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

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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

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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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It’s hot-hot-hot out there! It seems the only way to be outside these days is to do some sort of water activity! What is more fun than playing with water toys in the summer? I’ve rounded up 15 DIY water toys to keep you and your family having fun and keeping cool this summer!

15 DIY Water Toys to Make for Summer

1. Water Sponge Toys: Make a splash with this summertime toy that is easy to make and fun to play with!

2. Tricycle Car Wash: With a trip to the hardware store, you can make your own summer car wash! Your kids will LOVE playing with this! Get the instructions on Design Mom.

3. DIY Toy Boats: Your little ones can craft these fun toy boats and play with them in the water all summer long! Find the tutorial over on Inner Child Fun!

4. DIY Water Wall: Tinkerlab shows us this easy and inexpensive water toy DIY that your kiddos will have so much fun with!

5. Water Pom Pom Target Toss: Have some fun in the backyard with this water pom pom target toss game!

6. Water Balloon Piñata: Cool off on a hot summer day with this awesome water balloon piñata from Ziggity Zoom!

7. Bottle Sprinkler: This DIY water bottle sprinkler from Frugal Coupon Living will keep your kids having fun in the sun for hours!

More DIY Water Toys

8. Water Blob: This is an awesome summer water activity for the whole family! Read the tutorial over on Clumsy Crafter!

9. Sponge Boats: Float these cute sponge boats in water for some summer playtime!

10. Marble Run: Have some water fun with your little ones with this marble run from Inner Child Fun!

11. Swimming Pool Scrabble: This is an entertaining pool game for kids and adults alike! Get the how-to from Toddler Approved!

12. Water Pistol Target Range: Set up your own water pistol target range from Inner Child Fun for hours of summer fun!

13. Soap Boat Races: All you need is a bar of soap and and a rain gutter for this fun outdoor activity! Get the instructions over on I Heart Nap Time.

14. DIY Slip ‘n Slide: Build this mega-sized slip ‘n slide from Life Hacker for some awesome summertime fun!

15. Aluminium Foil River: Get creative with what to float down this really cool aluminium foil river from Filth Wizardry! Super fun!

Now get outside and have some family fun with one of these DIY water toys!

*Originally posted 6/26/14

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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!

Please pin this post for later

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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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