Caterpillar Crafts: Fun Summer Art Projects for Kids

Summer is the time when there are all sorts of bugs creeping around, and you can turn those creepy crawlies into great ideas for summer crafts that your kids will love. These caterpillar crafts are easy to create, and they do not cost a lot of money; in fact most of these ideas can be completed using things found around your home. Here are some fun, crafty ways to create caterpillars that your kids will enjoy!

Caterpillars can be made easy from old paper towel rolls. Simple gather a bunch of toilet paper rolls and cut them into three tubes. Next paint them green or whatever color you would like your caterpillar to be, and poke holes in both sides of each tube. Using thread or yarn tie the tubes together in a long chain, and paint the first one with a face. You can also use wiggly eyes if they are available. Add some cardboard or pipe cleaners to the head for antenna and your caterpillar is complete!

Paper chain caterpillars are great and they can be made using left over pieces of junk mail and magazines. Simply paint the paper you are going to use and cut it into strips that are 2 inches wide and 5 inches long. Next make a circle with the first strip and glue it together. Using the next strip loop it through the first and make another circle. Continue until you have a long chain. Next glue wiggly eyes onto the last circle and curled pieces of paper or pipe cleaners, and you will have an awesome caterpillar to hang around your house.

Egg cartons also make great caterpillars and this is a perfect way to recycle the egg carton instead of throwing it away. To make this caterpillar just cut a straight strip off of your egg carton and paint it green. Add a face on one end and some pipe cleaners for antennas and your caterpillar is ready for fun.

Pompoms make great fuzzy caterpillars and these caterpillars can be attached to barrettes or key chains. All you need is some green pompoms, but you can also use other colors if you like. Wiggly eyes and some round sequins are nice for this project, and some pipe cleaners are perfect for legs. Glue the pompoms together in a chain so that they form a body, and cut tiny pieces of pipe cleaners for legs. Bend the legs into L shapes so they have feet and attach them to the body of the caterpillar. Next glue the sequins to the head and the eyes on to so that the sequins looks like eye lashes. Add antennas and this fuzzy friend can be attached to all sorts of things.

Making caterpillars with your kids is a fun way to keep them occupied during the summer, and it will make them familiar with nature's wonders.

Ocean and Underwater Inspired Crafts for Kids

Many kids are thrilled with the idea of ocean life, underwater sea creatures, and beaches. There are a lot of fun projects for kids that can be created with an underwater theme. Here are some fun and exciting kid's crafts with the ocean theme in mind.

Coffee filter jelly fish are fun and easy to make, and they can be kept and hung around a child's room for years to come. First you will need a couple coffee filters, a paper cup, string, watercolors, scissors, and glue. First wet the coffee filters, and have the children paint them in various colors. After they are dry glue one coffee filter to the paper cup and thread a string through the center of the cup and through the coffee filter; this string will make the jelly fish able to hang.

Next rip the other filters into strips and glue them to the open end of the cup. They will hang down like the tentacles of the jellyfish. This project is fun and easy, and it is a guaranteed winner for any child who is interested in ocean life.

Paper plate port holes are awesome and eye catching projects. You will need left over paper plates, silver paint, fish shaped crackers, circular cereal pieces, sand or dirt, some paper, glue, and blue cellophane.

First cut a circle out of the majority of the middle of the paper plate, and glue the cereal pieces around the outside of the circle while it is upside down. Paint the plate silver because it will be the porthole. Remember to make the hole big enough to view your picture.

Next glue some dirt onto the bottom of a piece of paper. Cut and glue some leaves out of paper and onto the picture as well to create an under water scene. If you have some shells lying around feel free to use these as well. Next add your fish to the scene and let this dry. After the sea life picture has dried shake off the excess dirt.

Now cut the cellophane so it is a bigger circle than the one that is cut out of your plate. Glue this cellophane to the plate and let dry. Finally glue the plate to your ocean scene and trim off the excess. This porthole is an awesome project that you can display around the house.

Another simple and fun craft project can be made using an old sock, wiggly eyes or buttons, glue, and some cotton balls or stuffing. This sock octopus is adorable and easy to make. Simply cut the bottom half of a sock into strips, and stuff the top with cotton. Now tie two of the opposing strips together into a knot; continue working in a circle until all of the strips are knotted. Now glue or sew on eyes and a mouth, and you have an awesome sock octopus.

Under water and ocean crafts are a lot of fun and inspire a lot of imagination. They can be created using things found around the home, and your kids will have a blast!

Wearable Father's Day Gifts Kids Can Make

Father's Day is a great holiday for kids to make wearable gifts for their dad. Wearable gifts are great for this holiday because they are useful and can really show a child's appreciation. This article discusses several wearable gifts kids can make for Father's Day.

Apron

A lot of fathers like to grill or cook, and an apron is an easy and fun gift for a kid to make. For this craft you will need a plain apron, a pencil, a ruler, and fabric paint. Start this gift by helping your kids decide what to write on the apron. #1 Dad and Grill Master are both good ideas.

Then help kids write the message on the front of the apron, and use the fabric paint to outline it. Using bold, bright letters makes the apron really stand out. Let the paint dry overnight before giving the gift to your dad.

Painted Tie

Another wearable Father's Day gift that kids will love making is a painted tie. For this craft you will need liquid dye, a light colored tie, and a paintbrush. Covering the work area with newspaper will make clean up easier.

Let kids use the dye to paint a pattern on the tie. Let the kids vary the amount of paint and colors to create interesting textures and designs. Let the tie dry completely before rinsing the excess dye out of the fabric.

Personalized Hat

This project is simple and will make any dad smile. For this project you will need a patch that is perfect for your dad, fabric glue, and safety pins. Help kids decide where the patch will be positioned. You can mark the area with chalk if it is available. Then add glue to the back of the patch.

Help kids attach the patch to the front of the hat and secure with the safety pins. Allow the glue to dry overnight, and you have created a great gift for Father's Day.

These wearable crafts are great gifts for any dad. Kids will love giving homemade gifts to their fathers, and wearable gifts are even more fun for kids. Try making these crafts with your kids for their dad's special day.

Recycled Plastic Crafts: Spring Birdhouses

Plastic can be recycled to make lovely spring items, and birdhouses are a great addition to your spring décor. This article will provide you with detailed instructions on creating several spring birdhouse crafts out of recycled plastic items.

Milk Jug

A milk jug is an excellent base for a birdhouse made from recycled materials; for this spring craft you will need two plastic milk jugs, paint, a knife, a pair of scissors, weatherproof paint, a paint brush, a hot glue gun, and hot glue sticks. Start this craft by cutting a hole in the front of the milk jug to give the birds an entryway.

Then cut two adjoining sides of the plastic milk jug out to create a plastic 90 degree angle; this piece will be the roof. Glue the roof to the top of the milk jug to cover the cap. Paint the birdhouse and allow it to dry overnight. When it is done simply fill it with food and your spring birdhouse craft is finished.

Soda Bottle

Another recycled plastic birdhouse can be made from a soda bottle. This spring craft is easy to create and use; for this recycled craft you will need two large plastic soda bottles, a hot glue gun, hot glue sticks, a knife, and paint markers. Start by cutting a wide arched doorway in the front of the bottle towards the bottom.

Then cut the center of the other bottle out; you want the width of the plastic bottle piece to be about 4 inches. Then cut the plastic to create a rectangle and twist it into a funnel shape. Use the glue to secure it in place and trim the excess plastic; this will be the roof. If you are going to hang your birdhouse tie wire or ribbon to the top of the plastic bottle before gluing the roof in lace and leave a small hole in the small end of the funnel.

When the birdhouse is formed use your paint markers to decorate the plastic bottle, and allow the paint markers to dry. A clear plastic bottle makes an interesting birdhouse, and using recycled materials for your spring crafts is always a good idea.

Peanut Butter Jar

Turn a peanut butter jar into a small bird house using only a knife, a large soda bottle, a hot lgue gun, and glue sticks. Start by using a knife to cut a doorway into the front; then cut off the top of a soda bottle and glue it to the lid of the peanut butter jar. This simple birdhouse is sturdy and can be hung easily.Using recycled plastic bottles and containers to create spring birdhouses is easy and inexpensive. So try these crafts for your outdoor birds this spring!

Magic Wands: Fun Projects for Boys and Girls

 

Kids love magic wands; whether they are pretending to be wizards or they are pretending to be princesses, they need a magic wand. There are many items you can find around the house that can be easily turned into a magic wand, and this article will describe two different magic wand craft projects that are fun for children of all ages.

If you live in a wooded area, or there are some trees near your house, your best bet for making a wand is starting out with a nice stick. A nice stick can be found in many places in nature, and this is a fun project in itself.

After you have found this stick imply strip the bark off, and let it dry for a couple of days. Next you will need some leather or pretty ribbon or cord. You will also need some paint, feathers, and beads. A large bouncy ball is also a fun way to add detail to your wand, and a hot glue gun makes this project a lot easier.

If you have a large bouncy ball you can glue it to the top of your wand. Have your child paint the wand, and the ball. Next wrap the wand with the leather cord, and tie the ends tight. Remember to leave some extra cord to tie feathers to. Glue beads around the wand and to the top of the ball, and you have a great wizard wand.

Another fun and easy wand to make is a fairy wand. For this project you will need scissors, ribbon, a hot glue gun, glue sticks, and a bouquet of fake flowers or a fake flower with a long stem. You can also use extra fake flowers, beads, feathers, and glitter is you like.

If you are starting with a bouquet of flowers pull all of the flowers and leaves off of the stems except for one flower. Now twist the stems around the stem that still has a flower. The stems are usually made with wire so this should be easy. If you are starting with a long stemmed flower you are already almost done. Now using the glue wrap the ribbon around the stems starting from the top where the flower is. Glue the end of the ribbon well, and make sure to glue the ribbon in a couple of other spots along the way.

Next glue some more flowers, beads, and glitter around the top of the wand, and tie some extra short ribbons around the top in a bow. This craft is a lot of fun, and it can be personalized.

Mother's Day Silverware Crafts with Kids

 

You can make Mother's Day silverware crafts with your kids easily. Silverware can be purchased inexpensively at local dollar stores, thrift stores, and yard sales. This article will provide you with instructions for creating a wind chime, bouquet, and photo holder with your kids for Mother's Day.

Wind chime

For this Mother's Day craft you will need several different pieces of silverware, fishing line or dental floss, scissors, and ribbon. You can also use pliers to make this craft easier for kids.

Start this craft by helping kids bend a piece of silverware into a circle. Then cut a piece of ribbon about 12 inches lo9ng and tie it to both sides of the circle. Help kids cut several pieces of dental floss and tie the ends to pieces of silverware. Tie the other ends of the floss to the circle. This easy Mother's Day craft is a great gift kids can make for mom.

Bouquet

For this Mother's Day craft you will need several pieces of silverware, a glass jar or tin can, a hot glue gun, hot glue sticks, buttons, pliers, ribbon, scissors, paint, and a paint brush.

Start this craft by helping kids turn the silverware into interesting floral shapes. This can be done easily by bend prongs on the forks. Handles can also be bent to add detail to the stems of the flower.

Then help kids paint all of the silverware to look like flowers. Glue buttons to the inside of spoons to resemble flowers as well. When all of the silverware has dried tie a ribbon around them and place them in the tin can vase. This Mother's Day craft is easy for kids when you use inexpensive silverware, and plastic silverware can also be used.

Photo Holder

You will need two forks, a flower pot, a piece of foam that fits snugly inside the pot, moss, small fake flowers, ribbon, scissors, glue, and two photos for this Mother's Day craft.

Start this craft by placing the foam inside the flower pot. Then use the glue and the moss to completely cover the foam. Stick the handles of the forks into the foam and add more moss and flowers around the handles to secure them in place.

When the glue has dried tie a ribbon around the pot and place the photos securely in between the prongs of the forks. This Mother's Day craft is a great gift that kids will love to make.

Silverware is an inexpensive and fun medium for these Mother's Day craft projects. Kids will love being creative, and moms will enjoy these unique gifts.

Spring Handprint Crafts for Kids Using Paint

 

Kids love celebrating spring with crafts, and handprint crafts using paint are easy and fun. Paint provides kids with amusement and allows them to develop their creativity. Handprint crafts are an easy way to incorporate paint into your child's projects. This article will discuss how to create spring handprint crafts while using paint with your kids.

Sunflower

Creating a sunflower using handprints and paint is easy and fun for kids. For this craft you will need yellow paint, black paint, two paper plates, a large piece of paper, and scissors. You can also add ribbon to the final product so you can hang your spring craft.

Start by pouring some yellow paint on a plate; also pour black paint on another plate. Then help kids dip the tips of their fingers into the black paint. Using their fingers, kids then can create the center of the sunflower. Start by making a circle with one fingertip in the middle of the paper. Then add more circles around the first. Continue with this process until you have a very large circle.

Let kids wash off the black paint. Then help kids dip their hands into the yellow paint. Assist kids as they add their handprints to the flower to make petals. Make sure the palm is closest to the black center as possible. Help kids add petals by going around the center of the flower to finish this spring themed craft.

Spring Wreath

Another fun spring craft for kids is a wreath. Kids can use paint and handprints for this fun project. For this craft you will need green paint, a pencil, paper plates, a paintbrush, and some other colors of paint such as yellow, pink, and red. Heavy paper, scissors, and ribbon allow this craft to be hung.

Start by placing the paper plate on top of the paper and use the pencil to outline the circle lightly. Then pour the green paint onto a paper plate. Also help kids pour a little of the other colors of paint on another paper plate.

Then help kids dip their entire hand into the green paint. Let kids use the paintbrush to add different colors of paint to their fingertips. They can also choose to dip their fingers in the other colors if they like. Then assist as children press their hands to the paper. Make sure the handprints follow the circle you have traced onto the paper previously. Continue until the entire circle is covered. When the craft has dried, you can add ribbon to hang it for spring.

This spring craft is a great way for kids to have fun with paint and their hands. It is fun and easy, and it does not require a lot of skill. Try these spring ideas with your kids for a creative activity.

Mother's Day Crafts for Preschoolers with Pompoms and Pipe Cleaners

 

Making Mother's Day crafts with preschoolers is fun and easy with pompoms and pipe cleaners. You can buy pompoms and pipe cleaners inexpensively and at many local dollar and craft stores. This article will provide you with detailed instructions on pipe cleaner and pompom craft ideas preschoolers will love making for Mother's Day.

Flower Bouquet and Vase

A flower bouquet and vase is an easy and special gift for Mother's Day. For this craft you will need pipe cleaners, pompoms, craft glue, a can, a hot glue gun, hot glue sticks, scissors, and green construction paper.

Start by helping preschoolers twist two green pipe cleaners together to create stems. Then help preschoolers add the pompoms to the ends of the stems using the hot glue. To complete the flowers help kids cut diamond shapes out of the construction paper and glue them to the stems like leaves.

Preschoolers can create a lovely vase to go with the flower bouquet for Mother's Day. For this part of the project let kids add glue to each pipe cleaner. This will be messy, so place a sheet of paper under the can before you let your preschooler get to work. Then help kids attach the pipe cleaner to the can by wrapping it around the outside of the can. Continue adding pipe cleaners until the entire can is covered. When the glue has dried add the flowers for a beautiful gift.

Picture Frame

A picture frame is a great Mother's Day gift that preschoolers can make. For this craft project you will need cardboard, scissors, pompoms, pipe cleaners, glue, and yarn. You will also need a photo of your preschooler to put in the picture frame.

Start by cutting a large square out of a piece of cardboard. Then cut a smaller square out of the middle to make the frame. Let kids decorate the frame with the pipe cleaners and pompoms in any way they would like. You can also add glitter and beads for a sparkly look. When the frame is done place a special picture in it for Mother's Day. Simply tape the picture to the back and glue some ribbon to hang the photo frame with.

These crafts are easy enough for preschoolers to make for their moms on Mother's Day, and they use inexpensive and fun materials that kids will enjoy. Try these craft projects with your child, and the lucky mom will love her presents.

3 Fun and Informative Earth Day Lesson Plans

 

Earth day can be a very fun and exciting time for children in the classroom. Here are 3 lesson plans that can help students celebrate earth day .

The first lesson plan that is appropriate and fun for teaching children about earth day is the earth day garbage parade. This lesson plan is appropriate for kids of ages 3-12, and it is a lot of fun. Have students collect garbage around their home and school and bring in one small plastic bag of trash. Items that they should save are bottles, papers, bottle caps, and anything they seem to find interesting. Make sure all items are brought in clean, and have markers, paints, and glue available. Now pile all of the garbage on a table in the middle of the room and let all the students pick items that that they would like to use. You can have the students create masks, puppets, and banners. It is a good idea to bring some examples of things they can make. You can also bring in beans and rubber bands and have the students make different musical instruments. Paint and color all of the items brightly, and assemble a line and start your parade. This lesson helps teach students to recycle and have fun!

Another lesson plan that is appropriate for students from the age of 3 to 12 is to grow their own plant. Bring in seeds, plastic cups, and dirt, and have each student plant their own seed, and water it. For older students you may want them to use different seeds and research each plant. Have the students document the plants growth over the course of the month; also have the students document the watering and light schedule for each plant. This is most effective if done with perennial plants so the students can later plant a garden on the school property or a local park. The use of herb seeds works well for this project.

Another earth day lesson plan for students from ages 3 - 12 is paper making. Discuss with the students the use of paper in society, and the amount of trees wasted because of our paper waste. Have students bringing junk mail, and paper that would normally be thrown out at their homes. You will need a small screen that has been attached to a wooden frame, or a small window screen that can be found at a thrift store. You will also need a food processor and a tub or tuber ware. Have all the students rip the paper up into little pieces and soak the pieces in water for half an hour. Next processes the water and paper mixture until the paper is finely chopped. Now mix the paper and water pulp with more water inside the tub. Have the students take turn dipping the frame into the mix. Once the frame is coated let some of the water drip out, and cover it with a piece of cardboard; next you must flip the frame and cardboard over so the pulp will come off. This will take a little getting used to, but it is not very hard. Allow all of the paper to dry completely and use the paper for another earth day project!

These lesson plans can help you teach valuable earth day lessons to your class this earth day!

Spring Handprint Crafts for Kids Using Paper

 

Handprint crafts are easy and fun for kids to create for the spring season. Handprints crafts can be created using paper, and they teach children dexterity and coordination. This article discusses spring themed handprint crafts using paper that kids will love.

Butterfly Mobile

Butterflies bring in the spring season, and they can be the theme of a great handprint mobile. For this craft you will need construction paper, glue, markers, tape, scissors, yarn or string, a pencil, and a paper plate. Start by helping kids trace their hands onto several different colored pieces of construction paper.

Then help kids cut small circles out of black or brown paper. Also cut out the handprints they have traced already. Then use the markers to add different patterns and colors to the handprints. They handprints will be the butterfly wings. Then help kids glue the palm sections of two wings together to make a butterfly. Add the black circle to the center like a head for the butterfly.

Create several butterflies in this fashion. Also cut several long pieces of string. Poke enough holes in the plate to attach all of the strings. Stick the string through the hole and use tape to secure it. Then fold the butterflies in half lightly and tape the other ends of the strong to the inside of the fold. Hang your handprint mobile by adding more strings to the top of the plate.

Tulip Bouquet

Tulips are a wonderful sign of spring, and kids can create tulips using handprints and paper. For this craft you will need construction paper, scissors, pencils, tape, glue, green paint, a paintbrush, and sturdy plastic straws. It is also a good idea to cover the workspace with newspaper to prevent mess.

To begin help kids trace their handprint onto the construction paper. Pastel colored paper works well, but pink and yellow are also appropriate colors for spring tulips. Then kids can cut the handprints out.

Then help kids cut the last inch of one end of the straw into small strips. Remember to leave the straw strips attached to the straw. Then help kids glue the hand prints together by placing the right side of a palm against the side of the palm of another handprint. Angle the hands slightly and overlap the palms so they appear slightly curved when put together. Add two or three more handprints in the same manner. This will make a circular shape.

After the glue has dried, help kids twist the handprints into a cone flower shape. Use the tape to secure it together. Then place the straw through the hole in the center of the cone and tape the flower to the straw. The cut strips should face out of the flower. Finally let kids paint the straw and tape with the green paint, and your spring tulips are complete.

These easy crafts welcome spring and get kids excited for the season. Using paper and handprints is easy and fun, and kids will love these spring themed projects.

This pic always makes me smile. =) Rainbow Dash Wig MLP Raibow...

This pic always makes me smile. =) Rainbow Dash Wig MLP Raibow Unicorn Pony Costume My Little Pony With Ears, Child, my little pony cosplay

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Spring Pompom and Pipe Cleaner Crafts with Kids

You can easily create spring pompom and pipe cleaner crafts with your kids. Pompoms and pipe cleaners are fun crafting mediums for kids in spring because of their versatile nature and bright colors. Here you can find pompom and pipe cleaner crafts perfect for your spring crafts with kids.

Caterpillar

With spring, come caterpillars, everyone favorite many legged friend, and this craft is cute and cuddly to make. For this craft you will need green pompoms, wiggly eyes, a hot glue gun, hot glue sticks, scissors, and pipe cleaners. Start by assisting kids as they glue several pompoms together in a row.

Then help kids cut the pipe cleaner into 12 even pieces. Bend the ends of each piece at a 90 degree angle. Then glue two pieces to the top of the head of the caterpillar like antennae. Then glue the other pieces along the bottom of the caterpillar for feet. The finished product is a cute little caterpillar for spring, and it can be placed anywhere in your home to added decoration.

Flower Bouquets

Spring flowers are always festive, and kids will like making this craft because it is pretty and is a good gift. For this project you will need large pompoms, straws, green paint, a paintbrush, a hot glue gun, hot glue sticks, scissors, and green pipe cleaners.

Start by helping kids paint the straws green; it is a good idea to place newspaper on the work area to avoid messes. Then help kids cut the green pipe cleaner into three pieces. Kids can then fold each piece in half and twist the two ends together. Then help kids pull the centers slightly apart to create leaves. Assist as kids glue the pompoms to the top of the straws, and help the kids glue the pipe cleaner leaves to the side of the straws. These pretty flowers are great for spring crafts. They can be placed in a vase or a glass jar. Add some sparkles or buttons to the pompoms for a varied look.

These spring themed crafts are easy and inexpensive to make with kids. Pompoms and pipe cleaners allow for many different projects, and these crafts will welcome spring into your home and promise good times with your kids.

Pine Cone Crafts for Thanksgiving

There are several pine cone crafts for Thanksgiving; they are inexpensive and easy to create, and they add special holiday spirit to your home. This article will discuss several pine cone crafts for Thanksgiving.

Turkey Centerpiece

Pine cones can help you make a lovely turkey centerpiece for Thanksgiving. For this craft you will need several pine cones, red, orange, and yellow paint, a gourd with a long neck like a turkey, a hot glue gun, hot glue sticks, a paintbrush, newspaper, two cloves, a toothpick, and a piece of candy corn.

Start this centerpiece by covering the work area with newspaper. Then paint each pine cone different colors like the tail feathers of the turkey. You will also want to paint some small pine cones for the turkey's head feathers. While the feathers are drying press the cloves into the top of the gourd using the pointed side. You may want to start the hole with a toothpick. The cloves will look like eyes.

Then add the candy corn like a beak by pushing a toothpick into the flat end of the candy corn. Push the toothpick into the gourd to secure it in place. Finally glue the pine cones onto the back of the gourd like feathers, and your turkey centerpiece is ready for Thanksgiving.

Thanks Garland

Another pine cone craft that will add a special touch to your Thanksgiving decor is a thanks garland. For this holiday craft you will need several pine cones, ribbon, heavy paper in fall colors, scissors, a pencil, leaves, glue, a paintbrush, a marker, hot glue sticks, and a hot glue gun.

Start this craft by cutting the ribbon long enough to suit the garland you want to make. Then use the paintbrush and glue to attach several leaves to the paper. Use the paintbrush to create a fine, even layer of glue. When the leaves have dried use the marker to write something you are thankful for on the backs of each leaf. Cut each leaf out and glue a pint cone to the top of them. Make sure the pine cone slightly hangs off the edge of the leaf. Then glue the other end of the pine cone to the ribbon to complete the garland.

These Thanksgiving craft projects are fun and easy, and they use pine cones as their main source. Enjoy taking a walk in the brisk autumn air, and you will find many pine cones to use for this craft.

Thanksgiving Themed Pipe Cleaner and Pompom Crafts with Kids

You can make fun Thanksgiving themed pipe cleaner and pompom crafts with kids this holiday season. Pipe cleaners and pompoms are fun craft items for kids. These craft materials are also very inexpensive and come in a variety of colors. This article will provide you with detailed instructions on creating Thanksgiving themed pipe cleaner and pompom crafts with kids.

Turkey

Making a turkey using pipe cleaners and pompom crafts with kids is fun and easy. For this Thanksgiving craft you will need a medium sized brown pompom, a small brown pompom, a hot glue gun, hot glue sticks, wiggly eyes, scissors, and red, brown, orange, and yellow pipe cleaners.

Start by cutting 6 pieces of brown pipe cleaners into 1 inch lengths. Hold 3 pieces together and twist the ends slightly. Repeat this with the other 3 pieces. Add some glue to secure and bend apart to look like feet. Glue the feet to the bottom of the medium brown pompom.

Then glue the small pompom to the top of the medium pompom. Add wiggly eyes to the small pompom. Then cut a small piece of yellow pipe cleaner below the eyes to make a beak. Also add a little piece of red pipe cleaner to the bottom of the head. Then cut several pieces of red, orange, and yellow pipe cleaner about 2 inches in length. Then glue them to the back of the medium pompom. When the glue dries you can display your Thanksgiving turkey for the holiday.

Pumpkin

Another simple Thanksgiving craft is a pumpkin. For this Thanksgiving craft you will need a medium orange pompom, a green pipe cleaner, scissor, a hot glue gun, and a hot glue stick. Start by cutting the green pipe cleaner about 2 inches in length.

Fold the pipe cleaner in half. Pinch the top half of the folded end and twist. Then pull up the ends of the pipe cleaner and twist into a curl. You can use a needle or toothpick to create a spiral. Glue the pipe cleaner stem to the center of the pompom to complete the pumpkin for Thanksgiving.

Pipe cleaners and pompoms are fun craft materials for kids. They can be used for a variety of craft ideas. Pipe cleaners and pompoms can be purchased inexpensively at local dollar stores or craft stores. Try these Thanksgiving themed crafts with your kids this holiday season!

Paper Plate Thanksgiving Crafts for Kids

Paper plate Thanksgiving crafts for kids can be easy and inexpensive. Paper plates are an ideal medium for holiday crafts. This article will provide you with detailed instructions for paper plate Thanksgiving crafts for kids.
Turkey


A traditional paper plate craft for Thanksgiving is a turkey. This great craft is good for young kids. You will need a paper plate, brown paint, a paintbrush, tissue paper, a black marker, and glue. Start this craft by helping kids rip up the tissue paper into long strips.


Then help kids paint the entire plate brown. When the paint has dried help kids draw an upside down U shape for the head of the turkey. Add eyes and a piece of tissue paper for the beak. Then help kids glue the tissue paper onto the turkey like feathers. When the glue has dried you can hang this Thanksgiving craft in your home using some ribbon or string.


Thanksgiving Wreath


Another easy paper plate craft is a thanks wreath. For this craft you will need construction paper in red, yellow, and orange; you will also need pencils, markers, glue, a paper plate, ribbon, and scissors. Start this craft by helping kids trace their hands onto the construction paper.


Then help kids cut out the handprints. Glue the handprints around the edge of the paper plate. You can feel free to overlap the handprints. Help kids write Happy Thanksgiving on the center of the paper plate. Cut a small piece of ribbon and bend it in half. Tie the ends of the ribbon into a knot. Glue the knot to the back of the wreath to hang this inexpensive craft.


Pilgrim Hat


A pilgrim hat is the easiest paper plate craft for Thanksgiving, and it makes a great centerpiece for the table. For this craft you will need a paper plate, an empty coffee can, glue, black paint, a paintbrush, black paper, scissors, and yellow paper.


That this craft by gluing the coffee can to the center of the paper plate. Help kids paint the entire thing black. Cut a black strip of paper about an inch wide and long enough to fit around the bottom of the coffee can. Also cut a small square out of yellow paper. The square should be slightly bigger than the strip of paper. Then fold the yellow square in half and help kids cut the center of the square out. Glue the strip around the bottom of the can and glue the yellow square on top like a buckle to complete this craft with your kids.


Paper plates are inexpensive, and they are easy to use. Kids will enjoy these Thanksgiving crafts so try them this Thanksgiving holiday season.

Back to School Countdown Day 6: Time Capsule Crafts with Kids

Easy, Back to School Time Capsule Craft with Kids

Making an easy, back to school time capsule with craft with kids is a lot of fun. This kid craft is a great way to get ready for the year to come. It is also a wonderful way to remember the past. This article will provide you with detailed instructions for creating an easy, back to school time capsule craft with kids.

When creating an easy, back to school time capsule with kids you will need several personal items. For this craft start by having your kids think about all the things they are interested in at the moment. Pictures of their favorite celebrities, clothing, colors, food, and movies are all good ideas for this time capsule craft. More items that go well in a back to school time capsule is money, cds, jewelry, and other personal item that your kids would like to keep safe in this craft.

It is also nice to include a letter written by your kids to their future self. Including information about what they expect in the year to come is a nice addition to this letter. Remind kids that the will not see these items until the next time they are going back to school, and it is important that they include any information they would like to find later on.

To complete this craft you will also need a coffee can or large plastic bottle. You will also need duct tape. When choosing the duct tape you will use, be creative. Duct tape comes in a variety of colors and patterns. Be sure to choose tape that your kids find interesting.

To complete this time capsule craft with your kids put all the items in the can or bottle. Then close the lid tightly. Seal the entire can shut by covering it completely in duct tape. Add a second layer to make sure it is sealed well and water proof. Then dig a hole in your yard and bury the time capsule with your kids the day before they go back to school.

This easy craft is fun to complete with your kids. A back to school time capsule is fun to open up at the end of the year and see how much your kids have changed and grown. Create this easy, time capsule craft with your kids in honor of going back to school, and you will have a great time.

Back to School Countdown Day 3, 4, 5 Crafts for all Ages

Okay so I have been super busy this week, and i slacked on posting awesome back to school stuff  because it was my niece's birthday. We went to the Land of Make Believe which is awesome and i recommend it to everyone. Since i haven't posted for a couple of days this will be a big one!

Here you will find back to school craft ideas for preschoolers, middle school kids, and kindergartners ! Hope you enjoy, and as usual if you want some ideas on anything back to school leave me a comment and I will post your reply ASAP during this back to school countdown.

Back to School Crafts for Kindergarten Kids

Back to School Photo Book

Making a back to school photo book with kindergarten kids is a great way to get ready for the first day of school. For this craft you will need a camera, markers, a hot glue gun, hot glue sticks, heavy paper, a hole puncher, scissors, and ribbon.

Start by cutting the heavy paper into several squares about 6 inches in length and width. Then talk to your kindergarten kids about the first day of school. Discuss the experiences that your kindergarten kid will have at school such as nap time, playing, and snack. Also discuss the steps before getting ready for school such as waking up and brushing teeth. Write an activity on the bottom of each paper square and place them in order.

Also write a title for the book on a piece of paper. Help kindergarten kids decorate the title pager and edges of the pages. Then have fun with your kids by having kids act out the different activities written on the page. Take pictures will doing this and add them to the pages in the book. Then punch holes in the top of each page in the same spot and string them on the ribbon. Tie the ribbon into a bow and the book is complete.

Back to School Countdown

For this back to school craft, with kindergarten kids, you will need index cards, markers, and a stapler. Start by helping kids write first day of school on an index card. Then help kindergarten kids write a number from 1-10 on individual index cards.

Allow kindergarten kids to decorate each card using the markers. Also help kids write down important things they will do to get ready for going back to school like shopping and packing their backpacks on the cards. Then staple the cards in order from 10-1 and add the first day of school card at the bottom. Staple the cards together, and as you countdown to the first day back to school kindergarten kids can pull off another card.

Back to School Organization Crafts for Middle School Kids

Pencil Case

A pencil case is a great back to school craft for middle school kids that will improve their organization. Making a pencil case with middle school kids will increase their coordination. For this craft you will need scissors, felt, embroidery floss, and a large needle.

Start by helping middle school kids cut the felt into a rectangle about an inch longer in length than their pencils. It should also be about 8 inches wide. Then help kids fold the felt over and thread the floss through the needle. Tie a knot in the end of the floss and help middle school kids sew the bottom and side of the felt together.

This is done by pushing the needle through the two layers of felt and pulling the string all the way until you reach the knot. Then wrap the floss around the outside edge of the felt and push the needle through a spot next to the first hole. Continue until you have made your way around two sides of the back to school craft.

Homework Bulletin Board

Another back to school craft that is perfect for organization is a homework bulletin board. For this craft you will need an old cookie sheet, white contact paper, scissors, felt, and glue. Start by helping middle school kids cut the contact paper to fit the inside of the cookie sheet. Take the backing off of the paper and attach it to the cookie sheet. This will create a great dry erase board for homework organization.

Then help middle school kids cut the felt into pieces long enough to cover the edge of the cookie sheet. Glue them in place. Feel free to use paint to decorate the felt and add special details to this back to school craft for middle school kids.

Supply Box

Another easy back to school craft for middle school kids is a supply box. For this craft you will need a shoe box, paint, a paintbrush, and scissors. Start by covering the work surface with newspaper. Then help middle school kids paint the entire box.

When the paint ha dried add some holes to the top of the box using the scissors. Middle school kids can improve their organization b sticking pens and pencils into the holes and filling the rest of the box with important supplies for back to school.

Back to School Crafts with Preschoolers Using Paint

Take Home Bags

Take home bags are a fun and useful back to school crafts for preschoolers. For this craft you will need tote bags, finger paints, paper plates, and sponge letters. You can make your own sponge letters ahead of time using a marker, sponges and scissors. Just draw the letter on the sponge and cut it out.

Pour the paint onto the paper plates and cover the work area with newspaper. Help the kids use the finger paints to decorate the bags. Then use the sponge letters to write each preschoolers name on the bag with paint. Help kids dip the sponges into the paint and press it lightly on the bag. This back to school craft is easy and fun for preschoolers.

Name Tag

A name tag is an awesome back to school craft for preschoolers using paint. For this craft you will need large white labels, finger paints, a marker, and paper plates. Start by helping kids write their names on the label with the markers.

Cover the work area with the newspaper and pour the paint on the paper plates. Then let the preschoolers decorate the tags with the paints however they like.

My Special Stuff Box

Another back to school craft for preschoolers that uses paint and will be used for the year to come. For this craft you will need shoe boxes, paint, glue, paintbrushes, newspaper, scissors, and old magazines. Start this back to school craft by helping preschoolers look through the magazine and cut out the letters needed to make their name.

Then cover the work area with the newspaper. Open the shoe box and help preschoolers paint the lid and the sides of the box completely. When the paint dries help preschoolers glue the letters from the magazine on the top of the box to complete their name. This back to school craft for preschoolers is a fun way to store school supplies or use as a cubby.

Back to School Countdown Day 2: Backpack Crafts, Wheeled Backpacks, Toddler Backpacks, and Spiderman for the Fans

Okay Day 2 in the Back to School Countdown and Today I am going to provide you with some fun backpack crafts and ideas for kids as they get ready for the first day of class!

Back to School Backpack Crafts for Kids

Foam


An easy back to school backpack craft for young kids uses foam sheets. For this craft you will also need scissors, a hot glue gun, hot glue sticks, fabric paint, a pen, and a backpack. Help young kids write their name on the foam sheets using the pen.

Then help kids use the scissors to cut out the letters. After the letters are cut out, help kids trace their name on the foam letters using the fabric paint. They can add patterns to the shapes as well if they like by using the fabric paints.

Allow the foam letters to dry. Help kids glue the letters to the back pack. This back to school craft is a fun way to help your kid keep track of his backpack.

Paint Markers

Another back to school craft that kids will enjoy is a paint marker patterned backpack. For this craft you will need paint markers in variety of colors, and a pencil. This craft is good for middle school and high school students.

Start this back to school, backpack craft by using the pencil to draw an image, pattern, or design on the backpack. If the backpack is a dark color, chalk can be used to initially draw the preferred pattern or image. Then help kids color in the images and patterns using the paint markers. Remember to allow paint to dry before using a new color marker.

Patches

This back to school craft is a great way to get kids involved in designing their back packs. This is an appropriate craft for kids that are young and old. For this craft you will need fabric glue, straight pins, and patches. If the kids are older you can allow them to use an iron for iron-on patches. Younger kids will practice motor skills by using fabric glue.

Start by picking out several patches that your kids like. Then place them in various spots on the backpack. When your kids are happy with where the patches are placed you can apply the glue or iron. If using glue add the straight pins after the glue is already applied. If ironing the patches on the backpack, use the straight pins to hold the patches in place when ironing.

Back to school backpack craft are a great way to help kids personalize their backpack

If you are wondering where to buy backpacks, check out these cute and fun back packs from Amazon. 


Wheeled Backpacks


     


























   






























Toddler Backpacks 


Toddler backpacks are so cute and perfect for the little ones.


     




























This toddler backpack is so cute and cheap It is great for a toddler. 





























Oh and spiderman backpacks are super popular. Seeing my nephew get excited about spiderman is reason enough to check out these spiderman backpacks.


   




























So hope you enjoyed my backpack crafts and ideas. If there is anything back to school related you would like information on leave me a comment and I will post a reply during this back to school countdown. Stay tuned for tomorrows installment and enjoy picking out and spicing up a backpack with you kid for this school year. 

Back to School Countdown: Bulletin Boards

I'm a lunch lady so I am starting to get into the back to school mood. I know I am not the only ones out there getting ready for the big day. So I decided to start the back to school countdown. Everyday, until school starts, for me it is Sept 6th, I will be posting something new to get everyone ready and excited about going back to school. Okay today I will focus on bulletin board ideas.

If you have any requests or any questions or even need some ideas or advice about anything back to school feel free to leave me a comment and I will do my best to help you!

Here are some bulletin board ideas for the first day of school.

Beach

A beach themed back to school bulletin board is a great idea that will remind kids about how much fun they had over the summer while also getting kids excited about being back in school. For this bulletin board you will need blue butcher paper, tan paper, scissors, markers, and a pencil.

Start this back to school bulletin board by covering the top of the bulletin board with the blue paper. Then cut a wavy edge on the tan colored paper and attach that to the bottom of the bulletin board. Provide each student with a piece of tan paper about 6 inches squared.

Help students create seashells by placing their fist palm down on the paper and tracing their fist. They can finish the shell by connecting the bottom lines were their wrist would be in a curved or pointed line. Help students cut out the shell shape and write their name on it. Allow the students to decorate the shell and hang it on the back to school bulletin board.

Tree and Butterfly

Another back to school bulletin board idea is a tree and butterfly theme. For this bulletin board you will need blue butcher paper, brown butcher paper, scissors, construction paper, a pencil, and markers. Start by covering the back to school bulletin board with the blue paper.

Then use the pencil to draw a tree branch shape onto the brown paper. Cut the tree branch out of the paper and attach it to the bulletin board. Hand out various sheets of construction paper and pencils to the students. Help the students trace their hands on the paper to create either leaves or a butterfly. To make a butterfly, students should trace both of their hands with their palms touching. Help students cut out their shapes and write their name on them. Students can hang the leaves and butterflies all over the back to school bulletin board.

Want to use Recycled Materials ?    These ideas are perfect

Wanted Ad

For this back to school bulletin board you will used recycled newspaper to cover the bulletin board. Remember to use the classified section to stick with the wanted ad theme. You can also used recycled magazines to cut out the letters spelling Wanted. This can be posted on the top of the bulletin board. You will also need to ask students to bring in a picture of themselves the first day of school.

Prior to the start of school the teacher should make out an application for students with interesting questions that will get them excited about coming back to school. The questions can pertain to the experience students will be having in the upcoming school year. Remember to leave a blank area at the top of the application to pate the student's folder. Copy and staple these applications together for the first day back to school.

On the first day explain to students that you have an opportunity for them; they have been chosen to participate in your classroom. You would like them to fill out the application. When they are done they can glue the photo to the top of the application and post it on the back to school bulletin board.

This back to school bulletin board idea uses recycled newspapers and magazines. It also provides teachers with a way to get to know students better, and it is appropriate for students in middle school and higher grade levels.

Garden of Learning

Another back to school bulletin board idea that uses recycled paper plates and magazines is the garden of learning bulletin board. For this back to school bulletin board, you will also need green paper, blue paper, scissors, and glue. Remember to have students each bring a photo of themselves the first day of school.

Start this project by handing out the magazines to the students. Help them cut out several strips of colorful paper. Then help them cut them into smaller sections about 2 inches long. Allow students to cut the photo into a circle with their faces in the middle. Also help kids cut the outside edge of the paper plate off.

Help students glue the picture to the center of the paper plate. Also help them add the 2 inch strips to the outside edge of the picture to resemble flower petals. Allow the glue to dry. Cover the bulletin board with green butcher paper. Write a message on the top of the board about gardening and learning and help students post their flowers on the board.

These bulletin board ideas are great for back to school, and they use recycled materials. Try these bulletin board ideas with your new students and they will love learning and recycling at the same time.