Cookie Cutter Coloring

What to do with the slightly grungy paper at the end of my photography paper (the marks from shoes, chairs, kids, extra) cut it off and tape it to the floor for drawing. Our kids love getting out things to trace and try to draw. 

For those of you who do not have an in-home photography studio with a roll of paper that is 8 feet wide, use butcher paper or even better Ikea sells rolls of craft paper that are a great addition to a home for all sorts of things! (covering counter tops for painting, drop cloth, drawing, painting, covering a window for a guest who needs a darker room :) the list could go on and on). 

 Today we grabbed a few cookie cutters (plastic for easy washing) and let them have at it! We were given a set of 101 cookie cutters made by wilton. You can find them on amazon as well.  They are inexpensive about $12 either way. So many uses in and out of the kitchen. 

 This is such great dexterity practice!!! They have to learn to hold the outline steady while they reposition the marker to finish the outlined picture. 

It takes some practice and encouragement from mom/dad and each other for them to keep at it but they get it after a few tries. It's hard having one kiddo who feels like he needs to do it very well the first time and each time while the other will love just to scribble. Encouragement, patience, and modeling is a huge part of the success! 

Chat with your little ones about their picture, help them describe it and maybe demonstrate different things that could be added to it to help tell a story. For example, my son drew fireworks, so I demonstrated how to draw some stick people watching them. Then we did some drawings of lions, trying a few times to get them right (me included - model what it is like to say "it's ok it doesn't look like I want it to, I will try again). We added grass and talked about them living in Africa and hiding in the long grass. 

You never know what your kiddos will pick up on, so be sure to model the behaviors you wanted exhibited.  Be sure to model and have those conversations so you help to build their vocabulary and skill level! 

Chalk Paint Platter

I loved making Christmas gifts this year! My family does a smaller Christmas as our family has gotten larger. We all pull a name from "the hat" many months in advance of one family member (little kids excluded, it's up to the person or couple to get the kids something... We suggest just time and fun with no need to purchase anything for the kiddos). There is a price limit each year and a new theme.  For example, one year we did consumables and this year was something homemade or handmade by you or someone else, thinking people could visit local shops or Etsy for ideas. 

It took a few times but I was able to get it. 

I found some great platters, almost thought of keeping them, and painted them and Boo, it all pealed off. 

Step 1 

Use medium grit sand paper to scratch the glaze so the chalk paint will stick. I used 100 grit sandpaper. 

Step 2 

For clean lines, use painter's tape to edge your plate. 

Step 3

Apply a THIN layer of chalk paint with a foam brush. The foam leaves less visible lines compared to a brush. Let it dry for a few hours. Apply a second layer in the OPPOSITE direction. My plates needed three coats. Apply the third layer in the first direction.  

When the platters are completely dry, carefully pull off the tape. 

Attach a tag that says homemade with some washing instructions. 

I printed the following on cardstock and taped it to the edge of the platter:

Little Chef

My kids Love cooking with me! It's a great way to teach some life skills, teach them about food, introduce new foods and lastly, keep them out of trouble while dinner is being prepared. 

Every little chef needs a chef's hat. I made this with some cardstock and tissue paper. It would work great with a stapler... I just couldn't find mine. Sometimes tools aren't always returned to their respectable homes. Work in progress with toddlers. 

Supplies: 

To make one hat- 

2 - 2" strips of cardstock

3 sheets of tissue paper

Packing tape

Connect the two strips with tape. Make the tape go around to the back. 

Next, measure your child's head by holding the band around their head. Make a mental note and tape it in a circle. 

Tape the tissue paper to the inside of the band, connecting opposite corners first. This way you get a more even hat. 

Connect all four corners. 

Begin connecting the middle by folding in the middle pieces almost similar to the ends when wrapping a gift. 

You will end up with something like this. Take a minute and fluff it up. Use your last sheet of tissue paper to fill out the top and keep it from collapsing as your child wears it. 

You'll end up with a few fun dress up items that wouldn't be too hard to fix or duplicate if necessary. 

Always involve your little ones in what you are doing. Describe what you are doing, this will build their vocabulary, love of learning, fill the need for mental stimulation, and just maybe turn a picky eater into an amazing eater. You'll never know until you give it a try.