Bubble Wrap Painting

This is a great first printmaking experience (even my two-year old could do it)!

You need:
Bubble wrap
Tape
Box
Paint (we used washable!)
Paintbrush
Paper

1)  Tape a sheet of bubble wrap to the top of a box (if you would like to keep it to use again) or on top of a table.

2)  Paint the bubble wrap.

3)  Place a sheet of paper over the top of the bubble wrap.  Press lightly.

4)  Peel off the bubble wrap print!  If you want to add a second color, allow both the paper and bubble wrap to dry.  Paint the second color on the bubble wrap, press the paper into it, and peel off!

We used it as wrapping paper for Princess's birthday presents!

Cereal Box "Workbook"

It seems crazy to me, but my girls love workbooks.  One daughter even asked for a workbook for Christmas (she got it and loved it)!  So, I had this idea to reuse packaging to make a special "workbook" for them.

You need:

Packages (from foods, toys, etc.)

Hole punch

Metal rings

1)  Save and cut panels from various packages.  Hole punch and clip together with metal rings.

2)  Use the "workbook" to search for letters, colors, shapes, or words.  We searched for each letter in our names.  The blank sides can be used for writing and drawing.

It's not the most beautiful workbook, but it's a fun way to reuse some packages and expose your child to environmental print!

Recycled Lid Name Game

The focus this week is on names -- identifying, tracing, and hearing the beginning sound. We'll start off with an easy game to teach the letters in your child's name.  The game is made using those lids you've been saving.  If you don't have lids, don't worry!  This game is easily adaptable.  You could use a variety of things:  craft sticks, flashcards, Scrabble tiles, etc.

You need:
Permanent marker
Lids (or whatever else you choose)
Index card or scrap paper

1.  Program a supply of lids (or whatever else you're using) with the letters from your child(ren)'s name(s) and your name.

2.  Put the lids facedown in the middle of the playing area.  Take turns having each person draw a letter.  If the letter is in the player's name, she keeps it.  If not, she puts the lid back in the middle.

3.  Each player "wins" when they have all the letters to form their name.  To make this game easier for your child, write his or her name on an index card and have it close by for reference.

“Come play at the Childhood 101 We Play link up”

Saturday Scoop - Dice Jar

We have just a few preschool games that have dice.  And they drive me crazy!  The girls are always dropping them on the ground when we're playing, losing them, or not really rolling them.  This is a super way to contain the dice!

Put the dice into a clear, plastic container (we used an empty peanut butter jar).  Shake!

This would work with elementary-aged kids, too!

Lids, lids, lids

My mom sometimes tells me stories about how she would put things in the trash -- and find it in my sister's closet later (she was quite small when she did this -- maybe preschool to elementary-aged!!).  It seems my sister loved to use the various pieces of trash in her creative pursuits.   I'm not sure if she still "rescues" trash in the same way she did as a kid -- but now I do!!  Since we are visiting my sister this weekend, I thought it would be fun to show off one idea for reusing trash! 


An easy item to collect for projects is lids.  I try to recycle anything I can, but I usually save lids in a container under my sink.

What can you do with lids?


--Utilize them in artwork
--Make game pieces with them
--Use them as templates for circles
--Let your child practice tracing skills with them
--Use them to hold glue or paint when doing projects


Do you have any ideas?!!

Recycled Laundry Detergent Paint Cups

I know it's weird -- a post about paint cups in the middle of all my Easter projects!  But we had a detergent bottle empty, and I was so excited to try this out!!  I love to find ways to reuse or recyle!

1)  Rinse out an empty detergent bottle.  With the cap off, heat it in the microwave for about two minutes (to loosen the glue - I didn't try to pry it off beforehand, so I don't know if it would work without softening it).

2)  Pry off the lid with a knife or screwdriver.

3)  Screw the lid back into the cap.

4)  Voila!!  An almost spill-proof paint cup with the inside perfect for wiping off excess paint.

It was easy!  I think this project is a keeper!