Monday, December 27, 2010

Fun and Cheap Winter Crafts to Do With Your Kids

As I sit here, waiting in anticipation of the coming blizzard, I start thinking of some fun projects to do with my daughter. Though my daughter is now 14 years old, I think these fun crafts are great for any age. And best of all, they can be done with most items that are probably already in your home.

Edible Snowmen

These edible snowmen will be fun to make and fun to eat! To make edible snowmen, you will need the following ingredients:


* Jumbo-sized marshmallows;
* White frosting;
* Mini chocolate chips or raisins;
* Mini M&M’s;
* Pretzel sticks;
* Peanut butter cups or chocolate kisses

  1. Take three large marshmallows and push them through one end of a pretzel stick.
  2. Give the snowman eyes by “gluing” on raisins or mini chocolate chips with the frosting.
  3. Use two pretzel sticks for arms. (If you have mini marshmallows, you can also push those onto the arms if you would like)
  4. Decorate the rest of your snowman with M&M’s or any other small food décor items you may have in your home. Let your imagination guide you.
  5. Top your snowmen off with adorable hats using either peanut butter cups or chocolate kisses.

Enjoy!

Puffy foam paint

Puffy foam paint is really easy and lots of fun to make. To make puffy foam paint you will need the following ingredients:

  • White shaving cream;
  • Elmer's glue or any white glue that is similar to Elmer’s glue;
  • Food coloring.

Blend equal amounts of shaving cream and glue for each color of paint you want to make. Next, add 1 or 2 drops of your desired choice of food coloring and mix with a craft stick or toothpick. A good idea is to use an old ice cube tray to make a myriad of different colors. Be creative and mix different colors to come up with unique shades.

When you are done, let the paint set for 2 minutes. Next, paint away!

Have a Light Show

To create a really fun light show, you will need the following:

  • Flashlights;
  • Balloons in various colors;
  • Rubber bands;
  • Scissors.

To start, take a balloon and cut up the side lengthwise. Next, stretch the balloon over the lightbulb part of a flashlight. Then, secure the balloon in place with a rubber band. The more you stretch the balloon over the flashlight, the thinner it will become, making a lighter and brighter color beam.

Now, have your light show! Go into a dark room that has a lot of wall space and aim your colored flashlights at the walls and have a fascinating light show. This also makes for great entertainment at sleepovers.

Spray-paint the Snow

Your kids can create a magical winter wonderland with homemade washable spray paint. To make washable spray paint you will need the following ingredients:

  • Cornstarch;
  • Warm water;
  • Food coloring;
  • Funnel or measuring cup;
  • Spray bottles (if using any spray bottles that once contained cleaners, be sure to wash thoroughly)

To start, mix 1/4 cup of cornstarch with 1 cup of warm water and food coloring; use as much food coloring as you need to get the desired shade you are looking for.

Next, take the sprayer part of your spray bottle off and put your funnel over the opening of the bottle. Pour the paint into your spray bottle. If you don’t have a funnel, mix your paint in a container that has a spout, such a measuring cup, to easily pour your paint into the spray bottle.

Now, go on out and spray away! Just make sure to only spray on your own property. To prevent clogging, shake your spray bottle frequently.

Who says the best things in life aren't free?

Friday, December 17, 2010

The Show Is On With the Lisa LeLeu Super Star Theater


For little ones with a creative spirit, acting on the stage is a dream come true. Bring their creative spirit to life with and encourage them in imaginative play with a theater of their own. Your budding actors and actresses will find everything they need to put on a full-scale production with the Super Star Theater from Lisa LeLeu.

The cleverly-designed Lisa LeLeu stage and puppet theater comes complete with all of the following features:

  • Fabric stage curtains;
  • Backdrop;
  • Backstage door;
  • Dressing room with mirror;
  • Puppet theater panel for easy conversion from live production to puppet show;
  • Three hand puppets;
  • Wipe-off marquee;
  • Ticket booth;
  • Admission tickets;
  • Clear plastic pockets for “cast” photos;
  • Snack stand with pockets for snack prices;
  • Showtime clock;
  • Comedy show script;
  • Script holder;
  • Costume ideas.

The stage is made of durable, easy-to-clean polyester fabric with a sturdy fiberglass frame; the theater is easy to assemble and can be rolled up compactly for convenient storage.

Ideas for using your Lisa LeLeu Theater

The Super Star Theater offers endless opportunities for the soaring imagination. Why not turn the theater into a real family production? Help your kids to write their own play, choose the actors for each part, and let them design costumes. Invite friends and family to opening night and serve real snacks while the audience takes in the show. You may even decide to film the production with your digital camera and create a real movie that your kids can watch over and over.

The Super Star Theater is also perfect for a day care or preschool setting – explore the arts and teach young children to express themselves, whether they are acting out a role themselves or staging a puppet show.

Where to find the Lisa LeLeu Super Star Theater

You can order the Lisa LeLeu Super Star Theater online today at A Kid Place for immediate shipping, just in time to put on a holiday production that your whole family will love. Check out our site for hundreds of fantastic kids’ items that are sure to make this holiday season the best ever.