Fun Craft Projects

Kids love whimsical fun touches in their rooms ... little things that personalize their space.  If you have a child that loves animals or is a budding zoologist, this is the perfect project for you.  Just start with an unfinished wood chair and "wallah" you will have a Jungle masterpiece in no time. 

Your child will be thrilled and so will you.  This can actually be a starting point for redecorating your child's room ... using the colors in the chair, you can continue the Jungle theme throughout the entire room.

What do you need?

DecoArt Americana Acrylics

• DAO1 - Snow (Titanium) White
• DAO10 - Cadmium Yellow (transparent)
• DAO36 - True Blue
• DAO55 - Kelly Green
• DAO65 - Dark Chocolate
• DAO67 - Lamp (Ebony) Black
• DA265 - Tuscan Red

Americana Brushes

• DBR2006-B - Round 6

Americana Spray Sealers

• DAS13 - Americana Matte Spray

Supplies

• 1 in. flat brush
• 1/4 in. flat brush
• 3/8 in. round foam pouncer brush
• Lo-temp glue gun
• Pre-painted wood animal shapes by Lara's Crafts: giraffe, 20909; lion, 20927; elephant, 20907; zebra, 20931; monkey, 20920
• Unfinished wood chair

Steps:

Preparation: It may be necessary to lightly sand rough areas of wood for smoother application of paint.

Kids get so excited when they lose that first tooth.  And let's admit it ... we get sort of excited too when the ToothFairy comes to visit the first time.  It's fun to make a memorable event out of losing a "baby" tooth and if you haven't thought about what you will do, here are some suggestions.

When that first tooth get wiggly, suggest to your child that you want to make a ToothFairy pocket for when the ToothFairy comes to visit.  We have an easy craft activity for making these pockets right here. ziggityzoom.com/activities.php   You can add some glitter glue to the tooth shape to make it seem even more exciting.

Hmmm ... what should you put into the pocket the night the ToothFairy does come?  We did a little survey and it seems like there is a range between $5 and $1, with some fairies leaving behind $5 for the first tooth, then $2 for each tooth thereafter.  Other fairies liked leaving quarters ... the favorite amount seemed to be $2 worth of quarters.  This is probably perfect and kids love to hear that "jingly" money.

Another great suggestion we got from one mom ... and we had never done this, but we will now ... is to sprinkle a little glitter-type "fairy dust" under the pillow and a tiny bit on the window sill.  Is this magical or what!  We hope you and your children enjoy celebrating this magic event of losing "baby" teeth and getting their first "big" teeth.

March 17th is traditionally a day for the Irish to celebrate but people of all heritages celebrate this "Luck o' the Irish" day with a wee bit o green in most things imaginable. It's a day to celebrate eating green cake, drinking green beer and dressing in green. To help you have fun for this St. Patrick's day, here are some great ideas and links.

Traditional Irish recipes, including Irish Soda Bread, Corned beef & Cabbage and Oatmeal Lace Cookies & Cream http://recipes.kaboose.com/holidays/st-patricks-day-recipes/st-patricks-...

St. Patrick's day Crafts http://familyfun.go.com/stpatricks/index.html?CMP=KNC-FFGoog100705_ffn_g...

Shamrock Printables & Crafts http://www.ziggityzoom.com/activities.php?c=13 St. Patrick's Day History http://www.history.com/minisites/stpatricksday/

St. Patrick's Day Songs & Poems http://www.dltk-holidays.com/patrick/songs/index.htm St. Patrick's Day Parades http://www.st-patricks-day.com/st_patricks_day_parades_home.asp

<h2><strong>Decorated Valentine's Bag for Valentines & Valentines Goodies</strong></h2>

Does Your Child need a bag to collect all of his Valentines and Goodies on Valentine's Day for school or a party?  Let the kids help you make this super cute and easy Valentine's Bag in a snap.

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<strong>Need:</strong>

•    Paper Bag- Colored or Brown Bag

•    Colored Foam or Construction Paper

•    Scissors

•    Glue Stick

•    Markers

•    Ribbon or String (Approx. 8-12 inches)

•    Hole Punch

<img src="http://www.mommie911.com/images/articles/val_bag2.jpg" width="300" height="225"><br clear="all">

<strong>What to Do:</strong>

•    Take the Top of the Bag and fold the 2 corners in to make a point at top

         (while bag is flat and laying down)

•    Now Fold Over the Top of the Bag, to make an envelope-type flap.

•    Cut a  1.5 inch Slit in center of front of bag, to accommodate the Point of the flap and keep bag closed.

        To strengthen this cut, you can attach a piece of foam or paper to the front or inside of bag, making a slit in this attachment also.

•    Make a Hole with punch on the back side edges of the bag.

•    Thread String through holes on both sides and tie off, removing excess string.

It's not too early to start thinking about decorating for the 4th of July.  Are you planning a backyard picnic or barbeque to celebrate the 4th?  Well, here at Ziggity Zoom, we've cooked up two great crafts to do with your kids.  Kids love to be involved with parties and celebrations, so check these out.

Fourth of July-String of Stars Garland Craft for Kids

The first craft project is easy enough for your preschooler to make by themselves but sometimes it's just plain fun if mom or dad is doing the project right along side them.  These are times when you are actually "creating" memories for your children, so don't let these fleeting moments get past you.  This project is made entirely from Red, White & Blue construction paper and yarn or string.  The kids just have to trace and cut Stars and then turn them into an entire String of Stars garland.  This looks great strung in the backyard, making a very festive place to celebrate the 4th of July!  Fourth of July String of Stars Garland Craft of kids-click here