Art Class Adventures Part V

The drive to the art center was quite lovely. We drove through one of my favorite neighborhoods in our area, one that I hope to live in someday (tree lined streets and unique older homes). When we arrived the first thing I noticed was that the parking lot was much fuller than it was the last time. While my husband got our son out, I got our nine month old daughter situated in my wrap carrier. We walked towards the education wing of the art center. I immediately noticed that there were small children exiting carrying portfolios like we had … Continue reading

Maximize the Mini

I love, love mini pumpkins. Not only are they adorable, versatile and portable, they are also quite affordable. You can purchase a small pail full of mini pumpkins for less than it would cost to buy a single full-sized gourd. What’s more, the decorating possibilities using several mini pumpkins versus one large one are virtually limitless. If you are considering experimenting with mini pumpkins this fall try out these simple projects that will turn your little gourds into major masterpieces: Mini Pumpkin Candle Holders: These natural candle holders made from mini pumpkins will enhance any fall-themed design. All you need … Continue reading

Last-Minute Homemade Thanksgiving Decorations

You have everything to make your Thanksgiving feast, but you just realized that your dining room table has nothing to complement the holiday spread. Now what? All is not lost. Simply gather a few items from around your home to make these easy last-minute seasonal decorations: LEAVES Fill a galvanized container with oversized leaves (such as magnolia). Make sure the stems aren’t all the same length. The arrangement should mimic the natural, free-flowing form of the leaves themselves. CANDLES Collect several small glass jars or vases and fill them with dried corn. Then, nestle fall-colored candles of differing heights into … Continue reading

Homemade Decorations for Your Thanksgiving Table

Your Thanksgiving menu is set, but how’s your dining room table looking? With such an elaborate meal to present, you really should have table decorations that complement the stunning spread. If you are looking for simple and affordable ways to add rustic touches to your holiday dinner table, consider the following crafts. Not only will they help enhance your culinary masterpieces, but also you can give them away to your Thanksgiving guests as parting gifts once the celebration is over. Note: Both of these projects are kid-friendly. If you have children ask them to lend a hand. They will have … Continue reading

Thanksgiving Boredom Busters for Kids

Thanksgiving is not exactly the most kid-friendly of holidays. There’s no gift exchange, no candy to pass out, and no chocolate covered eggs to find. This, of course, means that parents need to be particularly creative to keep their gaggle of little turkeys under control until the real bird hits the table. If you are on the hunt for fun ways to keep boredom at bay, consider the following Thanksgiving-themed games. DANCING WITH THE TURKEYS This is basically a knock-off of the hit ABC reality TV show where celebs and dance pros compete in the ballroom together. In this version … Continue reading

Kid-Friendly Thanksgiving Art Projects

Help your kids get in on the holiday preparation by allowing them to make these Thanksgiving decorations. Not only will these art projects keep your kids busy while you complete the Turkey Day meal, but also these crafts will yield amazing decorations that can be used to brighten up your holiday table. CORN PLACEMATS Materials: Ears of corn Knife Plastic corncob holders Paper plates Fabric paints Cloth placemats Directions: Break each ear of corn into 3-inch pieces (adults can use knife if necessary), then attach corncob holders firmly to the ends of each piece. Roll the corn pieces in a … Continue reading

Homemade Thanksgiving Decorations Courtesy of Mother Nature

Don’t break the bank buying a slew of Thanksgiving decorations this year. Rather, take a walk around your yard or stroll through a local park. That’s where you’ll be able to pick up materials needed to make your own festive holiday decor… for free. Take a look: NATURE-MADE THANKSGIVNG WREATH Let your creativity flow when making this wreath. You are only limited by the amount and variety of natural materials that you’re able to gather. In addition to being an extremely affordable craft, this natural wreath is also a breeze to make. If you organize your materials ahead of time … Continue reading

Fun Ways to Keep Your Kids Entertained on Thanksgiving

With a turkey to baste, gravy to stir, and pies to bake, the last thing you need in your kitchen on Thanksgiving is a gaggle of children constantly asking when dinner will be served. To help keep kids entertained while you are putting the final touches on your Turkey Day feast, consider placing one of your teenage (or tweenage) guests in charge of game time with these Thanksgiving-themed activities: TURKEY HUNT/CORN HUNT Last year we used the plastic turkeys from my daughter’s farm set and hid them around the house. Next, we set a 3-minute timer and sent the kids … Continue reading

Keeping Kids Busy on Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving recess for school children begins a week from today in most parts of the country. Unless the time is being spent traveling, it means parents must get creative to keep their little monkeys entertained until Turkey Day. Whether you need some kid-friendly activities to keep your children busy in the days leading up to the holiday or you are looking for fun and easy crafts for kids to prepare while the bird is cooking, these next ideas might come in very handy: PLACEMATS Give each child a large piece of construction paper along with markers, glitter glue, stickers, buttons, … Continue reading

More Easy Thanksgiving Pumpkin Crafts

Pumpkins are traditionally used as Halloween decorations, but when placed strategically they can really liven up a Thanksgiving display as well. Fresh pumpkins can still be purchased at most grocery stores and some local farms, though they are not as readily accessible as they were in September and October. If you can get your hands on fresh pumpkins (for the right price), consider crafting the following Thanksgiving-themed decorations: PUMPKIN TURKEYS This project is kid-friendly and serves as a great craft to complete while your Thanksgiving turkey is cooking. Materials: Small Pumpkins Ice Pick Lollipops Colored Construction Paper Markers Directions: Poke … Continue reading