Shamrocks On The Brain!

Shamrock Suncatcher 

Easy Shamrock Cards

Felt Shamrock

Can it be? St. Patrick's Day and Spring already? It felt like Winter had settled in to stay (at least in my neck of the woods, Western Idaho). It rained today. And all the snow in my yard is finally melted. I could actually make out some green bits here and there. 

When I see green this early in the year it always makes me think of shamrocks, rainbows and leprechauns. Plus, I am a sucker for Lucky Charms. So I thought I would share a few shamrock crafts I found on the internet. Enjoy! May the luck of the Irish be with you!

Visit The Idea Box for more crafts, snacks and activities for Spring! 

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Time To Play!

Homemade Playdough

Braided Felt Cuff Tutorial

Glove Monsters

Sometimes, you just need to play. Play with the kids, play with your food, play with some crafts or play outside. In my neck of the woods winter is dragging on and on and I feel like I just need to get out and play. Since the outdoors are not very friendly right now, I've collected a few crafts you can make with the kids to play with! Enjoy...and get your play on!

Visit The Idea Box for more crafts, snacks and activities ideal for fostering play! 

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Epic Crafts In Honor Of The Olympics!

Winter Olympics Medals

Team USA Headband

Ceremonial Olympic Torch

Team Spirit Beaded Bracelets

Paper Plate Olympic Rings

Celebrate the 2014 Winter Olympics with these kid-approved crafts and projects.  The Olympics (Winter and Summer) are a big event at my house, no pun intended. 

Finding interesting ways to keep busy little fans occupied, after they get bored with all of five minutes watching the actual Olympics coverage, is always a challenge. 

I've put together a few ideas to get you started...Who knows, you might just inspire a future Olympian!

Visit The Idea Box for more crafts, snacks and activities ideal for your kids or classrooms! 

Connect with me on Facebook, Twitter, & Pinterest where I share more ideas and inspiration!

Valentine's Day Crafts Roundup!

Glitter Rock Valentines

Heart Sculptures

Sparkly, Beaded Salt Dough Ornaments

Melted Bead Suncatchers

Painting Heart Doilies

Here's a fun roundup of Valentine's Day crafts to do with your little sweethearts. Some are messy, some are...less messy. No matter which you choose to make with the littles, you'll enjoy the grins and giggles these crafts will inspire. Make some to share or display!

Visit The Idea Box for more crafts, snacks and activities ideal for your kids and classrooms! 

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Valentine's Gift Ideas

Ombre Paper Heart Necklace

With Valentine's Day close at hand, I thought I would share some crafty gift ideas you and your kids can make to enjoy or share as gifts. I'll start with my favorite - Ombre Paper Heart Necklace. I think this would make such a cute teacher's gift and much more simple to make than it looks - a bonus!

DIY Puppy Hair Clip

For little girls and their friends, make up some of these sweet little puppy hair clips to wear and share. Or use the tutorial to adapt this DIY Puppy Hair Clip into a kitty hair clip too!

Valentine's Day Arm Warmers

And if simple is your key word for 2014 - check out these Valentine's Day Arm Warmers! Grab a funky pair of holiday socks from your drawer (or head to Walmart or Target for some) and with a pair of scissors and a few minutes - you'll have adorable and warm arms!

DIY Whimsy Heart Ornament

Last but not least, this DIY Whimsy Heart Ornament is made with felt and could be adapted to a classroom craft project. It's also a fun craft to use as a parent or grandparent gift, or even make at Christmas as a tree ornament. Enjoy!

Visit The Idea Box for more crafts, snacks and activities ideal for your kids and classrooms! 

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Spooky Fun Halloween Crafts

DIY Monster Mugs

Got little monsters that you need to keep busy and entertained? Try some of our crafts, activities and snacks that tie in great for Halloween, harvest time and autumn seasonal learning! Here's just a few to get you started!

Cool Spider Treats
A very yummy spin on cupcakes - you provide the cupcakes, your kids will provide the inspiration for creating spooky little spider treats!

Finger Ghosts
A funky way to create fun little finger ghosts. All it takes is some paper, glue, tissue and little hands to create cute ghostly hand puppets.

Footprint Bat
I love a good handprint or footprint craft because I love preserving my kids' little hands and feet into an artful holiday painting - or just a zany Halloween decoration!

Ghost Footprints
Another silly way to create painted ghosts. Get those feet out and some white paint. Your little ones' feet will make the cutest ghosts ever.

Handprint Spider
Handprint crafts are fun and easy and always turn out so cute! With paper, paint and your little one's hands create a cute spider to decorate any room for Halloween.

Paper Bag Pumpkin
This two day craft is a fun way to create a painted paper bag pumpkin to hang around the classroom or a front porch. There's a lot of painting so this might be perfect for bigger kids.

Handprint Pumpkin Patch
With paper, some paint and a few little hands you can help your little ones create an adorable pumpkin patch to display or share with a friend or grandparent!

Visit The Idea Box for more crafts, snacks and activities for Halloween! 

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Autumn Inspired Crafts

Finger Print Indian Corn

Gather some paint in fall colors, paper and your little fingers to create this fun paper Indian corn project to decorate any class or refrigerator for fall.

Fall Colors Place Mat
This is a unique project with a twist on fall colors and using leaf patterns in art. The best part - when the kids are done creating, you can turn their project into a place mat to keep!

Fun Pumpkin Bowl
A delicious treat and cute to boot - hollow out a pumpkin and fill it with fresh cut fruits or veggies for a unique pumpkin bowl for your harvest or Halloween party.

Giant Acorns
This is a great activity to get kids thinking about nature. Paper, crayons and a nearby tree create a lovely textured acorn for craft embellishments or to display on it's own.

Handprint Pumpkin Patch
With some orange paint and a few little hands, you can create an adorable pumpkin patch to enjoy or display throughout Autumn.

Fall Number Tree
Take the kids outdoors for a little leaf gathering walk and it becomes a fun fall method to learn their numbers.  Practice numbering the leaves back inside!


Visit The Idea Box for more crafts, snacks and activities for autumn! 

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Applicious Ideas For Fall

Image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Fall is the perfect time to express your love for apples, orchards and all things under the harvest moon! I've collected and shared a few craft and snack ideas to get you and your kids well on your way to enjoying and celebrating the autumn season!


Apple Bag
This project may be used as a lesson tool, classroom decor or Autumn take home craft. It's simple and you may already have the supplies on hand.

Apple Hod Pad
This craft is very unique and fun. However, the instructions call for hot glue (which works best) but could be hard for younger kids to work with.

Apple Face
A fun and easy craft project to make with preschoolers, this craft also doubles as a nice bulletin board decor for fall in the classroom or homeschool room.

Apple Painting
One of my favorites, this art process is a little different. Use an apple, cut in half, as your paint "stamp" and dip it in paint to create interesting shapes on paper or burlap.

Apple Cobbler
This apple snack is very simple and yummy. I think it's the perfect autumn snack, especially on chilly fall evenings.


Visit The Idea Box for crafts, snacks, games and activities for fall! 

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Patriotic Projects for Memorial Day Weekend

Celebrate Freedom Hat

Memorial Day is a special time to honor those who have passed while serving our country in the military. It's also an opportune time to teach kids about patriotism and make some special and fun crafts too.

Handprint Flag
Handprint crafts and activities are some of my favorite, although a little messy.  Put your littlest hands and fingers to work to create a flag mural for your classroom, or a smaller version to take home with them.

Patriotic Parfait
This is a fun and patriotic snack that the kids can help prepare.  Assemble your fruit, let your little fruits assemble the snack, add whipped cream...and enjoy!

Patriotic Paper Chain

Red, White, & Blue Wreath
Add a little flair to your classroom, home or front porch with this easy paper wreath. It will add some sparkle to your room and some sparkle to your kids!

Safe Sparklers
Want to make something to really celebrate with?  Try our safe sparklers craft with older kids as it is a little more work for little hands to manage.

Stars & Stripes Snacks
Try this super easy and yummy snack!  Even the littlest hands can manage this one and they have tons of fun creating and eating their little flags.

Visit The Idea Box for more crafts, games and snacks to create for Memorial Day! Connect with us on Facebook where I share more ideas from other crafty bloggers and sites or follow us on Pinterest and create your own pinboard full of kids crafts!

Enjoy your Memorial Day and your kids!

Easy Peasy Mother's Day Gifts

Craft Stick Heart Frame

Mother's Day is such a wonderful holiday - when else do we take the time to honor our moms and let them know how special they are? Here are some very simple, easy crafts to create at home or in the class perfect for gifting to the sweet moms or grandmothers in your kids' lives.

Button Pin
This is a fun and creative idea for making your own lapel or scarf pins for Mother's Day using buttons, craft pins and basic craft supplies.

Coupons for Mom
I love this easy and thoughtful gift for mom, especially if your a budget savvy person. Have the kids draw their own coupons for Mom onto regular paper or cardstock with markers and crayons. Some ideas for the coupons might be:

Coupon for unloading the dishwasher (or washing the dishes)
Coupon for a back rub or foot massage
Coupon for a quiet hour or two by herself (bubble bath or a good book)
Coupon for breakfast in bed or made by the kids

Use your imagination to make all kinds of quick and fun coupons for mom.

Here are a few more ideas for fun and easy Mother's Day gifts to make!

Candy Jar

Fingerprint Garden
This craft idea can be made from cloth (which will require some sewing) or you can keep it simple and create the same fingerprint garden on a piece of heavy construction paper or cardstock.

Flower Pens for Mom
With some ink pens, silk flowers and a little floral tape you can make a pretty and functional bouquet of flowers for your mom as an office gift or desk gift.


Visit The Idea Box for tons of crafts and activities to create for Mother's Day! Connect with us on Facebook where I share more ideas from other crafty bloggers and sites or follow us on Pinterest and create your own pinboard full of kids crafts!

Earth Day Every Day

Image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

In case you missed it Earth Day was this past Monday. But why not make every day Earth Day? Teach your kids or class to celebrate and appreciate our planet by including earth friendly crafts and activities on a regular basis. Earth Day crafts also make great lesson tools too.

Coffee Filter Earth
Simple and fun: use a coffee filter and food coloring to create pretty version of the earth to display or use in Earth Day lessons and activities.

Handprint Apricot
Another fun handprint painting idea: create a picture of apricots for Spring with your little hands and share the finished project with special friends.

Earth Resource Wheel
Create a fun learning tool with 2 paper plates, crayons and brads. Your kids will enjoy making and learning about the earth and the weather!

Handprint Flower
Construction paper, paint, your hands and imagination are all you need to create a pretty handprint flower painting to hang up or share.

Edible Earth
I love this tasty spin on regular rice krispie treats. Go to the kitchen, get your ingredients and get ready to make your very own edible earth!

Need more Earth Day projects or Spring themed ideas for your class or homeschool? Visit The Idea Box for tons of games, crafts and snacks to create with your kiddos! Connect with us on Facebook where I share more ideas from other crafty bloggers and sites or follow us on Pinterest and create your own pinboard full of kids crafts!

April Showers Bring Spring!

Budding Spring Tree

Start your Spring lessons with a happy Budding Spring Tree created with Q-tips or fingertips - whichever is handy! Then hang your trees on a bulletin board or around your classroom to enjoy.

April Fool's Hamburger
This snack will tickle the funny bones off your toddlers and preschoolers as they help you create "hamburgers" made from cookies and colored frosting!

Animal Matching
A simple game to create and play with little kids to teach them about different animals and the sounds they make. Use magazine images and supplies you already have on hand.

April Showers Umbrella
This craft project is easy to do and great for preschoolers learning about the weather or seasons. When it's all done you'll have a colorful umbrella to show off!

Butterflies!
This is a fun activity that's great for little hands still mastering their fine motor skills. Create this pretty butterfly with your little ones to display and enjoy.

Number Salad
This healthy and yummy fruit salad snack is fun to make and teaches little kids their numbers by mixing the counting in with the preparation. Yummy!

The weather and the outdoors are starting to show definite signs of Spring. Take advantage of the season change by trying more fun Spring activites from The Idea Box. Connect with us on Facebook for kid-inspired ideas and crafts!

Easter Crafts Part 2

Watercolor Easter Eggs

It's amazing what coffee filters, magic markers and water can do to create something special for Easter! Your kids will love this simple and easy craft, and you can use it as an object lesson. Or turn the coffee filter eggs into classroom decorations or pair with another craft project as an accent.

Easter Bags
I love this simple craft for creating Easter "bags." Using white lunch sacks, paints, stickers, etc your class can create their own "baskets" to fill with Easter grass and candy!

Easter Cupcakes
This is a fun snack activity that the kids can help decorate. You furnish the cupcakes and some fun toppings and let the kids get messy and create their own decorated Easter treats.

Easter Egg Fantasies
This is quite the art project for an older class (and I don't recommend it for small fingers). It involves actually cutting into uncooked eggs and emptying out the insides, then decorating the insides with small scenes.

Easter Egg Surprise
Essentially a paper mache project, this is a fun idea for creating a bit of mystery and a surprise. Again, I wouldn't attempt this with small children but it's definitely a fun idea!

Green Easter Basket
Talk about going green! This project takes it to the next level by planting and growing grass in your Easter baskets. I think it's such a fun idea and makes a great learning tool too.

No matter how you celebrate Easter, at home or in the classroom, enjoy the Spring weather, signs of new life and all that Easter symbolizes!

Visit The Idea Box to find many more crafty Easter ideas or connect with us on Facebook where I share daily inspiration and fun ideas I find out on the Internet!

Easter Crafts 1...

Easter Eggs

Are you ready for Easter? Do you have any Easter crafts or activities planned for your little chicks? Grab some paper towels and washable markers to create this simple and pretty Easter egg. Or try one of our other suggested Easter crafts!


Paper Plate Easter Baskets
Grab those paper plates and some ribbon to create simple Easter baskets to fill with a take home treat or something sweet!

Paper Plate Easter Hat
Pull out the paper plates and as many different kinds of embellishments as you can find. This craft reminds me of making a bride's practice bouquet from her shower gift ribbons.

Swirled Easter Eggs
With some clear plastic eggs and paint your class or home-school group can create some very pretty swirled Easter eggs to keep or share.

Easter Basket Cupcakes
Bake some cupcakes and add green frosting. Then set out some Easter candies (jelly beans, peeps, etc) and let the kids decorate. Don't forget the licorice handles!

Easter Egg Dance
This activity takes a bit of prep time before the dance actually begins. It works a lot like a cake walk, only with laminated Easter eggs on the floor to land on - have fun!


Visit The Idea Box for more Easter crafts and activities or other class ideas for Spring, May Day and Memorial Day. Connect with us on Facebook where we share even more craft ideas and inspiration!

Luck O' The Irish...

Image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Have you visited our St. Patrick's Day crafts & activities page? If you're lucky you will find all kinds of ideas and projects for your class, home-school or Sunday school to keep you and your little leprechauns busy! Here are a few good ones to get you started.

Bell Pepper Shamrock Prints
Using a bell pepper and some green paint, you can help your kids use your garden veggie to create pretty shamrocks on paper.

Paper Dot Rainbows
Using a hole punch and a whole lot of colored constructions paper, your little ones can create paper dot rainbows - they make great wall hangings!

Shake & Make Shamrocks
A salty alternative to using glitter, help your little ones create green "glitter" from salt to decorate they pretty paper shamrocks with.

St. Patrick's Day Crown
With some simple craft supplies, you and your class can create some pretty funky crowns in honor St. Patrick's Day or to use as lesson tools!

Pots of Gold
This craft is a nifty tool for teaching counting skills or creating a fun decorative object for St. Patrick's Day

Lucky Charms Sort
Another fun counting tool, this activity not only teaches little kids how to sort shapes and colors while counting, but it also makes a fun snack too!

Visit The Idea Box where we have tons of great holiday crafts, games and snack recipes. Connect with us on Facebook and join our community to receive inspiration and more great ideas for your classroom.

Leprechaun Love!

Image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

An Old Irish Blessing

May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind always be at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
and rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.


Leprechaun Gifts
This is a fun gift (and easy craft) for kids to make to share with someone special in honor of St. Patrick's Day.

Gold Stone
A fun way to decorate small stones and then hide them for kids to find either around the class, home or even in a sandbox.

Leprechaun Search
A fun game of hide the leprechaun gifts and letting kids seek them out by following festive clues you leave around the class or home.

Handy Shamrocks
A cute handprint craft to create a shamrock and share with parents or grandparents and perfect for March, St. Patrick's Day and good luck!

Leprechaun Treats
This is a fun edible craft that kids will enjoy creating and then eating at snack time. The ingredients are simple and you may already have them on hand.

Irish Soda Bread
Make a traditional Irish soda bread with your kids to enjoy at snack time or as part of a lesson about St. Patrick's Day, Ireland or even bread making. Enjoy!

Need more craft ideas for March or St. Patrick's Day? Visit The Idea Box where we have tons of great holiday crafts, games and snack recipes. Or connect with us on Facebook to join our community and get daily inspiration and even more great ideas for your classroom or homeschooling.

Shamrocks Rock!

Image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Inspire your little ones at home or in the classroom to enjoy spring by creating some easy shamrock crafts.

Bakers Clay Shamrocks
With some pantry ingredients and craft paint you can help your little leprechauns create some festive clay shamrocks to display or share!

Filter Paper Shamrocks
Use coffee filters and food coloring to create pretty paper shamrocks that make adorable bulletin board or classroom decorations.

Clover Chain
Use real clovers or paper ones to form a clover chain and hang it around your class or home to celebrate St. Patty's special day!

Easy Shamrocks
Turn green paper hearts into a festive shamrock picture, perfect for a greeting card or to hang up and display.

Follow The Leprechaun
Get your creative juices flowing and use "Follow the Leader" game to make St. Patrick's Day a little luckier
for all your little leprechauns!

Visit The Idea Box for even more St. Patrick's day craft ideas, projects and snack recipes. Or connect with us on Facebook for more spring time inspiration!

Valentine's Day Kids Crafts Part 2

Cupcake Liner Lollipop Flowers

Yes, today is Valentine's Day. And if you find yourself stumped and looking for some quick, easy and fun crafts either for sharing or just for something to do - we have some fun crafts and activities waiting for you at The Idea Box.

Doily Hearts Sachets
Using paper heart doilies and yarn, you can make this super simple sachet to share with teachers, grandparents or friends.

Footprint Valentine
I love hand and foot print crafts and this one is super sweet! You need a little bit of white paint, red paper and of course sweet little feet to create a special Valentine!

Edible Valentines
Little kids always seem to enjoy making crafts they can eat later. Grab some graham crackers, frosting and conversation hearts and make some edible treats!

H-E-A-R-T
And if singing is your thing, try adapting the tune of "Bingo" by substituting the letters for "Heart" and see what fun you can have with your little valentines

Glitter Coffee Can Valentine Box

And if you are needing a last minute Valentine's Box - turn your coffee can into a simple container to hold all that love! Visit The Idea Box for more crafts and ideas just for kids or connect with us on Facebook for even more inspiration!

Valentine's Day Kids Crafts Part 1

Craft Stick Heart Frame

Got sticks, hearts and glue? You can have an adorable stick heart frame too! This simple frame is fun for kids to create, lets them paint and the result is a lovely gift for a parent or grandparent. Been there, done that? We have more crafty Valentine's activities for you to try!

Cloth Valentines
This is a simple crafty valentine that takes a bit of fabric, glue and polyfil. The result is an adorable Valentine to hang or decorate a class with.

A Valentine Song For You
Sung to the tune of "If You're Happy And You Know It" this little jingle will bring smiles to the adults and giggles to the kids! (Perfect for a preschool class!)

Beaded Valentine
This cute and crafty valentine uses simple supplies but takes a bit of work to master. You will love the results and it would be a great Valentine's Day craft for 1st and 2nd graders.

Dipped Marshmallows
What part of marshmallows dipped in chocolate and coated with all sorts of candies and sprinklers doesn't sound good to you? The kids will love it.

Conversation Heart Banner

Didn't see something you want to make here? Visit The Idea Box for lots more Valentine's Day crafts and activities. Or connect with us on Facebook to share your favorite Valentine's Day kids crafts and get inspired too!

Ground Hog's Day Fun!

Pop-Up Groundhog

Are you so excited for Groundhog's Day? Well, maybe you aren't but the kiddos will be! What a fun holiday?!

It provides an opportunity for teaching kids about nature and animals...and a reason to do fun crafts based on a super cute small fuzzy creature! Kids can relate.

I've rounded up some really fun crafts, all with a groundhog theme. First, try out AllKidsNetwork's Pop-Up Groundhog craft with your little ones.

Here are some other groundhog crafts and activities in honor of our furry little friend, from The Idea Box.

Popping Groundhog

Groundhog Tunnel Game

Groundhog Day Song and Puppet

Groundhog Day Shadow Screen

Groundhog Snacks

Visit The Idea Box for crafts and activities for many different holidays and occasions. Or connect with us on Facebook to share resources and more fun creative crafts for kids!