Updates and a new craft-a-day!

The last few weeks have been a bit of a roller coaster around here. I've been sick on and off, as have the children.  Add to that the rehearsals for Oliver, school, soccer, etc. and we've been pretty busy!  So...Halloween 'craft a day' kinda went by the wayside, but Thanksgiving Craft-A-Day will not.  I have so many fun things planned for the next three weeks, and I hope you participate along with us!

Today is the planning day  for week one - there are a few crafts that need some "mama-help" to get them started.  One is this one: http://www.craftsnactivities.com/Craft_Ideas/strawhatturkey.html adorable, right?  The problems started when I tried to have the kids put the craft sticks on the straw hat. **side note - the craft hats can be found at AC moore or Michaels - they are only like 50 cents each**  The hats aren't perfectly straight, and therefore the sticks didn't want to stick.  So - step one for this craft is a mama job.  Here is how I got them to stick - it's also important to use craft glue, as it is more "tacky".  Notice my clever use of paperclips??  :)  We'll see how they actually come off when the glue is dry!

Another craft we're doing this week is this one: http://www.allkidsnetwork.com/crafts/fall/pumpkin-seed-pumpkin.asp  The first step here is to roast your pumpkin seeds.   Hopefully you've saved some, or still have a whole pumpkin laying about.  If not, they are on clearence or free in most places now!   Bake on a cookie sheet at 325* for about 30 minutes. Be sure they don't get too brown!

So..prep the first two crafts today, so that your materials are ready to go tomorrow.  The straw hat turkey will take all week - adding a bit to it each day.  I think it's best to let each part dry completely before you move on.
**Tip - the tape really helps!**

For today, we are going to paint the pumpkin seeds for craft #2, but not put it together until tomorrow.  We are also going to do a cute corn craft. This one is more for Jake's age range, but I've found that even the simplest crafts are fun for my big kids as well.  Here's the link: http://www.allkidsnetwork.com/crafts/fall/button-indian-corn.asp  I was able to find these at Walmart - for about three dollars total. 

I had Jake sort the colors (good task for a first grader or younger), and we saved the extra buttons for a Christmas craft or two. 

Here is how ours' turned out:

 Someone was a little over-zealous with the glue - I decided to post it now, rather than wait the four days it will take to dry...lol:

Wooh!  Long post - I hope you made it this far.  Have a great day and enjoy the sunshine if you have it!!
Stacy
p.s. I need to add that there won't be any exciting Bee styles until next week, as this is show week, and she needs simple french braids all week long. I might have one saved that I could post...I'll have to look through photos...we'll be back to fun styles early  next week.  In the mean time, enjoy daily crafts, and try some with your kids!