Are your children planning to pass out Valentines cards in their classes this year? I don’t know about you, but the selection of pre-made Valentines that you can purchase at the drugstore, seem to fall short for me. I’m not a huge fan of “character” merchandise. I know that kids are all crazy about Star Wars right now, but I much prefer traditional Valentines.

Making your own cards, especially for a classroom full of schoolmates, can seem like too much work. Actually, it’s not that much work. Here’s a tip. Don’t put any of the recipient’s names on the cards. You’ll want your child to decorate them and simply sign their own name. Also, don’t use glitter or glitter glue. It’s too messy and takes too long to dry.

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. If you have children, they probably really enjoy making gifts for the people they love. I think that it’s important for children to learn that giving a gift should come from the heart. The old saying, it’s the thought that counts, really is true. That’s why, rather than spending a lot of money on “things”, teach your children about the importance of giving by encouraging them to make Valentine’s gifts this year. Here are some quick and easy Valentine’s Day gift ideas.

Decorating your Christmas tree is one family tradition that brings back memories.  With every ornament that’s pulled so delicately from the box and unwrapped from its protective tissue paper comes a story; a memory.  Each ornament has its own tale to tell.  A tale of a newborn baby, a family vacation, a kindergarten class project from someone’s childhood.  Ornaments are treasures – treasures that, when assembled together on the tree, represent a family’s history. 

I’ve never been satisfied with my Christmas tree skirt.  Why?  Because once I fasten it around the tree stand, it seems to shrink up.  In fact, I’m lucky if I can get it to cover all of the black plastic garbage bag that we place underneath the tree stand to protect our floor from water spills.  I finally decided that making my own tree skirt was the answer to all of my frustrations.  How nice it would be to finally have a tree skirt that isn’t swallowed up by the tree!

It’s hard to believe, but Thanksgiving is just around the corner!  Pretty soon you’ll be planning your menu, straightening up your home and thinking about centerpieces and table decorations.  Children love to get involved in the decorating process, so why not let them make personalized turkey placemats for each dinner guest?  It’s a fun activity and it will add a bit of humor to your Thanksgiving table.

Are you looking for a quick and easy way to add a little fun and whimsy to your front yard or front porch this fall?  How about enlisting your children’s help to make a scarecrow?  It’s not complicated and requires very few materials.

Looking for a fun afternoon craft?  How about helping your children decorate their own trick or treat bags?  Fabric bags are cuter than those large plastic pumpkin buckets and much easier for little ones to carry. 

From as far back as I can remember I have enjoyed bubbles. I loved the bottles of bubble stuff with the plastic bubble wand as a kid. And, I once had a little bird shaped bubble maker that was super easy to use. There are other cool bubble makers out now, and they are all fun.

The art of flying a kite doesn’t have to involve just trying to lift one off the ground. While plastic and readily available kites are available in most stores, the durability and expense of them can be just as devastating as a crash landing. Making your own homemade kite is just as easy, fun, and will save money with some of the around-the-house materials you can use.

Looking for a few easy to do spring time crafts that you and your kids can enjoy doing together?  Check out how to make a pinwheel and wind socket below!