Sweet Tea and the Cottontail

Today I had hibiscus hot tea sweetened with sugar. The water came from my teapot which is sitting on the wood stove. I find if I mix half a cup of hot water, one tea bag, and half a cup of cold water, I can drink it right away and it doesn't need to cool.

So where is the bunny, you may ask. He is right here in my yard.
When I started this blog, I didn't know I'd live somewhere where I see rabbits daily. Funny how that works.

Make a Sparkly Christmas Ornament

I'm done moving and I haven't found my Christmas decorations. It seemed odd to miss the chance to decorate my new home for Christmas. I recently cleaned out a storage unit and found some craft supplies I hadn't seen in 15 years. I found these sparkly chenille stems and some styrofoam balls, so I took one ball and made this simple ornament.  I think you could do it with your kids. All you need is some wire cutters. Cut each piece a bit longer than  halfway around the ball and push one end into the top and one end into the bottom. Keep going until it's about 90% full of colorful chenille stems.  Then use some of the smaller bits left from cutting and push those into any areas that aren't quite covered.
I used a b.b.q. skewer to make a hole to put the hanger through. You could also use a yarn needle. It took about an hour to make this one.
Happy holidays!

Library and Back To School

Many of you are on your way back to school right now. Others of you have year round school.  I don't think I'd like that. I really enjoyed my summers off when I was a kid. I went to summer school, but that was for fun, not because I had to.  I would take swimming and sewing or drawing and painting. I only took things I loved in the summer. Maybe that's why I loved school so much. It loved me right back because with all those summer school credits I had the choice of graduating a year early or going to high school half a day and college half a day, so I did the latter.

I loved libraries and all the librarians loved me.  They were particularly supportive of my poetry. Even now I like to have at least one library day a week.

Our local Haskett Library in Anaheim CA underwent a major renovation a few years back and built a fantastic children's section. My grandson lives 300 miles away but when his parents were in the area last week we were having a heat wave so we headed to the Haskett Library.  It was the first time I'd seen my grandson in action at a library. He's only 3.  He headed straight for the computers. I used my library card to log him in, or you can see the librarian about logging in as a guest. After that we read for awhile.  Then the library closed early since it was Friday, but there is a park behind the library so it had cooled off enough to go meet other kids at the playground.  Going to the library with a kid is so much more fun.

Squid meet kid, kid meet squid.

Home Again

I'm back from visiting my grandson and his mom who is going to be a mom again. We were busy, busy, busy but I took my camera everywhere.

Making muffins

Weston and Heather

Weston runs off with my doll stuffing.

Making a doll at Linnea's Cafe in San Luis Obispo, CA

Head and body of prim doll.

Enjoying the park the last day of my trip. He just woke up from napping on the way there in the car.

Face-Painting

Spending a week with my grandson reminded me of how much I love working with children. I'm going to try harder to book more face-painting events. I want to come up with some new designs too. I'm reminded of the importance of sketching. I need to just jot down ideas when I have them, then figure out how to paint them and then add them to my face-painting idea book.

I did face-painting on the 4th of July, and then the next two Saturdays.  I'm on a roll here.  My daughter has a face-painting gig on Friday or Saturday as well.  I love summers. Leave me a comment if you need a face-painter for a party or a festival.

Carve a Stamp and Feature it On a Leather Necklace

How to make a stamped leather necklace. This is a project I designed for an archery event on Sunday, but it would be great for a summer camp or a family picnic.

My Little Kernel

<div style='padding-bottom: 2px; line-height: 0px'><a href='http://pinterest.com/pin/268808671479051657/' target='_blank'><img src='http://media-cache1.pinterest.com/upload/25966135321145253_3ovnIacq_c.jpg' border='0' width='400' height ='600'/></a></div><div style='float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px;'><p style='font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;'>Source: <a style='text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;' href='http://www.birthstoriesondemand.com/home/2011/10/28/its-halloween-weekend-at-bsod-finally.html'>birthstoriesondemand.com</a> via <a style='text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;' href='http://pinterest.com/pamelanred/' target='_blank'>Pamela</a> on <a style='text-decoration: underline; color: #76838b;' href='http://pinterest.com' target='_blank'>Pinterest</a></p></div>

A baby popcorn bag is a funny idea for a costume. I'm just not sure why the embed code isn't working but you can see it Here.  Popcorn

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?

New Softies

I have a new idea for softies based on kid's drawings.  Now I just have to scare up some drawings by kids, so I've asked my grown up kids to see if my grandsons and niece might have some laying around. If they come out I might be selling some in the future. We'll see if I have the patience for it.

Wand Tutorial is a Hit

I'm happy my wand tutorial already has 8 likes and one comment. It makes me feel useful and loved. Spring is almost here, so if you make one you can take it outdoors to enjoy the sparkles. It would be a great photo prop or for a make-believe dress up day at the park. Soon I will make a crown tutorial. I have one made out of craft foam and one made out of wire and beads.  Which one would you like to see next?

Crown made of wire and beads.

Glitter Star Wand Tutorial

I got a good start on the video wand tutorial. Things are drying out on the porch. If life doesn't get in the way, I should have the video done today. In the meantime, I made a written tutorial for you.

Supply List:
Light and Medium Weight scrap cardboard
Glitter or sequins or confetti or a mixture
Dowel (1/4" or whatever size makes your hand happy)
Spray paint (gold, silver or white)
White craft glue (thick and thin)
Optional: Hot melt glue/glue gun
Duct tape (small piece)
Small disposable foam brush
Plastic pearls, jewels or beads (use what you have on hand if possible)
Ribbon streamers (re-purposed gift wrap ribbons if you saved them)
Star template or pattern
Disposable glue brush
Clean dry brush
1. Make pattern template out of thin cardboard
2. Draw around pattern on thicker cardboard, label and save pattern for future use.
3. Cut out star. Spray paint one side of star and dowel the color of your choice. Let dry.
4. Cut dowel to the length you want. Set aside.
5. Put a square foot piece of paper creased down the center on your work space. Lay your star painted side up on the paper. Glue bigger elements onto the star in a pleasing pattern with the thicker craft glue. If you need to, draw placement lines with a pencil. The glitter will cover the lines anyway.
6. Using a cheap disposable brush, spread out the thin glue wherever you want the first color of glitter/confetti/sequins. Generously apply glitter. DO NOT PICK UP STAR or all your pretties will slide around.If you get glitter where you don't want it carefully remove it with a clean dry paintbrush.

7. Let dry for about an hour.
8. Tilt and gently tap star and let excess glitter fall onto paper under the star. This glitter will later be used on the back, so leave it where it is for now. Lay the star back down and dab glue in the spots that you might have missed and touch it up. Put down more glue and add next color/s of glitter and sequins and confetti. Let dry an hour and tap again to remove the excess. Touch up blank spots.
9. Let dry completely in a warm spot.
10. Flip star over. Duct tape the dowel to the back between two points. Now take the spray paint and paint the back of the star and the tape. When that is good and dry, brush the back with glue. You can use a bigger foam brush if you prefer. Glue the left over glitter all over the back.Add more glitter if needed. Once dry, tap off excess glitter, and use it to touch up empty areas. Let dry completely and then tie the ribbons around the stick at the base of the star. Pat yourself on the back.

 

Tutorial for the Glitter Wand

Magic Wands

Do you love to play dress up? My next tutorial is going to be on making magic wands to go with your castle adventures and tea parties. We will be using a cereal box and keeping it out of the land fill, so save your next empty box. Also collect some glitter and jewels for it.

WRITTEN TUTORIAL

Knitting a Bunny Cat Doll

I've been knitting something new. I'm not sure if it will be a bunny or a kitty or a doll, but the base can be used for all three. I think I'm starting early enough to finish in time for Easter. I worked on it a lot yesterday in the car, and then tonight while watching Big Bang Theory. I love that show. Knitting in front of a favorite TV show has got to be one of the best pleasures in life.

This will be folded in half to make the body.

Easter and Ostera

Easter (or Ostera on the Pagan calendar) is coming up soon so I need to get busy with the bunnies and the eggs. If you have some craft ideas on that feel free to chime in. I have wooden eggs to paint. It's a good time for farm animals like bunnies and chicks and lambs. I can't wait for spring, even though we have mild winters here in S. CA.

Spring is great for juggling outdoors.

Happy Valentine's Day

You'll never be lonely as long as you love and appreciate yourself. I got the last of the Valentine tutorial posted today. The link is in the previous post. It was fun but I'm glad I'm done. It was more work than I thought it would be.
Whatever you do on Valentine's Day I hope you have a fun loving day.

Making Valentine's Day Cards

I've been busy working on a tutorial for making valentines. Some are easy enough to make with your kids, if you do the cutting for them. Of the ten designs I came up with, at least half are family friendly. So enjoy.

Tea Party Time

This is the kind of table I envision having a tea party at. I took the photo at Cuesta college while visiting my grandson Weston, shown here with his dad Kyle. He's not quite old enough for crafts yet, but I'm planning ahead. He can hold a paint brush and paint with mommy, who is also an artist.

About the Title

I wanted to come up with a cute name for a kid's crafting blog. And I'd just listened to this video that was playing Skip to My Lou. I learned that song in grade school and it always puts a smile on my face. But this version had a verse I hadn't heard before that went "Funny Little Bunny With A Hole in His Shoe, Skip to My Lou My Darling."

So somehow that got mixed in my mind with the thought of a children's tea party, with me as a little girl sitting at a little round wrought iron table, and in one chair is a big fuzzy bunny stuffed animal. If I ever did that as a child I have no idea. I do remember a little china tea set my grandmother bought for me when she visited New Mexico from New York. So there you have it. The way my mind works.

Then when I was looking for a photo I ran across this vintage bunny sleeping on it's side. My friend Bonnie gave that to us when she moved to New Mexico and that is where I grew up, so I cherish it. So welcome to Sweet Tea With Bunny and Me.