Invitation to Create: Watercolor Rats

Hi everyone! Just stopping in to share another super easy kids Chinese New Year Art and Craft Activity! Last week we made these adorable Rat Paper Cuttings. Today we're going to celebrate the Lunar New Year with these easy Watercolor rats!

Inviting Kids to Create: Watercolor Rats

Easy Lunar New year Rat Paper Cutting Craft

The rat is 2020's Chinese New Year animal. Today I'm sharing a fun paper cutting craft that celebrates the rat. This project is enough that elementary kids can enjoy the art of paper cutting while also celebrating traditional Chinese culture and the New Year. (I also particularly love today's craft because it's cute AND combines my affinity for making Chinese New Year crafts,  trying out different origami and kirigami crafts, and cutting fun designer snowflakes!)

How to Make A Rat Paper Cutting... with kids!

Super Simple and Cute Jingle Bell Necklace Craft

Today my preschooler came home with this adorable jingle bell necklace and I had to share it here! Isn't this the cutest kids' Christmas craft? He was so proud of his necklace that he gave it to me to wear. :)

Let's make a Jingle Bell Necklace!

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Beaded Pipe Cleaner Snowflakes... with Messages!

Just stopping in to share these super quick beaded pipe cleaner snowflakes that we made with a bunch of kids this past weekend. I know, I know, there are already a ton of posts out there sharing a nearly identical craft... but ours came out so cute, I had to share them! (Besides, who doesn't enjoy looking through a good homemade ornament post?)

How to Make Beaded Pipe Cleaner Snowflakes 

(with messages)

Christmas Pin Prick Angel Art

Christmas is just around the corner and if you're looking for a different and unique Christmas Art and Craft Project to try out with the kids, I highly recommend this Pin Prick Art. It's simple and super engrossing for young artists!

How to Make Pin Prick Art with Kids

Op-Art Christmas Ornaments

Last week we made some Optical Illusion Christmas ornaments for the tree. The results were so groovy that I had to share them here!

Making Op-Art Ornaments with Kids

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Artsy Thanksgiving Banner Craft

Thanksgiving is almost here! Are you looking for an easy, last-minute Thanksgiving Craft that you can do with the kids? I don't know about you, but my life currently feels like it's moving at 100 miles per hour. This year Thanksgiving kind of popped up unexpectantly and I only had time to make this "Thanks" banner with my boys. I love the way this project turned out, so I thought I'd share the process here!

Artsy "Thanks" Banner for Thanksgiving

Our 15 Favorite Graphic Novels!

We love reading graphic novels. My preschooler enjoys looking at the pictures and following the fast-paced story. My 3rd grader really loves the storylines. If you're looking for some great graphic novels to read with the kids, check out our list of...

15 Awesome Graphic Novels!

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Also, all photos were taken from Amazon!

How to Make Rainbow Bread

We've got a thing for rainbow crafts and foods over here... so when we were invited to a sweet friend's rainbow-themed birthday party, the kids and I jumped at the opportunity to bake some rainbow bread!

Let's Bake Rainbow Bread with kids!

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Yarn Pinecone Owl Craft (And 8 Awesome Owl Books!)

Are you fully embracing fall and all types of Fall Crafts? It doesn't get very cold over here in California, but chilly mornings and nights do make it feel more fall-ish. A couple of weeks ago I saw these super cute yarn pinecone owls over on  Squiggle Dot and Squeeze's IG feed and was inspired.

So today I'm sharing our adorable pinecone owls. They're sweet and wooly and the perfect cozy craft for fall!  You also probably have all the materials needed right at home. (And in case you're looking for some fun owl books, I've also included a list of our favorite owl books down below too!)

How to Make Cozy Pinecone Owls with kids

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DIY Clip-In Hair Wraps for Kids

I've been doing a lot of DIY hair wraps. With Halloween coming up, a lot of little girls seem to want their hair wrapped up in Halloween colors. Recently, I've been toying around with the idea of making removable hair wraps. This way, kids could make a whole bunch of clip-in hair wraps and easily swap them out for different holidays or outfits.

Today I'm sharing my solution with you- Tada! These DIY clip-in wraps are simple to make and easy to swap out. Now your kids can change up their wraps whenever they want!

DIY Clip-In Removable Hair Wraps

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Halloween Skull and Ghost Soap Carvings

Looking for a super unique Halloween or Dia de los Muertos craft?  A couple of weeks ago, we tried our hand at designing, carving, and floating Ivory Soap Boats. It was so fun and easy. Ivory soap is the perfect medium for beginning carvers because it is airy and soft. (It's also relatively inexpensive! Bonus!)

Today's sugar skulls and ghosts are a bit more detailed than boats, but the results are so cute. I definitely recommend trying out this soap carving activity with kids of all ages. They are sure to have fun.

How to Carve Skulls and Ghosts from soap!

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How to make necklaces and bracelets with kids

Ever try making jewelry with kids?  We've dabbled a bit, but honestly, I've always been kind of overwhelmed by beading. It's one thing to string on some pony beads, but we've never tried adding on clasps or *gasp* crimping anything. The crafty folks at Dragonfly Designs sent me one of their DIY jewelry making kits to review... and let me tell you, the kids and I HAD A BLAST! (And we finally learned how to make real jewelry!)

How to Make Jewelry with Kids!

Origami Fox Finger Puppets (And 9 Fun Fox books!)

Are foxes the unofficial animals for fall? I'm not sure, but I feel like I see foxes and owls EVERYWHERE. I'm jumping on the trend (late, as usual) with today's fox-themed finger puppets. It's an easy and cute origami project that the kids can play with once they're done crafting. (And keep reading to the end to get a list of our favorite fox-themed books too!)

How to Fold Origami Fox Finger Puppets

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Carving Ivory Soap Boats

Did you know you can carve boats from soap?  

Last week during an impromptu playdate, we tried our hand at carving Ivory Soap Boats. This was such an affordable, easy and fun activity that kept two 3rd graders engaged for about 1/2 an hour!

How to Carve Ivory Soap Boats with Kids

Fall Forest Paper Chains

So... apparently, I have a paper chain obsession. I know, I know. I just posted these sweet Halloween paper chains earlier...but I had to share this adorable bear and fox version too. They're SOOOO cute and such a perfect fall craft to do with the kiddos.

So if you're looking for an adorable and easy fall craft, THIS IS IT.

Let's make some...

Fall Forrest Paper Chains!

Easy Halloween Witch and Pumpkin Paper Chains

It's fall and you know what that means.... copious amounts of adorable Halloween crafts!! Halloween is MY FAVORITE holiday of the year! :) I love the costumes! The candy! The pumpkin carving! The magic! It's THE BEST.

To get fully into the Halloween spirit, I'm starting off with these super cute and easy to make witch and pumpkin paper chains! They're perfect to make at home with the kids, or with a larger group of kids too! Each child can decorate their very own pumpkin and witch to create a lovely paper chain.

Kid-friendly Halloween Paper Chains

Today's craft was inspired by this adorable Halloween paper chain that I saw on Easy Peasy Fun. It had a black cat, monster, and pumpkin all in one paper chain. Super cute and I fell in love. Definitely check Andreja's site out because she has A ZILLION cute + easy crafts for kids!

How to do Easy DIY Hair Wraps with Kids

Looking for a fun way to keep the summer vibes going? Have you ever tried hair wrapping? It's a colorful and temporary way to add some pizazz to your hair. Hair wraps are basically like friendship bracelets... for your hair. The wrapping process is so easy and fun that older kids can even do it too. So grab your stash of embroidery floss and let's DIY some hair wraps! Directions below.

How to do DIY Hair Wraps with kids

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Halloween Changing Paper Cup Faces

It's September! Which means it's time for the start of school, fall crafts... and Halloween crafts! Today's paper cup craft is such a fun one because you can change the faces of a witch, pumpkin, and ghost.... all with the turn of a cup!

(Not-so) Spooky Paper Emotions Cups

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10 Easy Chapter Books about Friendship

Have you ever read the Frog and Toad series?  Our family loves reading about the sweet relationship and adventures shared between those two friends. Inspired by our love for Frog an Toad, I've created this new booklist showcasing other easy reads that also share stories about the silly and sweet relationship between friends. Hopefully, you'll find some new favorite books here as well!

Books for Kids who Love Frog and Toad

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Easy DIY Clay Heart Mobile Craft

I love decorating my house with handmade items. Awhile back both my boys were really, really into Sculpey Clay (aff link).  In case you've never used this type of clay before, it's AMAZING! Once the clay is softened, you can basically manipulate it like playdough and then bake it in the oven to set it.  That's it! Super, super easy.

We've shared a ton of Sculpey Clay crafts on the blog over the years and today's heart mobile is one of my favorites! Kids can easily mix colors up to make cool, marble-like effects and then help out with cutting out hearts and stringing the whole mobile up too!

Let's Make an Easy DIY Clay Heart Mobile

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50+ Super Cute and Easy Origami and Kirigami Projects for Kids

Looking for origami projects that are unique, cute, and easy-to-fold? Or, do you feel the need to grab a pair of scissors and cut some beautiful kirigami designs?  If you're on the hunt for kid-friendly paper folding projects for spring, summer, fall, and winter, then I've got the ultimate post for you. Here's a growing list of over 50 super cute origami and kirigami ideas for kids!

50+ Easy and Kid-Friendly Origami and Kirigami Projects

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DIY Embroidery Floss Bunny Storage Organizers

Do you craft with embroidery floss? Ever wonder how to store all those skeins of thread that you purchase? Don't want to spend money on purchasing bobbins? Well, I've got the perfect recycled craft for you!  We love using embroidery floss for sewing and bracelet making. To keep our thread nice and neat I wrap them around these adorable cardboard bunnies.  They're my cutesy DIY solution to embroidery thread storage!

Super Adorable DIY Bunny Embroidery Floss Organizers

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4 Kits to create your own DIY Summer STEM + Robotics Camp

Love the idea of sending kids to summer STEM and Robotics camps... but not the prices? I get you! We love doing easy science and STEM activities at home. This past summer, we considered sending my eldest to some robotics camps, but then realized that they just weren't in our budget. So, instead, we set up our own STEM and Robotics camps... at home by purchasing a couple of STEM/ Robotics kits and building them together. Here's a quick review of the 4 kits that we tried out!

A Review of 4 STEM and Robotics Kits 

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Balancing + Rocking Origami Tutorial

Did you enjoy playing with those balancing bird toys (aff link) as a kid? Well, if you did, today's origami project will be highly satisfying. We're balancing a piece of paper on our hands... using the power of origami! Fold and then place your creation on your finger. It will balance, rock back and forth, and even turn... without falling!

How to Fold Balancing, Rocking, and Turning Origami!

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Easy Origami Emoji Face Changers

Ever look at an origami project and think... gosh, that's cool but way too difficult to fold? Well, today's origami project bucks that trend. It's unique AND easy to fold.  These origami face changers show emoji faces flipping expressions from fold to fold! (Neat, right?)  The kids are sure to have fun folding, drawing, and changing their faces around!

How to Fold Easy Origami Face Changers

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How To Regrow Lettuce from a Stump

Have you ever tried growing food from scraps? Did you know that you can grow romaine lettuce... from a stump? It's true! I have a black thumb and yet the kids and I were still able to enjoy this super easy science "gardening" activity.

How to Regrow Lettuce from a Stump

Easy DIY Boho Yarn Wall Hangings

Looking for a super easy and fun summer craft for the kids? Today I'm sharing a fabulous yarn craft that's perfect for artsy playdates, ladies craft nights, or family craft time. We're making pretty and simple boho wall hangings on the blog today. All you need is a stick, different color + texture yarns, scissors, and masking tape! So go on a walk with the kids, find some sticks, and let's get crafting!

Pretty DIY Boho Yarn Wall Hangings

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Grow Borax Crystals... on Nature!

Do people still celebrate Christmas in July? We don't, but today's crystal craft adds a bit of a frosty, winter element to our crafts.  (Come to think of it, this would also make a great craft for kids who love Anna, Elsa, or Olaf from the Frozen movie.) We're using Borax to grow crystals on natural items like seed pods, sticks, shells, and leaves. The process is super simple and the results are super sparkly.  You'll only need a couple of items and a bit of patience to do this easy and fun STEM activity.

How to Make Sparkly Cyrstal Leaves, Shells, and Twigs!

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Quick Borax Crystal Pipe Cleaner Sculptures

Ever try your hand at growing crystals... on pipe cleaners? Here's a super easy to grow your own crystals overnight. All you need are Borax, pipe cleaners, and some hot water to create your own sparkly sculptures!

Quick Crystal Sculptures

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How to Make Corn Husk Flowers

A couple of weeks ago I took a fun corn husk flower making class at La Calenda, a cute nearby store that sells beautiful, handmaid items from Mexico. I loved the resulting corn husk flowers so much that I promptly dyed my own at home and held a fun crafternoon with some moms and kiddos. The results from both crafting sessions were so lovely that I'm sharing the how-to's behind making these flowers with you today!

How To Make Corn Husk Flowers

(A Super easy and beautiful craft for kids and adults!)

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Double-Doodle Drawing + The Artful Parent book!

Hi everyone! How is your summer going?  Feel like your days are just go-go-going by? That's how I've been feeling with traveling, weddings, summer camps, swim lessons... etc.  According to my eldest, so far, this summer is "almost as fun as school." (Should I take that as a good thing???) Anyway, amidst all of the hustle and bustle, this lady has been feeling burned out. (And it's only July! Oof.)

Today I just wanted to share this easy art activity that my eldest and I recently did while my youngest "napped." (Notice the quotation marks.  You can probably guess why I put those there...)

It's an activity called Double-Doodle Drawing and it's from the new  The Artful Parent book, written by Jean from The Artful Parent blog.

Double-Doodle Drawing with Kids

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Free Printable Father's Day Gift Certificate Craft

Looking for a different way to celebrate great dads? Trying to find that perfect Father's Day craft?  This is it!  Currently, my boys aren't too keen on crafting... which is why I came up with this super easy, Father's day printable gift certificate!  Simply print the certificate out and have kids fill it in with a cute drawing, reasons why they love dad, AND a special gift/activity that dads can "redeem" later!

Printable Father's Day Gift Certificate

Super cute, right? My youngest absolutely loves Best Buy. 

Puzzle Cards for Father's Day

Looking for a cute card that kids can make dad for Father's Day ?  

Show your super dad just how much you love him with these uber cute "I love you to pieces" cards!  Today I'm over at Red Ted Art sharing how to make these uber cute puzzle cards for Father's Day!

"Thank you for helping me to grow" folding surprise cards

It's the end of the school year and if you're like me, you're scrambling to find cute ways to tell your kids' teachers just how much you appreciated them.  (Any fellow room parents out there?  You know what I'm talking about!)

Well, have you ever tried making your own folding surprise card?  This flower card is one crafty way to thank teachers for helping your kids to grow!

"Thanks for helping me to grow" Folding Surprise Cards

DIY Cute Tiny Felt Succulents

Aren't these tiny felt succulents adorable?  I went to a class a while back learning how to make these.  My sons thought they were so cute and my eldest wanted to make some too.  So today I'm sharing how to make these cute faux felt plants! They're perfect to use for pretend play or as cute decor around the house.

Super Sweet Felt Succulents

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No-Sew Felt Drawstring Pouches

Looking for an easy, summer camp craft?  Or, do you have a child who loves collecting little toys or coins?  Or, are you looking for a sweet way to hold teeth for the Tooth Fairy?   Or, are you looking for a crafty way to teach about math and circles?

Well, today's super easy felt craft is the perfect craft for you.  We're making super easy, no-sew felt drawstring bags!

No-Sew Kid Made Pouches!

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How to Host a Bob Ross Party (With Adults or Kids!)

Looking for a creative and unique art activity to try with kids and adults?  Well, have you ever thought about doing a Bob Ross themed party?  Here's everything you need to know to paint Bob Ross with artists of all ages!  And bonus: expensive, fancy-shmancy materials definitely AREN'T required!

Everything You Need to Know to Throw a Bob Ross Party

(with adults and kids!)

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DIY Cute Clay Succulent Face Pots (A Sweet Mother's Day craft for kids!)

Mother's Day is coming up!  If you're looking for a super cute craft for kids to make for their moms, check out this list of easy Mother's Day Crafts.  Today we're adding to the list with this sweet and easy-to-make DIY succulent face pot!

DIY Cute Succulent Face Pot 

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3D Optical illusion Peeps for Easter

Today I'm sharing a super quick Easter activity that's perfect for kids.  Love Peeps?  Love doodling?  Ever try doodling a 3D optical illusion Peep?

3D Optical Illusion Peeps

Is it just me? Or does this peep look like it's popping out?

Creeper Minecraft Gift Wrapping Idea

Love Minecraft? 

We've attended a couple of Minecraft themed parties in the past year and here's a fun way I've wrapped gifts for kids.

Tada!

DIY Creeper Minecraft Gift Wrapping

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