tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82609752541179122442024-03-25T07:34:14.964-07:00Mama's Little MuseMom and son exploring the days together with arts and crafts, cooking, science and adventure.Lina Staubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08069251285836174701noreply@blogger.comBlogger60125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8260975254117912244.post-18219381951205075472013-03-21T16:00:00.000-07:002013-03-21T16:42:27.447-07:00Sharpie Tie Dye Science Experiment<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rS9iQ3lxNhw/UUUuwfV8CLI/AAAAAAAACGE/sXtgXnHvLEw/s1600/Closeupsharpietiedye1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="370" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rS9iQ3lxNhw/UUUuwfV8CLI/AAAAAAAACGE/sXtgXnHvLEw/s400/Closeupsharpietiedye1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The image above is a close up of the experiment that my son and I did using sharpies, rubbing alcohol and fabric. I had seen this science/art experiment circulating around the
internet and thought that we would give it a whirl.<br />
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Materials used:<br />
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<li>plastic cup</li>
<li>white cotton fabric</li>
<li>scissors</li>
<li>rubber band</li>
<li>sharpies (all different colors)</li>
<li>rubbing alcohol</li>
<li>eye dropper </li>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9VbJ0ATwB38/UUU3jVegoSI/AAAAAAAACGY/346mM8RwFLo/s1600/Drawingwithsharpie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="310" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9VbJ0ATwB38/UUU3jVegoSI/AAAAAAAACGY/346mM8RwFLo/s400/Drawingwithsharpie.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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First we cut out a piece of cotton fabric, wider than the opening of the plastic cup we were using. Then secured it over the top of the cup by using a rubber band and pulling it taut. We drew circles in the fabric of all different colors with our sharpies.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CT2dNZ8xEKE/UUU3jufV8TI/AAAAAAAACGo/9jdHEG9qtPI/s1600/looking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="325" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CT2dNZ8xEKE/UUU3jufV8TI/AAAAAAAACGo/9jdHEG9qtPI/s400/looking.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Then took turns dripping rubbing alcohol onto the fabric with an eye dropper. <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I1jsZEReMTM/UUU3jfvVc8I/AAAAAAAACGw/gOj0BGpiGus/s1600/dropper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="363" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I1jsZEReMTM/UUU3jfvVc8I/AAAAAAAACGw/gOj0BGpiGus/s400/dropper.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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It was cool to see the colors from the ink spread out through the fabric. We noticed that some inks spread better than others, namely the yellows and the blues.<br />
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Lessons my son learned by doing this:<br />
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<li>Sharpies are called "permanent" markers because they are water- <b>"insoluble"</b>, which means water will not dissolve the ink or make it bleed. </li>
<li>Sharpie ink, however, is <b>"soluble"</b> in rubbing alcohol aka - it will dissolve in rubbing alcohol.</li>
<li><b>Solvent </b>is the substance that dissolves the ink...in this case, rubbing alcohol is the solvent, however, in many cases water can be the solvent, like with watercolors. </li>
</ul>
This was a fun activity. As I am just about to post this, I found a similar activity just posted that I'd like to refer you to, as it sounds super fun too, and fitting for this time of year...it is doing virtually this same thing but on Easter Eggs! Head over to <a href="http://www.housingaforest.com/sharpie-tie-dye-easter-eggs/" target="_blank">Housing a Forest</a> and check out their post! Enjoy!<br />
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If you liked this post and you want to stay informed of more kid
activity ideas I post or find around the blogosphere, remember to "like"
me on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/mamaslittlemuse">my Facebook Page</a>! Thank you! Have a wonderful day! <br />
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<img align="right" src="http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc114/oakmoss14/signaturelovelight.jpg" style="border: 0;" />Lina Staubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08069251285836174701noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8260975254117912244.post-44356479108123240772013-02-05T10:18:00.001-08:002013-03-24T21:34:38.778-07:00DIY Rainbow Rice!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It has been forever and a day since I last posted! There has been some (welcome) changes in my life; however, for awhile there I got out of my routine of blogging, but I hope to get rolling again! I do enjoy it, and it keeps me on top of my game with my son.<br />
The latest fun project we did was dyeing a big batch of rice in every color of the rainbow. <br />
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I mixed up 1/4 to 1/2 cup of <a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=16821&keyword=Watercolor&scategoryid=0&CategorySearch=&Brand=&Price=" target="_blank">Discount School Supply Liquid Watercolors</a> with a splash of rubbing alcohol first and then poured the mixture into 6-8 cups of white rice. I mixed it up with a spoon until the color was absorbed consistently. I then spread out the rice on various baking pans (a cookie sheet, a casserole dish, etc.). I ended up with 7 batches of different colored rice so I had a lot to spread out! I fit the rice best I could in a preheated oven (170 degrees). Once in awhile I stirred it. After about 20 minutes I turned the oven off, and just let the rice sit continuing to dry. Once the rice was completely dry, I put it all in a Sterilite plastic bin and then let my son have at it! The bin proved perfect for sensory exploration, as the sides were high enough that not much rice escaped (<i>it was 35 quart size, 24.5"x17.75"x7.125"</i>)! In addition, it still had the lid intact (making it perfect for easy storage). You can find a bin this size for $9-10 at your local home improvement store.<br />
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I was thrilled to see that my son played in the rice for a long time! We added little toys from his room that he buried and then made explode out of the rice (via use of his imagination and his hands). Also I put in plastic measuring cups, a funnel and a spoon which he used for pouring. Pouring (rotating of the wrist) is an excellent practice for developing fine motor skills and I emphasize this as well with the preschool kids I work with.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dNiT2PVdNsw/UQ8mEYkEUTI/AAAAAAAACDs/L8qGkH_ESq0/s1600/rainbowrice3+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="306" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dNiT2PVdNsw/UQ8mEYkEUTI/AAAAAAAACDs/L8qGkH_ESq0/s400/rainbowrice3+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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My son found old glow sticks that he stuck in the rice and used them for an obstacle course that the toys had to weave around. He was deep in imagination. <br />
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I was so happy to see my son engaged so deeply in this sensory tub for so long! It is SO WELL WORTH it to create sensory tubs such as this for your child or students to explore in. In my experience, THEY entertain themselves for LONG stretches of time — such a better use of their time than video games or TV in my opinion! I hope you try it out — you won't be disappointed!<br />
This post is part of a Rainbow themed linky party...go check it out here: <br />
<a href="http://theoutlawmom.com/2013/03/17/kids-rainbow-recipes-crafts-activities/" target="_blank"><img alt="theoutlawmom.com/2013/03/17/kids-rainbow-recipes-crafts-activities/" height="125" src="http://theoutlawmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Outlaw-Mom-Best-Kids-Rainbow-Art-Eats-Activities.jpg" width="125" /></a>
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If you liked this post and you want to stay informed of more kid
activity ideas I post or find around the blogosphere, remember to "like"
me on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/mamaslittlemuse">my Facebook Page</a>! Thank you! Have a wonderful day!<br />
<br />
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Lina Staubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08069251285836174701noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8260975254117912244.post-56482280032942798062012-07-21T15:39:00.002-07:002012-07-21T17:35:28.968-07:00Colorful Celery: Kitchen science; AND Weekly Kid's Co-op<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I've always thought that the science experiments looked super cool where cut stems are put in colored water and the plant itself eventually changes to that color.<br />
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Since my son has gotten so into gardening this year, I thought this experiment would be perfect to illustrate to him how plants incorporate water into their body. <br />
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We poured about an inch of water into 3 glass jars. My son added red, yellow and blue coloring. <br />
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Then we stuck in celery stalks. I thought the stalks with the leaves still intact would be more effective for this experiment.<br />
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Then we waited. <br />
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We noticed that the different colors started showing up in the leaves within only 2 hours time!<br />
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24 hours later the stalks and leaves were very noticeably colored. <br />
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Here are the 3 together. <br />
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We talked about the term "<b>capillary action</b>", which is in essence the plants ability to pull water up through its stalk and into the leaves and flowers. <br />
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Thanks for stopping by! We had fun!<br />
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If you liked this post and you want to stay informed of more kid activity ideas I post or find around the blogosphere, remember to "like" me on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/mamaslittlemuse">my Facebook Page</a>! Thank you! Have a wonderful day.<br />
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<a href="http://www.facebook.com/WelcomeToTheKidsCoop" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The Weekly Kid's Co-op" height="200" src="http://letslassothemoon.com/images/badge_coop_play.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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Also it is Weekly Kids Co-op Link-up Party time! I'm linking up the above post and our post on <a href="http://mamaslittlemuse.blogspot.com/2012/07/painting-like-jackson-pollock-boy-let.html">Painting like Jackson Pollock</a>. Enjoy!<br />
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<script type="text/javascript">
document.write('<script type="text/javascript" src=http://www.inlinkz.com/cs.php?id=174197&' + new Date().getTime() + '"><\/script>');
</script>Lina Staubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08069251285836174701noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8260975254117912244.post-82453859139104799932012-07-19T07:31:00.001-07:002012-07-19T14:45:13.408-07:00Painting like Jackson Pollock: A Boy let loose<br />
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Kids Get Arty is a link-up that is happening over at <a href="http://www.redtedart.com/2012/07/18/kids-get-arty-exploring-david-hockney-photo-montage/">Red Ted Art.</a> I just LOVE this idea! Basically it is a link up of posts with the purpose to teach children about the great masters of art in an experiential way. I chose to participate because I really want my son to be exposed to the arts as much as possible. I grew up outside of New York city so I was lucky in that way — traveling into the city for a visit to the art museums was not uncommon. My son and I, now, however reside in a relatively small town in Oregon, without the same level of opportunities. So, I feel responsible, in part, to educate him when I can on such matters.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wYS0d9-Yf7M/UAeRIUA0AuI/AAAAAAAAB6s/B-BxJSG9TZc/s1600/pollock.number-8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="257" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wYS0d9-Yf7M/UAeRIUA0AuI/AAAAAAAAB6s/B-BxJSG9TZc/s320/pollock.number-8.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This Jackson Pollock original is entitled "Number 8"</td></tr>
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I chose the artist Jackson Pollock for this activity. Jackson Pollock was a controversial painter, who pioneered the "abstract expressionist" movement with his free flowing "drip" paintings, that were to him about expression of feeling. Words I would attribute to his paintings are: raw, spontaneous, expressive, emotional, fervent, messy yet unified. He moved quickly while painting, hence the term "action" painting being attributed to his style. He integrated objects from his environment to use as a means of applying paint, so not only did he use a brush he might also use a stick, syringe, nail or whatever struck him as needed in the moment. Instead of using a easel, he set cloth down on the ground and painted it from above.<br />
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This kind of painting naturally lends itself to an open-ended, fun, even wild activity to do with a child. Kids are so used to others trying to put limitations on their creative expression. How refreshing it would feel to my son to be told that it is OK to make a mess, to go wild with paint, and to use whatever he might have on hand that would be useful to aid his expression! This choice seemed perfect to me!<br />
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Before diving in, we looked at examples of Jackson Pollock paintings, like "Number 8" above. We also viewed this short video clip on You Tube where Pollock himself is talking about his process of painting. View it <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CrVE-WQBcYQ">here</a>.<br />
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After my introduction of Pollock to my son, we were ready to get down
and messy! I laid a big sheet of paper on the grass (with masonite as a
backboard), filled some containers & squirt bottles with
(watered-down) tempera paint. <br />
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I set out some paintbrushes. We also
gathered sticks, string, stones, and nails just in case we felt
inspired! And then both of us — mom and son team — had at it! <br />
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Pouring,
splattering, dripping, squirting, scraping, dragging the stick, and whatever the moment dictated
to us. <br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-npzDyVTScE0/UAeaR_Q0f1I/AAAAAAAAB7A/B3tOV485ZN0/s1600/Pollock5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-npzDyVTScE0/UAeaR_Q0f1I/AAAAAAAAB7A/B3tOV485ZN0/s320/Pollock5.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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Not only was a good time had by both of us — the result was pleasing as well. It took A LOT of paint for this project! It also took a long time to dry, and when it did, I was slightly bummed out that the colors dulled significantly. I think next time we will have to upgrade our materials to real fabric, and housepaint! I want the quality to last, as I can see hanging a piece like this is one of our main rooms!<br />
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Thanks for coming by and checking this out. Please be sure to hop over to <a href="http://www.redtedart.com/kids-get-arty/">Red Ted Art for Kids Get Arty</a> to get more ideas! Also remember to "like" me on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/mamaslittlemuse">my Facebook Page</a> if you want to stay informed of more kid activity ideas I post or find around the blogosphere! Have a wonderful day.
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<img align="right" src="http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc114/oakmoss14/signaturelovelight.jpg" style="border: 0;" />Lina Staubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08069251285836174701noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8260975254117912244.post-55565811320860178842012-07-14T08:46:00.002-07:002012-07-14T08:47:35.527-07:00Exploring Tide Pools<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bw8q2_Jy5rw/T_z9evK7NuI/AAAAAAAAB38/rPw-3WQQHGQ/s1600/Tidepools+header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bw8q2_Jy5rw/T_z9evK7NuI/AAAAAAAAB38/rPw-3WQQHGQ/s400/Tidepools+header.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Last weekend my son and I hit the road and headed for the coast. I was seizing this opportunity for a mini-vacation for Bode because I know all too well how summer can slip away in a blink of an eye. The beach is by far one of my favorite summer destinations and with a son in tow it has become an absolute must.<br />
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This time instead of heading to just any beach, I thought that we would visit some tide pools. Not to say that the ordinary Oregon beaches aren't spectacular in themselves, I just thought I would expose my son to an interactive environment incredibly rich in learning opportunities that he's never been before. My internet research pointed us in the direction of <a href="http://www.blm.gov/or/resources/recreation/yaquina/tide-pooling.php">Yaquina Head</a>. With my co-pilot on board (AKA "Robin) and mama at the wheel (for purposes of this trip let's just say my name was "Batman"), the car (Bat Mobile) was fueled up and ready for some adventure!<br />
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When we arrived mid-afternoon, it was unfortunately high tide, and, of course, <b>the best time to visit a tide pool is low tide </b>(which comes 2 times a day). We were staying at the coast a few days and so planned to return in the morning during low tide. We explored where we could this 1st day, and visited the Interpretation Center on our way out. <br />
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We were able to look out onto the cliffs with power-binoculars that the interpreters provided and view the sea gulls and albatrosses. Even 2 gull chicks. They were all clustered on the top of a huge bird poop-stained rock. We learned that the <i>albatrosses actually use the bird poop as glue for their nests so they don't blow away in the wind</i>!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-djRxRjkD_no/T_-QFQFhcUI/AAAAAAAAB4U/yac64GPcx7I/s1600/Basaltrock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-djRxRjkD_no/T_-QFQFhcUI/AAAAAAAAB4U/yac64GPcx7I/s320/Basaltrock.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Also we walked down onto the beach that was filled with rounded basalt cobble stones. This was a result of volcanic activity and weathering from the ocean waves.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GmOALaif4Ag/T_97dHQciII/AAAAAAAAB4I/faEpN5Cz7IU/s1600/Book.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GmOALaif4Ag/T_97dHQciII/AAAAAAAAB4I/faEpN5Cz7IU/s320/Book.jpg" width="262" /></a></div>
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Then on our way out we stopped at the Interpretation Center and picked up this lovely book: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/In-One-Tidepool-Sharing-Children/dp/1584690380">In One Tidepool: Crabs, Snails and Salty Tails, by Anthony D. Frederick.</a><br />
That night, once we settled into our hotel, I read to Bode our new book. Each page introduces a new creature that is found in a tide pool with beautiful pictures, and rhyming verse. I felt this was the perfect introduction to what we might see in the next day. (*note: the author has compiled a number of activities to accompany the book <a href="http://www.dawnpub.com/downloadable-activities/">here</a>)<br />
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In the morning, we returned in anticipation for low tide, which just happened to occur at the very perfect late morning hour of 10 AM. <b>We were sure to wear closed-toed shoes for easy walking.</b><br />
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This time around the outcropping of rocks were visible as the tide had gone out quite significantly.</div>
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As we walked out onto the rocks <b>we were very careful where we stepped. </b>We avoided stepping on and hurting the sea life, such as this colony of mussels. <br />
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An interpreter was present and taught us about the behaviors of the tide pool creatures. Like, for instance, when sea stars are eating they turn themselves inside out. One of their favorite things to eat are mussels. <br />
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We saw sea stars of all different colors — oranges, purples and pinks. Despite this difference among them, we learned that the ones we saw in the tide pool were in fact all of the same species.<br />
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I love how the sea stars look all together like this! <br />
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Aggregating anemone (the green circular creature), and coralline algae (the coral-like plant) were a common sight in the pools.<br />
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The interpreter illustrated to us first that it was OK to touch the anemones. Bode was brave and got right in there. I, on the other hand, was the one who shrieked because
of the sensation! It was quite a thrill. <br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ojbPoub-DLo/T_-WyfZXMCI/AAAAAAAAB5g/uBEem4V9xoQ/s1600/tidepool7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ojbPoub-DLo/T_-WyfZXMCI/AAAAAAAAB5g/uBEem4V9xoQ/s320/tidepool7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The anemone's mouth (the center of the creature) is surrounded by feeding tentacles that look to me like petals of a flower. When touched, these tentacles close up and are capable of stinging crustaceans, fish and the like. When a human touches these anemones, however, we feel a stickiness. The stinging cells of the anemone cannot penetrate through the flesh on our hands — fortunately! <br />
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Purple urchins also dotted the pools. These were also "touchable".<br />
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Holding a crab! <br />
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I was fascinated to stumble upon this "red sponge" that looked like red spilled liquid.<br />
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When our exploration felt complete, we elected to top off the day by climbing the historic Yaquina lighthouse positioned on the cliffside above.<br />
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Built in 1870, the guide told us of how the lighthouse keeper used to
have to lug heavy containers of oil to keep the lighthouse lit at night.
Still a functioning lighthouse, electricity has replaced the need for
oil. <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sOlrEJAa5j8/UAGNxBlbVoI/AAAAAAAAB6Y/Ka9SxT0kNXU/s1600/climbingstairs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sOlrEJAa5j8/UAGNxBlbVoI/AAAAAAAAB6Y/Ka9SxT0kNXU/s320/climbingstairs.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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Here is Bode climbing the 114 steps to the top! <br />
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What a day we had! It was music to my ears to hear my son say as we drove away, "Thank you, mom. That was actually a lot of fun!" I think we will be returning here many times to come!<br />
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</script>Lina Staubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08069251285836174701noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8260975254117912244.post-81440905597675505412012-07-05T21:12:00.000-07:002012-07-05T21:57:44.762-07:00Tee shirt craft using freezer paper; Weekly Kids Co-op<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wYEmc6D_Mfg/T_ZRGcq1emI/AAAAAAAAB2w/wptMn6n85JE/s1600/headerfinal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wYEmc6D_Mfg/T_ZRGcq1emI/AAAAAAAAB2w/wptMn6n85JE/s640/headerfinal.jpg" width="499" /></a></div>
I have had this MASSIVE role of <span style="background-color: white;">freezer paper</span> on the shelf of my art studio for probably more than a year...untouched, and waiting, waiting, waiting to be used. (Note: you can find freezer paper in big supermarkets alongside the wax paper, parchment paper, etc. - <a href="http://www.soap.com/p/reynolds-wrap-freezer-paper-320190?site=CA&utm_source=Google&utm_medium=cpc_S&utm_term=DCS-2826&utm_campaign=GoogleAW&CAWELAID=1323246174&utm_content=pla&adtype=pla&cagpspn=pla">this</a> is what it looks like in case you don't know and are curious).<br />
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I have wanted to explore freezer paper stenciling on a tee shirt ever since reading about it in Deb Soule's book, <a href="http://www.soulemama.com/the_creative_family/">The Creative Family</a>. The Creative Family is by far one of my favorite family activity books, and I highly recommend it to anybody who loves to craft with their children. Also be sure to check out Deb's inspirational blog, <a href="http://www.soulemama.com/">Soule Mama</a>, which is full of beautiful photography as well as project ideas. <br />
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Anyway, being that it was the 4th of July yesterday, and my son didn't have any festive tees to wear representing the day, I decided it was the perfect time to bust out the freezer paper and give this craft a whirl.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SSWWGNC1z3Y/T_ZRRMLAGZI/AAAAAAAAB3w/sECnpCckZpg/s1600/startemplate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SSWWGNC1z3Y/T_ZRRMLAGZI/AAAAAAAAB3w/sECnpCckZpg/s320/startemplate.jpg" width="247" /></a></div>
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Using photoshop, I created the above star design for the shirt. <br />
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I then printed it out and laid the sheet over a piece of freezer paper cut to the same size. I placed these both on a cutting mat board and started cutting through both layers with my X-acto knife. *Note: the waxy side is the side that will eventually be ironed down onto the tee shirt. You want this to be facing down when cutting the design out, in general. Obviously for my star template it didn't matter which side was up or down. <br />
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After the stars are all cut out, I ironed down the paper (wax side down) onto a tee shirt. I made sure that the paper was completely adhered to the fabric before moving on to the next step. <br />
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Using a stencil brush, my son tapped (or "stippled") blue and red acrylic paint onto the cut-out shapes.<br />
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He worked meticulously on filling each star. <br />
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When all the stars were covered thoroughly with paint, we peeled the paper off. It was quite easy! I was sooo impressed with how easy this paper was to use, AND I ended up loving the result!<br />
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We were careful to not fold the shirt and lay it flat until the paint was dry.<br />
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How do you like it? My son was proud that he had a hand in its creation, and I think he looked perfect for the part of a 4th of July Festival goer!<br />
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Thanks for coming by and checking this out. Remember to "like" me on my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mamas-Little-Muse/160388560737341" target="_blank">Facebook Page</a>
if you want to stay informed of more kid craft ideas I post or find
around the blogosphere! Have a wonderful day. <br />
<br />
And now for our weekly linky party! I am linking up this freezer paper post, and <a href="http://mamaslittlemuse.blogspot.com/2012/07/make-4th-of-july-fireworks-painting.html">my fireworks painting post</a>. Enjoy!<br />
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<img align="right" src="http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc114/oakmoss14/signaturelovelight.jpg" style="border: 0;" />Lina Staubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08069251285836174701noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8260975254117912244.post-83577359212602020542012-07-03T21:24:00.001-07:002012-07-03T21:24:15.883-07:00Make a 4th of July Fireworks Painting - using a Fly swatter!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DprQi1OvzIc/T_PE-Qtkz_I/AAAAAAAAB2k/JHg4FbeDC1Q/s1600/fireworks+Collage1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DprQi1OvzIc/T_PE-Qtkz_I/AAAAAAAAB2k/JHg4FbeDC1Q/s640/fireworks+Collage1.jpg" width="458" /></a></div>
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The other day my son and I made a trip to the Dollar Store. Being that the 4th of July was right around the corner, I was keeping my eyes open for craft materials for a fireworks painting. I am happy to say that I hit the jackpot!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PHdv7ASgyBs/T_NlzpzswcI/AAAAAAAAB0Y/NfzWM8CbVas/s1600/materials.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="262" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PHdv7ASgyBs/T_NlzpzswcI/AAAAAAAAB0Y/NfzWM8CbVas/s320/materials.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Materials used for fireworks painting</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I found these unusual fly swatters with flowers affixed to one side of them, a "can strainer", and also inexpensive black poster board, and voila! An idea was born for the Fireworks painting. <br />
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<b>Full list of materials we used: </b><br />
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<ul>
<li>Black Poster Board (to represent the sky) (50 cents - Dollar Store)</li>
<li>2 Fly swatters with ornamental plastic flowers on them ($1 each- Dollar Store)</li>
<li>Can Strainer ($1 Dollar Store)</li>
<li>Tempera Paint (Colorations, from Discount School Supply)</li>
<li>Bronze "Activity" Paint (Colorations, from Discount School Supply)</li>
<li>Meat packing trays to hold paint</li>
<li>stencil brush</li>
<li>glitter</li>
<li>sequins stars</li>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qYmzSkjls08/T_NmMQ4jNgI/AAAAAAAAB0g/fHb2tVoi_oY/s1600/swat1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="231" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qYmzSkjls08/T_NmMQ4jNgI/AAAAAAAAB0g/fHb2tVoi_oY/s320/swat1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I spread blue and red paint onto trays. My son pressed the fly swatter (flower-side down) into the paint and proceeded to swat away onto the black paper. WOW! I was impressed with how the splattered paint looked a lot like fireworks!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gD-VL3fTC0k/T_NmNhJckwI/AAAAAAAAB0o/sP2d-MuCe7c/s1600/swat2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="229" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gD-VL3fTC0k/T_NmNhJckwI/AAAAAAAAB0o/sP2d-MuCe7c/s320/swat2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Soon he mastered double-fisted swat action! He was having fun!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sjoqbIhfXLY/T_NmO5OerXI/AAAAAAAAB0w/CYkmPDGL2hs/s1600/swat3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="249" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sjoqbIhfXLY/T_NmO5OerXI/AAAAAAAAB0w/CYkmPDGL2hs/s320/swat3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Originally, I had just planned on him using 2 colors, but he insisted on me adding more (which, I must admit, made for a much more exciting picture in the end)! He then added green fireworks...<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JppUKoCMHjk/T_NmQP17FgI/AAAAAAAAB04/bMa4p0X7pXI/s1600/swat4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JppUKoCMHjk/T_NmQP17FgI/AAAAAAAAB04/bMa4p0X7pXI/s320/swat4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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...and yellow fireworks to the painting. It all came together looking like the an explosion of color against a night sky. <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ws47vJylqAA/T_NmeSdYiBI/AAAAAAAAB1A/qExGo5gC-Kk/s1600/Stencil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="231" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ws47vJylqAA/T_NmeSdYiBI/AAAAAAAAB1A/qExGo5gC-Kk/s320/Stencil.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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After he was done using the fly swatters, I had him use the can strainer as a stencil to paint a different looking firework to the mix. With a stencil brush, he "stippled", or tapped bronze paint through the holes and onto the paper. <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BnKzuAAlafs/T_Nmf11KSHI/AAAAAAAAB1I/cYdwo0kSENg/s1600/stencilcloseup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BnKzuAAlafs/T_Nmf11KSHI/AAAAAAAAB1I/cYdwo0kSENg/s320/stencilcloseup.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This was the result.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r14xM6LMIrc/T_Nmg1WmbRI/AAAAAAAAB1Q/lmyCQpFHiGU/s1600/stencilcloseup2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r14xM6LMIrc/T_Nmg1WmbRI/AAAAAAAAB1Q/lmyCQpFHiGU/s320/stencilcloseup2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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He placed the new fireworks all over the page where he saw fit. <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aJr4azhM5Ps/T_NnLLDZzLI/AAAAAAAAB1g/AGZga3TNsF8/s1600/glitter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aJr4azhM5Ps/T_NnLLDZzLI/AAAAAAAAB1g/AGZga3TNsF8/s320/glitter.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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And then — to add even more pizazz — he sprinkled on glitter...<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hHvhdstGd1w/T_NoPlm-NAI/AAAAAAAAB1w/Ikljkni7U4k/s1600/closeup_final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hHvhdstGd1w/T_NoPlm-NAI/AAAAAAAAB1w/Ikljkni7U4k/s320/closeup_final.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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...and metallic stars to make it glow. <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-47ZVhejgBUs/T_NoRexjNhI/AAAAAAAAB14/sJzES3TfllM/s1600/closeupfinal2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-47ZVhejgBUs/T_NoRexjNhI/AAAAAAAAB14/sJzES3TfllM/s320/closeupfinal2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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I love how the painting looks abstract...<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-noCoN5VKVdk/T_NoTH_646I/AAAAAAAAB2A/RHoPeUKIxfo/s1600/final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-noCoN5VKVdk/T_NoTH_646I/AAAAAAAAB2A/RHoPeUKIxfo/s320/final.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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...but yet still looks like the beautiful lit-up sky of a 4th of July night.<br />
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Thanks for coming by and checking this out. Remember to "like" me on my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mamas-Little-Muse/160388560737341" target="_blank">Facebook Page</a>
if you want to stay informed of more kid craft ideas I post or find
around the blogosphere! Have a fun holiday! Stay safe!<br /><img align="right" src="http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc114/oakmoss14/signaturelovelight.jpg" style="border: 0;" />Lina Staubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08069251285836174701noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8260975254117912244.post-26748828201837138882012-06-29T18:30:00.002-07:002012-06-29T21:21:18.378-07:00MUD DAY FUN!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LBo2W3G8LDo/T-5CFK8QxLI/AAAAAAAABys/BKz5sR9Olag/s1600/Header+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LBo2W3G8LDo/T-5CFK8QxLI/AAAAAAAABys/BKz5sR9Olag/s640/Header+pic.jpg" width="448" /> </a></div>
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We did it! We participated for the first time ever in <b>INTERNATIONAL MUD DAY</b>! Thanks to an inspiring post from Crystal at <a href="http://www.growingajeweledrose.com/2012/06/30-mud-activities-to-celebrate.html">Growing a Jeweled Rose</a> I was made aware of this annual slop fest! You can read her post that highlights 30 ways to celebrate this kids' "holiday" <a href="http://www.growingajeweledrose.com/2012/06/30-mud-activities-to-celebrate.html">here</a>.</div>
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I have been anticipating this day all week long for my son, with, I admit, a little trepidation. I know from personal experience from when I was a kid how incredibly fun is it to play with mud — I remember fondly making mud pies and muddy stew and just losing myself in play. Looking back on how magical this experience was for me I realize how important it is to stage enticing imaginary play settings for my son. I feel that children are more supervised in their play nowadays by adults and there seems to be a lot of "Nos" coming from these towering figures hindering their otherwise unbridled play. I'm guilty of it sometimes that's for sure! But I try my best not to be. I think children need to be allowed to just be themselves, and not always have older people constantly telling them "do this, don't do that". Muddy play challenges parents to let go of their tendency to control the clean factor of the situation. I had a sprinkler and a towel on the sidelines ready for a preliminary wash when my son was done playing, and also plans for a bath so I didn't let the dirtiness factor of this Mud Extravaganza get in the way of the FUN! AND boy, did he have FUN!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VnsEcBuoGHM/T-5CJuwiODI/AAAAAAAABzM/uFmDjtDGBus/s1600/mudpie10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VnsEcBuoGHM/T-5CJuwiODI/AAAAAAAABzM/uFmDjtDGBus/s320/mudpie10.jpg" width="272" /></a></div>
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I didn't know exactly how Mud Day would manifest for us, I just provided the props. I filled up my son's old baby pool with mud & had another container nearby filled with water. I put his sand toys out, some pie containers, & bowls of pebbles and sand. I told him "this is your Mud Day, you can do whatever you like. You can even climb in the mud if you want to!" He looked at his options and surprisingly ruled against a mud bath and decided to make mud pies instead. <br />
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We found an old window frame and used it as the store front. My son named the business "Pie Prickles". His friend came by to help him out.<br />
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I was a repeat customer. I would place my order, and the kids would get to work, a few minutes later I would hear a flute being blown, which was my cue that my order was ready. <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mxW1i_YTBsA/T-5CIsFbj4I/AAAAAAAABzE/yUuhf_Ndsn8/s1600/mudday1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mxW1i_YTBsA/T-5CIsFbj4I/AAAAAAAABzE/yUuhf_Ndsn8/s320/mudday1.jpg" width="278" /></a></div>
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He and his friend worked hard making their pies, using rocks for berries, sand for sugar, and of course mud for chocolate. The sticks were useful for stirrers.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Kno_7IGNWoA/T-5CNiuZITI/AAAAAAAABzs/7XM5jWKIZVI/s1600/mudpie5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Kno_7IGNWoA/T-5CNiuZITI/AAAAAAAABzs/7XM5jWKIZVI/s320/mudpie5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Pies, fresh out of the oven! Don't the flowers and cherries make them so inviting?<br />
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They even served candy apples, dipped in caramel "mud".<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xVtV7knq-wE/T-5CHOLIfXI/AAAAAAAABy8/1qHkiovCc50/s1600/menu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xVtV7knq-wE/T-5CHOLIfXI/AAAAAAAABy8/1qHkiovCc50/s320/menu.jpg" width="254" /></a></div>
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They had quite the creative menu.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g4ffnM5ggio/T-5CLuRcobI/AAAAAAAABzc/RJgU1RCDi8k/s1600/mudpie3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g4ffnM5ggio/T-5CLuRcobI/AAAAAAAABzc/RJgU1RCDi8k/s320/mudpie3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I was able to support their business as I had a lot of "green" currency that I kept kicking down. <br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pNl_paBcFEI/T-5CPaBfDeI/AAAAAAAABz8/A3WIuzXQuUo/s1600/mudpie7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="219" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pNl_paBcFEI/T-5CPaBfDeI/AAAAAAAABz8/A3WIuzXQuUo/s320/mudpie7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
As the business expanded they installed tables for sit down customers.<br />
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And they even had a "to go" container for my uneaten portion!<br />
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Happy International Mud Day! Hope you got dirty today!<br />
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Thanks for coming by and checking this out. Remember to "like" me on my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mamas-Little-Muse/160388560737341" target="_blank">Facebook Page</a>
if you want to stay informed of more kid craft ideas I post or find
around the blogosphere! Have a wonderful
day<br />
<img align="right" src="http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc114/oakmoss14/signaturelovelight.jpg" style="border: 0;" />Lina Staubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08069251285836174701noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8260975254117912244.post-88712314192823114312012-06-28T20:06:00.000-07:002012-06-28T21:48:05.161-07:00Patriotic Ice Cube Painting and Kids Co-op Linky Party<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/WelcomeToTheKidsCoop" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The Weekly Kid's Co-op" height="200" src="http://letslassothemoon.com/images/badge_coop_play.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cJfRk_VtdWI/T-0T0YwksUI/AAAAAAAABx4/Uockj7fF-do/s1600/patriotic+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cJfRk_VtdWI/T-0T0YwksUI/AAAAAAAABx4/Uockj7fF-do/s640/patriotic+Collage.jpg" width="465" /></a></div>
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Yesterday my son and I made a trip to the Dollar Store and found star shaped ice cube trays for, of course, only A BUCK! What a score!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YmlKd7XYI9I/T-0arI918tI/AAAAAAAAByE/wAIUF3HlcK0/s1600/tray.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YmlKd7XYI9I/T-0arI918tI/AAAAAAAAByE/wAIUF3HlcK0/s320/tray.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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When we came home, I filled each star with red, white, or blue tempera paint, and stuck a dibble stick in each. Then I placed the tray carefully in the freezer.<br />
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Today we pulled the iced paint cubes out of the freezer, and took them out of the tray.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8kOoZ-SUX5A/T-0a_oGe-SI/AAAAAAAAByU/wlHdJqsWj5M/s1600/painting1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="215" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8kOoZ-SUX5A/T-0a_oGe-SI/AAAAAAAAByU/wlHdJqsWj5M/s320/painting1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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We (both!) had fun playing around with them , moving them around on a piece of paper and watching the marks that they left as they warmed up. Of course as time passed the iced paint melted more readily and more distinct marks were made.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Rn7Qr5CLDD0/T-0bK-_af9I/AAAAAAAAByc/6JG4hKfIHW0/s1600/IMG_2307.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Rn7Qr5CLDD0/T-0bK-_af9I/AAAAAAAAByc/6JG4hKfIHW0/s320/IMG_2307.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Because I didn't dilute the paint with water (which I usually do when I freeze paint) I found the texture was creamy and moved smoothly on the paper.<br />
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This is a fun activity that I think children of all ages would enjoy!<br />
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Happy 4th of July everybody!<br />
<br />
Thanks for coming by and checking this out. Remember to "like" me on my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mamas-Little-Muse/160388560737341" target="_blank">Facebook Page</a>
if you want to stay informed of more kid craft ideas I post or find
around the blogosphere! Have a wonderful
day! <br />
<br />
Now for our weekly link-up! This week Mama's Little Muse is linking up our <a href="http://mamaslittlemuse.blogspot.com/2012/06/dramatic-fireworks-display-craft-fourth.html" target="_blank">Glittery Fireworks Craft post</a>, <a href="http://mamaslittlemuse.blogspot.com/2012/06/sea-horse-craft.html" target="_blank">our Seahorse post</a>, as well as our Patriotic Ice Cube Painting Post.<br />
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<img align="right" src="http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc114/oakmoss14/signaturelovelight.jpg" style="border: 0;" />Lina Staubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08069251285836174701noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8260975254117912244.post-55565034376383898522012-06-27T07:41:00.000-07:002012-06-27T07:41:49.773-07:00Sea Horse Craft<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rxo7dPkvHxg/T-qmDAZcg8I/AAAAAAAABxg/H2miXuRZUqg/s1600/seahorsepic2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rxo7dPkvHxg/T-qmDAZcg8I/AAAAAAAABxg/H2miXuRZUqg/s640/seahorsepic2.jpg" width="452" /></a></div>
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This week is Eric Carle's birthday, the beloved author and illustrator of many modern classics, including, "Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What do you see?", "The Very Hungry Caterpillar", and "Papa, Please get the Moon for me".<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qDXMjRYjBrM/T-qfx4dikdI/AAAAAAAABxE/qRiPYln8Mf4/s1600/Mister-Seahorse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qDXMjRYjBrM/T-qfx4dikdI/AAAAAAAABxE/qRiPYln8Mf4/s200/Mister-Seahorse.jpg" width="156" /></a></div>
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We love his books in our household. In celebration of Mr. Carle turning 83, I decided to read his book "Mister Seahorse" and do a colorful textured craft with my son reminiscent of the paintings in his book. "Mister Seahorse" is about a male seahorse who is going to have babies! Mrs. Seahorse deposited the eggs in his pouch and he goes about meeting other male sea animals who also care for their unborns in unusual ways. As he meets each creature, many are hidden at first, and it was fun to have my son try to spot them. When the pages were turned, the creatures became unobscured. This provided a good opportunity to discuss the word "camouflage" with him. This was a sweet book, and my son enjoyed it thoroughly. <br />
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Now onward to our craft! <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OhNWN9IvpDA/T-qSqWAhALI/AAAAAAAABvo/6_ZtuJG3JII/s1600/Materialsseahorse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OhNWN9IvpDA/T-qSqWAhALI/AAAAAAAABvo/6_ZtuJG3JII/s320/Materialsseahorse.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
First we gathered up the materials:<br />
<ul>
<li>3 colors of <b>tempera paint</b> (I had my son choose his favorites, yellow, orange, blue)</li>
<li>3 textured materials to apply the paint: <b>a sponge</b>, <b>bubble wrap</b>, and an <b>egg carton</b>. </li>
<li>3 containers/surfaces to hold paint that will accommodate size of textured materials (for sponge I used a simple <b>little bowl</b>, for bubble wrap I used a <b>meat tray</b>, and for egg carton I used a <b>cafeteria food tray</b>. </li>
<li><b>Paper</b> cut out in shape of a sea horse (I used <a href="http://www.google.com/imgres?hl=en&client=firefox-a&hs=G1Q&sa=X&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&biw=1280&bih=565&tbm=isch&prmd=imvns&tbnid=HZpKzW5mBMU89M:&imgrefurl=http://www.friendsacrossamerica.com/colorseahorse.html&docid=1Q9aKxnkZCnz6M&imgurl=http://www.friendsacrossamerica.com/colorseahorse.gif&w=946&h=1490&ei=K5XqT77xCMWqrQHsufzWBQ&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=688&vpy=152&dur=2405&hovh=282&hovw=179&tx=106&ty=304&sig=105152022819224035798&page=1&tbnh=165&tbnw=105&start=0&ndsp=15&ved=1t:429,r:4,s:0,i:154" target="_blank">this image</a> as a guide to hand-draw the outline)</li>
<li><b>A googly eye</b></li>
</ul>
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First my son used a sponge and stamped yellow paint over the entire surface of seahorse shape. <br />
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Then my son pressed the bubble wrap onto 2nd paint color (spread out on meat tray) and then stamped it on paper.<br />
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Then he pressed the egg carton into the 3rd color of paint and stamped it down onto the paper, covering the entire surface. <br />
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As the last step he glued on the eye. <br />
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Voila! How do you like it?<br />
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Thanks for coming by and checking this out. Remember to "like" me on my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mamas-Little-Muse/160388560737341" target="_blank">Facebook Page</a>
if you want to stay informed of more kid craft ideas I post or find
around the blogosphere! Have a wonderful
day! <br />
<br />
<img align="right" src="http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc114/oakmoss14/signaturelovelight.jpg" style="border: 0pt none;" />Lina Staubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08069251285836174701noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8260975254117912244.post-29148340125592634192012-06-25T05:16:00.000-07:002012-06-27T08:12:22.460-07:00Dramatic Fireworks Display Craft: a Fourth of July Activity<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Here is a super fun 4th of July craft to do with the kids. YES it requires the dreaded glitter, BUT the end-result is SO well worth it! <br />
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<b>Materials needed:</b><br />
<ul>
<li>black construction paper</li>
<li>glitter in all different colors</li>
<li>Elmer’s glue thinned down with water and mixed well. </li>
<li>container for thinned down glue</li>
<li>water</li>
<li>a spoon</li>
<li>a straw</li>
<li>a tray for paper</li>
<li>optional: Folded piece of paper (for clean-up)</li>
</ul>
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1. Take a spoonful of thinned-down glue and place blob on construction paper.<br />
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2. Have child blow air through the straw onto the glue. Encourage the child to blow the glue blob in all different directions. This part can be a little challenging. I had my son actually touch the straw to the glue to make it easier. Also tip the tray so that "gravity" helps the glue go in the direction you want it to go. Rotate the tray and the direction of the air being blown. I think a lazy susan would be helpful for this, but we didn't have one around. <br />
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3. Have child pour glitter (one color) onto the glue.<br />
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Adult job- For easy clean-up pour loose glitter onto folded paper and pour back into the container.<br />
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Repeat steps 1 to 3 with different colors of glitter. Don't worry about
the new glue being blown onto the other glitter shapes. It ends up being
interesting that way. <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ms7yxiACnJE/T-UrE-rvG_I/AAAAAAAABtk/Rjdm3hTbaLE/s1600/final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ms7yxiACnJE/T-UrE-rvG_I/AAAAAAAABtk/Rjdm3hTbaLE/s320/final.jpg" width="320" /></a> </div>
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Have a safe and enjoyable 4th of July!<br />
<br />
Thanks for coming by and checking this out. Remember to "like" me on my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mamas-Little-Muse/160388560737341" target="_blank">Facebook Page</a>
if you want to stay informed of more kid craft ideas I post or find
around the blogosphere! <br />
<br />
Have fun! <br />
<br />
<img align="right" src="http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc114/oakmoss14/signaturelovelight.jpg" style="border: 0;" />Lina Staubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08069251285836174701noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8260975254117912244.post-71599076774185471812012-06-21T08:07:00.002-07:002012-07-15T19:12:39.594-07:00Summer Bucket List and Kid's Co-op Linky Party<br />
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<a href="http://www.facebook.com/WelcomeToTheKidsCoop" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The Weekly Kid's Co-op" height="200" src="http://letslassothemoon.com/images/badge_coop_play.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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So now since it is summer, I figured I'd better get a post out on our "Summer Bucket List". It is actually kind of gratifying to get it out so late because that means I get to cross a few things off that have already been completed! And that just feels cool! I want to just say a word about the idea of a bucket list. A very inspirational co-worker turned me on to the idea of making a life bucket list for myself. She is pretty young — a mere 30 — and she made hers years ago. She has gone bungee jumping, she has jumped out of an airplane, she has traveled around the world, she gone on kayaking & rock-climbing adventures, she is in a dance tribe, she has been a "Rodeo Queen", and she has run a marathon. She is continuing to add to and check off things on her list as she goes through her life. These are all ideas that were born out of her head and that she wrote down and pursued them with dedication and passion. Her life already sounds so incredibly rich with experiences and I am inspired by her. What wonderful memories she has created for herself.<br />
As a result of hearing my friend's stories, I, for months, have been compiling my own personal bucket list. It was about a month ago however, I discovered that some of my fellow bloggers had put together Summer Bucket Lists of their own for their family, and I thought HOW PERFECT! Of course I would have to compile my own specifically geared toward my little family for the summer.<br />
When creating the list I was particularly inspired by a guest post that Danielle from <a href="http://52brandnew.com/" target="_blank">52 Brand New</a> wrote for <a href="http://imaginationsoup.net/" target="_blank">Imagination Soup</a>...... where she emphasized how important it is to expose your children to lots and lots of varied experiences in life. It fosters their growth, and evolution as individuals. Here is her wonderful article <a href="http://imaginationsoup.net/2012/05/a-simple-way-to-help-your-child-become-a-better-reader-no-books-necessary/" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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Here goes the Summer Bucket List for my son and me:<br />
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<ul>
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<ol>
<li><a href="http://mamaslittlemuse.blogspot.com/2012/06/gardening-with-my-son.html" target="_blank"><strike>Help my son plant his very own garden</strike></a></li>
<li><strike>Plant a butterfly garden</strike></li>
<li>Raise butterflies from caterpillars</li>
<li>Go swimming in a natural setting</li>
<li>Sleep in a tent in the backyard</li>
<li><strike>Help my son set up a lemonade stand</strike></li>
<li>Make mango ice cream</li>
<li><a href="http://themagiconions.blogspot.com/2010/06/patiotic-fruit-pops.html" target="_blank">Make Fourth of July popsicles (the Magic Onions)</a></li>
<li>Go on a picnic</li>
<li>Visit the beach</li>
<li>See Fireworks</li>
<li><strike>Take my son fishing for the 1st time</strike></li>
<li>Bike on the bike path many times!</li>
<li>Start a Plant I.D. book</li>
<li>Pick a bouquet of flowers and give it to someone</li>
<li>Gather river rocks and make pet rocks</li>
<li>Go for an extended camping trip</li>
<li>Start potato plants from cutting the eyes off and planting them</li>
<li>Root a avocado pit and plant</li>
<li>Make a cherry pie from harvest of cherry tree</li>
<li>Go stargazing</li>
<li>Read the Flat Stanley Series with my son</li>
<li>Make a tee shirt using freezer paper templates</li>
<li>Make a shell mobile</li>
<li>Paint seashells</li>
<li>Make a sundial</li>
<li><strike>Visit waterfalls</strike></li>
<li>See a movie in the park</li>
<li>Go to the County Fair</li>
<li>See an outdoor concert</li>
<li>Go strawberry picking</li>
<li>Make strawberry jam</li>
<li>Go blueberry picking</li>
<li>Make blueberry pancakes</li>
<li>Grill up shish kebabs</li>
<li>Make caprese with fresh tomatoes from the garden</li>
<li>Dance at the local Farmer's market's dance stage</li>
<li>Make a picture using vegetable stamps </li>
<li>Go to a baseball game</li>
<li>Make a stepping stone</li>
<li>Make solar prints</li>
<li>Make a sand casting</li>
<li>Go to an outdoor summer concert </li>
<li>Build an Ice Sculpture </li>
<li>Submit son's artwork to Mayor's Art show </li>
<li><a href="http://mamaslittlemuse.blogspot.com/2012/06/make-ocean-in-bottle-kids-co-op-link-up.html" target="_blank">Make an ocean in a bottle </a></li>
<li>Let my son take a bath with glow sticks! </li>
</ol>
<ul>
</ul>
You should check out the bucket lists too put out by other bloggers. <a href="http://www.creativefamilyfun.net/2012/05/200-fun-ideas-for-your-summer-bucket.html" target="_blank">Creative Family Fun</a>, <a href="http://52brandnew.com/2012/05/24/10-things-every-child-should-experience-in-summer/" target="_blank">52 Brand New</a>, <a href="http://www.theiowafarmerswife.com/2012/06/summer-bucket-list-2012.html" target="_blank">Iowa's Farmer's Wife</a>, <a href="http://kidsactivitiesblog.com/50-summer-bucket-list/" target="_blank">Quirky Mama</a>, <a href="http://www.digitalreflections.typepad.com/digital_reflections/2009/06/100-free-things-to-do-with-your-kids-this-summer.html" target="_blank">Digital Reflections</a>. <a href="http://famigliaandseoul.blogspot.com/2012/06/new-experiences-for-our-toddler-summer.html#more" target="_blank">Famiglia&Seoul,</a>& <a href="http://creeksidelearning.com/2012/05/29/the-creekside-summer-bucket-list/" target="_blank">Creekside Learning.</a> If you have a list of your own or an idea that you would share, please be sure to add it to the comments!<br />
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I will be happy if we are able to cross off 75% of this list. I am sure as the days go on, I will think up more ideas, and add to it. I'm going put this on its own page on my blog for my own reference. I hope you were able to find inspiration also.<br />
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Thanks for coming by and checking this out. Remember to "like" me on my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mamas-Little-Muse/160388560737341" target="_blank">Facebook Page</a>
if you want to stay informed of more kid craft ideas I post or find
around the blogosphere! Have a wonderful
day! <br />
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<img align="right" src="http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc114/oakmoss14/signaturelovelight.jpg" style="border: 0pt none;" />Lina Staubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08069251285836174701noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8260975254117912244.post-60650244105917575272012-06-19T07:16:00.000-07:002012-06-22T07:22:01.941-07:00Ocean watercolor and crayon picture<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I remember making these under the sea pictures when I was a child. A wash of watercolor over a crayon drawing lends itself perfectly to an underwater painting. It is always a delight to see how the watercolor resists the waxy area on the paper, and how the picture turns out when all is said and done. <br />
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First I had my son draw creatures, plants and objects that he might find under the surface of the ocean. I encouraged him to press hard with the crayon, and to color in the objects.<br />
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My son referred to the tutorials in my favorite drawing book "Let's Draw Animals" by
Ann Davidow, when drawing some of his sea creatures. This gem of a book is still available through Amazon <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Lets-Draw-Animals-Ann-Davidow/dp/1258208679/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1340050234&sr=8-1&keywords=Let%27s+Draw+Animals" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Tmk8qQtTJzw/T9-K7LyNiyI/AAAAAAAABsE/xtrdTLIXGOk/s1600/book.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Tmk8qQtTJzw/T9-K7LyNiyI/AAAAAAAABsE/xtrdTLIXGOk/s320/book.jpg" width="253" /></a></div>
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I also found the <a href="http://www.hellokids.com/r_712/activities/how-to-draw-step-by-step-drawing-tutorials/how-to-draw-sea-animals-and-fishes/" target="_blank">Hello Kids website</a> which has many easy step-by-step tutorials on drawing sea animals as well as other kinds of animals.<br />
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I decided to draw my own picture alongside of him. I could tell by his energy that he really enjoyed his mama partaking in the activity rather than just directing it. That felt so good to me, and I made a mental note to "draw" more often with him. I made inquiries about my drawing out loud to stimulate his thought about ocean life. "Hmmm, I wonder what I would find at the bottom of the ocean. What should I draw?" He came up with creative answers, yet accurate, "volcanoes, anchors, seaweed". I taught him some facts that I know about the ocean, such as:<br />
<ul>
<li>In some places you might find coral at the bottom of the ocean. Some corals are hard, like a rock, but it really is a plant, and as such it breathes in carbon dioxide and lets out oxygen which we need to breathe. </li>
<li>Male seahorses give birth, not the females, as in most species. </li>
<li>Fish can't close their eyes, because they have no eyelids</li>
<li>An octopus can squirt out a dark ink to escape from predators</li>
<li>Blue whales are the biggest living animal in the world — they weigh as much as 30 elephants put together </li>
</ul>
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After he was done drawing his ocean scene, I then had him paint a wash of blue watercolor over the paper. He was thrilled with this part.<br />
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This is a fun, easy and highly gratifying craft. I recommend it to kids of all ages (even the grown-up kind)!<br />
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Thanks for coming by and checking this out. Remember to "like" me on my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mamas-Little-Muse/160388560737341" target="_blank">Facebook Page</a>
if you want to stay informed of more kid craft ideas I post or find
around the blogosphere! Have a wonderful
day! <br />
<br />
<img align="right" src="http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc114/oakmoss14/signaturelovelight.jpg" style="border: 0pt none;" />Lina Staubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08069251285836174701noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8260975254117912244.post-65470951395968498412012-06-15T14:20:00.000-07:002012-06-15T14:20:19.918-07:00Make an Ocean in a Bottle & Kid's Co-op Link up Party<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://letslassothemoon.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Lasso the Moon" height="125" src="http://letslassothemoon.com/images/badge_coop_play.jpg" width="125" /></a></div>
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I personally love this craft! I made this with my son about 2 years ago, and thought that we would revisit it. The materials are easy to gather, and the bottle takes minutes to put together. <br />
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First we gathered up the materials:<br />
<ul>
<li>Oil (I like to keep on hand the cheapest oil I can find at the store specifically for crafts like this, or playdough, etc)</li>
<li>An empty plastic bottle with cap</li>
<li>Blue Watercolor (ours is from Discount School Supply), food dye would work fine too</li>
<li>Glitter</li>
<li>Other objects that represent the ocean (sand, shells, a shark)</li>
<li>Funnel</li>
<li>Liquid measuring cup (only because it is easy to pour from, we didn't use it for measuring)</li>
</ul>
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First, I had my son pour water into the bottle to about the half-way mark, and then I had him put in the watercolor. <br />
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Then I had him add the glitter. <br />
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We squeezed the rubber floaty shark in, and then poured some oil in. Next time I will remember not to use ocean creatures that float, and use instead the solid plastic ones that sink to the bottom — that way the sea creatures stay in the ocean part.<br />
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Before the oil reached the top, we put the sand and the shells in. <br />
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We then poured oil as high up as it could go to the top and capped it, turning it as tightly as I could. Last time I think I put special glue inside the cap to make sure it stayed sealed. I didn't do that this time, as I felt secure that I screwed the top tight enough that it wouldn't come loose. <br />
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Voila! My son had fun putting it up to the light and watching the waves tumble back and forth. Such a gratifying easy craft that I highly recommend!<br />
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Things Bode learned:<br />
<ul>
<li>Oil and water don't mix</li>
<li>Oil is actually lighter in weight than water and floats to the top.</li>
<li>The watercolor mixes with the water and not with the oil, because it is water-based. </li>
</ul>
Thanks for coming by and checking this out. Remember to "like" me on my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mamas-Little-Muse/160388560737341" target="_blank">Facebook Page</a> if you want to stay informed of more kid craft ideas I post or find around the blogosphere! Now onto the Link-up Party! Have a wonderful day! <br />
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<img align="right" src="http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc114/oakmoss14/signaturelovelight.jpg" style="border: 0;" />Lina Staubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08069251285836174701noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8260975254117912244.post-60395572542309417822012-06-13T07:01:00.000-07:002012-06-13T07:11:15.864-07:00Gardening with my sonI just love when the weather gets warmer! Spring leading into summer is by far my favorite time of the year. My spirits lift
immensely when the seemingly never-ending rains actually do, in fact, come
to an end. It is hard to contain a smile when I turn my face up to the
sky and I can feel the warmth of the sun's rays. Naturally, my
inclination is to head outside; fortunately my favorite spot around this
time of year lies just a few steps from my back door.<br />
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Gardening has always been a fun hobby for me. I, by no means, haven't
gotten into it to the extent of some people I know. "Everyone is a
backyard farmer" is a sentiment I have heard repeatedly about the residents of this town. I have to admit, it is pretty cool to see so much energy and attention to be given to the land. My backyard garden space has definitely gotten more
expansive over the years. This year we put in 3 new raised beds as well
as dug out sod in areas to directly plant more garden beds in the
ground.<br />
I know, for me, so much pleasure is derived from observing the fruition of my labor. Because of this, I think one of the most amazing gifts I can give my child
is a love of gardening. I, too, remember having a little garden plot as
a child that my grandfather helped me with, and it was magical time for me. I
want to impart a similar rich memory for my son. And so, this year one
of the raised beds we built is for his own garden alone.<br />
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First with my son by my side, providing input, I drew out a sketch of what we wanted plant and where they will be in the garden. The above drawing was a rough idea of how we wanted our garden — after some consideration, however, (like thinking about how tall each plant will grow, and the angle of the sun) I ended up redesigning it a little bit. We also added 2 rows of peas as well.<br />
We chose to plant radishes, carrots, teddy bear sunflowers, rutabagas, sugar snap peas and corn. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bo6uuXpQeGo/T8WfTzvu9II/AAAAAAAABlM/Awx1rnFrqhM/s1600/planting1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bo6uuXpQeGo/T8WfTzvu9II/AAAAAAAABlM/Awx1rnFrqhM/s640/planting1.jpg" width="485" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Planting carrot seeds</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Before we planted we raked the soil to make sure the surface was relatively even. Then I read the directions on the back of each seed packet, and we got to work. I carved a shallow furrow in the soil and Bode scattered seeds down each row. I let go of my need of having everything to be perfect and trusted him with a handful of seeds. A bunch of seeds spilled to the soil, but I patiently directed him how to space the seeds. We will be having to thin out the seedlings in a few weeks anyway, so no harm if a few seeds strayed elsewhere. I showed Bode how to use his finger as a means of measurement. The corn had to be planted an inch or 2 deep and his pointer finger was the perfect length for making the holes. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-31x7TuCd6A0/T8WfRpVIj9I/AAAAAAAABk8/Gtt-TgvJ2cU/s1600/pattingdown.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-31x7TuCd6A0/T8WfRpVIj9I/AAAAAAAABk8/Gtt-TgvJ2cU/s640/pattingdown.jpg" width="499" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Covering the carrot seeds with soil and patting down</td></tr>
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During our time planting, I talked to Bode about what seeds need in order to grow strong and healthy. I was pretty impressed when he jumped in and rattled off what they were: 1) sun 2) [nutrients from the] soil, and 3) water. I also taught him that the word <b>germination</b> means the point when the seeds sprout and start to grow. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6Y3DqXhIpsI/T8WfSonsrTI/AAAAAAAABlE/c3fyRw2YPh8/s1600/peas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6Y3DqXhIpsI/T8WfSonsrTI/AAAAAAAABlE/c3fyRw2YPh8/s400/peas.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I let Bode label some of markers with a Sharpee on a tongue depressor.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ymrEs1t7CbU/T8WfefUr1RI/AAAAAAAABlk/XTfXO4uLrxE/s1600/watering.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ymrEs1t7CbU/T8WfefUr1RI/AAAAAAAABlk/XTfXO4uLrxE/s640/watering.jpg" width="447" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Watering the seeds with a gentle mist</td></tr>
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Each day after planting the seeds, I had Bode gently water the bed, which he did with enthusiasm. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tnXBiIpC90s/T8WfWUEGWbI/AAAAAAAABlc/-S1Vlyl-J3g/s1600/radishsprouts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="390" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tnXBiIpC90s/T8WfWUEGWbI/AAAAAAAABlc/-S1Vlyl-J3g/s400/radishsprouts.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Each day we checked the bed, and were surprised that the radishes came up so quickly! (within 3 days!)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8PQbVzkfkmo/T8WfPOMa_-I/AAAAAAAABk0/jK18YN4euv4/s1600/carrotsprouts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8PQbVzkfkmo/T8WfPOMa_-I/AAAAAAAABk0/jK18YN4euv4/s640/carrotsprouts.jpg" width="361" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carrots came up fairly quickly too!<br />
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</tbody></table>
It has been a month now since we planted the garden and the seedlings are growing tall. The two of us thinned out some of the seedlings so the plants don't get overcrowded. I also pointed out the weeds to him and had him pull them up. The care and enthusiasm he shows towards his garden makes me proud! First thing he does when a friend comes over for a playdate is he shows him "his" garden. It is pretty cool to watch. Soon the radishes will be ready to harvest. I can't wait!<br />
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Thanks for coming by and checking this out. Remember to "like" me on my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mamas-Little-Muse/160388560737341" target="_blank">Facebook Page</a> if you want to stay informed of more kid craft ideas I post or find around the blogosphere!Lina Staubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08069251285836174701noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8260975254117912244.post-17560675552393200382012-06-01T07:34:00.001-07:002012-06-15T15:32:52.714-07:00Weekly Kid's Co-op Link-up Party #2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://letslassothemoon.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Lasso the Moon" height="125" src="http://letslassothemoon.com/images/badge_coop_play.jpg" width="125" /></a></div>
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Wow! At last week's link up party there were over 200 posts linked up! It is so nice to have all those creative ideas at my fingertips. Although I have been a part of the Kid's Blog Co-op for months, this is the second time I am co-hosting the linky party. Please scroll down to the bottom for this week's list. <br />
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Here are some of the highlights from last week:<br />
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<a href="http://mumoftwinsatoddlerandateenager.blogspot.com.au/2012/05/how-to-make-bath-bombs.html" target="_blank"><b>MAKING BATH BOMBS </b></a><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-chRNZGmlvxs/T8jNtPw1l-I/AAAAAAAABpg/X3WeW0rfpR0/s1600/Random+039+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-chRNZGmlvxs/T8jNtPw1l-I/AAAAAAAABpg/X3WeW0rfpR0/s1600/Random+039+copy.jpg" /></a></div>
<a href="http://mumoftwinsatoddlerandateenager.blogspot.com.au/2012/05/how-to-make-bath-bombs.html" target="_blank">Triple T Mom</a> explains how to make bath bombs with a toddler. I sometimes let my son take "relaxing" baths where shampooing and washing aren't a priority. I go the whole nine yards, just because it is a fun different experience for him. I light scented candles, and turn on relaxing music. I think the addition of bath bombs would round it out. Don't you?<br />
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<a href="http://momstown-artsandcrafts.momstown.ca/node/603" target="_blank"><b>PIG IN THE MUD</b></a><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wx0x44ZjvG0/T8jNxUP9YUI/AAAAAAAABpw/M7MlvON3Vd0/s1600/pig_final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wx0x44ZjvG0/T8jNxUP9YUI/AAAAAAAABpw/M7MlvON3Vd0/s320/pig_final.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This adorable post comes from <a href="http://momstown-artsandcrafts.momstown.ca/node/603" target="_blank">Momstown Arts and Crafts</a> blog. I know the children at the school I teach at would just love this craft...perfect for when we do the Farm Animals Unit. She has a unique way to apply the paint too (yes, paint! I thought is was mud also!) Go check it out!<br />
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<a href="http://familylicious.com/frozen-watercolor-painting/" target="_blank"><b>FROZEN WATERCOLOR PAINTS</b></a><br />
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<a href="http://familylicious.com/frozen-watercolor-painting/" target="_blank">Familyicious</a> linked up this perfect craft for the hot day! Painting with frozen paint sounds like fun!<br />
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<a href="http://www.duckduckoctopus.com/2012/05/22/book-craft-one-fish-two-fish-red-fish-blue-fish/" target="_blank"><b>ONE FISH, TWO FISH, RED FISH, BLUE FISH</b></a><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jeJHHALxGF0/T8jNwRH7MVI/AAAAAAAABpo/PfHTSKO7E4I/s1600/fish.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jeJHHALxGF0/T8jNwRH7MVI/AAAAAAAABpo/PfHTSKO7E4I/s320/fish.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.duckduckoctopus.com/2012/05/22/book-craft-one-fish-two-fish-red-fish-blue-fish/" target="_blank">Duck, Duck, Octopus</a> featured a craft from this classic book by Dr. Seuss. I love that it uses materials that would otherwise be tossed. Another one I would love to do with the kids at the preschool. <br />
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Thanks to all the blogs that I featured and to everyone that linked up last week! Now onto this week's list! Have fun!<br />
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<img align="right" src="http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc114/oakmoss14/signaturelovelight.jpg" style="border: 0;" />Lina Staubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08069251285836174701noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8260975254117912244.post-82349369653230588132012-05-30T23:08:00.001-07:002012-05-31T18:25:13.542-07:00Quick Butterfly Craft from magazine pages<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I thought I would write a post on a very easy and simple butterfly craft you can do with your children. All you need are scissors, magazines, a pipe cleaner, and fishing line (optional). At the time of this writing a <a href="http://www.plainvanillamom.com/2012/05/our-butterflies-of-2012.html" target="_blank">Butterfly Blog Hop</a> just went live at Plain Vanilla Mom and I wanted to submit this tutorial. You all should hop on over there and see what other ideas people came up with pertaining to butterflies. <br />
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I like this project because:<br />
<ol>
<li>Children of all ages love it </li>
<li>It reuses magazines that might otherwise be tossed </li>
<li>It requires minimal preparation. </li>
</ol>
Children under 5 may need one-on-one assistance in helping with the folding and the cutting.<br />
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First have the children choose 2 magazine pages to use. I encourage them to look for pages that are brightly colored, or that have an interesting repeating pattern.<br />
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On the Paper #1 (the bottom set of wings) fold the paper in half. With scissors cut the corners so they are nice and rounded.<br />
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On Paper #2 (the top set of wings) Fold a triangle down and cut bottom strip, so that when it is unfolded it is a square. <br />
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When the pages are unfolded they should look like this. <br />
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Take Paper #1 and make an accordian fold going all the way up to the top of the paper. <br />
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On paper #2 turn the paper diagonal and fold as shown. <br />
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I like to fold the resulting folded papers in half so I know where the center point is on each. <br />
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This is so easy! I like to attach a short length of fishing line to the butterflies with a loop on the other end so that the kids can "fly" them on the playground. This craft is always a big hit!<br />
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Thanks for coming by and checking this out. Remember to "like" me on my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mamas-Little-Muse/160388560737341" target="_blank">Facebook Page</a> if you want to stay informed of more kid craft ideas I post or find around the blogosphere!<br />
<img align="right" src="http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc114/oakmoss14/signaturelovelight.jpg" style="border: 0pt none;" />Lina Staubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08069251285836174701noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8260975254117912244.post-65781740526354349482012-05-29T16:38:00.002-07:002020-05-15T12:55:43.268-07:00Designing a Garden from pictures; and a gardening blog hop!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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One of my favorite crafts to do with preschoolers this time of year is to have them design, on paper, their own garden plots. Children from 2 years up to 6 years of age enjoy this activity. The materials used are easily accessible — just construction paper, scissors, glue and pictures of garden plants are all that are needed. It is a great way to recycle garden catalogs (I use them for my Rainbow Collage images also, see the post <a href="http://mamaslittlemuse.blogspot.com/2012/03/rainbow-collage.html" target="_blank">here</a>).<br />
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This craft is beneficial to children in that:<br />
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<li>it is an opportunity to practice and develop cutting skills</li>
<li>it is an opportunity to practice and develop gluing skills</li>
<li>it is an opportunity to categorize plant foods and to differentiate between fruits and vegetables </li>
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In addition, if the child will be planting in their own garden plot it will help them to have a clearer vision of what they would like to plant.<br />
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I did this project one-on-one with my son at home, as this year, he has his own "real" garden plot to fill. We had fun discussing what fruits, veggies, and flowers he would like in his garden. Of course the collage is more of an exercise to get him thinking about it, and design and choices are not set in stone!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9yIuojeKcYQ/T8VJgp6HinI/AAAAAAAABkM/v8Qzf9J5ne4/s1600/materials.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9yIuojeKcYQ/T8VJgp6HinI/AAAAAAAABkM/v8Qzf9J5ne4/s400/materials.jpg" width="355" /></a></div>
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First I had my son cut out all of the pictures of plants that he would like in his garden. He is four years old, and I found that he at times needed help stabilizing the flimsy catalog paper, as well as reminders that the thumb on the cutting hand should be above the rest of his fingers. Younger children may require hand-over-hand positioning and cutting and verbal cues (open, close, open, close) as well as help in stabilizing the paper. <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gvs8EtAkPgQ/T8VWBDEGkpI/AAAAAAAABkg/1GIDvjdnDSI/s1600/gluing.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gvs8EtAkPgQ/T8VWBDEGkpI/AAAAAAAABkg/1GIDvjdnDSI/s320/gluing.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I then had my son apply glue to the paper. I told him that the brown paper represents the soil in his garden bed.<br />
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He then placed the pictures where he wants them. Easy "pea"sy!<br />
Many of the plants that he glued on the paper we did in fact plant in his garden (corn, teddy bear sunflowers, and sugar snap peas).<br />
A few days after he completed this collage we went to the nursery, and he had many of the plants that he viewed fresh in his mind. I believe this activity helped to mentally prepare him for the next step. I will be posting soon on how planting the seeds turned out! <br />
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Have fun and happy gardening!<br />
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</script> <br />Lina Staubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08069251285836174701noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8260975254117912244.post-85601079523318922952012-05-24T23:47:00.000-07:002012-05-25T07:41:30.734-07:00Book made out of one sheet of paper and scissors<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/WelcomeToTheKidsCoop" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The Weekly Kid's Co-op" height="200" src="http://letslassothemoon.com/images/badge_coop_play.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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I am a Member of the Weekly Kid's Co-op. I feel so fortunate to have found an incredible group of friendly, creative bloggers. If you have a fun kid friendly activity that you would like to link up to our Weekly Party, see below for details. Also be sure to scroll down to the bottom of this post to see what other bloggers have come up with. The following is my blog post that I am linking up:<br />
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I think it is important to set up environments for our children which invite them to engage in creative play in a natural organic way. That being said, I do let my son watch TV and play video games, but only a very limited amount per week. He does plead for them at times, and it has reached a degree where my patience wears thin. Instead of being the bad guy all the time, saying "No, no, no!" I realize that it is my responsibility as a parent to offer him alternatives that will engage him. <br />
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Partly inspired by Screen-Free Week which happened a couple of weeks ago, and also my feelings surrounding my son's media obsession, I came up with the following idea: I set out on his drawing table all of his markers he enjoys drawing with. In addition I set out a large blank book for him to draw in. He loves drawing pictures and making up stories to go along with them. Often he has me write down words to accompany his pictures. However, in the past his pictures were on single sheets of paper, never in multiple sheets in book form! He would love this!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vtNfBE9emmg/T78mXGxoAtI/AAAAAAAABjk/KUDOvnczqM8/s1600/onepaperbook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vtNfBE9emmg/T78mXGxoAtI/AAAAAAAABjk/KUDOvnczqM8/s320/onepaperbook.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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My hunch was right, when he saw the blank book and the markers he wanted to dive right in. And dove right in he did! He worked on the book in one sitting for about an hour, and that is huge! We also took it with us to places he otherwise might get bored and restless, so that the time would be enjoyable to him. With each completed page, I was sure to write in my neatest handwriting in bold black ink the story he recited to me. I made sure that he signed his work, as any author or artist would be sure to do; and, of course, I had him give the book a title. <br />
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I was lucky because I scored gargantuan (I mean GARGANTUAN) sheets of quality paper from our local material exchange store called M.E.C.C.A. (check it out <a href="http://materials-exchange.org/" target="_blank">here</a>) for a song. I'm talking $5 per inch of stack! That's a deal if I've ever seen one! Thanks M.E.C.C.A. The paper makes for a great book, but you can use any size rectangular sheet (I have even made itty bitty books with 8.5 X 11" sized paper!) Here are the directions:<br />
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Thanks so much for stopping by! If you like what you see here on my blog and want to keep abreast of more posts in the future, as well as links to other fun ideas that I have found around the internet, I would love it if you liked my Facebook Page <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mamas-Little-Muse/160388560737341" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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Have fun! <br />
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<img align="right" src="http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc114/oakmoss14/signaturelovelight.jpg" style="border: 0;" />Lina Staubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08069251285836174701noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8260975254117912244.post-30782308661682976022012-05-17T21:03:00.001-07:002012-05-18T15:03:36.123-07:00Trials and Tribulations of a Boy with Tresses<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">This post was written as a contribution to the Boys Have Long Hair, Too Blog Carnival. The participating bloggers are sharing their experiences, struggles, and opinions surrounding having a son who has long hair.</span></i><br />
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"<i>You hold him down, and I'll brush his hair!</i>"<br />
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LOL.<br />
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I have never had to go to that extreme of a route to get my kid's hair brushed, but at times I have certainly understood the sentiment. If you have a kid with longish hair, chances are you know EXACTLY what I am talking about! The number of times I've had to chase my son around the house with the hair brush while he holds his head shrieking "no, no, no" is just too many to remember distinctly. And let's just say, he has usually won in the battle, I get one or two hair sweeps in and bow out in defeat. No matter how soft I brush it, he doth protest!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x3zYy4lm7wU/T7WkTcLocLI/AAAAAAAABgg/nK3z81sfS4U/s1600/bodebeach1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="372" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x3zYy4lm7wU/T7WkTcLocLI/AAAAAAAABgg/nK3z81sfS4U/s400/bodebeach1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My son, at age 2</td></tr>
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The thing is, his hair to me, has always been a blessing. At times, though, it has no doubt felt like a curse. From the time his hair grew long enough to see what he's got — that is, a head full of thick wavy curls — people everywhere in passing would stop to comment. "WOW, What amazing curls!"<br />
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Of course I had to let it get semi-long. To cut such abundant tresses would be a crime! Sure I live in the Pacific Northwest where boys with long hair are not such an uncommon site, but even my conservative mom from the east coast made me promise not to cut his hair short.<br />
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It made me smile, yet shake my head at the same time when people would say "Oh what curls your little girl has". I couldn't blame them; he made a pretty cute little girl, if I do say so myself, but because I knew him, I couldn't see him anything but a boy. These comments were made even at times he was dressed from head to toe in full boy garb. I never minded, or made the people feel embarassed about it — it was totally understandable. The important part was that it never seemed to bother my son, and the comments ceased as he got older, around 3.<br />
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This post is about celebrating his locks, and also troubleshooting and finding ways of avoiding and preventing the hairbrush battles.<br />
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<b>Keepsakes I have created that involve my son's hair: </b><br />
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1. On his first birthday, I put together a Time Capsule for him. Relatives and friends from far and near contributed to this box. It got filled up to the brim with signs of our times, from newspaper articles, Barack Obama pictures, written family histories by his grandparents, and family photographs. And of course, I had to include a lock of his baby hair that I enclosed in an envelope. I thought about opening it and sneaking a peak but the stencilled words on the top warned me against it — It is not to be opened until my son's 18th birthday!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u8UvLpprDsQ/T7WppJpEnMI/AAAAAAAABg0/z_GBMRhrGRw/s1600/time+capsule.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="246" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u8UvLpprDsQ/T7WppJpEnMI/AAAAAAAABg0/z_GBMRhrGRw/s320/time+capsule.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Time Capule</td></tr>
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2. Early in his life, I became heavily involved in digital scrapbooking. I created the following scrapbook page based on his hairdo that he woke up with one morning. Every time I look at it, it endears me. It is entitled, "We called the Tsunami Curl".<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DGesuShCKi8/T7WnZ16_LrI/AAAAAAAABgs/ZCCuANZ3qlA/s1600/tsunamiscrap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DGesuShCKi8/T7WnZ16_LrI/AAAAAAAABgs/ZCCuANZ3qlA/s400/tsunamiscrap.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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3. For Christmas 2 years ago, I made a silhouette portrait of my son to hang on the wall. His curls are his key feature and I wanted to create a visual memento so I could remember how they looked. Kids grow up quickly and I know it is my responsibility to preserve memories to help me and my son remember them better.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kXRdULMkO6Q/T7Wt4u0Qo2I/AAAAAAAABhA/KD4oOqghm7A/s1600/silhouette.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kXRdULMkO6Q/T7Wt4u0Qo2I/AAAAAAAABhA/KD4oOqghm7A/s400/silhouette.jpg" width="366" /></a></div>
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<b>How I dropped the hairbrush battle</b>:<br />
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As a parent, my job is troubleshooting conflicts and coming up with peaceful solutions. Obviously running around the house wielding a hairbrush after my son isn't going to solve any problems. Just make the experience way worse. <br />
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Things I learned throughout the years when dealing with my son's hair:<br />
<ol>
<li><i>Use conditioner!</i> He has always had a clump of hair that tangles up in the back. Using conditioner and combing out the tangles while wet helps them not dread so easily!</li>
<li><i>Use a detangler spray when combing/brushing his hair.</i> This has worked miracles! </li>
<li><i>Brush only when needed!</i> I used to try and brush every single day. When curly hair gets brushed it often ends up as poofy fluffy hair and the curls are gone, as was the case with my son! Now I only comb/brush his hair probably 2 or 3 times per week, and it doesn't look messy. </li>
<li><i>Make brushing hair a fun time!</i> Finally I came up with a solution that my son enjoyed. After baths, we play "Barber Shop". We take turns spraying and combing/brushing each other hair. Sometimes when necessary I trim his hair as well. See photos below!</li>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k-8xYt-uUFU/T7W4rvmARMI/AAAAAAAABhM/MiUuE6ZvBUQ/s1600/IMG_1958.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k-8xYt-uUFU/T7W4rvmARMI/AAAAAAAABhM/MiUuE6ZvBUQ/s400/IMG_1958.jpg" width="322" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Draping always makes it feel more like a Barber Shop Experience</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6h5f5jfGExE/T7W5sWbVp0I/AAAAAAAABhs/npPb1Yr8FcI/s1600/spraying.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6h5f5jfGExE/T7W5sWbVp0I/AAAAAAAABhs/npPb1Yr8FcI/s320/spraying.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spraying with detangler to get out those stubborn knots!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0AKedowtKEk/T7W49JynwxI/AAAAAAAABhU/t1JywRceoDY/s1600/momcombing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0AKedowtKEk/T7W49JynwxI/AAAAAAAABhU/t1JywRceoDY/s400/momcombing.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Combing with a large tooth comb</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ul-jT3Os37A/T7W5PJf4i0I/AAAAAAAABhc/pSEDqvSDFP0/s1600/cuttinghair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ul-jT3Os37A/T7W5PJf4i0I/AAAAAAAABhc/pSEDqvSDFP0/s400/cuttinghair.jpg" width="310" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trimming bangs just a tad</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yGRTxtGoshk/T7W5k6YV1oI/AAAAAAAABhk/WHRNOstwJ8I/s1600/smiling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yGRTxtGoshk/T7W5k6YV1oI/AAAAAAAABhk/WHRNOstwJ8I/s400/smiling.jpg" width="292" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy Handsome Boy!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><u><i>We'd love it if you stopped by to read submissions by the other amazing carnival bloggers</i></u></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://www.crayonfreckles.com/2012/05/my-happy-hippie-boy.html" target="_blank">My Happy Hippie Boy</a></b> -- Andie from Crayon Freckles shares why she and her husband have chosen to let their 3.5 yr old son’s hair go uncut. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://glitteringmuffins.com/2012/05/18/boys-have-long-hair-too-a-fathers-view/" target="_blank">Boys Have Long Hair, Too: A Father’s View</a></b> -- Alex from Glittering Muffins says it happens that not only does his son, Nico have long hair, he as the father has no problem with it either. He personally does not find that long hair emasculates a boy (or adult alike)... </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://glitteringmuffins.com/2012/05/18/boys-have-long-hair-too-mamans-view" target="_blank">Boys Have Long Hair, Too: A Maman’s View</a></b> -- Valerie from Glittering Muffins son has been called a cute little girl for about a year and a half (he’s 2.5 yo). So she corrects people and tells them he’s a boy and loves his long hair (Once in a while she even throws in a “he also loves to watch Strawberry Shortcake”). </span><br />
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<a href="http://tamingthegoblin.blogspot.com/2012/05/this-post-was-written-as-contribution.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Boys Have Long Hair, Too</b></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> --The Monko from Taming the Goblin explains why she likes it when her son is mistaken for a girl and asks the question "Do mums of girls feel this guilty when their child doesn't like having their long hair brushed?" </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://ourmindfullife.blogspot.com/2012/05/sampson.html" target="_blank">Sampson</a></b> -- Kellie from Our Mindful Life reflects on how long hair gives her son power.</span><br />
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<a href="http://ourfeministplayschool.ca/hishairhisdecision/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>His Hair, His Decision</b></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> -- Lyndsay from Our Feminist {Play}School asks the question “why shouldn't a boy have long hair?”. Her 'answers' are historical, personal and family-specific.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://thisisme-sarahmumof3.blogspot.co.uk/2012/05/boys-have-long-hair-too.html" target="_blank"><b>Boys Have Long Hair, Too</b></a> -- Sarah from This is Me…Sarah Mum of 3<b> </b>is mum to 3 children a boy aged 10, girl aged 8 and a boy aged 5, Always loving the longer hair styles for boys her two boys have had many different hair styles over the years but always seem to resort back to the longer locks even against the negative comments they sometimes recieve.</span> </span></div>
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I wanted to express a big THANK YOU to Andie from Crayon Freckles for organizing this! And also a "thank you"! to all the other bloggers who participated! <br />
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Thanks for stopping by and checking this out! If you have any relevant stories you'd like to share I'd love to hear them!<br />
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Also if you have enjoyed what you've read, I would love you to like<a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mamas-Little-Muse/160388560737341?ref=tn_tnmn" target="_blank"> my Facebook Page</a> where I share links to my blog posts and many more ideas that I have found around the blogosphere!<br />
<img align="right" src="http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc114/oakmoss14/signaturelovelight.jpg" style="border: 0pt none;" />Lina Staubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08069251285836174701noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8260975254117912244.post-33587452481542732352012-05-11T23:18:00.000-07:002012-05-12T16:04:05.651-07:00Last Minute Mother's Day Gifts Round-up<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HgDHrv9r04s/T638ogvtczI/AAAAAAAABgQ/cZ4VZPd6Ay4/s1600/mothersdayideas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HgDHrv9r04s/T638ogvtczI/AAAAAAAABgQ/cZ4VZPd6Ay4/s640/mothersdayideas.jpg" width="534" /></a></div>
If you are anything like me, you live with an illusion that there is an abundance of time before a holiday, or an important person's birthday. You have a ton of ideas up your sleeve about what you will do to celebrate that special day. And then, as if in a blink of an eye, that day is here, and your mountain of ideas have fallen to the wayside. You rush around haphazardly putting something together, but it is never as good as if you actually took the time and planned it out.<br />
Luckily we have 2 days left before Mother's Day. I scoured the internet last night searching for the cream of the crop in terms of last minute creations. Here is what I found:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9QFqhgum1kw/T62ZujavanI/AAAAAAAABgE/v68nzLCJu_4/s1600/vase+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9QFqhgum1kw/T62ZujavanI/AAAAAAAABgE/v68nzLCJu_4/s400/vase+cover.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This handprint vase tutorial I found at Mama Mia's Heart <a href="http://www.mamamiasheart2heart.com/2012/05/handprint-glass-jar-vase.html" target="_blank">here</a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1bb1YMGDj7k/T62Q18PRKXI/AAAAAAAABfo/7oN1IJpqVmo/s1600/Mother%27s+Day+Handprint+Apron+1%5B3%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1bb1YMGDj7k/T62Q18PRKXI/AAAAAAAABfo/7oN1IJpqVmo/s320/Mother%27s+Day+Handprint+Apron+1%5B3%5D.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mother's Day Handprint Apron found at B-Inspired Mama <a href="http://binspiredmama.blogspot.com/2012/05/kids-craft-hand-print-flower-apron-for.html?showComment=1336712990211#c6613627780108668244" target="_blank">here</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U9kweuYG7s8/T62S3KNxqvI/AAAAAAAABfw/5cQIgCN2XTQ/s1600/hangingaroundbookmark" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U9kweuYG7s8/T62S3KNxqvI/AAAAAAAABfw/5cQIgCN2XTQ/s320/hangingaroundbookmark" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Hanging around" bookmark. After finding this tutorial on Pink and Green Mama's site <a href="http://pinkandgreenmama.blogspot.com/2012/01/just-hanging-around-fun-photo-bookmarks.html" target="_blank">here</a>, I made some of my son for his grandfather's birthday (see our rendition, <a href="http://mamaslittlemuse.blogspot.com/2012/01/my-fathers-birthday-is-in-few-days.html" target="_blank">here</a>). I think moms and grandmothers alike would like them as well, don't you?</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IAtFYabuifw/T62XmpKNwPI/AAAAAAAABf8/o013irRbMUg/s1600/Handprintplaques" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="151" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IAtFYabuifw/T62XmpKNwPI/AAAAAAAABf8/o013irRbMUg/s320/Handprintplaques" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I found this tutorial years ago via <a href="http://www.thecraftycrow.net/mothers_day/page/6/" target="_blank">Crafty Crow</a>. It is from Fun with Mama. Check it out <a href="http://www.funwithmama.com/2009/09/handprint-plaque/" target="_blank">here</a>. When my son was only two years old I made a few for presents. Now that he is 4 I want to do it again!<br />
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Happy Mother's Day to all you mamas out there! Have fun! And don't forget, if you have to, it is completely OK to create these keepsakes for yourself with your child if nobody else is going to do it. These relics will create memories that you will cherish throughout your life; it is well worth the time and effort!<br />
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<img align="right" src="http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc114/oakmoss14/signaturelovelight.jpg" style="border: 0;" />Lina Staubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08069251285836174701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8260975254117912244.post-9694596010502667782012-05-02T21:25:00.001-07:002012-05-24T23:47:39.620-07:00The Carrot Seed: Activity Board<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WtBlZN3HYbc/T6IS5c1tR6I/AAAAAAAABfU/oMLTL1NRKAg/s1600/carrot_seed_jacket.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WtBlZN3HYbc/T6IS5c1tR6I/AAAAAAAABfU/oMLTL1NRKAg/s320/carrot_seed_jacket.jpeg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Find book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Carrot-Seed-60th-Anniversary-Edition/dp/0064432106" target="_blank">here</a></td></tr>
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Danielle at <a href="http://preschoolbookclub.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Mommy and Me Book Club</a> and Christina and E.J. at <a href="http://www.toddlerapproved.com/" target="_blank"></a><a href="http://www.toddlerapproved.com/" target="_blank">Toddler Approved</a> hosted <a href="http://www.toddlerapproved.com/2012/04/april-virtual-book-club-for-kids.html" target="_blank">April's Virtual Book Club for Kids</a> and the book that they chose for April is "The Carrot Seed", by Ruth Krauss. Along with a couple dozen or so other bloggers, I chose to read the book and create an activity to share on their blog hop. I encourage you to click on the thumbnails at the bottom of this post to see what my fellow bloggers have come up with in regards to the book. They are a creative bunch and I have enjoyed seeing their ideas, many of which I plan to try out in my classroom.<br />
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First of all, I want to tell you that I was truly delighted to be introduced to this true gem of a book. It is very simple in its wording and structure, yet the message of the book serves as a great metaphor for persevering in your goals despite the opinion of naysayers surrounding you. This book is more than 60 years old; it was first published in 1945. I feel its content is, and always will be, timeless.<br />
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Since I teach small children from 2 to 6 years of age, I thought something akin to a felt board would be a perfect activity for the children. Instead of a felt board I used laminated pictures with ticky tack backing to serve the same purpose.<br />
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Here is the story acted out...the star — my son, and the narrator — me.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BBc0ZtBunRA/T6HTCheHUlI/AAAAAAAABes/K9sGBuat5bM/s1600/pieces.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="341" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BBc0ZtBunRA/T6HTCheHUlI/AAAAAAAABes/K9sGBuat5bM/s400/pieces.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pieces needed for Story: 3 "NO" signs, a carrot (no taller than the ground area of the picture) - the carrot is attached at the top by a looped piece of fishing line, a seed, 5 weeds (I chose dandelions), a watering can, and the Story Board with sun, sky, grass, dirt and carrot sign. I used ticky tack to adhere the pieces, and a bull clip to hang the board. </td></tr>
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To make the Story board, I glued 2 pieces of construction paper together: Blue for the sky, green for the grass and a little brown strip (glued to the green paper) for the dirt. *Note- I just glued the edges of the green paper (the non-dirt area) onto the blue so that there is a hole in the center to plant the seed and to "hide the carrot". When I put contact paper over the paper, I cut a slit with the edge of scissors where "the hole is". Behind the green construction paper I taped a piece of paper, so that the seed and the carrot don't fall out of the bottom. I drew all the pictures for the "pieces" of the story, laminated them with contact paper, and cut them out. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yaZeYmw-ZL8/T6HQu5SOApI/AAAAAAAABdk/4uZctOcrAWY/s1600/1setup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yaZeYmw-ZL8/T6HQu5SOApI/AAAAAAAABdk/4uZctOcrAWY/s400/1setup.jpg" width="356" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Set up: Place the carrot into the hole. Make sure the fishing line loop
is sticking out. Place the 5 dandelions on the grass area.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mfBaR9VFhWM/T6HQ5rUZOOI/AAAAAAAABds/2wQh2SgaE-w/s1600/2seed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mfBaR9VFhWM/T6HQ5rUZOOI/AAAAAAAABds/2wQh2SgaE-w/s640/2seed.jpg" width="582" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adult reads story: "A little boy planted a seed". Have child put seed in "hole". </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Iz1QB4xmOgo/T6HRLoXn5QI/AAAAAAAABd0/oHqIOT70RaM/s1600/3momno.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Iz1QB4xmOgo/T6HRLoXn5QI/AAAAAAAABd0/oHqIOT70RaM/s400/3momno.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"His mother said, "NO! I'm afraid it won't come up!" Child sticks "NO" sign up on board<i>. Please note: I have added the word NO! to each of the comments by the little boy's family. It is not in the original text by the author.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PmnM48Rw63w/T6HReAxdsaI/AAAAAAAABd8/HbJxE3_lTRI/s1600/4dadno.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PmnM48Rw63w/T6HReAxdsaI/AAAAAAAABd8/HbJxE3_lTRI/s400/4dadno.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> "His father said, "NO! I'm afraid it won't come up!" Child sticks 2nd "no" sign up on board.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8LHb4ZymV4E/T6HRw7RQRkI/AAAAAAAABeE/4H0rwEiKwBA/s1600/5brono.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8LHb4ZymV4E/T6HRw7RQRkI/AAAAAAAABeE/4H0rwEiKwBA/s400/5brono.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> "And his big brother said, "NO! I'm afraid it won't come up!" Have child stick 3rd sign up on board.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PspdcD7QoA0/T6HSDCNf8sI/AAAAAAAABeM/f9eB3KNMmdo/s1600/6weed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PspdcD7QoA0/T6HSDCNf8sI/AAAAAAAABeM/f9eB3KNMmdo/s400/6weed.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Every day the little boy pulled up the weeds around the seed..." Have child pick off 2 dandelions and stick them on side board. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8kEeQu4emFg/T6H69YogXQI/AAAAAAAABfI/-0xVuPu94J4/s1600/wateringfirst.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8kEeQu4emFg/T6H69YogXQI/AAAAAAAABfI/-0xVuPu94J4/s400/wateringfirst.jpg" width="331" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"And sprinkled the ground with water" Child uses watering can and pretends to water the seed. I encourage sound effects "shhsshhshhhshh".</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zAWdeAmfKeU/T6HSf3s2ULI/AAAAAAAABec/gB9MtINGQo4/s1600/8waited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zAWdeAmfKeU/T6HSf3s2ULI/AAAAAAAABec/gB9MtINGQo4/s400/8waited.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adult turns page and reads "but nothing came up".</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Qkmws0xHcCE/T6HSxxC5JQI/AAAAAAAABek/r_QY4gUppXY/s1600/9andwaited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Qkmws0xHcCE/T6HSxxC5JQI/AAAAAAAABek/r_QY4gUppXY/s400/9andwaited.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Turn page again, "And nothing came up".</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yHIQ9nbiAZo/T6HQl3XUZFI/AAAAAAAABdc/LVZrwFviLR4/s1600/11waterandweed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="278" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yHIQ9nbiAZo/T6HQl3XUZFI/AAAAAAAABdc/LVZrwFviLR4/s640/11waterandweed.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"But he still pulled up the weeds around it every day and sprinkled the ground with water."</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GHo0XW90NWo/T6HQlORnP7I/AAAAAAAABdU/5WKeJ_3263Y/s1600/10nonono.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="308" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GHo0XW90NWo/T6HQlORnP7I/AAAAAAAABdU/5WKeJ_3263Y/s640/10nonono.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Everyone kept saying, "NO, NO, NO", it won't come up." Either child or adult points to each "NO". </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F_WtLTsooAI/T6HTcnmLZUI/AAAAAAAABe8/3wlh642Ss0w/s1600/pullcarrot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F_WtLTsooAI/T6HTcnmLZUI/AAAAAAAABe8/3wlh642Ss0w/s400/pullcarrot.jpg" width="361" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"And then, one day, a carrot came up... " (Adult pauses) "...Just as the little boy had known it would". Child pulls up carrot by the fishing line. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My son and the preschoolers LOVED this. At the preschool they all took turns doing a step. Of course the most popular part came to be pulling the carrot up at the end. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Please check out the links below for more ideas! Thanks for stopping by! Remember to like<a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mamas-Little-Muse/160388560737341?ref=tn_tnmn" target="_blank"> my Facebook Page</a> where I share links to many more ideas that I have found around the crafty blogosphere!<br />
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<img align="right" src="http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc114/oakmoss14/signaturelovelight.jpg" style="border: 0;" />Lina Staubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08069251285836174701noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8260975254117912244.post-68694784785310519782012-04-27T21:43:00.001-07:002012-04-27T22:25:49.876-07:00Our Earth Day Pledge<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fXR18dfdoGg/T5sqH-D4g4I/AAAAAAAABb8/zA2ukO7AJh8/s1600/featurepicture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="388" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fXR18dfdoGg/T5sqH-D4g4I/AAAAAAAABb8/zA2ukO7AJh8/s400/featurepicture.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Earth Day is an important day of celebration in my household.<br />
<br />
I want my son to grow up with a sense of reverence for this great planet that we live on. I try my best to be a good role model to him in this regard — I bring my own bags to the market, I buy in bulk, & I try to consume less on the whole. But despite my efforts, I know that I still need reminders, just as he needs to be taught good habits and behaviors. <i>Earth Day may technically fall on a mere single day each year, but I would like my son and I to live consciously and make "<b>Every Day Earth Day</b></i>".<br />
<br />
We spent the week that led up to Earth Day reading the following books on how we can take care of the Earth. Click on title below book to be led to Amazon site<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_2136808592" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0TgGwK98mYc/T5s9phNhDaI/AAAAAAAABcY/1jpwbhBauzY/s1600/TheEarthBook.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-EARTH-Book-Todd-Parr/dp/031604265X" target="_blank">The Earth Book, by Todd Parr</a></td></tr>
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<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F4UVEFRgwVM/T5tAEOVuD9I/AAAAAAAABck/duZzI3eWr3I/s1600/MelanieWalsh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F4UVEFRgwVM/T5tAEOVuD9I/AAAAAAAABck/duZzI3eWr3I/s1600/MelanieWalsh.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/10-Things-Can-Help-World/dp/0763641448/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1335574483&sr=1-1" target="_blank">10 Things I Can Do To Help Save My World, by Melanie Walsh</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mWdpFw-oLFc/T5tAzdhGHHI/AAAAAAAABcs/K4ClUPngY3k/s1600/Loveyourworld.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mWdpFw-oLFc/T5tAzdhGHHI/AAAAAAAABcs/K4ClUPngY3k/s1600/Loveyourworld.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Love-Your-World-DK-Publishing/dp/0756645905/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1335574676&sr=1-1" target="_blank">Love your world, by Dawn Sirett</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
All of these books were wonderfully written and successfully engaged my son. They offered a multitude of ways we can care for the earth - by not littering, by using both sides of the paper, by growing a garden, by turning off the lights when leaving the room, etc. The Earth Book, by Todd Parr, offered a very silly way to take care of the Earth, and it got the biggest laugh from my son, thereby becoming the most requested. I recommend all of them highly.<br />
<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-auaHjRJsEBI/T5sruZkiguI/AAAAAAAABcM/pyywm0aNTUk/s1600/variousviews.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="227" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-auaHjRJsEBI/T5sruZkiguI/AAAAAAAABcM/pyywm0aNTUk/s640/variousviews.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Various views of our completed project</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After reading the aforementioned books, we brainstormed ways that we would like to help the
Earth throughout the year. We called this "Our Earth Day Pledge". I
typed up the list on my computer (I found a kid font that I thought
would be perfect called "rayando". Find it for free <a href="http://www.fontspace.com/rasdesign/rayando" target="_blank">here</a>).
I printed out our intentions and cut them into strips. I mod podged them
onto one of Earths we made out of paper mache (see the last post <a href="http://mamaslittlemuse.blogspot.com/2012/04/glittery-paper-mache-earth-hanging.html" target="_blank">here</a> for directions). *<i>Note: for this Earth I used green paint for the land masses, not glitter.**If you don't know about Mod Podge yet, you should! It pretty much makes everything look better! Check out <a href="http://www.modpodgerocksblog.com/p/start-here.html" target="_blank">Mod Podge Rocks website</a> for great tutorials on how to use it.</i><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gyTvzkw-PXI/T5ttxLTeelI/AAAAAAAABc4/BZauk9AP87I/s1600/Tags.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="272" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gyTvzkw-PXI/T5ttxLTeelI/AAAAAAAABc4/BZauk9AP87I/s320/Tags.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close-up of tag hanging down</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I then hung a strip of paper tied to a fishing line down from the bottom of the Earth that said "Earth Day Pledge" on one side, and "We love Mother Earth" on the other. The fishing line was suspended from a toothpick I pushed up through a drilled hole in the Earth. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QWkqiTK1jn0/T5tt4C45wZI/AAAAAAAABdA/aJ6ItqNXfVU/s1600/globewithtag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QWkqiTK1jn0/T5tt4C45wZI/AAAAAAAABdA/aJ6ItqNXfVU/s640/globewithtag.jpg" width="272" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Full shot of Earth and tag</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We hung our finished Earth from the ceiling in my art studio, so that we can be reminded of our pledge each day.<br />
<br />
<i>Let us all try to embrace ecologically sensible habits.</i> <i>Efforts put forth by each of us can make a difference.</i><br />
<br />
Thanks for visiting! <br />
<br />
<br />
<img align="right" src="http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc114/oakmoss14/signaturelovelight.jpg" style="border: 0pt none;" />Lina Staubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08069251285836174701noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8260975254117912244.post-26079329152840980082012-04-24T07:30:00.000-07:002012-04-27T22:27:54.608-07:00Glittery Paper-mache Earth Hanging!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g4PpXfjFwU4/T5YoWWH9DAI/AAAAAAAABYg/QESnJS_c51Q/s1600/11earth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g4PpXfjFwU4/T5YoWWH9DAI/AAAAAAAABYg/QESnJS_c51Q/s640/11earth.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
<br />
I was feeling really brave last week when I decided to tackle paper-mache with my son!<br />
<br />
It's MESSY!<br />
<br />
Really messy!<br />
<br />
As a parent, I have a love/hate relationship with messes.<br />
<br />
BUT I am happy to say... <i><b>the LOVE part wins out when I realize how this kind of sensory activity can be one of the greatest joys of childhood</b></i><b><i>!</i></b><br />
<br />
(I know, I remember!)<br />
<br />
Therefore, we threw the smocks on, rolled up our sleeves and dove in!<br />
<br />
After all, our Earth Day Celebration wouldn't feel complete without building a model of our big blue planet itself, in tribute.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D9OObSnB_gU/T5YopAPP-0I/AAAAAAAABYo/lV3bFUa6rmw/s1600/1materials.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D9OObSnB_gU/T5YopAPP-0I/AAAAAAAABYo/lV3bFUa6rmw/s320/1materials.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">For Paper Mache part we used: flour and water mixed to a thick-like soup. We dipped strips of newspaper in the paper-mache, removed excess pulp with our fingers, and then placed on round balloon. We built it up 3 layers thick. </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W7hG7buhbGs/T5Yo37b-SVI/AAAAAAAABYw/OduTUB7aiGw/s1600/2mixingmache.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="311" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W7hG7buhbGs/T5Yo37b-SVI/AAAAAAAABYw/OduTUB7aiGw/s320/2mixingmache.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mixing up the paste</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5WT29aEh4-E/T5YpHAUFunI/AAAAAAAABY4/bqfKNmhweUs/s1600/3papermaching.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5WT29aEh4-E/T5YpHAUFunI/AAAAAAAABY4/bqfKNmhweUs/s320/3papermaching.jpg" width="235" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Placing the strips. Bode LOVED this part! He was very careful to lay them on flat and smooth them out. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bYH-1zxrljg/T5YpVKmxOeI/AAAAAAAABZA/afF6BM9hV1I/s1600/4drying.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bYH-1zxrljg/T5YpVKmxOeI/AAAAAAAABZA/afF6BM9hV1I/s320/4drying.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our paper-covered balloons drying in the sun. I eventually moved them inside and set them over our heater vents, turning periodically. Once they dried completely, I could feel the areas that were thin, and applied more strips of newspaper, and let sit again for a few days.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lCL1nGbhAkk/T5Ypgwtz8JI/AAAAAAAABZI/ZnseDDRnu7w/s1600/5sanding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="252" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lCL1nGbhAkk/T5Ypgwtz8JI/AAAAAAAABZI/ZnseDDRnu7w/s320/5sanding.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After the paper-mache dried, we sanded down the surface to smooth it out.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mIzHLlThVdI/T5Ypt_oMqLI/AAAAAAAABZQ/JGi4S1dFdnQ/s1600/6gesso.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="275" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mIzHLlThVdI/T5Ypt_oMqLI/AAAAAAAABZQ/JGi4S1dFdnQ/s320/6gesso.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Painting gesso on to prepare surface for paint. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SHvQ7a-wASk/T5YqAN8qBKI/AAAAAAAABZY/NCrc9gZg6Ww/s1600/7painting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SHvQ7a-wASk/T5YqAN8qBKI/AAAAAAAABZY/NCrc9gZg6Ww/s320/7painting.jpg" width="292" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was a nice day, so we took the acrylic paints outside, and painted the "Earth" blue.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MqYBi_2gkdg/T5YqSq8kfXI/AAAAAAAABZg/lMTbNvNv4nQ/s1600/8blueearthdrying.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="255" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MqYBi_2gkdg/T5YqSq8kfXI/AAAAAAAABZg/lMTbNvNv4nQ/s320/8blueearthdrying.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Earths drying</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lWRN7sNXnHE/T5Yqn8PFcWI/AAAAAAAABZo/ckTetgc1sXg/s1600/9glitter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lWRN7sNXnHE/T5Yqn8PFcWI/AAAAAAAABZo/ckTetgc1sXg/s320/9glitter.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After the blue paint was dry, I did my best to paint on the shapes of the continents green. This was harder than I thought! Next time I think I will sketch it out in pencil first before commiting with paint — my continents tended to cluster on one side of the globe...who knew North America and Australia were so close to each other? LOL. I then painted glue on with a brush on top of the green. Bode sprinkled green glitter onto the glue. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4iS3l-LarvE/T5YoEzHCb9I/AAAAAAAABYY/k6N8WvVtUWQ/s1600/10glitterearthdrying.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4iS3l-LarvE/T5YoEzHCb9I/AAAAAAAABYY/k6N8WvVtUWQ/s320/10glitterearthdrying.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I let each side dry and then we turned it over to do the other side. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g4PpXfjFwU4/T5YoWWH9DAI/AAAAAAAABYg/QESnJS_c51Q/s1600/11earth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g4PpXfjFwU4/T5YoWWH9DAI/AAAAAAAABYg/QESnJS_c51Q/s320/11earth.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We drilled a hole in the top. My boyfriend found a spring hook at a recycled building materials store that attached. I wish I could tell you the exact name of it (my google search was unsuccessful). Although I think an eye hook toggle bolt would work just as well. I then attached fishing line, and hung it up! The glitterized hanging Earth now graces my art studio! It is about 6.5 inches in diameter. Later in the week I will post about what Bode and I did with the other paper-mache Earth that we made alongside this one — it was fun, as well as educational! Stay tuned!</td></tr>
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<img align="right" src="http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc114/oakmoss14/signaturelovelight.jpg" style="border: 0;" />Lina Staubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08069251285836174701noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8260975254117912244.post-971736818741941362012-04-16T23:48:00.000-07:002012-04-19T14:05:19.786-07:00Make a bowl out of old magazines!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LXwZ7cc3vnw/T40C18ZMHsI/AAAAAAAABXg/JWB4ulrLK7A/s1600/IMG_5843.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LXwZ7cc3vnw/T40C18ZMHsI/AAAAAAAABXg/JWB4ulrLK7A/s640/IMG_5843.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Recently I discovered "<a href="http://alittlehut.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">A Little Hut</a>", a blog about paper crafting by Patricia Zapata. It was voted the <a href="http://www.babble.com/crafts-activities/kids-crafts-ideas/top-50-craft-blog-diy/" target="_blank">#1 Mom Craft Blog on Babble.com</a>. Surfing the pages of her blog I saw that the recognition was well earned. The site catalogs a plethora of innovative paper designs with concise, easy-to-follow directions accompanying them. I urge you to check it out. You will be happy you did! Anyway, in my exploration I discovered a tutorial on making a bowl from old magazines! This was a perfect activity for me to do — sometimes I need a craft to do all on my own — for myself, and this one called to me. You can find directions <a href="http://alittlehut.blogspot.com/2007/09/recycle-project-no-7-magazine-bowl.html" target="_blank">here</a>. Please go check it out, and leave her a little comment love. We all like it :)<br />
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Here is a visual walk-through of the process. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RBvZXUvogas/T40DjE_IFhI/AAAAAAAABYI/dM6qJvBZgHg/s1600/materials.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RBvZXUvogas/T40DjE_IFhI/AAAAAAAABYI/dM6qJvBZgHg/s320/materials.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Simple materials needed — Magazines and a glue gun! That's it! The strips were made by folding the magazine pages in half 8 times length-wise.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JPgzw3_zH1U/T40Dralox2I/AAAAAAAABYQ/LxMZFVb-0bw/s1600/startofbowl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="259" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JPgzw3_zH1U/T40Dralox2I/AAAAAAAABYQ/LxMZFVb-0bw/s320/startofbowl.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The beginning coil. A thin bead of glue keeps it together. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-arJNn2bQtJM/T40DYiLeBMI/AAAAAAAABYA/KCDRSMgS-cQ/s1600/coilsnail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="246" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-arJNn2bQtJM/T40DYiLeBMI/AAAAAAAABYA/KCDRSMgS-cQ/s320/coilsnail.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I discovered the use of a clip not only keeps the fold of the leading magazine strip secure, but it also serves as a placeholder later on in the project. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XuMj1NEWqrY/T40DOxlGhTI/AAAAAAAABX4/Lu7Rgaqei3w/s1600/buildingupwall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="205" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XuMj1NEWqrY/T40DOxlGhTI/AAAAAAAABX4/Lu7Rgaqei3w/s320/buildingupwall.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">When the coil base got to be about 5 inches in diameter, I started building the walls up gradually. (Raising the "walls" about an eighth of an inch at each go around.) Note that the neater side of the coil base should face up as this is the side people will mostly see. When building the walls up, however, I flipped the position of the strips, so that the neat-sided fold was shown on <i>the outside</i> of the bowl (which means the neat side was found on the bottom edge of the strip)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pqv5XjLZ_Q8/T40DIL11o8I/AAAAAAAABXw/L7vpvuQoBuc/s1600/bowl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pqv5XjLZ_Q8/T40DIL11o8I/AAAAAAAABXw/L7vpvuQoBuc/s320/bowl.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here it is done! The diameter of the lip of the bowl measures 10 1/2 inches. The height of the bowl came to 5 inches. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nlgFpYuGgLY/T40C4gLSgXI/AAAAAAAABXo/KwIqCg69JGg/s1600/IMG_5855.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nlgFpYuGgLY/T40C4gLSgXI/AAAAAAAABXo/KwIqCg69JGg/s320/IMG_5855.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View flipped over.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4vX9lAjPaX8/T40CyIcgpSI/AAAAAAAABXQ/QKY6dfIVco4/s1600/IMG_1722.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="251" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4vX9lAjPaX8/T40CyIcgpSI/AAAAAAAABXQ/QKY6dfIVco4/s320/IMG_1722.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I used almost one Woman's Day magazine, one William-Sonoma catalog and probably 1/2 of a Martha Stewart's Living Magazine. Next time I will omit Woman's Day, as I realized I don't really like the colors of the inks, and the paper seems low quality. I liked the sheen of the Williams-Sonoma catalog, and the colors seemed more organic. It would be fun to be more conscious of a color scheme next time. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vub43MqX57g/T40C0Pl8sCI/AAAAAAAABXY/nUHpdeP-pSk/s1600/IMG_5842.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="217" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vub43MqX57g/T40C0Pl8sCI/AAAAAAAABXY/nUHpdeP-pSk/s320/IMG_5842.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My BOWL! A few hours of work was well worth it for this lovely utilitarian piece of art that cost pretty much nothing! I like that!</td></tr>
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<img align="right" src="http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc114/oakmoss14/signaturelovelight.jpg" style="border: 0;" />Lina Staubhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08069251285836174701noreply@blogger.com11