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.