Photo Keychain Upcycled Craft

I went to Knott's Berry Farm a while back and bought a keychain to accompany the photo that was taken by one of Knotts ever so eager employees.  Several years later...some way, some how, the photo disappeared leaving me with this.

 

 

Instead of throwing it in the trash (because it's not recyclable) I decided to "upcycle" it.  Ah, what to do with an old photo keychain.  The obvious answer is to put another Knott's Berry Farm photo in it.  Nah.  Besides, since this adventure, I've been on several other recent adventures I'd much rather attach a photo of to my car keys than this one.  So, I decided to create a name tag for my preschooler.  You know how every preschooler looses something as soon as they get to school.  Yep, that's the inspiration for this little upcycle.  Better yet, I thought it would be adorably noticeable to attach a name tag to his lunch pail.  When lunch time rolls around, there's going to be no way any of his classmates could mistake my sons lunch for theirs.  Muahahahah

 

SUPPLIES

• Old Photo Keychain
• Letter Stickers
• Other Shiny Stickers
• Star Confetti
• Old Greeting Card, white on one side

DIRECTIONS
1. Pop out the clear plastic cover.
2. Cut out a rectangle from the old greeting card to fit the inside of the keychain.
3. Decorate the white side of the old greeting card with your childs name and other shiny stickers. (The shiny is important.)
4. Put the decorated name tag inside of the keychain and place a pile of confetti stars in the middle.
5. Put the clear plastic cover back into the frame and be careful to keep the confetti away from the edges while you're trying to pop it back into place.

Not only did this idea work.  It had an element of awesome to it.  The preschooler "Aden" loved it's shininess, it's personalization and didn't mind it attached to his lunch pail one bit.  As a matter of fact, his classmates adored it.  Not that's something to hoot about!

 

 

Whoot Whoot!

Racing Turkeys Craft Kit by Uppity Owl

"Racing Turkeys"

by

Uppity Owl

 

On your marks, get set GO! What's better than a craft to keep your kids hands busy? How about one that can provide hours of play? These two competitive turkeys are a lot of fun to make as well as race. Now, I know what your thinking. Turkey's don't run let alone race! Well, let me put your mind at ease...feast your eyes on the turkey truth about racing: Turkeys Do  Run And Race!

Don't you feel so much better about making these competitive Racing Turkeys? I knew you would. ;)


TO PLAY RACING TURKEYS
You will need 1 dice and 1 ruler. Roll the dice and that's how many spaces your turkey moves. up the ruler. Whoever reaches 12 inches first wins!

Let's Make These Speedy Gobblers!

RACING TURKEYS

SUPPLIES

• 2 Clothespins
• Assorted colors of Feathers
• 4 Google Eyes
• Brown Construction Paper
• Orange Construction Paper
• Red Piping
• Scissors
• Glue Gun & Sticks
• Paste

DIRECTIONS

1. Cut out the beaks from the orange construction paper. You can make a diamond shape and fold it in half to give it more of a 3D feel, or just a triangle.

2. Glue gun the feathers onto the end of the clothespin you press down on to open.

3. Paste the beaks on top of the side of the clothespin that opens up.

4. Glue gun the google eyes just above the beak.

5. Cut the red piping for the waddle and bend into the shape you'd like. Then use the glue gun to attach to the beak in between the eyes.

6. Cut the body out of the brown construction paper. Round one end and use the scissors to create several cuts into the rounded end. I used the glue gun to glue the body on.

Go Turkeys Go!

Paper Plate Mayflower Craft Kit by Uppity Owl

"Paper Plate Mayflower"

by

Uppity Owl

 

With Thanksgiving right around the corner I'm sure you're already caught up in your planning. Traveling plans, dinner plans, dessert plans (yes, dessert gets it own mention), table setting plans...but, what about plans to keep the kiddos busy?

Here is an adorable craft to do just that. I truly enjoyed creating this easy to do "Paper Plate Mayflower." I wanted to add hearts all over the sails just because it's so cute, but in keeping it as traditional looking as possible, I refrained. This paper plate Mayflower is the perfect activity to do after reading any Thanksgiving story, waiting for dinner, keeping the kids busy while you cook or as a family activity. Enjoy!

Here's how you can make this season appropriate craft: (didn't that sound professional, or something lol)

SUPPLIES

• Scissors
• Glue Gun & Sticks
• Paste
• 2 Popsicle Sticks
• White Paper Plate
• Red Construction Paper
• Black Construction Paper
• White Construction Paper
• Brown Paint
• Brown Marker

NO GLUE GUN: If you want this activity to be completely kid friendly, just use Elmer's glue instead of the glue gun. I would paste the windows on first before the popsicle stick sails. That way, using the Elmers glue will be the last step and your kids can just walk away to play while it dries.

DIRECTIONS

1. Cut paper plate in half and use the brown marker to color boats rim.

2. Paint the rest of the boat with brown paint. Set aside to dry.

3. Cut out the red flats, 3 boat windows and 2 white sails.

4. While the paint is still drying, attach the sails and flats to the popsicle sticks with paste. Be sure to leave enough stick below the flag to attach to the plate.

5. When paint is dry, use glue gun to attach the popsicle sticks to the back of the boat. Leave enough space between them so the sails do not touch each other.

6. Cover the back of the windows with paste completely, then paste them to the boat. Turn the boat over and press the windows firmly.

{I'd love to add your finished "Paper Plate Mayflower" to my blog, just email me your photo with permission.}

Gobble Gobble!

Turkey Puppet by Uppity Owl

"Turkey Puppet"

by Uppity Owl

 

Recently, the 6 year old and I took a day to craft and play. This turkey puppet was the result of my craftiness and my sons was this...

 

He said he wanted to make an owl mask, so this was my quick design to do so. But, I'm sure you can see it looks more like a super hero, and after he decorated his mask...it really looked like a super hero. lol Who cares, we both we're having so much fun!

 

So while my son created his super hero mask, I mean owl mask...I planned what I wanted my puppet turkey to look like. Lucky me though, I did have inspiration. Recently, I was able to craft a turkey costume for my husband. It was a church thing. It was so funny and awesome! It would take another blog post just to talk about the entire night. So, back to the costume...let's just say I had a lot of left over feathers. lol

 

"Gobble Gobble!"

"Waddle Waddle!"

 

 I'm sorry, but my husband is so much fun! Love him! :)

So, now that you know where my inspiration came from, here's how to make your own...

SUPPLIES

• Scissors
• Hot Glue Gun
• Paste
• Brown Paper Lunch Bag
• Black Construction Paper
• White Construction Paper
• Orange Construction Paper
• One Quarter
• One Penny
• Assorted Feathers: I used red, yellow, orange, brown and light brown. (It's what came in the package.) You will need a red feather for the waddle.

DIRECTIONS

• Cut 2" - 3" off of the bottom of the bag.
• Use quarters to trace circles for the eyes.
• Use pennies to trace the black pupils.
• Cut two beaks...one to go under the flap and one to go directly on top of it.
• Paste all of the above onto the bag before adding the feathers.
• Arrange the feathers in the order you'd like them to appear on the bag. Make sure they bend forwards.
• Hot glue the feathers onto the back of the bag.
• Finally, hot glue the red feather waddle onto the beak. If your feather waddle is covering up the entire beak...slightly wet your finger with some water to tame it to the side.

When your children can use their imaginations and lose themselves in make believe play, you know you've created something right!

Gobble Gobble!

My Super Cute Upcycled Nemo Suitcase!

I'm guilty of frequenting thrift shops...often. I love them. I'm pretty sure my enjoyment of them is rubbing off on my 5 year old. Our last trip to a local thrift shop found my little guy playing for at least an hour with old toys while I thumbed through old books. There's something about old things that find my fancy. I don't like old things in my home though. I recently told my husband I didn't understand people who decorated their home with antiques. Simply stating that if my house was decorated with nothing except antiques, it would be so ugly. (Of course, my decorating skills would have nothing to do with the final outcome being repulsive. :) But, that doesn't mean I don't enjoy visiting antique stores. The nostalgia, the trip back in time, realizing each piece was at one point in time owned by someone who found it's beauty worthy of their home...is something I do love.

 

Recently, I found some old suitcases at a thrift shop that needed some TLC! Well, to be honest, there was a ton of them, but, there is only 1 me. So, I bought 2 hoping to upcycle them into something fabulous! The black one has a square shape, with the cloth/leather file folder inside.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Baby Gobble Gobble Thanksgiving Craft

While my life is currently reflecting changes in tradition, I find that there will always be one tradition that never changes. Crafting. It's more than just paper and glue, more than glitter and yarn...its memories. I've had the privilege of having a very creative and crafty mother who gave us the love of creation. For as long as I can remember, we've always crafted and for as long as I can remember, she always created. At this moment, I'm recalling a crafting room...so many supplies to preoccupy the mind and feed creative intentions. I will forever be thankful for my mother loving us enough to create with us while encouraging our imaginations.


BABY GOBBLE GOBBLE

 

SUPPLIES

*White Paper Plate

*Brown Construction Paper

*Orange Construction Paper

*Red Construction Paper

*2 Large Google Eyes

*Tissue Paper Squares: red, blue, green, yellow

*Paste

*Scissors

Hint: I like to buy my tissue paper at the dollar store and cut them up myself...cheap!

 

DIRECTION

A. Cut paper plate in half.

B. Cut out body, beak, feet and waddle.

C. Assemble the body, bead, google eyes, feet and waddle where you'd like them to go, then paste them together.

D. Paste the tissue on the inner part of the body first, then paste the tissue on the outer rim to look like a flared tail.

E. Paste the assembled head to the body.

 

Send me a photo of your finished craft and I'll add it to my post.

 

Enjoy!

Corn Wreath Thanksgiving Craft

It's that time of year, the weather is starting to chill and I'm once again reminded of why I savor the summer so much. Don't get me wrong, the winter is beautiful and the snow is to melt for...but, I love the sunshine and warm weather so dearly! Although, on the plus side, I've been able to drink some of my favorite pours as the season chill sets in. Coffee with a hint of hazel nut, hot tea...I almost had a hot chocolate tonight. Instead, I opted for a hot orange black tea, slightly sweetened. :)

If you find yourself inside avoiding the winter chills, and your little ones are bored, what could be better than crafting together? This fun and easy "Corn "Wreath" is so fun and would look great on your front door.

CORN WREATH

SUPPLIES
*Scissors
*Paper Plate
*Green Construction Paper
*White Construction Paper
*Yellow Tissue Paper

DIRECTIONS
A. Cut the middle out of your white paper plate. You should have a ring when finished.
B. Cut out the corn cobbs, then the corn husks.
C. Paste the yellow tissue onto the white corn cobbs.
D. Paste the green corn husks on the yellow tissued corn cobbs.
E. Before you add the finished corn to the ring, arrange them to get an idea of where they are going to go.
F. Add plenty of paste to the rim of the white ring.
G. Add the finished corn to the ring quickly, if you need to reposition, the paste will still be wet enough to just remove it from the ring. Don't press the corn down firmly until all of the corn has been placed exactly where you want it.

Hint: I use the middle ring/hole as a guide for placing my corn around the rim evenly.

Send me a photo of your finished craft and I'll add it to this post.

Enjoy!

Christmas Penguin Holiday Craft

I promise after this post I'll post some adorable Thanksgiving crafts. I just couldn't wait to get this guy (and Rudolph Leaps) onto the blog. This Christmas Penguin is so easy to make. With some scissors, construction paper, paste and some google eyes...he'll come to life in no time! 

Here's to getting the holidays crafted off right!

CHRISTMAS PENGUIN

DIY

Supplies
*Scissors
*Paste
*Black Construction Paper
*White Construction Paper
*Red Construction Paper
*Orange Construction Paper
*Google Eyes

Directions
A. Cut out all body parts
B. Assemble before pasting together
C. Paste the hat together first. Then paste the inner white body onto the black outer body, add the feet and arms, then the scarf. Be sure to cut the ends of the scarf to make it look more fringed. Lastly, add the hat to his head.

Don't forget to send me your creation...I'll add it to the end of this post with your permission.

Enjoy!

Rudolph Leaps Craft

I'm already planning fun crafts for the holidays. Speaking of holidays, I don't know if you've noticed but, they're officially here. It hardly seems fair. We dread the holidays coming (I secretly await them all year long!) and when they arrive we want them to last longer. (Christmas all year long, right!?) Then we're interrupted with an abrupt halt because the new year has arrived. (Back to work folks.) I guess what I'm really saying is, I already feel like I don't have enough time to add all the adorable crafts I'd like to! Oh well, at least we're starting off with an irresistible Rudolph Leaps craft that you're students will absolutely love you for! Just leave the kuddos and compliments below. ;)

RUDOLPH LEAPS

SUPPLIES
*Scissors
*Brown Watercolor Paint
*Paint Brush
*Jar of Warm Water (I always use warm/hot water)
*Google Eyes
*Black Construction Paper
*Brown Construction Paper
*Red Construction Paper
*Paste
*1 White Paper Plate

DIRECTIONS
1. Cut 1 white paper plate in half. Take one of the halves and cut the head out. It's about 1/3 of the half.
2. Paint the body and head.
3. While paint is drying, fold 1 sheet of black construction paper in half and then, trace your little one's hand on it. Cut it out. You can trace both hands onto one sheet and cut them out separately as well.
4. Cut out the tail and 4 legs from your brown construction sheet.
5. Cut out the nose from the red construction sheet...start off large then work your way down in size. Better to start too big than too small.
6. Cut the hooves out of the left over black construction paper.
7. Assemble your master piece, including the eyes, as you'd like to paste it together.
8. Paste accordingly. I pasted together the head first, then the legs and then added them to the body.

I'd love to see the results, with you're permission, I'll add your photos below.

Happy Holidays!

Geronimo Stilton, The Kingdom of Fantasy Book Review

Title: The Kingdom of Fantasy
Author: Geronimo Stilton
Publisher: Scholastic
Recommended Age: 5+

Captured

     I'm always looking for books that will spark a passion for reading in my 6 year old. Recently, I visited the local bookstore and searched (and searched) for such a book. What I eventually settled on was a book that wasn't like the others. While my 6 year old still loves picture books, his reading skills have excelled and I wanted to get him a book that would serve as a bridge between picture books and chapter books. I believe the Geronimo series serves this purpose perfectly. Therefore, I was captured at the tune of $14.99 for a fantasy colored hardback. While my son is an excellent reader for his age, he still uses the pictures to derive meaning and understanding. Sometimes, he uses the pictures to help him figure out words as well. Pictures also give him a chance to stop, ponder, wonder and imagine.

Synopsis

     Geronimo Stilton is not only the author of The Kingdom of Fantasy, he's the main character. Geronimo is a mouse who runs a newspaper company, The Rodent's Gazzette. One day he discovers a golden staircase and the rest is history.

Review
     The book starts off fast paced. I don't recommend you drink anything caffeinated when reading less your wheels might spin off their axis. From beginning to end, this book is an adventurous ride. Always moving, quick page turns, colorful pictures, silliness and more. The chapters, I should say "chapters," in this book are short. The feeling of short chapters gives a sense of accomplishment as well as makes you feel like your moving along at a fast reading pace. If you're looking for a book that will hold your budding readers interest (with some re-reads just because their imagination was sparked) look no further. Not once did my 6 year old son get bummed we were about to read Geronimo Stilton and the Kingdom of Fantasy.
     There were a few things I noticed about this book that were not particularly appealing. The fast pace was a little too fast for me. I felt like I had to read at a high energy pace the whole time. I really didn't have to read fast the whole time. I just felt a strong push to because there were exciting happenings at almost every page turn. The other aspect of the book I didn't like was the repetitiveness of format. When Geronimo visited each kingdom the format was very similar for each one. I figured out early on that when we visited a new kingdom it would be the same for each one with very little variances.  You will visit a lot of different kingdoms. I was also a little disappointed on how the topics jumped with relative short amounts of wording. Some of the writing seems pointless at times. 
     Bottom line...regardless of my few disappointments, this book is worth the investment. I can't wait to purchase the next book in the series to get caught up in a whirlwind of adventure along with my son.

Back Cover
     I, Geronimo Stilton, never expected to find a golden staircase in my attic. But one day I did! At the top of the stairs, there was a door. And beyond the door was a world I never could have imagined - the Kingdom of Fantasy!
     I set off on an incredible adventure to save the Queen of the Fairies. Along the way, I had to face giant scorpions, witches, sea serpents, pixies, and dozens of other fantastical creatures. Holey cheese, what a journey! I couldn't wait to get home so that I could write all about it in this book. It's full of maps, secret codes, riddles, puzzles and other amazing discoveries that I made along the way.


Purchase
Amazon | Barnes & Nobles | Apple

Connect
Geronimo's author page on: Amazon.
Website
Scholastic