"You Warm My Heart" Valentines + Free Download

By Meg Hodson

Valentine's Day is just around the corner.  Being a wedding business owner, I love beautifully wrapped, intricate gifts, so it's no wonder that I go up and beyond for Valentine's that stand out for my kids.  

A few years back, I took it too far and made gumball necklaces for ALL the girls in my daughter's class. Well, they were adorable, but a lot of work.  That project will be for individual gifts going forward!  It was time to brainstorm ideas that still were handmade, but a little less work.  

Enter "You Warm My Heart" Valentines!  These have a personal touch, but are very easy to make and it's easy for the kids to help out, too.  The hearts are hot cocoa servings--simply dissolve one in warm milk for your hot cocoa! You don't need specialty items like chocolate melts or a candy thermometer.  Here is what you will need:

• Valentine-themed flexible silicone ice cube mold or craft mold (available at a craft store, Target, eBay, Amazon, etc.); I used hearts. Each mold insert should be about 1-2 inches wide and about 1 inch deep.
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips (see recipes below for additional ingredients)
• Festive sprinkles
• Crushed peppermint candies
• Clear plastic bags
• Stapler or hot glue gun

My daughter and I decided to create 2 recipes:  Mexican Hot Chocolate and Peppermint Hot Chocolate. 

Mexican Hot Chocolate (For 10 Small Molds)

3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

1 tsp. cinnamon

1 tsp. himalayan salt OR 1/2 tsp. sea salt

Peppermint Hot Chocolate (For 10 Small Molds)

3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

1/2 tsp. peppermint extract

1 tsp. himalayan salt OR 1/2 tsp. sea salt

For either recipe, combine all ingredients in a saucepan and melt over medium  heat, stirring constantly. Alternately, you can melt in a glass measuring cup in a microwave (heat for 30 secs, check and stir, repeat until melted).  Your mixture should be thick and creamy.  With a small spoon, take a small scoop and gently shake the melted chocolate into each mold.  Smooth the top as best you can, but if it's a little uneven, that's okay.  Gently coat the top of each mold with your Valentine sprinkles (crushed peppermint for the peppermint hot cocoa). Don't overcoat!  Put in the refrigerator and let set for 30-40 minutes.  Then, remove gently.

Choose the clear cello or plastic bag of your choice.  We decided to do 2 hot cocoa melts, one of each flavor.  We also added a few mini marshmallows.  Our bags are 3 inches wide.  Print off the complimentary toppers for your bags.  I've provided numerous sizes, depending on what size bag you use.  Cut the toppers out evenly and fold in half. There is a convenient "to" and "from" area for your child to address their Valentines.  Hold across the top of your bag and staple or hot glue each bottom corner to the bag.  Have fun!

--To download the 400x400 size, CLICK HERE

--To download the 300x300 size, CLICK HERE

--To download the 275x275 size, CLICK HERE

--To download the 175x175 size, CLICK HERE

**Instead of printing directly from Google Drive, I recommend downloading the graphics as a PDF and saving to your computer, then printing.**

If you like what you're reading, I invite you to follow my blog.  Cheers!

DIY Crayon Pencil Holder For Teachers

I actually made this project about 2 years ago, way before crayon projects and Pinterest.  One thing I have a lot of around the house are crayons, tin cans, and ribbon (care of my wedding business).  What I like about this one that sets it apart is using a large size can and the addition of the satin ribbon.  My kids teachers' absolutely loved them!

Here's what you'll need:

1 large tin can (rinsed, cleaned, dried)

Crayons (I used new ones and bought a 48 count box)

1.5 inch wide satin ribbon, about 1 1/2 feet long (I used a bright orange....craft stores usually sell this by the yard, so you don't have to commit to a full roll)

Hot glue gun

Copyright: Happy Kids, Inc

1.  Apply a zig zag strip of hot glue across the top of your tin can.  Carefully wrap and press the satin ribbon around the top of the can and tie in a bow.  

2. Place a thin strip of hot glue on the back side of each crayon and align straight around the can. Alternate amongst all colors, or if you bought enough crayons, you can re-create a rainbow!

3.  Have your child use a Sharpie and write a short note (or just sign their name and the date) to the bottom of the can.

If you like what you're reading, I invite you to follow my blog.  Cheers!

Easy Gumball Necklace

Last year, my daughter and I worked on a cute project to include for her select "best girlfriends" when she handed out her Valentine's.  We made gumball necklaces!  They turned out soooo cute and were relatively easy to make.  Here are the supplies you'll need:

--Large gumballs (1 inch) (the small ones are readily available, but the large ones are a little harder to find; try a craft store or eBay)

--Satin ribbon (we used a width of 5/8")

--Sewing needle (not too tiny, but not the super large ones)

Thread your satin ribbon end through the eye of the need, leaving about a 2-3 inch lag.  I found it helpful to pre-poke a hole on opposite ends of the gumball with the pointy end of a paper clip.  Then, gently yet firmly push the needle through the gumball.  This will take some strength and you will probably crack a few until you get the hang of it!  The needle is also very pointy as you are trying to push, so I cushioned my fingers with a small cloth.  You will want to start your first gumball about 1 1/2 to 2 feet down the length of the ribbon.  You are starting on the far end of the ribbon and working your way back to the cut end.

Once the ribbon is threaded through, tie a knot on both sides so that they cushion the holes you have just made and keep the gumball from slipping on the ribbon.  Then, repeat the same process and leave about a 3 inch gap between each gumball.  

I used 6 gumballs per necklace, but feel free to adjust as you see fit.  You could bunch a lot together at the center of the ribbon and leave the rest of the necklace plain.  Be creative and make a fun design!

If you like what you're reading, I invite you to follow my blog.  Cheers!

Easy Valentine Garland & Gift Tags

I'm not sure how it really started....I think I will blame Pinterest.  Valentine's Day has become a BIG DEAL for my kids.  Long gone are the days of pre-made cards and maybe a single chocolate.  We have entered the realm of handmade cards, goody bags, and other cute items to the nines!  Next to Christmas morning, they get super excited for the planning and creating process.

I am a creative person.  I was an art history major.  I own a wedding business.  So naturally, I am a creative and somewhat crafty person.  For some reason, Valentine's drives me like no other holiday to outdo myself and make the most treasurable Valentine's ever!

As I brainstormed ideas for Valentine crafts, I came up with a cute idea for Valentine garland.  It was based on some dough I made that was meant for handmade Christmas ornaments.  But I thought it would transcend well to a Valentine theme.

So, to make this cute garland, you need to make this very simple "dough" (note: not to be eaten, strictly for making cute shapes for the garland).  Here is the ingredient list, inspired by this recipe:

1/2 cup cornstarch

1 cup baking soda

3/4 cup water

Combine these ingredients and "cook" over medium heat in a small saucepan, stirring constantly.  Keep stirring until the mixture resembles mashed potatoes (see photo below). Remove from pan, form into a ball, wrap in plastic wrap, and cool in the fridge until completely cold.  

Then, transfer to a board sprinkled with corn starch.  I found it easier to knead the dough in my hands.  I just kept rolling it and molding it like a baseball until it got super soft.  It is important to knead this dough like crazy until it is very soft.  Then, transfer to the board (sprinkled with corn starch) and roll out to about a 1/4 inch thickness.  Be sure you have rolled it out evenly, uniformly, and with no cracks.

Choose your desired cookie cutters to make your shapes.  I bought inexpensive Valentine-themed cutters at the dollar store.  They worked great!  Cut out your shapes.  Place on wax paper and place on a cookie sheet. Use a straw to poke holes in each cut-out.  Bake at 175 degrees for one hour (turning halfway through).  Remove from oven and allow to cool completely.

Prepare some acrylic paints in shades of pink and red.  Paint away!  Add glitter if you like.  Allow to dry completely.  I added my children's names in permanent marker once the paint had dried.  You could also use these as cute gift tags or ornaments for friends.  Then, once dry, coat with mod podge.  Once that has dried completely, string your desired ribbon through the shapes to create your garland.  Or string individually to create gift tags or ornaments.  

For my kids' closest friends, we are doing personalized ornaments and tags.  They'll be part of goody bags with other treats.  I will be sure to post photos of the final Valentine projects this year!

Like what you're reading?  I invite you to follow my blog by clicking the button below.  

Celebrating MLK With Your Children

I actually like three day weekends and holidays that give me a chance to educate the kids.  It's nice to actually be able to reflect, celebrate, and honor the holiday that the kids are taking time away from school for.  

With the upcoming birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., I saw this as a good opportunity to bring you some good, fun projects and activities to do with your children to keep them busy on Monday, January 21.  And they won't cost you a thing!

1.  Online Activities, Coloring Pages, Etc.   If you Google this topic, you will find a lot of options for coloring pages.  One of my favorite images can be found here. I love the image of the flag behind him.  Here's a great crossword puzzle for those age 5-8 from Crayola.  It would be helpful to have a book reference for this (see note below).  For a great comprehensive, one page biography for the younger set, look here. Last, here's a good bio with questions to answer. 

2.  Books.  Patronize your local library and check out fun books on MLK.  One that I love for young readers is entitled "Who Was Martin Luther King, Jr.?". It's part of a series of "Who Was...?" books that are a must read for your young children.  It's a thorough book, but has nice drawings in an easy-to-understand format for young readers.

3.  Quotes.  I get teary-eyed when I read through the many inspirational quotes by MLK.  They speak miles and are so relevant to our current day!  Again, if you Google "MLK quotes", you will get a lot of returns.  Here are a few of my favorites:

--"The arc of change is long, but it bends toward justice."

--“Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.” 

--“I have decided to stick to love...Hate is too great a burden to bear.” 

--“I have a dream that one day little black boys and girls will be holding hands with little white boys and girls.” 

This is a good opportunity to discuss the history with your kids, even your young kids.  You might start with questions derived from these quotes.  For example, you might ask "Do you think it's right that little black boys could not hold hands with little white girls?" or "Why is love so important?" You'll be surprised at what might pop out of the young, impressionable heads of babes!

Enjoy your day celebrating this wonderful leader!

Like what you're reading? I'd love you to follow along!

    

Lego Snow Globes!

Tons of blogs have DIY snow globes.  I was excited to try this with the kiddos, but wanted to bring a fresh spin to the project for readers.  I came up with the idea for them to be Lego-centered.  We went to our local Lego shop and they all picked out the minifigure of their choice.  We came up with Jack Sparrow, a skiing girl, and Indiana Jones.  I am so pleased with the way they came out!

Here is what you'll need:

Distilled water
Mineral oil
Artificial trees (easily found at the dollar store or craft store)
Artificial snow
Glitter
Plumber's tape
A jar (I used old food bottles, like those used for pickles and olives, but mason jars work great, too)
Hot glue gun
                                     

Clean and dry your jar (if needed).  Heat the glue gun.  If the minifig your child has chosen has removable parts, be sure to put a dab of hot glue to secure those to the figure.  While drying, hot glue your tree to the lid of the jar.  Feel free to trim the tree a bit if you are using a smaller jar.  Then, glue your minifig to the lid, next to your tree.

In your jar, add distilled water and about 1/2 ounce of mineral oil.  Do not fill to the top; leave a 1 inch space.  Add the artificial snow (about a tablespoon, a little goes a LONG way!).  Add glitter (again, a little goes a long way).  Around the rim of the jar, add a strip of plumber's tape (this helps create a better seal on the jar).

Carefully insert the lid and screw tightly.  Invert and watch the magic happen!  You may have a drip or two; wipe dry and shake gently again.  If this continues to happen, you may need to add a little more plumber's tape.

Craft Spotlight: Upcycled Christmas Light Ornaments

By Meg Hodson

I am an avid recycler and try to be a good role model for my children when it comes to conserving and recycling.  So, when we were recently decorating our Christmas tree, we were testing our lights and inevitably, many needed replacing.  I gazed at the pile of colored bulbs on our counter, not wanting to just throw them away.  Then a great idea struck me.

I have always loved to tie ornaments or other small trinkets to presents.  I will usually buy a package of small bulbs strictly for this purpose.  But looking at these old bulbs, I decided to play with the idea of using them instead.  I am very excited about the results!

To make them sparkle (and to get the kids involved with this project), I had them coat each bulb heavily with a glue stick.  (The bulbs I had are the C7 old-fashioned bulbs, but the C9's should work equally as well) Then, I gently rolled them in small cups of glitter.  I found, through experimentation, that matching bulb to glitter color worked best, in case there were microscopic areas that were missed by glitter. So, I chose green on green, red on red, and used white with silver.  To let them dry, I used a cookie cooling rack and set them upright in the holes.  I did not use a craft sealant of any kind on these, but they are a little delicate and I think it would be a good idea.

Once dry, have your hot glue gun ready and ribbon of your choice (I used 1/4 inch wide single face satin).  First, cut off a strand and glue the ends on opposites side of the end of the bulb (see photo below).  Let dry for a minute and cut another strand to tie a bow across the end of the bulb.

                         Tweet

And you're done!  They look positively adorable on gifts and equally adorable hanging on the tree. Have fun!

          

Let's Get Crafty: Christmas Ball Wreath

By Meg Hodson

When Martha Stewart was first on the scene, this was one of the first craft projects I watched her make.  So, my sister and I tackled it, and it turned out great.  As I was coming up with good ideas for kid craft projects for the blog, this one crossed my mind.  But to personalize it on the kids' level, I added a twist.

Each of my three children had one ornament to personalize.They drew a picture, wrote their name on the ornament in permanent marker (supervised, of course!), or whatever they wanted to do to that one ornament.

                 

So, for this project, here is the list of what you will need:

Kids Christmas Ball Ornament Wreath

Wreath Frame (9-12 inch diameter, a foam or willow straw frame is best)

Lots of ball ornaments (readily available at the dollar store or Target)

Glue gun (to be used by adults only)

Permanent markets (like a Sharpie, but the dollar store has good knock-offs)

I started by gluing the three personalized ornaments the kids completed. I spaced them evenly apart on the wreath.

 

Then, begin hot gluing the remaining ornaments.  I began by gluing some of the large ornaments in a "zig zag" pattern around the top of the wreath (see photo below).  The kids can participate, but I apply the glue, then they hold the ornaments in place.  Then, continue gluing until the inner and outer sides are completely covered.  Some of these side ornaments will be glued to the wreath form; as it begins to fill up, you will need to apply glue on the ornaments themselves and glue them together to fill the gaps.

If desired, you can hot glue a pre-tied bow at the bottom center of the wreath.  You could even add a small ornament or sign in lieu of the ribbon.  

Although strong, this wreath is very fragile, so handle with care.  I recommend one of those wreath boxes to store it in.  For hanging, use a metal wreath hanger that goes over the door.  I even add a few glue dots behind the lower back portion of the wreath so it doesn't bang against the door.