using my scrapbook supply stash for valentine's day projects . . .

I like to go through my scrapbook paper stash and clear out old papers that are really not my taste any longer.  I give them away or find a project for the littles.  I cleared out my reds/pinks for some valentine's day arts and crafts with Ella.

I used a paper cutter to cut the paper into 1 inch strips for both projects.  For the first project I gathered a canvas, glue, Mod Podge, scissors, and a paint brush.  We began by applying glue to the entire canvas.  Then Ella adhered the strips as she liked.  Some went off the canvas but that was okay.  We just trimmed them with scissors when the glue dried.  After 24 hours I helped Ella apply Mod Podge to the canvas for a pretty glossy finish.

For the second project we needed yarn, construction paper, and tape.  I pre-cut the yarn and taped it horizontally on the paper.  I showed Ella how to weave the strips - going in and out.  She immediately said, "Oh, I get it - a pattern!" and and she was weaving like a pro.

geocaching

Geocaching is a treasure hunt that uses a GPS to facilitate the hunt.  Today, using Leslie's i-phone and the geocaching ap, Leslie, and Ella, and I tried our luck at this game of hide and seek.  We discovered that our favorite new park (the statue park) has 2 hidden treasures and we set off in search of them.  Even with the i-phone ap, this was a little tricky.  We did eventually discover the first treasure but we decided to leave the second one for another day.  This was a really fun family activity, though.  I like how it gets everyone out and moving and exploring.  Can't wait to see what other treasures are out there waiting for us . . .

magazine stars

Cut out swatches of yellow from magazines.  Draw and cut stars from recycled cardboard and glue down pieces of yellow.  Trim as needed when dry.  Add glue and seed beads for extra sparkle on some of the stars.

our secret garden

Last week, Ella and I discovered a hidden gem just steps from our house. A cute little park tucked away next to the hospital.  No swings or slides here.  Just shady paths for skipping.  A wishing well for - well, what else, wishing :)  Some very cool musical instruments to explore.  And several interesting statues to wonder about --- Ella believes they just may come alive at night!

Shiny Ornament

Leslie made one of these when she was small.  Ella saw it on the tree and asked if she could make one.  Hard to refuse, especially when this is a super simple project and you can basically use whatever you have on hand.  Just cover a toilet paper tube with foil.  Paint foil with white glue and then go crazy with confetti, foil stars, beads, etc.  Finish with a sprinkling of glitter.  Let it dry and attach a string for hanging.

Christmas Tree Hat

No Bake Clay Ornaments

We used lids that we'd been saving - the ones from Play-doh worked really well - and no bake clay from Crayola to create some ornaments.  It was as simple as pressing clay into the lids and then decorating with whatever we could find in the collage bin.  The clay dried and hardened in about 24 hours and we were able to add ribbons for hanging.  Ella was so proud of how these turned out!