Easy Crafts for Toddlers

If you are looking for some fun ideas to do with your toddler, I've got some that are sure to please!   Older kids can help younger siblings which will help them to bond.  If you are trying to go green, these incorporate recycling plastic containers and glass jars.  They make great gifts for grandparents, aunts, uncles and other important people in your children's lives.  My kids made the snow globes for their teachers last year for Christmas.

We used baby food jars stage 2 for the gifts.  The snow globe pictured is a jar from IKEA used for spices.  These are really easy to make.

Need:
jar with lid - any size you choose
small item that will fit inside jar - pick something that fits your theme
clay that does not dry - Dollar Tree sells it in a 5 pack
Glitter of any color - Dollar Tree sells in 4 pack

To make snow globe, first place a lump of clay, your choice of color, inside lid.  Place the item you want to display in center of clay.  Smooth out the clay until it reaches the sides of the lid.  Place lid on jar and tighten.  This will create a seal so the water not leak out.  Remove the lid from jar and set aside.  Fill jar about 75%-90% with water, check the level by placing the lid back on.  Once the level is correct add your glitter.  Replace lid tightly.  Shake and enjoy!  To avoid the lid coming off, use a glue gun to run a small bead of glue around the inside of the lid.  Let dry before flipping snow globe over.

To create a lava bottle follow these simple steps:
Need:
Empty water bottle - any size
baby oil, olive oil or canola oil
food coloring - chose color

Fill water bottle 50% to 75%  with water and add a few drops of food coloring.  Next add the oil of your choice.  Baby oil will be clear but will still be noticeable.  I used canola oil for the pictures below.  Glue cap with hot glue gun.  Wait until dry before flipping over.  Your child will have fun watching the bubbles move from the top to the bottom and back again each time they flip it!  Lay the bottle on it's side and roll the bottle for a fun effect.

The Original Scrap Box Giveaway!!!!

I just found out that this product is going to be given away to one lucky person!!! There are several blogs that are running the contest. If you don't know what the Original Scrap Box is here is some info from their website:)

The Work Box™ is every crafter’s dream. It’s a workspace and a storage solution that looks like a beautiful, high-end piece of furniture. There are drawers, nooks and spaces for all of your stuff!

On wheels, The Work Box is fully transportable. It folds up into a handsome box, hiding all of your supplies from sight. This system comes with a collapsible work table and adjustable shelves.

There are 85 removable canvas totes with label inserts that fold up for easy storage. There are also 20 removable clear zipper pouches in 3 sizes. gt;

Choose either raised panel or beadboard door styles and black or vanilla colors to match your room decor.

Included Canvas Tote Sizes:

(3) 6"width x 12"length x 12"high
(22) 12.25"width x 12.25"length x 3"high
(10) 12.25"width x 12.25"length x 5.5"high
(30) 3"width x 12"length x 3"high
(20) 5.5"width x 12"length x 4.5"high
Total: 85

Included Clear Zipper Pouch Sizes:

(2) 13" x 13" Large
(6) 13" x 6" Medium
(12) 6" x 6" Small
Total: 20

They also carry smaller versions of this awesome storage unit! the minibox is great for small spaces too!

he Mini Box™ is every crafter’s dream - in a smaller package! It’s a workspace and a storage solution that looks like a beautiful, high-end piece of furniture. There are drawers, nooks and spaces for all of your stuff!

On wheels, The Mini Box is fully transportable. It folds up into a handsome box, hiding all of your supplies from sight. This system comes with a work table and adjustable shelves. The work table is 37" wide x 32" deep.

Included Canvas Tote Sizes:

(2) 6"width x 12"length x 12"high
(14) 12.25"width x 12.25"length x 3"high
(4) 12.25"width x 12.25"length x 5.5"high
(12) 3"width x 12"length x 3"high
(8) 5.5"width x 12"length x 4.5"high
Total: 40

Included Clear Zipper Pouch Sizes:

(2) 13" x 6" Medium
(8) 6" x 6" Small
Total: 10

enter code 100writes when ordering your product for $100 off shipping:)

check out the following blogs for your chance to win:
My Organized Chaos
Make It and Love It
Vanilla Joy
Auntie Thesis
The Mommy Files
Life As Lou
PriscillaStyles
Cricut Christmas
Rachelles Writing Spot
Capadia Designs

Monday Meals --- September 28, 2009

Mondays seem to be very crazy in our house. I thought it might be helpful to post a new recipe every week for easy to make dishes.

This week's recipe comes from FamilyFun.com.

Chicken and Potatoes au Gratin

An entire comfort-food meal all in one dish!

1 broiler-fryer chicken 1/2 cup chicken broth 1 clove garlic, halved 3/4 cup non-fat sour cream 3/4 cup skim milk 1 small onion, minced 3 tbsp. chopped pimiento 1 tsp. prepared mustard 4 Yukon gold potatoes, sliced thin 1/4 tsp. salt 1/4 tsp. pepper 2 tbsp. fresh lemon juice 2 tbsp. grated Romano cheese 2 tbsp. butter or margarine 1 cup whole wheat bread crumbs

Step 1
Cook chicken. Remove and discard skin and bones and cut meat into pieces. Mix broth with cooked chicken. Spray a 2 quart shallow baking dish with vegetable cooking spray. Rub dish with garlic halves; then mince garlic and place in small bowl. To this bowl, add the sour cream, 1/4 cup of the milk, onion, pimiento and mustard; stir to mix well. Sprinkle potatoes with salt and pepper.

Step 2
In prepared baking dish, place 1/3 of the potatoes; top with half the chicken and half the sour cream mixture. Repeat layers and then top with remaining third of the potatoes. Pour remaining 1/2 cup of milk over all; sprinkle with lemon juice and Romano cheese. Mix the butter or margarine and bread crumbs; spread over all. Bake in 375 degree oven about 1 hour, or until potatoes are tender. Makes 6 servings.

Enjoy! Please let me know how the recipe turned out:)