Beating the winter blues...

We have some pretty stir crazy kids around here.  It's been negative and single digit temps for several weeks.  If I go to the store, it's usually alone, so the kids are really really bored!  Today I saw an idea on my newsfeed and decided to try it.  We have done something similar in the past in a cookie sheet and I will say that on the window has kept their attention much longer.  Have fun exploring your kitchen and inspiring your kids too!

We used any thick liquid I could find (I.e., dish soap, tempura paint, mayo, yogurt, ketchup, mustard, choc syrup, etc.).  I recommend double bagging them in gallon freezer bags for durability.  We added glitter to the dish soap one.  The top left one is mayo with a few drops of food coloring.  Tape the bag closed and tape to a window or wall with packing tape.  When you're done, take down and toss!  

I'd love for you to comment with your ideas.  This was really fun!!!

Homemade Snowflake Ornaments and Decorations

 

During the winter holidays we try to do a craft project or bake once a day.  This is the cutest idea we have done yet this year and it is SOOOOOOOOOOOO simple!

Supplies:
waxed paper
marker
white glue
glitter

Directions:

Draw snowflake designs onto squares of waxed paper.  Give your child a bottle of white glue and show them how to fill in the design.  Sprinkle the snowflake shapes with glitter and let them dry overnight.  Peel them off the paper when dry and hang as ornaments, use as window clings, give as gifts; the possibilities are endless!

Homemade Play Dough

Looking for a fun and inexpensive activity?  Try making your own play dough!

It is really easy, most every ingredient is already in your pantry, and the kids will play for hours and hours! 

I have children with symptoms of Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) and they are serious sensory seekers.  So this activity feeds a healthy sensory diet as well, keeping them engaged and out of trouble.  We use vibrant cake icing colors and food grade flavorings for safe and yummy smelling dough!

  

INGREDIENTS:

2 cups Flour

1 cup Salt

4 tsp. Cream of Tarter

4 Tbsp. Vegetable Oil

2 cups Water

gel food coloring

fun flavor/scents (click here to find apple, cotton candy,

watermelon, cherry, strawberry or

blueberry cheesecake :)

Directions:  In a large pot stir flour, salt, cream of tarter, water, and oil.  Continue to mix on very low heat until the dough starts to pull away from the sides and forms a ball.* 

*it may look like this is never going to happen, but trust me it does!

Remove from heat and let dough cool.  (At this point I dump it out on a plastic board and start the next kid's batch.)  When dough is cool split into balls to color/scent.  Add a few drops at a time until you get the colors and smell you are looking for.*  If you use liquid colors it may get slightly sticky, just add a bit of flour while you are kneading it. 

*you can use extracts like vanilla, peppermint or almond, but do NOT use cinnamon because it can burn the skin!!!

When done cover your table with plastic, give them cookie cutters, rolling pins, plastic spoons, pizza cutters, etc. and go relax for a while!  The first time they play with it some you may notice the dye staining hands or the tablecloth, but it does wash out and is harmless.  It stops happening after a couple of times.

At the end of playtime we store the dough in ziplock bags and in the back of our refrigerator!  Costs pennies lasts for months!

HOW TO MAKE: Tea Stained Paper

Tea Stained paper is a favorite activity in our house. I have a friend who runs a recycling paper company and he gives us rolls of plain white paper that printers usually just throw away (Call your local newspaper and ask when they give out their short rolls). We haven't bought craft paper in years. I like to give my kids a warm, wet- not hot- teabag to use like a paint brush. We tea stain the paper, let it dry and then I write words (usually Bible Verses) and decorate our house with it. It looks rustic and is a great educational tool too!

 
Another use for the "free" paper is to let your kids stamp, color, or draw on it with markers and use it as wrapping paper for birthday parties.  (I haven't bought birthday wrap in years either!)

Tea staining is so easy...and it's ADDICTING!  Have fun!