DIY Lava Lamps

This craft is a blast from the past!  Not many children have a groovy lava lamp in their room today, and when they do it's like the two I have - glitter, not lava.  Essentially, this craft is an experiment - but don't tell the kids that!  How can learning be fun, right?

With just a clear bottle, food coloring, vegetable oil and water, children can bring their very own lava lamp in to school for show and tell or keep it for themselves only as a rainy day play thing.  Whatever they do with it, this craft is sure to bring smiles and laughs.

Head over to The Crafted Sparrow for a easy do-it-yourself guide to lava lamps!  Happy crafting!

Kids Craft #6: Painted Fireworks

This project is a great way to finally use all that black construction paper that never seems to have a use.  And, what better way to celebrate the Fourth of July than with a fireworks show?  With a few simple steps, your child can create their own fireworks (the safe way!).

Before heading to your local fireworks spot, have your little ones make their own while their parents enjoy the barbeque and food.



Materials:
  - black construction paper
  - acrylic paints
  - pipe cleaners
  - paper plate
  - twig
  - glue (optional)
  - glitter (optional)



Steps:
1.) Fold 3 or 4 pipe cleaners in half.  Twist the folded end to create a handle and fan out the ends to create a "star" shape.
2.) Pour circles of acrylic paint onto the paper plate and use the stic to swirl the colors together.  If you desire, add some glue to this mixture (it will help glitter stick if you decide to use glitter.
3.) Push the pipe cleaners into the paint and stamp onto the black paper.  Pick the pipe cleaners back up anad rotate to make the fireworks bigger.
4.) Have an ADULT sprinkle glitter over the firework paintings if desired.  Allow to dry (about 30 minutes) and hang up.

Kids Craft #5: Patriotic Wreath

Fourth of July is coming quickly and it's the perfect time to show off our patriotic sides, but we can show this every day.  This red, white and blue wreath is composed entirely of stars and is a great craft to keep the kids busy while the adults are barbequeing and can then be hung year round on the inside of a window or door to support the men and women who have risked or given their lives to protect our freedom.

Have a wonderful and safe holiday and happy crafting!



Materials:
  - star stencil (print off computer, use a cookie cutter or purchase a  stencil from an art store)
  - pen/pencil (for tracing the stencil)
  - scissors
  - red, white and blue construction paper (at least 2 sheets of each)
  - tape/glue



Steps:
1.) Trace stencils onto paper (I traced approximately 20 of each color star).  Aim to fit as many stars as possible onto each page.
2.) Cut out the stars from each sheet.  An older sibling or an adult may want to help with this step as there is a lot of cutting involved for this project,
3.) Arrange the stars in a circular shape and tape together.  Keep adding stars until the wreath gains some thickness.  If there are a few left over, flip the wreath over so the taped side is flat against the table and us a glue stick to secure any remaining stars to the front of the project.