Toilet Paper Roll Turkey Crafts

November 18, 2015 by 5 Comments

Looking for fall or Thanksgiving crafts for your preschooler or elementary school crafter?  We’re sharing parenting tips on turkey crafts.  You can make this toilet paper roll turkey craft in no time and with little materials. It’s a great project to make with the kids for Thanksgiving.

So, save several toilet paper tubes.  Also, take a day and spend time with the kids gathering leaves from your backyard or better yet take a walk around you neighborhood.

 

 

 

turkey crafts

 

 

You will need to press the leaves once you get them home before you make the turkey crafts.  Pressing the leaves is quite simple. This is another fun project to do with the kids.  Give them 2 pieces of wax paper.  Place the leaves between the two sheets of wax paper.  Place the sheets between the pages of a heavy book.  I actually used an phone book, and placed the book under my Kitchen Aid mixer.  After a few days, check the leaves to see if they are dry.  All moisture should be removed.  Once the leaves have reached this stage you are ready to assemble your turkey crafts.

 

 

 

You will also need the following items:

  • toilet paper roll
  • brown paint
  • paint brush
  • yellow construction paper
  • Googly Eyes ( I found these at the Dollar Tree)
  • leaves

Paint the toilet paper roll brown and allow it to dry thoroughly, approximately 15 minutes.  While the toilet paper roll is drying, spread 4-5 leaves into a fan. Make sure your center leaf is a little higher than the others, you want it to be higher than the tube.

Glue your leaves together with a hot glue gun or Elmer’s glue pen. Next, make the feet and a nose with your construction paper. Be sure to make your legs and feet long enough to hang from beneath the tube. I glued the legs on the inside of the toilet paper roll. Once the toilet paper roll is dry, glue your leaves, eyes, nose and feet to the tube as shown.

 


You may also like:16 Mom Approved Beach Crafts or Country Living Turkey Crafts for more ideas.  

 

 


 

 


Filed Under: Crafts, Fall Tagged With: , , ,

16 Mom Approved Kid’s Beach Crafts

July 25, 2015 by
Summer is in full swing and families are heading to the beach. So, when we go to the beach there are days that we don’t head out. For example, we stay inside and enjoy a day or 2 of crafts and movies with the children.  Today, I’m sharing parenting tips on kid’s beach crafts. These crafts are fun and easy to make, and can help keep the kids busy at home too.
beach crafts for kids
beach crafts for kids

 

Here’s my roundup selections. Click on the link to check out the blog and instructions on how to make these adorable crafts or use the images as inspiration and create your own version:


1.  Dr. Seuss Crafts (Mrs. Thompson’s Treasures)  First, kids love these little snack fish.  I’m sure they will be willing to share a few for adorable sea crafts.

2.  Fish Hands (Mom To Two Plush Lil Divas)  Second, kids love getting messy.  The exception is my granddaughter.  Nothing on her hands please.  But, these colorful little hand fish are adorable.

3.  Grandma’s Sea of Love (Flickr Photo) Cute hand and foot print craft.

4.  Shells and Shimmer (A List Maker’s Life)  Next, use the sea shells gathered on your family vacation to make a picture frame to house some memories.

5.  Fish Bowl (Walking By The Way)  This hand print fish bowl is so cute and easy to make.  Capture those little hand prints while you can.

6.  Cupcake Liner Fish (Buggy and Buddy)  Find some colorful cupcake liners and make a few colorful fish.

7.  Celery Stamping Fish (Crafty Morning)  So, celery makes a healthy snack and beautiful crafts.  Cut up a few pieces for the kids to make this fun and colorful craft.

8.  Bucket & Shovel (Learn Create Love)  Additionally, what kid doesn’t want a bucket and shovel on their beach trip.  Make this bucket and shovel craft, and they can enjoy it year round.

9.  Cupcake Liner Fish (I Heart Crafty Things)  Another fun craft using cupcake liners and construction paper.  Easy, colorful and fun.

10. Paper Lemonade (Pitter Patter Art) Now, this craft is one of my favorites.  A refreshing cup of lemonade is loved by everyone.

11.  Paper Plate Whale (In The Play Room)  This is a fun craft for a little boy.  Any dollar store will have these paper plates.

12. Egg Carton Ocean (The Imagination Tree)  Another great craft.  So, starting saving those egg cartons.

13. Paper Plate Shark (Almost Unschoolers)  He’s a scary looking little fellow.  But, any little boy would love to make him.

14. Beach In A Jar (Country Chic Cottage)  Put those mason jars to use.  A favorite beach picture, a little sand and few shells will bring this craft to life.

15. Bears At The Beach Snack (The Chickabug Blog) Making crafts will work up an appetite.  Serve this yummy snack.

16. Under The Sea (Daisy Cottage Designs) Can’t get your kids to eat beans?  Maybe you can get them to create this craft with the beans.

Using sea shells that you have gathered from a family trip is always fun to add to any kid’s beach crafts.  Furthermore, you can use them for your crafts too.  They will help create great memories either way  Also, these crafts are easy to make and the materials are budget friendly.  Making these kid’s beach crafts easy for mom to approve.

Also, paper plates, beans, cupcake lines, straws, construction and glue are normally craft items that most parents have around.  Check out your craft stash so you can determine what is needed.  I recommend purchasing a cheap plastic container from the dollar store. Place the items needed in the container before you hit the road.  I also place the items that we have finished in the container on our trip home.  This helps keep them safe.

Last, we hope that you enjoyed our round up of kid’s beach crafts. Pick out a few ideas for your beach trip.  If you’re not heading to the beach, have a little beach fun at home.  Finally, I had a hard time selecting a favorite.  But, I do love number 15 – Bears At the Beach Snack. What a great beach snack idea.   What’s your favorite?  Leave us a comment.

You may also like 9 Tried and True Beach Foods.
  

Filed Under: Crafts, Summer Tagged With: , , ,

9 Kid’s Patriotic Craft Ideas

June 25, 2015 by
We will be celebrating Memorial Day in a few weeks!  I love celebrating holidays with family and friends.  So,  I’m expecting 20 – 30 family members for my backyard BBQ.  I’ve been thinking of games and activities for the kids.  As a result, I have a few parenting tips on kid’s patriotic craft ideas to share with my readers.  I selected various activities for different ages, so I hope you will find 1 or 2 that you can use at your festivities:
 
patriotic craft ideas

 

1.  Patriotic Dish Brush Fireworks from Crafty Morning – First, a different twist on making firework crafts. If you don’t have old brushes around, a trip to the Dollar Store for a few dish washing brushes and the crafting can begin. It looks like this craft calls for a round brush.

2.  Patriotic Tee Shirt from Crafty Morning – This is a cute idea for the kids to make when they need a break from running and jumping or after drying off from the pool or sprinklers. Grab a few white tees, red and blue fabric paint, and a medium width paint brush from Michael’s.

3.  Patriotic Foot and Hand Print Flag from Sewing for Sanity – Second, this is an adorable idea using the kids hand and footprints.  This particular example uses a 16 x 20 artist canvass which you can purchase from your local craft or art supply store. Decide how large you want the end result to be. I wish I had room for this project.

4. Patriotic Hand Print Wreath from Decorating With Dodi – This little hand print wreath is adorable. The blogger doesn’t have instructions on her blog, but it seems fairly simple to make. The background is white and various degrees of paint was used to make some of the prints darker than others.

Also, it looks like the fingers are spread a little so you can cut between them when you’re cutting out the hands. I’m going to use a circle made out of cardboard to glue the hand prints to and regular printer paper to make the prints on. This is a good idea for 2 or 3 year olds.

 

kids patriotic craft ideas

 

 

5. Patriotic Hand Print from B-Inspired Mama – This is a cute craft for kids of any age. I love placing the name and year on the finished product. Great way to remember 4th of July fun with family.

6. Patriotic Bean Toss from Sugar Bee Crafts – Next, I love this idea for my grandson and his cousins. This will be a nice break from tossing the football. Find a shady spot in the yard.  I would suggest using a piece of cardboard under the plates to ensure the plates are stable.  Make the bean bags out of felt. You can find pieces at your local craft store.

7. Patriotic Luminaries from For The Love Of –  So, I’m going to use these luminaries for my table center pieces. I have a ton of mason jars in my cabinets from my canning sessions and a few bottles of Modge Podge in the craft corner. I’ll be pick up the tissue paper and flags at the Dollar Store.  Cute, Patriotic and Budget Friendly.  Just the way I like it.

8. Patriotic Word Search from Crayon Freckes – So, this word search is a great idea to use when you want the kids to get out of the sun and relax a little. Have one of the older children assist them in finding the words. They can feast on a treat of watermelon or a fruit salad while they’re searching for the words. This can be fun for the adults too.

9. Patriotic Fork Fireworks from Crafty Morning – Last, I love this idea or the kids and the little ones with a little help. Simply dip a fork into red and let the firework making begin. Dip a fork into the blue paint and fill in the blank areas or go over the red.  Just have fun.

 

Finally, we hope that you enjoyed our kid’s patriotic craft ideas.  Bingo just happens to be one of my favorite backyard games.  It’s a perfect game for adults, and of course the good old sprinkler and water guns for the kids. Do you plan to use any of the above crafts?  So, what are some of your favorite 4th of July activities?  We may want to adopt a few of your activities too.  You may also like 16 Mom Approved Beach Crafts.

Filed Under: Crafts, Summer Tagged With: , ,

18 Mother’s Day Crafts

April 25, 2015 by
18 Mother’s Day Craft Ideas For Kids

It is hard to believe that Mother’s Day is around the corner.  First, I’ve been searching for a few kid’s Mothers Day crafts to make with my grandchildren.  I think kid’s Mother’s Day crafts are the perfect gift for their mother and their other grandmother.   Fortunately, I found quite a few adorable Mother’s Day crafts that would be perfect gifts for this special occasion.

I always try to find a variety of craft ideas to offer the kids.  I never know what will inspire them.  One day they love markers and crayons, the next day it could be finger paints.  So, I look for projects that require materials that I have on hand or that I can purchase from the Dollar store.  You how much I love that store.

Anyway, I wanted to share my roundup of kid’s Mother’s Day crafts with you.  I hope that you will be inspired to make a few gifts with your children or grandchildren:

1.  Picture Flower Pot – The Daily Craziness.  So creative!  First, who would think to add pictures to a flower pot.  I love the thought of creating the flower pot as shown, and than placing a pot of tulips inside of it.  Also, the pot of tulips can be planted in the yard on or after Mother’s Day.  Furthermore, the pot can be used in the summer for herbs.  Mom and/or grandma can place it in the kitchen window.

2.  Button Bouquet –  Pinterest.  Sorry,  but I was unable to locate the craft on the site referenced. It seems pretty simple to make, so bring out that jar of buttons, make a pretty bow and a few stem.  Finally, start gluing. I think the kids will have fun placing the buttons to make the bouquet.

 3.  Heart House  –  Crafty Morning Great way to show mom how much you appreciate the home she has made for you.   A few craft sticks, buttons, cut out heart, some glue and you’re good to go.

4.  Hand Print Flower – Nifty Mom. Simple enough to make with a toddler, finger paints and some card stock.

 5.  Teacup –  Mr. Printables.  It’s actually an invitation for to a tea party.  But it was so adorable I thought it could be adapted as a Mother’s Day gift.  What’s better than a tea party invitation from your son or daughter.

 6.  Hand Print Vase –  Love Bugs and Post Cards.  Also, this could be a fun project.  Coming up with reasons why the kids love mom or grandma and tracing little hands can be a great way to start a Saturday.

7.  Watering Can Mother’s Day Card –  Crafty Morning.  This project is at the top of my list. I will be changing the blue hearts with water drops. This blogger has several other Mother’s Day projects on her site, so be sure to check them out.

8.   Mother’s Day Coupons –  Penny Pinching Mom. I love this idea. You print the coupons, color them, and than give them to mom. The coupons are for 1 breakfast in bed and 2 loads of folded laundry. How cute is that.

9.   Mom Deserves A Hand – Happy Home Fairy The card is a free printable. Head to Bath & Body and let the kids pick out their favorite scent for mom. Clever idea.

10.  Bottle Cap Flower –   Crafty Morning This is an easy craft to make in little time.  You will need to collect beer bottle caps, stock card, glue and a Sharpie. I saw this card on another site with a twist, the word MOM had been added to the top 3 caps for a personal touch.

11.  Love You Bunches   – Crafty Morning Next, this craft is perfect for toddlers. It requires finger paints, stock card, and the joy of sticking your thumb in the paint. I would suggest making dots on the stock card and using the dots as a guide for the shape.

12.  Folding Craft Stick Flowers –  Danielle’s Place  I loved the idea of the gift folding and being wrapped with a simple ribbon. My initial thought was to put a magnet on the back and stick it on the refrigerator after grandma or mom opens it or hang it with a pretty ribbon. Be creative.

13.  Fingerprint Flowers – Crafty Morning  Fortunately, we found a few crafts for adorable for little fingers,  And you don’t need a lot of materials to complete the project.  If you don’t have scrapbook paper, stock card or construction paper should work.

14.  Picture Monogram –  BHG   Mother’s Day crafts allow us to get creative.  So, creativity will help make this a great gift.  You can use either M for mom, G for Grandma or Gigi, or N for Nana.

15.  Lion Card –  Crafty Morning  This little card will be easy to make with a fork, marker, a piece of stock card.  And you can get the eyes from your local craft store.  I actually found a bag of eyes at the Dollar Tree for a buck.

16.  Love You To Pieces –  Clip Zine.   If you’re like me, there’s always a puzzle laying around with missing pieces?  Recycle it and make this adorable gift for mom or grandma.

17.  Hand Print Towel –  This Simple Home.  Cute!  This is a great idea for Mother’s Day, Christmas or a birthday present.

18.  Hand Print Bouquet –  Simply Sweet Teaching  Last, but not least.  I love the idea of using hand and foot prints in children’s art.  Also, hand and foot prints can be framed.  Furthermore, the prints can created on a background other than black. I do love adding the year to the print though.

Finally, we hope that you will think our kid’s Mother’s Day crafts will make great gifts too.   They’re actually quite inspirational.  Pick out one or two and start crafting with the kids.  Please leave me a comment and let me know your favorites.

Filed Under: Crafts, Spring Tagged With: , ,

9 Paper Plate Craft Ideas For Kids

April 7, 2015 by

Today,  I’m sharing ideas for paper plate crafts for kids.  April showers bring may flowers. They also bring the children inside.  With that comes boredom, fights, and too much free time.  My grandchildren love to do crafts and I love paper plate crafts.  So, I decided to do a round up of paper plate crafts that I thought kids would find interesting.   This paper plate roundup focus more on paper plate crafts for boys.  I have found that there a tons of crafts and other projects for girls, but not much for boys.

 

 

paper plate crafts

 

Furthermore, I think we forget that little boys need and want to work on their creativity too.  However, this roundup does have a few crafts that girls may be interested in.  There are many girls who love Spider Man, pirates and police car too.  Also, I love the simplicity of most of the crafts.  Paper plates, paint, numbers etc.  Most of the items if not all can be purchased from the Dollar Store.

 

 Let’s check out the paper plate craft ideas for kids roundup:

 

1.  Giraffe –  First, I found this giraffe on Zayit and Ziva.  I love the little spots on this guy. Looks like a fun craft to make with kids of any age.

2.  Pirates – Ships Ahoy!  I found these pirates on How Wee Learn. This would be a great craft to make at a Pirates birthday party.

3.  Clock – I found this clock idea at Storytime Kate. I loved this idea. It’s a great way to start teaching my grandson how to tell time.

4.  Owl – I found this little guy on Crafts by Amanda. This looks easy enough for a toddler to work on also with assistance.

5.  Police Car – I found this police car on Terrific Preschool Years. I love this idea. It’s a great time to have a conversation with your child about the police and their importance.

6.   Saw – Sixth, I found this saw idea on Easy Preschool Craft. This is a perfect idea for Father’s Day.

7.  Sun – I found this ray of sunshine on About.com.  I think this would be a great craft to make with my granddaughter. The little hand prints for the rays are perfect.

8.  Spider Man – I found this Spider Man plate on In the Playroom.  This is a great craft idea for all the little guys who love Superheroes.

9.  Paper Plate Goose – I found this swan on Making Learning Fun. This is a great site for craft ideas for kids of all ages.

Last, I hope you like my paper plate craft ideas, and find something to make for a rainy day. Which is your favorite?

You may also like: Kid’s Garden Crafts Roundup

 

Filed Under: Crafts, Spring Tagged With: , ,

How To Make A Frugal Easter Wreath

March 27, 2015 by
Easter crafts, Easter

Do you like my frugal Easter wreath?  Since winter is officially over, I removed my winter wreath.  My daughter and her family will be visiting next week for Easter, so I wanted a casual wreath to welcome them. The wreath is only going to be up for a few weeks, so I didn’t want to spend a fortunate purchasing one. I had a old wreath laying around, so I headed to the Dollar Tree to for items to make one. 



I purchased 2 bags of plastic Easter eggs, a bunny and a handful of flower sprigs. The total cost for items $10.00. Not bad for a wreath that will be hanging 2 – 3 weeks, what do you think?

 

Filed Under: Crafts, Spring

Easter Scrapbook Page Layouts

March 22, 2015 by

 

Are you ready for the Easter Bunny?  Colored eggs, chocolate bunnies, Easter Lilies, and good food. Print these adorable scrapbook pages and capture a few memories. My family will be visiting, I’m looking forward to spending time with my grandchildren. They make all the holiday work so worth it!  How do you plan to spend Easter?

 

Filed Under: Crafts Tagged With: , ,

Kids Garden Crafts Roundup

March 21, 2015 by

Today, I’m sharing parenting tips on kids garden crafts.  I was in the process of planning my summer garden and decided to look for garden crafts to do with my grandchildren when they visit.   I found some great garden crafts, suitable for a variety of age groups.  And, these crafts are a great way to keep the kids outside and involved in nature. And, they are a great way to spend family time together.

 

kids garden crafts

 

Kids Garden Crafts:


1.  Root Viewer – Found on Zulily – First, it’s a great way for children to watch vegetables grow underground establish roots and grow.  I initially found this on Zulily, but it is currently out of stock.  However, you can check out Fat Brain Toys, they have it in stock.  Furthermore, this is also great for science lovers.

2.  Hand and Foot Print Flowers – Found on Learning As We Are Growing – Second, this is a great craft for capturing memories of adorable little fingers and toes.  Also, this craft is a wonderful gift idea for grandparents or parents for Mother’s or Father’s Day.

3.  Slinky Bird Feeder – Found on Glamumous.  However, I found a DIY version on Dust Bunnies and Dog Toys, which I will be using.  I purchased a Slinky from the Family Dollar for a few bucks.  Fortunately, I just happened to have several size embroidery rings in the closet just waiting to be used. My Blue Jays love peanuts.  Be sure to use unsalted peanuts if you make this project.

4.  Tissue Paper Flower Pots – Found on From ABCs to Acts.  Cute idea to make with children.  So, I plan to use Marigolds with my grandchildren.  They can nurture them all summer.  And, Marigolds will last until they are hit with a hard frost.  You can purchase the tissue paper from the Dollar Tree.  They have a pack with bright, bold colors, which is perfect for summer.  You can find inexpensive pots at your local garden center for a few bucks.

5.  Bug Bingo – Next, found on About.  Adorable, and this would be fun to play on those rainy, summer days. Just as important, the card and insects are free to download.  Just print and assemble.

6.  Personalized Stepping Stones – Found on Skip To My Lou.  Additionally, creating a personalized stepping stone in the garden will excite any child.  Fortunately, all of the supplies can be found at your local Lowes or Home Depot.

7.  Ladybug Rocks – Found on Parenting –  Another cute idea to place in a garden or to use as paper weighs for mom or dad’s office.  Additionally, they will make great gifts for teachers or anyone else who loves ladybugs.

8. Truck Garden Planters – Found on Toby and Roo.  Next, if you have old dump trucks that your children don’t play with anymore, this will be a great project.  Also, you may be able to purchase the trucks cheaply at your local Dollar Store, yard sales or the Goodwill.

9.  Popsicle Stick Garden Markers – Found on Instagram.  Unfortunately, I couldn’t find the instructions.  But the project looks easy enough to figure out by looking at the pictures.

10.  Bird Bath – Found on Dump A Day   I love the bright colors on this bird bath.

11. Rainbow Garden Markers – Living Well Spending Less  Fortunately, this craft is cheap.  Most of all, it’s a great use of paint sticks.  I’m going to make these and use this idea in my garden this season.

12. Spring Tulips – So, I found this craft on Let Kids Create.   A few sheets of paper, adorable finger paints and a fork will keep them busy for hours. This craft is definitely on my To Do List.

 

Finally, I hope you find a craft or two on my kids garden crafts roundup that you can make with your children/grandchildren.  Please leave a comment, we may want to adopt it. Last, be sure to subscribe to my blog before you leave and follow me on social media!

Filed Under: Crafts, Summer Tagged With: , ,

28 Holiday Recipes, Crafts and Decorating Ideas

November 23, 2014 by



Happy Holidays!  They’re around the corner and if you’re like me, you’re looking for delicious recipes, great decorating ideas, and fun crafts for kids.  I like to start decorating after Thanksgiving. Check out my holiday round-up, here’s 28 great ideas for recipes, crafts and decorating.  

I have so many Christmas decorations that I acquired over years, so I’m always looking for a way to re-purpose them. As my readers know, I’m all about budgeting and doing things in the most cost effective way. Not only have I hung to years old decorations, I’m surrounded by woods and evergreens.  So I look for ideas to use with natural items that I can retreat from my neighbor’s or my yard.  A can of paint from the Dollar Store and a new twist on an old item and I’m good to go.  

Lets get ready to whip up fabulous dishes, decorate awesome trees and tables, and spend time making fun crafts with the kids.

holiday ideas, holiday round-up

Rainbow Christmas Tree found at Inspired by Charm
White Center Piece found at Discover 0
Candy Cane Sleighs found at  Princess Pinky Girl
Champagne Punch found at Between Naps On The Porch
Chocolate Spoons found at Cherished Bliss
Gingerbread Kids found at Just Imagine
Grinch Punch found at Parent Map
Pillsbury Christmas Tree found at Pillsbury
Holiday Sled found at Junk Chic Cottage
Christmas Party Punch found at Fashion and Pop Culture
Candy Cane Candle Holder found at The Mother Huddle
Popcorn Snowmen found at Creative Kids Snacks
Epsom Salt Centerpieces found at Hing Design
Santa Bread found at Taste of Home
Christmas Wagon found at Style Estate
Baby Food Jar Snowmen found at Hip 2 Save
Snowman Doughnuts found at Dukes and Duchesses
Christmas Mail Box found at Christmas Holiday
Paper Plate Christmas Tree found at I Heart Crafty Things
Oranges and Cloves  found at Your Nest Design
Rainbow Tree found on Ebay
Monogram Wreath found at Martha Stewart
Mistle Toes found at Babble
Pull Apart Christmas Tree found at Electric Recipes
Gift Basket Idea found at Megan Shipton
Wine Glass Center Pieces found at Pinterest
Tomato Cage Christmas Tree found at NEDC Design and Construction
The Stair Case found on the Relax Deco

 I’m loving the Monogram Wreath, Stair Case, and the Doughnut and Popcorn Snowmen. My grandchildren love both, so guess what will be on their snack plates during the holidays.  I hope these ideas have motivated you too. If you need more information on how to create your inspiration, click on the link and go check out these crafty bloggers.  What are some of your favorites? 

Filed Under: Crafts Tagged With: , ,

How to Recycle a Fall Wreath

October 8, 2014 by
fall decorating, how to recycle a wreath

I love decorating for the seasons and holidays, if no more than a wreath on the front door and a garden flag welcoming friends and family at the sidewalk entrance.  I moved the wreath on my front door to my kitchen this summer, so I needed a replacement.  I browsed Ebay and Michael’s, but I simply could not fork over $75 – $80 for a wreath. Not when I know they had about $10.00 worth of material and maybe an hour of time invested in the product.  Problem solved, I decided to recycle a fall wreath that I had stored.  It had seen betters days as far as the materials, but the wreath was in excellent shape.  I like large wreaths on my front door, so the size was perfect.  
 [Read more…]

Filed Under: Crafts Tagged With: , ,