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Patriotic Paper Windsock {Summer Activities for Kids}

May 11, 2013 10 Comments
DIY Paper Windsock tutorial

Summer is quickly approaching and you’ve probably started thinking of Summer activities to do with the kids. Last week I started a bucket list of ideas to keep the kids busy while they’re out of school, which I’ll share with you over the Summer. Today I’m sharing a patriotic paper windsock tutorial for kids.

Paper Windsock tutorial for kids

This tutorial is part of my friend McKenzie’s Summer Series. Click on the button below to see all of the fun projects that have been shared!

Summer Activities for kids

Patriotic Paper Windsock

Supplies:

Chipboard

Scrapbook paper

border punch or deco scissors

glue

ribbon

twine

*For this project I used the new Silhouette chipboard which is thin and easy to bend, you can read more about it in this paper hot air balloon tutorial.

Step one: Cut the paper and chipboard to 9 inches long (this is optional, you can make them as tall or short as you’d like). Glue the scrapbook paper onto the chipboard sheet. *Note: you could make this with cardstock alone but the chipboard makes the windsock thick and sturdy.

Silhouette chipboard sheets

Step two: create two borders using a punch or decorative scissors which will be easier for small children; glue onto the top and bottom of the windsock.

paper windsock

Step three: glue the ribbon to the inside of the windsock. Glue or staple the ends together.

paper windsock with ribbon

Step four: punch two small holes and string twine to hang the windsock.

paper windsock

I had my daughter rummage my scrap ribbon box and pick out all the patriotic ribbon she could find. She’s learning how to cut so this was a fun step for her. At first she cut a few pieces a little shorter than the others but we ended up liking the different sizes and did that for the rest of the ribbon. We’re also thinking about adding die cut stars to the windsock or maybe foam glitter stars which will make it easy for her to add herself.

patriotic paper windsock

Paper windsocks are so fun and easy to make! It’s a great activity for kids of all ages.

DIY Paper Windsock tutorial

Thanks for stopping by!

Linking here

Filed Under: Crafts, Crafts For Kids, Holidays, Summer Activities Tagged With: , , ,

Labor Day BBQ

September 3, 2012 4 Comments
Summer S'mores

Holidays are always a little different for our family than most of those we know. I’m not sure if I’ve mentioned it before but my husband’s career field is very demanding, time wise. Every holiday whether it’s big like Thanksgiving or small like Valentine’s Day is spent without my husband around. You see, he works in law enforcement and has had maybe 3 to 4 holidays off in the last 5 years. It’s hard on our family. There are rare occasions when he gets to come home on time on a holiday and we jump for joy knowing he gets to have dinner with us, a seldom thing around here. Today was one of those days. He really lucked out and wasn’t directed to work overtime. We were ecstatic to have him home with us to celebrate Labor Day.

DIY Paper Lanterns

 Every holiday the kids and I usually head over to my in-laws. It’s a nice little break for me since the kids have so much fun playing with grandma and grandpa. Today was even better since the hubs was there with us.

Like on most holidays my father-in-law planned to BBQ to celebrate Labor Day. He’s an excellent cook who has taught me quite a bit over the years. He can grill a steak like no other!

T-Bone Steak Recipe

I’ve actually come a long way when it comes to cooking beef. I can make chicken pretty well but years ago you would have been worried to eat a steak I cooked. Just ask my hubby. ;) But I have read a lot on the proper cooking methods and the best beef recipes to try.

I’m pretty sure I’ve mentioned this before here but I used to be one of those people who would cook meat dry in fear that there’s a trace of bacteria alive in it. Which as you know doesn’t make for a very yummy meal. Luckily with a food thermometer and grilling expert for a father-in-law I can now say I’m pretty good at cooking beef.

Today he taught me how to smoke New York steaks. To make tonight’s tasty meal he soaked mesquite wood in water for about an hour before starting the grill. The steaks were seasoned with kosher salt, pepper, and garlic powder then smoked in the grill. Fun fact I just learned, if you close the lid its called smoking the meat if you leave it open it’s grilling. I had NO idea! Yes, you can totally laugh at me. :)

The kids spent the afternoon running through the sprinkler and playing with water toys. Sometimes that’s the best kind of fun, don’t you think?

Then of course we ended the day with the best Summer dessert ever created…S’mores!

  Summer S'mores

It may not have been an awesome Labor Day getaway but it sure was a great one. :)

Thanks for stopping by! I hope your family had a great Labor Day weekend!

 Linking up to these parties

I wrote this review while participating in a In Home Party campaign by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and received product samples to facilitate my party and review, and a promotional item to thank me for participating.

Filed Under: Family Activities, Holidays, Recipes, Summer Activities, Summer Crafts Tagged With: , ,

Nautical Party

July 16, 2012 12 Comments

My husband has been working a lot of 16 hour shifts lately. I usually look forward to him coming home because it gives me a little break and he’s who we would consider “the fun parent” around here. He’s so creative and can make up games to play at any given moment. I on the other hand have to plan out our activities. I’ve been trying to do weekly themes like we did last Summer but it hasn’t gone very well scheduling wise. Since he was working all weekend and my oldest was away I decided to put together a fun nautical themed party for the younger two. Here is a sneak peak of what I made..

I made these nautical mason jars using the Braid Die and the kids loved them! My daughter said it was her fancy lemonade cup.

The dies I used are from the new Lifestyle Crafts Maritime collection that was released today.

Don’t you just love the whale and crab dies? They are just too stinkin cute! I think the whale and sailboat dies would be great for baby onesies or even for an under the sea party.

I also surprised the kids with a new book and bubbles to play with after lunch. I am in love with this bag, the Sailboat Die is so cute!

Lifestyle Crafts is also releasing their Fall Core Collection this week so get ready for some new project tutorials! :)

You save 20% all Lifestyle Crafts products using the code PUMPKIN.

Linking up to these parties, TCB
Disclosure: I received dies to review and as always all opinions are my own.
Filed Under: Lifestyle Crafts, Paper Crafts, Parties, Summer Activities, Summer Crafts Tagged With: , ,

Candy Dipped Waffle Cones {4th of July Celebration}

July 6, 2012 17 Comments

Hi friends, how was your 4th of July? I took take a little break from blogging this week to enjoy some much needed family time. We had a fun time celebrating independence day with family and friends all week long. Four days in a row we sat on the lawn with all the kids from the neighborhood and watched fireworks. On the 4th My husband had to work so I had a very laid back approach to the holiday. I actually didn’t put much thought into what our plans were until the day before. One thing I knew we would have plenty of is fireworks and tasty treats!

We started off our day by getting together with our neighbors for some fun crafting time. I brought over craft supplies to make popsicle stick flags and my neighbor set up the table with cute patriotic party
supplies.

 

They had a basket filled with patriotic accessories from the dollar store. I loved the mini hats, especially on my curly-haired boy. ;)

The kids made fruit pizzas for a snack. I wish I would have gotten a video of the girls trying to make their pizza. Trying to convince two toddlers to not eat the fruit prior to finishing their pizza was actually pretty funny. They kept sneaking strawberries off the pizza.

 

 

Since I didn’t finalize our plans until the 3rd I had to go shopping for food and supplies at the last minute. Yikes, I think I was a little naive as to how busy they would be. While there I picked up some TCBY Vanilla Bean frozen yogurt, M&M’s, waffle cones, and patriotic plates.

 

I tried to find patriotic sprinkles and all four stores I checked were out of them. :( So I ended up making these patriotic M&M waffle cones. Candy dipped cones may be a new favorite around here, the kids loved them!

For the frozen yogurt cones I used:

TCBY Classic Vanilla Bean

Waffle Cones

CandiQuik

M&Ms

I dipped the cones in the melted chocolate then placed them upside down on a baking sheet. Before the chocolate hardened I pressed M&M’s then put them in the fridge to set. This was super easy and fun for the kids. We finished the night lighting fireworks and playing with sparklers. It was a very relaxed day filled with good food, delicious treats, and lots of fun. :)

Join the #TCBYGrocery Twitter Party on Thursday, July 26, 2012 from 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM EST for a fun chat about TCBY and prizes!
Stay connected on facebook, twitter, and pinterest 

Linking up to these parties, TCB

I am a member of the Collective Bias™ Social Fabric® Community.  This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias™ and TCBY#CBias #SocialFabric #TCBYGrocery
Filed Under: Desserts, Holidays, Parties, Recipes, Summer Activities, Summer Crafts Tagged With:

Summer Activity Box

June 29, 2012 18 Comments

It’s been a fun Summer for us so far. I’m trying to keep the kids busy by taking them to the park, the zoo, on weekend vacations, and even having slip n’ slide parties. But despite my efforts I still hear “mom, I’m bored” at least once a day. Someone please tell me I’m not the only one? This week I finally decided to make the kids a Summer Fun Box filled with crafts to make for those “I’m bored” moments.

My husband had a few days off this week so I took full advantage of that and went shopping for craft supplies to get some crafting done. I originally planned on decorating a cardboard box so I bought an Elmer’s X-TREME glue stick for the job. I know I’ve said this several times before but I love this stuff! It’s works really well and I use it on most of my craft projects. My idea was to use a cardboard box and draw on it with an Elmer’s Painters Marker.

I didn’t end up using a cardboard box because I found this cute ocean theme box at Michael’s for $2. Since I had already purchased supplies I had to rethink my idea and created a fun little pennant banner to glue onto the box. I painted the chipboard with my painters marker then glued it on with my X-TREME glue stick. I added a little bakers twine on top to finish it off.

I cut the wording out using vinyl and my Silhouette Cameo. The decals are stickers I’ve had in my craft stash for years.

I purchased a bag full of $1 craft items for their box. This should keep them occupied for awhile. Once they’re out of supplies I may switch it up and add word searches, scavenger hunt maps, and coloring books.

 

How do you keep your children busy during Summer break? Do you have any fun activities to share? I’d love to hear them!
Connect with Elmer’s on Twitter & Facebook
#GluenGlitter on Twitter & facebook
Linking up to these parties, TCB

 

I am a member of the Collective Bias™ Social Fabric® Community.  This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias™ and Elmer’s #CBias #SocialFabric All opinions are my own. I really do love Elmer’s products. :)
Filed Under: Crafting with kids, Summer Activities, Summer Crafts Tagged With: ,

Summer Mini Album

June 20, 2012 18 Comments

Every year I plan on making Summer scrapbooks to document the fun activities we do with the kids. But I often forget or even if I do remember, finding the time isn’t always easy. This year I decided the best way to start documenting the kids Summer activities is to make them a mini album. I recently found these chipboard albums at Michaels for 40 cents. With them I am making each child their own Summer album to fill. I used the new Lifestyle Crafts Tab It kit to create little banners on each album page, but otherwise plan to let them pick out the pictures they want to include.

Lifestyle Crafts recently released new dies to add to their It Kit line. Some of my favorites are the

I originally planned to use the Tab It kit to create tabs for each page but I found that most of them worked great as little banners. The pennant banner below is a tab I cut in half on the perforated line, glued onto the album, and added bakers twine on top.

 

 

 

Now that I have my daughter’s summer mini album made it’s time to start working on the boys’ albums. I’ll share them with you soon! ;)

The best part about these dies is that they also come with a digital file. Meaning you can use them with your electronic cutter and manual cutting machines like the Revolution. If you’re wanting to make party toppers, labels, or cards check out their popular alphabet dies which look great with their new label it kit.

You can save 20% off your order by using the code PUMPKIN, which can also be used on sale items! If you create something with a Lifestyle Crafts product send me a link, I’d love to feature it!

Linking up to these parties, TCB
Filed Under: Lifestyle Crafts, Paper Crafts, Summer Activities Tagged With: , ,

Summer Kickoff Party

June 5, 2012 34 Comments

We had the most amazing Summer kickoff party last weekend. It was hands down the best and most inexpensive party I’ve ever thrown. The kids had a blast welcoming Summer with a Slip’ N Slide party and a few neighborhood friends.

My goal was to focus on having a fun and relaxing day to celebrate the beginning of Summer vacation. Sometimes I host parties that take hours and hours to prepare for, leaving me exhausted at the end of the day. I didn’t want that to be the case this time around. So I went shopping for simple snacks like Tombstone Pizza along with a vegetable platter and chips. We ended the day with Nestle Drumstick ice cream cones. It was the perfect menu for our party, with quick and easy foods that the kids love #GrabSummerFun.

 Since I unwrapped the ice cream the kids had fun sharing what kind of ice cream cone they had. My daughter may have enjoyed hers a little too much. :)

The party decor was very simple. The only thing I could actually consider decor is the streamer table skirt. It looked great while putting it together, but unfortunately it became windy and they flew all over the place.

Despite the wind, I still had fun setting up the table with a blue and green theme. Everything on the table cost between $1-$4. I’m telling you, I spent the least amount I have ever spent on a party and my son said it was the best party we’ve ever had. One of the boys even said it’s the best party he’s ever been to! Isn’t it funny how that works out? The most casual party turns out to be the most fun for everyone.

The kids were entertained by the Slip’ N Slide, water balloons, and sponge water bombs. They played for hours and hours, celebrating their first day of Summer vacation. I could watch them do this everyday, just enjoying the laughter and silly games they played.

Here’s to a fun-filled Summer with plenty of laughter, games, and memories!

Linking up to these parties, TCB, My Repurposed Life

I am a member of the Collective Bias™ Social Fabric® Community.  This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias™ and Nestle  #CBias #SocialFabric #GrabSummerFun All opinions, pictures, and experiences are my own.
Filed Under: Summer Activities Tagged With:

Summer Party Ideas

June 2, 2012 13 Comments

Do you remember looking forward to Summer vacation? Oh the joy of not having to wake up early, staying up late watching movies, and having backyard BBQs! Yesterday was my sons last day of school and he is thrilled to be home until mid-August. We’re all really excited for Summer and the fun activities we have planned in the next few months. Every year we like to do something special for the kids to celebrate the end of the school year and this year I thought it would be fun to have a Summer kickoff party. I wanted something small, budget-friendly, without having to cook all day long.

We invited our neighborhood friends over to celebrate with us. It’s going to be a fun day filled with
a lot of Slip N’ Slide action…

Water balloons…
and sponge water bombs.

 via Family Fun

I went shopping at Walmart yesterday for some quick and easy snacks like broccoli, carrots, chips, Tombstone Pizza, and Nestle Drumsticks. Pizza and ice cream, does it get any easier than that? They’re the perfect Summer treats and great to have on hand when I don’t feel like cooking. #GrabSummerFun

Have you tried the new Nestle Drumstick flavors? I love the classic vanilla cones but these Cookie Dipped Drumsticks sound amazing! I picked up a box of those and the Original cones.

 

I’m excited to share the party details with you! It’s going to be a lot of fun and the kids can hardly wait for everyone to come over. I’ll be back soon with a recap of our Summer kickoff party. :)

I am a member of the Collective Bias™ Social Fabric® Community.  This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias™ and Nestle #GrabSummerFun #CBias #SocialFabric . All opinions and experiences are my own.

Filed Under: Parties, Summer Activities Tagged With:

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