Tag: family crafts

10 Days of Harry Potter: Chocolate Frog Craft

On the Hogwarts Express in J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, the readers first learn about Chocolate Frogs. Our beloved characters Ron Weasley and Harry Potter, are sharing treats off from the trolley.

“Oh, of course, you wouldn’t know — Chocolate Frogs have cards inside of them, you know, to collect — famous witches and wizards. I’ve got about five hundred, but I haven’t got Agrippa or Ptolemy” (Rowling, 1998).

Well, you cannot make your frog jump. But you can create Chocolate Frogs out of plaster to paint. Use the plaster Chocolate frogs on different projects, including Christmas tree ornaments or wreaths. Or simply have you Chocolate Frog sitting on your desk.

How to Make Plaster Chocolate Frogs

Materials Needed:

  • Chocolate frog molds (Silicone or plastic, both molds provide excellent results when working with plaster.)
    Plastic Frog Mold

    Silicone Frog Mold
  • Plaster
  • Throw away containers for mixing plaster. (Remember not to pour remaining plaster down the sink.)
  • Water
  • Paint in various colors
  • Paintbrushes

Instructions:

  1. Place newspapers or other protective materials on your counter.
  2. Mix plaster as directed. Always add the plaster mixture to the water for a smooth and consistent mixture. (Keep in mind, the plaster hardens quickly. You need to have your molds ready to go. You can add a little extra water to provide a bit more time).
  3. Fill the molds completely.
  4. Place hangers into your mold if you want to use them as ornaments or decorative pieces on wreaths. (Paper clips or pop can tab work great for an instant, inexpensive hangers).
  5. Allow your ornaments to dry.
  6. Gently remove the frogs from the molds. You may need to tap on the mold to loosen the frog.
  7. Paint the frog.

Now you are ready to display your very own Chocolate Frog.

 

Reference

Rowling, J. K., author. (1998). Harry Potter and the sorcerer’s stone. New York: Arthur A. Levine Books,

Christmas in July: Homemade Gift Wrap

Are you celebrating Christmas in July? Do you need more easy crafts to keep kids busy? When staying close to home, being creative is an excellent way to pass the time. Consider making homemade wrapping paper to use later during the Christmas season. The handmade gift wrap is an easy project for all ages.

Materials Needed:

  • Sponges
  • Scissors
  • Butcher paper, newsprint, or other types of packing paper
  • Paint
  • Containers for paint
  • Markers

Instructions:

  1. Cut sponges into various shapes, for example, Christmas trees, gift boxes, stars, and ornaments. (Help younger children cut the sponges into shapes.)
  2. Spread your choice of paper on a flat surface.
  3. Squirt small amounts of paint in your container.
  4. Dip your cut sponge into the paint.
  5. Make sure the paint covers the entire sponge for a precise shape.
  6. Press sponge on to the paper. When you are finished, simply rinse the sponges of the entire paint residue. You can use the sponges more than once.
  7. Continue the process until you reach your desired design.
  8. Allow the paint shapes to dry.
  9. Use markers to add outlines, Christmas songs, Bible verses, names, or other designs to your gift wrap.
  10. Now, wrap your Christmas gifts and enjoy your finalized product.

Homemade gift wrap is an excellent way to provide a personalized touch to your presents. Use your imagination to create numerous sheets of wrapping paper. You can always set the mood by playing Christmas music.

Christmas in July: Making Ornaments

How is your Christmas in July celebrations going? Are you still looking for family-friendly activities to keep kids busy? Consider making ornaments from plaster. One of the best aspects of making ornaments now, you can save them to hang on your Christmas tree in December.

Materials Needed:

  • Christmas themed molds or pans (The plaster does not harm them, just wash thoroughly after use.)
  • Plaster
  • Throw away containers for mixing plaster. (Remember not to pour remaining plaster down the sink.)
  • Water
  • Paint in various colors
  • Paintbrushes

Instructions:

  1. Place newspapers or other protective materials on your counter.
  2. Mix plaster as directed. Always add the plaster mixture to the water for a smooth and consistent mixture. (Keep in mind, the plaster hardens quickly. You need to have your molds ready to go. You can add a little extra water to provide a bit more time).
  3. Fill molds.
  4. Place hangers into your mold. (Paper clips or pop can tab work great for an instant, inexpensive hook).
  5. Allow your ornaments to dry.
  6. Gently remove the ornaments from the molds. You may need to tap on the mold to loosen the ornament.
  7. Paint the ornaments.

Even younger children can help with the painting process. Just do not forget to add the date on the back. The ornaments can quickly turn into a lasting treasure.

10 Days of Harry Potter: Suncatcher Craft

Are you still enjoying the 10 Days of Harry Potter? Are you wondering what to do next? One of the popular crafts on Pinterest are suncatchers. The creative project is easy for all ages to enjoy. But adult supervision is necessary for the baking part. Making a Harry Potter-inspired suncatcher is a great afternoon craft project.

Materials Needed:

  • Pony beads
  • Cake pan, pizza pan, or other non-stick pans
  • Small nut (The nut is to hang the suncatcher. Or you can drill a hole in the finished project.)

Instructions

  1. Begin on a clear, flat surface.
  2. Arrange the pony beads into a design in the pan of your choice. For example, use the Deathly Hallows symbol (Rowling, 2007). Or write out the word “Muggle” or “Always” (Rowling, 1998 & 2007).
  3. Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
  4. When your design is ready, carefully place your project on the rack.
  5. Bake for about 20 minutes. You can check on your project to determine if more time is needed. The beads should melt and blend together evenly.
  6. When ready remove, suncatcher from the oven.
  7. Allow to cool down.
  8. Tap project out of the pan.

Making suncatchers is a wonderful way to spend time with family or friends. If you looking for further ways to enjoy the project, listen to Harry Potter on audiobooks.  Do not forget to snack on your favorite treats while you design your masterpiece.

 

 

 

Reference:

Rowling, J. K. (2007). Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. New York, NY: Arthur A. Levine Books

Celebrating Christmas in July

Social distancing, the news, and other regular commitments add stress and worry to daily living. Taking the time to celebrate whimsical, unofficial holidays gives you a chance to relax. Celebrating Christmas in July is all about having fun in the middle of summer. A small taste of Christmas bliss may be an added blessing.

The history of celebrating Christmas in July seems unclear with different versions of the beginning. For the most part, the origin of the unofficial celebration began at a Keystone Camp in 1933 in Brevard, North Carolina. The two-day event, July 24 and 25, had all the holiday trimmings, including Santa Claus (Milbrand, 2020). Over time, Christmas in July has grown to include marketing campaigns, festivals, movies, and much more.

How to Celebrate Christmas in July

Celebrating Christmas in July can be a smaller version of your regular holiday activities. Do you need some inspiration on how to celebrate Christmas in July? Check out the following.

  • Watch Movies: Enjoy your seasonal favorites twice a year. Watch Christmas movies or cartoons, Make the activity part of your regular family night.
  • Elf on the Shelf: Is the Elf on the Shelf part of your holiday celebration? Bring him or her out as a mid-year check-in.
  • Bake: Make seasonal holiday treats. Christmas cookies are a great addition to family night.
  • Send Cards: No, they do not need to be Christmas cards, just the sentiment of thinking of you and wishing you well.
  • Decorate: Include some holiday decorations to celebrate Christmas in July. You can either pull out all of your Christmas decorations or hang a few twinkle lights as a more subtle way to celebrate.
  • Family Meal: Make the traditional Christmas family meal or host a BBQ to enjoy the summer season.
  • Do Crafts: Make wreaths, ornaments, or other seasonal items. The best part, put these items away to decorate at Christmas.
  • Exchange Gifts: When giving gifts as part of your Christmas in July celebrations, think stocking stuffers. Small, inexpensive gifts for your child to use. Also, do not forget the dog.

Celebrating Christmas in July provides you with a chance to prepare for the holiday season. Use the mid-summer celebration as a template of the activities you want to do at Christmas time.

 

Reference:

Milbrand, Lisa. (2020). https://www.realsimple.com/holidays-entertaining/holidays/christmas-in-july

Ways to Celebrate the 4th of July at Home

Are you staying home for the 4th of July? You are not alone. Finances, the weather, social distancing, or health concerns are keeping many people at home this year for Independence Day. Staying at home doesn’t necessarily mean a boring holiday. With little preparation, you can make this 4th of July memorable for your family.

Ideas to Celebrate Independence Day at Home

Enjoy being at home with your family on Independence Day. Create new family traditions or expand on older ones.

Food and Treats

One of the best parts of any holiday is food. The 4th of July is an excellent time to get outdoors.

  • Host a BBQ: Whether you host a BBQ for just your family or a few friends, grilling out on the 4th of July is a tradition. In addition to grilled hamburgers and hot dogs, potato salad, macaroni salad, beans, and chips are perfect for hosting a BBQ.
  • Picnic: If you want to stay close to home but get outdoors, go on a picnic. Local and state parks are open. Being outdoors is a wonderful way to get fresh air and enjoy the sun.
  • Sundae Bar: Buy a couple different flavors of ice cream and all the fixings. Red, white, and blue sprinkles are a perfect holiday topping. Whipped topping, chocolate chips, flavored toppings, and nuts are other welcomed favorites for ice. Allow your children to create their own masterpieces.
  • Piñata: Buy a piñata as part of your holiday celebration. Your children will enjoy the candy and prizes.

Games

Keeping children busy on the 4th of July helps produce lasting memories. If the weather permits, play games outdoors. Do you need some ideas? Go old school.

  • 3-Legged Race
  • Burlap Bag Race
  • Water Balloon Toss
  • Scavenger Hunt
  • Crafts
  • Slip and Slide
  • Playing in the Sprinkler

Crafts

Are you looking for a low-key 4th of July celebration or a place for children to relax in the shade? Setting up a craft table is simple. Just remember to stick to the red, white, and blue theme.

  • Tie-Dye T-Shirts: Purchase red and blue dye to add color to white t-shirts. Provide rubber bands to make different markings on the shirts. A tie-dye t-shirt is a perfect take-home gift or memorable experience.
  • Make Necklaces: Red, white, and blue pony beads are inexpensive. Provide trays of beads to all your children, and guests make necklaces or bracelets.
  • Make Crowns: Posterboard, glitter, red, white, and blue construction paper are great for making crowns.

Bonfire

Host a bonfire. Roast marshmallows for S’mores and enjoy an evening under the stars.

Fireworks

With many fireworks canceled, you may want to set a few off for your family to enjoy. Sparklers are always a fun tradition for the entire family to enjoy. If you are setting off larger fireworks, be courteous, and let your neighbors know your plans.

The 4th of July is a time to celebrate freedom. But there is no right or wrong way to celebrate Independence Day. Ordering pizza and watching fireworks on television can be a fun-filled night for your family.

How to Celebrate National Cartoonists Day

Did you know today, May 5th, 2020, is National Cartoonists Day? Who do you think of when you hear the word cartoonist? Over the years, many great artists put their ink on paper to create memorable cartoons. Politics, superheroes, animals, family, and other characters show up on television, in newspapers, and online. Charles M. Shultz, the creator of the Peanuts, Dr. Seuss (Theodor Seuss Geisel), Walt Disney, Matt Groening, the creator of the Simpsons, Al Capp, the creator of Lil Abner, are generally at the top of the list when people think about cartoonists.

How to Celebrate National Cartoonists Day?

Are you wondering how you and your family can celebrate National Cartoonists Day? Check out the list below for inspiration.

  • Watch Cartoons: If you are old enough, you may remember getting up early on Saturday morning to watch cartoons. Well, you can celebrate National Cartoonists Day, the same way-watch cartoons. Relive childhood memories with your family. Make special snacks or host an indoor picnic.
  • Draw: Creating your own cartoon character is one of the best ways to celebrate National Cartoonists Day. With the stay at home guidelines and other restrictions, you have lots of material. For example, your cartoon creation could be your cat or dog. Write about daily events from your pet’s point of view.
  • Comic Strip: Turn your drawing into a comic strip to share on your social media page. Create four or five boxes of illustrations to bring your cartoon character alive. Or if you want to use a notebook to create an entire comic book.
  • Story: If you do not create a comic strip, consider writing a story about your cartoon character. Even younger children can participate. You will just need to write out the story. Who knows, a simple art project involving a cartoon character may turn into a lasting memory to use down the road.

Celebrating National Cartoonists Day is easy with a little imagination.

 

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Self-Care at Home

Whether you are self-isolating, quarantined, social distancing, or just an introvert that does not leave the house, self-care is essential to your well-being. Check out the following for self-care activities to do at home.

  • Stay Hydrated: Drink lots of water.
  • Sleep: Leave the alarm off, sleep in for an extra half hour, or take an afternoon nap. The extra rest is good for you.
  • Read a Book: Dive into that stack of unread books. Or take the time to read a book to your family.
  • Bake: Make a homemade meal, bake cookies, or special dessert.
  • Unplug: Yes, stay informed during the crisis. But do not spend all day on the Internet or social media. Give yourself a break from the steady bombardment of information.
  • Take a Virtual Tour: Numerous museums, art galleries, nature parks, and zoos are offering free virtual tours or live cams. Spend some time touring a place that you may not normally get to see in person.
  • Burn a Scented Candle: Light your favorite scented candle to bring a new aroma to your home.
  • Declutter and Organize: Is there a particular area in your home that you have been neglecting? Spend some time decluttering, organizing, and rearranging your space to fit your needs.
  • Write in a Journal: The journal can simply be pieces of notebook paper. But, taking the time to write out your feelings, fears, or everyday frustrations can be liberating.
  • Listen to a Podcast: From movies to daily news, podcasts offer different perspectives on subjects of interest.
  • Play Musical Loudly: Turn up your favorite music. Listening to music is a stress reliever. Singing along is just added fun.
  • Workout: Try a new workout routine, yoga, or stretching exercises. YouTube has numerous videos at all fitness levels.
  • Stay in Your Pajamas: Alright, just be comfy. Stay in your pajamas, lounge pants, or sweat pants. Just spend the day being comfortable.
  • Take a Hot Bubble Bath: Relax in a hot bubble bath or take a long shower.
  • Watch the Sunrise or Sunset: Stepping outdoors for a few minutes or watching through a window, sunsets, and sunrises are magical to watch.
  • Text, Message, Call, or Video Chat: Use your devices to contact old friends or relatives. Being at home for long periods is perfect for safely reconnecting with people.
  • Do Crafts: Pull out your hoard of craft supplies and finish a project.
  • Snuggle With Your Dog: While binge-watching your favorite show, spend some quality time with your dog.

Now, take a deep breath. Spending time away from others is beneficial to everyone. Use the time to implement different self-care activities.  Make your efforts family-oriented activities.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

I know this year’s celebrations are probably not going as planned. But I wanted to take the time to wish my followers a Happy St. Patrick’s Day.

Being in Michigan, all of the bars and dine-in restaurants are closed. Both a popular choice for celebrating the holiday. But I am a firm believer in making the best out of the situation.

  • Celebrate at home.
  • Make a special meal or dessert.
  • Download a St. Patrick’s Day-themed movie.
  • Listen to Irish music.- Celtic Thunder is my favorite.
  • Do St. Patrick Day crafts.

The celebration may not be the same. But I am confident, the day will be memorable.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Family Night: New Year’s Eve

Are you staying home with your family on New Year’s Eve? Use the evening for quality time, host a family night. An impromptu family fun night will turn your New Year’s Eve into a lasting memory.

Ideas for Your New Year’s Eve Family Night

Not only does this New Year’s Eve ring in a new year, but it also brings a new decade. Celebrating with your family is a perfect way to usher in the new year.

Food

Party food is essential but does not need to be elaborate.

    • Pizza: Order pizza. Or make homemade pizzas to fit everyone’s exact tastes.
    • Finger Food: Make finger sandwiches. Even peanut butter and jelly sandwiches cut into fours is an excellent treat for New Year’s Eve.
    • Sweets: Bake cookies or brownies.
    • Celebration Cake: Make a 2020 cake. The cake does not need to be fancy. A simple cake with white frosting and 2020 in writing does the trick.
    • Ice Cream: Create a sundae bar. A gallon of ice cream, different toppings, and whipped cream make a simple sundae bar for the entire family to enjoy.

Drinks

Serve different family drinks for the evening activities. Of course, water should always be on the menu. But consider sparkling cider or punch for a midnight toast. Homemade hot cocoa is another delicious idea to add to the celebration.

Activities

Plan different activities leading up to midnight.

  • Games: Play board or card games. Sitting together and talking is great for quality family time.
  • Do Crafts: Make paper crowns or hats for the New Year’s Eve celebration. Create themed decorations or art.
  • Movies: Binge-watch your favorite movie or series until midnight.
  • Scavenger Hunt: Hide clues throughout your home to lead to a final treasure.

Making Memories

The best part about spending New Year’s Eve at home is making lasting memories.

  • Photo Booth: Create a photo area. Use a blanket, sheet, shower curtain, or large piece of material for a backdrop. Place different props out. The accessories can be homemade. Make a point to take pictures every hour leading up to midnight.
  • Time Capsule: Create a time capsule. Ask your family or friends questions. For example, what do you want to do when you grow up? The question is simple. But when opening the time capsule, you may find the answer amusing or inspiring.
  • Make Memory Cards: Index cards work well for this type of activity. Ask each of your family members to write out favorite moments in 2019. You may need to help younger children. Encourage drawing. Each card is a perfect addition to a scrapbook or photo album.

Regardless of how you celebrate, enjoy the evening with your family. You only get to ring in 2020 once in your lifetime.