UltimateMama wanted her family of four to collaborate on a kitchen decorating project she started post her apartment renovation a few years ago. Due to a structural issue, an annoying pillar could not be removed from the middle of the kitchen so why not decorate it?! Canvas art seemed like the easiest way to accomplish the goal of beautifying the space as well as make each family member a part of the project. Here are the simple steps to create a masterpiece that everyone will love:
Buy a canvas value pack (we like the 8 x 10 size at Michaels)
Select some colorful acrylic paints
Place each canvas horizontally and paint away!
UltimateMama used small nails to hang the finished artwork, however, double sided tape works well too!
Okay, so it is now February and your desk is filled with beautiful holiday cards (Christmas, New Year, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah) that have cute pictures of friends and family members. Don't throw out these precious memories! Work with your kids to create fun, beautiful artwork with the photos from old holiday cards. UltimateMama has a few ideas of easy projects with holiday cards that you can do with babies, toddlers, and kids of any age:
– Scrapbooking: Buy an inexpensive scrapbook and cut out pictures and names from the holiday cards and glue them into the book. UltimateMama purchased a 12 inch by 12 inch scrapbook from a friend's school fair a few years ago and every year she helps her children decorate one page after each holiday season. UltimateMama and her kids look forward to adding to their "friend photo scrapbook" every year and watching friends grow up!
– Poster: Buy poster board and loosely cut out pictures from the holiday cards and have fun decorating a poster for your child's bedroom wall or playroom. Use markers, stickers, and glitter to add an extra special touch to your "friend photo collage"!
– Books: Punch a hole in the left corner of each card and attach all the cards together with a key chain ring so your child can flip through their "friend photo book" anytime and anywhere!
UltimateMama wanted to give her daughters a huge, colorful, fabric wall map of either the United States or the World for the holidays. She envisioned her children spending hours learning the locations of states, countries, cities of interest, and more. However, FAO Schwarz sold out of them in the fall! UltimateMama was slightly relieved because each wall map was well over $100 but she was a bit disappointed that she could not provide her children with such an important educational tool.
An idea came to her! UltimateMama decided to buy oversized colored paper maps of both the United States and the World and take them to Staples for lamination. For under $20 per map, UltimateMama's kids will have hours of fun learning about different destinations!
UltimateMama loves re-using old supplies to create something wonderful with her children. This Ultimate Ribbon Wreath is fun for kids and adults alike.
Materials:
– Paper plate or Cardboard/Poster-board circle
– Gift
wrapping, ribbons, and/or tissue paper
– Washable glue
or glue stick
To Do: Pre-cut the wreaths. Kids then
cover the plate with glue or a glue stick. Next, decorate it with pieces of
gift wrap, tissue paper, ribbon, and more. Punch a hole in the wreath and weave a loop of ribbon to the back to
hang it.
UltimateMama loves participating in craft projects with her kids. A pasta wreath is a quick, easy, and fun project for children of all ages!
Materials:
Poster or cardboard for frame
White washable glue
Dry macaroni/pasta
Spray paint
To Do: Pre-cut a wreath from cardboard or poster-board. Kids can spread
white glue around the wreath — in squiggles so that coverage is good. Then the
kids just stick on the macaroni, bow ties, elbows, penne, etc. Set aside to dry. Then an adult can spray
paint with gold or another color. Attach a ribbon bow to make it extra fancy.
UltimateMama wants you to have fun – Do it Together – Easy, Cute & Cheap Crafts for Kids!
UltimateMama knows that parents always look for
ways to entertain their children without breaking the bank. Participating in an art project with your
child will not only provide essential bonding time but also offers creative
stimulation for the whole family.
Whether you have 15 minutes or an hour you can teach your child about
colors, textures, shapes and sizes while creating a wonderful keepsake for all
to enjoy.
UltimateMama encourages you to take a look at the following simple craft ideas that enable families to have fun
together any time of year.
My First Bookmark
Who said bookmarks have to be rectangular? Have your child decorate colored construction
paper with washable crayons or markers to create their first bookmark. They could even add some cut-out objects
(stars, hearts, animals, etc.), stickers or glitter to make it extra
special. Put clear contact paper over
the finished bookmark to preserve your masterpiece.
Lots of Leaves Placemat
Use real or faux leaves to create a rustic placemat for your
family dining table. Glue leaves on
construction paper, then let it dry.
Your child could individualize the placement by writing guests’ names on
it. Finish by covering your leaves with
clear contact paper.
Countdown to Holiday/Birthday/First Day of School/New
Sibling Chains
Choose two colors of construction paper and cut two inch by
four inch strips. Create these “chains
of love” by either gluing, taping, or stapling chains in alternate colors to
link them together. Hang your chain on a
wall, door, chair, or tree. Your child
can break off one chain a day to countdown to the big event! Do it
together!
Hand it to Me Tree
Create a tree with your child’s handprints for your door or
window. Trace your child’s handprints on
a piece of construction paper or wrapping paper. Cut out a bunch of handprints. Tape the handprints to your door or window in
the shape of a tree. Or you can even
glue the handprints on cardboard or poster board for a sturdy backing.
Yummy Licorice Necklace or Bracelet
Making licorice necklaces or bracelets is a fun activity for
the slightly older child. String the
licorice with pretzels, cereal, crackers or cookies. Tie the finished product around your child’s neck
or wrist in a knot. Your child can even
making you a matching one!
Diorama for All Ages
Use your old shoeboxes, tissue boxes or any other boxes to
create a base. Then let your child’s
creative juices flow to create a whimsical scene using crayons, feathers,
colored construction paper, stickers, glitter, or other art supplies you have
at home. Youngsters will have fun gluing
objects on while the older children will enjoy making a beautiful background.
Seashell Centerpiece
Your child can practice their counting skills while making
the perfect centerpiece for your table.
Gather all of your seashells from recent vacations. Then tell your child to put them into a large
vase one at a time. Tie a fun ribbon
around the vase to finish it off.
Creepy Cardboard Monsters
Make good use out of your old toilet paper or paper towel
rolls. Glue fabric or construction paper
to the cardboard roll. Glue moving eyes
on for a special effect or create eyes with crayons or felt. Press pipe cleaners through the rolls to
create hair. Your child will love their
creepy monster!
Wreath for All Seasons
The perfect no-sew, easy to make wreath that looks like it
took hours to create. Loop an elastic
hair band around a 10 or 12 inch straw ring (keeping the plastic on) for
hanging. Next, use pinking shears to cut
3 inch squares of your favorite fabric.
Take a screwdriver and place it in the middle of the fabric square and
poke it into the wreath. Fill in the
entire wreath. Decorate the wreath by
clipping on objects or pictures. Hang it
up indoors or outdoors!
Personalized Photo Frames
Your child can make a fancy personalized frame for their
favorite pictures. Have your child
decorate construction paper. Use letter
stickers to create a name or message.
Tape your child’s favorite photo to the center of the paper.
