Showing posts with label recycled. Show all posts
Showing posts with label recycled. Show all posts

Monday, July 2, 2018

Super Easy Recycled, Homemade Sun catchers

If you're looking for a super easy kids craft that you can make from recycled materials... this is it! We've tried making several fun suncatcher crafts with the kids.  But today's suncatcher craft is by far the easiest one ever.  You can literally make dozens in minutes.  Intrigued?  Read on!

How to Make Super Easy, Homemade Recycled Suncatchers



Super Easy Recycled Sun catchers- easy and fun kids craft


Note:  This post contains affiliate links.  This means I make a small bit of change when you purchase items through the links.  Thank you for your support and the grocery money! For my full disclosure policy, click here.


Tuesday, June 12, 2018

Play-dough and Cardboard Mazes

Hello friends!  I'm currently on the lookout for easy (and not too messy) ways to keep the kids entertained.  Today I'm sharing a fun preschool STEAM activity that kept both my boys entertained.  We've made outdoor rock mazesedible candy mazes, and Lego mazes.  Today we're keeping the theme going with these super easy play-dough mazes!

Let's Make Play-Dough Mazes!


How to Make Play Dough and Cardboard Mazes- Such a great STEAM activity for kids of all ages (preschool + elementary!)


Note:  This post contains affiliate links.  This means I make a small bit of change when you purchase items through the links.  Thank you for your support and the grocery money! For my full disclosure policy, click here.


Monday, May 28, 2018

Recycled Tin Garden Marker Craft

Everything is blooming and we're still loving garden crafts!  Today I'm sharing a fun recycled craft that turns disposable baking pans into cute tin garden markers!  This is a great kid-friendly craft project!

How to Make Recycled Tin Garden Markers with Kids


How to Make Recycled Tin Garden Markers from disposable baking pans for kids- such a cute garden craft!


Note:  This post contains affiliate links.  This means I make a small bit of change when you purchase items through the links.  Thank you for your support and the grocery money! For my full disclosure policy, click here.


Saturday, March 31, 2018

My 3 Cardboard Craft Books are finally here!

Ok.  The title says it all. So please buy my 3 awesome cardboard and duct tape craft books.  End of Post.

Just kidding! (Apparently I'm much too wordy for a 1 line post.)

So grab a coffee or tea and let's chat.

Last June I shared that a publishing company contacted me about writing a series of cardboard craft books. (If you missed that post, or you just want to see a photo of our cardboard-filled garage, click here.)

Well, it's been almost a year since that post and tada.... the books are here!

Don't they look good enough to eat? Num num num num num.

3 Cardboard Kids Craft Books- Such a great series of cardboard and duct tape craft books


This post contains affiliate links.  This means I make a teeny tiny bit of money from any purchases made through the Amazon links below.   Thank you for your support! For my full disclosure, click here.


Wednesday, March 21, 2018

Cardboard Ninja Throwing Stars

Ninja Crafts, I have found, can be quite polarizing.  Some parents think they're super fun and great for birthday parties.  Other parents are uncomfortable with kids using weapons like a sword, ninja stars, and such. 

While I don't condone violence, I do realize that making toys that shoot, launch, or fly (like this pom pom shootercar launcher, or this 1 sheet paper kite) are always crowd pleasers.   (Plus, they're a great opportunity to slip in some STEAM learning.)   So today I'm sharing this cute Ninja Throwing Star Craft.  It was super easy to make and kept us relatively sane on a stuck-at-home-going-to-pull-my-hair-out-cleaning-the-pulled-out-puzzles-for-the-eight-time rainy day.

How To Make Cardboard Ninja Throwing Stars

How to Make Cardboard Ninja Stars (that actually fly and throw like real toys!) - Such a fun craft for kids!


This post contains affiliate links.  This means I make a teeny tiny bit of money from any purchases made through the Amazon links below.   Thank you for your support! For my full disclosure, click here.


Thursday, January 11, 2018

Super Cute Hedgehog String Art

Am I late to the hedgehog trend?  Lately I've been looking at a lot of hedgehog crafts.   A couple of years back I made this giant cardboard hedgehog ring toss.  (Didn't see it?  Definitely check it out because it was adorable!)  Today I'm sharing these tinier hedgehog crafts- String Art Hedgehogs!

Teeny Tiny Hedgehog String Art

Super Cute Hedgehog String Art for kids! (Template included)

This post contains affiliate links.  This means I make a small portion off of any purchases made through the links at no additional cost to you.  Thank you for the grocery money!  For my full disclosure policy, click here.


Monday, January 8, 2018

Adorable Paper Heart Stuffies (For Valentine's Day!)

Valentine's Day is coming up.... which means that Valentine's Day Crafts are probably on your mind.  If your kiddos love cute things, staples, and crumpling paper (or candy).... then this is the craft for you!  These adorable paper heart stuffies are poofy crafts filled with kawaii goodness. 

We stuffed ours with crumpled paper, but you could definitely fill these up with candy too!  (And if you like my specific design, I include a template below.  Score!)

Uber Cute Paper Heart Stuffies! 


Adorable Paper Heart Stuffies for Valentine's Day- Perfect also for filling with candy and giving to a friend!


This post contains affiliate links.  This means I make a small portion off of any purchases made through the links at no additional cost to you.  Thank you for the grocery money!  For my full disclosure policy, click here.


Monday, December 18, 2017

Charming Cardboard and Felt Bird Ornaments (Template Included)

I am IN LOVE with today's cardboard and felt bird ornaments.  This Christmas craft reminds me of something you would find in Anthropologie.  The birds are super sweet and folksy.  And they're made of recycled cardboard and scraps of yarn and felt.  So they're super easy on the wallet and good for the environment too!  Getting excited? Let's get crafting!

Charming Bird Ornaments


Cardboard and felt bird ornaments- great Christmas kids craft


This post contains affiliate links.  This means I make a small bit of money for any purchases made through the links at no additional cost to you.  Thank you for your support.  For my full disclosure policy, click here.


Sunday, June 4, 2017

Long time, no see!

Hello there blogging friends!

I know, I know, it's been awhile.  I just wanted to apologize for my 2 month long absence from this blog.   I really didn't think anyone would notice... but then I received a super sweet comment from a reader asking about my whereabouts...  and I figured I owed y'all an explanation.

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, so here's a picture for you:
(This is what my garage wall currently looks like)



Yup.  It's cardboard central over here.

No, we're not building the great wall of cardboard.  And nope, we're not moving.  But yes, this does have to do with my absence.

I haven't been posting regularly because I've been writing a craft book.  *Gasp*  I know.  It's really strange sharing this because I'm not quite done, but I figured it was time.

I've collaborated on several awesome craft and STEAM books over the years.  This past year I  dreamt about authoring my own book.  But I wasn't sure how to go about it.

Two months ago a book publishing company contacted me to write a cardboard and duct tape craft book for them.

What?  Could this be?  I LOVE cardboard and this was such a wonderful surprise.  So I jumped headfirst into the opportunity.

I'm so excited to share the final project with you!  And I think you're going to really love all the neat projects inside.  But, I also gotta be honest and say that writing a book is both exhilarating and exhausting.  There are just two more weeks before the final deadline and with watching the kids, attending end-of-the-year activities, and staying on top of other commitments...  well gosh...I'm just pooped out.

So, dear reader, I'm sorry that I haven't shared any crafts in awhile.   But, I shall return once the last page of the manuscript is done.  Thank you for joining with me and supporting me on this crafty adventure.

I hope you are all doing well and having a great end of the year!

- Leslie

Friday, February 17, 2017

Make a Simple Braille Slate and Stylus (inspired by Six Dots: A Story of Young Louis Braille)

Today's blog post takes a different turn.  Instead of a cute kid craft, we're doing some STEAM crafting and making an old time Braille slate and stylus.

Make a simple braille slate and stylus- inspired by Six Dots:  A Story of Young Louis Braille)

This post contains affiliate links.  Thank you for the grocery money! For my full disclosure policy, click here.

Wednesday, December 7, 2016

Lego Snow Jars for Kids (and 6 more Lego inspired projects!)

I'm all about cheap and cheerful crafts... and my son is all about Lego.  (I realized we were officially a Lego household when I woke up with a minifigure in my bed the other day.  Oy vey!) Inspired by the adorable miniature holiday displays and snowglobes in the stores, my son and I tried crafting our very own.  But instead of using animals or cute townspeople, we put a Lego twist on these winter snowglobes.  Tada! Here's a SUPER EASY winter snow scene craft.
 

Lego Winter Snow Scene Jar Craft- Simple and easy kids craft for the holidays
This post contains affiliate links. Thank you for the Christmas gift money!  For my full disclosure policy, click here.

Monday, November 21, 2016

Cardboard Puzzle Collaborative Art Challenge

Looking for a fun collaborative art challenge to do with the kids?  Try making your own surprise puzzle!


how to do a fun cardboard face collaborative art project with the whole family- fun kid-friendly craft
This post contains affiliate links. Thank you for your support!  For my full disclosure policy, click here.

Saturday, November 19, 2016

25+ Christmas Crafts and Activities to get you through December!

Does your family start celebrating Christmas the moment Thanksgiving is over? My son insists that we put up our tree right after our Thanksgiving meal!  In case your family is like ours, I'm sharing this fun list of 25+ favorite Christmas activities and crafts.   So go ahead and peek around.  You can do an activity everyday in December- like a crafty advent of sorts!

over 25 family friendly and fun Christmas crafts and activities


Monday, August 22, 2016

Cute Corner Envelope Bookmarks

Looking for a neat way to reuse old envelopes?  How about turning them into cute corner bookmarks?

How to Make Cute Corner Envelope Bookmarks


Corner Envelope Bookmarks- Super Easy Kids Craft

This post contains affiliate links. Thank you for the grocery money!  For my full disclosure policy, click here.

Wednesday, August 17, 2016

Cereal Box Pizza Craft

Mama Mia!  Today it's all about pizza!  Yup.  Pizza is one of our favorite foods so we recently did a really cute recycled craft and made some cardboard pizzas!

Cardboard Pizza Craft Art Project

Cardboard Cereal Box Pizza Art and Craft Project for Kids
This post contains affiliate links.  Thank you for your support!  For my full disclosure policy, click here


Tuesday, July 5, 2016

Build Your Own Unique Wooden Car

Ever since my eldest son was young, he LOVED cars.  Is your child that way too?  Then you'll understand why we've done a ton of car crafts over here on the blog.  And boy are you in for a treat with today'd post.  Tada!  My husband and son designed and built their very own wooden car... for free!

  Let's Build A Wooden Car!

Raid your tool chest and leftover bits to build your own wooden race car- great STEM activity for kids
This post contains affiliate links.  Thank you for the grocery money!  For my full disclosure policy, click here.

Sunday, June 12, 2016

Cheap, Easy, and Creative Super Hero Party Ideas

A couple of weeks ago my son graduated from preschool.  I didn't think I would get emotional... but I did.  I felt kinda sad-happy realizing that he wasn't a baby anymore.  Oh boy, I'm starting to feel a bit emotional right now.  Yeesh... must.. toughen.. up.... Ahem.  Anyway, back to introducing today's post...

Our preschool celebrated with a super hero themed graduation party.  All the moms and dads came together to plan a really fun day for the kids. I was so impressed by everyone's creativity.  I just had to share the super hero-themed activities and crafts here because I know a ton of you probably have super hero loving kids at home too.

So put on your super hero capes and get ready for some...

Cheap, Easy, and Creative Super Hero Party Ideas!

11 Awesome and Easy Super Hero Party Activities and Crafts- Budget friendly and Perfect for Kids of all ages!

This post contains affiliate links.  This means I make a teeny tiny bit of money from any purchases made through the Amazon links below.   Thank you for your support! For my full disclosure, click here.


Thursday, May 12, 2016

Cardboard and Safety Pin Charm Necklace

Sometimes the best crafts are the easiest ones.  Today I wanted to share this really easy cardboard and safety pin necklace.  My younger son is currently teething, so I just needed something quick and fun for my eldest and I to make together.  This colorful and easy jewelry craft fit the bill!

Cardboard and Safety Pin Necklaces   

Super cute and fun kids craft- cardboard and safety pin charm necklace
This post contains affiliate links.  Thank you for your support! For my full disclosure policy, click here.


Monday, May 2, 2016

Artsy Paper Bag Stars!

I've seen versions of these paper bag stars all over the internet for awhile now.   And last weekend, we finally got a chance to make our very own version.  Half art project, half craft, these artsy paper bag stars are such a unique way to showcase children's art and decorate your home!

Artsy Paper Bag Stars      


artsy paper bag stars - a great way to showcase children's artwork!

This post contains affiliate links.  Thank you for your support! For my full disclosure policy, click here

Tuesday, March 8, 2016

Make a Knight Sword and Shield

Do knights, dragons, and castles stir up your child’s imagination?  I love how my preschooler is a big fan of all these things.   It's so neat to see little kids wrapped up in imaginary play.  To further grow his interest, I made this super easy cardboard shield and sword set awhile back.  After 6 months of intense imagining, rescuing, and fighting, they're still intact.  So, I figured I'd share this cute tried-and-true craft with y'all today!

Make a Knight Sword and Shield

Make a cardboard knight sword and shield for kids imaginary play- Great easy costume idea
Note: This post contains affiliate links.  Thank you for your support!  For my full disclosure policy, click here.