By Paper Crafts Contributor, Lauren Romano.

There are so many uses for clothes pins from displaying greeting cards and Valentines to hanging up clothes. The only problem is that they’re boring. Decorating them is a great way to bring a little more pizazz into the home and you can even make them themed depending on what you’re using them for. It only takes a few materials and a little time to make any type of themed clothes pins you wish.

What you’ll need:

• Clothes pins
• Decorative paper
• Mod Podge
• Scissors
• Embellishments

Step 1. Cut two strips of paper that are slightly larger than each side of the clothes pin.

Step 2. Put Mod Podge on one side of the clothes pin, then press it down to the paper. Do the same for the other side. Let it dry for at least a couple of hours before moving onto the next step.

Step 3. Use the scissors to carefully trim off the excess paper. Make sure not to cut the clothespin itself.

Step 4. Choose embellishments that match the paper you used. I chose red bows because I loved how it looked combined with the black and white polka dot paper.

Step 5. Use Mod Podge to attach each embellishment to one or both sides. Don’t attach it near the ends of the clothes pin; opt for the center. Press each embellishment down for a few seconds to ensure it sticks, then let it dry for a few hours without moving it.

By General Crafts Contributor Melissa, from the blog MeloMomma.

What do you do with all the tons of Valentine Cards your child brings home from school? Normally they get tossed after being looked at for a day. Or they get strung through the house making a frightful mess.

Well, I have come up with a fun solution. Not only will you have a place to display your favorite Valentine cards, but you and your child can have fun making this card holder!

Oh, yes, if you were wondering… the clothes pins do still work after being attached to the cookie cutter! This Valentine card holder is adorable, pretty, and 100% functional!

What you will need:

• Clothes pins
• Heart shaped cookie cutter
• Ribbon
• Lace
• Hot glue gun and glue sticks

Directions:

Place the clothes pins in a circular shape. Before gluing them, place the cookie cutter on top to assure that they all fit (as shown in photo).

Using a hot glue gun, glue the cookie cutter to the clothes pins.

For added hold glue around the cookie cutter on both the inside and outside.

Cut lace to fit both the inside and outside of the cookie cutter.

Secure the lace with the hot glue gun.

(A close up of the lace)

(A view of the backside)

 By Kid’s Crafts Contributor Stephine, from the Blog Geek with Glasses.

The colder weather brings out all the mittens, gloves, scarves and hats. The little ones look so cute in hand knit mittens, but have you ever had to save a falling child while they were wearing them? My big fear is mitten to mitten, there is not a solid grip on the tiny one as you walk across the busy street or icy parking lot. Kids squirm and slip out so quick, next thing you’re left holding an empty mitten. Without some kind of hand covering, both momma and kiddo complain about the cold. I once saw an ad from the late 40′s or early 50′s about a shared mitten for hand holding. It was marketed for couples, but I think it works great for parents and children. A sure grip while being warm and snug, how wonderful.

Material:

• Momma Mitten Pattern - printable pattern
• 1/2 yard of fleece
• sewing machine
• all purpose thread
• Pins

I am not a terrific seamstress so if I can do this you can too. Print out the pattern provided and cut 2 out of fleece fabric. Pin the 2 together with right sides facing. Sew together using a 1/4″ seam allowance. Turn right-side out. I like a little cuff so I folded them down. It really couldn’t be easier.

The fleece has a nice stretch to it, so it can fit a variety of hand sizes. My little girl is 3 and we have been using this a lot. She loves it! My husband’s hand also fits because of the stretch, so he can wear it with her too. I can’t really say that he and I would wear it, but we could, I guess.

Stay warm and safe this winter.

By General Crafts Contributor Mina, from the blog Mina’s Journal.

Home is where the heart is! Why not make these Heart Houses this Valentine’s Day? All you need is paper or cardstock, scissors and glue. A quick, cute and funky project for Valentine cheer.

How to make the Heart House:

Trim around the outer lines of the house and the roof. Fold the roof in half widthwise to make the peak. Fold along the tab ends and sides of house as shown in the template.

Glue where indicated on the model. I found it better to glue the house together first, before putting on the roof. Line up the peak fold to match the top of the triangular top of the house.

Glue the roof to the tabs of one side of the Heart House. Glue the other side of the roof to the remaining side of the Heart House.

You’re done!

Ideas for Heart Houses

Make a few houses for a table centerpiece, or a shelf display.

Cut out windows, cover the inside window spaces with lunch paper. Pop the finished house over a LED light source, for night time illumination.

Download Blue Heart House

To use as a gift box glue the house onto a card base. Make it a little larger than the house and paint it green or use green card. Pop a gift inside the house before joining the roof.

Download Pink Heart House

To use the house to play with, cut along the top and bottom lines of the windows and down the middle. Fold open for shutter type windows.Cut along the top and down one side of the door. Fold door open and make paper dolls for your Heart House.

To make your own house, trace the template and design your own windows and doors, then make them up.

Have Fun! Happy Crafting!

*Design by Mina Keenan

By Paper Crafts Contributor, Lauren Romano.

I have such a love for Valentine’s Day simply because I adore hearts. Making a hanging piece of heart decor is ideal whether you’re putting it up outside or on a plain, boring wall. This heart craft is comprised of connecting hearts, similar to the look of a four leaf clover, and requires only a handful of materials.

What you’ll need:

• Red felt
• Red or pink patterned paper
• Double-sided tape
• Mod Podge
• Scissors
• Wide ribbon

Step 1. Choose a piece of red or pink patterned scrapbook paper. I picked one that’s white on one side, but if you so choose, use one that’s double-sided.

Step 2. Cut a piece of scrapbook paper into four even strips. If you’re using a standard size piece of scrapbook paper, each strip will be 3″ x 12″.

Step 3. Fold each strip in half, then bend in the ends so it forms a heart shape. Use a double-sided piece of tape to hold the heart shape in place. Make four in total.

Step 4. Use double-sided tape to attach the hearts to each other so their points meet in the center.

Step 5. Cut a piece of wide ribbon that’s long enough so it can hang the decor from wherever you’d like it placed.

Step 6. Put a dot of Mod Podge on each end of the ribbon. If you’re working with the hearts in a clockwise pattern, slide one end in between the top heart and the second heart, then slide the other end in between the top heart and the fourth heart. Press the paper down over the ribbon so it sticks.

Step 7. Cut two hearts out of red felt, then use a piece of double-sided tape or the Mod Podge to stick one on each side over the center where the points meet.

By Guest Bloggers Melissa + Kellie, from the blog Icing Designs.

Here is a fun way to dress up your Valentine’s Day cupcakes! This is also a great treat for your little munchkins to help with! What could be better than getting to eat your cupcake and the topper!?!

Just make a regular batch of Rice Krispie treats. Then use a mini heart cookie cutter to cut out little hearts. Stick a lollipop stick into the center of them and leave the hearts out for a few hours to let them harden a bit. 

(If you dip them in the chocolate right away they will fall apart.) Melt some chocolate candy melts in the color of your choice and simply dip your mini hearts in and cover completely! Gently shake off the excess chocolate and set them on a piece of parchment paper…add some sprinkles to dress them up a bit. Let them dry and then stick them into your cupcakes!

By General Crafts Contributor Mina, from the blog Mina’s Journal.

Here’s something for the little ones – cute wee Mini Valentine Postcards for the kids to give out at school or preschool. Not too lovey-dovey. Just print onto paper or a card and trim along the outer lines.

Write who it’s to, who it’s from and the year on the back. There is room for a message too.

You Will Need:

• paper or card
• scissors
• glue

Optional

• double sided adhesive,  foam dots or tape
• ribbons
• coloured craft paper
• card blanks
• cardboard

Valentine’s Day Card Ideas

Use these Mini Valentine Postcards as a card topper for larger cards by sticking them onto card blanks. You can make your own card blanks by just folding a piece of card in half.

Paste rectangular pieces of colored craft paper to use as mats. Paste them onto the card blank before the topper.

Print out the page of extra Valentine Day images to make a range of other cards. Cut loosely around them and position them on your cards. Use double sided foam dots or tape to make the images pop out. If you don’t have any – just use small bits of thick cardboard.

Add embellishments like ribbon, beads or buttons.

Click on photo to view Kid’s Mini Valentine Postcards image

Click on photo to view Extra Valentine Images

All of the cards you see in this post was made with two card downloads and one extra images to print. There are plenty of images left over.

Valentine’s Day History

There are two popular stories about how Valentine’s Day came about. One says that Valentine was a priest in the time of the great Emperor Claudius the Second during the third century. Claudius, wanting his army to grow better and larger decreed that young men could not marry. Valentine did not agree with this and performed marriage ceremonies in secret. He was found out and put to death. The other story says that Valentine was a prisoner who fell in love with his jailor’s daughter and wrote a note to her signed ‘Your Valentine’.

Happy crafting!

By Dondi Richardson from the FloraCraft Make It: Fun Blog.

This Styrofoam glider is a fun weekend project to do with your kids. (Get them into crafting earlier!) Project includes a template for the glider. Easy to make and fun to decorate, plus you can see how far it will fly!

Supplies:

FloraCraft Foam: Four – Sheets, ½”x12″x12″

Other Materials:

• Acrylic Paint
• Dimensional Fabric Paint
• Toothpicks
• Glider Template

Tools:

• Design It: Foam Cutter or Serrated Knife
• Low-Temp Glue Gun and glue sticks
• Paint Brushes: wide flat brush and detailing brush
• Paper (for templates)
• Black Marker
• ½” Sequin Pins

Instructions

1. Print and enlarge the templates to size needed. Hint: You can use a photocopier to copy and enlarge templates.
2. Pin the templates to the sheets of foam and trace with black marker: one body, two wings, two tail wings and one tail fin.
3. Remove the templates and cut out the plane parts using the foam cutter.
4. Use the scrap pieces of foam like a sanding block to “sand” the square edges of the foam parts smooth, making it look more authentic.
5. Glue the parts together, inserting toothpicks between the parts for a more secure bond.
6. Paint desired colors and let dry completely.

By General Crafts Contributor Melissa, from the blog MeloMomma.

The holidays may be over, but winter is not! Making it still totally OK and adorable to make snowman crafts.

What you will need:

• Jar (I used a Ragu Pizza Sauce Jar)
• Felt
• Lace
• Fabric for a scarf
• Googly eyes
• Rocks
• Tissue paper
• Construction paper
• Clear Gel tacky glue
• Paint brush
• Scissors
• Glass bowl

 Directions:

1. Wash and dry the jar.
2. Using the tissue paper, cut out several squares of tissue paper. Cut a variety of sizes.
3. Put about a 1/4 cup of glue in a bowl. Add a tbsp water and mix well. The glue will be a little easier to work with now.
4. Paint the entire outside of the jar.
5. Cover with the tissue paper.
6. Secure any lose edges by painting glue over it.
7. Allow to dry.
8. Using construction paper, make a cone shape.
9. Glue on googly eyes.
10. Glue on the cone nose.
11. Take a walk outside and gathers some small pebbles.
12. Wash and dry the pebbles.
13. Glue the pebbles onto the jar to make the snowman’s mouth.
14. Cover the lid in felt. Be sure to cut off all the excess felt so the lid will still fit.
15. Add lace to the edge of the lid.
16. Tie a piece of plaid fabric around the snowman’s body for a scarf. (I actually used a prop from another craft, but fabric looks just as awesome).
17. You could place a flameless candle inside for a special glow!

By Guest Bloggers Melissa + Kellie, from the blog Icing Designs.

There are so many amazing DIY party hats out there, this is just our take on them. All you need to start is your favorite scrapbooking paper, a cheap paper party hat, ribbon (satin or sheer), crepe paper, faux feathers, embellishments of your choice, scissors, a stapler and a hot glue gun! This would be a fun project for New Years!

You can take apart an old or new paper party hat (that you can get at any party store) just to use as a template. We already had a template that we have been using. Just trace the shape of the hat onto the back of the paper you are making your new party hat of. Once traced just follow the lines and cut.

Then just wrap the end of the hat around and shape into a cone and staple. (You can use a glue gun if you want to glue the seems together.)

Its okay if there is a little hole in the top. Use your glue gun to put a dab of glue in the hole at the top of the hat and then stick your feathers in.

Next your are going to take your crepe paper and glue it around the bottom of your hat. Make sure that you glue the crepe paper in the middle so that there is an overlay on the top and bottom. (The middle of the crepe paper should be toward the bottom of the hat).

Then take the top of the crepe paper and pull in down and little bit and the bottom and pull it up just to give it some dimension.

Then you are going to take your two even strips of ribbon and glue them on the inside of either side of the hat. You can use any kind of ribbon you like, satin or sheer. We also glued a strip of different textured ribbon in the middle of the crepe paper.

Lastly, we just embellished the front with a paper rosette with a gem in the middle.

By Crafts for Learning Contributor, Danielle from the blog Crayonbox Learning.

While working with teachers all over the world, I am often asked to create activities that are simple to put together and low cost. Throughout the year, I look for different containers that I can transform into learning games while keeping the cost minimal. Adding supplies from CreateForLess helps stretch budgets, while help to keep learning fun!

This activity uses colorful gift tins as holders for festive learning games! Perfect for last minute gift for a teacher, daycare provider, or friend with young children!

My example project features a Christmas themed tin, with candy cane shaped game pieces with opposite words. Each candy cane piece has a different word on it, and the goal of the game is to match the opposites. When not in play, the game pieces fit inside the tin.

Materials needed:

• Tin container (Any size)
• Cardstock
• Candy Cane Template
• Scissors
• Crayons/Pens
• Computer/Printer (Optional)
• Ribbon or Bow
• Embellishments (Optional)

Selecting the Tin:

CreateForLess.com has a wide selection of novelty shaped tins in different sizes to choose from. Any tin will work for this project. The outside of the tin can be decorated with ribbon, a bow, or other embellishments. (Keep in mind the age group of the children using the tin before using small pieces for embellishment.) Another option for decorating the tin is to paint the lid with chalkboard paint, and write the name of the game.

The tin that I used for this project was already colored, and the size was perfect for small hands. I added a simple grosgrain bow on the lid in Christmas colors to finish the look.

Candy Cane Template:

The candy cane template is provided, Candy Cane Template. The template was sized to fit a tin 3 inches long, 3 inches wide, and 3 inches deep. The template can be resized for whatever tin you are using. The .Gif file is provided so that you can add text prior to printing if desired.

There are several options for using the candy cane template. The pieces can be cut out and used as a template for cutting out colorful scrapbooking cardstock, printed out as is onto colored cardstock, or the image can be flood filled using any photo/image software before printing.

Click on photo for larger view.

In the example, I flood filled half of the candy canes in a light red color, and the other half in a light green color. Before I printed the pieces, I typed the opposite words using n a cute font. I printed the pieces onto white card stock so that the color would pop, and then I hand cut the pieces. Laminating the game pieces is recommended for durability for long term use.

This is a project that you can put together with young children too. It takes just a few minutes to assemble once you have the tin you want to use, and have decided how you would like to color the candy cane template.

The overall cost for this project was less than $2.00, and the project was complete in under an hour. The best part is that all of the supplies used in this project can be found at CreateForLess.com.

 By Guest Blogger Stephine, from the Blog Geek with Glasses.

Tinker Bell has been quiet popular at our house lately and I’m sure our house isn’t the only one, so I thought a personalized jar of fairy dust would be a nice surprise.If you are looking for a great stocking stuffer this is s simple project with cute results.

I used a glass vial I had at the house, but these are available in different sizes at the craft stores.

I printed the childs name and “Fairy Dust” out on a plain white piece of paper. It could be on an cream or antiqued paper. Just use paper, cardstock will not bend around the glass as nice.

Once printed out, tear the paper around the printing to give it an old feel. In this example I used an ink pad to create the look of a burnt edge. I like to use Distress Ink in Walnut Stain, but a black or brown ink pad would work too. I take the paper and lightly brush it against the ink pad.

NOTE: If you choose to try and burn the edge with a flame, do it outside or over the kitchen sink and make sure you leave a lot of space between the ripped edge and the printing – paper burns fast and crumbles when trying to glue it down.

To attach the label I used Mod Podge. I dab a little to the back and stick it to the vial where I want it, then I coat the whole label on the front with Mod Podge. This seals all the edges tight to the bottle.

While the Mod Podge is still wet I carefully go in and clean the bottle off. If the Mod Podge starts to dry, a damp paper towel can clean the glass. Let dry.

I didn’t fill the whole vial with glitter because it is big, so it’s about half full, which is fine. Remember a little goes a long way – at least that’s what I’m going to tell the tiny one. I made a custom blend of “Dust”. I started with the base of a pearl color, in a fine grade of glitter, then from the Martha Stewart Glitter Collection I added dashes and shakes of different colors. Shake, Shake, Shake and voila, custom dust color – hard to match, but the little one can’t find a match either, therefore it must be special.

Now to seal the vial. I used a pink candle. Sit the vial on a dinner plate – ceramic or metal pan, light the candle and hold it so it drips. The best thing to do is to just drip the wax into the top center. As the wax pool builds up it will run over the sides. IF THERE IS WAX ON THE LABEL JUST WAIT UNTIL IT IS COLD!! Don’t touch it yet. Finish up with sealing the jar.

Now that the wax is cold gently pick off the drips you don’t want. This is one of the reasons to use Mod Podge over the entire label, the wax will just flake off, if it is plain paper the wax will not flake off and might rip the label if picked at.

Quick and easy. Once it’s sealed it could be a shelf sitter, not to be used or it can be opened and a magical time can be had by all.

This fine glitter is fun to have around and I don’t mind my child playing with it. There is glitter all over the house 24/7. I used to work at a store that dusted each package that left the door so each customer could have a little fairy magic for their day. So I’ve been covered in glitter a lot. BUT it will get everywhere!!! Husband will go to work with it in his hair, the dogs will shimmer in the sun so beware and enjoy.

By Crafts for Learning Contributor, Danielle from the blog Crayonbox Learning.

Fall is a wonderful time to take young children on an outdoor adventure. The outdoors during the season transition is perfect for teaching children how to observe, classify, and identify objects found in nature.

Prior to going on your nature walk, provide each child with a paper bag to collect leaves, nuts, rocks, sticks, and other miscellaneous items found on the walk. Leaves that have already fallen from the trees are best to use because they are already dried.

Materials:

• Fall Colored Cardstock
• Ziploc bags (quart size)
• My Leaf Book Template
• Marking Pen
• Binder Rings
• Hole Punch
• Double Back Tape or Glue Dots

Directions for assembling the leaf book:

1. Print out the template pages for the leaf book onto colored cardstock or construction paper.

2. Separate the items from your nature walk and place them onto the pages of the book. It is optional to have the children write what the items are onto the book page.

3. Use double back tape, or glue dots to affix the items in place on the pages.

4. To finish the page, place the page into a quart sized Ziploc bag.

5. When all of the pages are finished, put a hole punch in the upper corner and secure with a binder clip.

All of the items used in this activity can be purchased from CreateForLess!

By Guest Blogger Melissa, from the blog Melomomma.

My son’s teacher assigned a family craft! We were to make an animal entirely out of leaves. It took a little thought from the four of us, but with a little guidance my son designed Rahh, the lion! Have fun and be creative!!!

What you will need:

• Newspaper
• Leaves
• Cardboard
• Heavy books
• Scissors
• Glue

Directions:

1. Gather several different shapes of leaves.
2. Open a heavy book in the center and line the pages with newspaper.
3. Place the leaves on top of the newspaper. Be careful that the leaves do not touch.
4. Place newspaper on top of the leaves and close the book.
5. Repeat until al the leaves have a safe spot in the books.
6. Allow approx. 5 days to dry.
7. Remove the leaves from the books and design your leaf animal or creature.

It may be helpful to draw an outline before placing the leaves on to the cardboard.

I also recommend designing the creature and laying the leaves in place prior to to actually gluing them on.

By Recycled Crafts Contributor, Anitra from the blog Coffee Pot People.

Ready for ghoulish fun? I got the above altered jar in the mail the other day, and just could not resist sharing it. I’ll grant it might not be everybody’s cup or tea (or any other fluid, for that matter), but it completely busted me up, and that was before I opened the jar!

Don’t bother asking how my friend got all that in there. I can’t get it all back in. It was so much fun to go through all that bounty, and think about the ways I could use it. (I think I’ll put those skeletal hands in my hair, like barrettes….)

So just a few clues about what my friend did: I’m pretty sure the blood is red dimensional paint. She drizzled that over the plastic fingers, which are glued to a “nest” of black fun fur, and then to the lid of the jar. The jar itself is partially wrapped with Halloweenish paper, with stick on letters spelling “Bad Blood”.

Now, I know you won’t have time to mail one before Halloween, but can you picture the surprise, (and I hope delight!) of the friend whose porch you leave it on? I’m thinking a teenager, myself, especially one of the ones who have gotten into the whole vampire bit. Oh, yessssssss.

By Guest Bloggers Melissa + Kellie, from the blog Icing Designs.

We thought we would share a few more Halloween inspired DIY project with you. These little ghosts will add a “spooky” touch to your cupcakes! Your little ones will love them and best of all…they are so easy to make its “scary”!

Materials:

• small Styrofoam balls
• lollipop sticks
• 4″ square of tulle
• 4″ square of lace
• thin black ribbon
• gems for eyes and mouth
• glue gun and scissors

Just take your little Styrofoam ball and stick one of your lollipop sticks in it. If you need to add a little dab of glue to secure it you can.

Place your lace square over your tulle square and lay it over top of the Styrofoam ball, tie with your black ribbon. Then you can trim around the lace and tulle to get it to the length desired.

Next just hot glue two small gems for eyes and a larger one for a mouth and your little ghost is complete! How easy is that!?!

By Sewing Contributor Jessica, from the blog Life Sew Good. 

My daughter recently had a Hello Kitty birthday party, so I made all the little girls kitty ears. This tutorial can easily be modified for monkeys, bears, puppies, or whatever fits your costume!

You need:

• Fleece—colors of your choice
• ½” headband
• Thread

1. Cut ears from fleece. CUT 4. To get the right ratio, if making kitty, bear, or monkey ears, the base should be about 3 ½” wide. Make a mark 2 ½” high and free hand draw a curved line, either pointy for a kitty or rounded like a bear or monkey. If making a dog or other animal, you may want taller ears.

2. Cut band from fleece—CUT 1. Cut a 12 ½” x 1 ½” rectangle.

3. Sew Ears. Stack 2 ears, right sides together. Simply sew a seam close to the edge on the 2 sides—or on the rounded part. Do not sew the base. Repeat to make 2nd ear.

4. Take your fleece band and fold in half, bringing short sides together. Measure ½” from the middle on each side. Make a mark. Make slits for the ears that measure ½” from the center of the band and 2 ½” to 3″ down.

5. With right sides together, insert ears into the slits you have made.

6. Sew seam close to edge. Trim the extra fabric.

7. Fold band over, matching all edges, wrong sides together. Sew a wide zig-zag stitch across the long edge. Also enclose one edge.

8. Insert head band through open edge. Close end with seam.

Decorate as desired!!

By Paper Crafts Contributor, Lauren Romano.

I really love all the aspects of Halloween from the creepy designs to the art of doing costume makeup. I enjoy the holiday so much that I give my loved ones little bags of treats. Although Halloween isn’t typically thought of as a gift-giving holiday, there are plenty of opportunities to use a creepy spider gift tag. Whether you’re giving a hostess gift or a bag of treats to your child, the recipient can also use the tag as a bookmark.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

• Orange gift tag
• Ultra fine black glitter
• Mod Podge
• Red glitter glue pen
• Spray glue
• Spider punch
• Newspapers

Step 1. Punch three medium-sized spiders out of black cardstock, then use the Mod Podge to adhere them haphazardly onto the gift tag.

Step 2. Use the red glitter glue pen to make bright red eyes on the spiders. You may have to do this step two or three times so that the glitter shows up well enough. Avoid using regular red glitter – when working with such limited space, the glitter could flake off or bunch up into a single pile.

Step 3. Start from the hole of the gift tag and make a swirly and squiggly line from the top of the gift tag down to the bottom. Make certain parts of the line thicker than others; don’t worry if the line is a little jagged in some areas.

Step 4. Over a spread out sheet of newspaper, sprinkle ultra fine black glitter onto the glue line – don’t sprinkle it all over the glue, only sprinkle it in spots and let some of the red glitter show through. The line will appear as if it’s a thick, disgusting looking worm.

Step 5. Tilt the tag back and forth so the glitter sticks onto the glue and also spreads over the rest of the tag. Considering how fine the glitter is, it may not move easily so tap the tag a bit to shift it. Let the tag sit untouched until it is completely dry.

Step 6. You could leave the fine glitter spread on the tag as is, or if you prefer, use a very light coating of spray adhesive to ensure it sticks on. Don’t touch the tag until it fully dries otherwise you could leave fingerprints.

Submitted on behalf of Primrose Schools: child care services and early childhood education by Emily Patterson (@epatt1062)

When the weather begins to change with the dropping temperatures, children and parents often find themselves in need of fun, but affordable activities. As a parent, it can be a full time job to keep your children’s busy little brains and bodies stimulated.

It’s important for parents to encourage their children to use their imaginations year-round. Moreover, using the time your kids have after school to keep their bodies and minds active will keep them healthy. Fortunately, keeping your children entertained doesn’t have to cost a lot and unlimited creativity will inspire your family to make memories that you’ll remember forever.

Here is a list of 10 Halloween suggestions that parents can adapt for their children’s ages, abilities and interests.

1. Halloween cookie night: Mix up your cookie dough the day before and refrigerate it for easy shape cutting. Let your children help mix the frosting and add the black, orange, green and purple food coloring. Then let your kids cut Halloween shaped cookies, bake and decorate them. Also, they’ll enjoy bringing their special cookies to neighbors and family members.

2. Decorate the house: Your children will be delighted when you recruit their help to decorate your home for Halloween. If you don’t have a stockpile of pre-made decorations, then create black bats out of construction paper, window silhouettes in the shape of witches and dangle hand-made lollipop ghosts from your trees.

3. Pumpkin carving contest: Within a few days of Halloween, gather your family and place a pumpkin in front of each family member. Bring a timer and start the contest. It is a good idea to use the saws that are sold in pumpkin carving kits for the safety of your children. The saws are manufactured for children ages 6 and up. Also, these kits are sold for under $10 and are available at most grocery and department stores. You can have a fun Halloween prize for the winner such as a plate size pumpkin sugar cookie. Furthermore, this will give your porch a fun decoration.

4. Binder of fun Halloween activities: The internet is filled with a variety of printable Halloween activities such as mazes, coloring pages and word searches. You can stockpile a file full of these papers for each of your children and then pull them out when your kids are bored or need to be occupied when you’re driving around town running errands.

5. Halloween scrapbook: Gather the pictures that you took of your kids in costume last year along with Halloween stickers, scissors and acid-free paper in black, purple and orange. Allow your children to put together a Halloween scrapbook. Encourage your kids to write down their memories of trick-or-treating and parties that they may have attended. You and your family will appreciate this special Halloween keepsake years later.

6. Enjoy the chilly weather: Sit out on the porch with hot chocolate and blankets. Encourage your children to search for Halloween creatures in the stars.

7. Scavenger hunt for Halloween items: This can be a fun neighborhood activity and your children will be delighted to involve their friends. You’ll need to make up a list ahead of time that includes items such as spider rings, pictures of the most decorated house in the neighborhood and a clove of garlic. You can have an inexpensive prize for the winner like a small cellophane bag of Halloween candy.

8. Camping out in the living room with tents: Pick a Friday or Saturday night just in case your kids stay up past their bedtime and need to sleep late the next morning. A small tent is perfect for this fun and memorable activity. Set the tent up anywhere in your home that has the space and your children will be thrilled if you have battery powered lanterns for their campout. You can microwave s’mores for an evening snack and your family can spend the night scaring one another with the retelling of spooky tales. Your children will be surprised when you show them a few shadow puppets that you’ve learned from the internet and don’t forget to roll out your children’s favorite sleeping bags for their night of fun.

9. Family theatre night with a reenactment of favorite Halloween characters: Locate your left over Halloween make-up from last year and watch your children’s theatrical side come to life. They’ll have fun pretending to be monsters and you’ll have fun trying to guess who they are pretending to be.

10. Take A Family Walk Around Your Neighborhood To Find The Best Decorated House: Some of your neighbors probably go all out for Halloween and decorate their homes to look like haunted houses with headstones in their yards or they may have knives hanging from their porches. You and your kids will have an enjoyable afternoon roaming around your neighborhood to vote on the best home.

As a parent, you can use this list along with your own inspired ideas to kindle your children’s imaginations during the Halloween season. Try to focus on a variety of activities including those that will structure their play along with others that allow them the free time needed for complete creativity. Using this system, you will have the steps to succeed in guiding your children toward their personal individualism.

Also, remember to encourage them with activities that are suitable for their ages. Often, children become disinterested with projects that are too easy or overly complicated for their skill level. Activities need to be enjoyable, but interesting, and should be geared towards their interests.

Children know what they like and every child is unique with their own individual pursuits. Also, it’s a good idea to let them plan their own activities and help them find the materials to follow through. Furthermore, children are happiest when they are given the chance to show the distinct qualities that make them special.

Take these suggestions and have a discussion with your family regarding the Halloween season and how they’d like to celebrate the festivities this year.

By Guest Bloggers Melissa + Kellie, from the blogIcing Designs.

We are really excited about “Fairy Week” all week on our blog! We have some really special DIY projects to share with you and a super sweet “Fairies Fairies Everywhere” party! Glittery fairy wings, perfect of course, for all of your little fairy party guests. These are super simple to make and look so adorable on.

Materials:

• Scissors
• Hot glue gun/glue
• 1 sheet of 12″x12″ glittered scrapbook paper
• Felt piece cut to approximately 3 1/4″ long x 2 1/4″ wide
• Tulle
• Silk flower clip or any decoration you would like
• Ribbon

1. Create the shape wing that you desire…draw and cut it out to create a pattern.

2. Fold paper in half…trace wing shape pattern onto paper and cut out. You will now have two wings.

3. With glittered side down, place wings about 1 1/2- 2 inches apart.

4. Glue felt piece in between wings to connect them together.

5. Using an X-acto knife, scissors or hole punch, place one slit just above the top edge of your felt piece and one slit just below the bottom edge of your felt piece.

6. Cut two pieces of ribbon about 24″ or long enough to tie into a bow over your little one’s shoulder .

7. Thread ribbon through the slits so ends come out on the non-glittered side of the paper.

8. Tie tulle into a bow and hot glue it onto the middle of your felt piece, glittered side up.

9. Clip or glue a flower or any other decoration you wish in the middle of your tulle bow and your wings are ready for your little fairy!