Tissue paper flower decorations

I found a great tutorial on Pinterest. I just had to try it !!

Here is the link if anyone's interested : 

http://thesassypepper.blogspot.com/2011/04/april-showers-bring-may-flowers.html?m=1

Freezer Paper T-Shirt Printing - Pregnancy T-Shirt

I have been wanting to do this project since I found out I was pregnant but never had the time. Finally, this week when I was ready to toss an old t-shirt out, I decided to paint it. 

I used the freezer paper method. Maybe an hour to print the image, cut out, iron and paint. Definetly glad I took the time to do this project :)

This is the link to my you tube tutorial: DIY - Freezer Paper Stenciling Tutorial - Star of Paris

Baby Proofing The Christmas Tree

When we had our first baby we decorated the tree with lovely "Baby's First Christmas" ornaments. Then the year passed and my baby started exploring more and more. Finally, last Christmas, I had to admit my ornaments were no longer child safe. So, I went out and bought new ornaments and childproofed as best I could. Here is some advice when you're planning your first kid friendly Christmas tree.

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New Christmas ornaments:
Replaced with non breakable ornaments. Purchased stuffed animal ornaments, paper ornaments and made origami ornaments. Ornaments that were delicate and we wanted on the tree were placed at the top of the tree, out of reach.

Hanging Christmas ornaments:
Removed all metal hooks from ornaments and replaced with thread.

The light outlet is behind the tree and we don't let our toddler see it. We turn the tree on/off when he's not watching. He's in a phase where he wants to plug and unplug everything if given the chance.

Purchasing a small tree. We bought a 4'-5'ft tree. Mostly I like that small tree's are easier to decorate and fit in my son's playroom. Another bonus is that he's not tempted to climb it. His favorite stuffed animal ornaments are at the bottom so he can move them around as he likes.

A Christmas tree skirt is the best way to deter my son from looking under the christmas tree. Make sure the tree skirt doesn't have any decorations that can be ripped off and become a choking hazard !! Especially those with bells.

Most of all, remember less is more. Try not to over decorate the tree. For sanity's sake, know how many ornaments are on the tree so no little hands take and hide ornaments for entertainment later.

                                                                              ******

Here are some more pictures of our Christmas tree. I can't wait for christmas morning :)

Rainy day art activity : painting with a sponge brush : age 2

Art time at our house. Age 2

I cut a small yellow sponge into strips and wrapped the strips around a paint brush with a rubber band. 

Easy project which definitely added some fun to regular painting. I used a paper plate as a paint pallet. My son enjoyed mixing the colors on the plate more than painting on paper. 

Great activity for a rainy day.

Elmo birthday cupcake topper- Sesame Street - etsy inspired project

I designed all of these cupcake toppers using Photoshop CS2 and Publisher.

The Elmo clip art I found online and modified it on photoshop. Each design is 1.5" in circumference and is printed on sticker paper.

I did two different methods to see which one I liked best. I also used lollipop sticks instead if toothpicks because of the kids.

Overall a great way to decorate cupcakes!

Front ( method 1 & method 2 comparison)

Back ( method 1 & method 2 comparison) : 

HOMEMADE PAINTS USING CORNSTARCH.....TODDLER ACTIVITY

I find that my toddler loves to get into mischief whenever possible. To avoid major chaos in the house, I decided to make homemade paints. I recently found this website, which had several different recipes to try.

http://www.kids-cooking-activities.com/finger-paint-recipes.html#paintrecipe

Making homemade paints was easier that I thought. Although they don't have the paint quality of store bought paints. When the paints touch the paper it looked like a water mess with tint rather than real paint. My son loved it, he loved sitting on the giant piece of paper and pouring paint everywhere! 

It was messy but an activity he enjoyed and I loved how easy it was to clean up. I just rinsed him off with the hose and put the paper in the recycle bin. One thing that did occur is that my son decided to taste the paint. After one taste he decided it wasn't that yummy and I was glad all the ingredients came from my kitchen.

This is the recipe I tried from the website, you should allow almost half and hour too cool completely.

Finger Paint Recipes

Basic Finger Paint 
3 Tablespoons sugar
1/2 Cup cornstarch
2 Cup water (cold)
Food coloring
Dish detergent (aids in clean up)
Mix sugar and cornstarch together in a saucepan. Add cold water and stir completely. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly about 5 minutes. Cool, then divide into 4 cups or bowls. Add food coloring and a drop of detergent to each bowl.

Read more: http://www.kids-cooking-activities.com/finger-paint-recipes.html#ixzz2Z5nc87Mb