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Today’s post written by Cassi from The Crafty Crow

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Hello everyone! Time just flies by, doesn’t it? I can’t believe Easter is just around the corner so here are some fun ideas to get you going.

Several of these projects use googley eyes. These are a great little item to have in your craft stash – you can buy them plain or with a sticky back so think about picking some up the next time you’re out

Enjoy!

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1 - Sparkplugging shows you how to make these adorable finger puppets that are made from chenille stems, pompoms, and googley eyes.

2 - Everyone can make an Easter bonnet with this simple tutorial at Lottie Lulu.

3 - One More Moore makes an easy Easter treat with Oreo’s, chocolate, and candies.

4 – I think these sun catchers at 4 Crazy Kings are really cute – this is a great project to do with a group of kids.

5 - Paint some watercolor eggs with this idea at My Montessori Journey. Hang several from string and they would make a great Easter garland.

6 – You’ll get some beautiful eggs with this process at Full Circle, just be careful with the hot eggs!

7 - One Golden Apple has the directions for these sweet fuzzy birds – so cute you’ll want to make a whole flock.

8 - Kids can make these jelly bean bracelets found at Mrs. D. Lightful for a fun treat or party favor, or make them on your own and slip them into an Easter basket.

9 - More Mom Time shows you how to make these cute wobbly eggs.

10 - Get started now with these sprouting egg heads to have them ready for your Easter table – details are at A Number Of Things.

You’ll find many more great craft ideas at The Crafty Crow, I hope you’ll come by and say hello! If you have a project that you would like to submit then send it my way – details are in the right column on The Crafty Crow.

You can view more ‘The Crafty Crow Presents’ posts on KidStyleFile here.

Today’s post written by Cassi from The Crafty Crow

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Hello everyone, can you believe it is already March?

Our weather here in Idaho is warming slightly, just enough to melt a little snow and hear the constant drip, drip, drip off the edge of the house. Are you starting to cool off a bit? I always find it fascinating that our seasons are so perfectly opposite

The activities today can mostly be made with items you already have at home and enjoyed by all ages. Have fun!
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1 - Kleas shows you how to make these lovely lanterns from balloons and tissue paper. I think they would make an evening walk pure magic!

2 - If you have a stack of magazines that need to be tossed then this project from Mama Veg will come in handy. Children can practice spelling their name, cutting, and gluing while recycling.

3 - No Time For Flashcards shares a fun activity – painting with flyswatters! This would be a fun party activity too.

4 - Make a simple spinning top with these instructions at Julie K In Taiwan.

5 - This colorful ribbon ring at Ikat Bag would make a great homemade party favor.

6 – Mommy Coddle shows you how to make a keepsake that showcases all the things your child loves!

You’ll find many more ideas like these at The Crafty Crow, I hope you’ll come by and say hello! If you have a project that you would like to submit then send it my way – details are in the right column on The Crafty Crow.

You can view more ‘The Crafty Crow Presents’ posts on KidStyleFile here.

Today’s post written by Cassi from The Crafty Crow

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Hello everyone!

Let’s see, what do sugar cookies, bills, horses and tea have in common? Well, they are just some of the ways you can have fun with your kids this week. All of these ideas are simple, easy and practically free since you most likely have everything you need at home right now.

Enjoy!

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1 - Children are never to young to start a nature journal. This post at Four Squares reveals the process they went through and also lots of charming pictures of their nature journals over the years.

2 - I love the old-fashioned charm of these button sugar cookies at Garden Mama.

3 - “S is for Skyscraper” is the theme at Preschool Daze where you’ll find ideas on creating skyscrapers from building blocks, paper, and cardboard boxes.

4 - All ages will find this simple experiment that shows the strength of an arch fascinating! Check it out at Imagine Childhood.

5 - Art Projects For Kids shows you how to make a horse from clothespins and cardboard. I wonder what other animals you can create using the same supplies?

6 - This little project just may have you looking forward to getting your bills! Maya*Made created a memory game using the printed inside of security envelopes.

7 – If you ever need a quick, last minute project then take a close look at this bearded man picture from Cider & Faun. Can you tell what his beard is made from? I love this!

You’ll find many more ideas like these at The Crafty Crow, I hope you’ll come by and say hello! If you have a project that you would like to submit then send it my way – details are in the right column on The Crafty Crow.

You can view more ‘The Crafty Crow Presents’ posts on KidStyleFile here.

Today’s post written by Cassi from The Crafty Crow

Hello everyone! Can you believe it’s already February and time to make Valentines? I’ve gathered a variety of ideas so kids can have fun making their own cards and gifts.  Have a Happy Valentine’s Day!

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1. These colorful tissue flowers hide a sweet treat in the center – a lollipop! Find the details to make your own at Full Circle.

2. You’ll find these cute “Bee Mine” valentine cards at Ducky House.

3. Scrumdilly Do shows you how to make these lovely puffy heart valentines. We made some giant ones like this last year and they were so much fun!

4. These flower and heart bracelets at Plum Pudding make a fun group project – adults can cut the felt shapes for younger kids while the older ones can cut their own.

5. By Little Hands created this heart block valentine for little ones to do after she was inspired by one at Martha Stewart

6. Use fabric glue if you don’t want to do any sewing for these fun felt hearts and purchase the pre-cut letters to make this project even simpler. Details at Sewing School.

7. Maya*Made shows you how to use potato stamps to create these happy heart flowers. This is a great craft to do with a group of kids as well. To make it even simpler, just use your potato stamp on plain cardstock folded in half for a card.

You’ll find many more ideas like these at The Crafty Crow, I hope you’ll come by and say hello! If you have a project that you would like to submit then send it my way – details are in the right column on The Crafty Crow.

You can view more ‘The Crafty Crow presents’ posts on KidStyleFile here.

Today’s post written by Edwina

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I have been having a great time putting together this weeks post from The Crafty Crow. Cassi has such amazing website linking to heaps of great craft tutorials to enjoy with your little ones. Here are some of my favourites. Enjoy!

1. Rainbow Stars

Theseare such gorgeous Waldorf inspired window stars from Garden Mama.

2. Gluten Free Play Clay Beads

Play Clay is a lot of fun, you can mold it, dry it and paint it. Jessica Wilson has posted this cute tute on Craftzine.

3. Creation Station

This is what I need to do at our place. A Creation Station is perfect way to manage all the bits and bobs that come with kids crafty creations. They can even help keep it tidy when you are done! (fingers crossed!)

4. Matchbox Bugs

Aaaah so cute, these remind me of the Bug family that lived on the window sill in Sesame Street. Make your own Matchbox Bugs with this cute tute from Sydney Mum, Coloured Buttons.

5. Finish the Picture

I love this idea, quick and easy and I imagine you could get some of these ready before hand for a long trip or restaurant event. More great ideas at artprojectsforkids.org

6.  Twig Chair

Dad? Grandpa? Check out how cool this twig chair is?  Twig Chair instructions here.

7. Bandana Quilt

This is an easy and quick way to make a colourful and fun quilt.

8. Printable Tickets

Every bedroom play or talent show needs its own box office so why not print these cute Tickets before showtime.

9. Babushka Pencil Toppers

One Crafty Mumma has a lovely tutorial on these super cute Babushka Pencil Toppers, there is also instructions for a house and car too.

10. Mark Your Shadow

I love this idea. It is so simple as well as educational – I imagine it would also be a lot of fun marking the shadows. Good project for a few kids and – yippee! – mess free!

You’ll find many more ideas like these at The Crafty Crow, I hope you’ll come by and say hello! If you have a project that you would like to submit then send it my way – details are in the right column on The Crafty Crow.

You can view more ‘The Crafty Crow presents’ posts on KidStyleFile here.

Today’s post written by Cassi from The Crafty Crow

Happy New Year everyone! Right now we’ve got below freezing temperatures and a lot of snow where I live so to warm up my day I gathered some colorful crafts for you! Set up an art table outside and enjoy a healthy snack for a memorable afternoon.

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1 – You’ll find a very nice photo tutorial at That Artist Woman that shows you how to make a colorful bird with movable wings.

2 – Garden Mama has a tutorial for dream pillows that are filled with dried lavendar and chamomile – everyone will have fun creating their own designs.

3 – I love this idea for making your own scratch-and-sniff paintings and it is so easy too! Visit Frugal Family Fun for the details.

4 – Encourage butterflies to visit your garden with these colorful butterfly feeders at Ordinary Life Magic.

5 – Deep Space Sparkle shares a wonderful art lesson that shows you how to draw a bird house and a paper bird to go with it. If you are painting outdoors you don’t have to worry so much about the mess

6 – Little Food Junction always has the best ideas for presenting healthy foods to children, just look at this adorable veggie caterpillar!

You’ll find many more ideas like these at The Crafty Crow, I hope you’ll come by and say hello! If you have a project that you would like to submit then send it my way – details are in the right column on The Crafty Crow.

You can view more ‘The Crafty Crow presents’ posts on KidStyleFile here.

Today’s post written by Angela

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Need to slow down a little and feel the Christmas vibe, rather than be crushed by it? I found a stopover to The Crafty Crow Flickr Pool most therapeutic. Chock-full of the fruits of the labour of clever and crafty folk, five minutes taking in the truly wondrous Christmas creations here is enough to replenish the soul.

If you are inspired to go further and make some Christmas craft yourself, then head to The Crafty Crow website where you will find an abundance of ideas to suit every taste and skill-set.

For more kids craft ideas you can view ‘The Crafty Crow presents’ posts on KidStyleFile here.

Today’s post written by Cassi from The Crafty Crow

Happy Holidays Everyone!

On my last post I gave you some ideas on how to make your toddler’s artwork into gifts. This post features items that older kids can make for gifts. I’ve pulled together a variety of ideas so you should be able to find something that is suitable for siblings and grandparents as well as teachers and neighbors.

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1 – Zach Aboard shares a tutorial on how to make felted soap. My son made these last year as gifts and everyone he gave them to has requested another one for this year! Choose a hard-milled soap and use a little patience to learn the technique.

2 – A geoboard is a wonderful gift for friends and siblings. Colored hairbands or rubberbands are used to make the patterns. Find the tutorial at Mama Jenn.

3 – These colorful cork coasters are featured at Let’s Explore. The technique used is super easy and the colors chosen could be coordinated to a person’s home or you could use their favorite colors.

4 – Juggling balls are fun for adults and children and simple to make too! Instructions at Pepper Paints.

5 – Libby Dibby shows you how to make these fabric covered candles – such a great way to use your fabric scraps. No fabric? Try colored and printed paper.

6 – I think a customized hand soap bottle would be a thoughtful teacher’s gift. See how to do it at Giver’s Log.

7 – Personalized pillowcases are something even your youngest child can manage. You can use fabric paints or markers and draw freehand or give freezer paper stenciling a try. I Have To Say tells you how they made theirs.

8 – Peg dolls are a popular kid-made choice and for good reason – they’re adorable! I love the idea of a peg doll family that looks like your own. Get the details at Colorfool.

9 – Sewing School specializes in sewing projects for young kids and this soothing eye pillow is a perfect gift for moms and grandmothers.

10 – Try making some sand candles with this tutorial from That Artist Woman. Visit the beach or make them in a bucket of sand at home.

11 – I love these driftwood sculptures at Craftzine and think they would make a nice gift for dads and grandfathers.

12 – Ordinary Life Magic shows you how to make these wonderful tin lanterns that would make a nice gift for anyone!

13 – You can buy kits to preserve hand prints, but By Little Hands shares how you can just as easily do it at home. A great gift for a parent or grandparent.

14 – Last, but not least, is this amazing chocolate playdough. We’ve made several batches of this and it always makes the house smell just like a chocolate factory! Friends and siblings would be thrilled to receive some and parents can make it for a stocking stuffer. The recipe is at Foothill Home Companion.

You’ll find many more ideas like these at The Crafty Crow, I hope you’ll come by and say hello! If you have a project that you would like to submit then send it my way – details are in the right column on The Crafty Crow.

You can view more ‘The Crafty Crow presents’ posts on KidStyleFile here.

Today’s post written by Cassi from The Crafty Crow

Hello everyone! Are you ready to get started on some holiday gifts?

Toddler’s artwork can be a great place to begin for help with homemade presents. Toddlers are generally very prolific and at a stage of learning where they enjoy the experience of using different art media with a variety of tools.

Of course, children of all ages, and adults too, will enjoy the freedom of artistic exploration with the ideas today so don’t limit the fun to just the little ones.

Check out this list of all the amazing things that can be created with your child’s artwork and before you know it you can check some gifts off of your list and your kids will be proud that they were able to help out as well. Have fun!

*Tips: Watercolors and tempera paints are perfect for this age since they clean up with water, but if the weather is nice try painting outdoors to lessen the clean up time. Also, don’t offer too many colors at once; begin with two of the primary colors (blue, red, yellow) and let the child discover what happens when the two colors mix together. If you are worried about your child putting paints in their mouth try adding some vinegar to the water or paint before you begin.

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1 – You can make beautiful and delicate prints from bubbles with the directions at A Bit Of This And A Bit Of That.

2 – Springtree Road experimented painting with chenille stems.

3 – No one will be able to resist trying these yo-yo prints featured at The Snail’s Trail.

4 – You can use almost anything as a paintbrush – No Time For Flashcards used a fly swatter for this painting.

5 – Making Of A Montessori Mom shows you how to paint using crepe paper.

6 – These beautiful marbled prints were made with shaving cream and the directions at The Artful Parent.

7 – Good + Happy Day shows you how to enjoy a painting day outside using the the Jackson Pollock approach.

8 – I just love these spin art pictures found at Brassy Apple.

9 – Try painting with a feather – seen at Artsonia.

10 – Don’t forget about good old finger painting – a classic for a reason. Her Cup Overfloweth has the directions for a version with less mess.

You’ll find many more ideas like these at The Crafty Crow, I hope you’ll come by and say hello! If you have a project that you would like to submit then send it my way – details are in the right column on The Crafty Crow.

You can view more ‘The Crafty Crow presents’ posts on KidStyleFile here.

Today’s post written by Cassi from The Crafty Crow

Hello everyone!

This week I have gathered together some fun and simple projects that will ease you into the festive season. I’ve also included a link to a list of advent calendar tutorials that you can start on now to have ready by December 1st.

Have fun!

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1 – Advent calendars get more and more popular every year and making your own can be as simple or as complicated as you’re comfortable with. Here is a list of advent calendar tutorials that includes something for everyone. The treats can be little toys from the dollar store, special finds from a nature walk, coupons for an activity like movie night or game night, and chocolate or sweets – whatever suits your own family’s traditions.

2 – This adorable little egg diorama ornament found at Nini Makes will need some adult supervision for its fragility but the pom pom snowman is easy for kids to do and you’ll end up with a wonderful keepsake ornament.

3 – Do you love little paper villages as much as I do? I made a list of printable house templates that are available free online; all you have to do is print them out, decorate, fold and glue!

4 – These cardboard wreaths shared by Cozy Homemaking are a fun group project perfect for a preschool holiday party.

5 – Start digging through your recycling bin for colorful cardboard! Heather Bailey shows you how to make these whimsical holiday poppets.

6 – Mom In Madison shares these sweet tea lite holders that everyone will enjoy making

7 – Orange pomanders are a classic holiday activity – get the details to make your own at That Artist Woman.

You’ll find many more ideas like these at The Crafty Crow, I hope you’ll come by and say hello! If you have a project that you would like to submit then send it my way – details are in the right column on The Crafty Crow.

You can view more ‘The Crafty Crow presents’ posts on KidStyleFile here.