Thursday, September 29, 2011

Halloween on Pinterest

Halloween is around the corner...a time for junk food and creepy crafts.  Here are some spooktacular possibilities for you and your ankle biters.
Have fun and get messy!
:-)  Miss Jenna

Saturday, September 24, 2011

Ready for some fun???

Who wouldn't love to play around with this thing?!  I think you and your family should give your construction skills a try and build this totally awesome marshmallow catapult.

Have fun and get messy!
:-)  Miss Jenna  :-)

Thursday, September 8, 2011

DIY :: Play-Doh

When I taught pre-school, the teachers would go in a rotation to make our own Play-Doh for our ankle biters.  I mean, a school could go broke if they had to keep buying it and the stuff dries out so fast....so make it!  I couldn't find a recipe like the one we used, but this one is really close.  The only thing we didn't use was the Kool-Aid.  I'm sure it makes the play-doh smell good, but that also seems like it would lead to a lot more eating of it than playing with it.  ;-)




INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 cup flour
  • 1/2 cup salt2 t cream of tartar2 packages of Kool Aid (don't use purple, it turns grey)
  • Food Coloring (optional)
  • 1 T oil
  • 1 cup water

INSTRUCTIONS:
Cook all ingredients over medium heat until it forms a ball (5-10 minutes).  You can enhance the colors by using food coloring if you like.  That's it!  Eazy Peezy Lemon Squeezy.


Have fun & get messy!
:-)  Miss Jenna

Saturday, September 3, 2011

SCIENCE :: Growing Stalagmites

Hello Ankle Biter Art Friends!  It's been awhile since I stopped by, huh?!  Sorry about that....been busy over at Diary of a Featherhead getting that established, making jewelry and other artsy things and working on a play!  I haven't gotten together with my little ankle biter helpers Sam & Molly in a long while, so I don't have a homemade kid craft to share with you today, BUT I do have this great link to a fun science project!



Click THIS LINK for instructions...it will take you to a wonderful blog called Everyday Art.  I hope you and your little mad scientists enjoy this one!

Until next time...have fun and get messy!
:-)  Miss Jenna
p.s.  I'll try not to stay away for too long next time.

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

The Artful Parent

Hello Ankle Biter Art Friends!
Today, I would like to tell you about a super mom and columnist that I found on the Internet.  When I grow up and become a mom someday, I hope I can provide as creative an environment for my children as she does for hers.  Allow me to introduce you to Jean, The Artful Parent.  I've only been following her blog for a few months now, but I am endlessly inspired and impressed.  So, instead of me sharing everything of hers that I think is wonderful on my blog and just linking you over to her at The Artful Parent, I think you should add hers to your reading list.  She posts wonderful projects and activities that are not just helpful to moms, but to teachers as well.  Here are some of my favorites that she's shared recently...
Rainbow Stained Glass Window

Column for WNC Parent
Scavenger Hunt & Make

Ice Sculptures with Salt and Liquid Watercolors

And there you have it!  I highly recommend following her blog.  She does a great job...much better than I, but still follow me too.  ;-)
p.s.  She has a Facebook page too, so that's an easy was to follow her if you're not down with the RSS.  The Artful Parent - Facebook Link

As always...have fun and get messy!
~ Miss Jenna

Friday, August 12, 2011

Handprint Fish










         Source: walkingbytheway.com via Heather on Pinterest

Yet another thing to do with handprint.  How cute is this?!  You could pair this project with some fun reading too.  Like....


OR


Have fun and get messy!  
:-)  Miss Jenna

  

Saturday, July 30, 2011

Color Learning Scavenger Hunt

Hello Friends!

I wanted to share this Richards Family Four activity with you!  It's great for a rainy day or a day that's just too hot to let your ankle biters outside in fear that they will melt.  Who doesn't love a scavenger hunt?  I mean, I'm 30 years old and still love the idea of it.  This color learning activity is great for young ones, but also for the older child who might be starting to learn the basics of another language.  If you're looking for a fun and educational activity to pass some time, give it a try.  It just takes a little preparation and set-up.

Gather little bits and pieces in the colors to be found and scatter them throughout the house (or classroom).  Make designated and marked color coordinated containers that have the corresponding name and that's pretty much it!  Let the ankle biters search and retrieve...it's sure to keep them occupied for at least a little while.  :-)



Have a fun and messy weekend!  
:-)  
Miss Jenna