crafts - Stuff Parents Need

PBS KIDS Super Simple Crafts: Excellent Resource for Summer Break Activities

April 14, 2016 · by Tiffany Merritt · Leave a Comment

Affiliate links may be included at no cost to you. I only promote what I love.

I’m already in “hunt and gather” mode for summer break plans. I’m looking at museums and other educational attractions within striking distance of where we live and planning a few day trips, I’ve got summer camps booked, and I’m restocking our shelves with games, art supplies, and activity books for at home enrichment.

One great find recently came to my doorstep, courtesy of PBS KIDS, who sent me their new release called PBS KIDS Super Simple Crafts: Sticks & Stones.
This is a book of simple nature-based activities for kids ages 4 and up, packaged together with many of the supplies you will need to complete the crafts. In addition to the book, which has over 50 creative project ideas, you receive

• 6 sheet of felt in different colors

• nontoxic, clear-drying craft glue

• 24 googly eyes

• 7 pots of paint

• 2 paintbrushes

As someone who gets overwhelmed the second she steps into Michael’s or other craft stores, I really appreciate seeing all the materials you need ready to go with the book. I was also impressed with how simple the activities were, such that little ones could take the lead on the projects without a parent, if needed.

We gave the kit a test run during our Spring Break and I was quickly reminded of how much kids really can enjoy very simple things, like going on a stick hunt in the backyard, and then getting to decorate sticks with colorful paint. This kept Layah engaged for at least half an hour, and I was able to sit right next to her while she worked and get through some emails that were languishing in my inbox. Everyone accomplished something and even though we were working on different projects, we were still together with each other. It was great!

I’ve put the book and craft supplies away to save for summer break projects, and I’ll absolutely be reaching for this kit again, as it has ideas that will entertain both of my girls, and that encourage a little outdoor fun before craft time begins. I highly recommend that you add it to your stash of summer fun projects!

PBS KIDS Super Simple Crafts: Sticks & Stones is available at retailers nationwide, including Amazon, and is very nicely priced at under $15.

Valentine Craft for Kids: Heart Jelly Bean Bracelet

January 14, 2014 · by Tiffany Merritt · 19 Comments

Affiliate links included for this Valentine craft. Enjoy!

I wish I had documented the day that my oldest learned of candy necklaces. Special treats joining forces with jewelry?!?! YES!!!!!!!!!!

So on a recent trip to the grocery store, I thought I’d see if I could find any Valentine’s jelly candy that we could use for a craft. Remember, I’m TOTALLY NOT CRAFTY, (no, really….) but I figured that poking holes through some jelly beans and tying knot in some string was something I could handle.

So here’s how I made a Valentine craft for kids in the form of a jelly bean bracelet.

First, I gathered my supplies. You need some jewelry elastic. I found mine at Walmart with all the jewelry making supplies, and I’m sure Michael’s has it, but that store scares the crap out of me (remember, NOT CRAFTY!). I also found these heart shaped jelly beans, but you can use anything you can find that you think will withstand the puncture of a needle really well.

Speaking of the needle, I wanted to get something really thick, and not sharp on the tip since this craft is intended for kids. I found a tapestry needle, and I have no idea if that was the “best” choice, but it worked for me!

Even with the large, “dull” needle, I still felt that the act of puncturing each jelly bean was a bit too challenging for a 4-year-old. I’m thinking this would be a good craft for maybe ages 7 and up.

I tied a few knots on one end of the string to get started, and then ran the needle and thread through the center of the jelly bean, like this:

And then I realized that I made a hole far too large for my dinky little knot. So I needed some other way to keep the string from falling through while I got all the jelly bean hearts on the string (I hope that makes sense!). So I busted out my Scotch tape and just taped it in place for the moment. Once again, no idea if that was the “right” thing to do, but it worked!

Once I had all the jelly beans on the string, I tied lots and lots of little knots. It needed several because this plastic material is very slippery, and I noticed that one simple knot will come undone. Several are needed for it to behave!

That’s it! You are done and now have a really cute bracelet. This is such a great craft for parent/child bonding time, or for a play date. You can even make necklaces or anklets using this concept.

I spent about $5 on the supplies, and I could probably make 4 bracelets with the jelly beans I have. Not too bad, and it was a huge hit with my daughter! Give it a try, even if you are like me and “don’t do crafts!” And just a head’s up: your tapestry needle will not survive the craft. It will be completely coated in candy by the time you are done. I gave the needle my most heartfelt thanks for its service, and then sent it to the garbage can!

SUPER Simple Candy Halloween Crafts

October 6, 2013 · by Tiffany Merritt · 6 Comments

I’m excited to be partnering with Hershey’s and Global Influence today for this fun Halloween crafts exercise! Chocolates were provided. Crafting wizardry is my own!

If you have been a reader of mine for a while, then you may be surprised to hear me talking about crafts on the site.

Because this girl is NOT crafty. I’m not down on myself about it. I have lots of other gifts and talents! But I seem to be especially gifted at messing up any and all craft projects.

This was the basis for my Halloween craft plan: it needs to be REALLY REALLY easy! And my friends, with the help of my local dollar store (because I’m thrifty like that…) I have come up with 3 cute ideas that can help you get your craft on, get your Halloween spirit on, and of course, get your chocolate on! Which is the whole point of Halloween, after all.

First up is the most complicated of the 3 crafts. But that doesn’t mean it is hard!

DIY Chocolate Spider Web Door Wreath

My local dollar store has these web-shaped place mats. They also have sparkly pipe cleaners, which I wove around the web just to make it more festive and fun (the goal here is FUN, not perfection!). And to make my spider, I took a Cadbury Screme Egg, and wrapped 4 purple pipe cleaners around the egg, and then around the back of the web to hold it in place. Then I just arranged the pipe cleaners to look like legs. And the spider has a Hershey Bar dangling from its silk. It caught something yummy! You can hang this on your door, or keep it somewhere inside your house if you don’t trust your postal carrier not to eat your spider ;-).

Witch Treat Holder

In order to keep our candy consumption under control, we needed something in our house that would limit the available treats. When I spotted this cute witch (only $1!) I had an idea. I took part of a Halloween Kit-Kat bag, and used a bit of tape and some green pipe cleaners to fashion a trick-or-treat bag for the witch. She can hold a handful of candy at a time without tipping over, and that’s just the right amount for us to have out in the open. Isn’t it cute?! I totally adore it. And you guys…I made a craft! So what if the witch was already totally made? It counts!!

Crows Guarding Their Shiny Objects

Ok, so crows really like shiny things. When I found these two crow figures, I knew they would be the perfect guardians for some Rolos. Isn’t this is a cute little display? And the only effort it takes is NOT eating the display. And I’m not talking about eating crow in this case!

I also happened to find a really cute bowl for the Halloween candy during trick-or-treating. That really isn’t a craft, though. It’s just a bowl. Still, I feel like I accomplished something when I found it! It’s shaped like a spider web.

So what about you? Are you craft-averse like me? Perhaps the sweet touch I’ve put on these, and even just the fact that I managed to do them without burning the house down, gives you a little nudge. You can do it! And trust me friends, with Hershey’s on hand, SWEET is your reward! 😉

Let me know if you replicate any of these fun ideas, ok?

Top 10 Ten Minute Craft Projects!

August 10, 2012 · by Tiffany Merritt · Leave a Comment

Please enjoy this guest post brought to you by our friends at Katie’s Cards. I am LOVING the simple ideas below for getting your craft on with your kids!

A 10 minute craft project can take many forms, from making your own mini seed magnet, through to creating fun bracelets, paper dolls and bath bombs. All of these projects, however, share a speed of creation, and are generally suitable for all ages. Whether that means finding something to do on a rainy day, or just exploring your crafty side, these projects should give you something to keep yourself busy. Materials can also be cheaply sourced, and the finished projects can be given as presents, or kept as decorations.

1 – Growing Seeds Magnet

Easy to make with children in under 10 minutes, this project involves taking an empty pill bottle – ideally one that is see through – and placing cotton bills inside. A magnetic strip can be attached to the side with craft glue, and plant seeds placed inside out of the cotton balls. When attached to a fridge, and regularly watered, the bottle will eventually produce a distinctive plant. Ideal for cress seeds.

2 – Bracelet

A simple bracelet variation, this project involves taking an 18 inch strand of twine, and attaching looped items to it. These can be rings or anything circular, which are braided through strands and tied off with lark’s head knots.

3 – Candle Vases

Take a glass vase, a candle holder and tea lights, as well as a pattern wrap. The latter can be wrapped around the vase, and secured with double sided tape. The candles are then placed into the holder, and lit to create unusual colours and shapes.

4 – Hand Made Cards

Handmade cards can be quickly made through the use of backing cardboard, several sheets of paper, and decorative items like ribbon and glitter. Pre selected templates can also be downloaded and printed online to create the front of the card. Of course, another alternative from handmade cards, especially with the hectic times of Christmas approaching, is to send someone a Christmas ecard.

5 – Paper Dolls

Another good project for children, this paper dolls idea couldn’t be simpler. Buy a set of paper doll templates, decorate, and then cut out and attach to magnetic sheets to be hung or attached to a surface in the house.

6 – Bath Bombs

A potentially messy project, this involves mixing together essential oils with baking soda and citric acid to make a dry ball. When put into water, this organic product will fizz up.

7 – Bubble Mixture

A simple but popular project, simply take cups, dish soap, water and sugar. Mix the ingredients together and add them to the sealed cup. Children can then draw and blow bubbles from the resulting mixture.

8 – Noise Maker

A noise maker is a good idea for younger children, and can be made by using an empty, dry bottle filled with glitter, glue and beads. Fix the top of the bottle securely and shake for noise.

9 – Photo Ornaments

A good Christmas idea, a photo ornament involves removing the top of an ornament bulb, and filling it with glitter and a photograph. When tied off with a bow and reattached to a tree, this bulb can make for a more distinctive Christmas tree.

10 – Pincushion Ring

This project involves using fabric, felt and denim, as well as the top from a drinks bottle. Make holes in the bottle, and attach it to the felt and denim using string and fabric glue. Run through a loop to create a ring.
About the Author

Serena is an arts and crafts fanatic, blogging and writing about her experiences of all things crafty. In addition to this, she designs personalised cards and ecards online for special occasions.