Simple Winter Boredom Busters for Kids

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

14 Jan 2009 08:26 AM

The dangerously cold winter weather that is blanketing the northern half of the nation is being described by Weather Channel meteorologists as the "Saskatchewan Slap." I live in Wisconsin and have felt the sting of below zero temps far too many times, which is why I was not the least bit surprised that many school districts decided to cancel classes today. Having kids stand outside for a school bus when the windchills are 30 below is unreasonable and unsafe.

If you are home today with a house full of kids and are looking for ways to preserve your sanity the following simple crafts might come in very handy:

HOMEMADE SNOW GLOBES

Materials:

Glass Jar

Modeling Clay

Small Toy or Plastic Animal

Glue

Glitter

Water

Glycerin

Directions:

Rinse a glass jar with warm, soapy water. Let dry.

On the inside of the lid, make a tiny snow-covered "mountain" with waterproof modeling clay.

Next, attach a plastic animal (or any small toy) to the lid with glue.

Fill jar with water and 1 teaspoon glycerin (this makes the "snow" fall slower).

Add silver glitter.

Fasten lid and shake snow globe.

HOMEMADE GIFT BAGS

Materials:

Brown paper lunch bag

Pinking shears or decorative paper edging scissors

Hole punch

Pencil

Hot glue gun

12 inches of 1/2-inch-wide red-and-white ribbon

Markers

Paper gift tags

Small wrapped candies or other goodies to fill bags

Directions:

Cut upper edge of bag with pinking shears.

Carefully fold over upper edge of bag 3/4 inch to make flap; press in place.

Lift flap and punch hole in center through both layers.

Fold flap down; mark hole location on bag behind flap.

Glue center of ribbon to mark on bag; let dry.

Use markers to decorate tags and bags.

Glue tag cord to bag, just below ribbon.

Fill bag with candies, fold down flap and pull ribbon ends through hole. Tie ribbon into bow and present as gift.

Related Articles:

Making Cute Candy Snowmen

Easy Winter Craft Idea

Making Paper Plate Snowmen

Winter Crafts

Making Homemade Holiday Gifts

Winter Crafts for Kids: Cards and Ornaments

Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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