Kids' Christmas Party - Painted Canvas Ornament Idea Tutorial 2 Dec 2016 7:45 AM (8 years ago)

Our annual Kids' Christmas Craft Party included painting a mini canvas ornament!

The kids loved creating their very own masterpiece!

Mini Painted Canvas Ornament Tutorial

Supplies:

mini canvases 3" x 4" (I found these in packs of 10 at JoAnn's)
1/8" painters masking tape
tiny eye screws / hooks
acrylic paints in assorted colors
paint brushes

The first step is to mask off a pattern of your choosing. Everywhere you put the tape, will end up white:

Then paint! You can paint each section a color or some random design:

Let the paint dry.

Remove the painter's tape.

And voila!

When they are dry, screw in the eye hook so you can hang it on your tree. Add a thin satin ribbon, too, if you like. Here are some of the boys having fun working on theirs:

Both the girls and boys were excited to make a painted canvas creation! Yay! A treasured Christmas keepsake!

Christian Altered Book Art with Scripture 24 May 2016 5:41 AM (8 years ago)

My daughter and I created our first altered book art projects! She wanted to enter a local contest celebrating Book Month in April.

I chose to use a Bible verse - Romans 6:23 - for my theme. "The gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."

And my daughter created a Dreamland of a jeweled flower garden around a beautiful stream.

We had a lot of fun "altering" our books and they were displayed at the library for a full month. Have any of you tried this?

Decorating with Sea Glass 5 Apr 2016 3:40 PM (9 years ago)

We LOVE to collect sea glass! Whenever we head to the beach, we're always on the lookout.

We found this glass bottle ages ago and thought it to be perfect home for our treasures. It's topped with a leaded-glass-look cross. Since we don't live on the coast, hunting for sea glass is not a daily or weekly opportunity for us. Still, we are frequently in California, often when it's too cold to really swim, so walking and playing in the sand allows us the time to find the rocky places where sea glass likes to rest.

Not too long ago we were blessed to find ourselves on the west coast of Italy. Walking along the sea from Rapallo to Portofino past many rocky beaches, we couldn't resist to stop for sea glass. In a matter of minutes we had found more and larger pieces than in the previous five years of gathering on our west coast! [I don't know if that is the case always or it was due to heavy rains that had churned up the coast prior to our arrival.] Regardless, the kids especially were giddy with excitement at the overabundance of treasure at our fingertips! We laughed as we tossed the "tiny" specimens back – only selecting the grandest for keepsakes – but how those "tiny" pieces might have been considered precious and large back in CA. :-)

Our original collection being enjoyed in my daughter's bedroom.

Easter Egg Stuffer Ideas for Little Ones 22 Mar 2016 6:00 AM (9 years ago)

Ages ago when my daughter's first Easter came along she was almost one. We were excited newbie parents and wanted her to have the excitement of "hunting" for and opening Easter eggs. Of course - these things are really more about our excitement than theirs at that age, right? Well, I wasn't going to give my precious firstborn candy! Tee hee! The first thing that popped into my mind was animal crackers.

So, that is what she opened on her first Easter over 10 years ago – animal crackers and Cheerios. Just opening an egg to find a surprise inside was exciting. Well, after Easter several other mommies were surprised at my choice of stuffers – they lamented having to put candy in their children's eggs – Because that's just how it was done – and wished they had done something "healthier."

This post is JUST IN CASE, you've got little ones or toddlers and don't want to have their teeth full of sugary jelly beans either. Goldfish would be a nice treat, too, if your child doesn't eat them on an hourly basis and would consider them fun to find inside. Something not too sugary; simple and fun for a little tot. Of course, as they get older chocolate is really the best choice given its nutritional value. Wink. Wink. Or mints or money are also safe Easter egg stuffing choices. Please share your ideas in the comments!

AND please type "Easter" in the search bar on the right to see my more inspirational Christ-focused Easter celebration ideas! Happy Easter - Christ is risen!

Customized Hat Boxes for a Baby Room 10 Mar 2016 9:44 AM (9 years ago)

Throwback Thursday! Here are some paper maché hat boxes I decorated for my daughter's baby room ages ago, and that I featured in my book Inspirational Home:

They were the round cardboard boxes found at most craft stores. I printed out uplifting Bible verses using a pink and brown color scheme. The brown box top was painted with acrylic paint, then banded across the diameter with one wide pink satin ribbon. This was trimmed and glued on the underside. Atop it, I layered papers with the verse for the centerpiece:

It's sides were decoupaged with striped tissue paper. I cut it in strips and glued down one side, across the bottom, then up the opposite side until completely covered.

The pink box has a decoupaged tissue paper cover in a coordinating pink and brown polka dot. I printed "May the Lord's face shine upon you and bless you" from Numbers 6:24-25, on pink paper and wrapped horizontally around the sides. A pink ribbon tied simply is the finishing touch!

Have a blessed day!

Kids Christmas Tree Party Treat Tutorial 19 Dec 2015 5:00 AM (9 years ago)

At our annual Kids' Christmas Party each of the kids made their own melted chocolate Christmas tree:

A friend helped me by keeping lots of color melts ready for all the eager kiddos:

We loaded assorted color melts into plastic bags so kids could easily squeeze out a Christmas tree pattern over three pretzels positioned on wax paper:

And then they loaded them up with their choice of sprinkles! Voila!

Letter Nail Head Art Project 5 Nov 2015 6:00 AM (9 years ago)

A little afternoon project – easy contemporary letter crafts:

I have many wood panels laying around, so first we painted two of them. My kids both chose blue.

They chose a font letter style and we printed it out to scale. Positioning it on the wood panel, we pounded small nails right through the paper on the letter's border, an inch or 2 apart.

We tore off the paper and the kids began entwining their string of choice:

They just twisted it around this way and that as they saw fit:

And they can now enjoy their new art craft in their bedrooms. (I think they did a super job!)

Celebrate Jesus' Resurrection 28 Mar 2015 2:07 PM (10 years ago)

Easter is coming up. Here's little table idea for your gatherings I first designed and posted in 2008!!

These quick paper place cards can be set out for your Easter brunch or dinner whether you're hosting 2 or 20 people. The egg symbolizes the new life we have in Jesus, and the message tags make it clear why we celebrate this holiday.

"He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay." ~ Matthew 28:6

Tutorial:
• Cut out 3 inch egg shapes from patterned paper using decorative edged scissors.
• Print or write various phrases on coordinating solid colored paper.
• Cut out in circles.
• Punch a hole through each and string together with matching ribbon. I used: "Hosanna!" "Happy Easter!" and "He is Risen!"

Enjoy! And remember, you can always use the search bar on my site sidebar to find other Christian holiday ideas - 7 years worth of ideas!

Kids' Photo Ornament Keepsake Craft Tutorial 16 Dec 2014 8:38 AM (10 years ago)

Our 5th Annual Kids' Christmas Craft Party is this week! It's one of the highlights of our month. This year we'll be doing another photo ornament keepsake. Capturing our kids' faces at these precious young ages creates a sweet memento.

We'll be using little birch disks I found at Michael's, so the supply list is short:

• round wood disks

• eye hooks

• decoupage glue

• small brush

• small portrait photo

• Sharpie marking pens (assorted colors)

• glitter glue pens (assorted colors)

• thin hanging ribbon

Step 1: screw in one eye hook to the rim/side of each wood disk.

Step 2: ask each child to draw a picture, create a design or write something on one side of the disk with the Sharpie pens. There!–You're capturing their artwork, too!

Step 3: cut the child's photo in a circle just a touch smaller than the wood disk. (The disks I bought at Michael's were assorted sizes.)

Step 4: brush decoupage glue onto the reverse side of the disk and adhere the photo.

Step 5: let dry for a couple minutes.

Step 6: decorate and hide the photo edge with glitter glue.

Step 7: string ribbon for hanging

There you go – a cute keepsake ornament for 2014 with your child's face and art!

Making Christmas Meaningful 8 Dec 2014 9:26 AM (10 years ago)

Our Fontanini Bethlehem village is set up and on display:

Since we talk with our children about the real meaning of Christmas – Christ's birth – we try to have our Christmas decorating reflect it. I'm so thankful for this gorgeous set that was a gift to my family a few years ago. About 10 buildings and a plethora of accessories. We set portions of it up on our large shelves beside the fireplace. My kids and their friends can easily grasp that Bethlehem was and is a REAL place, with "regular" villagers going about their lives.

Making perfume, filling water jugs, selling rugs … all while out in the stable behind the inn the Christ child was born:

Among our village pieces are two Romans, one of which is taking the census … the reason Joseph and Mary travelled to Bethlehem in the first place:

With no room in the inn, the couple takes up in the manger with the animals … where Jesus is born:

Later, wise men arrive bringing gifts to honor His birth:

Their camels and tents are some of the kids' favorites. I position the buildings and let them choose a place for each person and accessory – shepherds, carpet merchant, potter, innkeeper, palm trees, cats, cows, wise men, camels, etc.:

Usually, we'll find the dog chasing one of the cats: :-)

Enjoying Summer Roses 29 Jul 2014 7:00 AM (10 years ago)

Bringing some of God's beautiful creations indoors:

Wall Art Canvases & Photo Frames 22 Jul 2014 6:00 AM (10 years ago)

Black and white photos floating in framed glass ...

... are paired with my own red DaySpring art canvases.

My Favorite Two Easter Projects 19 Apr 2014 7:57 AM (11 years ago)

"Jesus" Easter eggs:

View my tutorial on these naturally dyed Easter eggs spelling "JESUS."

Candle decor symbolic of the sinless Jesus and His sacrifice for us:

View this meaningful tutorial for a centerpiece idea for your Easter table.

For other Easter decorating and craft ideas, including fun kids' projects browse my previous Easter holiday posts.

"...Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the scriptures..." ~ I Corinthians 15:3-4

Kids' Christmas Craft Party 2013 20 Dec 2013 9:29 AM (11 years ago)

We are so excited for our party today!!

My kids' annual Kids' Christmas Craft Party is this afternoon! We have 20 some kids coming,

three craft stations, including this one for these yarn stars:

and a treat station which includes making edible marshmallow snowmen on a stick! :-)
Plus, games, prizes and a white elephant exchange - WooHoo! Let's party!

Please Pray for Saeed 3 Dec 2013 9:07 PM (11 years ago)

December 4th is a day those of us with a "platform" have been asked to join together in support of American Saeed Abedini, imprisoned in Iran for being a Christian.

Please visit this Facebook page for more information: "Free Saeed", or read this letter written by his wife. Thank you for indulging me with this diversion from the usual postings on my blog.

Fill a Shoebox for Operation Christmas Child 18 Nov 2013 8:00 AM (11 years ago)

It's that time of year!

I know there are so many wonderful charities and organizations doing great work out there. Just wanted to mention one in particular that helps my kids as we set a tone of sharing for the Thanksgiving & Christmas season. They really get into packing a shoebox for a child of their age as a Christmas gift.

Operation Christmas Child sends millions of shoeboxes, filled with toys, school supplies and toiletry items to needy kids around the world. Collection week begins today. If you'd like more information, please visit Samaritan's Purse.

Thanksgiving Paper Craft - Indian Corn for Fall 12 Nov 2013 6:00 AM (11 years ago)

In a festive fall mood the other day, the kids and I did some paper crafting:

Indian corn! We used orange, brown and burgundy heavy tissue papers:

The kids glued the "corn kernel" papers onto brown cardboard using pencil ends, topped each with shredded and wrinkled tassels and completed the project with a ribbon bow.

Rubik's Cube Birthday Party - Part 2 8 Oct 2013 6:00 AM (11 years ago)

If one of your kids or family members are in a Rubik's Cube phase, here are some more ideas from my son's recent birthday party. (for the cake and other party ideas see my first party post here.)

The centerpiece of the fiesta was this homemade pinata I made.

Assorted Rubik's Cube puzzles decorated the lunch table:

Paper cubes that coordinated with the invites hung from the lights:

The first activity after my son's kids arrived was a contest to melt a frozen popsicle the fastest. Here's a group of them holding theirs against the hot patio:

And first place goes to:

Next we formed two teams and did a relay of filling a bucket using a sponge and water:

Then we were ready to jump in the pool for more racing games:

WooHoo! Thanks for stopping by!!

Fall Roses on Display 30 Sep 2013 9:00 AM (11 years ago)

The cool air of September is making my rose bushes bloom magnificently! We had to steal a vaseful from the hidden sides to bring indoors to enjoy.

A shallow rustic candle vase is transformed with a bit of brown and pink satin ribbon. Mmmmmm - they smell fabulous!

Free Printable: Apothecary Bottle Label 23 Sep 2013 7:00 AM (11 years ago)

"A cheerful heart is good medicine." ~ Proverb 17:22

Beautiful vintage art of blue hydrangeas accents an uplifting Bible verse. I printed this on glossy label paper, cut out with a scalloped edge scissors and adhered to an aqua colored glass apothecary bottle.

Feel free to download and print this art for your own use. Enjoy!

download apothecary label

Rubik's Cube Boy Birthday Party! 11 Sep 2013 7:16 PM (11 years ago)

We recently celebrated my son's 7th birthday with a colorful Rubik's Cube themed kid party.

He LOVED his cube cake! It was really easy to make, but all the kids were "wow'd" by it! Stack four square strawberry and cherry cake layers to create the cube shape. (I didn't even bother to level it into a "perfect" cube.) Frost with chocolate and spray black.

Then simply sort out M&M's by color and set into your pattern of choice. Here's a photo of the cake table. The Rubik's Cube birthday cake is surrounded by the kids' favors.

The 2x2 Rubik's Cube thank you gifts for the boys:

Personalized drinks for the kids:

More birthday party fun next time!

Summer Fun Recipe - Fairy Fudge 11 Jul 2013 5:00 AM (11 years ago)

Ahhhhh! Summer!! My favorite season! Lots of time for relaxing, swimming, reading, biking and playing. Also, the kids and I are taking advantage of our free time to create, explore, discover and experiment. We tried a recipe in my daughter's Usborne Fairy Cooking book this week:

PRETTY FAIRY FUDGE

They both loved it - tastes like frosting! :-) Since this recipe is already readily available online, I'll post our version but it is ©Rebecca Gilpin and Catherine Atkinson. The book is really cute and from Scholastic, so support your school when it's back in session or your local Usborne rep and check out this neat kids' cookbook!

Ingredients:
• 16 oz. powdered sugar
• 4 oz. large marshmallows
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla
• food colouring
• small cutters
• small sweets for decorating

Instructions:
1. Sift sugar through a sieve into a large bowl. Make a small hollow in the middle of the sugar with a spoon.
2. Using clean scissors, cut the marshmallows in half and put them in a small pan. Add the milk, butter and vanilla
3. Gently heat the pan. Stir the mixture with a wooden spoon until everything has just melted.
4. Pour the mixture into the hollow of the sugar. Mix everything together until it is smooth, then mix in a drop of food colouring

5. Leave the mixture to cool for 10 minutes, then make it into a flattened round shape. Then, wrap it in plastic food wrap
6. Put the fudge mixture in a fridge for three hours to go firm. Then, sprinkle a little powdered sugar on a clean work surface.
7. Roll out the fudge with a rolling pin until it is about 1/4 inch thick. Then, use the cutters to cut out lots of shapes
8. Squeeze the scraps into a ball, then roll out the ball and cut out more shapes. Then, decorate each shape with a sweet

Store in airtight container in refrigerator for up to one week.

Happy 4th of July America!! 4 Jul 2013 10:51 AM (11 years ago)

Celebrating our freedoms today!

My daughter was inspired to create her own float after viewing our town's parade this morning ... and my son contributed to our red, white and blue patriotic decorating at home with his abundance of Legos:

Happy Independence Day to all in the U.S!

Summer Fun - Around the World 2 Jul 2013 6:00 AM (11 years ago)

My kids and I just began a summer travel adventure around the WORLD!! All from the comfort and convenience of our living room! :-) When we recently sat down to read the latest issue of Focus on the Family's Clubhouse Jr. we discovered this neat summer idea already put together for us!

You can go to Thriving Family and get your own map, passport and travel guide to print out to do this with your own kids. (We also discovered that MY subscription to Thriving Family actually contains the fold-out map ... which I'd probably have noticed had I been up-to-date on my own reading.)

Anyhoo, the idea is you read about different countries all around the world, a biblical application, activity idea and prayer for the people of that region. Then the kids can put the applicable stamp in their passport book. We printed out the travel guide and made each child their own passport. I printed the custom stamps on label paper, so they can really stick them in their booklet.

The kids first find the country and put their "plane" on it, then we read the very short "guide." Look up the Bible verse and do an activity. Then we find an actual travel video on YouTube so they can get a great idea of what the country is really like. Then we say a little prayer for the people in that country. (Also, since we started late, we're doing one country a day, instead of how they have it spread over two.) Visit the Thriving Family website to check it out and take your kids on a worldwide mission trip!

Fashion Barbie Aqua Zebra Stripe 8 Year Old Girl Birthday Party! (part 2) 14 May 2013 6:00 AM (11 years ago)

The Fashion Party fun continues! The table is prepped for the first craft activity:

The girls got to create a work of art to take home! I painted a sample canvas using the dress art on the birthday party invitation as our model:

I cut out a dress form template so each girl could trace the dress outline onto their canvas as a starting point. I went around and sketched the hanger for those who wished.

Then each little artist designed their own fashion using acrylic paint, glitter glue paints and gel tube paints.

We offered buttons, mini silk flowers and ribbons to embellish their art masterpiece as they liked.

While the last artists finished their dress fashions, we sent the girls out to jump on the tramp. When all were done, I told them they could hunt for blue eggs hidden around the yard. They all contained little zebra striped candy mints and a couple had other prizes:

Meanwhile, we cleaned up the paints and readies the table for the next activity: bottle cap jewelry:

I had bought a kit so it was really easy. Just pass out the supplies and everyone could make at least two items of bracelet, necklace or earrings. We then moved on to the snacks and cupcakes. Next up was opening gifts, followed by Fashion Bingo!

I threw together these bingo pages the night before when we thought it might be too windy to swim, but was pleased with how they came out.

Mini-marshmallows were a fun marking item:

The prizes were "the latest" fashion accessories! :-) Assorted animal print hair bands.

To see the fashion party decorations, zebra-striped theme accessories, birthday cake and snack foods visit the first post Fashion Barbie Aqua Zebra Stripe 8 Year Old Girl Birthday Party!

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