craft for kids

Wool felt playscape

I made this playscape for my animal loving Mary’s 6th birthday next week, but it’s turned out so well I had to share it early!

I dyed the wool felt myself to get the depth of shades I wanted.

I needle felted, then embroidered a nest that fits either kitty or Mother Duck and her 3 ducklings.

It took a lot longer in the planning than in the making, I was so indecisive about what to do.

But I’m so happy with it and I think she’ll love it!

The patterns for the knitted animals came from “Knitted Animals” by Anne-Dorthe Grigaff. I used either merino or alpaca yarn.

When I think of creating storage space I dream of beautiful wooden cabinets and ornate armoires bursting with perfectly arranged and inspiring objects. The reality is a homeschooling family (especially with a mad crafter as principal!) will accumulate a lot of stuff and need solutions whatever the family budget may be, which in our case does not allow for armoires!

My solution to our craft tool and paper build up in our dining room/kitchen, where all the schooling action happens, was more plastic drawers. While not as aesthetically pleasing as wood, the price difference is massive.

The advantage of plastic is having deep, clear drawers, it’s accessible to little ones and you won’t be upset at it being banged around a bit. This unit is also on wheels, so simple to move.

I printed out some paper labels to keep track of items in drawers, though little ones who can’t read will quickly memorise which drawer holds their precious colouring pencils!

I just finished reading The Rhythmn of Family which is Amanda Soule’s latest book and found the wheat, honey and oat bread recipe to be really delicious. The book was interesting as Amanda and her husband have an interesting outlook on life, but I think I gain a lot more inspiration from literature that is God centred rather than nature centred, after all God made nature and I worship Him but not nature itself. Just my opinion, and if you need some motivation within your home life and with your children Amanda’s books do help to remind you to get outdoors and appreciate your surroundings as well as live more naturally which is a good thing.

Happy day to you, God bless you all 🙂

Mud pies with worms for dessert anyone?

by Kelly 4 Comments

Here is a fun holiday activity for the children – and the best part is it’s edible!

We got the idea from “God’s Design for Life – The World of Animals” by Debbie and Richard Lawrence (a most excellent set of Christian science books).

First, mix a packet of chocolate instant pudding according to the instructions on the packet. I don’t usually go for this pre – packaged stuff, but it is quick and easy. You could substitute with home made chocolate mousse or similar if you don’t like the packet stuff.

Crush some chocolate cookies (we used Chocolate Ripple biscuits).

Place some of the cookie crumbs in the bottom of a clear plastic or glass cup. On top of this, place a gummy worm so that it sits up a little.

Spoon the pudding mix in dollops and add another gummy worm if you want. Sprinkle a thick layer of cookie crumbs on top.

Refrigerate until set, then watch them disappear into waiting mouths!

Got Goop?

by Kelly 3 Comments

Goop is fun, safe, reusable and although messy, cleans up easily.

1 packet of cornflour (I use a cheap generic brand)
1 – 2 cups water
food colouring, tempura paint powder or acrylic paint (if you like)

Mix water into cornflour a little at a time until you have a gloopy consistency. Drop the colouring in (if using) to the depth of colour you like.
Put into a container or tray and play!

When the children are finished it can be stored in a container with a lid. If it dries out just add more water and stir again.

* A note about food colouring.
The children ended up with coloured hands, if this is undesirable go with the paint options.

This is my first post for kid’s art and craft on the SHE team blog (Schooling at Home Etsians). My post will be there tomorrow. Head over and check it out!