This year it feel like our family won the teacher lottery. Goose is in school 5 days a week now with a fantastic Montessori teacher while Nugget goes to a twice a week preschool with staff that love him like their own. It can be […]
I admit it, I can be a perfectionist and that isn’t always the best trait when it comes to children and craft projects. There have been more times than I can count where I struggled to resist the temptation to tell my boys the ‘right’ way to do a project. One way that I found to give Nugget and Goose the freedom to create on their own terms is a ‘Creation Station’. This is simply an intentional collection of themed items that encourage kids to be creative. Today’s Valentine’s Creation Station is an invitation to create valentine’s cards and artwork and my boys have had so much fun with it!
Like any good Creation Station, I began by gathering a large assortment of materials that I felt could be used creatively for Valentine’s Day cards. My Station included the following:
The most important thing was to set the tray out and then let the boys choose their own paths for card making. It would have been easy to attempt to guide them into a more traditional card style, or even to demonstrate what I determined to be the ‘proper technique’. This really would defeat the purpose of a Creation Station. The idea is to encourage creativity which means there is no wrong way to do a project.
After 2 weeks, this Valentine’s Creation Station is still a huge hit! Most evenings while I cook dinner the boys use the Creation Station to make cards. I love seeing the focus and effort that they put into each card – and the pride when they complete their work!
Word of warning: introduce ink pads with care! I thought Nugget had it under control … until he didn’t! He decided stamping is more fun for faces than cards *eek!* Fortunately this ink is VERY washable.
Father’s Day is three days away. That means that if you don’t have your gifts yet it’s time to get your fanny in gear. Not to worry though, I’ve got a great card idea and a cool looking mug that will be perfect for Dad, Grandad, or any other special someone who deserves a little recognition. These two fun father’s day crafts should be just the thing to kick off Father’s Day – but if you need more you should check out my post on how to make a ‘Hot Wheels Back Massage Shirt’. Intrigued? You should check it out!
Dads are amazing aren’t they? Always ready to step in and kill that spider or open that pickle jar. What would we do without them? Show Dad that he means the world to you with this crafty card!
If you have kids, you probably rely on your morning coffee to survive. Unless you’re my hubby who has somehow managed to reach the ripe age of 40 without developing a caffeine addiction. I can’t decide if that’s admirable or just insane. Either way, this coffee mug craft can easily be adapted for your favorite friend or family member. It does require permanent markers though so it might be best to save for preschoolers and older children. Or even make one yourself – they’re easy and fun!
Enjoy your mug! I have read that oil based sharpies will survive the dishwasher but I have chosen to hand wash mine with soap and water and it is holding up nicely. I believe this craft could easily translate to use on a plate or serving dish but I am not sure how food safe it would be. You should be fine with your markings on the outside of your mug though.
How did your mug turn out? Did the recipient just adore it? Tell me all about it and show me a picture in the comments!
