hands on : as we grow

34 Recyclables to Upcycle for the Kids

I don't think its possible to be a hands on mom without saving anything and everything imaginable.

Ever since I started doing crafts and activities with Henry, we've been hoarding recyclables.

Henry actually has his own 'recycling center' now.

So, what is worth saving?
What can be put to good use for the kids?

I've come up with a list of 34 items to reuse that tend to be in your recycling bin. Try setting them aside before taking them out to be recycled.

What can this recyclable become?

What can it be upcycled into?

A collection of 34 Recyclables to Upcycle just for the Kids

Believe me though, its not just limited to these!

I'm collecting more and more ways to upcycle your recyclables on Pinterest.

Its never ending.


	Milk Jugs Jug Toss Creative Connections for Kids Water Bottle Big Bubbles Projects for Preschoolers

Valentine's Day Stamped Cards

CraftProjectIdeas.com is showing the love this February.

On top of graciously adding a $1 donation to the American Heart Association for every Heart Book sold in February, they sent me this fun stamp kit! [And one to giveaway to one of you!]

Henry and I broke it out and made some Valentine Cards!

I haven't ever owned a stamp before, so this was a thrill for me, too.

It's Playtime! The Heart Project Features

The Heart Project has been kicked off great.
A week into it and we've raised well over our initial goal over $1,000 for the American Heart Association. We've now re-evaluated our goal, and lifted it to $2k, will you help us make it?

The Heart Project is a book [The Heart Book] full of heart projects for kids to do! So many great ideas to get crafty and artsy, even get the kids in the kitchen with you, or play with some hearty items!

A few were found last week on It's Playtime. I thought I'd give you another sneak peek of the hearts in the book.

I don't mind giving you these sneak peeks of the heart projects that are in the book. Because there are well over 100 heart projects in the book. So this is just a slim choosing of them!

Plus, they're pretty awesome and I just have to show them off!

[A Little Learning for Two: Stacked Rainbow Hearts]

Read more »

Labels: Activities, Activities for Preschoolers, Crafts, fundraiser, Holidays, It's Playtime, Its Playtime, Valentine's Day

100 Acts of Kindness: Create Something from the Heart

kindness act, collaborative memory piece of art

100 Acts of Kindness.

Toddler Approved has a series on it, with many ideas for kindness and how to instill it in our children.

While we're trying to do our acts of kindness, teaching what kindness is to a three year old seems tough at times. By acting kind to each other, and leading my example, is the only way I can figure out how to teach this concept.

To contribute to Kristina's series, we are sharing a very special gift we made for his Grandpa, in memory of the boys' Grandma.

While this is a more 'elaborate' project than a quick kindness gesture. May I just suggest creating something from the heart for someone you love as an act of kindness.

Kids Valentine's Day Craft: Strings of Hearts Chandelier

valentine's day craft for kids, strings of hearts chandelier

We're really getting into Valentine's Day now!

We added these strings of hearts to our dining room chandelier!

I cannot tell you all the levels of learning that Henry worked on when making these.

"Make it Kid Friendly" Idea: Fine Motor Hearts

Feeling the love?

Hope so! Valentine's Day is just around the corner.

And so is The Heart Project!

We have 60+ bloggers creating a terrific ebook of heart projects!

These hearts caught my eye.

They're beautiful.

And the clothespins are such a nice touch!

I apologize, but I cannot find the origin of this photo.

I found it via Pinterest and cannot find it on the website that its linked to.

On to the fun stuff now!

How to make this a kid-friendly activity:

32 Snow, Snowflakes, Snowmen! Its all about the Snow!

Snow!

Its mid-January, and we still have grass in Iowa!
No snow!

However, I'm in the mood for snow.
So we're going to have a little fun with some snow activities!

Get crafty!
Get creative!
Learn a little!
Or just have fun with these 32 snow themed kids activities!

_________________ real snow activities :
	Snow Faces: The Chocolate Muffin Tree Color the Snow: hands on : as we grow
	Melting Snowmen: Toddler Approved Snowflake Shapes: A Placed Called Kindergarten
	Snow Construction Site: NurtureStore Snowflake Movement: PreK and K Sharing
	Life Cycle of a Snowman: The Frugal Teacher Counting Buttons: Kindergarten Hoppenings
	Make Snow: The Chocolate Muffin Tree Snowman Play Dough: NurtureStore
	Sock Snowballs: The Golden Gleam Snowball Throwing: I Can Teach My Child
_________________ creative snow :
	Packing Peanut Snowflakes: Sun Hats & Wellie Boots Crystal Snowflakes: Come Together Kids
	Crayon Resist Snowflake Art: Art Projects for Kids Cut Snowflakes: hands on : as we grow
	Snow Paint Snowflakes: Mom Endeavors Snow Puppets: by My Creative Family on hands on : as we grow
	Tape Resist Snowflake Art: Little Learners Lounge Toilet Tube Snowflake: Tinkerlab
	Snow Bag Snow Globe: De Tout Et De Rien Marshmallow Snowman: hands on : as we grow
	Marshmallow Igloo: The Golden Gleam Marshmallow Prints: What the Teacher Wants
_________________ snow sensory tubs :
	Shaving Cream Snow: Dinosaurs & Octopuses Dish Soap Snow: You Pinspire Me
	Rice as Snow: Pre-school Play Bring Snow Indoors: Mama Smiles
	Build a Snowman Tub: Our Cup of Tea Defrost the Freezer: Make, Do & Friend
	Build a Snowman Tub: Our Cup of Tea InstaSnow Construction Site: {Share & Remember}