Popsicle Stick Ballerina Ornament

Way back in 2009 we (mainly me, Lu was 3.5 yrs old) made an adorable Ballet Ornament 2009 for her teacher. Lu forgot about making the ballerina and subsequent swimmer. I thought it was time to try it again! This year's version both girls joined in on the fun. Lu was finally old enough to do most of the construction on her own. She is also the mastermind behind the use of glitter! I still had to help with the cutting of Popsicle sticks and tying on of ribbons. 






      

Ballerina 2009                                              Swimmer 2009

Continue reading for instructions.

Make A Beaded Eye Glass Holder

Here is a simple craft for children ages 5+ and who enjoy beading. Kids can make a pretty beaded eye glass holder for a special Grandma or Teacher!

Homemade Gift: Treasure Soap

It is that time of year again! Treasure Soap production is in full swing. Our little elves look forward to this annual tradition. Making soap is a great way for the kids to make a gift for their teachers. We contribute to the teacher money collection but like to give something small and personal from the girls.

The instructions for making soap comes on the package of glycerin you buy at the craft store. I let the girls add the special soap coloring, soap scent, soap glitter and of course the treasure! In the past we have used plastic toys and erasers (there are a lot of cool small erasers available these days.) This time we used miniature ornaments. 

You can buy a soap making kit but we bought all the items individually from Michael's Craft Store. The coloring, scent and glitter have lasted several years. We are just starting to run low on the coloring.  I melt the soap in a large Pyrex measuring cup in the microwave.  It is easy to cleanup since it is soap!

Tip: fill your soap mold halfway then add your treasure. Wait until somewhat set (you can pop them in the fridge) then add the rest of the soap. This prevents lighter objects from popping up and floating. Using this method allows for you to create a two tone color if you like. 

Tip: melt the soap in small batches so you can create a variety of colors.

Common Sense Tip: the soap is hot! You know your kids. If they are accident prone or prone not to follow directions than this may not be the craft for you. My youngest is 3 and really enjoyed adding the color, scent, glitter, and treasure. I supervised her the entire time and assisted her with the stirring. It is a great exercise in following directions. I poured the hot liquid into the molds for both my girls.

I used the stamped paper from yesterday to package the soaps. I used small plastic gift bags but you could use a zip top bag. Fold paper in half and cut the paper to size. Staple onto top of bags. 

Have your child or you write the person's name on the front. I wrote on the back, "Emme's Handmade Treasure Soap."

Have fun crafting with your kids!

Teacher Gift: Beaded Badge Lanyard

School year comes to a close this Wednesday. Lu made these beaded badge holders for her two classroom teachers. We are going to get Dunkin Donut gift cards to put in the badge part with a note. I liked this activity because it allowed Lu to create something that her teachers will surely get use out of. A simple yet personal way to say thanks. This would be a great gift for anyone who has to wear an identification badge for work.

I bought the badge clips and plastic sleeves at staples. They came in packs of 10 so we will be doing this craft again for next years teachers. We used regular waxed beading string with wooden beads.

Valentine's Day Craft: Candy Flowerpot

 

Candy flowerpot for your Valentine.

 

The tin buckets, flower lollipops and Valentine's decals I got at the Christmas Tree Shops for about five dollars total. Add the chocolate of your choice for the "dirt" and you've got a cute Teacher gift or Grandparent gift. Lu really enjoyed adding the rub on decals. She and Em used the extras and made Valentine's. 

Note: we used a clean yogurt container with a hole in the bottom to support the flowers. Place container bottom side up in pot, place lollies in hole, and add chocolates.

Treasure Soap

Inspired by Snow Globe Soap on Alpha Mom site. This was so easy, quick and fun. My 3yr. old loved helping add the color, scent, sparkles, soap shavings & of course the treasure. It also helped that it was pretty quick to set up so she could see the results soon after the project was done & cleaned up. She is very proud of her creations and wants to make more. We have already given away most of the bars. GREAT TEACHER GIFTS!! We plan on making Valentines soaps. The initial investment was about $25 for mold, coloring, glitter, scent, glycerin, and treasures. I had the ribbon & bags. This was definitely a fun project and my sister's 8 year old daughter wanted to make some after she saw Lulu's...so great for all ages.