Fun Kids Crafts - Colorful Pom-Poms for Your Cheerleader Party

Even though this craft is for a party, there is no reason why you cannot invent a party in order to have the kids make them!

Birthday parties with a cheerleader theme are lots of fun. They encourage the honoree and guests to run, jump and play, creating their own cheers and acrobatics. Cheerleading outfits are not necessary, as any comfortable clothing will do just fine. But there is one thing that every aspiring cheerleader needs: pom-poms.

You can find inexpensive plastic pom-poms at most discount stores. But did you know that you can make them at home for next to nothing? With a few simple supplies, you can quickly whip up enough pom-poms for a cheerleading party. And best of all, you can use any colors you like.

Supplies

* Tissue paper in two or more colors
* Scissors
* Dowels or popsicle sticks
* Vinyl tape


Instructions

1. Place four sheets of tissue paper on top of one another. Fold them in half widthwise.

2. Starting at the open end, cut inch-wide strips through all layers. Stop about an inch from the fold so that the strips stay together at the folded end.

3. Starting at either folded corner, roll the edge of the tissue paper around the end of a dowel or popsicle stick. Roll all the way to the other folded corner. Tape the tissue paper securely to the dowel or popsicle stick with vinyl tape.

4. Place four more sheets of tissue paper on top of one another, and fold in half widthwise.

5. Repeat steps two and three, rolling this tissue paper around the first.

6. Repeat the process to make a nice, fluffy pom-pom.


For best results, alternate two or more colors. You could use the birthday girl's favorite colors, or school colors. You could even use up to eight different colors to make rainbow pom-poms.

If you want fuller pom-poms, just keep adding layers of tissue paper. You can use as many as you like, as long as you can still tape them to the handle.

Miniature pom-poms also make great party favors, and they are very quick and easy to make. Simply arrange pieces of basket stuffing in the desired colors together, and make a handle by tightly wrapping a small amount of vinyl tape around them. Trim the stuffing even with one end of the tape, and trim to about an inch long on the other side. If the handle is too long, trim to the desired length. Attach safety pins to make pom-pom pins, or leave as-is for decorative use. These also make great doll accessories.

These projects make great party favors. They also work well as crafts for party attendees. Provide lots of different colors of tissue paper and/or basket stuffing so that each child can make her own unique set of pom-poms.

Do go and have a look at the Fun Kids Crafts Ebook

The Importance of Art and Self-Expression in Toddlers

The Importance of Art and Self-Expression in Toddlers

The toddler years are full of discovery for a child. Not only is she learning about the world around her, she’s also learning about herself.

One of the most discussed aspects of toddlerhood is how children learn to use words to convey their thoughts and feelings. But children also learn to express themselves in other ways during the early years.

One of the most intriguing ways that youngsters express themselves is through art. If you hand a young child a crayon and a piece of paper, she will almost certainly start scribbling away contentedly. While this may not look like art to an adult, it’s fascinating to young minds.

Toddlers are not consciously aware of color co-ordination and spatial relationships. But art can give them a sense of these things. And this is only the beginning.

Some of the many benefits of art for toddlers include:

* Art boosts a child’s confidence. Even monochromatic scribbles on a piece of paper give kids a sense of accomplishment, because they've created something that wasn’t there before. And as they progress toward using multiple colors and forming recognizable shapes, they gain even more confidence.

* Artistic activities are soothing. Being a toddler can be frustrating, and participating in a quiet activity provides a chance to calm down. Art takes a child’s mind off of the source of frustration and channels it into something enjoyable and productive.

* Art lengthens a child’s attention span. The simple act of putting crayon to paper or squeezing a ball of clay requires a child to pay attention to what she’s doing. And while toddlers tend to spend most of their waking hours on the run, art can keep them sitting still for several minutes at a time. As their skills develop, so will their attention spans.

* Art builds motor skills. Holding a crayon, finger painting, squeezing and flattening clay or play dough, and gluing shapes onto paper all require kids to use their hand muscles in different ways. Such activities also promote hand-eye coordination.

* Creative activities promote abstract thinking. When a child takes an idea and puts it on paper or models it in play dough, she is creating a physical representation of something that exists in her mind. Learning to use this type of thinking early will help your child learn more efficiently throughout life.

Self-expression is a critical part of every child’s development. Speech can help toddlers convey what they’re thinking and feeling, but it can hardly keep up with their constantly evolving brains.

Art provides another much-needed outlet for budding young minds, and at the same time it teaches important skills. It’s also lots of fun for them. With all of these benefits, it’s easy to see why encouraging toddlers to be artistic is so important.

101 Kid Summer Activities

Kid Tested Activities to keep them Happy, Engaged, and Entertained

Just take a look at some of the great benefits:

• 101 separate and distinct activities means that you always have something fun to do with your kids
• Most activities are based on objects you already have at home
• Active and engaged children are too busy to look for trouble
• Inspirational and imaginative activities get the kids off the couch and away from the T.V.
• Active kids are less likely to have weight problems, develop into more active adults, and learn to lead healthier lives
• Less time in front of the television lets kids use their imaginations, gives them the capacity to think creatively, and helps them develop better problem solving abilities
• Simple activities require little, if any, preparation so you can pick an activity and do it on the spur of the moment
• Activities that easily adjust to virtually any age or ability means you can use this resource for years to come!

Instant access -- you can begin using these activities right now!

Go to 101 Kid Summer Activities now, you will not be sorry!

Kid's Craft Ideas - How to Make a Birthday Piñata and Have Fun

Kid's Craft Ideas - How to Make a Birthday Piñata and Have Fun

How to Make a Birthday Piñata and Have Fun

Piñatas are all the rage at kids' birthday parties. There's just something about getting blindfolded, trying to hit a brightly colored object with a stick, and picking up the candy that falls when someone succeeds that young people (and the young at heart) love.

Piñatas have become must-haves for birthday celebrations, but unfortunately they're not cheap.

But did you know that piñatas are really easy and fun to make? You can create a colorful piñata with just a few supplies, and you can find some of them around the house. Here's how to make a simple one.

Supplies

* Newspaper
* 1/4 cup flour
* 6 cups water, divided
* Large balloon
* Large bowl
* Poster paint
* Twine or other strong string
* Candy and/or small toys


Instructions

1. Cut or tear newspaper up into strips 1 1/4 inches wide. Make more than you think you'll need to cover the piñata, because several layers must be applied.
2. Mix up some papier-mache paste. Mix the flour with 1 cup of cold water, and press out all lumps. Then put the other 5 cups of water in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Add a spoonful of boiling water to the flour and water mixture, and mix well. Continue stirring while slowly pouring the mixture into the boiling water. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes and let cool.
3. Blow up the balloon and tie securely. Set it down in the bowl.
4. Soak a strip of newspaper in the paste until soaking wet. Smooth it onto the balloon, wiping off excess paste with your fingers.
5. Add more newspaper strips soaked in paste, overlapping each by about an inch and crossing the strips. Cover all but the tied end with two layers of newspaper.
6. Let the piñata dry for 2 to 3 days.
7. Pop the balloon and remove it.
8. Decorate the piñata with poster paint. Glue on construction paper accents, streamers and other decorations if desired. Let paint and glue dry.
9. Using an ice pick, carefully poke a hole on each side on the top. Thread a length of twine through the holes and tie the ends together to make a hanger.
10. Fill the piñata with candy or toys. Cover the hole with masking tape, and paste some newspaper over the tape. Let dry for 24 hours, and paint to match the rest of the piñata.

If you like, you can use a large balloon and a smaller one to make a body with a head. Just cover the balloons separately, let dry and decorate as desired, then put the open ends together after you've added the candy. Attach with more newspaper and paste, and let dry.

Making piñatas is rather messy, but it's also lots of fun. A homemade piñata is also much less expensive than a store-bought one, and it is completely customizable.

The next time you're planning a birthday party, why not try your hand at papier-mache?

Fun Kids Crafts

There is a crafts book that I am very exited about. It is packed with 700 crafts with illustrations and templates and it is suitable for kids from the age of 3 years and up.

You will not have a problem getting more, easy mother’s day crafts for kids in this e-book.

There are over 370 pages filled with fun crafts for kids to make. If you are looking for some more easy mother’s day crafts for the kids to do I very sure you will find it in this newly released craft e-book.

Go on and have a look at “Fun Kids Crafts E-book,” your sure to find lots of crafts in it that is suitable for kids to make. Have fun with it!

The name of this excellent e-book again: “Fun Kids Crafts E-book”

Have a look at all the crafts included in “Fun Kids Crafts E-book:”

• Fathers Day Crafts
• Easter Crafts
• Valentines Crafts
• Christmas Crafts
• Crafts Without Glue
• Easy Crafts
• Egg Crafts
• Halloween Crafts
• Holiday Crafts
• Mothers Day Crafts
• Preschool Crafts
• Thanksgiving Crafts
• Themed Crafts
• Toilet Roll Crafts

This is only a few of the crafts in this e-book, there are many, many more. Have fun this year with lots of easy mother’s day crafts for kids and crafts for all the other holidays to come.

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You Are Just Moments Away From Discovering Amazing Craft Ideas and 100's of Easy-to-make Crafts & Gift ideas!" You will not have any trouble finding an easy craft for kids to make in this e-book, “Fun Kids Crafts E-Book”

These Crafts Are Specifically designed to be:

1. Simple
2. Practical
3. And most of all - FUN!

All the projects are made from easy to find materials, using simple techniques that really do work. Even the little ones that still have undeveloped motor skills will be able to manage with easy.

Even your little 3 year old will be able to do these easy crafts and make a mother’s day gift for mom

Have a look at all the benefits of Fun Kids Crafts e-book for making gifts and other crafts, “Fun Kids Crafts E-Book.”

• You can spend some creative & quality time with your child
• Your gift will always be unique crafts
• These crafts have easy-to-follow instructions
• Pictures & Templates included
• You will save hundreds of $ making your own crafts and gifts

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Make Your Own Birthday Banner

Make Your Own Birthday Banner

Every birthday party needs a banner. Just go to any party supply shop, and you'll see all sorts of styles to choose from. But why buy the same banners everyone else is using when you can easily make a unique handmade one?

These birthday banners can showcase your kids' budding artistic ability, or they can be the picture of elegance. It's all up to you.

Supplies

* Different types of paper - construction paper and plain white paper work well, or you could use a patterned scrapbooking paper with a coordinating plain paper.
* Ruler
* Pencil
* Glue stick or other type of glue that works well with paper
* Markers
* Glitter glue, stickers, stick-on gems and other decorative items
* Hole punch or notching tool
* A piece of ribbon that is long enough to run through the banner and be used to hang it

Instructions

* Determine what shape you want to use for each part of your banner. Pennants are often used, but squares look nice too (and they're very easy to cut). You could also use two or three different shapes.
* Cut one type of paper into shapes of the desired size. Cut the other paper into the same shape, but make it an inch or so smaller.
* Draw one letter from the words "Happy Birthday" on each of the smaller squares, or have kids do it. Make sure each letter is large enough and dark enough to see from a distance.
* Glue each letter onto the middle of a corresponding shape. Decorate with glitter glue, stickers, stick-on gems or anything else you like.
* Use the hole punch or notching tool to make holes in the top of each shape, about an inch or so from each end.
* Put the letters in order. Thread the ribbon through each hole. When all of the letters are on the ribbon, center them. Tie knots or use glue to keep the letters on each end in place.
* Hang the banner by tying the ends of the ribbon to something, or by using thumbtacks.

Tips

* Use card stock or construction paper for the larger shapes. They will hold up much better than regular paper.
* For an elegant look, try using a solid piece of card stock for the larger shapes and a coordinating patterned piece of scrapbook paper for the smaller ones.
* If you're not good at making large letters, use a stencil or large foam alphabet stamps.
* If you want to be able to reuse your creation, fold it up so that the letters are stacked on top of one another and store it in a box in a safe place.

101 Kid Summer Activities

Kid Tested Activities to keep them Happy, Engaged, and Entertained

Just take a look at some of the great benefits:

1. 101 separate and distinct activities means that you always have something fun to do with your kids
2. Most activities are based on objects you already have at home
3. Active and engaged children are too busy to look for trouble
4. Inspirational and imaginative activities get the kids off the couch and away from the T.V.
5. Active kids are less likely to have weight problems, develop into more active adults, and learn to lead healthier lives
6. Less time in front of the television lets kids use their imaginations, gives them the capacity to think creatively, and helps them develop better problem solving abilities
7. Simple activities require little, if any, preparation so you can pick an activity and do it on the spur of the moment
8. Activities that easily adjust to virtually any age or ability means you can use this resource for years to come!
9. Instant access -- you can begin using these activities right now!

Go to 101 Kid Summer Activities now, you will not be sorry!

The Importance of Art for Finger and Hand Muscles

The Importance of Art for Finger and Hand Muscles

Kids love art because it gives them opportunities for self-expression and a sense of accomplishment.

Parents love it when their kids create art because it keeps them quietly and productively occupied.

Little thought is usually given to the physical benefits of art, but they are significant.

It’s easy to see how art promotes hand-eye coordination. The simple act of putting crayon or pencil to paper and scribbling requires the hands and eyes to work together. Once that’s mastered, the child can take it a step further to begin to form lines and shapes.

Another important benefit of art involves the development of muscles in the hands and fingers. If you think about it, this makes as much sense as the relationship between art and hand-eye coordination.

Going back to the drawing example, a child must learn to properly hold a crayon in order to successfully use it. Doing so requires him to use specific muscles in the hand that may have previously been rarely utilized. These are the same muscles that he will use later in life to perform everyday tasks such as writing.

Drawing isn’t the only type of art that develops muscles in the hands and fingers. Virtually every type of visual art offers such benefits in one way or another. Finger painting, for instance, requires controlled movement of the fingers. Painting with a paintbrush requires kids to grip in a different manner than that used when drawing or writing. And modeling clay or play dough involves squeezing, mashing and rolling.

Using scissors is another activity that is great for building muscles in the hands. The motions required to open and close the scissors work the hand in ways that few other activities do.

Children can also build important muscles by beading. Using chenille stems and large beads makes it easy enough for small hands without compromising the benefits of the activity.

Even music can help develop hand and finger muscles. The most obvious example is playing the piano. The motions used to strike the keys directly correlate with those used in typing, which is an important skill later in life. Wind instruments also require certain hand motions. Even gripping drumsticks offers unique benefits.

Art in any form provides more benefits for young children than most of us realize. It’s good in a number of ways for cognitive and emotional development. And those simple tasks that we take for granted can help children build a good foundation for skills that they will use in coming years.

From a simple pen and paper drawing to an intricate clay figurine, any art project can provide opportunities for kids to use hand and finger muscles in ways that they may not have used them before.

Now for something that will be invaluable during the summer:

101 Kid Summer Activities

Kid Tested Activities to keep them Happy, Engaged, and Entertained

Just take a look at some of the great benefits:

• 101 separate and distinct activities means that you always have something fun to do with your kids
• Most activities are based on objects you already have at home
• Active and engaged children are too busy to look for trouble
• Inspirational and imaginative activities get the kids off the couch and away from the T.V.
• Active kids are less likely to have weight problems, develop into more active adults, and learn to lead healthier lives
• Less time in front of the television lets kids use their imaginations, gives them the capacity to think creatively, and helps them develop better problem solving abilities
• Simple activities require little, if any, preparation so you can pick an activity and do it on the spur of the moment
• Activities that easily adjust to virtually any age or ability means you can use this resource for years to come!
• Instant access -- you can begin using these activities right now!

Go to 101 Kid Summer Activities now, you will not be sorry!

Hot Weather Fun: Kids Summer Crafts

Hot Weather Fun: Kids Summer Crafts

When boredom looms and the weather's hot, get everyone involved in kids summer crafts. Kids are always excited to be free from the school routine when they are let out for summer break, but it isn't long until they start wondering what to do. Kids' summer crafts will keep them occupied and maybe even teach them a thing or two.

1. Use found objects:

In summer, crafts for kids can involve found objects, like seed pods, grasses, and similar objects. Let kids create nature collection collages by gluing these items to a stiff piece of cardboard.

Help them spray paint some of the findings with silver or gold paint. Alternatively, they might like to glue glitter to some of the findings. Perhaps they would also enjoy collecting wild flower seed heads and creating dried flower arrangements. Arrange the bouquet in a homemade vase.

2. Make a vase using a tin:

A vase for summer bouquets, fresh or dried, is another craft that naturally fits into the kids summer crafts category. A simple vase can be made from a tin can. Soup cans work particularly well because they are smooth on the outside and rather narrow.

Be sure to file off any sharp spurs on the inside opening. Start the work of art by cutting a piece of construction paper or other colored paper to fit around the sides of the can. This will be glued to the outside of the can, but first it needs to be decorated.

The vase cover can be decorated in many ways. The child can draw a summer scene on the paper and then decorate it with glued on glitter or small stickers of summer things.

Another idea is for the child to write their name in large letters, and glue beans, seeds, or glitter to the letters. Let all glue dry before attaching the paper to the outside of the can. Add water and fresh flowers or leave dry for dry flowers.

You can also use the can for a trinket container or a place to put pens, pencils, and markers. To make them real summer crafts for kids, glue grass seed heads and found seed pods to the paper in a decorative way.

Make a vase using a jar:

Jar vases make good summer crafts for kids, too. Canning jars make particularly cute vases, but any cast off mayonnaise, pickle, or other jar, even plastic ones, can work, too.

To make a jar into a vase it first needs to be sparkling clean. Kids love getting wet in the summer, so let them roll up their sleeves (or put on a bathing suit!) and have fun splashing at the sink while "washing dishes."

This whole "washing dishes" can really keep them busy for quite a while. Make sure you cover the floor because a lot of water will land on the floor!

My granddaughter loved "helping" with the dishes when she was little. We could keep her busy for hours this way!

When the jar is clean and dry, tie an attractive ribbon around the opening. If desired, decorate the outside of the jar with glued on beads and buttons.

Kids summer crafts will provide some cute decorations around the home and keep the kids from being bored. This summer, crafts for kids should be at the top of every parent's To Do list!

To make things easy for you, have a look at 101 Kids Summer Activities. You will find lots of crafts and activities in it to keep the kids busy this summer.

101 Kid Summer Activities

Kid Tested Activities to keep them Happy, Engaged, and Entertained

Just take a look at some of the great benefits:

• 101 separate and distinct activities means that you always have something fun to do with your kids
• Most activities are based on objects you already have at home
• Active and engaged children are too busy to look for trouble
• Inspirational and imaginative activities get the kids off the couch and away from the T.V.
• Active kids are less likely to have weight problems, develop into more active adults, and learn to lead healthier lives
• Less time in front of the television lets kids use their imaginations, gives them the capacity to think creatively, and helps them develop better problem solving abilities
• Simple activities require little, if any, preparation so you can pick an activity and do it on the spur of the moment
• Activities that easily adjust to virtually any age or ability means you can use this resource for years to come!
• Instant access -- you can begin using these activities right now!

Go to 101 Kid Summer Activities now, you will not be sorry!

Kids Mothers Day Crafts - How to Make an Always Treasured Mother's Day Photo Flower

Kids Mothers Day Crafts - How to Make an Always Treasured Mother's Day Photo Flower

With mother's day getting closer, kids mothers day crafts are becoming popular again, Here is a kids mothers day craft that the kids will love doing. Most moms love flowers, and all love photos of their families. Why not combine those two ideas to give her flowers that will never die and feature cherished photos of her children? These Mother's Day photo flowers are sure to make Mom's big day extra special. Even small children can make them with a little help with the cutting.

Supplies for this mothers day craft:

• Construction paper, colored card stock or patterned scrapbook paper
• Glue or glue stick
• Photos
• Pencil
• Scissors
• Clear tape
• Green chenille stems

How to do this craft:

1. Cut photos into circles. To make it easier, try putting a 50 cent piece, spool of thread or other small, round object on top of the face you want to cut out and tracing around it. Then cut around the circle you drew.
2. Draw the outline of a flower on a piece of card stock or construction paper, making sure you'll have plenty of room for the photo in the middle. Cut out.
3. Trace around your original flower on paper in other colors to make as many flowers as you like. Cut them out and set them aside.
4. Glue a photo onto the center of the first flower. If using liquid glue, take care not to use too much. Wipe any excess off with a paper towel.
5. If you like, draw more flower shapes on patterned paper or contrasting colors of construction paper or card stock. Make these about 1/4 inch larger than the first ones. Glue the flower with the photo on it onto a larger flower shape, centering it so that it makes an even border.
6. Attach a chenille stem to the back of the flower with tape. Trim the stem if needed.
7. Repeat with the rest of your flower cutouts to make a beautiful photo bouquet.

Presentation Ideas

• Bundle the flowers together and tie a ribbon around the stems. Spread them out above the ribbon so that all are visible.
• Make a flowerpot to put the flowers in. Use markers or paint to decorate a styrofoam cup, stick some floral foam in the bottom, and stick the stems into it to create a pleasing arrangement. Glue some Spanish moss on top of the floral foam to complete the look.
• If you prefer, omit the stems and make the photo flowers into magnets. You can buy strips of peel and stick magnets at any craft store. Just cut off the size of magnet that you need, peel off the paper and stick it to the back of each flower.
• If you want to keep the flowers looking beautiful longer, have an adult help to laminate them before attaching the stems.

With these ideas you have one of our mothers day crafts. Visit our page Mother's Day Crafts for more.

If you never want to have to search for kids' crafts again, why not have a look at Fun Kids Crafts? You will find crafts for every holiday and occasion in it. Check out Fun Kids Crafts Today!