even better if it’s do-it-yourself projects! I searched high and low for the best tree branch home decor DIYs for you (and me!) to try.

DIY Tree Branch Home Decor

1. Rustic DIY Branch Shelves: Learn how to build these really cool branch shelves for any room in your home. I am loving this rustic look! (via BHG)

2. DIY Branch Heart Wall Art: This wall art is so gorgeous. Gather some thick tree branches and twigs to make this beautiful piece of home decor. (via Shades of Blue Interiors)

3. DIY Wall Decor – Eucalyptus Branch: The simple look of this eucalyptus branch wall decor is my favorite. Less is definitely more when it comes to this simple home decor DIY. (via The Honeycomb Home)

4. Garden Stick Mobile: Learn how to easily make this garden stick mobile to hang on your porch or in your yard. It makes sweet noises and brings beauty to it’s area.

5. DIY Advent Calendar: This advent calendar for Christmastime is LOVELY isn’t it?? The simple pine tree branch hanging would look pretty in any home! Can’t wait to try this for the holiday season. (via The Merrythought)

More DIY Tree Branch Home Decor Ideas:

6. DIY Driftwood Wall Hanger: This driftwood wall hanger is the perfect decor piece to greet you after a long day away from home. Hang your personal belongings on it and admire it’s beauty. (via The Effortless Chic)

7. Easy Tree Branch DIY Centerpiece: Grab a few tree branches, a vase, and some spray paint, and you’ve got one incredibly easy centerpiece for your table. I love this nature inspired home decor piece. (via The Summery Umbrella)

8. Tree Branch Jewelry Stand: You’ll never know what treasures you might find in your log pile! This tree branch is the perfect thing to hang all of your jewelry. So unique! (via Redhead Can Decorate)

9. DIY Copper + Gold Foil Branches: I’ve saved the best for last! This centerpiece idea is the most beautiful tree branch decor piece for fall! I love the copper and gold colors. Foiling is so pretty! (via Poppytalk)

Get outside and look for all the tree branches for these DIYs!

Originally posted 10/3/19

The post 9 Now Ideas: DIY Tree Branch Home Decor appeared first on Make and Takes.

The idea is simple: jazz up rice crispy treats with ice cream and sandwich them together into one jumbo, over-the-top treat. I folded sprinkles right in and pressed them onto ice cream for a pop of color in every bite. Yes, it got a little messy. No, nobody complained.

These are the perfect summer treat. Kids go crazy for them, and they come together faster than you’d think. Not feeling the full sandwich? Try scooping ice cream over a them for an easy sundae version instead. The best part? You only need three ingredients and about five minutes.

Make the rice crispy treats ahead of time, keep your ice cream in the freezer until you are ready to assemble, and you have a dessert that looks impressive without much effort at all. This recipe is also totally flexible. Swap vanilla for strawberry, mint chip, or whatever your family loves most.

Use a cookie cutter to cut the treats into fun shapes for an extra festive touch. However you make them, they are going to disappear fast.

Ice Cream Rice Crispy Treat – 2 ways

Ingredients:

• Rice Crispy Treats, cut into squares
• Ice Cream of your choice-we used vanilla
• Sprinkles

Method:

For the sandwich: Take one and place a scoop of ice cream on top. Smash the scoop of ice cream with another rice crispy treat. Sprinkle the sides of the ice cream with rainbow sprinkles. Enjoy!

For the rice crispy sundae: Top one treat with a scoop of ice cream. Add sprinkles on top (you could even drizzle on some hot fudge). Enjoy!

Originally posted: 5/26/2010

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We Love Dad Because… Printable!

Supplies:

• Download and print: Father’s Day Printable with or without a mustache image
  We Love Dad Because
  We Love Dad (no mustache)
• markers or colored pencils
• frame (optional)

Gather the whole family and have everyone grab a colored pencil. Write down all the reasons you love dad, silly ones, serious ones, sweet ones. Draw pictures, write words, fill the whole page. There are no wrong answers here.

Once it is finished, pop it into a frame and it is ready to gift. Wrap it up for Father’s Day morning, or hang it on the wall so it is the first thing dad sees when he comes down for breakfast. Either way, it is the kind of gift that sticks around long after the day is over.

More Father’s Day Crafts

Father’s Day Fridge Magnets

Surprise Dad with your clever photo magnet gift and be sure to leave him a sweet note! Dad is going to get a total kick out of these. Make as many as you like! Happy Father’s Day to all the awesome dads of the world!

Celebrate Dad with a Fun DIY Spinner Card

Create this DIY spinner that’s also a Father’s day card! Dad is going to love seeing what fun things he can spin and win! Write a sweet message inside and get ready to spin and celebrate Dad this Father’s Day!

Silly Pop-Up Monster Cards for Dad

Here’s a step-by-step for making the monster’s pop-up mouth. It’s not hard – I promise! Teach your older kids to do this part, or prep the cards ahead of time for the littles. Not into monsters? Use this same technique to make a bird, frog, fish, or another favorite animal. Have fun crafting a special card that’s sure to make Dad smile!

Printable design by Amy of The Mom Bot. Check out her Free Father’s Day Printable Booklet!

Originally posted 6/9/17

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These are the best 75 Simon Says ideas for kids. Whether you are a teacher trying to keep your class engaged during transitions and lining up, or a parent standing in long lines at theme parks, we’ve got you covered.

Related: Printable outdoor summer bucket list

Simon Says Ideas for Kids

If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the past few years teaching preschoolers, is that keeping them in a straight line, somewhat on a voice level of zero, and not touching each other, is to keep them busy.

My kids love playing Simon Says, but it’s taken me some time to figure out what works and doesn’t work for them. I want them to find the activities fun, engaging, use fine motor, literacy, and math skills, without them realizing they’re learning.

Here is what you will find with these 75 ideas for kids:

• They can move within their own bubble and give their friends personal space.
• Quiet voices are needed – helping them learn to regulate their tone of voice for indoors versus outdoors.
• They do not need to make a lot of noise with their bodies, for example, silent clapping.
• Some activities are perfect for lining up, while others are great for walking in line.
• Fine motor skills are used.
• Math skills are used including counting, shapes, and spatial awareness.
• Balancing and coordination skills incorporate learning their left from their right.

Click the image below to download our free Simon Says printable for kids.

How to play Simon Says

The post 75 of the Best Simon Says Ideas for Kids appeared first on Make and Takes.

1. Printable Zig-Zag Mini Book for Father’s Day: Create a mini Printable Zig-Zag Book that the kids will love to customize and the dads will love. It’s the perfect little pocket size gift for Dad, Grandpa, or anyone you want to share memories with!

2. DIY Father’s Day Tie Cards: I love a good tie card. It’s classic and timeless. Especially cause my husband wears a lot of ties. (via Honey + Lime)

3. DIY Father’s Day Card: Show Dad that you love him to the moon and back with this totally awesome rocket card! So fun to make and Dad will love it. (via Non-Toy Gifts)

4. We Love Dad Printable: Looking for a fun and simple idea? Try this Father’s Day Printable for “We Love Dad Because…”. It’s the perfect addition to all the Father’s Day festivities you have planned.

5. Fishing Card for Father’s Day: Does Dad love to fish? Then this is the best card to make and give him. Plus, it’s printable which makes things easy! (via I Heart Crafty Things)

6. Easy DIY Father’s Day Card Ideas: Okay, how adorable is this pizza card? I am living for the cute kid handwriting! We are totally going to use this idea. (via Good Life Detroit)

7. Fish Cupcake Liner Card Craft: We’re hooked on this Father’s Day card idea. Grab some cupcake liners and a few popsicle sticks and you’re ready to craft. (via Feeling Nifty)

8. Coolest “Tie Dyed Tee” Father’s Day Card: How awesome is this DIY tie dye card?? What a fun craft. We love tie dye at our house. (via Happy Hooligans)

9. Marble Shaving Cream Shirt & Tie Card: This shaving cream marbling technique turns out so cool! I think any kid would love to make this Father’s Day card. (via The Craft at Home Family)

Happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there!

The post 9 Ideas for Cool Cards Just for Dad appeared first on Make and Takes.

This hot air balloon end-of-year craft, inspired by the Dr. Seuss’ book, Oh, the Places You’ll Go, is perfect for preschool through grade 1. (Although your older kiddos just might like this too :)

I made a similar hot air balloon craft recently for a Dr. Seuss family night. The kids loved sharing where they wanted to go on spring break, after the event, and even that weekend. It got me thinking, though, at the end of the year, what are their dreams? What do they want to be when they grow up? What do they want to do over summer break? These are just a few of the questions you can ask them as they write their answers. For preschoolers, though, let them dictate to you, as you write down what they want to do or be.

How to make our Oh, the Places You’ll Go hot air balloon

This hot air balloon craft encourages fine motor, literacy, and cognitive skills. Although older children will be able to cut out all of the parts and write their own sentence, younger children will need assistance.

What you need

• Paper plate
• Tissue paper
• Our Oh, the Places You’ll Go printable
• Glue stick
• Scissors
• Stapler

Instructions

Step 1

Download and print our free Oh, the Places You’ll Go printable; preferably on cardstock to make it sturdier.

Step 2

Cut the bottom section off the paper plate and staple the basket of the balloon into place. Glue the Oh, the Places You’ll Go circle onto the paper plate.

Step 3

Cut a variety of tissue paper colors into squares, approximately 1.5 inches each; they don’t have to be exact. This is something that kids with good scissor skills can do on their own.

Step 4

Use your fingers to scrunch the tissue paper squares into little pieces and glue them into place around the top of the balloon.

Once your hot air balloon is complete, it’s time for the kids to decide what they want to write on the basket.

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I’ve found 30 crafts that are PERFECT to make for Teacher Appreciation Week. Get your kids involved in the crafting too!

30 Teacher Appreciation Crafts

1. High-Five Card: Give your teacher a big high-five with this simple homemade card.

2. DIY Sharpie Jar: This Sharpie jar gift is easy, cheap, AND useful. Get the instructions from The Realistic Mama.

3. Notepads for Teacher: Any teacher would love to receive a personalized notepad as a gift! Art Bar has the details for this fun DIY.

4. Donut Printable: Who wouldn’t like to get a donut?? Get this super cute printable from Confetti Sunshine.

5. Neon Dipped Teacher Gifts: These succulent gifts from Hellobee are beautiful and they are really fun to make.

6. Classroom Print: This print would look adorable in any classroom! Get the printable from Eighteen25 and give this in a frame to your teacher.

Simple and Sweet Teacher Appreciation Week Crafts

7. Rubber Band Ball: You can never have too many rubber bands. Get the instructions and printable from Tried and True.

8. S’more Teacher Gift: This cute saying and yummy treat from The Rowdy Stroudy’s will put a smile on your teachers face!

9. Felt Goodie Bag: SUPER simple and SUPER cute- these felt goodie bags are great for stuffing little teacher gifts into.

10. Printable Target Gift Card Holder: Dress up that Target gift card with this creative holder from Landeelu.

11. Washi Tape Pencil Holder: Get out your washi tape for this creative and easy gift idea.

12. Teacher Appreciation Blooms: Give your teacher a vase full of gorgeous flowers with this sweet note from Skip to my Lou.

13. Pipe Cleaner Apples: Every teacher loves apples! Your little ones can craft these all on their own and give them to their teachers in a bundle.

14. Highlighter Roll Gift Idea: Club Chica Circle shows us how to highlight what we love most about our teachers with this simple gift idea.

15. Kit Kat Gift: Teachers deserve a break once in a while! Give them one with this cute Kit Kat printable from Eighteen25.

16. Cactus Planters: Thank your teacher for all the help with growing this school year by giving them this pretty cactus planter from Shanty-2-Chic.

17. Outer Space Watercolor Bookmarks: Show your teacher all you’ve learned about the planets with this educational watercolor bookmark gift.

18. Lemon Sugar Hand Scrub: Give your teacher a little luxury with this yummy smelling lemon sugar hand scrub from Caramel Potatoes.

Cute Teacher Appreciation Week Crafts

19. Gumdrop Apples: Teachers will love snacking on these candy gumdrop apples that your kiddos can easily craft themselves!

20. EOS Lip Balm Teacher Gift: No more chapped lips with this handy gift and printable from Wine and Glue.

21. Sweet Teacher Gift: Does your teacher love to cook? Then they will LOVE this thoughtful cooking gift from Eighteen25.

22. DIY Ruler Vase: This ruler vase from Lolly Jane would look super cute in your teacher’s classroom.

23. DIY Apple Chalkboard: How adorable is this apple chalkboard from A Night Owl? I love this idea for a teacher appretiation gift.

24. Washi Tape Gift: What is more simple than this washi tape gift idea from Confetti Sunshine? Give a teacher your favorite designs and colors of washi tape to use all year long!

25. Tote Teacher Gift: Present this cute tote and printable from Uncommon Designs to your teacher to show them how much you care.

26. Card Candy Necklace: Put gift cards and candy into this charming candy necklace from Whipperberry.

27. Pipe Cleaner Pencil Toppers: Get out the pipe cleaners to make these cute pencil toppers for your teachers.

28. Caramel Apple Gift: I know I would love receiving this delicious caramel apple all wrapped up from Makoodle. Your teacher will too!

29. Oreo Dipped Apples: These Oreo apples from A Girl and a Glue Gun are tasty, pretty, and make such a special gift for a teacher.

30. RedBox Teacher Present: Give your teacher a night off with this movie bundle package from The Crafting Chicks.

31. 50 Cute Sayings for Teacher Appreciation!

Your teacher will love any one of these crafty gifts for Teacher Appreciation Week!

*Originally posted 4/23/15

The post 30 Crafts to Make for Teacher Appreciation Week appeared first on Make and Takes.

The recipe comes from baking wizard, Dorie Greenspan. If you aren’t familiar with her and you like to bake, do a quick Google search and check out her recipes. They rarely, if ever, disappoint.

When we decorate chocolate cupcakes at our house in a few weeks, this will be the recipe we use.

Perfect Chocolate Cupcakes

from Baking: From My Home To Yours by Dorie Greenspan

Ingredients:

Makes 12 cupcakes

For the chocolate cupcakes:

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1 stick (8 tbsp) unsalted butter, at room temperature
3/4 cup sugar
1 large egg
1 large egg yolk
1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
1/2 cup buttermilk
2 oz bittersweet chocolate, melted and cooled

Instructions:

Getting ready – Center a rack in the oven and preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Fit the 12 molds in a regular-size muffin pan with paper muffin cups, or butter them with flour and tap out the excess.

Whisk together the flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Working with a stand mixer, preferably fitted with the paddle attachment, or with a hand mixer in a large bowl, beat the butter at medium speed until soft and creamy. Add the sugar and beat for about 2 minutes, until it is blended into the butter. Add the egg, then the yolk, beating 1 minute after each addition and scraping down the sides and bottom of the bowl with a rubber spatula as needed. Beat in the vanilla, then reduce the mixer speed to low and add half the dry ingredients, mixing only until they disappear. Scrape down the bowl and add the buttermilk, mixing until incorporated, then mix in the remaining dry ingredients. Scrape down the bowl, add the melted chocolate and mix it in with the rubber spatula. Divide the batter evenly among the muffin molds.

Bake for 22 to 25 minutes, or until the tops of the cakes are dry and springy to the touch and a knife inserted into their centers comes out clean. Transfer the muffin pan to a rack and let the cakes cool for 5 minutes before unmolding. Cool to room temperature on the rack before decorating.

Powdered Sugar Frosting

1 stick butter
3 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp. vanilla extract
a little milk

Beat butter for a minute with an electric mixer. Add the powdered sugar a little at a time alternately with a little milk. Add the vanilla extract. Continue beating until light and fluffy.

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21 DIY Hanging Planters YOU Can Make

1. Wooden Box Hanging Planter: Talk about a wow-statement! These hanging planters are simple to make and look amazing on a wall. (via A Beautiful Mess)

2. DIY Macrame Hanging Planter: this projects keeps on giving with 2 projects in 1! (via Make and Takes)

3. Wood Slice and Rope Hanging Planter: Keep your plants up and out of the way with this super easy wood slice hanger. (via The Summery Umbrella)

4. DIY Floating Shelf: You can make this floating shelf with just a few supplies. You’ll stay in your budget too. (via Hometalk)

5. DIY Plywood Hanging Planter: How gorgeous are these diamond shaped hanging planters? They’re easier to make then they look. (via Deuce Cities Henhouse)

6. Make a Driftwood Hanging Planter: This driftwood hanging planter is way easier to make than it looks. We actually used a lot of things that we already had and the project only cost us $15 in plants to bring it all together. (via Make and Takes)

7. DIY Mason Jar Hanging Herb Planter: Plant your own herbs in your home with these darling mason jar platers. (via Ramshackle Glam)

8. Modern DIY Hanging Planter: Can you believe that this hanging planter is made from recycled plastic bottles? You have to make this! (via eHow)

More DIY Hanging Planters to make:

9. DIY Modern Hanging Planter: This gorgeous planter is made from an embroidery hoop! How easy it that? (via Northstory)

10. Plant Hanger From Fabric Strips: Use leftover fabric strips to make this plant hanger. Hang it in your home or outside on your porch. (via Gleeful Things)

11. Wood Planter: This hanging wood planter is simple, yet elegant, and would look great in anyone’s house. (via Shanty 2 Chic)

12. Disco Ball Hanging Planter: I need this disco ball planter in my life. It’s so much fun!! (via A Beautiful Mess)

13. Triangle Planter: You can make this beautiful copper geometric planter to decorate your home. (via Another Big Bite)

More DIY Hanging Planters

14. Leather Sling Hanging Planter: Keep the floor clear with this lovely leather planter. It’s modern, easy to make, and brightens up any space. (via A Designer At Home)

15. Easy Hanging Planter DIY: Use metal bowls to make these cool hanging planters. (via A Beautiful Mess)

16. Hanging Planter Hack: This $5 hanging planter hack is easy on your budget and time. (via Paper and Stitch)

17. DIY Planter With A Pair & A Spare: I love this leather DIY planter. Place your potted plant in the center of the leather and hang it in your home. (via BLDG 25)

18. DIY Crescent Moon Hanging Planter: Wouldn’t this moon planter look cute in a baby nursery? I love the crescent moon shape of the pot. (via diys.com)

19. Hanging Planter Shelf: This horizontal planter shelf is perfect for a minimalist. It’s simple and beautiful. (via Curbly)

20. Crochet Boho Plant Hanger: Learn the basics of crocheting to make this cozy plant hanger – Boho Style (via Curbly)

21. Recycled Water Bottles Hanger: This is a great recycled craft for a rainy afternoon. (via Momtastic)

Keep those floors clear and hang your plants from the ceiling. I love all of the beautiful DIYs. Which one will you choose to make?

Follow us on Pinterest for more inspiration!

Originally posted 6/23/17

The post 21 DIY Hanging Planters YOU Can Make appeared first on Make and Takes.