There’s a chill in the air, and round orange fruits are popping up on street corners! It’s pumpkin-time! We may have no idea what Halloween is going to look like this year, but one thing is for sure…pumpkins are going to find their homes on front porches, stoops, and doorsteps, and if there’s any year to trick these guys out more than ever, it’s NOW!
This super-fun little weird-o is one that I made for the current issue of Parents magazine. We really wanted to play with whimsy this year, and this pumpkin creature has all of my heart.
Here’s what you’ll need:
Photo by Ted & Chelsea; Styling by Pam Morris.
August 26, 2020
Early Elementary, Everyday Crafts, Older Elementary, STEM, Tween to Teen, Unplugged Time
There it is again…that buzzword, STEAM. Or STEM. In case you haven’t heard of this term, it stands for Science Technology Engineering Art and Math. It basically encompasses all the things that parents want their kids to excel in academically, minus the humanities (still waiting for that acronym).
I crafted these STEAM-inspired projects, invented by some of my fave STEAM experts out there, for Family Fun magazine. For the most part, you’ll likely have most of the materials, but for anything that you don’t have, I’ve included links below!
(Above) This Balance Sculpture by Babble Dabble Do is as beautiful as it is educational. Design yours with lots of colors or keep it monochromatic like this green one.
The fact that Play-doh functions as a conductor of electricity (you’ll need to get this battery pack with leads and LED lights) ranks up there with one of the top five things I’ve learned as a parent. Learn how to make this Electric Play-doh Lightening Bug by Left-Brain Craft Brain
This Juice Pouch Stomp Rocket by Babble Dabble Do reuses something that I never thought I’d reuse…a juice pouch!
Your kids will learn words like energy, payload, and catapult when they make this cool Pom-Pom Launcher by Curious Jane.
These projects are all great at-home STEM projects to engage, entertain, and educate kids all at once!
August 20, 2020
Decor, Early Elementary, Everyday Crafts, Kids Rooms, Older Elementary, Styling, Upcycled
Generally, if I can use one upcycled material per craft, it’s a win. When I can nail down three upcycled materials, I feel like a magician! This upcycled lighthouse that doubles both as a nightlight and a bookend is one of the projects. All of the recycled materials are used relatively in tact, and they piece together beautifully to make this multi-purpose, satisfying craft.
If you have a kid that dreams of the ocean. loves boats, or has a thing for lighthouses of course, then this is your project.
What you’ll need:
Make It:
August 17, 2020
Early Elementary, Everyday Crafts, Older Elementary, Upcycled
August 12, 2020
Early Elementary, Everyday Crafts, Older Elementary, Outdoor Fun, Tween to Teen
Of all camp crafts that exist, I think none are more universal than the lanyard…or gimp…or boondoggle…or scoubidou! It was the first craft that we included in the Camp Wannabee kit and the most essential to learn if you want to call yourself a true camper!
Check out this video to learn how to make it!