On a recent trip to the library we borrowed a book called “Beau Beaver Goes to Town“. It was a relatively cute story (a bit dry but very educational) but it has sparked a real interest in beavers for Goose. As a surprise I picked up a Safari Ltd River TOOB and we made a River Sensory Garden.
To make our little garden I started with a large aluminum roasting pan and a wide selection of miniature plants from our local nursery. I began by covering the bottom of the pan with a layer of small stones. This was then covered with charcoal followed by potting soil.
The most difficult part was creating a “river”. After a few false starts I cut a plastic water bottle down to size and buried it in my soil, I tried to create a gentle angle for water to run down and then placed the spout of the bottle in a small Tupperware. Both containers were lined with blue glass rocks (also from the nursery).
The final step was adding the plants, and that’s when it all came together. Our Sensory Garden finally looked like a garden! The project ended up being a bit more time consuming than I expected but the look on Goose’s face made it totally worth while.
He has spent several days playing with his river habitat. We are keeping it wet with a spray bottle of water (another great way to build hand strength!) and I place it in indirect sunlight for a little while each day.
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!
“You Mean the World to Me” Card
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!
Supplies:
Clear Contact Paper
Blue and Green Tissue Paper
Construction Paper in two colors (I used black and orange)
Scissors
Instructions:
Use 2 plates or bowls (or stencils if you are so prepared) to trace 2 concentric circles on a sheet of construction paper, then trace the larger circle on a piece of contact paper.
Cut out both circles, including the inner circle on the construction paper. You will have one large circle cut out of contact paper and a ring of construction paper.
Peel the backing off of the contact paper and stick the construction paper ring to it. This will leave a sticky clear circle in the middle.
Cut or tear small squares of tissues paper in both colors. This is a great chance for your preschooler to practice cutting with some safety scissors!
Let your child stick the tissue paper squares to the contact paper to make their very own ‘earth’ design.
Use your accent colored construction paper to trace your child’s hands and cut them out.
Tape or glue the hands to the back of your world and use them to write your message to Dad. Here are a few ideas to get your started:
Dad, you’re out of this world!
You mean the world to us Daddy!
Pops, my world would be lost without you!
Colorful Father’s Day Mug
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!
Supplies:
One White Mug (I found mine at Walmart for $0.87!)
A set of letter stickers – the color doesn’t matter so feel free to use up some ugly ones that are laying around the house.
Assorted Sharpie Oil-Based Paint Markers
An Oven
Instructions:
Clean the mug thoroughly, wiping with rubbing alcohol if necessary to remove any oils and residue.
Use stickers to spell out the name or message that you wish to show on the mug. In this case I spelled out ‘Grandaddy’.
Let your child use the markers to decorate the mug, be sure to color over the letter stickers thoroughly.
Once finished allow the mug to dry for 24 hours, then carefully remove your stickers. If they don’t want to peel right off, a shot of hot air from a hair dryer seems to do the trick.
Set your mug on a cookie sheet and place in a COLD oven. Allow the oven to heat to 400 degrees with the mug inside so that it is gradually warmed. Then set timer to 30 minutes. After 30 minutes turn off the oven and let the mug cool inside. If you absolutely must remove it early, use oven mitts – it will be very hot!
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!
