Easy Can Up-cycle!

             

 

This is easy can up-cycle that even the youngest toddler can achieve. And the best part is that you probably have all the items you need laying around the house. My son had a ball doing this and he was very proud of his finished product. He even insisted that I put his prized toy front loader in the picture with it.

 

For this craft you will need:

 

an empty, clean metal can

an old sock (white or lighter color)

liquid food coloring

tape

 

Place can into sock until the top of the can is even with the top of the sock. Cut off sock below the bottom of the can. Have your child take the food coloring and drip dots and make designs all around the outside of the sock while it's still on the can. Once your child has finished with their design, remove sock and rinse under cold water. Note that the colors and design will bleed, becoming abstract. Wring out excess water and hang to dry. When dry, place sock back on can and fold under the loose sock end and tape in place on the inside.

 

I am using our can to hold pens on my desk. These would look great in multiples for a craft room or office. This would also be a great and inexpensive gift for Dad this upcoming Father's Day.

Super Sparkly Fun! Watercolor Salt Paintings

I saw this in the January 2015 issue of Highlights' High Five magazine and had to try it with my son. He loves any painting project! We really enjoyed the process and it turned out beautifully!

Here's what you need:
watercolor paper
watercolor paints
artist brushes
water
salt

First you need to paint a light layer of water over your paper. Then let your little artist go to work with the watercolor paints. While the painting is still wet, sprinkle it lightly with salt. Let dry and then brush off excess salt. The salt crystallizes and lightly etches the painting, making it sparkle.

Awesome Mother's Day Idea- Watercolor Resist Handprint!

Mother's Day is coming up! And what would be a sweeter gift for Mom or Grandmom, than a handprint of her favorite munchkin. And the best thing is that it's super easy to make!

You will need:

watercolor paints

watercolor paper (I used cardstock because it made framing easier.)

artist brushes

Vaseline

 

First, cover your child's hand thoroughly with Vaseline. Yes, it's supposed to be messy! Then take your child's hand and gently but firmly press it to the paper. Have your child then lift their hand straight up off the paper. Try not to smear. You should be able to see the Vaseline handprint left behind. Then break out the paint and have fun! The Vaseline naturally resists the watercolor paint. When done painting, carefully wipe off excess Vaseline and let dry.

 

We made Nana and Grandma each one to cherish. They loved it! And, of course, I had to have one also!

 



Heart-Shaped Hand Cut-Out

 

I needed a quick craft project to keep my toddler entertained for a few minutes because it's snowing here again-sigh! I have to give my wonderful sister-in-law credit for pinning this one on Pinterest! Here's the link: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/530791506058473443/

 

It's a super cute idea! And even though ours isn't picture perfect (wiggling toddler lol), I still treasure it as any mom would! :)

 



Easy Pipe-cleaner Daisies

 

Try making these easy pipe-cleaner daisies with your toddler! My little one had a blast! Of course I handled the glue gun, but if you don't have one on hand or are uncomfortable using hot glue around your little one, you could easily substitute another type of glue.

 

 

Here's what you will need:

colored pipe-cleaners

a bottle cap (I used a milk jug cap)

glue gun

glue sticks

 

 

Fold pipe-cleaners in half loops as shown and bend the ends to fit down into your bottle cap. These will be your daisy petals. You can add as many as you would like.

 

 

Place your pipe-cleaner petals down into the top with the loops facing outward. The flat part of the top should face down so that it's the center of the finished daisy.

 

 

Glue all of the petals in place. Let dry and then fluff out petals. We hung our finished daisy in the window.

 

 

Have fun!