It is a smidge bit ridiculous how much I love this little project. From watching Mya intricately color each wooden bead to holding the tangible finished product in my hand, it is something that I will always cherish. I’ve never prayed on a rosary or used any string of beads in prayer, but holding these in my hands somehow makes me feel more focused and connected to my thoughts and thanksgivings.
Confession: Everytime I was in the Home Depot hardware aisle, I had always wanted a reason to buy this Everbilt clear container. I was quite sure there were endless possibilities for its uses, but it wasn’t until the other day that I finally realized why I desperately needed it: a seek-n-find tube! Every kid needs a seek-n-find tube and this plastic hardware container definitely ups the cool factor.
A couple weekends ago, Mya had a 102 degree temperature and a faucet for a nose. (You’re welcome for that visual.) The weather was beautiful– a whopping 60-something degrees in February– and we all needed to get out of the house… even if it was just the back patio. So Derek set up a pretty stellar paint station and Mya– in between blowing her nose– worked her magic. If you only do one craft with your kid this year, THIS should be it. I can’t tell you how warm my creative heart was watching Mya paint a large scale piece of art. It is most definitely one of my favorite things we’ve done together. We’ve painted a lot, but never at this scale. It was so much fun seeing Mya go all out and all in on something so big. She felt pretty special doing it. And she was so proud of the final product that she insisted it be hung in her room.
On Monday night, my Mama mind blipped and I thought Mya’s Valentines’ Day party was the next morning. Last year we used crayons to make valentines and it was inexpensive and fun. So I did what every other Mom-in-a-jam would do and got on pinterest, specifically searching for a crayon craft. Mya and I raced around the house gathering the needed supplies and I think they turned out pretty cute. And Mya is proud of them which is all that matters to me!
DISCLAIMER: This is a sponsored post brought to you by Darby Smart. The opinions are 100% my own.
My least favorite part of any project is gathering all the supplies. Don’t get me wrong– I love the weekly outings to the hardware store, but if it takes me more than one store to gather all supplies needed, the project quickly loses its luster. So when I found out about Darby Smart, a company that offers hundreds of creative craft ideas and then delivers the supplies to your door?… I became a super fan! “Yes, I want to make that. No, I don’t want to drive to three stores to get supplies. Yes, I want it delivered to my door like a spoiled warrior princess.” Enter Darby Smart!
With little effort, these turned out pretty cool. I won’t lie, though: They sat on our counter for a good month before I finally sanded them down and drilled a hole in each. But hey, they’re done now and oh so colorful. They’re similar to the perler bead bowls that we did earlier this year, except they’re semi-transparent which makes for some great sun catchers!
Before all the paint companies come after me for hoarding their swatches, let me just say this is an accumulation of supplies over at least 5 years. Why do I have so many? Well, I looooove color and playing with multiple variations in paintings and other projects. Anything that has to do with pantone is super swanky in my book. I think using magazine cut-outs with alternative patterns could be equally as cool too!
I love art glass. My favorite artists are Lino Tagliapietra and Steven Main… and Mya, of course. But since she’s not getting near a 2000 degree kiln anytime soon, we went a safer, way less expensive direction. I call this little activity “Chihuly on the Cheap” because this is the closest craft to resemble art glass that you can do with a toddler.
This is by far the easiest little activity you will ever do in your life. Mya loves a good glow stick dance party, so we added a few more ingredients to make a glow jar.
Am I the only one that wants it to snow a boatload? I just want to get out and play in some snow! But I digress… “Salad spinner paintings” are exactly what you think. We put paint in a salad spinner and let it do its magic. Yup, we’re getting pretty desperate creative over here. Some of it turned into finger painting, but still fun!
Valentine’s Day is less than a month away. Call me a sap, but I’ve always liked this holiday– not because of the stereotypical chocolates and vibrant reds, but because it’s a nice reminder to give more love. And it’s usually low key. Besides making heart-shaped pizzas together, Derek and I usually don’t do a whole lot to speak of. And that’s alright with me. These heart themed happy things make me smile. (And you can find even more on our Heart Day Pinterest board.) You could easily use the designs of 2, 9, or 10 on some homemade valentines. I haven’t mastered the delicate pancake stylings of 5, but wouldn’t it be cool if I could?! In any case, I hope the images give you some warm fuzzies.
Recently, Mya hasn’t wanted to leave the house. “Stay home” is her most common demand. The cold weather makes it pretty easy to stay in and play, but we’ve been “forced” to do more small projects to prevent cabin fever. One of those projects was making crayon hearts. It might be a bit too early to think about Heart Day, but we made some Valentines’ anyway. Plus, they don’t have to be for any special occasion– just for everyday play.
