Autumn Trees

 
 This is similar to lots of other crafts out there, though I didn't get it from a particular site.  I cut a tree trunk freehand from some construction paper, and supplied each kid with glue and a pile of squares cut from some of their painting projects. (They like to cover the whole paper; I've used this in other crafts too.  Nice texture.)  It was a simple craft, but fun to see where they decided to put their "leaves."

Finished Ladybugs

Yesterday we painted the paper and plastic plates for our ladybug craft. Today we finished!  The original post used fabric for the dots and ladybug faces, as well as giant googly eyes.  We went with what we had on hand: black construction paper.  They turned out great. (And, of course, the kids insisted that the ladybugs needed smiles...)  Now we have a whole family of little ladybugs!

Straw Mosaics

Someone on Pinterest posted a craft that involved hot-gluing straws onto paper to make three-dimensional straw mosaics.  (Of course, I can't find it now.  I'll post it later if I do.)  However, arming my kids with hot glue just doesn't seem very...prudent.  So, here's our take on straw mosaics.

Each child had his or her own bottle of Elmer's, and they shared a pile of straws of various colors which I had snipped into different lengths.  They glued them to the paper in all sorts of designs.  We even tried making letters with them.  This was a simple, fun craft.  I recommend using cardstock or heavy paper to support the glue and straws.

Life's a Game

Why create another blog documenting crafts and learning games with kids?  Good question.  I'm probably not going to come up with a lot of new ideas, but I am having fun gleaning some of the ideas that are out there and trying them out with my kids.  So, I'm creating this blog.  

Because I *love* Pinterest, I also want a place to which I can refer when I make comments on crafts or learning projects I've tried.  And, along those lines, I'm excited to share some of what I've found with others.  And, if you know me, you know I love to take ridiculous numbers of photos of my kids, so I'll throw some of those on here as well.

I am trying to teach my kids how to have fun in all of the things they do.  Crafts are pretty fun; math sheets are also fun when they involve Math Spiders and eating cheerios and making things disappear.  My kids love letters and words, and I want them to see learning as a game, a joy, something always worth doing.  I think they can even learn to see cleaning as a game! 

Right?

Very open to comments and ideas.  I think the thing I like the best about Pinterest and blogs is the sense of being in a creative community, even when I am stuck at home with a sick kid.  So, thanks!