In case you haven’t heard, something pretty spectacular is happening Monday August 21st – a total solar eclipse! And it’s not just any eclipse, it’s being called one of the events of the century. Though a total solar eclipse happens approximately every 18 months, it is only visible from limited areas on the planet, which is why most people will only see one in their lifetime (unless you’re an eclipse chaser ). The path of this eclipse will cut across the U.S. so everyone in the country will be able to see it – though some spots will be better than others. You can enter your zip code on this page for the exact percentage of the eclipse you’ll be able to see and your peak viewing time. You don’t want to miss it because the next chance to see one in the U.S. will be in 2024!
This is a great opportunity to have a summer time science lesson with your kids and do some fun solar themed crafts leading up to the big day. We’ve collected 11 projects that embrace the sun, moon, and even the stars – because when the sky goes dark in the middle of day you’ll be able to see them too!
1. You can hold the whole world, and the rest of the planets, in your hand with this solar system necklace from Handmade Charlotte. With a little paint, wooden beads become a festive addition to your eclipse viewing outfit. (above)
2.Before the eclipse begins, harness the power of the sun to make some amazing art. You can create prints with all sorts of items – natural objects, toys, or crafts supplies. For instructions to make this nautical sun print garland, check out our second book, “Project Kid:Â Crafts that Go!“.Â
3.Â
Make your own solar eclipse viewer! First things first, it is important to remember that it is extremely dangerous to look directly at the sun – even when it’s being blocked by the moon! You can still enjoy the moment though by crafting a simple pinhole viewer to project he shadow of the eclipse. Check out our video to learn how to make your own.
4. If you prefer a softer, less scorching, sun, this pocket-sized softie is a sweet option. It’s so simple to sew that your kids may want to make enough to share. Wouldn’t this be a cute alternative to friendship bracelets? via My Poppet
5. For a themed craft that you’ll be tempted to keep up year round, check out this lovely moon phases mobile from The Merry Thought. It’s both easy and elegant.
6.
To really make this cosmic event a party, craft some mini piñatas! Follow Oh Happy Day’s lead to turn circles into moon phases, or for a sweet treat to match, try cupcakes from the BBC’s Good Foods blog.
(For more mini piñata fun, check out Project Kid’s book collaboration with Klutz, “Make Mini Piñatas“, which is full of ideas for all-occasions.)
7. Babble Dabble Do reinvents the classic math tool as an educational object worthy of display. Help your kids learn about constellations using pins and rubber bands and then let them come up with their own starry designs.
8.
For a dreamier way to bring the stars inside, Martha Stewart shares instructions for a constellation lampshade. Give any shade star power with a coat of blue paint and a few punched holes.
9. Another way to make your own starlight is this diy version of the classic kid’s room staple: glow in the dark stars. Your child’s ceiling is a galaxy waiting to happen, all you need is clay, cookie cutters, and command strips. via Make+Haus
10.
Kids never need an excuse to wear a crown, but this is certainly a stellar occasion. Mermag shows you how to turn cardboard into a glittery headband worthy of a princess.
11.
A tastier way to utilize the sun’s strength is by creating a solar oven! No need for a campfire to make outdoor s’mores, plus you can slip in a lesson about the greenhouse effect while you wait for your treats. Butter with a Side of Bread shows you how.
As you likely know, the August 21st solar eclipse is fast approaching! (Read more about the rarity in this post!) If your town has sold out of eclipse viewing glasses and Amazon doesn’t have time to deliver them, grab a cereal box, tape, and aluminum foil and make your own pinhole viewer!
Watch the video to see how easy it is to make your own!
This is a monumentally important celestial occurrence, but make sure you explain to your kids that they must NOT look directly at the sun. It is extremely damaging and must be taken seriously.
Trace the bottom of your box on white paper, cut out and use a glue stick to attach to the inside bottom of box
Cut off the two short tabs on the open end. Then, cut the ends of the long tabs to form two squares, approximately 2 inches wide.
Tape aluminum foil over one of the openings and cut off excess.
Use the safety pin to make a small hole in the center of the foil square. (You can also use a thumbtack, straight pin, or sewing needle.)
To decorate:
Trace the all sides of the box and top center section onto black construction paper and cut out. Set these aside.
Lay out eight red dot stickers and 1 blue in a 3×3 grid on a sheet of wax paper with the blue one in the center. Following the diagram below, layer blue stickers on top of the red to create phases of the eclipse. Cut off the excess from the blue sticker to create one circle for each phase. For the center blue sticker, just trim circumference by about 1/8-inch and center on top of a red sticker.
Transfer stickers to construction paper on box in the same grid and youâre done!
Using the viewer:
Bring your viewer outside and stand with the sun behind you. Aim the viewer so that the sun shines on the aluminum foil and the pinhole.
Look through the viewer to adjust the box until you can see a clear circle of light – NEVER LOOK AT THE SUN DIRECTLY, it is extremely dangerous and can cause serious eye damage.
When the eclipse begins you will see the spot of light begin to have the shadow of the moon move across.
It just occurred to me that way before these fidget spinners were all the rage, I had already invented a miniature (and wearable) version of one. (I’m not NOT taking credit here…)
I made this craft for the SKY chapter of my second book, Project Kid: Crafts that Go as a propeller ring, but when I was scrolling through pics just recently, I realized that yes, indeed, I “invented” the fidget spinner in jewelry form. Back pat, back pat.
To make your own, you’ll need the template and just a few basic items. Here’s the how-to…
Download and print the propeller template. Cut it out and trace it onto the Shrinky Dinks paper. Color the propeller and cut it out. Punch a hole in the center.
Bake in the oven according to package directions. Let cool.
Have an adult cut a 4-inch piece of wire with wire cutters and twist it around the childâs finger, using needle-nose pliers to hold the end of the wire while wrapping. (Donât twist too tight; you want to be able to slip the ring on and off.) Leave a .-inch twisted point.
Slip the propeller on top of the wire point, and then have an adult glue the bead onto the wire point with E-6000 glue. Let dry, about 20 minutes. Have an adult trim any excess wire.
It’s always hard to say goodbye to summer but back to school shopping definitely makes the transition a little easier. As crafters we are suckers for fun supplies and there have never been as many cute options as there are now. To save you from the overwhelming number of choices, we’ve scoured all the best sites to bring you our favorite pieces. We won’t judge if you save a few for yourself.
1. Forget about initials, this cotton backpack from omy is completely customizable. 2D coloring is so last year.
2. Let your kids make a statement with these retro pennant patches from Meri Meri.
3. No lying necessary to make this Pinnochio’s nose grow. You can get your own storybook sharpener from Monkey Business.
4. What better way to hold your pencils than in a giant pencil? Meta in the best way. Via Amazon
5. Â Let your kids get crafty by making their own DIY erasers with this cool kit from Creatibles.
6. Sandwiches will be safe in this ZIPIT lunchbox whose hard shell will prevent smushing, (and sharp teeth will prevent stealing).
7. Not only is this composition book from Yoobi super cheery, but for every Yoobi item bought, another item will be donated to a U.S. classroom in need. Win win.
8. Your kids are guaranteed to keep track of their pencils when they’re personalized. We may need a Project Kid set or two. Â Personalized pencils from Lillian Vernon.
9. Cheeky snack boxes from Flying Tiger are sure to be spark lunch table chatter.
10. Help your kids get in the habit of hydrating with these pink and teal water bottles from Target.
11. Keep your kids’ library in its place with these adorable book ends from the Land of Nod.
12. Make sure all their supplies find their way back home with personal stickers. Minted has tons of adorable options that are all dishwasher, microwave, and washing machine safe!
You know when you work on something so intensely and then it takes a year to come out so you have to hold onto images for fear of giving it all away too soon?
I’m so excited to show you this awesome Klutz book I worked on called, Make Mini Pinatas! I’ve styled Klutz books before, but this was the first one that I developed from its inception, crafted the projects, and worked with the super-talented Klutz team to source all of the materials for the kit.
Klutz makes such a great productâa craft book with the materials includedâthat makes the perfect birthday gift. It’s so satisfying for parents to be able to buy something that requires no additional materials.
Here are some of my favorite photos, but seriously, you have to get the book to see how easy it is to make these!
As a New Yorker without a backyard, thereâs no such thing as too many house (er apartment) plants. Greenery automatically gives a room good energy, but why stop there? Add a few extra smiles to your space by crafting planters with personality. All you need are a couple of household supplies you probably already have on hand – maybe even trying to get rid of. That half empty can of chartreuse spray paint that you never found another use for may be the perfect shade for a silly face.Â
What youâll need:
Empty cans of various sizes (depending on your plants and/or canned food preferences)
Spray paint
Colored Duct Tape
Parchment or wax paper
Scissors
Take off the label and clean out the can. (Use a hammer and nail to make three holes on the bottom for drainage if you are not planting succulents like I did!)
Spray-paint your can(s). Let dry.Â
Adhere tape strips to parchment paper to make cutting the features easier.Â
Create your funny face planter by sticking features onto the can!
Bonjour, mes amis! If you follow along on Instagram, you may know that I spent the last month in France with my husband and two kiddos. Michael and I both live the freelance life, so we realized that if we don’t take advantage of this freedom that we have, then what’s the point of all this next-gig and health-insurance stress?
So after 28 days of baguettes, sunflowers, Ed Sheeran sing-a-longs (we spent long hours in the car and he became our go-to soundtrack), chocolate croissants, and free-range country escapades, I can’t get the joie de vivre of France of my head!
So here’s a little love-letter to France, in the form of craft. Stay tuned for more posts on our adventures in the coming weeks!
1. Is it wrong that I want to dress my daughter like Madeline all the time? Maybe I’ll be reasonable and wait till Halloween to try out Making Nice in the Midwest‘s adorable costume version.
2.
Bisou-bisou; kiss-kiss. It’s hard to get used to the double-kiss, but then it’s hard to forget it too! If I could make this awesome balloon installation fromMartha Stewart Weddings permanent on my wall, I totally would.
3.
It’s hard to get more patriotic than these French flag goodie bags from Oh Happy Day. Fill clear pouches with red, white, and blue jelly beans, tie on a paper Eiffel Tower and voilĂ !
4.
French desserts that will stay fresh, and help preserve your memories too! How cute are these macaron-photo holders from A Kailo Chic Life?
5.
Is there anything more nostalgic than air mail? My Poppet shows you how to turn an empty cereal box into a giant french envelope perfect for saving photos, love notes, or paper souvenirs.
6.
These cheery clay magnets from Cakies embrace the bold profiles of Parisâs best looking buildings. Perfect for holding up trip photos (or giving grocery lists a little pizzaz).
7.
Scent is the ultimate memory jogger and, while I save up for the next plane ticket, I’ll use a lavender sachet to transport me to the French countryside. These are an easy sewing project for little hands so my kids can make them with me. (via Pink Pistachio)
8.
If you ask my kids about their favorite part of Paris they’ll definitely say the carousels! It seemed like there were play structures everywhere we went, especially the classic French carousels. This mini version from Oh Happy Day has all the charm of the real thing, it even spins!
9.
Made by Joel gives you another way to embrace little landmarks. With his free printables you can literally carry the city in your pocket and re-create your memories wherever you go.
10.
Itâs hard to leave Paris without scooping up at least a few little Eiffel Towers. The iconic souvenir comes in all sizes, which makes it the perfect material for all sorts of nostalgic crafts. Add a little blue and red glitter for Paris in a jar. (via Pinterest)
Or, add hooks for super simple earrings like these from Hello Glow.
And what’s more French than an Eiffel Tour + a tart tin? Glue them together and add a coat of spray paint to make a nostalgic trinket dish (featured at the top of the post).
I’m at the stage where most of my closest friends have had their babies, so when Jane, my frousin (friend AND cousin-in-law), announced that she was pregnant, I was elated! First because, obviously, we’d have a new baby doll to love and play with, and second because I knew I’d get to throw her a shower. (Little fact…I set up Jane and her husband Micah, my husband’s first cousin. Jane and I worked together at Parents magazine and now she’s the Editor-in-Chief of Junior Scholastic magazine.)
Jane is definitely not the traditional baby-blue booties or pale-pink pacifier type, so my co-hosts and I knew that we wanted a more modern baby shower experience for her. So we…
…invited the men! Child-rearing is not just the momma’s job, so why shouldn’t the dudes get to enjoy the yummy party food and the shower of love?
…colored it neon! For as long as I’ve known Jane, one of her defining characteristics is her impeccable taste and ahead-of-the-curve style. Baby blue and butter yellow (they’re having a boy!) was not going to fly, so we went with brights!
…designed our own shower traditions!
When I had my son, I loved how my seasoned parent-friends gave me all of their favorite books, so on the invite we asked the guests to each bring an unwrapped book to start this little guy’s library. At the door, everyone placed their book in a cute little book caddy that Jane and Micah got to take home.
In addition to the classics that friends and family brought, we also wrote our own collective baby book for Baby SommBaum (a combo of their last names!). Here were the instructions at the book-writing station:
Pick a word from the bag.
Write and illustrate your page of the book using that word. You donât have to draw the word, but the word must appear in the text.
ONE RULE! You can only look at the ONE PAGE preceding yours.
Write your name(s) on the top line.
Draw in the blank space.
Write text on the lines.
Friends mingled about and took turns illustrating and writing their pages. (I promise to do a post on the final board book once it’s done!)
And then of course, it was gift opening time! In between each gift, we went around the room and offered advice to the parents-to-be…either advice as a parent or advice from having parents (there were some childless friends in the room). It was a sweet, and often laughter-inducing, way to give our friends a personal intro into parenthood.
This well-designed monitor doesn’t sacrifice style for functionality, and there is nothing more comforting than knowing you can always have eyes and ears on your little ones, even when you’re not in the room. Most VTech baby monitors come with up to 1,000 feet of range, so you can be downstairs in your kitchen blending carrots and mashing bananas, while still hearing, seeing, and even being able to talk back to your baby from right where you are. And that gift is priceless!
Now I’m ready for more shower action…wedding, baby, I’ll take whatever I can get!
I was selected for this opportunity as a member of CLEVER and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.
I can’t begin to count the number of parties that I have crafted in my lifetime. From the pretend ones I would throw for my dolls when I was young to the holiday and birthday parties I’ve styled for magazines to the celebrations that I throw IRL for my own kids…I lost count ages ago. And as any stylist, party planner, or home entertainer would tell you, we are always looking for new and different ways to make the personal, creative details shine like they haven’t before.
When Brother asked me to partner with them on the launch of the P-touch Embellish, their new ribbon and tape printer, I jumped in headfirst. I’m always eager to get my hands on a new tool that can add personal touches to parties, crafts, gift wrapping and more. For the P-touch Embellish launch event in New York City, I designed projects for a birthday party (my fave, of course), a bridal shower, a baby shower, gift-wrapping, general crafts, and a festive brunch.
I first saw the P-touch Embellish at the Creativation Show (the mecca of all things crafts) back in January, where I watched a demo of the ribbon printing at the Brother booth. This little machine that you can hold in your hands as youâre binge-watching your favorite shows can print 14 fonts, over 90 text borders, and over 400 little symbols to add detail, style, and personalization to your projects. There are 5 satin ribbons and 9 adorable patterned tapes to choose from, so to find one that matches your event is super easy. You can buy the P-touch Embellish machine, the ribbons, and 6 of the patterned tapes at Michaels.com and select Michaels stores; the other 3 patterned tapes are available at Brothermall.com
This carnival birthday party that I crafted got me excited because in addition to the personalized lollipop-favor ribbons and the custom-printed balloon strings, I used the P-touch Embellish to craft cute party activitiesâŠA Spinner Game, Fishing Game, and a Can Toss Game (see below for the how-to instructions).
Whether you are designing your daughterâs unicorn party favors, your bestieâs baby shower tablescape, or wrapping gifts at holiday time, the P-touch Embellish has everything you need (and then some) for those sweet, heartfelt, personalized touches.
Trace the cardboard circles onto the scrapbook papers and cut them out. Hot glue the paper to the cardboard.
Divide the circle into eight sections. Print the words âSPIN THE WHEELâ on 4-inch piece of the red gingham tape and adhere in between each pie slice. Print the prize or action words on the mint chevron tape and adhere in each slice.
Hot-glue 3 beads to the three points of the fidget spinner, and hot glue the cardboard coaster to the beads. Hot-glue the center of the fidget spinner to the center of the 12-inch game board.
Print arrows onto the yellow star tape and adhere to the small cardboard circle. Glue the red star in the center.
Hot-glue rope around the outer edge of the game board and create a loop at the top for hanging.
Using the continuous text function on the P-touch Embellish, print âCATCH ME IF YOU CANâ on a 30-inch piece of ribbon. Tie one end to the dowel and hot-glue a magnet onto the other end.
Cut out 6-8 fish from scrapbook paper. Hot-glue the washers as the eyes.
Print point values on the various patterned tapes and adhere them to the back of the fish.
When you’re a crafter and you travel to a different country, naturally you check out the craft supplies there. And when that country is France, your expectations are high because of the elegance, style, and tradition of the handmade.
We discovered the store Cooleurs and there I fell in love with the products and kits made by Rico Designs. Check out their gorgeous style, photos, and craft supplies!
Before the eclipse begins, harness the power of the sun to make some amazing art. You can create prints with all sorts of items – natural objects, toys, or crafts supplies. For instructions to make this nautical sun print garland, check out our second book, “Project Kid: Crafts that Go!“. 
If you prefer a softer, less scorching, sun, this pocket-sized softie is a sweet option. It’s so simple to sew that your kids may want to make enough to share. Wouldn’t this be a cute alternative to friendship bracelets? via My Poppet
For a themed craft that you’ll be tempted to keep up year round, check out this lovely moon phases mobile from The Merry Thought. It’s both easy and elegant.
To really make this cosmic event a party, craft some mini piñatas! Follow Oh Happy Day’s lead to turn circles into moon phases, or for a sweet treat to match, try cupcakes from the BBC’s Good Foods blog.
Babble Dabble Do reinvents the classic math tool as an educational object worthy of display. Help your kids learn about constellations using pins and rubber bands and then let them come up with their own starry designs.
For a dreamier way to bring the stars inside, Martha Stewart shares instructions for a constellation lampshade. Give any shade star power with a coat of blue paint and a few punched holes.
Another way to make your own starlight is this diy version of the classic kid’s room staple: glow in the dark stars. Your child’s ceiling is a galaxy waiting to happen, all you need is clay, cookie cutters, and command strips. via Make+Haus
A tastier way to utilize the sun’s strength is by creating a solar oven! No need for a campfire to make outdoor s’mores, plus you can slip in a lesson about the greenhouse effect while you wait for your treats. Butter with a Side of Bread shows you how.
Is it wrong that I want to dress my daughter like Madeline all the time? Maybe I’ll be reasonable and wait till Halloween to try out 
