Boots Felt Slippers

This Idea Came From: http://www.nickjr.com/crafts/boots-slippers.jhtml

Our Experience: This idea was awesome. We found the template and have felt bins with loads of colors so we improvised with what we had. I cut out all the Boots face pieces and we assembled them together. Glue was a mess so we went another route. I got out the iron and hem tape that melts between the fabric. Whaaaa Laaaa...because sooner rather than later works best for us. Once the faces were done we tried so hard to figure out how the little bootie fit together from the template but RASPBERRIES!! We quickly moved to plan B and made a slip on slipper type shoe instead and ironed those together. They are pretty solid so they will last a bit longer than fabric glue. Emma loves to wear them... so she has something on her feet she made. How fun is that!

The Lesson: Good lessons for us both. Just because something isn't working doesn't mean it can't be solved. The cool thing is they look just like the charactor Boots... and we followed a pattern. Following directions-but knowing when to cut your losses and go with improvised versions. (I value that.) Working with hot iron- listening and being aware of dangers but helping. Working together and listening.

Make-A-Puzzle

This Idea Came From: We found and printed the puzzles on Nick Jr. http://www.nickjr.com/parties/more-nick-jr/yo-gabba-gabba-dance-party/

Our Experience: This one was low key. Emma likes using scissors. First we cut the outer square out and glued the whole thing to a heavy weight paper to add to the life of the puzzles. after it dried mostly... we cut it into the sectioned squares. Emma's enjoying that she could get the hang of scissoring a straight line. I was impressed too. Once it was all cut.. we put them together. I have put them in an envelope in her travel/car bag. She will be happy to see them unexpectedly while being stuck somewhere waiting for something. She made them.. that is exciting to her.

The Lessons: Scissors cut- all about the safety of scissors. Concentration and focus. Listening.

Fancy Balsa Boxes

This idea came from: Our own heads.

Our Experience: Some days you can forget to stop and have fun with your little one.. if you don't watch it. These Fancy Balsa Boxes came from items in my studio area. Melt down was soon to be rearing its ugly head so I found: old balsa boxes, feathers, beads and sparkles.. oh and sticker letters. I put little piles of each medium in front of her and let her do her thing... We skipped the Elmers glue and opted for Gel Medium (found in acrylic section of art stores). It is heavy bodied and little fingers can press all sorts of elements into the goo. It dries clear and holds everything in its place. Elmers would have taken forever.. and with us.. the sooner the better!

The Lessons: Important- I also did one of my own which she also helped with. I think this makes her feel like it is 1. worth doing, 2. she is valued as a companion, and 3. unfiltered with too much telling what to do on HER craft. Use of eye/hand coordination, motor skills with peeling sticker backs, placing small objects, and negociating sticky glue and placement. Creativity and pride.

Salt Dough Hands

The Idea Came From: http://www.allfreecrafts.com/decorations/salt-dough.shtml

Our Experience:
Emma and I had a blast measuring & squishing dough, shaping it and pressing her hand in the center. It was exciting to watch it cook- as much fun as watching paint dry! However, all worth while because decorating it was fun stuff. We punched a hole and threaded ribbon for a finishing touch and will be giving some to Grandparents for her third birthday.

The Lessons: Hand/Eye coordination, patience, working together, creativity, focus, and completing a project that requires multiple steps.