I love a really easy grab-n-go activity that keeps kids busy, doesn’t take up space, and can simply be discarded or passed on when we’re done with it! Craft stick puzzles are a win in this way: they’re so flat and easy to pack, they can even be kept in my slim shoulder bag!

This shape matching activity is ideal for classrooms, for road trips, for long plane rides, or any time you’ll enjoy something nice and compact for on the go.

Tips for making this shape matching activity

Before we start, here are some crafting tips and ideas for variations to get the most out of your shape matching activity.

Your Puzzle Base

I used craft sticks to make this shape matching puzzle, because it’s affordable, accessible, and flat! Go for jumbo tongue-depressor style ones, or, if you can find it, super jumbo craft sticks.

If you don’t have craft sticks, you can follow the same format using scraps of corrugated cardboard, or just cardstock. It just won’t be as neat and durable, but it’ll definitely work.

You can make an XL version for more permanent use as a playroom or classroom toy by using paint stirrers or similar wooden slats.

Adding the Shapes

In this tutorial, I show you how to create these craft stick puzzles using acrylic paint. You want something bright and opaque for kids to be able to see easily.

To do this, use a stiff-ish thin paintbrush. You’ll need to exercise some wrist control, and may want to keep things clean by outlining your shapes.

If you prefer to, you might have a much easier time using paint markers. I highly recommend POSCA markers if you can swing them – they’re opaque, long-lasting, and of superior quality. However, if you can’t, Ohuhu also makes a few versions of paint markers that work very well (their automatic ink ones are my favorite).

More shapes to draw & matchmaking tips

While this was absolutely created as a shape matching activity for basic shape recognition, don’t stop at that! Try creating other images for kids to match up, and think beyond the drawn shapes. Some ideas:

• Themed: florals for Spring, holiday shapes
• Unit-based, such as transportation/vehicles, animals, and more.
• Letter recognition
• Number recognition
• Color matching – use dot stickers split on two sticks
• Morse-style patterns for older kids
• Images clipped from magazines

You can see that with the basic format of this craft in place, the possibilities are endless.

Ways to use this shape matching activity

Here are some of my favorite ways to use any craft stick puzzles!

Taking it on the go

I love organizing simple activities in pencil cases in a travel binder, coupon file (see my ideas for a DIY travel activity kit here), or even in simple activity pouches.

This one is small and flat enough that it works in any of these settings – and even small enough to store in the car without too much clutter.

You can also attach magnets to the back and use it on a sheet pan as a magnetic activity.

Classroom lessons and applications

There are so many lessons to be learned from a simple activity like this:

• Counting
• Color identification
• Matching
• Pattern and sequencing
• Visual Perceptual Skills
• Fine Motor Coordination

Of course, you can add to the mix by swapping out the themes like I did above. You can add social skills by playing games with this (such as racing games, or give each kid a stack, and have them swap with friends the parts that they’re missing, like open-card go-fish style).

Since this is inexpensive, you can make a few sets and have it as a classroom center activity and quiet time toy.

How to make a craft stick puzzle shape matching activity

Here’s the step by step process to craft these. Of course, do it as you’d like.

What you’ll need

• 16 jumbo craft sticks
• Acrylic craft paints in black, white and primary/ROYGBIV colors (recommended for preschool kids for early color recognition.) Alternatively, use paint markers
• Washi, masking, or painter’s tape
• Paintbrush if using craft paints
• Pencil

Step by Step Instructions

1. Gather all supplies. Using a low tack paper tape, attach eight sets of two jumbo craft sticks together.

2. I recommend outlining your shapes on a separate paper to keep things consistent. I recommend: a circle, a square, a rectangle, a triangle, a heart, and a diamond. For big kids, you can add more complex shapes like hexagons, trapezoids, etc. Select one color of craft paint for each shape.

3. Using a pencil, trace three shapes onto each set of jumbo craft sticks. Make the combination of shapes random. Make the center of the shape (especially those with a distinct center point like diamonds and hearts) fall on the space between the sticks.

4. Basecoat the hearts with red acrylic craft paint. Let dry, then apply a second coat if necessary.

5. Basecoat the rectangles with orange acrylic craft paint. Let dry, then apply a second coat if necessary. Note: these are just color suggestions, as I did it. Feel free to adapt with your own colors.

6. Basecoat the triangles with yellow acrylic craft paint. Let dry, then apply a second coat if necessary.

7. Basecoat the squares with green acrylic craft paint. Let dry, then apply a second coat if necessary.

8. Basecoat the circles with blue acrylic craft paint. Let dry, then apply a second coat if necessary.

9. Basecoat the diamonds with purple acrylic craft paint. Let dry, then apply a second coat if necessary.

10. Once all the paint is dry, remove the washi tape or painter’s tape. Mix up the craft sticks and play the game.

Mix the sticks up and let your preschooler match them back!

And of course, pin the image below to share it with a fellow parent or teacher!

The post Shape Matching Activity – DIY Popsicle Stick Travel Toy for Toddlers appeared first on Moms and Crafters.

Ready for some outdoor fun? We first tried this easy DIY sidewalk chalk paint as a spur of the moment art birthday party activity for Y’s 8th birthday. I realized I’d need to get the kids ouside a bit so that I can switch from food to painting, and needed a same-day, on-the-fly activity!

DIY sidewalk chalk paint was the perfect solution – the kids had fun with it and it came together super quickly.

Today I’m going to share with you everything you need to know about making your own sidewalk chalk paint, including storage, use tips, and yes, how to keep it neater than I did.

And yes, it has that white chalky finish just like sidewalk chalk – but goes on as a liquid like paint! It’s the cornstarch that gives it its chalky texture, and yes, it just washes away, just like chalk!

They can even paint on their outdoor toys.

Does DIY sidewalk chalk paint stain?

I used food coloring to make this sidewalk chalk paint. The advantage is that you get the color in little drops, leaving the texture of the paint intact.

However, food coloring can stain! I stained my hands awfully because one of my food colors was old and lumpy and didn’t mix in well. (It’s photographed here but I threw that color out).

I did not find that it stained the outdoor surface or my kids’ clothing. I think it’s because the color absorbed enough into the corn starch.

I did tell party participants to send kids in junk clothing, so I wasn’t worried about it at the party. I will suggest that if your kids get it on their clothing they should wash it right away (this always applies, even to washable paints!) I also recommend considering where you color – while it didn’t stain our outdoors, you need to keep open the possibility that it might leave light stains, and do it in an area where that won’t bother you.

You can also try using one of the following options to color it instead:

• Ground up sidewalk chalk (an extra step that makes it not so easy anymore)
• Washable kids’ paints (it’s less pigmented, so you’ll need to use more which may affect the texture).
• Washable liquid pigments
• Washable powder pigments

Food coloring is the easiest choice for me, but you can definitely play around with this recipe.

Tips

I always jot down notes as I do an activity to share with you how you can improve on it – or the choices I made that worked out well and made it easier.

Making it neater – on the prep end

This CAN be a neat activity to prepare, and yes, I did it quite neatly at the party. But then when I repeated this to share it in this post, I made a royal mess.

Here is my take on how to keep things neat:

• Mix up all the cornstarch and water in one large container and distribute it between smaller ones to add color. Remember: it’s food safe, so you can use your regular kitchen tools.
• Use containers that are larger than needed both for mixing in colors and for mixing the main batch.
• Use fresh food coloring and don’t add too much! Just 2-3 drops per color.
• Work slowly, don’t rush. Corn starch can get all over, but if you measure carefully and place it in a large bowl, you’ll be able to contain it better.

While I see people make DIY sidewalk chalk paint in muffin tins, I do NOT recommend that. I recommend making larger batches in food storage containers, and planning to use it all at once.

Which brushes should you use

We brought out an assortment of brushes but found that the typical bristled house painting (chip) brushes worked best. You can get large packs for a great price, and the large sizes are great for outdoor use (just make sure it fits neatly into the containers you’re using.)

We found that silicone brushes didn’t hold enough paint and foam brushes shredded on the pavement. Large, cheap bristle brushes held the paint well, gave us good strokes and coverage, and while they did lose a few bristles, they held up well enough.

Storing DIY Sidewalk Chalk Paint

This DIY sidewalk chalk paint is NOT designed to prepare in advance. Your best bet is to prep it as needed – it really takes minutes.

If you need to advance prep, here are so me ideas:

• Prep pre-measured colored water (you’ll need to do the colors separately so it’s more work), and pre-measure cornstarch. Mix each color fresh.
• Store it in an airtight container. Use it as soon as possible.
• If it dries up, you can try rehydrating it.

I really, really, recommend that you just make it fresh.

It separates a bit (almost immediately) but still works totally fine as you paint. So don’t worry if you see a bit of separation.

How to make DIY Sidewalk Chalk Paint

You’ll need

• Corn Starch (I used about 1/3 cup per color)
• Water
• Food coloring
• Storage containers
• Recommended: a large mixing bowl
• Paintbrushes (I recommend chip brushes 2-4 inches wide)
• Popsicle sticks or spoons to stir with
• Large mixing bowl or container
• Measuring cup

Watch the video

Process

1. Mix equal parts corn starch and water. Note: I recommend doing this in a big bowl and dividing it up after. If you’re doing it in separate containers, add water to one at a time and mix it right after.

2. Add 2-3 drops food coloring and mix well. Mix and match colors and add more only as needed.

Your DIY sidewalk chalk paint is complete! Have fun playing! And if you want a fun spin on this, try this foamy sidewalk paint too!

DIY Three Ingredient Sidewalk Paint

Make your own DIY sidewalk chalk paint - it's easy, cheap, and uses things you probably have!

Print

Ingredients

• Corn Starch (I used about 1/3 cup per color)
• Water
• Food coloring
• Storage containers
• Recommended: a large mixing bowl
• Paintbrushes (I recommend house painting bristle brushes 2-4 inches wide)
• Popsicle sticks or spoons to stir with

Instructions

1. Mix equal parts corn starch and water. Note: I recommend doing this in a big bowl and dividing it up after. If you're doing it in separate containers, add water to one at a time and mix it right after.

2. Add 2-3 drops food coloring and mix well. Mix and match colors and add more only as needed.

Your DIY sidewalk chalk paint is complete! Have fun playing!

Notes

• Mix up all the cornstarch and water in one large container and distribute it between smaller ones to add color. Remember: it's food safe, so you can use your regular kitchen tools.
• Use containers that are larger than needed both for mixing in colors and for mixing the main batch.
• Use fresh food coloring and don't add too much! Just 2-3 drops per color.
• Work slowly, don't rush. Corn starch can get all over, but if you measure carefully and place it in a large bowl, you'll be able to contain it better.

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest

The post Easiest Ever DIY Sidewalk Chalk Paint appeared first on Moms and Crafters.

Winter is just ripe with sensory play opportunities, and yes, I am all about sharing those this year!

And all it takes is two ingredients to make the best, softest play dough that you’ll ever play with – because yes, you’re gonna steal this one from the kids.

Since it’s a bright white color, it’s absolutely fabulous to treat as a moldable snow! The main difference between this and play snow is simply that this snow dough has enough of a binder to be fully moldable and have a dough texture – not quite a snow texture.

And the secret to the super soft texture? One of the main ingredients is lotion! So yes, kids will actually be moisturizing their hands, thanks to the dough’s conditioners, as they play. Isn’t that just perfect for those drying winter months?

Unlike fake snow, which is much harsher, this one is great for the skin. The corn starch is much gentler than baking soda, and of course, you can use a kids’ lotion to add a soft touch that you’ll never get with shaving cream.

Play ideas & add-ins for snow dough

This snow dough is so heavenly to squish that it can be simply used as a slime-type sensory activity. Squish it, mold it, have fun with it.

But of course, you can take it a step further with play invitations.

My favorite is a “build a snowman” invitation. Give kids buttons, beads, broken orange craft stick or felt shapes, random sticks and twigs, strips of ribbon (scarves) and more to make their own snowmen.

Lay these out neatly on a tray, or package it in a container like you get slime, as a “deconstructed snowman.”

You can spice this up by adding glitter for a shimmery finish, or even use very small amounts of food color to dye it.

Play around with it as you would any play dough but with a winter theme. You can shape them into the alphabet, use sticks to connect balls of dough into letters or shape, or cut them into shapes using clay cutters.

Tips for making Snow Dough from corn starch and lotion

There is a bit of an art to making this work (or a science I should say, but it’s really the same right?)

Getting the texture right

One thing you might notice about any snow dough recipe you use, whether it’s this corn starch and lotion formula or the corn starch and conditioner version is that they vary wildly. Some call for a 1:1 proportion. Some need a 2:1 corn starch to lotion. Mine needed much less lotion.

The reason for that is simple: lotions vary wildly in density.

So you’re going to need to figure it out with your lotion. Ha! Oh well, here you thought you’d get an exact recipe.

But you see, I’m a crafter, not a recipe developer. So I’m good at developing processes over exact formulas, which is why you need me for this.

The trick to getting your snow dough recipe straight is to start with the cornstarch and add lotion slowly.

I say this is so important because honestly there is no way for me to know which lotion you’re using, and even within a brand it can change from year to year. And I do hope people will still be using this snow dough recipe in a year from now.

So I’ll provide a recipe for the lotion that I used (Babyganics) but I’ll tell you – if using a cheap lotion, you’ll probably need much more.

Storing it properly

To store this snow dough from time to time, use an airtight container and double it up. You can insert a small container into a larger one, or toss it into a Ziploc bag.

The texture is absolutely magical when fresh, but you can reconstitute it as needed with lotion. Dried dough crumbles apart, taking you closer to to the cornstarch stage, so adding bits more lotion will bring you back to the snow dough…

How to make Snow Dough

I’m sharing the process and quantities as I did it, however please be aware that the quantities you may need will vary widely.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cornstarch (have extra handy)
• Lotion (1/2 cup to 2 cups depending on brand)

Equipment

• Mixing bowl or container
• Mixing spoon (you WILL want to start the mixing process with a spoon)
• Measuring cups
• Storage container

Process

1. Measure two cups of cornstarch into a bowl or container.

2. Add half a cup of lotion and mix with a spoon. Ignore the measurements listed on my photos 🙂

2. If you have a very cornstarch-y mixture add half a cup at a time until it starts really combining. When it looks like it’s forming the right texture, revert to mixing with your hands.

Fine tune the texture – if too crumbly, add a squirt or two of lotion at a time. If you overdo it, add a few tablespoons of cornstarch.

Enjoy your snow dough – and don’t forget to share this snow dough recipe with your loved ones!

How to make snow dough

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes

Make this super easy snow dough that is a moldable dough that is ready for pretend play and sensory fun! It's white and heavenly soft, moisturizing your hands as you play with it.

Print

Ingredients

• 2 cups cornstarch (have extra handy)
• Lotion (1/2 cup to 2 cups depending on brand)

Equipment

Toggle ingredient group

• Mixing bowl or container
• Mixing spoon (you WILL want to start the mixing process with a spoon)
• Measuring cups
• Storage container

Instructions

1. Measure two cups of cornstarch into a bowl or container.
2.  Add half a cup of lotion and mix with a spoon.
3. If you have a very cornstarch-y mixture add half a cup at a time until it starts really combining. When it looks like it’s forming the right texture, revert to mixing with your hands.
4. Fine tune the texture – if too crumbly, add a squirt or two of lotion at a time. If you overdo it, add a few tablespoons of cornstarch.

The final texture should keep your hands clean, feel smooth, and not be sticky at all. It should be totally moldable and playable and hold its shape well.

Notes

The tricky part of this snow dough recipe is that lotions really vary by brand. Some are much denser than others. That means that you'll find that the quantity needed has extreme variations.

I used Babyganics lotion and used about 1/2-2/3 cup for 2 cups of cornstarch. Start with less, add more as needed.

I recommend starting your mixing with a spoon because it's really hard to combine by hand. Once it really starts to fully clump up, use your hands to finish it off.

The snow dough will very much take on the scent of the lotion you use. Choose wisely.

Store snow dough in an airtight container. I recommend double packaging it - you can place it in a zip seal bag too.

To reconstitute dry dough, simply add lotion in small batches.

Use this in play dough invitations to build snowmen - add in beads and buttons, orange craft stick ends, twigs, ribbons, and more.

Or package it up like slime and gift it as is.

Use this as a winter recipe activity or sensory play activity.

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest

The post Snow Dough Recipe appeared first on Moms and Crafters.

I was looking for a really cool winter activity to do with a group of four year olds, and decided that play snow is the way to go! There hasn’t been that much snow in NYC in the past few years (read: the lifetime of the four year olds) making it a fun way to sort of introduce it to them.

I found many 2-ingredient snow recipes but decided to try the baking soda and shaving cream version. I wasn’t so happy with it so I tweaked it a bit and decided to share the results.

Super cool ideas for 2 ingredient fake snow

Different ways you can use it

First of all, what would you use fake snow for? You probably came to this post one of two ways: you were proactively looking for a 2 ingredient fake snow recipe and you probably know what you want it for, or you bumped into it somewhere on social media.

In case you belong to the second category, here are some things this 2 ingredient fake snow is spot on for:

• Sensory bins – Thanks to the cold feeling and the scent of the shaving cream, it’s the ultimate multisensory experience!! More on this below…
• Small world trays – The main difference between sensory and small world play is that small world usually recreates a scene for kids to pretend with, and sensory bins create more of a digging, feeling experience without necessarily a play structure involved. I mixed both in one, and if you use this very sensory snow, any small world tray will feel that way. But you can still choose a small world direction or a sensory focus.
• Winter decor – If you’re looking for something to add a snow look to your winter decor, this is perfect. It holds in clumps but also powders, so you can make piles with it, or sprinkle some lightly on little houses, etc. Just know: it will harden, but very crumby and brittle, so use it sparingly and contain it. If you’re making a winter display on a tray, you can us it, but it’ll be a disaster if it isn’t somehow contained.
• Winter science – Challenge kids to ask: why does the snow feel cold? I answer this later in this post.

Note: this is NOT a good fake snow to mix into slime. It breaks down the slime and totally ruins it.

Fake snow sensory bins/small world trays

I turned this into a cross between a sensory bin and small world tray.

I used large-sized sheet pans and spread the snow. I added these DIY snowman peg dolls, and bottle cap snowmen (tutorial coming soon.)

I also tossed in loads of white pom pom “snowballs” and crafted some larger pom pom snowballs using chenille yarn and a pom pom maker (learn how to make pom poms from yarn here). These added loads of texture to the already very sensory tray.

More ideas to mix into a 2-ingredient fake snow sensory bin/small world tray:

• If you want it even more small-world focused, you can add little toy houses, people (peg dolls or even Little People – such as this Frozen set – can work), and little tractor toys as snow plows.
• Add in some little trees to cover with snow.
• Toss in some toy spades (or if you can find it, snow shovels) for scooping fun.
• Add glittery foam snowflakes for more texture variety.
• If you’re truly brave, you can even add some glitter to the snow itself.

Why does fake snow feel cold?

Yes, this fake snow is cool to the touch! Would you believe it? You don’t even need to freeze it or refrigerate it. When you squish the snow, the room temperature ingredients turn cold.

Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) combined with the fatty acids in shaving cream creates a reaction that causes the snow to feel cold. This is called an endothermic reaction. That means that it absorbs heat from its surroundings (in this case your hands) and makes things feel cold.

That makes this ridiculously easy 2-ingredient fake snow a super cool science experiment as well!

Tips for making 2 ingredient fake snow

Getting the texture right

The texture of the snow can really vary but I found that if it was too powdery, it had an unpleasant feel. It was even better a little too wet – although it’s messier like that.

The trick is to start with baking soda, and incorporate the shaving cream slowly. As long as it leaves a powder on your finger, mix in small amounts of additional shaving cream. If it gets a bit too wet, add in a very small amount of baking soda at a time.

The ideal texture is one that leaves the hands almost clean, and squishes together similarly to Kinetic Sand. But, if you squish it, it falls apart.

With that texture, you can form snow balls, mounds, and pack it down to resemble real snow. You can sprinkle it on toy trees and houses too.

Controlling the smell

Another very critical tip is to be aware of the smell of your shaving creams. It’s tempting to hit up the dollar tree and get super cheap shaving cream – which is what I did – but the smell can be really potent.

If you have a shaving cream that you personally like, you can use that one. If you don’t try to go for unscented (you can always add a bit of essential oil for scent) rather than getting one with an overwhelming scent.

Recipe for 2 ingredient fake snow

Again, the recipe isn’t perfect because it’s not as easy as just scooping in measurements to replicate, but I’ve formulated it as best as I can so that you can get good results.

Ingredients

• 3 lb baking soda
• 1.5 cans shaving cream (11-12 oz)

Note: This recipe is designed to make a nice amount to play with and fill a sensory bin. You can start with one lb. baking soda and half a can of shaving cream if you just need a little bit for decor.

Either way, have extra of both handy in case you need to tweak the texture.

Equipment

• A bowl or container to mix up your sensory snow in
• A spoon to mix it with
• For play: trays such as baking sheets, snow man figures, etc.

Process

1. Pour all three baking sodas into the container. Shake up your shaving cream, and squirt a whole can in.

2. Mix it up well with the spoon.

3. Slowly add small amounts of shaving cream from the second can, mixing as you go along. Feel it along the way and test to see if you like the texture. If it leaves a bit of icky feeling powder on your hands, squirt in more – a two-second squirt at a time.

4. If you add too much shaving cream, add more baking soda 1-2 T at a time (you don’t need to measure, but that’s the rough quantity you’ll need).

And that, my friends, is how you make a fabulous 2-ingredient fake snow that is perfect for decor, play, and winter fun!

Fake Snow for Sensory Bins

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

Make this super easy 2 ingredient play snow that's perfect for sensory bins! This winter activity can double as a science experiment - since it feels cold due to a chemical reaction!

Print

Ingredients

• 3 lb baking soda
• 1.5 cans shaving cream (11-12 oz each)
• Have extra of each in case you need to adjust the texture.

Instructions

1. Pour all three baking sodas into the container. Shake up your shaving cream, and squirt a whole can in.
2. Mix it up well with the spoon.
3. Slowly add small amounts of shaving cream from the second can, mixing as you go along. Feel it along the way and test to see if you like the texture. If it leaves a bit of icky feeling powder on your hands, squirt in more - a two-second squirt at a time.
4. If you add too much shaving cream, add more baking soda 1-2 T at a time (you don't need to measure, but that's the rough quantity you'll need).

Notes

• This recipe is designed to make a nice amount to play with and fill a sensory bin. You can start with one lb. baking soda and half a can of shaving cream if you just need a little bit for decor.
• Have extra of your ingredients handy to tweak the texture of your sensory snow.
• While this can work for winter scenes and decor, it can get messy. Have your fake snow contained if using it in decor. It'll dry brittle and crumby, and does not work as a dough.
• This sensory snow can be prepped in advance and stored in an airtight container. I don't know exactly how long it lasts, but mine was prepped a few days ago and it's still good...
• Use it as a science experiment to teach kids about endothermic reactions. Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) combined with the fatty acids in shaving cream creates a reaction that causes the snow to feel cold.
• Be careful with the smell of your shaving cream. It'll come off strong as kids play with it, you want it to be a gentle, pleasant smell.
• Place it on a baking sheet with snow man figures and peg dolls, mini houses, tiny spades, etc for a fun winter sensory activity.

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest

The post 2 Ingredient Fake Snow Recipe – that feels cold! appeared first on Moms and Crafters.

A is almost four years old! And here I am trying to share the details of her second birthday party – Moo Moo A is two!! It’s a good thing we didn’t do much of a third birthday party… gives me a little more time to catch up on her and her siblings.

It was a farm theme, and while we went heavy on the cow party decorations, we did include more all-encompassing farm party activities.

Choosing Toddler Friendly Farm Party Activities

There were plenty of young kids at the party, so I was very mindful of the age. At the same time, two is an age when parties are usually still whole-family minded, and there are other age groups.

For that reason, I was looking for the following factors.

Recognizable

It should be something that the kids know and love. Farm animals are spot on. If your theme is one that is more specific (for example, a character that not all kids necessarily recognize), spin your craft to something that’ll be more familiar.

Independent

Kids will need some help at a two-year-old party, you can’t be running a day care. But choose something that requires minimal input from parent, something that parents can catch on to easily themselves even if they’re not “crafty”. Write out clear instructions even if it seems obvious.

Parents can peel off sticker backings, help choose colors, etc. but they should be able to still have conversations with fellow parents, and shouldn’t be doing the core craft themselves.

Maximum input from kids

On the flip side, while two year olds can’t do very much, you want to zoom in on what they can do. Make sure that they have significant input in the final result. Stickers and coloring activities are my top picks for this.

Sensory activities also work super well for this, as long as you’re willing to deal with some germs and some mess…

Mess-free

On that note, I personally prefer mess-free activities. Avoid paint like the plague. No matter how much you beg otherwise, kids will come in party clothes, even washable paint can stain, and you’ll inevitably end up with some tears.

You can go sensory – the mess is more vacuumable but watch out for choking hazards. While crafts also have choking hazards, parents tend to stick around and supervise more for it.

Versatile age-group

And finally, as I mentioned above, make sure your activities are still enjoyable enough for any older kids who stop by.

The 3 Farm Party Activities we did

When choosing party activities, we like to choose things that are open-ended and allow us to set up multiple independent craft stations.

I like to offer a few options and therefore I keep things affordable material-wise.

Tip: as guests come, provide them with a gallon Ziploc bag with their name on it to store all their projects in!

Farm Animal Puppets: Color & Craft

Yes, I did go ahead and design a craft special for my favorite princess’s farm party activities!

These adorable farm animal stick puppets were later expanded to include the whole Old McDonald set.

We kept it simple and just put out the animals.

Make it really easy for the kids: put out crayons only – no markers. Show a sample finished puppet so parents get what can be done. Bonus points if you have a Cricut, print then cut them in advance.

I even went ahead and stuck a strip of glue lines to each of the craft sticks, leaving the backing on. This turns the craft sticks into peel-and-stick ones. (Or see if you can score some ready-made self-adhesive craft sticks).

Build a Farm Scene

I literally just dumped a package of these foam farm stickers into a pink pedestal candy dish and wrote on it “build a farm.” I included some plain sheets of paper (you can provide colored paper or printed grass, field, or other themed papers to make things more interesting).

Crayons were already there from the previous activity. Sample projects were provided.

The kids all did things differently here – but they all had a blast! The package came with way too much (I didn’t even put out half…) You definitely only need one even for a large group and it requires no prep at all.

Sticker Faces

Another no-prep activity were these sticker faces I picked up from Amazon. The big kids had fun creating silly faces, and the little kids had fun just going crazy with the stickers.

My big kids combined it with the farm scenes above. They also used the papers I put out even though I hadn’t thought they’d want to stick their faces onto something, so keep in mind that your kids will want to do that too!

More farm party activities to try

I had so many more ideas that we simply didn’t try so I’ll list them out quickly for you. All of what we did were crafts, but you don’t need to stick to that.

Note: some of these are choking hazards – supervise closely and don’t do with kids who stick things in their mouths.

Sensory bin: Place in a large under bed bin, big enough for a few kids to gather around: natural colored Kinetic sand, farm animal Toobs, toy tractors, mini spades, if you can find small toy carrots and other plants, mini eggs (to collect from chickens), plastic grass that comes with sushi.

Sensory soup: Fill the bin with water (best done outdoors) and provide ladles and other scoopers. Let the farm animals float inside and kids can catch them or play with them. You can do the same in a kiddy pool (with the kids inside) and pull out farm themed beach balls.

Bubbles: For an outdoor party, grab a farm-themed bubble machine, and watch those tots go nuts! You can also get farm bubbles party favors and let the parents help out. That age is perfect for gaining this new skill: blowing bubbles!

Chalk: Another outdoor idea – find your artsy side, draw a barn, and let kids draw in the animals!

Animal freeze dance: Kids can let out all their energy with some farm animal movement! Turn on this song, and show them what to do:

Got any farm party activities to add to the list? Comment below!

When you’re done, you’ll want to check out our science party activities too!

The post Farm Party Activities appeared first on Moms and Crafters.

Back-to-school time can be full of excitement, especially for younger kids. Older kids might not love it, but little ones usually still do. These 20 back-to-school printables can help amp up their excitement and get them ready for the school year.

Most are free a few aren’t, but all are awesome! I find that a good back to school printable can really help make the transition back to school go much smoother – whether it’s making the prep easier by having a ready-to-go resource, or just adding a little fun factor to the mix!

As usual, I tried sorting them into different categories, but I don’t have a good way to make a table of contents for this kind of post. I’m still trying to figure it out.

Back to School Printables

Check out each of these super fun back to school printables and choose which ones you want to try first! You have ideas for every age group, for before school starts, for the first day, just for fun items and highly educational ones - and most of them are free to download.

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Back to School Printables for Getting Ready for School

These printable crafts are the perfect way to start off the back to school prep! Use them in advance, or swing in with them at the last minute, like I do.

School Bus Treat Boxes - a free printable!

Get in the school spirit with these school bus treat boxes, and use them to store a special first-day treat! Choose from the super easy-to-assemble pillow boxes, or assemble an actual 3D school bus!!

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Photo Credit: creativelybeth.com

Back-to-School Notebook Cover Free Printable to Color

Notebooks are a big part of school, so why not make them look really special? This printable notebook cover is fun to color and will make any notebook stand out. What a fabulous way for kids to customize their own school supplies!

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Photo Credit: lockpaperescape.com

Back to School Scavenger Hunt

While fresh new school supplies are usually fun for kids, they can always be more fun. Have the kids locate their supplies with this scavenger hunt to really make gearing up for school exciting. It's a fabulous way to alleviate hidden (or not so hidden) anxieties.

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Back to School Bookmarks - Free Printable Template

Craft your own bookmarks in a back to school theme - the free printable templates will help you along! Make one or make them all. Craft them in the classroom, or craft them as student handouts - either way you'll win the new year!

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Monster pencil topper craft

Make a cute and quirky monster pencil topper craft for back to school, or any day! The free printable here is the template - so yes, it requires a bit more involvement, but it's a fabulous wan to get creative in your back to school prep.

Read the Guide

Back to School Printables forFirst Day Fun

Mark the first day of school milestone with these cute printable crafts! Kids often have a shortened day on the first day, and younger kids have orientation. These back to school printables are perfect for doing in the classroom on that first day, or after school to unwind.

Pencil Box Template - Back to School Favor Box from Paper

This incredible pencil box template is fun for treats, school supplies and more! It's one of my favorite back to school printalbes ever and perfect for kids of all ages - and their teachers! You can even craft it just for fun.

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Photo Credit: www.littleladoo.com

First Day of School Template

Starting school is a huge milestone in a child’s life. Ask them about the questions on this back-to-school sign, and then snap a commemorative photo of your child holding the sign to always remember. And then put the photos along with the sing into a special scrapbook or album.

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Photo Credit: www.simpleeverydaymom.com

First Day Of School Printable Book For Kids [Free Template]

Another great way to commemorate a big milestone in a child’s life is this first day of school printable book. Kids will love the cute design and can fill it in with details about this new adventure. This one features even more than the sign to make it really special.

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Photo Credit: www.homeschoolof1.com

First Day Of School Crowns Printable (Free)

Of course, the first day of school is a big deal, and that’s why it should be celebrated! Print up these first-day-of-school crowns to show kids off as the special people they are. They can color it, cut it out, and really get involved with the process, making it a fabulous first day classroom activity.

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Photo Credit: madeinapinch.com

Free Back To School Bingo Printable Game Activity

Bingo is a great game for kids because even preK age children can participate. These colorful, back-to-school-themed bingo cards will help start the school year off on a fun note. This can be played in the classroom, as more kids make it more of a challenge, or at home with siblings!

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Photo Credit: thesoccermomblog.com

Back to School Interview Card - "About Me" Apple Craft

Kids are often anxious about starting school, but it’s a lot of pressure on teachers, too. This “About Me” printable card will let kids introduce themselves to the teacher early on, to take a little bit of that pressure off.

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Photo Credit: www.thebensonstreet.com

Back to School Gusher’s Classroom Gift Tag Printable

A new student in a new class can break the ice with a classroom gift. These cute gift tag printables go perfectly with packs of Gushers as a gift to new classmates. It's a fun treat thast is generally allergy-friendly and Kosher, fitting many dietary needs.

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Photo Credit: momwifebusylife.com

Back to School Q Tip Painting

Q-tip painting is a great way for younger kids to produce artwork they can be proud of. These back-to-school-themed Q-tip painting sheets will help get them excited about school.

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Learning Activities

Check out these awesome printable back to school learning activities for the back to school season! Of course, school is all about learning, but to ease the transition, why not make it fun? Tese ideas are all about both - the learning AND the fun.

Do A Dot Number Printables

These free printable do a dot numbers can be done with Bingo markers - or even3/4 inch dot stickers! What a great preschool activity to get started learning those numbers.

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Alphabet Do a Dot Printables

Want to take it to the ABC level? Yes, I'vegot you covered with those too! These are in a fruit and vegetable theme to teach the little ones about the best nature has to offer, while learning to read!

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Photo Credit: www.thriveathomecentral.com

Back to School Color by Numbers - Thrive at Home

Coloring is a huge part of school, and most kids love to do it. Let them practice number recognition and coloring skills with these back-to-school color-by-number worksheets.

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Paper Clock Craft

Craft a time-telling teaching tool from things you already have using the free template! This is perfect for early in third grade, to review time-telling skills learned in second grade! Make one for the classroom, or let kids each craft their own to take home.

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Photo Credit: homeschoolpreschool.net

Back to School Preschool Math Centers

Here we have some printables that help kids cement some concepts they will learn in school early. They can practice with colors, sorting, and other skills they will need for school.

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Photo Credit: mamalikesthis.com

A to Z Back to School Word Activity Page

This printable worksheet helps kids really focus on the first day of school. They are tasked with coming up with a word for each letter of the alphabet that applies to back-to-school.

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Photo Credit: lovinghomeschool.com

Back to School Word Scramble

Get kids thinking about the school year in a fun way with these back-to-school word scrambles. Loads of school subjects and supplies are all mixed up, and kids need to sort the letters out to get the answers. Two levels of difficulty are included.

Read More

Photo Credit: 3boysandadog.com

Back to School Writing Activities

Once again, we have a pack of worksheets with a back-to-school theme. But these ones have a special focus on writing practice, so kids can have fun and prepare for the school year.

Read More

Got any other back to school printables to add to this list? Comment below!

Share with us: what are your favorite ways to ease back into the new school year? How do you calm kids’ nerves? Make sure to check out this super cool back to school shirt we made for a certain anxious Pre-K kid. It has a magic handprint on it!

The post Back to School Printables appeared first on Moms and Crafters.

I’m excited to be sharing my favorite Montessori toys for infants and toddlers! If you’re looking for more, check out these fun activities for a one year old. This post contains affiliate links.

Montessori is a word you hear a lot, and it’s a theme that goes with the whole “clean and aesthetic life” trend. But we’d be doing our kids a disservice if we whittle it down to that.

While the whole pretty home vibe might be a cool perk of Montessori toys, there’s so much more to it.

In a world of excess, curating a playroom that will help kids get the most learning out of their play can give them a leg up.

What makes a toy Montessori?

So what makes a toy “Montessori?” Is being beige a requirement?

Of course, the answer is no. There are a few primary qualities you’ll be looking for in Montessori toys for infants and toddlers.

You may have noticed in my gift guides that I’ve been sharing for years now that there is a very common denominator in many of the toys I prefer. They are educational, and instill creativity. They require input from the kids. They are active rather than passive.

While we address STEM toys a lot, I wanted to create a list dedicated to what I consider to be the infant and toddler parallel to that, especially at this stage where we once again have an infant and toddler at home.

And to me Montessori toys is to my infants and toddlers what STEM is to my big kids.

We’re talking hands-on learning, real-life applications, and kid-derived input rather than toy-derived.

Hands-on experiences

Kids should be doing.

Toys that require those hands to work, those little brains to figure things out are the best for a Montessori playroom. The baby should be procuring most of the result through their actions- the toy shouldn’t be producing it.

Do Montessori Toys need to be made of wood?

True Montessori is made of natural materials. My main goal with this post was to look for Montessori aligned play values, and to give kids specific play experiences.

Now I’ll mention that most people, or, I should say, true Montessori proponents, will insist that Montessori toys need to be made from natural materials, for example, wood.

The benefits of natural materials include sensory benefits such as the way they feel, smell, and the fact that the values of sustainability align with Montessori values.

And while I generally agree about the benefits, there are exceptions. Wood toys can be way pricier than their synthetic alternatives.. And I’m a bit more of a realist when it comes to the everyday parent’s budget. And some things just don’t work as well in wood, but would be a shame to not grant the kids the opportunity to explore.

So factoring in that some things would be too pricey manufactured in wood (or come in both varieties and the non-wood, or mixed material, is less expensive), and that some toys simply don’t work as well that way, I did not strictly keep this guide to wood toys.

So true Montessori folks: sorry!

Meanwhile, my focus is in encouraging a specific type of play experience. So I’m zooming in on the play, prioritizing wood and natural materials, but not excluding Montessori-aligned toys that aren’t wood, but would be a crying shame for kids to miss out on playing with!

Real-life inspired

An overarching value in Montessori toys for infants and toddlers is that they bring real life into their play and give them actual tools to do “real” things.

For example, why give them a pretend plastic knife if you can give them a kid-safe real knife to learn how to actually cut? Why give a randomly shaped rattle if it can be an actual baby-safe musical instrument, such as a maraca?

Kids can learn skills and experience “real” things in their play, and Montessori encourages us to give them that independence and “leg-up”.

Montessori toys allow kids to experience these things as close to possible as how adults would.

When looking for Montessori toys for my own babies and toddlers, I prefer those that allow them an actual end result and look like mini versions of what I have.

Open-ended

Give kids the deciding tools rather than doing it for them. So open-play toys rather than those that specify an end result that looks a certain way are ideal.

Where do electronic toys come in

Here me out. I’m a big fan of electronic toys. The correct ones have their play value and their place in the playroom.

But they in no way fit into a Montessori playroom. Not even that incredible toy drum toy that is even wooden that Baby Jay loves. (And this is why you can understand why I deprioritized the wood requirement and focused on the play requirement).

The idea is for the input to come from the baby or toddler, with no help.

So while electronic toys are fabulous, help me get so much work done, and teach my kids so many things… they are not Montessori aligned and have totally different play benefits

Favorite Tried & Tested Montessori toys for Infants & Toddlers

These are some of my personal favorite Montessori toys for infants and toddlers – with some reaching way beyond that.

One of my favorite features of most of these suggestions is their relative agelessness. While targeting my two youngest (Baby Jay, age 12 months, and A, age three) my big boys – ages 8 and 10 – also played with these plenty!

That just goes to show you how amazing Montessori is! With open-ended experiences, you get a much broader age range. And while we have loads of toys, these are the ones – for the most part – that we will be saving for when the grandkids come play one day.

Active Montessori Toys for Infants & Toddlers

With kids spending more and more time indoors… why not bring the active play into the home?

Even if you don’t have loads of space, most of these are storable and can be taken out special for play. If you do have space, you can set up what A calls “an obstacle course” but I’d call an indoor active play space.

Some of these are surprisingly open-ended. And I do not need to elaborate on the benefits of active play. A was always a few steps behind in gross motor development, and I wish we’d had these a few years ago to help her gain those essential skills!

Wood and Hearts Climbing Triangle Set

A climbing triangle set is one of the most versatile climbing toys available today. You can set it up multiple ways, and play with it as an active toy, or a calm toy!

This classic set is a “small” one to be suitable for younger kids (as young as 8 months). It comes with a triangle (that folds for storage), an arch, and a ramp/slide/climbing board.

You can set it up multiple ways. The bridge piece can be used to slide down the triangle, or flipped over to the climbing rock side, to climb up. It can be set up the same way on the arch. It can also serve as a smooth or rock bridge between the two structures.

The triangle on its own can be used as a play tent or cave using optional accessories – or just throw a blanket over it. The arch can be flipped over as a rocker using an optional pillow – or throw your couch throw pillows on it. They even sell an easel attachment for the triangle!

Who knew a climbing toy can be so versatile?! It’s truly a baseline set for a playroom that focuses on maximizing play from fewer pieces.

Get 5% off your order if you use the coupon code MENUCHA. You can stick to natural wood like I did, or go for painted finishes in white, pastels, or primary colors.

Blueberry and Third Balance Board

One of the best core-building and one of the few Montessori toys that work for families without much space at all, a balance board is a fabulous toy to have. It’s small and slim and stashes away easily when not in use.

Made from beautiful birch wood, Blueberry and Third’s balance board is fabulous for ages two and up – my eight year old loves it too!

Core strength is a pre-writing skill that is essential, but unlike other pre-writing activities, balancing is an active way to engage even the most restless family members. And it’s incredible for vestibular sensory seekers – you know, the kids who are always moving because they like how it feels.

It’s fabulous for kids who are accident prone, as it’s a good tool for balance and coordination as well.

Young kids will want grown-up help when first learning to use the balance board, but once they learn, they won’t want to stop!

Little Partners Balance Beam

Another classic active Montessori toy is the balance beam. This one from Little Partners is easy to store, and features some stepping stones just to up its game!

I love this option for a Montessori playroom, because it’s configurable and opens itself up for more imaginative play. It can be arranged in different ways (line, zigzag, square, two shorter lines, even four shorter lines). My kids use it for their obstacle courses.

While totally an active toy, kids will come up with new uses because of its open-ended nature. My kids like to set it up as a road for toy trucks and even create an overpass using the connecting pieces to prop one over the other.

This one teaches visual spatial processing in a different way than the balance board (and aside from space concerns, they both work side by side in the playroom in different ways).

Problem Solving Montessori Toys for Infants & Toddlers

Problem solving is a big part of Montessori play, as it leads directly into reality. Problem solving toys are those where kids need to work things out to get to their specified goal, and it is one of my favorite ways to bring out the creativity in kids who aren’t necessarily “crafty.”

Connetix Pastel Magnetic Tiles

When it comes to magnetic tiles, you’re going to want to go with plastic even if you’re aiming for a Montessori playroom. While wood ones can be purchased, the cost is prohibitive, and I don’t find them to work as well as plastic.

And yes, you’ll want to have them in a Montessori-aligned playroom! They open up a whole new world of open-ended problem-solving play, and there are so many other uses for them.

If you purchase a high quality set, magnetic tiles are forever toys, that kids play with until they’re quite old, and are worth saving for the next generation too!

Connetix features a pastel line that is more Montessori-aligned than some of the brighter colors that magnetic tiles come in. They also bring in the tactile experience that you’d normally get with wood with a textured, beveled surface.

And the skill-building and play benefits are never ending. A’s Connetix play experience usually brings in geometry, dramatic play, engineering, and so much problem solving. They can be played on magnetic vertical surfaces, such as the dishwasher, on quarter sheet pans on the road, on light tables…

Latch Board

We received this ages ago as a birthday gift and it has been a big hit! This simplified small version blends the latch board with “peek a boo” book concept.

My kids have been playing with it for about eight years (I think).The different latches open and close, but kids need to figure it out themselves. They then get the reward of a fun picture.

If you want something like this but for those with less advanced motor skills, many Etsy sellers create real-life versions with so many different options. Those feature things like clickers, zippers, and even phones!

Be aware that these toys should only be played with close supervision as they aren’t necessarily tested to conform to conventional safety standards and likely contain choking hazards.

I also see them getting grander and busier – I recommend choosing one that’s simple, with the few activities that most appeal to your kid.

Ball Drawer

Babies don’t necessarily understand that when something disappears from sight it still exists. Having a toy that encourages “hide and seek” play teaches them this concept! Plus, babies love playing with the lightweight balls on their own too!

Ours came from KiwiCo’s 14-15 months Panda crate.

Life Skills Montessori Toys for Infants & Toddlers

Some of my favorite Montessori toys for infants and toddlers teach hands-on skills. These toys really work, and are mini versions of the grown-up thing.

Cleaning Set

Kids naturally love to clean (it’s crazy, I know!) Maybe it’s because they see us do it! When I saw A using the big broom and actually getting results, but also hitting everything in her path, I knew she needed this cleaning set.

It has a functional kid-sized broom, brush, and pan, duster, and a mop that you probably don’t want to actually have function but I guess technically it could. It comes with a sweet little stand.

Musical Instruments

If your kids love toys that make noise, why not get them a cute little wooden musical instrument set?

They can shake maracas, bang on cymbals, and of course play the tambourine… The point is that they are doing the playing, not the toy.

What are your favorite Montessori toys for infants and toddlers? Comment below

The post Montessori Toys for Infants and Toddlers appeared first on Moms and Crafters.

It’s almost back to school time, the perfect time for a fun little “get to know you” printable – an All About Me free printable poster!

This was designed in a bulletin/cork board style, making it perfect for a school theme!

We filled out a sample for you to see how we’re doing it, but we drew a picture instead of pasting in a photo. You can do that as well – have kids draw a self-portrait – or use a photo. (FYI if you do these types of things often, you may enjoy having a Sprocket photo printer to easily print from your phone on sticker paper).

Y told me what to write (he didn’t feel like doing it himself – no need to push it!)

How to use your “All About Me” poster

It’s always fun to fill out some personal facts, and it’s a great way to get kids to review their address and how to write their names.

Lockers or Cubbies

Wouldn’t it be cool if instead of a simple label with a name and photo, like my kids always had at school, there was more information for kids to learn about their friends?

You can have each child fill this out, laminate it, and use it to mark their cubbies or lockers.

End of the year class book

This is the perfect page for a preschool or lower elementary “yearbook”. They can remember their friends, have all the info they need to keep in touch, and even break it out in later years to remember their friends this year.

Back to School Bulletin Board

If it’s the first grade in school, or classes have recently been reshuffled, this is a great way to get kids acquainted. You can make it for “Back to School night” for parents to learn more about the classmates, or for the kids to learn about each other.

Personal memories

I think it’s really cool to use this All About Me free printable poster at home too. You can have your child fill out a new page each year, and slip it into a sheet protector in a binder.

They can look back at how things evolved over the years. You can keep an updating scrapbook with their first and last day photos too.

Download your “all about me” free printable poster

To download, fill out the form below. You’ll be signed up for our free newsletter – unsubscribe at any time in the footer of the emails. I respect your privacy and the law and won’t share your information with anyone.

The post All About Me Free Printable Poster appeared first on Moms and Crafters.

The cool thing about having two kids with similar interests close in age is that you can repeat party themes. The cool thing about repeating party themes is that you can get super creative the second time around – or at least you need to – to avoid too much repetition.

For Y’s sixth birthday, he chose a LEGO theme and we did a few fun activities. This LEGO party game was hands down the winner. It was easy to set up, fun to play, and highly entertaining. The kids did it again and again.

Sadly, I did not document this well enough (I wasn’t planning on making a standalone post until I saw how successful it was!)

But I’ll do my best to share.

The game makes kind of a flipped over LEGO brick and includes a fun scoring challenge.

How to Make the LEGO Party Game

You’ll need

• Plastic bowls in a solid color
• A poster board in the same color.
• A frame. We repurposed one from a broken toy. You can use a cardboard box that’s large enough, build one from pipes or wood, or borrow a frame from anything.
• Hot glue gun – see my recommendations here
• A permanent marker
• Scissors
• Pen
• Loose bricks

Putting it together

1. Arrange your bowls on the back of your poster board so that they are evenly spaced in two rows. I fit six.

2. Trace around each bowl.

3. Cut around each bowl, a little smaller than you marked. It doesn’t need to be neat but you want it to be a bit smaller than the outer rim.

4. Hot glue your poster board to the base. It can simply be stretched over the opening of a cardboard box. You just want to make sure that it’s sitting a bit above the ground so that the bowls sit nicely, stretched out to make the bowls accessible. And ideally, it’ll be a bit lower in front (you can trim the front of the box to accomplish that).

5. Hot glue around the rim of each hole, and place your bowl inside so that it sits in place.

Mark a point count on each bowl to up the ante for this LEGO party game!

How to Play the LEGO Toss Party Game

Have participants stand a designated distance back from the game (we placed ours in a not-yet-planted garden bed).

They are then given however many turns you’d like and told to toss their LEGO bricks in. Someone should be in charge of keeping score.

We had a few kids line up and did not choose a winner. We just tallied it up for each kid. They sort of had a mental image of a leaderboard going on, but it was low key.

You can allow them to keep whichever bricks they get in, if you are using loose bricks and want a built-in prize.

You can also make it more competitive and keep a total score.

I simply called out scores as they did it, getting theme excited. The kids kept on getting in the back of the line to play again, and again.

It’s an open-ended party game that had the kids excited, let out some energy, and didn’t cost much as we used bricks we had!

Got another LEGO party game to recommend? Comment below!

DIY Lego Toss Game

Print

Materials

• Plastic bowls in a solid color
• A poster board in the same color.
• A frame (You can use a cardboard box that's large enough, build one from pipes or wood, or borrow a frame from anything)
• Hot glue gun
• A permanent marker
• Scissors
• Pen
• Loose bricks

Instructions

1. Arrange your bowls on the back of your poster board so that they are evenly spaced in two rows. I fit six.

2. Trace around each bowl.

3. Cut around each bowl, a little smaller than you marked. It doesn't need to be neat but you want it to be a bit smaller than the outer rim.

4. Hot glue your poster board to the base. It can simply be stretched over the opening of a cardboard box. You just want to make sure that it's sitting a bit above the ground so that the bowls sit nicely, stretched out to make the bowls accessible. And ideally, it'll be a bit lower in front (you can trim the front of the box to accomplish that).

5. Hot glue around the rim of each hole, and place your bowl inside so that it sits in place.

Did you make this project?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest

The post Lego Toss Party Game appeared first on Moms and Crafters.

Who’s planning to spend some time at the beach this summer? Whether you’re at home or away, you have nothing to fear from these friendly sharks. They’re so little and easy that you can make a whole shiver of them (did you know that’s the collective noun for Shark? I just learned it and I love it!) to share with friends.

And with shark week coming up, what better time to craft some friendly versions of these ocean creatures?

Clothespin toys are excellent for strengthening finger muscles and fine motor skills. See if your little one can make their sharks gobble up little “fish” represented by mini pom-poms or any small materials you have around the house.

Or use them as puppets and strengthen little fingers as you open and clothes the shark’s mouth to talk.

The other nice thing about clothespins is that you can easily get a pack of 30 at any dollar store. At least some things are still affordable, right? There are a few types of clothespins – for this craft, you really want the kind with a spring that opens and closes it so you can give your shark a nice working mouth.

Get the wooden kind, because paint and glue have a much harder time sticking to non-porous surfaces like plastic. Fortunately, wooden spring-loaded clothespins are super easy to find.

Once you have the clothespins, the rest of the materials for this project are really very flexible – acrylic paint will give you the best effect for color, but if you prefer something washable, you can have your child use markers. For a neater alternative, try paint sticks, such as Kwik Stix or Chunkies. 

I’ve used felt for the fins and tail, but if you have easier access to foam sheets or even colored cardstock or construction paper, you can go for it anyway (paper will be less durable, of course. But a day or two of fun is still a win!)

And of course, wiggly eyes are a favorite but can be swapped out for beads, paper, or just drawn with a permanent marker.

In short, this is a craft that anyone can do with minimal preparation. So what are you waiting for? Make some sharks and let’s go swimming!

What you’ll need:

• Wood clothespins with springs
• Acrylic craft paint – red, light gray, dark gray
• Felt or foam sheets – light gray, dark gray (if you don’t have felt or foam, you can use cardstock)
• Wiggly eyes
• White Cardstock
• Glue gun with glue sticks
• Marker
• Paintbrush
• Scissors
• Pencil
• Ruler
• Template – download free at the end of this post

How to make a clothespin shark

1. Paint all the sides of two clothespins with light gray paint. Paint another two clothespins with dark gray paint. Let them dry completely, and apply a second coat if you’re still seeing wood through the paint.

2. Squeeze the clothespins open and paint the inside of the open part with red paint. Let it dry completely, and apply a second coat if necessary.

3. Cut a strip of white cardstock about ½” wide. Cut pieces off the strip to make 8 little rectangles. Cut out tiny triangles from one side of each rectangle to create teeth.

4. Glue two wiggly eyes to each shark. If you don’t have wiggly eyes, you can use a marker to draw eyes.

5. Use a glue gun to attach a set of teeth to the top and bottom of each clothespin tip. (You can use regular glue too, but it will take some time to dry and you may need to hold the pieces in place while they set)

6. Print and cut out the clothespin shark template. Use a marker to trace the fin and tail shapes twice onto light gray and twice onto dark gray felt or foam sheets. Cut them all out, cutting inside the traced lines to keep your finished project looking neat and clean.

7. Glue the tail to end of the clothespin on the inside. Glue one fin onto each side and one to the top of the shark.

Download the Felt Clothespin Shark Template

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