DIY Handprint Bouquets

Just in time for Valentines Day! This craft is fun, cute and simple!

For this project you will need:

Paint (Red)
Paint Brush
Paper (I used regular construction paper)
Pipe Cleaners (Green & Pink for a bow)
Scissors
Marker
Tape/Hot Glue Gun
Laminating Paper (optional)

Since I created a few bouquets for the family, and have two children, this project took me a little longer than if you were to create one. But still, it was simple enough! If you are a handprint master then this will be a piece of cake! I tend to avoid handprint art because, well... I'm lazy. This actually wasn't hard at all!

First, paint the child's hand. I stuck with one hand to make clean up easier. I've learned the less paint the better. Do an even layer over the entire hand.

Next, press the hand firmly and press over each finger. Pinkies and Thumbs are easily left off if you don't give them a little help.

Perfect! Now, do this as many times as you would like! I did 2 handprints per child, per bouquet. I would have definitely added more if I was only making one bouquet.

Lay the papers flat to dry. Mine dried fairly quickly, within 30 minutes.

When the handprints are dry, begin cutting them out along the edge. I did my daughter's handprints in two different shades so I could clearly tell whose were whose.

After I cut out the handprints I labeled them on the back with my child's name, the year and their current age.

If you are using tape, you will want to write this information on the back top of the handprints so it does not get covered.

After this step, I self laminated the handprints. This was by far the most complicated part. I am the world's worst laminator and always somehow mess it up. Surprisingly, it didn't go too bad. This step was more to protect the paper and handprints so they would last throughout the years for memories! Again, this step is completely optional.

After you cut out the handprints, you can attach them to the "stem". I used a hot glue gun and it worked like a charm! I simply placed the glue on the back of the handprint and laid the pipe cleaner on top and pressed it down securely.

Now you will have beautiful handprint flowers!

I twisted the bottoms of the stems together and tied it with a pink bow to finish it off!

I'm going to play around with different ways to finish off the bouquets and will update the blog later! Have fun creating your own unique bouquets for your loved ones!

Projects with a Toddler Made Easy

I am a mom of two girls ages 1 & 3. I'm married. I work a full-time job. We like to travel.

I have no time.

One of my biggest priorities when I start my day is to spend one-on-one time with my daughters. My 3 year old struggles when we don't have some direct time together. I've tried doing it all myself. I've tried creating projects. I've tried spending $80 at a craft store but still having to struggle with what I will create.

THIS HAS FINALLY STOPPED!

Once a month, I get a box delivered to my door. I open it and inside lies 20 days worth of pre-bagged activities and projects I can do with my daughters. 20 days of learning. 20 days of ITEMS that I don't need to buy. I don't need to scrounge, stress out, or prep. My life has literally changed.

Mother Goose Time has made the biggest impact on my family in the best way!

I didn't plan on homeschooling my toddler. I was simply looking for something a little extra to do with her every day and this kit is perfect! You can combine days, spread them out, or do it a day at a time. There is no one to answer to but yourself, and a full kit delivered to your door that will help you and your child learn new things every day.

I am constantly impressed with the items received in this kit. For example: this week we learned about Pine Trees and Pinecones. I combined the days because, due to a crazy schedule, sometimes we have to miss a day of "class". These are straight-out-of-Pinterest, amazingly fun projects! THESE KITS COME WITH EVERYTHING!!!!

Bella and I were so excited to make this Invitation to Create Bird Feeder! This is something I have seen around since I was a child, but never had the supplies to create myself. First off, I don't have bird seeds (ever) and I don't live near pinecones. I opened our daily bag to two full-size Pinecones, bird seed and string (along with tons and tons of other items FOR ONE DAY). Look at this face!

Not only does it come with everything you need, it comes with an explanation on how to use the items and teach your child something new. It is fool-proof.

Our bird feeders came out perfectly and we also learned about the life cycle of Pine Trees! Bella uses so many skills thanks to this Preschool Program. These are things I could never do on my own. I'm grateful for this company! Check out the photos below of us creating our awesome project thanks to Mother Goose Time!

 

 

*After months of being a paying customer, I was approached by Mother Goose Time to receive this month's box for free in exchange for my honest feedback!

 

Quick Tutorial: Mess-Free Art Display

Quick Tutorial - Mess Free Art Display

Estimated Time for Project: 5 minutes (unless your kids try to help)

My oldest daughter has started the Mother Goose Time Homeschool Preschool program (which I will explain later) in which she creates a lot of awesome stuff daily. She wants to proudly display it and so do I. This was a cheap, easy and cute way to hang her art without putting holes in the wall or cramming the refrigerator door.

Items Needed:

1) Command Damage Free Hanging (Cord Organization) - I found this at my local dollar store!

2) String
3) Scissors
4) Clothespins

Steps:

1) Hang your hooks on opposing sides of the wall (as level as you can when free-handing it because you don't have time to measure precisely).

2) Wrap the string around your index finger loosely and tie a knot to create a small loop.

3) Hang the loop on the first hook and measure how long you would like your string. You can have the string tight or loose depending on your space. Cut.

4) Wrap the string around your index finger loosely and tie a knot to create a small loop. Hang the loop on the 2nd hook.

5) Use Clothespins to hang whatever you like!

This is our Work-In-Progress Supply Center for Homeschooling