Kids Activities

Holiday Decor {made from duct tape}

December 4, 2012 By Stacy 17 Comments

Hold on. Don’t go anywhere. Did the phrase duct tape scare you a little when paired with holiday decor? Cause I am not going to lie, when I was asked by Scotch Duct Tape to create something for the holidays with Scotch Colors and Patterns Duct Tape I was a little baffled as to what I could do. BUT after a little brainstorming, one idea lead to another and then another. And I am THRILLED with how my two projects turned out!!!

PROJECT #1

I have seen so many versions of Christmas trees made out of the styrofoam cones that I thought I would make my own version using duct tape!

Actually I made two different versions. The first one was two toned. And I unintentionally made a harlequin pattern. I thought it was fun! And I bet you could figure out how to make it a chevron pattern too.

Here is how I did it:

#1 Gather your supplies. I used a styrofoam cone from the craft store and duct tape. I also used scissors. I prefer to cut the tape instead of tearing it.

#2 I don’t work with styrofoam a lot and MAN! It is messy! So I covered the whole thing in a layer of duct tape mainly so it wouldn’t shed everywhere while I was working. But also it helped the other duct tape to stick better.

#3 Cut small pieces of duct tape (about 1 1/2 to 2 inches) Fold thetop edges in to create a point. ***If you always fold down the ripped or cut edge, then you piece will all be the same width. If you fold down the smooth, original edge they will not*** I learned that the hard way and if you look at my two toned tree you can tell they are different sizes.

#4 Start adding the pointed pieces to the bottom and work your way up. stack them off set like a brick pattern.

Project #2

My kids wanted a project they could do. But the tree projects took a long time (at least in kid time!) So this next project was born :) I took the same idea of folding the pieces of duct tape but added them to a styrofoam egg instead. It was much faster to make and it wasn’t as big of a deal if the points all lined up. Perfect for the kids to do!

For more project ideas follow Scotch Duct Tape on Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter!

Scotch Duct Tape’s Facebook page

Scotch Duct Tape’s Twitter page

Scotch Duct Tape’s Pinterest page

This post is a collaboration with Scotch Colors and Patterns Duct Tape. To see more creative projects, visit www.ScotchDuctTape.com.

Filed Under: Kids Activities, Projects, Tutorials, Winter/Christmas 17 Comments

Kitchen Command Center

November 12, 2012 By Stacy 52 Comments

I have always struggled with homework and school papers cluttering up my kitchen. The kids come home from school and unload their backpacks on the counter (sometimes in the office). Important papers and assignments were getting lost. The problem was, there really wasn’t a good place to put it. I tried a basket once. I tried a drawer. But if it was out of sight, it was out of mind.

I have hesitated to create a command center in my kitchen because I love the way it looked without one! My kitchen is tiny and I really don’t like a lot of things on my counter. I have big windows and not a lot of wall space for one either.

I decided to add a wall.

It has always bothered me that you could see the back of our fridge and the chimney that juts out from the wall. So I fixed both my problems with one project :)

(I couldn’t find a more recent picture of the side/back of my fridge. I forgot to take a before picture before I dove into the project!)

We had a picture ( I will get to that later), the chore charts, and the homework folder rack.

The homework folder rack is from IKEA. I have been looking for an off white metal one for so long. I was happy to find this one for such a great price. I added the numbers. They are vinyl that I cut out using my Silhouette. But you could also use an X-acto knife (razor blade knife).

If your kids are like mine, anytime I ask them to do something or tell them about something the first thing out of their mouth is “why”. And it is a valid question. I think we are more likely to do something if we know the meaning or reason behind it. So before I hung everything on the wall we had a special family meeting. I told them I had come up with a good plan to help keep their papers organized and how to remind them about doing their chores.

We talked about why it is important to be organized and why they needed to do their chores. Then I showed them a picture I made. I took a photo of our house and typed a scripture over it. I told them it would serve as a reminder of this special meeting we had.

The “wall” is just a piece of half inch plywood. I nailed it into the side of the cabinet that is above the fridge and then caulked along where the board met the (green) existing wall.

I added one inch trim to the edge of the plywood so the “wall” would seem thicker and so it would have a nice rounded, smooth edge.

Then I added baseboard to the bottom and molding that matched what I had added to the cabinet on the top. Now it looks like it has always been there :)

Filed Under: Decorating, Kids Activities, Mom Stuff, Projects 52 Comments

Celebrating The Entrepreneurial Spirit {Easy Make Bedding}

August 1, 2012 By Stacy 4 Comments

We use to live in Las Vegas, Nevada while my husband was going to school. While we were there we became friends with a fun family. We loved hanging out with them because they had the same values and goals for their young family that we did for ours. And guess what? They have SIX children ages 9 and under!

Danny contacted me a little bit ago to tell me about a new adventure their family is taking on. They have started a business together!

You know that moment when you come up with a genius idea that you know would be awesome and then you never do anything about it? Or is that just me….. I forget about it until I see the late night commercial about the kit you can get to help you patent your invention. Ha! But seriously, I love that Danny and his son came up with an idea and actually made it happen. I am so proud of them!!!

I wanted to take a minute to let you know about their super duper brand new company Easy Make.

Danny and Jen were having a hard time in the morning before school getting their oldest to make his bed. He was struggling to get the sheet and comforter to be straight and it was taking him too much time. They came up with a new bedding system to help little kids be able to easily make their beds themselves. And you all know I LOVE teaching my kids to be self reliant :) I think this is wonderful!!!

Check out how it works!

When I first saw it I had one of those “Why has someone not thought of this before now?” moments.

The bedding sets come in pink and blue.

I would love it if you could check out their site and Facebook page. I know from experience when I started my blog that it is hard to begin something new that you care so much about. There is anticipation to see how it will be received, and you want people to be as excited about it as you are. I love the Jensen family and I hope this adventure is successful for them. If nothing else, they are teaching their children a great lesson about going after your dreams, and trying something hard. I love that :)

Filed Under: Kids Activities, Mom Stuff, Reviews, Uncategorized 4 Comments

Cardboard Cars for a Homemade Drive-In Theater

July 24, 2012 By Stacy 29 Comments

When I posted about these cardboard cars originally it was for a giveaway. I had not planned on doing a tutorial. But when I saw how many times it had been pinned and when I was getting emails asking how I made them, I decided to take a second and show you :)

We made these cars back in May and they are still in mint condition. THAT is saying something when I have 4 little boys and they have been in the play room this whole time. It is all because instead of just painting them, I covered them in
colorful duct tape.

I figured if I was going to go to all the effort of making them, I wanted them to hold up longer than one movie.

They were flattened so I folded and taped them together.

The I just started going around and around with the
Scotch Duct Tape

I made sure to start and stop at the same place so I had one seam. This way it looked much cleaner.

The yellow car (or should I say bus) has a shoe box that has been covered in tape on the front. It ended up being a great place for my 2 year old to set his popcorn and I am thinking of added them to the other cars as well.

I was amazed at how much more durable the duct tape made them!

Using black party plates would have been easier and they would have been smaller and probably looked better. But I believe in using what you have on hand so I happened to have regular paper plates and black spray paint.

I attached the wheels using regular brass brads. That way they could really turn.

It is funny to me that the simple things and sometimes the things you do on a whim, become so popular with your kids and create such awesome memories.

This post is a collaboration with Scotch Colors and Patterns Duct Tape. Take the Style that Sticks quiz to find your personal style and for the chance to win free samples.

Filed Under: Kids Activities, Projects, Tutorials 29 Comments

How to make a play tent

July 17, 2012 By Stacy 11 Comments

I was contacted by 3M awhile back about the possibility of trying Scotch’s new patterned duct tape. I was trying to think of ideas of how to use it when I got the list of all their new patterns. Once I saw the army/camo pattern I knew what I wanted to make.

A play tent!

I made the mistake of asking my (architect) husband how he thought it should look…… But in the end we were able to agree on a SIMPLE design. :P

I used duct tape, PVC pipe, and a tarp.

Here is a little video tutorial on how to make it. (it is my FIRST video tutorial :) )

[Read more...]

Filed Under: Kids Activities, Tutorials 11 Comments

Summer Fun for the Kids

June 29, 2012 By Stacy 7 Comments

The first part of summer goes really well at our house. The kids and I are both excited to have everyone home and we spend lots of time outside. But then we hit a mid summer lull. It happens every year. That is when we try some new art projects so that the “B” word (bored) does not get uttered. We got a special package in the mail this week and the kids were so excited!!!

[Read more...]

Filed Under: Kids Activities 7 Comments

3M Projector Review and $150 Target Giftcard Giveaway!

May 21, 2012 By Stacy 532 Comments

I have something really fun to share with you today!

Eeek! I am so excited for this review and giveaway! My husband has wanted a projector for YEARS and we just never got that far down on our wish list. So I (or should I say my gadget-lovin’ husband) was so excited for the chance to review one. We received 3M‘s new mobile projector. It hooks up to your iPhone or iPad. If you don’t have an Apple device you can hook it up to your laptop, if you buy the connection cord. The projector is sold at one of my favorite stores, Target. You can watch YouTube videos, TV content, movies and photo slideshows! You can learn more and find special offers here.

We have so many plans for it! We have a big party planned for the neighborhood soon. And we used it in our bedroom when one of our kids wasn’t feeling well. He was quarantined so he watched a movie on our wall. But the idea I am sharing today is a homemade drive-in movie theater!

We made cars out of cardboard boxes, duct tape, spray paint and paper plates. Here is the post with the tutorial: Cardboard Cars And I have a lot of other tutorials and kid activities found here: Kid Activities

We need four of them. My two-year-old is obsessed with buses, so I made this look like a bus, sort of. He’s two. HE was impressed.

Here they are while dad was setting up the projector.

I have to say that given the size of the projector I was expecting the screen size to be a lot smaller and IF we were able to get it bigger I thought it would be blurry. But my husband and I were pleasantly surprised! My kids LOVED watching a movie in their “cars” and with such a large screen. We don’t watch a lot of TV as it is, but this was definitely a novelty for them. We even had some neighbor kids come over later and ooooh and awwww over it.

I had my husband measure the screen. It nearly covered the whole nine-foot-wall! And we could have made it bigger if we had been able to get the projector back farther. It was so clear. My camera does not do it justice. The sound was perfect for our home with our family but we may have to hook up speakers to it when we have our neighborhood party.

THIS GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED

And guess what? You can enter for a chance to win a $150 Target gift card! Here’s how:

a) Leave a comment telling me what’s your favorite way to enjoy a family movie night.

b) Tweet about this promotion and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post

c) Blog about this promotion and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post

d) For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry.

This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older. Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.

Filed Under: Kids Activities 532 Comments

Skinny white girl rapping….. #elmersscienceready #cbias

January 7, 2012 By Stacy 13 Comments

I was the kid who looked forward to the science fair every year. I had a hard time narrowing down what topic I wanted to talk about. I LOVED it. I didn’t let my parents help and I always went above and beyond what was required. One year (4th grade) I did a project on Radios. I built a radio, I went to a radio museum exhibit, read every book in the library (dude, the Internet didn’t exist…) but that apparently was not enough. I wrote a rap. Yep. A RAP song people. About radios. And I performed it for everyone who came by my booth. I wish I were kidding. And I got INTO it. Swaying to the beat. I was a skinny white girl rapping about radios.I would give anything to have a video of that!

My kids have not done science fair projects in school. Are they extinct? Is it just here? Any way, my kids have been dying to do this experiment ever since I found it on Pinterest so we went for it. I LOVE doing this kind of stuff with my kids :) My boys are obsessed with all types of rocks so we made geodes and learned more about them.

For the science project, we used:

Elmers tri-fold board

Elmers glue

Elmers X-TREME Glue Stick

Sculpty Clay

Alum

Food coloring

Paint Brush

Glass bowl

Water

The instructions said to use egg shells but I figured that would be way too fragile for my boys. They break ACTUAL rocks….. So we made the “shell” of the soon to be geode out of polymer clay.

Once we were done we baked them for 20 minutes at 275 degrees in the oven. We let them cool before moving onto the next step.

We used a cheap paint brush to apply a thin coat of glue to the inside of the shell. Then we put Alum in them and swished it around until the glue was covered. (Alum can be found with the spices in the grocery store) Shake out any extra back into the bottle. The point of this is so the Alum solution used later will be attracted to the alum crystals to form larger crystals. We left one with out glue and Alum as the control.

Now you make the Alum bath or growing solution. Add 2 cups boiling waster to a glass bowl. Then add food coloring (30 -40 drops). Then add 3/4 cup of Alum (2 bottles) and stir until the Alum has completely dissolved. If there are still Alum crystals you can microwave it.

Let the water cool about 30 minutes and then put the soon -to- be- geodes in the growing solution with the open part of the shell facing up. Put the bowl somewhere where it won’t be disturbed. Let it sit overnight at least. The longer you keep them in there, the more they will grow.

Okay, now we needed a presentation. We headed to the store and found these boards

The boys helped me glue the letters I cut out with the X-TREME glue stick.

I had them decided what they thought would happen to the one that didn’t have the Alum glued to it. They decided that it wouldn’t grow crystals at all.

Once the experiment was complete we were able to finish the board.

Here it is all put together!

And here are the geodes……….

The one without the alum glued on it still form some crystal but not as much as the others. It was fun to talk to the boys about why. I think over all they had a good time for it. I was a bit rushed to finish it so I am glad this wasn’t really for school :)

*This post was compensated as part of a social shopper insight study for Collective Bias.

Filed Under: Kids Activities, Tutorials 13 Comments

County Fair Birthday Party

September 28, 2011 By Stacy 21 Comments

We went to a Fall Festival held at a local farm last year. On the drive home my (now) 10 year old told me he wanted his party to be just like that. He literally has been planning this for the whole year. He drew pictures and made lists. I of course had to scale back some seeing as I don’t have any connections with people who have Ferris Wheels, but I think we did a pretty good job :)

(I created the invites in photoshop)

Remember last week when I told you my one and only lens for my camera broke? I have to manually focus it now. I am not use to having to do that so some of my pictures turned out blurry. I am so sad. But blurry pics are better than none, right???

We did things differently with this party. My son wanted it to really feel like a fair. Plus he is saving up for something big. So we invited the WHOLE FAMILY of each child. Instead of bringing a gift we had them bring the money they would have spent on a gift to “buy” tickets.

They could use those tickets to go and do all the activities.

Like face painting. . .

This was my booth. It was hard to be the photographer, manage all the booths and face paint, but it worked out. I wish I had the money to hire someone to take pictures. But this party was on a shoe string budget :)

The hit of the party was the petting zoo!!! My son spent the most time here and none of the kids wanted to go home because of the animals. (P.S. You can see the new fence we are building! I love it)

We have some awesome friends that brought their pygmy goats and bunnies over for the zoo. Our neighbors let us borrow a mother hen and her chicks to go along with our chickens and ducks.

I am totally in love with these little pygmy goats! I almost have my husband convinced to get a couple :) That is as big as they get!!!

The other popular thing was the ring toss, for 2 reasons. 1) The party had a ton of little boys. Boys are competitive. 2) The prize was live goldfish!

Yep. Real goldfish! But I had other options in case any of the parents didn’t want the fish. (I knew the parents though and wasn’t too worried) They could choose a toy and a bag of goldfish crackers.

(I made the signs to match the font of the invitation using my Silhouette machine. It cut the lettering out and I used spray adhesive to stick them to poster board)

The bottles are 2 liters of Rootbeer and the rings were mason jar rings.

I am so sad that this one is super blurry (darn broken lens!). I wanted to bring out my kitchen table but we would have had to take off the kitchen door. So I used a card table (thanks mom!) and some apple crates. You can’t really tell but the fabric was red and white checkers.

For the pumpkin decorating I bought foam sticker sets from Oriental Trading for the kids to use on the pumpkins. They could mix and match and the best part was NO MESS! I was a little surprised at how much the older boys liked this. I thought mainly the smaller ones and the girls would do it.

Not all of them are pictured. I forgot to take pictures of this until after some people had gone home. There were a TON of kids :)

This kiddie area was not in the original plan. It was a last minute genius idea. I realized since we were inviting the whole family of each child that there would be some tiny kids. They wouldn’t want to do all the things there. I grabbed out play tents and all our tunnels. I was going to fill one of the tent with a giant bag of plastic balls we have but couldn’t find them in time. We also put out slide over there but it is not in the picture. The little ones LOVED it!!!

I didn’t really get a picture of the food table. It was not anything fancy since we were having hot dogs and chips. But we had a rusty yellow barrel that the cute red table top barbecue sat on. Next to that was the table with a denim table cloth. To hide the ugly orange water cooler, I set it inside of a wood barrel. I had used my jigsaw to cut a hole so you could still access the water spout.

My husband took the kids for a hay ride around the neighborhood towards the end of the party.

I always have a hard time right before a party. I always have things that don’t get done. I always have to scrap certain things. And there are always things that go wrong, or get lost, or break. I have a hard time because I know how I wanted it to be and what it COULD have been. But at the end of the day the only thing that matters is that the birthday kid was happy. He didn’t care that the dozens of blue ribbons I had cut out were still on the kitchen table. He didn’t care that I had to buy the bake sale items because I ran out of time to bake them myself. And he didn’t care that I had my hair slicked back and was a sweaty mess. He felt special. And he had fun :)

Filed Under: Fall/Autumn, Kids Activities, Projects 21 Comments

It’s Magic!

August 12, 2011 By Stacy 8 Comments

I was contacted by a guy via email asking if I would review his magic show. I am not going to lie. I was going to say “no”. Actually I wasn’t even going to email back. I don’t know if it is some suppressed childhood experience or what, but when I think of a magician I think of some creepy, weird guy. Or the white dude with the afro on The Wiggles movie. Either way I was hesitant.

What stopped me from saying “no” was that fact that he said he had a clip on his website that showed part of a show. I decided to click over and see for myself. I LOVED it. Not only was it funny, but he was performing in front of a High School class and THEY liked it. He is darling! (Sorry Brian, I know I should have come up with a more masculine word. But you are darling)

His side kick is a monkey named Bobo. The kids loved him!

I wish I had more pictures of the kids reaction but A) I was watching the show and sometimes forgot to snap pics and B) I was laughing and most of the pictures turned out blurry.

And P.S. There are more girls but from my angle you can’t see them. Funny, I thought that it wasn’t until Jr. High dances that the boys were on one side and the girls on the other.

Toward the end of the show he taught the kids a trick. He is so good with kids! I am not kidding. Like really good. The show was about an hour and they were MESMORIZED the whole time.

And do you know what the best part was? I had three little magicians for the rest of the week :) My four year old especially. He was making everything disappear and making up all sorts of magic words. It was priceless. And since we have done a whole lot of nothing this summer with my hubby being out of work, it made for one happy momma.

If you live in Utah you need to schedule Brian and Bobo for you next event. You will love it. And if you do contact Brian, tell him that you heard about him on my blog you will get 10% off his already awesome prices. And it is worth the couple of minutes to watch his sample show even if you don’t live in Utah :)

Filed Under: Kids Activities, Reviews 8 Comments