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I promise I will have a craft post ready for you tonight (it's drying) but I had to pop in and tell all of you that I created a facebook page for the blog!  Go HERE and "like" us!  When I have 100 "likes" and 100 blog followers I will be having a giveaway so suggest Paint & Prozac to your friends!!!

Heart Shaped Crayons

These adorable heart shaped crayons make great gifts for kids and are a great way to recycle broken crayons.

You will need...

Crayons (can be new or "nubs")

Oven (preheated to 200 degrees)

Heart shaped tins (or you can use regular a cupcake pan but they will just be circles)

Cookie sheet (I suggest using an older one in case there is spillage!)

I found these great little heart shaped aluminum cups at Target for less than $3.

 

Remove paper from crayons and break into pieces. Place the cups on the cookie sheet. Place crayon pieces in the cups.  I separated them into pinks/purples/reds, blues/greens, and orange/yellow.

Bake at 200 degrees until melted (about 20 minutes).  Check them often.  Let them cool completely in the oven. I left them overnight but a few hours would be long enough.

Carefully take the crayons out of the cups.  The cups I had were easily torn to remove.  If they are in a cupcake pan it will be easier to remove if you pop them in the freezer for a bit.

How cute are these?  I wrapped them in tissue paper to give to Finley's friends for Valentine's day.

Note:  I had a lot of the heart shaped cups left over so I made brownies in them!

Happy Crafting!

Ames

Hugs & Kisses: Pudding Painting

There are only a few more days until Valentine's Day which means I have to squeeze in all my sweet "love themed" crafts. Here is a delicious one!  

You Will Need...

Pudding

Cardstock (or thick construction paper)

Scissors (for the adult)

Sprinkles (preferably in a shaker)

Paint shirt (highly recommended, on old t-shirt works perfectly)

Put a some pudding on the paper and let your kids "paint" with it.

 

 Some pudding will get eaten!

Shake on some sprinkles and continue painting.

When the pudding is dry, cut into hugs & kisses (or any shape you like).

Happy Crafting,

Ames



Thinking outside the box (pun intended)

If you are like me you always have a few cardboard boxes sitting around the house. Here's what we did with ours today!

1. Color on it!  We love Melissa and Doug Jumbo Triangular Crayons.  They are easy for tiny fingers to hold on to and last for a long time.

 

2. Stack them and knock them down (very fun when you are a toddler).

3.Cut the cardboard into shapes and paint on them instead of paper. (You can even turn them into magnets by gluing a magnet on the back).

4. Make a "feely box."  Close the box. Cut a circle in the top.  Fill is with anything...uncooked pasta, cotton balls, ribbons, etc.  The kids have so much fun reaching in the box to find out what is inside.  Finley loves to fill the box too!

5. Make a "letter box".  Cut a circle in the top of the box. Place foam letter stickers to the outside of the box. Identify the letters and colors as your toddler points to them. Preschool idea-Choose a letter and help your preschooler find items that begin with that letter and place them in the letter box.

What activities do you and your kiddos like to do with boxes?

Enjoy,
Ames

I'm up for a challenge!

Comment on this post and list one or two common household items.  Saturday I will pick a random comment and create a craft using the item or items listed.  I will post pics of the craft Monday morning.  Wish me luck...



Finley wonders what our challenge items will be...



Coffee Can Painting

If you are new to toddler crafts and nervous about paint messes this project is for you.  The "artist" does not touch the paint at all but they still create beautiful art and have fun!

You will need...

Empty coffee can with lid

Paint (any colors you choose)

Several marbles

Card stock cut into any shape you choose

*You can use construction paper but I prefer card stock to prevent tearing and curling.

Place paper, paint, and marbles inside the coffee can and put the lid on. You only need a teaspoon or 2 of paint.

Next, let your toddler have fun shaking, kicking, and rolling the coffee can around.  It's loud so they love it!

Ta-da!!!  Cute hearts AND clean hands.



I might be just a little "heart happy" but it's February!!!  Gotta spread the Valentine's Day L-O-V-E!

Happy heart crafting!
Ames

Coffee Filter Butterflies

There is snow up to my knees outside but that doesn't mean we can't look forward to Spring with these adorable butterflies!

You will need:

Coffee Filter

Washable Markers
Spray Bottle w/water
Paper clip or rubber band or staple or pipe cleaner (to pinch the middle)

Encourage your toddler to draw on the coffee filter with the markers.

Spray with water.

Let dry for 2-3 hours.

Pinch in the middle to make a butterfly! You can use a staple, rubber band, pipe cleaner, paper clip, etc.

Happy Crafting!

Ames