Rocks, Old Colanders, & Acrylic Spray

I LOVE collecting rocks of any shape or color.  I find most of them anywhere I LOVE to walk, especially along lake shores and paths.  It's fun to bring them home, wash them up, and display them in my garden.  I've used a variety of containers but found that repurposing old colanders work best because rain water drains easily from them.  I also found that some rocks lose their luster when dry so I sometimes spray them with a clear gloss acrylic coating that I purchased from a craft store. 

I LOVE this activity because I can hunt for rocks with friends and family of any age.  Some hold special memories and they all look beautiful wherever I put them!

The Creation Story - Sunday School Lesson!

The Creation Story - Sunday School Lesson

To teach the "Creation Story" we did many activities.

1.  Students entered the room and colored a picture of the Creation Story.  We also had large rocks set at each child's spot to paint with water.

2.  The students met in a large group and sang a song about Creation.  (song lyrics to come)

3.  We read the Creation Story from a Children's Bible.  Then we gave each child a picture of something God created. The kids each came forward and placed the picture under the correct day;  day 1, day 2, etc...  After each picture was placed, the class said, "It was Good!"

4.  The children ate a snack.  We provided the kids with a couple of cheese cubes and pretzel sticks. We showed the kiddos how to make a sun by pushing the pretzel sticks into the cheese cube.  We explained that God made LIGHT!  The kiddos had a lot of fun with this activity and started to make other things too!

5.  While the children ate the snack we asked them to tell us different things that God made.  We ended up naming a lot of different animals and making animal sounds.

6,  We had the kids make a "CREATION" bucket.  Each kid got a gallon-sized ice-cream bucket that had been covered in scrap book paper and mod podge.  Then they decorated the buckets with stickers.  The stickers represented all the different things that God made.  The kids will use their bucket to carry their Sunday School Creations home each week.

7.  Finally, we said our closing prayer.  Each child thanked God for one thing He created.

This class was taught to 4 yr. olds.

Alternative Science Experiments for Weird Animals VBS - Imagination Station

I'm in charge of Imagination Station at VBS this June.  These are the ideas I came up with to fit with the themes of each day.  The theme and the ideas don't belong to me.  Please check out the links to learn how to do each activity!  I also have a Pinterest board labeled "Weird Animals VBS".

Day 1:

Even when you're left out, Jesus Loves You.

"I am with you always, even to the end of the age"

Activity:  Gak

Get Directions at this link:

The Joys of Boys - Gak Recipe

The recipe for this Gak is makes  larger quantity than the link above.  We used washable paint instead of food coloring.

Supplies:

- Elmer's School Glue

- Borax

- Clear Plastic Cups (2/child)

- Water

-  Food Coloring (optional)

- Ziplock Bags (to take home the GAK)

Connection:  Gak has a really unusual texture.  No matter how it is manipulated, it stays together (bends, forms, stretches, blows bubbles).  No matter if you feel left out or different from others, God is always with you – no matter your circumstance.

We have completed this project.  This is what I recommend:
- use tablecloths.
- provide the gak for preschoolers - they were too hesitant to touch it so the process of making it wasn't worth the work.  K and older LOVED it!
- We used gallon jugs of Elmers glue.  (Must be Elmers).  The recipe I used was 4 oz of glue, 4 oz of warm water, mixed with a few drops of liquid watercolors.  Then mix 1 tsp Borax with 4 oz of warm water.  Dump together and start mixing - USE YOUR HANDS!  I made a measuring cups (marking only 4 oz) with clear plastic cups.  The cups were pretty gross by the end (5 groups of 30 kids) but it didn't matter.  It worked.  That was way better than using measuring cups.
- We made the Gak in disposable dollar store punch bowls.  We threw them away when finished.
- Gave the Gak to kids on the way out the door.  We didn't want it all over the church building.
Super Fun activity.  Big Hit!

Day 2:

Even though you're different, Jesus Loves You.

"For we are God's masterpiece.  He has created us anew in Christ Jesus"

Activity:  Self- Portrait

Get Directions at this link:

Art Cart - Self Portraits

Supplies:

- Mirrors or picture of themselves

-  Elmers Glue

- black cardstock

- colored drawing chalk

- hairspray to set the chalk

Connection:  (I think we should actually face paint for this one instead of drawing self-portraits).  Everyone looks different but we are all created in His image, beautifully.

wet wipes take off face paint really well!

Day 3:

Even when you don't understand, Jesus Loves You.

"Do to others as you would like them to do to you"

We finished this project.  This is what I recommend:
- We used face paint and tattoos.
- The kids each had their own mirror.  We had a bunch at the church (not sure why).  Each mirror said:  "Rogain Works".  Ha! :)
- Use tablecloths for easy clean up.
- Kids painted their own faces and crew leaders painted kids too.
- Have lots of wet wipes handy!
- wet 1/4 of sponge with water and set in a bowl.  The kids can get the facepaint wet on the sponges.
Super Fun activity.  They painted happily for 30 minutes.  Even (most of) the preschoolers loved it!

Activity:  Color Spray T-shirt

Get Directions at this link:

Kids Activities Blog

These pictures are from Kid Activities Blog.  They are not my own.

Supplies:

- White cotton t-shirt (Can the kids each bring their own?)

-  permanent markers

-  spray bottles

-  rubbing alcohol

Connection:  Permanent markers are supposed to be forever.  The alcohol makes the colors run together.  That doesn’t make a lot of sense.  But, the colors are beautiful.  (Jesus’ love for us).  Also, our actions impact others.  (colors running into other colors)

Here are a couple of links to order t-shirts online:
http://www.shirtchamp.com/shopping/basket.cfm

$1.94/shirt:)   Sizes XS-XL

http://www.theadairgroup.com/kids-shirt-white-p-232.html?osCsid=9dba5a4b71a8005d9f74f3a68c8f64d8

$1.89/shirt....same sizes

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Hanes-Boys-Short-Sleeve-Crew-Tees-5-Pack/5634302?action=product_interest&action_type=title&placement_id=irs-srp-1&strategy=PWVAV&visitor_id=76360229508&client_guid=0553af0b-4feb-4017-87fe-6af4d8567a1c&config_id=8&parent_item_id=17164044%2C36723292%2C34717222%2C36058683%2C36058443%2C36058668%2C23704279%2C23704278%2C23704281%2C23704280%2C23704282%2C19341981%2C35898724%2C35897939%2C35284780%2C34118580&guid=8f1a5c79-8078-498c-aa9e-549073a8a7a3&bucket_id=irsbucketdefault&findingMethod=p13n

$1.89/shirt.....Hanes 5 pack at Walmart

We have completed this project. This is what I recommend:
- Use the fat, new sharpies.  The color seemed to be much brighter and spread much more.  
-  Do this activity outside, especially if you have a large group.
-  If doing this activity with pre-schoolers use spray bottles that have a trigger.  They are easier to operate.

Day 4:

Even though you do wrong, Jesus loves you.

"  God loves us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins."

Activity:  Ice-Cream in a Bag

Get Directions at this link:

Coffee Cups and Crayons

This image is a product of Coffee Cups and Crayons.  It is not my own.

Supplies:

- half and half

- sugar

- vanilla

- quart size ziplock bags

- gallon size ziplock bags

- ice

- ice-cream/rock salt

We have completed this project.  This is what I would recommend:
- Give yourself a lot of time for this activity.  I completed it in about 6 minutes at home.  When we did it with groups of 30 it took closer to 25 minutes.  
-  Make sure you do this activity outside.  We had to do it inside because of rain and it was too messy.  I wouldn't do it again.
-  This was an absolute favorite among the kiddos.
- Consider having the kids pair up.  It was a lot of shaking.  We used pairs for one of the groups and it was much better.
-  Make sure you use name brand bags.  You need really high quality otherwise the salt permeates through the plastic making a VERY DISGUSTING SALTY flavored ice-cream.
-  Have gloves available for the kiddos.  The ice-cream gets super cold!

Connection:  The rock/ice-cream salt represents our sins – it doesn’t taste good and it can’t be eaten.  Through Jesus' sacrifice on the Cross (shaking the bag) we are redeemed by Christ.  God always forgives and makes us new through Him.  (product is yummy ice-cream)

Good Friday Craft

We made this picture in Sunday School for our Good Friday lesson.  It turned out beautiful and it was super easy to make.

This is what we did: 

1. I folded a piece of black paper in half.  I drew the outline of a hill and a cross and a half.
2. The kids cut out the hill (Mt. Calvary) and the cross.
3. The kids used water color paints to make the background on white cardstock paper.
4. The kids glued the outline of Mt. Calvary onto the paper.  Some of the kids used vibrant paints and others chose more subdued colors.  Both looked very beautiful.

The Triumphal Entry - Palm Sunday Lesson Plan with Craft

We celebrated Jesus' Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem today at Sunday School.  The lesson was a huge success.  The kids learned a lot, had a ton of fun, and hopefully experienced the LOVE of our Risen Savior!!

This is what we did:

1.  We started the lesson with the students entering the room and coloring a picture of Jesus's Triumphal Entry.  While the students colored, a teacher traced the "Palm" of each child's hand and cut out several copies for each child  (about a dozen per kid!)

This is a link to many coloring pages of the Triumphal Entry:  Coloring Pages

2.  I read a book to the kids:  The Donkey That No One Could Ride

3.  The kids made a palm branch craft:  

*  We used donated stir sticks from Sherwin Williams. I tied raffia (purchased at Walmart) and contrasting green and blue jumbo yarn on the notch at the end of each stir stick to add decoration.

*  The kids glued their "palms" onto the stir stick.  I put glue on paper plates and gave each child a q-tip to use as a glue applicator.  

3.  I read the bible story of the triumphal entry and the students acted it.  They kids made a parade behind "Jesus" and the "Transformed Donkey".  My parents made the donkey in the picture below.  (Tutorial to Come!)

Dinosaur Craft

Little Guy and Best Buddy requested a dinosaur project!  It was super simple and turned out really cute.  I LOVE the imaginary play that took place after we finished.

This is what we did:  

1. I drew the outline of a dinosaur's body onto a piece of cardboard and cut it out.
2. The boys painted the outline with washable tempera paint.
3. I traced an outline of the top of the body so that I could draw spikes (triangles) and I cut it out.
4. The boys sprinkled glitter on the dinosaurs while the paint was still wet.
5. The boys glued the spikes onto the dinosaur.
6. The boys glued a googly eye onto the dinosaur.
7. They painted two clothespins each the same color as the dinosaur to use as legs.
8. Attach the clothespins to the legs and let it dry.
9. Play!

This project took about a half hour from start to finish.  If the materials had been pre-drawn and cut it would've taken less time.  The boys worked on this project while I made chocolate chip cookies!  Have fun!

An Easter Project

I LOVE flowers, especially in Spring, so when March rolls along I look forward to Ash Wednesday - the beginning of Lent.  It is then that I dig out my amaryllis bulb, pot it in fresh soil, give it water, and place it in the sun.  I continue to water it throughout Lent and wait for Easter's arrival, the time it typically takes for my bulb to sprout and bloom.  It is so easy that kids can do it!  After planting, they WAIT, and watch "new life in Spring."

If you plan ahead, you can purchase amaryllis bulbs during Christmas time.  They are available at several stores and I have found them for as little as $5.00 each.  Otherwise you can find them at Bachman's but expect to pay more. 

Crown Of Thorns Plant

I LOVE going to thrift stores and garage sales.  Last summer I bought a succulent called "Crown of Thorns" for just a few dollars.  After a little research from Wikipedia, I learned that my plant is native to Madagascar and is in the family Euphorbiaciae.  It is believed by many to be the plant worn by Jesus Christ at His crucifixion.  The plant is also referred to as Christ Plant and Christ Thorn.  During this time of Lent, it is a good reminder to me of Christ's sacrifice for our salvation.

Euphorbia milii

NOTE:  If you purchase this plant for yourself, please be aware that the sap is "moderately poisonous" although I have not noticed any sap on mine.  You should also use caution when handling as the thorns are quite pronounced. 

Kids Fresh Green Centerpiece

Christmas is a time of celebration, great joy, and wonder.  It's also a time to exchange gifts of LOVE to our family.  What gift expresses more LOVE than a gift made by a child!

My daughter, grandkids, daycare kids, friend, and I made these simple arrangements at their special Christmas Party today!

This is what we did:

1. We wrote each child's name on the bottom of an 8 oz. plastic cup.  You can use clear cups or cups with a printed design.
2. We instructed the kids to turn their cups upside down and place a rubber band on each.
3. We then gave them a 22" piece of jute yarn and told them to slip it under the rubber band.  (The rubber band helps hold the jute in place).
4. If the kids were able to tie, they were instructed to wrap the jute around the cup and make a simple bow.  Because our group was preschool age, the adults did this part for them.
5. The kids turned their cups right side up and placed a pre-cut piece of wet foam in each.  The foam was cut approximately 2 1/2" high and 1 3/4" wide.  Each fit snuggly to the bottom.
6. The kids then poured about 1/2 cup of water onto their foam.  If they saw water that was not absorbed into the foam, they were told they had too much water and the extra water was dumped out.
7. The kids then stuck small pieces of fresh greens (also pre-cut) into the wet foam leaving a space open in the center.
8. They finished by sticking a decorated pick in the center. Any holiday pick will work or a simple pinecone on a stick as shown in the photo above.

It was fun to see the kids accomplish this activity with little or no help.  With minimal prep work, the kids completed the craft in only 10-15 minutes.  They looked quite proud of their accomplishment as they posed for photos in front of the Christmas tree!

Clay Dough Hand Print

I've been wanting to make a hand print keepsake for "Little Guy" for the longest time.  When Big Guy was small, his daycare provider, made the cutest framed glitter hand print and gifted it to me at Christmas time.  That was FOUR years ago!  Today, I finally made one for Little Guy.  I LOVE it.  We made one for Best Buddy too.

This is what we did:

This is a fairly simple project, but it did take all day to make due to drying time.

1.  Make the clay-dough:  2 cups baking soda, 1 cup cornstarch, 1 1/2 cups of water.

Mix the ingredients in a big pot over medium heat and stir.  You need to stir for several minutes. Once your mixture thickens (looking like mashed potatoes), dump it onto wax paper, cover with a damp cloth and let it cool.

2.  Form your shape.

Sprinkle your wax paper with cornstarch and roll out your dough.  The more you work it with your hands first, the softer it becomes and fewer cracks in the dough.  If you notice the dough cracking, sprinkle more corn starch and continue to use your rolling pin to smooth it out.

3.  Make your Hand Print.

Press the child's hand in the center of the dough.  Make sure you have a good indentation by pressing on each part of the child's hand.

4.  Dry in the oven.

Place the dough on a cookie sheet and bake it at 250 for about 3 hours. Let it cool completely.

5.  Sand any rough spots.

6.  Paint the hand print any color.

We painted the hand first.  The kids were able to stay in the lines fairly well (3 yrs. old).  We chose to use black on the outside to cover up where they went out of the lines with the red.  Sprinkle with glitter (if you want).  Let it dry completely.  Write the child's name and year on the front with a metallic paint pen.

7.  Spray with a clear gloss finish.

Let it dry.  Display somewhere beautiful!

 

My inspiration came from Pinterest:  Christmas Tree Ornaments  She does a really great job explaining how to make the clay dough.  She has really cute ideas for decorations for the tree.  We might try those next :)

Holy Spirit/Dove Project

Our lesson at Sunday School was about the Holy Spirit.  The objective was to help the kids understand that Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to be with us on Earth.  The Holy Spirit helps us to:  1)  Do what God wants us to do  2)  Do what is Right  3)  Help Others  4) Pray.  The concept of the Holy Spirit can be difficult for little people to grasp because the Holy Spirit can not be seen.  We did a couple of activities during our lesson to help them out.

This is what we did:

Mystery Picture Craft:

1.  Draw a simple dove outline, using a white crayon, onto white paper.  Make the outline fairly thick.  I drew over my outline a couple of times. 
2. Draw an olive branch in the Dove's mouth.  I used a brown crayon for the branch and a green crayon for the leaves.
3. The kids could only see the olive branch when they were given the paper.
4. I instructed the kids to use watercolor paints to cover the entire page.
5. The mystery picture;  THE DOVE shows up.

This project was completed very quickly by 5 yr. olds.  I think it took about 10 minutes.  It is a beautiful project for the kids to take home.  I'm guessing many parents hung it at home.

Dove Paper Plate Craft:

1. I drew an outline of a dove on a paper plate.  Use the really cheap flimsy paper plates.  My plate was a little bit higher quality and it made it more difficult for the kids to cut out the pieces.
2. Let the kids cut along the lines.
3. Tape the wings to the back side of the body.
4. Let the kids draw the details (beak, feet, eyes)  We used crayons.

I think it would be fun to use google eyes and white feathers too! 

This idea came from:  Catholic Icing

 

Additional Activity: 

 

I also used our puppet, Scotty the Lion, to help introduce the kids to the concept that just because you can't see something doesn't mean it doesn't exist.  I put a balloon in Scotty's bag and had the kids try to guess what was in it.  Most guessed it was a ball.   The balloon grabbed their attention right away.  I took out another balloon and tried to "blow it up" without actually blowing.  I just put it to my lips.  The kids told me I needed to blow in order for it to work.  We then talked about air - even though we can't see it, it exists, and is actually very powerful.  An example of powerful air is a storm or a tornado.  This is like the Holy Spirit.  We then tossed the balloon to each other and gave examples of what the Holy Spirit can help us to do. 



A Gift for Dad - Picture Frame

The boys and I made a birthday gift for Dad.  I think it turned out really cute. The boys were so proud of their work.  I LOVED how excited they were to give Dad a gift.

This is what we did:

Playing Football with Dad

A Picture of Dad with Lots of Hearts

1. I bought inexpensive black frames at Walmart.  
2. I purchased washers in a variety of sizes from Walmart.
3. I traced the cardboard backing of each frame onto a piece of paper and cut it out.
4. The boys drew picture for Dad on each piece of paper.
5. We put the pictures inside the frame.
6. The boys placed washers on the black frames - wherever they wanted.
7. I hot glued the washers onto the frame.  (I think Tacky glue would have worked but I couldn't find our bottle.)
8. Done!

Dad plans to bring the pictures to work to put on his desk.  I hope he is reminded of how much we love him.

The post we got our inspiration from was:  Picture Frame for Dad 

Swans & Sandhill Cranes

I LOVED visiting the Crex Meadows Wildlife Area In Grantsburg, Wisconsin.  My husband, sister, brother-in-law, and I rose early one morning in mid October so we could be at the refuge by dawn. It was awesome seeing thousands of migratory birds and listening to their chatter.  My sister captured some beautiful close-up photos of Sandhill cranes and swans floating along the shore line. You can tour the refuge from your vehicle so little or no walking is required. Maps are available at the visitors center. I highly recommend checking this place out.  You will experience nature at its finest!  

Swans

Two Sandhill Cranes

 

,

Painted Hydrangea

I LOVE decorating with hydrangea because it's so easy and arrangements looks great all year long.  I simply picked clusters after they turned green (the dried stage) and lightly spray painted them maroon to match the décor in my room.  That's it!  So easy and so pretty!

FYI:  If I pick clusters when they first bloom (white), and put them in a vase with fresh water,  they will last a week or so.  If I pick them after they turn green, they last all year with NO water.  I can also pick them after they turn brown for the same affect.  This Christmas I plan to spray paint brown clusters white to imitate a light dusting of snow.  I might decorate a wreath or use them in a display on my fireplace mantle.  Either way, it will be fun to bring "the outside in" and stay cozy warm in the process!

Stone Garden Design

My friend LOVES to make crafts while camping.  With a few supplies she brought from home and some colorful stones she collected from the lake shore, she created this awesome stone design for her garden. 

This is what she did:

1. She covered half of an old softball with Premixed Adhesive Grout but any size ball will work.
2. She created a circular design by placing small stones in the grout then randomly placed other stones around it.
3. She let it dry overnight.
4. The next day she spread grout on the remaining half of the softball and continued covering it with small stones.
5. When dry, she sealed it with a clear gloss acrylic coating spray. 
6. She layered a variety of flat stones in her garden and placed her stone design on the top.

I LOVE her completed creation! 

Candy Necklace - How sweet are YOUR words!

I was looking for a quick and easy craft project for a few moms to complete as a "filler" at a MOM's Group meeting.  I found this idea on Pinterest:  Candy Necklace.  It only took minutes to complete, is super cute, and our kids LOVED them!

  This is what we did:

1. Tear off a piece of cling wrap.  Long enough to hold about 5 pieces of candy. (The longer the cling wrap, the longer the necklace).
2. Lay the cling wrap on a hard surface.  Fold it in half (the long way).
3. Lay 5 pieces of wrapped candy down the center of the cling wrap.
4. Fold one side over the candy and then the other.
5. Cut 6-8 inch strips of curling ribbon to tie in between the pieces of candy.  
6. Cut a longer strip of curling ribbon to tie at each end to connect the necklace.
7. Curl the ribbon.
8. Add the Bible verse:  Psalm 119: 103

The above link has very clear directions.  You should check out her site.  I did make a couple variations to her project.  I used less candy (less expensive) and I added the Bible verse. 

 The kids really love the candy necklaces.  I imagine there are hundreds of reasons to make these necklaces.  Big Guy and Little Guy made a couple for their friends, just because...  Since there is tying involved I had to help Big Guy and Little Guy a lot.  I'm sure older elementary kids could do the entire project by themselves.  My boys loved picking out the candy to include in the necklace.  Have fun!

The Shrine of Our Lady of Good Help

I was blessed with the opportunity to visit a Holy Place that I learned only recently existed.  The Shrine of Our Lady of Good Help is nestled in New Franken, Wisconsin.  It is located between Green Bay and Door County. Although the shrine is an official Catholic Church Marian apparition site, ALL FAITHS ARE WELCOME. 

The shrine is "built directly over the site where Mary, the Queen of Heaven, appeared to Adele Brise, a young Belgian immigrant in October of 1859, one year after the Marian apparitions occurred at Lourdes, France."  More information is available at www.shrineofourladyofgoodhelp.com.  You can also phone 920-866-2571.  You will learn that the faithful have visited here for over 150 years.  Some have witnessed and received miracles of help and healing.  Everyone receives a quiet and beautiful place to pray.  This is truly a hallowed site, a wonderful place to visit.



Statue of Mary, The Queen of Heaven

MONSTERSAURUS by Claire Freedman and Ben Cort Project

We read the book,  "MONSTERSAURUS" for our Book Break this afternoon.  The boys LOVED this goofy story about a boy named Monty who creates three different monsters by doing the experiments in a zany science book.  We had fun with the KAPOW, POOF, and WHOOSH resulting in these silly monsters.  After reading the story, we made our own!

This is what we did:

1. We used foam cut-outs purchased from Target.  I got a huge pack for $5.00.
2. The boys glued googly eyes, feathers, foam teeth, horns and legs to their creatures.
3. The put dots on the monsters with our Dot Art markers.
4. For glue we used tacky glue.  It dries quickly and doesn't drip.  I pour a little bit of glue into a mini cupcake liner for each kiddo.  They apply the glue with Q-tips.

We worked on this project for about 20 minutes.  The boys had fun and they ROARED a lot while making them.

Hand Print Autumn Tree

The boys enjoyed working on this fall craft while I made dinner.  We could have just used crayons for this project, but Big Guy uses those at school a lot.  I think he was getting tired of them so we brought out the Dot Art (AKA Bingo Dobbers).  I think it turned out cute and I LOVE when the boys are busy while I prepare dinner!

This is what we did:

1. I traced the arm and hand of each boy.  It is good to have them spread their fingers so that they can make leaves between the branches.
2. I set out colored pencils, Dot Art, flower stamps and washable ink pads.
3. The boys did whatever they wanted!