Everyday Materials

Jellybean Matzo House

Thumbnail image for Jellybean Matzo House

 This article was first shared in April 2011. We had more than our fair share of Easter sweets this weekend, but I had a plan all along to purge our house of all that extra sugar by “gluing” it to some sort of base, like a paper plate, and calling it art. As I talked [...]

Read the full article →

DIY Paper Pyramid Lanterns

Thumbnail image for DIY Paper Pyramid Lanterns

I have such a heavy heart today, friends, because we lost one of the good ones in this world. My dear friend, Steve, who happens to be one of the funniest, wisest, and most generous people I know lost his long battle with cancer. I wasn’t planning to post anything today, but the glow of [...]

Read the full article →

A Scientific Experiment with Celery and Food Coloring

Thumbnail image for A Scientific Experiment with Celery and Food Coloring

The following post is from the archives. It originally appeared in April, 2011.   While I’m an art educator by trade, having small people pulling at my pants has turned me into a mini-alchemist who’s suddenly found herself reading books to her kids about Galileo (The Magic Schoolbus and the Science Fair Expedition) and brewing [...]

Read the full article →

DIY Baby Fabric Bucket Toy

Thumbnail image for DIY Baby Fabric Bucket Toy

The following post is from the archives. It originally appeared in April, 2011. If you’re looking for ways to mix up your baby play time routine, you might enjoy trying this simple activity with materials you may already have in the closet and recycling can. I often wax poetic about my preschooler’s creative pursuits while my little [...]

Read the full article →

Drawing over Old Photographs

Thumbnail image for Drawing over Old Photographs

The following post is from the archives. It originally appeared in August, 2011. Drawing over over old photographs is a fun way to turn old images into new treasures. Not only is the process totally enjoyable, but the product can be turned into postcards that are fun to mail to family and friends. Old photos [...]

Read the full article →

Scanner Art Experiments

Thumbnail image for Scanner Art Experiments

The following post is from the archives. It originally appeared in February, 2011. This low-mess project kept my preschooler busy for a whole morning. Lots of fun for curious kids! Not too long ago we had a big print job in our home, which peaked my daughter’s interest in the printer. The noises, lights, and [...]

Read the full article →

Thrifting for the Garden

Thumbnail image for Thrifting for the Garden

Is it warm in your part of the world? Are your kids spending lots of time outdoors? Summer is here and our garden is getting so much attention. My kids are happy when they’re outside, so I’ve been thinking up ways to turn our outdoor spaces into play pockets and learning laboratories. In addition to [...]

Read the full article →

DIY Water Wall

Thumbnail image for DIY Water Wall

Does it feel like summer in your part of the world? It’s heating up here, and my kids have been enjoying this easy and inexpensive new backyard water feature. All you need is a nearby water source and a wall to attach it to. I’ve been inspired by Let the Children Play once again! Last summer Jenny [...]

Read the full article →

Making Paper with Kids

Thumbnail image for Making Paper with Kids

Have you ever made your own paper?  It requires some patience and preparation, but it’s not tricky and the process is worth exploring with children or anyone who’s curious about how to make paper. After my toddler, Baby Rainbow, created a sensory bin full of paper and water, I saw an opportunity to upcycle that mushy [...]

Read the full article →

← Previous Entries

UA-19454188-1