tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20563093394306459342024-03-12T17:34:12.586-07:00Green Owl ArtGreen Owl Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17360516981624054971noreply@blogger.comBlogger317125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2056309339430645934.post-3858758141926052252015-07-01T06:00:00.000-07:002015-07-01T06:00:04.926-07:00Firework Crafts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This is it, my last 4th of July post for the year. I didn't realize how much we have done over the course of a couple weeks. The anticipation was just too exciting, I guess. These last two firework crafts are simple and great crafts to do tomorrow afternoon while waiting for all the festivities to begin.<br />
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This <a href="http://www.kiwicrate.com/projects/Fireworks-Drawing/2312"><span style="color: blue;"><i><b>Firework Drawing</b></i></span></a> was done using oil pastels on black paper and then going over them with glitter glue. If you don't have oil pastels, chalk will work well, too. They both give that great "pop" effect on the black paper.<br />
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We started our <a href="http://www.kiwicrate.com/projects/Popsicle-Stick-Fireworks/2313"><span style="color: blue;"><i><b>Popsicle Stick Fireworks</b></i></span></a> by gluing four sticks together to create a star look. Tacky glue works best for this. We added ribbon strands to the back using the same glue.<br />
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Next, just decorate. We used dot painters, but just about anything from paint to glitter will get the job done.<br />
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Now, I must sign off for a bit. We have dear friends arriving in just about an hour. Wine is chilling, grill is ready and the kids are soaking each other with water balloons as I type.<br />
From our creative space to yours--I wish you a beautiful day.Green Owl Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17360516981624054971noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2056309339430645934.post-17973959776166391202015-06-30T15:43:00.000-07:002015-06-30T15:43:00.154-07:004th of July Party Ideas for Kids<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Here are a few fun details to add to the party this year and make July 4th extra special for the little ones. This is a super easy way to make a cool and festive party cup without using disposable cups. <br />
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Grayson helped me decorate some small mason jars with red, white and blue felt star stickers. <br />
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We added a fun paper straw and some strawberry lemonade and he was as happy as could be! <br />
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No one wants to be baking in July! For an easy special treat we cut stars out of an ice cream sandwich using a very small cookie cutter. The kids quickly rolled them in sprinkles and we laid them on wax paper to go back into the freezer. So easy and my kids loved making them (and eating them!!)<br />
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You can easily change these up for any party theme with all sorts of shapes and colored sprinkles. <br />
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These disposable tins are great for crayon making. Add your old broken crayons and pop into the oven for a few minutes (300 degrees.) Once melted just pour right into a candy mold. We used stars for this 4th of July.<br />
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Pop into the freezer for about 10 minutes and your crayons fall right out of the molds. If you would rather more prominent colors--melt each color in separate tins.<br />
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These would be fun to have at the kids table and also has a cool party favor.<br />
I shared these ideas and many more over at <a href="http://www.kiwicrate.com/lists/4th-of-july-crafts-for-kids/74"><span style="color: red;"><u><i><b>Kiwi Crate</b></i></u></span></a>. Head there to check out more.<br />
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Happy 4th of July! Make wonderful memories, eat great food, laugh, love and be safe!!!Green Owl Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17360516981624054971noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2056309339430645934.post-52528551101520925362015-06-30T09:00:00.000-07:002015-06-30T09:00:04.386-07:00Red, White and Blue Tie-Dye for The 4th of July<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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That's my cutie patootie nephew above, eating ice cream in his red, white and blue tie-dye. Is that photo just screaming the 4th of July or what?! Yes, tie<u><i><b>-</b></i></u>dye is a necessity for the 4th and really easy to do!<br />
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You need a t-shirt, (did I just state the obvious? Sorry!) plastic gloves, rubber bands, plastic bag and red and blue dye. If your dye does not come with those great squirt bottles then you will need those, too. <br />
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With a damp t-shirt you will pull up from the center and start to twist. This is for traditional style tie-dye. You can also just twist in random spots to create small star-bursts all over the shirt.<br />
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Start to rubber band the shirt as you go.The more bands the more design you get. I usually use about 8-10 per shirt.<br />
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OK, this is a must do outside part of the project. Once your shirts are all twisted and secured with rubber bands you can start dyeing. Squirt the dye right onto the shirt using enough to saturate the shirt. Try to keep the colors separate. They will blend quite a bit if they touch too much. Once they are covered well with dye place the shirt into a plastic bag over night. The next day cut the bands off and wash (alone) in the washing machine.<br />
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And now you got yourself some pretty cute 4th of July gear! For more details I shared this tutorial over at <a href="http://www.kiwicrate.com/projects/Red-White-and-Blue-Tie-Dye-T-shirt/2315"><span style="color: blue;"><u><i><b>Kiwi Crate</b></i></u></span></a>.<br />
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<b>Happy 4th!!!</b></div>
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<b>With Love,</b></div>
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<b>Em, Gracie, Neh-Neh and Jewels</b></div>
Green Owl Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17360516981624054971noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2056309339430645934.post-29922613511384072442015-03-28T13:35:00.000-07:002015-03-28T13:35:00.402-07:00Easter Bonnet<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Sometimes you may notice in photos of Emma, large flashy rings, several strings of beads around her neck, sticker "earrings" on her ears and clothes that only a five-year old with an early opinion for fashion would choose. Yes, she already has an eye for the runway. Often, we are told "you are going to be in trouble in a few years!" But, I love her creative eye and her love for style already at five years old. I'm sorry, I just find it adorable! I'll get back to you in ten years!<br />
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On to our sweet Easter bonnet (styled by Emma.) Can you believe this hat started as a paper bag? Yep, we just rolled it down until we had a hat. This technique could work for so many different hats. I think I may make Grayson a pirate hat soon. He would love that. Yes, while Emma loves fashion, Grayson is more of a pirate loving kid and yes I am embracing that one too and hoping that in ten years there is no need for further addressing of the issue. Hehe...imagine that! <br />
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With some paint our paper bag started to turn into a hat. Emma mixed a few colors to get this perfect shade of lavender. Pretty, right?<br />
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A few details and some hot glue and we were set. I am working with Emma on learning to use the hot glue gun. This makes her smile from ear to ear. Any kind of grown-up step and she is in absolute heaven.<br />
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There you have it! Our homemade Easter Bonnet. For more details on this project check out my full tutorial on <span style="color: purple;"><i><b><a href="http://www.kiwicrate.com/projects/Spring-Bonnet/2069">Kiwi Crate</a></b></i></span>!Green Owl Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17360516981624054971noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2056309339430645934.post-63196616025590357302015-03-18T08:03:00.000-07:002015-03-18T08:03:00.587-07:00Pet Frog<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Since the weather has warmed up here we have been hearing a chorus of frog friends singing melodies each evening to us. It sounds as if there are a thousand frogs outside our home, but have still yet to see one frog. We decided to make our own! <br />
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My favorite crafts require a little nature walk. We took a nice long walk and collected things that the kids thought would make good frog building materials. Rocks and leaves seemed to be the best nature goods among the two!<br />
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With a little glue, googly eyes and felt feet our rock became a new pet for the kids to play with. <br />
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This guy got well taken care of since everything in our house gets a name, a bed and of course some frog food. Although, Emma made this one a vegetarian since she was not willing to collect bugs for her new pet.<br />
My full pet frog tutorial is over on <i><b><a href="http://www.kiwicrate.com/projects/Frog-Rock/876">Kiwi Crate</a></b></i>. Green Owl Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17360516981624054971noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2056309339430645934.post-50404599225733384662015-03-17T08:30:00.001-07:002015-03-17T08:23:58.118-07:00Treasure Hunt For St. Patrick's Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My fellow crafty and very good friend, Gwen, sent us golden nuggets at Christmas time. They were filled with sweet treats and little treasures for the kids. When these arrived in the mail I hid them in the yard and Emma and Grayson went on a golden nugget hunt. They thought this was wonderful and so did I!<br />
These adorable little gems have been on my list of art to-dos for months now and I knew I would find the perfect reason to make them. I think a golden nugget hunt is the perfect activity for some St. Patrick's day fun.<br />
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<b>materials needed:</b><br />
walnut shells (remember to try and keep the shells in tact when cracking)<br />
gold paint<br />
hot glue gun<br />
tiny treasures and sweets <br />
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Once you have shelled all your walnuts, lay the shells out on some newspaper and paint them gold. Let dry completely before filling with your goodies. The kids helped me paint these gold, but I had them get into some clay while I filled them. I used some teeny tiny figurines, charms, coins and of course some sweet treats. For the unwrapped edibles be sure to wrap them in a little piece of tissue or wax paper before placing in the shell. <br />
Now to close the shell add a few drops of hot glue on the edge of the shell and close. This will be just enough glue to keep it closed, but also to allow those little fingers to easily pry the shell apart and giggle with excitement as they find their little treasure. <br />
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Thank you Gwen, for this great idea and even more so for your great friendship!Green Owl Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17360516981624054971noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2056309339430645934.post-12574214930563554762015-03-17T08:30:00.000-07:002015-03-17T08:30:01.346-07:00St Patrick's Day Painting Fun<br />
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Remember that paper roll heart stamp I shared for Valentine's Day? Well, stamp it three times to make a simple little shamrock and a wine cork makes a great stamping tool too! Yes, you must sacrifice and finish that bottle on wine for the sake of your children's St. Patrick's day art fun. Someone has to do it, right? <br />
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And lastly, Grayson and my sweetie nephew Nicholas enjoyed stamping with some shamrock cookie cutters. I put an assortment out the next day and Emma made a entire cookie cutter scape. She had fun filling the images in after with markers. This is an easy set-up activity, great for lazy weekend mornings. I have shared this over at <span style="color: #38761d;"><i><b><a href="http://www.kiwicrate.com/projects/Shamrock-Cookie-Cutter-Stamp/1829">Kiwi Crate</a></b></i></span>, join me there.<br />
Can you believe just four more days until we are mid March! This year is flying by. <br />
Happy St Patrick's Day!Green Owl Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17360516981624054971noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2056309339430645934.post-6843082928144297802015-02-13T06:45:00.000-08:002015-02-13T06:45:00.361-08:00Kool-Aid Paint<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My kids think kool-aid is an art supply and that is all. I think it's pretty fantastic, but I am sure someone will burst my bubble soon and fill them in on the joys of drinking pure sugar, but in the meantime we continue to make kool-aid play dough and kool-aid paint with our very common "art supply."<br />
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This is so easy to set-up. All you need is those little colorful packets and water. I usually use an entire packet to about 1/4 cup of water or so. Warm water helps dissolve the kool-aid a little faster. <br />
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That green one was actually a frosting add-in (yum!)<br />
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Em loves to help make these paints and she loves that her paintings smell so good! When we were using these paints the other day we thought this would make the perfect yummy smelling Valentines for friends. I'm thinking red kool-aid painted hearts on card stock. What do you think? It's almost a treat!<br />
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Happy Valentine crafting!<br />
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I shared this over at <a href="http://www.kiwicrate.com/projects/Kool-Aid-Watercolors/2048">Kiwi Crate</a>. Head over for more Valentine's Day fun!<br />
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<br />Green Owl Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17360516981624054971noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2056309339430645934.post-73690711680628096442015-02-12T07:10:00.000-08:002015-02-12T07:10:00.674-08:00Homemade Valentine's<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We have finished our school Valentine's today! Hooray! I love making homemade Valentine's with the kids. I'm not even sure they know there is anything different, but man I could certainly use a nap now.<br />
Grayson loves to create just as much as Emma and this being his first school year he was very excited to make Valentine's for his adorable little friends. We went with a rock theme since, well, my boy loves rocks. I just love how our rock dino cards came out. For more instructions head over to <a href="http://www.kiwicrate.com/projects/You-Rock-Valentine!/1585">Kiwi Crate</a>.<br />
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I change what is on our art table seasonally. For the past couple weeks I have had a "salad bar" style Valentine making station out for the kids to create with however they wish. These are supplies we always have on hand, but for some reason when I present them in a different way they are so very exciting to Emma. <br />
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She has made some really beautiful Valentine's for family and friends. I usually get at least one a day and I love it! Check out my tutorial over at <span style="color: magenta;"><i><b><a href="http://www.kiwicrate.com/projects/Salad-Bar-Valentine-Station/1766">Kiwi Crate</a></b></i></span> for more tips on making an open Valentine station for your kids. <br />
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I know I shared this one with you all already, but after Emma insisted on adding a beehive we added this sweet addition to her school Valentine's. I just love the beehive, it's like it was meant to be all along. We used card stock, yarn and some cute bee stickers we found in our way too big sticker box!<br />
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And I tell you just how to make those darling bees over at <span style="color: magenta;"><i><b><a href="http://www.kiwicrate.com/projects/Bee-Mine-Honey-Stick-Valentine/477">Kiwi Crate</a></b></i></span>.<br />
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Lastly, finger print heart stamped cards are always a fun one for children to make. I shared this simple and fun Valentine at <span style="color: magenta;"><i><b><a href="http://www.kiwicrate.com/projects/Finger-Print-Heart-Stamp-Cards/1341">Kiwi Crate</a></b></i></span>.<br />
I hope you try and make some homemade cards this year. Happy Valentine's Day!<br />
xo<br />
green owl mama <br />
<br />Green Owl Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17360516981624054971noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2056309339430645934.post-29099097733522614412015-02-10T07:00:00.000-08:002015-02-10T07:00:08.809-08:00Chocolate Playdough for Valentine's Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We make a large batch of chocolate play dough each year around Valentine's Day and I never thought to give the kids some goods to actually make play dough chocolates. Yep, this was Em and G who took control of this fun afternoon. <br />
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With a few different ice cube molds, mini muffin cups and a heart themed tin--these kids had a full chocolate factory going in our house. <br />
If you have not yet made chocolate playdough, check out our super simple recipe here <i><b><a href="http://greenowlart.blogspot.com/2013/01/chocolate-play-dough-foe-valentines-day.html">Chocolate Playdough Recipe.</a></b></i><br />
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They used coffee beans to top their chocolates with, which added to the wonderful smell the playdough already had. This was just what our Monday afternoon called for today. Now, excuse me while I sneak away to enjoy some real chocolate while my kids are sleeping (late night confessions from a mom.)<br />
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<br />Green Owl Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17360516981624054971noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2056309339430645934.post-27185715530426686022015-02-04T20:00:00.000-08:002015-02-04T20:00:04.071-08:00Celery Rose Prints<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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When I was brainstorming for something to use to make prints with for Valentine's Day, celery was an obvious choice. If you do not know yet, (now you do!) celery makes the most beautiful rose prints.<br />
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You just use the bottom part of a celery bunch, the part you would toss into the compost, so no wasted food here. We have always made red roses, but decided to get a little crazy and throw in some purple to the mix on this day. I know, I know....we are a bit of a dare devil type family. Never know what's going to happen in this house (look out, pink snowman coming your way!) Tehe...it's early...I need coffee.<br />
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We paired our prints with oil pastels and they came out so vibrant and
fun. If you have not tried oil pastels with the kids yet, I highly
suggest you give it a go, but of course crayons would work just fine,
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Now that I am looking at these photos I think going over this with watercolors would be fantastic! I wonder what other produce would give you a floral print. I see a spring bouquet print in my future!<br />
<br />Green Owl Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17360516981624054971noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2056309339430645934.post-67317694796548422622015-02-03T08:00:00.000-08:002015-02-03T08:00:10.865-08:00Love Bug Valentine<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hey There, Love Bug! That's what G will be saying come Friday when he hands out these sweet love bugs we made with a healthy apple treat (you're welcome fellow moms in his preschool class who like me, are dreading the sugar crash! Yes, I will take one for the team and be the lame mom handing out apples.)<br />
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This is Em making these cute bugs a year ago because guess how photo taking goes with my active little bundle of joy? Bless his heart, I'm sure he'll grow up to be some sort of professional athlete (says every mom of every active kid.)<br />
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These are pretty self explanatory, that is why I am rambling. This fluffy pipe cleaner one was by far the cutest.<br />
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A couple of eyes (tacky glue is a must!)<br />
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I mean come on, don't you want one?? So darling. For Valentine's day we just twisted the end of the pipe cleaner onto an apple stem and added a tag that said "love bug!"<br />
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Yahooo! Both kids are finished with their Valentine's! <br />
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I love to celebrate different holidays from around the world. It gives me the opportunity to teach the kids about other cultures and to make it exciting and fun for them. With May just a couple of days away we headed to the library for a few books on Cinco De Mayo. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0761385800/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1"><b><i>Marco's Cinco De Mayo</i></b></a> was a great one for G to understand and Em to enjoy as well.<br />
After we talked a bit about the holiday we made a few fun crafts.<br />
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This is a paper bag sombrero. We made it by rolling a grocery paper bag <i>down</i> until it formed a nice hat shape. Next, we used paint and pom-poms to give it the vibrant colorful look of a real sombrero. Check out more details on my <a href="http://greenowlart.blogspot.com/2013/03/easter-bonnet.html"><i>bonnet post</i></a>.<br />
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Em was more into our sombrero drawing art. She sketched a simple sombrero with a black marker and filled it in with oil pastels followed by paint. Once it was dry she added sequins to her creation.<br />
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We cut our colorful hat drawings out and used a glue stick to place them on a black back-drop. <br />
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This is one I would like to do with Em's class and I can not wait to see all of the different colors and patterns the kids come up with. Just lovely.<br />
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Finally, we definitely need a set of maracas for Cinco De Mayo. This is a pretty traditional way to craft maracas in the "art mom blogging world." Just a plastic egg (so happy to reuse those!) filled with rice and placed between two plastic spoons and secured with masking tape. The kids decorated them with permanent markers. <br />
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Happy Cinco De Mayo! Green Owl Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17360516981624054971noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2056309339430645934.post-8110460297329875952014-04-07T20:49:00.001-07:002014-04-08T08:57:19.242-07:00Ribbon Mobile<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bqh0Nf8jdFE/U0NqDKyfSII/AAAAAAAAGYM/MeUmWepNLyE/s1600/mobile-babypeg-shrinks+021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bqh0Nf8jdFE/U0NqDKyfSII/AAAAAAAAGYM/MeUmWepNLyE/s1600/mobile-babypeg-shrinks+021.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
The sun was out today in our rainy city and all we wanted to do was to be outside and make pretty things. We painted shells and made nature puzzles, but what I adore most from our afternoon is this ribbon mobile. So many colors and textures, it is simple, but stunning and I made it with my two favorite people.<br />
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<i><b> Materials:</b></i></div>
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embroidery hoop</div>
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ribbon</div>
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twine</div>
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We collected scraps of ribbon from our ribbon drawer and Em cut different lengths using her trusty safety scissors! The more patterns, colors and different lengths--the better!<br />
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We tied them all around the embroidery hoop and watched it slowly become a magical tree ornament for our yard. <br />
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We used twine to hang our new yard decor right in our backyard. It makes me happy to look out our kitchen window and see our creation.<br />
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I shared this at <a href="http://www.kiwicrate.com/projects/Pretty-Ribbon-Mobile/782">Kiwi Crate</a>. Head there for more fun family crafts.Green Owl Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17360516981624054971noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2056309339430645934.post-5394475558545737432014-03-31T20:52:00.001-07:002014-03-31T20:52:43.055-07:00Georgia O'keefe Inspired Art Lesson<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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With all the beautiful blooming flowers around us I thought it would be the perfect time to teach the kids a little about an artist I just adore, Georgia O'Keeffe, most famous for her beautiful paintings of large and very detailed flowers.<br />
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We picked up a few books from our local library on O'Keeffe. The kids loved flipping through the pages and looking at all of her infamous artwork. Em enjoyed seeing actual p<span style="font-size: small;">hotos</span> of O'Keeffe and hearing all about her life.<br />
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After we browsed the books I talk to Em and G about her painting
style and showed them a few examples. I gave them each a real flower and
a magnifying glass to observe all the details they could find in each
flower. They noticed a lot more then I had expected! <br />
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I gave the kids a black oil pastel to start their drawings. I was sure to point out to them that O'Keeffe's flowers often extended off of her painting and allowed us to use our imaginations to see the rest of the flower.<br />
After they finished their drawings they chose just a couple colors on tempera paint to complete their flower. I encouraged them to paint the background as well as the flower.<br />
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Em and G both enjoyed this so much. They were very intrigued and excited to learn about the artist and I just love that. I see an artist series in our future.<br />
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A few books we enjoyed during this lesson:<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/My-Name-Is-Georgia-Portrait/dp/015204597X/ref=sr_1_22?ie=UTF8&qid=1396324030&sr=8-22&keywords=georgia+okeeffe+books"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="a-size-large" id="productTitle">My Name Is Georgia: A Portrait by Jeanette Winter</span></span></i></span></a></h1>
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<i><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Through-Georgias-Rachel-Victoria-Rodriguez/dp/0805077405/ref=sr_1_71?ie=UTF8&qid=1396323903&sr=8-71&keywords=georgia+okeeffe+books">Through Georgia's Eyes: by Rachel Victoria Rodriguez</a></span></b></span></i></h1>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Wideness-Wonder-Life-Georgia-OKeeffe/dp/0811869830/ref=sr_1_83?ie=UTF8&qid=1396324097&sr=8-83&keywords=georgia+okeeffe+books"><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="a-size-large" id="productTitle">Wideness and Wonder: The Life and Art of Georgia O'Keeffe</span></span></span></i></a></h1>
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<i><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></b></span></i></h1>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="a-size-large" id="productTitle"> </span></span></i></span></h1>
Green Owl Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17360516981624054971noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2056309339430645934.post-27761413423108885842014-03-19T20:55:00.001-07:002014-03-19T20:55:59.415-07:00Butterfly Print<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hello Friends! It has been awhile, I know. I am sorry I have not been very inspiring these days. I have a full plate at the moment, but I hope you follow my FB page, as I try to post inspiration from others there whenever I can.<br />
I had a few moments tonight and wanted to share a fun spring craft that I have been doing with the kids for a couple years now. I just love celebrating seasons with my children. Talking about it and opening our eyes to the changes around us really make me appreciate each and every season so much more...especially when you are looking through the eyes of a three-year-old. <br />
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For the our butterfly print all you need is a heavy weight paper, black fabric (puffy) paint and watercolor paints.<br />
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We folded a sheet of paper and opened it up. I helped the kids to draw half of a butterfly using the fabric paint.<br />
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We folded out sheet back up and pressed firmly down to spread the paint to the other side.<br />
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Do I need say more? She was excited by this part. You open up the paper and have a beautiful butterfly. Hard part is to let the paint dry after this step, but it doesn't take too long.<br />
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We used watercolor paints to fill in our butterfly. They came out beautiful and both kids requested to make more. I say that is success!<br />
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Happy spring! I will be back more often come April...promise!<br />
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I shared this over at <a href="http://www.kiwicrate.com/projects/Butterfly-Print/1771">Kiwi Crate</a>. Check it out!Green Owl Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17360516981624054971noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2056309339430645934.post-5043997956475085172014-03-10T17:40:00.001-07:002014-03-11T08:17:31.716-07:00Snail Craft<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Spring is here (yippee!) We are seeing lots of creatures come out to say hello. To celebrate, the kids and I made some adorable snail friends.<br />
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<u><b>Materials</b></u></div>
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found sticks</div>
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air dry clay</div>
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pipe cleaner</div>
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googly eyes</div>
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tacky clue</div>
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paint (optional)</div>
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We used Model Magic clay for this. It comes in some fun colors and is easy for small hands to work with. The kids first rolled their clay into snake forms.<br />
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Next, they rolled them up into a snail shape. At this point you could paint the shell or leave it as is. Using several colors of clay swirled together would be fun, too.<br />
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Small snips of a pipe cleaner worked perfectly for antenna. You may need a couple drops of glue to hold these in place. We also added a googly eyes for a silly snail face.<br />
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Now, for the fun part. By gluing our new little friend onto a stick he became a fun new toy for the kids rather than something that sits on their shelf. They carried him around pretending to have a new pet and he was the start of much needed imaginary play on this wet spring day.<br />
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I shared this and many more spring crafts over on <a href="http://www.kiwicrate.com/projects/Snail-Friend/2011">Kiwi Crate</a>.Green Owl Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17360516981624054971noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2056309339430645934.post-56499537161439412702014-02-26T20:39:00.003-08:002014-02-27T11:28:42.875-08:003-Year-Old Art and My Boy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It has been on my mind to write about the art I do with this adorable little guy. I don't write about it very often because it's usually very rushed and very simple, but then what art with a 3-year-old is not, right?<br />
Recently, we had a little health scare with G. He had some extensive testing done for leg numbness and pain he had been having and in the end (of what seemed to be the longest road of my life) we found out it was all caused from a gluten allergy. Crazy, right? At one point MS and MD were brought up and you can imagine my fear. Who would have guessed that the pb&J that this guy so loved, was the culprit?! Anyway, my reason for telling this is mostly because I think of my blog as a journal for my children to have one day and also because writing about these things helps me so very much, so thank you for listening. <br />
Sometimes, we take for granted simple things in life like kids that can run too fast or scream too loud; boys that like to wrestle and jump all day long and just being able to watch our healthy children grow up. I realized this when I was being referred to a doctor for a muscle biopsy on my three-year-old son to tell me whether or not he would continue to be that kid that always runs too fast and jumps too hard. <br />
Thankfully we were able to fix G's problem with simple diet changes, but some people are not so lucky. So, I try and remember this every time my kids are running circles through my kitchen and racing up the stairs. We are lucky, so very lucky.<br />
OK, OK...onto the art!<br />
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<img alt="Rolling Pin Stamp" class="m-full" src="http://images.kiwicrate.com/live/main/tproject/i3621f1454cac/a7f8a45d5f62.jpg" height="300" width="400" /> </div>
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This is one of his favorites. We add foam stickers to a rolling pin and roll it through paint to make prints. I think he appreciates being able to use the rolling pin! Check out full details at <b><i><a href="http://www.kiwicrate.com/projects/Rolling-Pin-Stamp/787">Kiwi Crate</a></i></b>. </div>
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<img alt="Lego Stamps" class="m-full" src="http://images.kiwicrate.com/live/main/tproject/i4e0928de0755/525e758fd4bd.jpg" height="300" width="400" /> </div>
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Stamping with legos or really anything other than stamps is a favorite for my little guy! He's an inventor and who needs actual stamps anyway, right? <i><b><a href="http://www.kiwicrate.com/projects/Lego-Stamps/774">Lego Stamping</a></b></i></div>
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<img alt="Foam Sheet Bath Art" class="m-full" src="http://images.kiwicrate.com/live/main/tproject/ie07413354875/cf0bd0435a35.jpg" height="300" width="400" /> </div>
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Yep, those are just foam sheets cut up into shapes and thrown into the bath. Success! He loves it. <i><b><a href="http://www.kiwicrate.com/projects/Foam-Sheet-Bath-Art/778">Foam Sheet Bath Art</a></b></i></div>
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<img alt="Milk Carton Animals" class="m-full" src="http://images.kiwicrate.com/live/main/tproject/i2387337ba1e0/4a25188d444e.jpg?1393475136586" height="300" width="400" /> </div>
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Anything that you can turn into an animal wins for this boy! This milk carton turned pig has been a highlight in his life (seriously!) <a href="http://www.kiwicrate.com/projects/Milk-Carton-Animals/1005"><i><b>Milk Carton Animals</b></i></a></div>
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<img alt="Color Match Caterpillar" class="m-full" src="http://images.kiwicrate.com/live/main/tproject/i03e0704b5690/7591e4f42144.jpg?1393475250817" height="300" width="400" /> </div>
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This is a fun matching game that is simple to put together and loads of fun for the little ones to play. <i><b><a href="http://www.kiwicrate.com/projects/Color-Match-Caterpillar/1019">Color Match Caterpillar </a></b></i></div>
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<img alt="Spaghetti Fun" class="m-full" src="http://images.kiwicrate.com/live/main/tproject/i8ce6790cc6a9/4663b9be9073.jpg?1393475419950" height="300" width="400" /> </div>
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Lastly, he may not be able to eat it, but he sure can play with it! G is big on sensory fun and it is probably the activity that keeps him busy the longest. <a href="http://www.kiwicrate.com/projects/Spaghetti-Fun/1142"><i><b>Colored Spaghetti Fun</b></i> </a></div>
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These are some of the things G and I love to do while hanging out and creating some art. He is a busy busy boy and I wouldn't have it any other way because when you are faced with that changing you realize how lucky you are. </div>
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<i>My Sweet G, </i></div>
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<i>I love you more than you could ever imagine.</i></div>
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<i>xoxo</i></div>
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Green Owl Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17360516981624054971noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2056309339430645934.post-37498840147753021292014-02-24T13:19:00.001-08:002014-02-24T13:19:20.470-08:00Clay Reminder Bracelets<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Last year when my sweet and very shy Em started kindergarten, I was so nervous. Would she make friends? Would she join groups? Would she speak up? Little did I know that mid-year I would be talking to my shy little one about being too chatty when it was not time for talking.<br />
OK, so I must be honest, being the parent of a very shy child- when I heard of this issue she was having my heart smiled a bit (my apologies for that confession to our absolutely amazing and favorite kinder teacher!) It's just that I worried and worried and worried and ended up having a chatty girl who needed to learn to hush at times. Who would've thought?? Although, all that means to a mother is something new to worry about, right?<br />
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I talked with Emma about this problem and it was indeed true. We continued to talk about why some times it was best to be listening and others times were for talking (and giggling, which is what she does best!) While we talked about this little problem she was having we also worked on making some clay bracelets together. These would be something she could wear at school to be a little reminder of when was the right time to talk.<br />
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We used Sculpey and Fimo oven bake clays. They are pretty tough at first and require some strong kneading to get them more pliable.<br />
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Once they were easy to work with we rolled long snake shapes using several colors. With a plastic bracelet as our size guide we connected the two ends and laid each on a parchment lined baking sheet.<br />
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Into the oven heated at 275 degrees they went for about 15 minutes (until firm and holding shape.)<br />
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I painted lips on one to be the special reminder bracelet.<br />
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I'm not sure if this bracelet worked well or not, but what it did do is make our conversation about the problem a little more interesting to her and by turning this into an activity it made a lasting impression. She still remembers that talk.Green Owl Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17360516981624054971noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2056309339430645934.post-66199846254449779072014-02-18T18:55:00.000-08:002014-02-18T18:55:19.124-08:00Collage Art with Kids<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My favorite art to create myself is definitely mixed media collage art. I love using all the different mediums together to make one unique piece of work. I love the way the colors and textures blend together and I especially love how very forgiving collage art can be.<br />
Emma has been enjoying this way of creating more and more lately. I thought it would be a fun one to bring into her class, but with limited time I had to come up with a way to simplify this process.<br />
By creating one drawing four times I was able to draw out each step we
took to make this cute hippo. I think this will be a great visual for
the kids to see and understand how he was created. <br />
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<i><b>Materials:</b></i></div>
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<i><b>watercolor paper (4 sheets)</b></i></div>
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<i><b>graphite or other drawing pencil</b></i></div>
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<i><b>watercolor paints</b></i></div>
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<i><b>assortment of decorated paper</b></i></div>
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<i><b>mod podge</b></i></div>
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<i><b>colored pencils</b></i></div>
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<i><b>acrylic paints</b></i></div>
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<i><b>paint brush</b></i></div>
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1. First draw out a simple drawing on the first sheet of paper. Then, do it three more times. Choose something simple and easy to look at. Set one aside as is.</div>
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2. On the second drawing you will take it one step further and paint with watercolors. Set this aside.<br />
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3. On the third sheet you will complete both step one and two and also add scraps of pretty paper with the mod podge. Use the pencil to outline major lines of your drawing that have faded away with the paint. <br />
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4. On the last sheet you will do all three steps that we have already done along with adding some more fine details with arcylic paints and colored pencils.<br />
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Here are all four drawings together. I think this is such a great way to teach collage art in a short period of time and with a large group of kids. It shows them exactly how the art is changed with each medium being added. Once they have an understanding of the process the possibilities are endless. You can start using random items like foil, paper punches, tissue...ect. It is a fun way for children to explore and create without the pressure of creating something that fits into specific guidelines.<br />
<br />Green Owl Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17360516981624054971noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2056309339430645934.post-87929645441580505022014-02-09T06:07:00.000-08:002014-02-09T06:11:54.208-08:00Kindness Banner<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Today is the first day of Random Acts of Kindness Week. Although, I don't believe that one week to point out kindness to my children is enough, I do believe that it is a great reminder and a fun way to spend extra attention talking about ways to be kind and how kindness acts really do spread. (as do not so kind acts.) <br />
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To celebrate with Em's class we will make a kindness banner and kind cards. The last time we made a banner like this we called it a "wish banner" and drew and painted wishes we had. The kids and I were learning about prayer flags and this was a great activity to go along.<br />
I thought this would be a great way to also celebrate Random Acts of Kindness Week. I will have the kids draw pictures and write words that they feel will inspire and spread kindness.<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Materials:</b></span></i></div>
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<i>pillowcase (each one makes 8 flags)</i></div>
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<i>scissors</i></div>
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<i>hot glue</i></div>
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<i>twine</i></div>
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<i>permanent markers</i></div>
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<i>watercolor paints</i></div>
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To start this project I first put the banner together. I didn't plan on having them use the hot glue and I thought it would be nice for them to have the finished banner ready to hang after they were done with their artwork. I cut our pillowcase into 8 rectangle flags. You want to leave the top seems on the flag, but break the two that will have a side seam from the bottom of the pillowcase.<br />
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Next, I opened each flag and laid a long piece of twine across them all. Once I had my flags spaced just right I used hot glue to attach the twine to each one and closed the flags.<br />
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Be sure sure to close the flag while the glue is still hot. Press firmly to seal.<br />
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Once our banner was all put together we used permanent markers to add drawings and words.<br />
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Watercolors right on top of the drawings created a really beautiful effect.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cXegtQCzg-E/UvbG90s6bhI/AAAAAAAAGP8/KObacibLyvk/s1600/39.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cXegtQCzg-E/UvbG90s6bhI/AAAAAAAAGP8/KObacibLyvk/s1600/39.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
Isn't that beautiful!? I think this will be a great start to Random Acts of Kindness Week and a great opportunity to talk about what this week means. I found some more great ideas for this week over on <a href="http://www.randomactsofkindness.org/rak-week"><i><b>Rak Week</b></i></a>. Be sure to check it out.<br />
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<b><i>Here some kindness ideas my children came up with:</i></b><br />
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1. Bring hot cocoa to the neighbors playing in the snow.<br />
2. Feed the pond ducks.<br />
3. Bring blankets to the animal shelter.<br />
4. Buy dinner for a homeless person.<br />
5. Bring a treat to their teachers.<br />
6. Make a card for the mailman.<br />
7. Make a new friend at school.<br />
8. Take in the neighbors trash cans.<br />
9. Make soup for our friends who just had a baby.<br />
10. Make a bird feeder for "our" birds.<br />
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I think we are onto a great start!<br />
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I shared this idea over at <a href="http://www.kiwicrate.com/projects/Pillowcase-Wish-Flags/2427">Kiwi Crate</a>. Check out all my full tutorials there.<br />
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<br />Green Owl Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17360516981624054971noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2056309339430645934.post-18278105737168618392014-02-08T06:24:00.000-08:002014-02-08T06:38:43.880-08:00Snow Bake Shop<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IJfJs8ugeXw/UvY5r9su_KI/AAAAAAAAGNc/SBbr-mt-DD4/s1600/snowDay14+00700.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IJfJs8ugeXw/UvY5r9su_KI/AAAAAAAAGNc/SBbr-mt-DD4/s1600/snowDay14+00700.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
Snow day!!!! I always wanted to scream that while running through the house at 5am, but unfortunately my parents raised me in Southern California (the nerve!) and I never did have that opportunity. Lucky for my kids I changed that for them. Yep, moved them to entirely different state just so they could have a snow day. OK, so maybe that is not entirely true, but today on our very first snow day since making our big move, it was all worth it!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-izS3047aExo/UvY5zKaIaJI/AAAAAAAAGNk/QVzWCCipiEk/s1600/snowDay14+010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-izS3047aExo/UvY5zKaIaJI/AAAAAAAAGNk/QVzWCCipiEk/s1600/snowDay14+010.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
So, I had this long list of things that I have always wanted to do with the kids in the snow, but sledding overrides most of my ideas (with good reason) and we only got to our snow bakery during the "down time."<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3GEBbBF9KJg/UvY532nWRaI/AAAAAAAAGNs/HMRkWuP5PAc/s1600/snowDay14+013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3GEBbBF9KJg/UvY532nWRaI/AAAAAAAAGNs/HMRkWuP5PAc/s1600/snowDay14+013.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
I gave the kids liquid watercolors, cookie cutters, scoops, silicone cupcake liners and glitter, of course! I had to remind G that this was not a snow cone, several times. They sure did look tasty enough to eat. That reminds me of another idea I have been wanting to try, snow+honey+lemon= yum!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xAI9Rv09tCM/UvY59TCCteI/AAAAAAAAGN0/vzSQLulcLDM/s1600/snowDay14+014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xAI9Rv09tCM/UvY59TCCteI/AAAAAAAAGN0/vzSQLulcLDM/s1600/snowDay14+014.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
They did this for quite some time before getting back to the snow covered driveway............<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mpXTRwWtqEU/UvY6PmX8-qI/AAAAAAAAGN8/nQqH05IhxFs/s1600/snowDay14+049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mpXTRwWtqEU/UvY6PmX8-qI/AAAAAAAAGN8/nQqH05IhxFs/s1600/snowDay14+049.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
Yahooo........and..........<br />
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Wipe out! Don't worry, our sweet neighbor A was all smiles when he popped his little head up. <br />
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Today I will try frozen bubble blowing, I will, I will, I will. Green Owl Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17360516981624054971noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2056309339430645934.post-82511447871713717212014-01-31T06:34:00.001-08:002014-01-31T06:34:32.435-08:00Mason Jar Terrarium<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pM2FzZVKRKo/Uuuxlw4BTYI/AAAAAAAAGLo/89AoIh6Fo40/s1600/1000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pM2FzZVKRKo/Uuuxlw4BTYI/AAAAAAAAGLo/89AoIh6Fo40/s1600/1000.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
I love anything that gets my children outside and enjoying every bit of
beautiful nature they can soak up. While making terrariums in our yard
we searched for rocks, dug up moss and covered our hands with soil. It
was a wonderful day. In the end, we were able to bring all of that right
into our home to enjoy each day. This is why I love terrarium jars.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WcUGbX1MFDk/UuuvmXNO3-I/AAAAAAAAGKA/UT5IJDP02fQ/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WcUGbX1MFDk/UuuvmXNO3-I/AAAAAAAAGKA/UT5IJDP02fQ/s1600/1.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>Materials:</b></div>
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Mason Jar</div>
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Stones <b></b></div>
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Dried Moss<b></b></div>
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Soil<b></b></div>
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Plants- Moss, Succulents, Step-Ons</div>
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Most of the materials for our jars were found right in the yard. We went
on a little nature walk to start off our adventure and collected rocks
and moss and even scooped some soil from our own garden. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BrBgx0hVZvU/Uuuvpd0lRyI/AAAAAAAAGKo/c_S0AivtGcw/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BrBgx0hVZvU/Uuuvpd0lRyI/AAAAAAAAGKo/c_S0AivtGcw/s1600/3.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
We started by adding a layer of dry moss. You can find dry moss at even craft store or even the dollar stores.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Fi4mOv3bo0Y/Uuuvp7Wd4II/AAAAAAAAGKs/yFsIn8wa96o/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Fi4mOv3bo0Y/Uuuvp7Wd4II/AAAAAAAAGKs/yFsIn8wa96o/s1600/5.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
Next, we added our collected stones. These first two layers help with drainage, since our jars don't have holes at the bottom.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KU5PSeCZcYM/UuuvqnYvw1I/AAAAAAAAGK0/XH-KirNINJQ/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KU5PSeCZcYM/UuuvqnYvw1I/AAAAAAAAGK0/XH-KirNINJQ/s1600/6.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
Adding our soil was the most fun for both my children. Any reason to play with dirt is always exciting!<br />
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Once we had our soil in, it was time to begin placing our live moss and
plants in the jar. This moss came right out of our yard. It is very easy
to dig right up.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ABWAZzn4XWk/UuuvsJvIixI/AAAAAAAAGLI/tn5kb3Use4s/s1600/8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ABWAZzn4XWk/UuuvsJvIixI/AAAAAAAAGLI/tn5kb3Use4s/s1600/8.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
Em decided her terrarium needed a little friend. This sweet little deer figurine was the perfect finishing touch.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gj6DwEL4EQA/UuuvtmMfmeI/AAAAAAAAGLc/2dsUCzfCuhA/s1600/17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gj6DwEL4EQA/UuuvtmMfmeI/AAAAAAAAGLc/2dsUCzfCuhA/s1600/17.jpg" height="282" width="400" /></a></div>
They came out so beautifully! We love how you can see each layer. My
kids love to care for their little gardens with just a spritz of water
every other day. Terrariums make great gifts and are lovely to have
around the house.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OJYDt0Jgb-g/Uuuvnuz993I/AAAAAAAAGKQ/Akm-2GFVzIw/s1600/13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OJYDt0Jgb-g/Uuuvnuz993I/AAAAAAAAGKQ/Akm-2GFVzIw/s1600/13.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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I shared this tutorial and more over at Kiwi Crate.Green Owl Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17360516981624054971noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2056309339430645934.post-23954070833174584442014-01-26T21:03:00.001-08:002014-01-26T21:14:34.970-08:00Connecting with Kids during Busy Times<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TMU7FaUUj0w/UuXcAKRyQjI/AAAAAAAAGJc/CNqWLCshMWw/s1600/_MG_5649-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TMU7FaUUj0w/UuXcAKRyQjI/AAAAAAAAGJc/CNqWLCshMWw/s1600/_MG_5649-Edit.jpg" height="266" width="400" /> </a></div>
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This sounds a little silly, but sometimes I feel so busy with my kids, that I have no time to connect with my kids. I never imagined that to be possible, but sure enough as I am driving two kids to two different schools, planning play dates, doing homework, packing lunches and so much more, all for my kids--sometimes we are so busy we forget to stop and truly connect. </div>
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After feeling like this for a few very busy weeks I decided I needed things in our daily (very busy life) that I could easily do to help feel connected again. I need that and so do my children because although packing lunches and doing homework matters, it's not what is remembered and treasured.</div>
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1. Get silly. I am going to admit something that I would have preferred to be a family secret. I bought my children a whoopee cushion (actually I bought them two, because one was just not enough for this household) and I must say it was the best damn dollar I have ever spent. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-64ksj2diuuM/UuXb4gxfYII/AAAAAAAAGJU/D5kgnNHcAEQ/s1600/bend7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-64ksj2diuuM/UuXb4gxfYII/AAAAAAAAGJU/D5kgnNHcAEQ/s1600/bend7.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a> </div>
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2. Cook together. You have to eat, so why not cook together. Yes, it makes a bigger mess and takes a whole lot longer, but man is it worth it. </div>
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3. After you're done cooking together, have a living room picnic. I tossed this idea out to the kids last week (after a hectic day) and their excitement and enthusiasm just about made me cry! It sure is the little things that make life great.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-80Iv6bjizWo/UuXb3pLsC4I/AAAAAAAAGJM/nOP4xLW20M8/s1600/hide+n+seek+009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-80Iv6bjizWo/UuXb3pLsC4I/AAAAAAAAGJM/nOP4xLW20M8/s1600/hide+n+seek+009.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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4. Play games. We love playing hide and seek and have started playing card games with the kids now that they are getting older. It makes you disconnect from everything else and just be with your family.</div>
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5. Do something side by side. Em and I like to make jewelry together or sketch. We don't work on the same project, but our own and together, side by side. It's just cool. I don't know why.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YGlCefmWKMM/UuXbhitgOzI/AAAAAAAAGI0/j53oTruWqOw/s1600/_MG_5618-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YGlCefmWKMM/UuXbhitgOzI/AAAAAAAAGI0/j53oTruWqOw/s1600/_MG_5618-Edit.jpg" height="266" width="400" /> </a></div>
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6. Look at baby pictures and videos together. This is such a sweet thing to do and my children absolutely love it! Warning: keep tissues nearby (how do they grow up so fast?!) </div>
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7. Volunteer at their school. Em loves when I pop in to have lunch with her at school. Not only is it making her beam, but it's showing her to be involved in her community.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F2ShFew38A4/UuXbXxtpq1I/AAAAAAAAGIk/DvPHVEwmOTU/s1600/_MG_5241-Edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F2ShFew38A4/UuXbXxtpq1I/AAAAAAAAGIk/DvPHVEwmOTU/s1600/_MG_5241-Edit.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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8. Play music. It always changes the mood in a crazy day.</div>
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9. While we're on the topic, dance! Dance your little heart out! They will never forget it.</div>
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10. Name your nights. So you're having tacos tonight..OK whatever, but say you're having tacos on TUESDAY TACO NIGHT! It's like Disney World just moved in.</div>
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11. Clean together. When Em's teacher had the kids "ice skate" to clean the floor I just knew this was something I had to adopt into my household and it has made cleaning our floors fun for all!</div>
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12. Hug more.</div>
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13. Say "I love you" more.</div>
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14. Cuddle more.</div>
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15. Read more.</div>
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16. Smile more.</div>
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17. Relax more.</div>
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18. Laugh more.</div>
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19 Talk more.</div>
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20. Enjoy the little things more.</div>
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I'm not an expert, just a mom sharing my thoughts and experience on feeling less connected and changing that with little things that are simple and easy to do. </div>
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Green Owl Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17360516981624054971noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2056309339430645934.post-43161432426437676282014-01-23T06:04:00.000-08:002014-01-23T06:13:58.412-08:00Marble Paintings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2toAc86H7Tk/UuEdmECOOHI/AAAAAAAAGF8/YL64Hhym9Jo/s1600/marble-bell+0310.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2toAc86H7Tk/UuEdmECOOHI/AAAAAAAAGF8/YL64Hhym9Jo/s1600/marble-bell+0310.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
Marble painting is one of our favorite painting techniques, probably because you can make art and get silly all at the same time! Bonus--the paint is all contained in one box!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vWJTs6Vh8ls/UuEdo6Ns2yI/AAAAAAAAGGM/nni_b4JvFlA/s1600/marble-bell+005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vWJTs6Vh8ls/UuEdo6Ns2yI/AAAAAAAAGGM/nni_b4JvFlA/s1600/marble-bell+005.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b> Supplies:</b></div>
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card stock or any heavy paper</div>
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marbles</div>
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paint</div>
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a box (about double the size of your paper</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Huzr8WbFpNw/UuEdpT2Xh1I/AAAAAAAAGGo/ZZAbnJJT8eg/s1600/marble-bell+007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Huzr8WbFpNw/UuEdpT2Xh1I/AAAAAAAAGGo/ZZAbnJJT8eg/s1600/marble-bell+007.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
1. Place your paper in the box (side flaps removed) and add a few drops of paint on the side of the paper.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-azBH27MwNp4/UuEdpObIOZI/AAAAAAAAGGQ/dDBKDETgIuc/s1600/marble-bell+009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-azBH27MwNp4/UuEdpObIOZI/AAAAAAAAGGQ/dDBKDETgIuc/s1600/marble-bell+009.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
2. Drop the marbles into the paint.<br />
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3. Now have the kids roll the marbles back and fourth around the box. This is the silly part that the kids love.<br />
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4. Once the paper looks nice and colorful, remove, let dry and start over!<br />
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These prints come out really fun and the kids love to make them. I was thinking we could just cut hearts out of our art for some really fun Valentines. You could also start with heart cut-outs that you place in the box.<br />
I am going to be doing this at our school craft day this year. I think it will be a hit with several age groups. I was thinking of using newspaper hearts (wouldn't that be pretty cool?!)<br />
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I shared this over at <a href="http://www.kiwicrate.com/projects/Marble-Painting/945"><b>Kiwi Crate</b></a>.Check it out!<br />
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<br />Green Owl Mamahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17360516981624054971noreply@blogger.com0