DIY: Awesome Superhero Shirt for Kids

It’s here the 100th day of school and that means it’s time for a homework assignment!

If you don’t know the 100th day of school is a pretty big deal, especially in Kindergarten. It’s a milestone that is celebrated and a lot of schools have the students do a project with 100 things. Superman coloring pages

Our school asked us to make a t-shirt with 100 items in it. I talked with Eleanor about what she wanted. She debated about 100 google eyes or 100 stars or hearts but nothing seemed to fit. So I asked her what do you really like? She replied with superheroes and that’s when I got an idea.

There’s a lot of superheroes out there so we decided to pick 10 and make 10 logos for each hero, because “10 bundles of 10 is 100 Mom”

I bought a white tshirt from Kohls, and made sure to wash it before I did anything. Then, I pulled out my trusty Cricut and got to work finding the logos and cutting them out with iron on vinyl. Tip: Make sure the logos aren’t larger than 1 1/2 inches each. It was tricky to fit all 100 on there.

In the end she chose: Wonder Woman, Superman, The Flash, Spider-Man, Big Hero 6, Captain America, The Incredibles, Batman, Robin and The Green Lantern as her 10 superheros. ever free coloring

She worked hard to arrange and iron on all 100 of the logos and was so proud of the finished project. I had a difficult time letting her arrange them, but kept reminding myself this was her project and that it would turn out perfect in her eyes.

I have to say I think it looks pretty perfect and to see how proud she is of it makes it even better.

Does your school celebrate the 100th day? What types of projects did you do?

DIY Craft: Stenciled Lunch Bags for Boys

Since back to school time is officially here, I wanted to get a little crafty with the lunch bags I was sending the kids to school with. They do have traditional lunch boxes but sometimes it’s fun to get something new! Mulan coloring pages

These bags are actually stenciled on with acrylic paint and freezer paper. I especially love that it only took about 5 minutes to make!

I did make the stencils on the Cricut Explore and it was very easy. I made a dinosaur, a hot air balloon, an airplane and of course, a creeper.

This was actually my very first freezer paper stencil and I will tell you, it was SUPER easy! The freezer paper is found here: Freezer Paper on Amazon or in the baggie area at Walmart. I bought the Reynolds brand it comes in a HUGE roll that will last a while. This process was a little tricky on my first round so be sure to read my tips below!

What you’ll need:

• Large lunch bags
• Freezer paper
• Cricut or other die cut machine
• Acrylic paint and brushes (I used the foam brushes)
• Iron (set to low heat) Ever Free Coloring

How to:

1. Cut a 12X12 square of the freezer paper, put it waxy side down on the mat.
2. Find your favorite shapes and arrange to cut them on the cutting machine.
3. Cut them out then carefully remove the middle of the cut. Don’t throw them away though, they’ll make a great future project or the kids can color them!
4. Cut each shape out so that it is a stencil.
5. Line them up on the bag, I did the side without the seam. Be sure to leave room for the fold!
6. Once it is lined up, carefully press the stencil down with the iron but only for a second! Do it lightly or it will adhere to the bag fully and you will have paper traces when you remove it. If you lightly press it down, it will stick down just enough so the paint does not bleed.
7. Carefully dab/stroke the paint onto the bag. Be mindful of your edges and don’t paint outside of the stencil and do not be forceful or the stencil will move.
8. Allow to dry for about an hour, carefully remove the freezer paper then you’re done!

How to Make Fun Bathtub Crayons the Easy Way

My kids and I had almost as much fun making these bathtub crayons as they did using them! I found several “recipes” online for these, but I ended up makinf my own thing because the recipes I found called for too much water and even after I let them dry for 24 hours were still soggy! Here is how I make them: Ever after High coloring pages

Ingredients:

• 2 bars Ivory soap, finely grated
• food coloring gel (regular food coloring drops will probably work too)*
• a tiny bit of water
• *The green and yellow bathtub crayons did not show up as well as the red and blue- I would recommend using darker colors. ever free coloring

Directions:

1. Measure out 1/2 cup firmly packed grated soap and place it into a microwave safe dish.
2. Microwave for about 10-15 seconds.
3. Add desired amount of food coloring and mix until well blended , adding a few drops of water as needed. The soap should be a little firmer than the consistency of playdough, you should be able to pick it up and mold it in your hands.
4. Press soap into desired mold. I used a ice cube tray from Ikea, but you could use candy molds, soap molds, dixie cups or muffin tins.
5. Freeze for an hour or two, release from molds and let them sit for a few hours before using.

I was worried that these might stain my bathtub, but was really surprised at how easily they washed off!

Bath time just got even funner! Enjoy!!!

Tons of Fun Recycled Craft Ideas for Kids

Well, I am a great fan of “make do and mend”. And if you cannot make do, then to reuse or repurpose. There so many fabulous things you can create out of supposed waste material it is rather astounding and the featured list just kept on growing and growing. Take a look and let YOUR imagination be the limit! Moana coloring pages

Spinning Tops

I love these little spinning tops. Kids love spinning tops. We have 10s of bottle tops lying around… I know what we will be making. I also love that these are traditional Hanukkah toys. And you know why things are traditional, no? Because they have withstood generations of children testing and playing with them.. Creative Jewish Mom shows us how. These are simple toys that embrace recycling!

Convert a Box

Mary Anne at Mama Smiles indeed makes me smile. She knows what it means to transform a cardboard box into… a washing machine or a fridge or a cupboard or even a playhouse. And what she does splendidly, is show you that “simple is best”. It doesn’t take much to convert a box and hey presto you have days of fun. We have a box standing around, with a door cut into it and a piece of string for a handle and both Red Ted and Pip Squeak ADORE playing and around it. As do the cats… Also, visit Fun on a Dime for yet another post on “The Power of the Box”!!

Spaceship (from plastic bottles)

I love it when people “claim” not to be crafty and then come up with a wonderfully crafty idea. Here is Tim from Bringing Up Charlie, being very inspirational with two empty bottles and creating a wonderful spaceship for Charlie. FABULOUS! ever Free Coloring

Play Road (from card)

Simple. Effective. Hours of fun. All you need is some cardboard, some black paint and some white paint and some scissors. The next thing you know you have a road to play with. And a nice light and portable road too… visit Anna at the Imagination Tree and take a look!

Iron (card box & duct tape)

I love this iron. The main reason being that it embrace two concepts – one, keep it simple. Two, cherish it. This iron was made on a whim by Metajugglamum and has remained a much loved toy. You see, it doesn’t take much to keep our kids happy. Go off and get crafty quick! These are the sort of homemade toys that childhood memories are made of.

Penguins (deodorant bottles)

I love our little penguins. We had such fun making them and Red Ted was so pleased with the end result. The reason I love these for Recycled Get Crafty, is because to me they embrace the idea of “recycling” with “throw away” items – look at what you are throwing away, look at the shape and see what else it could be? The deodorant bottles were perfect penguin shape…. For more, read on here.

Egg Carton Mouse

My “new favourite Egg Carton crafter”. Linda is the Egg Carton queen. I ADORE this little Christmas Mouse (take away the hat and you have new years mouse). But she’s also made a great Christmas street. What I like about her craft, is that she “embraces” the shape of the egg carton box and incorporates it in her craft. I am inspired!

Wrapping Paper Memory

Now, I am SURE you will have tons of wrapping paper lying in your recycling boxes… take out a choice few and convert them into Michelle’s clever little memory games. Here is how!

Boats (from drink cartons)

Sometimes you see something cute and the cuteness just bowls you over. As I was by these juice or milk carton boats. CUTE! I ADORE THEM! Go and take a look and never look at a Tropicana carton the same way again.

Milk Carton Dolls Houses

Now, I know I should have kept these for next months Recycled Get Crafty, but couldn’t resist already showing them to you now – to me these dolls houses made from old drink cartons look so sweet and fairytale like, that they belong right in the heart of White & Sparkle”! What I love is, that the children made these… lovely lovely! Go and read more here.

More Robots for Dressing up

One of my earliest “bloggy friends” is Zoe from Playing by The Book. She has a fabulously inspirational blog all about, well books, but also lots of clever, fun and innovative crafts. Here she gets crafty with the girls creating fabulous robot costumes.

Aaaand MORE Robots + Some Great Xmas Recycling

Christ as Thinly Spread, does it again, not only does she make this fabulously happy Robot, but she also writes a great post about of how to make the most of all that “Christmas Rubbish”. A lady of my own heart, who supports the “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” Mantra. Do go and see more about this fabulous Robot, but also about top tips regarding to what to do with all those Christmas cards!

Monsters (from food tags)

Ok, these little fridgemagnets were made for Halloween out of “food tags”, that you get to seal bag such as bread. But why stop at Halloween, I am sure you can come up with a range of wonderful other magnets – e.g. Robots or Snowmen! Fab-u-lous! Embellishing Live Every Day tells us more!

Matchbox Magnets

Not only do I like these magnets, but I also love Inspiration Surrounds Creativity Abound’s approach to making these: all sorts of wonderfully crafty items were laid out and the children were being free reign to be creative. Splendid.

Jedi X Wing

Well, which Star Wars fan would NOT be excited about this fabulously amazing Jedi made for a very lucky little boy’s Jedi party? How cool is that. Brilliant. Only downside is, that we wouldn’t have the space for this in our house… Go and visit the Clever Faeries to read all about the party and the X Wing.

Pirate Boat

Ok, if The Force isn’t with you, then how about a “life size” boat? When You Never Expected Two, makes this fabulous Pirate boat for their kids. I love it and it looks like the kids do too!

Sweet Wrappers

I just adore all those “coloured bits of paper” you get at the end of a box or tin of sweets. But what to do with them? Cass at Frugal Family got crafty with her children and made some “stained class” bookmarks. I love what they did here: the original plan was to make window decorations for the children’s bedrooms but the plan changed to incorporate Miss Frugal’s bookmark needs. This is what crafting with children is all about: being flexible and letting them become creative and making decisions as to what to make next. Fabulous.

Paper Roll Album

As my love for Paper Roll crafts continues, these little albums make for another fabulous addition. There really appears to be no limit of what you can turn the humble loo roll into. Wow! Those Northern Skies shows us how.

Stables

I adore these stables that Cathy and her girl made out of all sorts of “old junk”. Who needs anything shop bought, when you can make your own and make it look so fabulous? Visit nurture store for more info here. But…

Toy Town

…why stop at the stables, when you can have a whole toy town? Now come on? All those fab presents must have come in some fab boxes this Christmas, quick: get them out and get building! (More from Nuturestore)

Tutorial: DIY Personalized Ornaments with Your Initial

Are you ready for the easiest and most thoughtful handmade gift this holiday season? We’re sharing how to make this hand-painted initial ornament! It makes for a sweet hostess gift for all of those holiday parties you’re attending. We love coming up with ideas for easy and affordable handmade gifts (our favorite holiday tradition!), and this one totally fits the bill. Don’t be intimidated by the hand lettering because we used graphite transfer paper! Personalize it by incorporating a first initial, last name initial, or even their full name—the possibilities are endless! Angry Bird Coloring Pages

Supplies:
- White ceramic bulb ornaments (I got mine at a large craft store)
- Black paint pen
- Transfer paper
- Tape
- Ballpoint pen
- Scissors

Steps:
1. I typed out the letters in Word using a 50-point font size. Print and cut out; then cut a piece of transfer paper that is the same size as letter. Ever Free Coloring

2. Tape the letter on top of transfer paper onto the ornament.

3. Using a ballpoint pen, trace an outline of the letter.

4. Peel the papers from the ornament.

5. Using the paint pen, paint the letter.

6. You can do just the initials or the full name.  Then, for a pop of color, add some of your favorite ribbon on top!

Make Your Own Winjter Mistletoe Ornaments

Whoever created clear Christmas ornaments was a genius! I mean the possibilities are really endless with these things, and since they are so easy to find in your local craft or dollar store, this project is really easy (even for kids)! For my Christmas tablescape this year, I decided to go with a vintage theme, and thought creating mistletoe ornaments would be a perfect addition to hang off my antler chandelier. Although, these would make great ornaments for the tree, place cards, or quick neighbor/teacher gift. Ever Free Coloring

Materials
- Artificial Snow (found at any craft store)
- Clear Ornament (found at craft stores, dollar stores, and discount stores like Big Lots)
- Fresh OR Artificial Cranberries
- Artificial Holly Plant (found at any craft store or dollar store)
- Ribbon

Step 1
Take top off the clear ornament and fill with artificial snow. I used a funnel to make it easier.

Step 2
Add your cranberries. This took a few tries to get the cranberries to lay the way I wanted. I just kind of shook them around a bit until they looked nestled in the snow. Coloring Pages Pokemon

Step 3
Use your glue gun to adhere your mistletoe leaves to the top of your ornament.

Step 4
Hang with ribbon to desired length depending on where you are going to hang them (tree, chandelier, etc.)

There you have it! Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas filled with holiday cheer!

DIY Gold Tree Ornaments Made of Paper Straws

Santa came early this year—Abby Larson is back on the TODAY Show with DIY projects to do with kiddos today. (Hint: presents for Grandma and Grandpa!) Tune in during the 9 o’clock hour (though varies for some markets, so make sure to check your listing!) for Abby’s fun and festive DIY art projects for kids of all ages. And in the meantime, we're sharing the cutest gold straw ornaments as a little bonus. Get the DIY instructions below! Spongebob Coloring Pages

Materials
- Gold paper straws
- Glue dots
- Hot glue gun
- Hot glue sticks
- Scissors
- Colored pom poms
- Gold pom poms
- Gold pipe cleaners
- Gold elastic cord
- Tree template

Instructions:

Step-1: Print out the tree template. Cut the gold straws to the lengths on the worksheet.

Step-2: Lay all the horizontal "branches" of the tree on the worksheet. Place a glue dot in the center of each branch. Attach the branches to the "trunk" piece one at a time, starting about 1/2" from the top. Ever Free Coloring

Step-3: Shape the pipe cleaner into the two garland pieces and cut off the excess. Attach the garland with the glue dots to the front of the tree.

Step-4: Attach the pom pom "ornaments" with glue dots to the front of the tree. Attach a large gold pom pom to the top of the tree.

Step-5: Cut a 6" length of gold string and hot glue the string into the trunk straw.