Archive for the ‘
Group Activities ’ Category
Wednesday, April 10th, 2013
One of my most precious treasures is my collection of actual birds’ nests . Of course, I only collect if I find one on the ground, discarded and clearly not in use. This happens so rarely, since they are often reused again and again, which is why I treasure the ones that I have. The way the bird weaves and shapes with the promise of safety and coziness is breathtaking.
One day, a few springs ago, I decided to make a spring nest — just like a mama bird. I shaped the eggs out of clay, painted them blue, and wove a snug little nest for them to rest in.
Each spring since, I set the nest in my dining room as a way to welcome the promise of new life. More photographs and directions can be found here, at my other blog.
Happy spring cleaning and nesting!
xo emily
Categories: Crafts, Everyday Fun, Fun, Group Activities, Nature, Outdoors, Seasonal | Tags: bird, building, child, clay, cozy, craft, creative, eggs, fun, nest, paint, spring, treasure
Thursday, April 4th, 2013
These simple, handmade birthday invitations are a nice way to involve your child in preparing for her or his big day. With just a few easy steps, they are fuss free and super satisfying.
1. Paint a brown paper bag with a mixture of acrylic paints.
2. After the painted paper is dry, have child(ren) cut out cupcake tops.
3. Cut cupcake bottoms out of a brown paper bag.
4. Glue tops and bottoms onto card stock cards.
5. Stamp the age of the birthday kid onto the cupcake bottoms.
Hoorah!
xo emily
Categories: Crafts, Everyday Fun, Fun, Group Activities | Tags: birthday, child, creative, cupcake, cute, fun, invitations, kid, paint, party, repurpose
Thursday, March 28th, 2013
It is a rainy, gray day in Massachusetts, my younger daughter has a day off of school and I’m reminded that we are entering the season of long damp days. In preparation, I thought it would be the perfect time to share my new educational craft book, Show Me a Story, with you! It is a curriculum rich book with projects and activities that nurture children’s natural inclination to tell their own imaginative stories and it is meant to be an inspiring companion for anyone who does creative work with children. With 40 creative projects and activities, my hope is that it will help to entertain children as well as spark their creative minds.
So far, it has won four awards including a Dr. Toy 2012 Best Picks and a 2012 Family Choice award. Oh my! Very exciting. I’d love to hear what all of you lovely readers you think! If you would like to peek or learn more, you can find more information here.
I’m off to get cozy on the couch with my daughter and a pile of Story Stones. Then, we’re off to an afternoon of disco roller skating. Does it get any better than that?
Happy day!
xo emily
Categories: Bookshelf, Everyday Fun, Fun, Group Activities, Must Read | Tags: activity, award, book, classroom, craft, creative, curriculum, educational, imaginative, neuburger, parent, project, show me a story, stories, story stones, teacher
Wednesday, March 27th, 2013
As we wait for new, lush, green life to spring up around our home, my children have been collecting dried pods, seeds, and stalks from last year’s growth for observation and play. One of their favorite things to collect are elegant milkweed pods. They happen to have the most beautiful, swooped shape and my two find that they make perfect fairy boats.
After collecting a handful, they brought them home and used paper, glue, glitter, and string to turn them into water worthy vessels.
This one is lined with a leaf of Lambs Ear (found on our walk) and has a pillow and a life preserver.
This one is a double decker!
They sailed their fleet in a puddle behind our house and in the creek at the end of our road. Each new boat was tested and re-designed and tested again until they floated majestically in the wind blown current. We are all certain that the fairies who live behind our home will be so thankful to find new boats for their spring adventures.
xo emily
Categories: Crafts, Everyday Fun, Group Activities, Nature, Outdoors, Science, Seasonal | Tags: beautiful, boat, boats, children, craft, creative, creek, fairies, fairy, glue, Lambs Ear, milkweed, nature, paper, pods, sail, seed, walk
Thursday, March 21st, 2013
1. Oh my! Mer Mag‘s Bunny Pouch is an adorable way to deliver candy and treats.
2. Jessica posted about a clever and pretty Origami Bunny Envelope tutorial that she discovered and tested.
3. Brown paper bag Bunny Masks for hours of fun and merriment.
4. Do you have extra paint chip samples kicking around? This Paint Chip Bunny Garland is cute way to use ‘em up!
5. With a little help from an adult, children can send spring love notes with these Pop-Up Bunny Cards. Charming!
Hippity hop.
xo e
Categories: 5 Bright Spots, Crafts, Everyday Fun, Fun, Group Activities, Holiday, Seasonal | Tags: bunny, cards, children, crafts, creative, cute, Easter, envelope, garland, origami, paint chip, pop-up, pouch, spring, tutorial
