I am so excited for my guest bloggers that are lined up to help me this month while we are moving! If you missed the awesome Scrunchy Pillow Case tutorial by Kimberlee click
HERE to view it.
Todays post is by Lesley @ My Mommy Makes It and I am sending a
HUGE THANK YOU her way! She has a great blog full of ideas on making all kinds of fun things for kids. Make sure you visit her blog and say 'Hi!'
Take it away Lesley!
A Colorful DIY Baby Mobile
Is there a new addition in your family or community ?
Hi my name is Lesley and I am the mom of a beautiful little girl adopted from Kazakhstan.
I am honored to help Joy out, while she is busy with her move, by doing a guest post.
Most of my creations are inexpensive and easy projects you can make too.
This an easy summer project that kids and adults can make together
You will need
Color Mesh Origami Paper
Tissue Paper in a rainbow of shades
Basic non-toxic white Glue
Paintbrushes
Colored Ribbon in several styles
Non-toxic Wooden Beads that don't flake paint
An Embroidery Hoop
Embroidery Thread in the color of your choice
At least 10 Jar Lids in several sizes
A few basic tools and supplies that most people have around the house
To Make the Origami Cranes
Fold 8-10 cranes from the pre-cut Origami mesh.
Many Origami forms are quite easy for children to make if they follow along with an adult.
(otherwise my post would be way too long and there is an art to doing a good Origami lesson)
With mesh "paper" you will need to use your finger to "puff" the body instead of air.
The key to perfect origami forms is pre-creasing your folds for crisp "corners."
To Make the Recycled Ornament
Use a nail to pound holes into jar lids. Kids love to help with this!
Cut your tissue paper into small squares.
Sort your caps by size into containers sorted by color.
(The key to doing projects with kids is to have all the supplies prepared ahead of time. This reduces what they have to do to the most important tasks, preventing frustration and lack of confidence. With fewer steps they can easily visualize how to quickly complete the activity without much help. You can also break the activity up into parts spread over several days)
Use thinned white glue or Modge Podge to decoupage the tissue paper onto the the lids.
You will need to do several layers and at least three hues give the best results
Thread the lids onto a single length of ribbon and hold in place with wooden beads.
You can add a single knot at the end.
To make the Frame
Measure the width of your hoop and find your center point.
Multiply the strands of ribbon you plan to use(9) by 2.
Measure the circumference of the hoop and divide this number by your previous result (18) .
Use a pencil to mark the points for attaching the ribbons to the hoop.
Clamp the hoop into a vise for strength and choose a small drill bit.
Using the lowest speed possible on your electric drill and without pushing down at all, allow the drill to make the holes. This will prevent the thin bamboo from splintering
Cut at least 9 lengths of ribbon 32 inches long.
Fold in half and knot together adding the ribbon from your ornament in the center of the group.
A bead on this ribbon will keep it from slipping and distribute the weight of the lids more evenly
Children can now thread a few beads onto the ribbons
Thread each ribbon end through a hole in the hoop, add a bead and knot.
You can adjust the lengths of the ribbons as you go to make the mobile hang level.
With needle and 7 inches of embroidery thread place a stitch down through the center of the crane and back out again.
Double knot.
Place another double knot about 3 inches from the one you just tied.
Bring one end of your thread through a hole on the hoop and tie a double knot
Finish hanging all of your cranes and the mobile is done and ready for gifting!
Baby's view from below
Enjoy this lovely summer with your precious children and please visit the My Mommy Makes It blog for more great toy ideas using non-toxic, recycled and used materials. We would love to do a guest post for your blog as well so please visit our "workshop" for details, Lesley
Never Fail Brownies
3 eggs
1 cup oil
2 cup sugar
1 tsp Baking Powder
1/2 tsp salt
6 TBS cocoa powder
1 cup milk
1 tsp vanilla
2 cups flour
1 cup nuts (optional)
Mix it all together, spread on a big cookie sheet and bake at 350 for 25 minutes.
Remove from oven and cover with marshmallows. I don't measure these so just use however much you want.
Bake for 5 more minutes. Then frost with your favorite chocolate icing.
Here is my favorite recipe. ( I usually only use 1/2 of it)
Fast Fudge Frosting
4 cups powdered sugar
1/2 cup cocoa
1/4 tsp salt
1/3 cup boiling water
1/3 cup butter or margarine
1 tsp vanilla
Combine sugar, cocoa and salt. Add boiling water and butter; blend well. Add vanilla and stir. And yes, it will be messy and won't look pretty but it is SO YUMMY!
