Make a Suncatcher

This is a good choice for older kids.  Younger kids will need help with using wire cutters and pliers.

First I took a sturdy branch about a foot long.  I gathered up some wire, beads, shells, polished stones and other found objects. Drilling holes in things can be challenging so try to pick things that already have holes. I used a technique called 'looping' to encase the bigger items in wire. I think it came out lovely.

Nature Crafts

It's so important for children to get enough exercise.  So why not plan out some nature exploring and nature crafts.  Take sketchbooks and watercolor pencils, hike to a nature spot, and spend some time drawing things. Collect leaves and take them back for use as stencils. Sometimes it's harder in the city, but look for regional parks, beaches, lakes, and nature trails.  If you are allowed to glean things, bring back flowers to press. Pine cones and pine needles are useful for many crafts. Seashells are a favorite of children everywhere. Fashion simple hair ornaments using things found in nature. Or frame seashells and leaves in shadow boxes. Many places have scheduled nature walks that are kid friendly.

Plant Something For Earth Day

Help a child plant something for Earth Day. Share with them how important plants are in contributing to our health and the health of our planet. Use discarded food containers like egg cartons, margarine tubs or milk cartons to put your potting mix into. Don't forget the drain holes. Most plants don't like wet feet. Explain how plants need sunlight and water and nutrients to grow.
Or sprout some beans on moist paper towels.  If you have some glass jars or old aquariums, can make a terrarium. Or plant some bulbs. Their big size makes it easy for little hands to get a hold of.

I planted this brown eyed susan vine straight into the ground. It blooms almost constantly.

A few years ago I planted some nasturtium seeds. Now they come up by themselves

 each year.

I trained the brown eyed susan vine to grow on the gate.

This succulent was planted from a piece that broke off. It's very happy growing in a square container.

Yellow nasturtiums. The big seeds are easy for kids to plant.

Egg Shell Candles

If you are dyeing eggs this year you might have an abundance of egg shells, so here's how to make EGG SHELL CANDLES.

I've also made some lovely mosaics on gourds with egg shells. The slight curve of the shells makes them fit on the curve of the gourd quite nicely.

Here Come Easter

Easter is sneaking up on me. I got my grandson's Easter present mailed just in time. I only managed to get one Easter card listed in my Zazzle Shop: Easter Card. Spring is already flying by for me. The little froggy is one I crocheted a while back but he reminds me of spring.

Funny Little Drawings

Today I was putting some tools in the file cabinet and lo and behold I found a sketchbook from 1986.  And in it I found a drawing my daughter did when she was 4 1/2 that I can use for my first stuffy. Next to it she drew a house and that will make a great stuffy as well. I want to surprise her so I won't show you just yet what it looks like.  She has a birthday coming up in May so hopefully I'll have it ready by then.

There were also some belly dancers that she drew when she was 8.  For such a young age, she has an amazing amount of detail in there.  One is of a dancer on a rug doing a sword dance with an audience all around her and stage lights above. I didn't even know my daughter was that interested in belly dancing when she was 8, but her 3 drawings of belly dancers say otherwise.

So parents, let your kids catch you drawing and I just bet they'll want to draw too. Now my daughter is about to turn 30 and she has a degree in art and design from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, CA.

Did You Have A Childhood Icon?

I remember an image I drew over and over again as a child. It was a princess.  She varied but always had a tiny waist, a giant poofy gown (like Glenda on the Wizard of Oz), cap sleeves, hair that flipped outward, and a crown. I think I've always been disappointed that I grew up without a tiny waist. I'll try to draw her again to show you what she looked like. Or course it will never again look like a little kid drew it, but at least you can get the idea. My mom had five kids and I don't think she kept things like that and if she did I'm sure they are long gone now that she's passed on.
What did you draw over and over again when you were a child?