You're An All-star, Get Your Craft On!

Upcycled Kids Bank

I can't resist a good upcycle crafts, especially when it comes to kids crafts. What is upcycling? For those of you who don't know: it means "repurposing" an item for a new use, enhancing it visually or changing it's structure in order to add value to it and functionality. And upcycling is cool. It makes you feel good. It brings new life to old stuff that might otherwise go in the trash.

Try it, and you'll get hooked like me. I have upcycled old tires into planters, pallets into furniture, jars into pretties, just to name a few. And now, I've made a coffee can into a kids bank! I dare you to try it. We've got tons of other fun crafts that use or repurpose stuff you have around the house at The Idea Box.

Colorful Butterflies
A fun crafty way to lay down some paint tracks, your kids will have so much fun "marble painting" their butterflies. And...you can apply this technique to all kinds of pictures.

Compass
Create a homemade compass with the kids. Use it to find and enjoy more summer adventures! This can also be a great teaching tool and lesson prop, or even a craft for a pirate party.

Fishing Pole
Another crafty creation, this fishing pole is designed with boredom busting in mind. Just don't run out of magnetic things that stick to your pole. This can be great for mini scavenger hunts too!

Deserted Island Survival Mix
Upcyclers, pirates, and fishermen get super hungry with all their adventures. This kid version of "trail mix" is a treasure trove of delicious kid snacks and will definitely please your little explorers.

Connect with us on Facebook and share your favorite upcycle craft or your favorite summer boredom buster for kids!

Happy Upcycling!

5 Olympic Crafts To Inspire Your Kids!

Are you ready for the London 2012 Olympic Games? If your kids haven't yet pestered you about watching the games...they will, as the onset of commercials this next week invades the TV. To keep your kids entertained and their TV time under control, here are 5 Olympic-style crafts and activities perfect for your little champs!

Olympic Medal
This is a great "up-cycle" craft to make, using stuff you already have in the house. Get creative and put those little imaginations to work!

Olympic Rings
Another craft using stuff from your pantry, these rings will inspire your little Olympians to new heights. (Hopefully with no crashes involved...)

Olympic Torch
Paper towel tubes and tissue paper...and your imagination = a crafty replica of the Olympic torch to pass, play with, or proudly display!

Water Balloon Volleyball
This is a great OUTDOOR activity involving two teams and a gazillion water balloons. It's perfect for those triple digit days.

Construction Paper Flags
Construction paper, tissue and glue come together to create a fabulous fun flag to hang or display during the Olympics. Other nationalities represented in your family? No prob...adapt this craft to any country's flag and enjoy!

No matter how you celebrate the Olympics, enjoy summer time with your kids! Connect with us on Facebook to share your favorite Olympic crafts and games!

5 Easy Summer Crafts

Easy Wind Chimes

How does your family fill the summer days? Having trouble coming up with new crafts or activities to keep the kiddos busy?

Not to worry! I found some fun and easy crafts to try this weekend that won't break the piggy bank.

Easy Wind Chimes
Our Easy Wind Chimes are not only easy to assemble, but there's a good chance you already have all the materials at home! See, you don't even have to leave the house...

Easy Birdfeeder
I love this idea of "reusing" or "repurposing" and try to incorporate these ideas into our daily life. Our Easy Birdfeeder really can't get much easier. And your kids will think you quite the clever birdie!

Flower Pot Wind Bell
I love wind chimes and wind bells so this craft is perfect for a gentle summer breeze. Again, you probably have all the materials for this at home, waiting to be used!

Homemade Bubble Makers
This activity forces your kids to get creative and use their imaginations! Making up bubble makers from found items is a great idea for helping their little heads not to turn into summer slushies...

Fruit Kabob
I love this snack because (like the others) it's simple to assemble, you probably have the materials in your refrigerator and...even little hands can help with this! The best part is the tasty treat to enjoy when they are all done!

Share your favorite summer time boredom buster with us on Facebook!

Simple Summer Time Crafts

A Slice of Watermelon Craft

In the summer time, when the weather is fine...create some cool with our easy summer crafts and snacks! This watermelon paper plate craft is perfect for bulletin boards, displays and even invitations or greeting cards.

Bathtub Beach Fun
With a little help from fun foam and the bathtub, you can create some crazy sea creatures your kiddos will enjoy during bath time or in the back yard with the sprinklers full blast.

Bumble Bees
This simple paper craft is quick and easy, great for eating up some in between time or as a lesson illustration for bugs and summer critters. It's bright and buzzy!

Cold Potato Game
A super cool game on a hot summer day, this is played with water balloons and creates quite a splash! Just be sure to play it outside, equipped with swimsuits or summer gear!

Daisy Finger Prints
Create a sweet homemade card or art project using our daisy finger prints craft. Even the littlest fingers can help with this one and it makes the daisies twice as nice!

5 Cup Fruit Salad
This snack recipe is refreshing, light and fun - the perfect combination for a summer afternoon or to serve at a BBQ or picnic. The kids can even help prepare this fruity treat!

Enjoy your summer and your kids (& help your kids enjoy summer)! Connect with us on Facebook and share your favorite summer craft.