LilSugar

Our "Roadway to My Heart" Downloadable Valentine Is Perfect For School!

Rebecca M Gruber — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 08:32:24 PST

Who needs hearts, kisses, and all that pink? If your home is filled with lil ones who'd rather play with cars, trucks, and things that go than add some glitter to a valentine he'll hand out at school, we've got just the card for you! We were challenged by the editors at Martha Stewart's Living in the Family Room blog to create a boy-friendly valentine that would get tots excited about more than the candy associated with Feb. 14.

The result: "Roadway to My Heart," an interactive card that combines a downloadable valentine and Matchbox cars.

Keep reading for the free download and step-by-step instructions for creating the card at home.

Creative Craft Idea: Kid's Polaroid Wall

LilSugar — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 15:52:48 PST

Create a miniphotographer in the family! If you're looking for a fresh arts and crafts idea, encourage your kids to get creative by making their own Polaroid wall. Not only will they get the chance to dabble in photography, but they'll also have a hand in decorating their own bedroom. The project can be as simple or as complicated as they'd like, depending on how many pictures they choose to take. Here are a few tips and suggestions to make sure things go smoothly:

Brainstorm special subjects. If your child isn't sure what to photograph, ask them about their favorite places, people, or objects. You'll gain insight into what they care about and at the end of the project, they'll have a collage of the things that mean most to them.
Organize a game plan to make it easier. To keep things simple, encourage your kids to take pictures of different colors, then help them create a color-coordinated masterpiece. Another idea? Pick a theme, like flowers, and go from there.
Think about display options. The Polaroids don't need to cover an entire wall. Instead, suggest that your kids display the pictures in a unique shape, like a heart or the first letter of their name.
Go the gift route. A personalized photo collage could make a great gift - maybe for grandma or a best friend? - so encourage your child to think outside the box for different possibilities.

Don't own a Polaroid camera? Not a problem. Use any printed photographs for the craft, even those printed at home on special photo paper. For a small, affordable Polaroid option, try the 300 Instant Camera ($90) and 300 Instant Film ($13).

Photo courtesy of Apartment Therapy

Get Your Craft On! 5 Valentine's Day Crafts For Tots

Nicole Abbott — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 10:06:18 PST

Arts and crafts with toddlers can be a bit messy - but lots of fun - and Valentine's Day is the perfect occasion to create some heart-shaped projects with your lil one. So break out the construction paper, glitter, paint, and glue and get creative with these five Valentine's Day crafts for tots.

Todd Oldham to Bring Kid Made Modern to Target With New Line of Art Supplies

Rebecca M Gruber — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 10:04:55 PST

Art supplies and crafts collection, designed by a real-life designer, at Target prices? Sign me up! When Todd Oldham first published Kid Made Modern ($16) almost three years ago, he created a minirevolution in the world of arts and crafts. Inspired by the most influential midcentury artists - including Alexander Calder, Charles and Ray Eames, and Marimekko - he sought to teach lil ones about their creativity through 52 projects kids could do at home, everything from creating flowers out of wire (Calder) to making polka-dotted book covers using bubble wrap (Marimekko). The projects all used a combination of household items and store-bought crafting products.

This Spring the designer is expanding his drive to inspire creativity in kids through a new partnership with Target. On May 20, Target stores nationwide will introduce more than 50 Kid Made Modern art supplies and kits, all designed and tested by Oldham himself. I got a sneak peek at the line last week and can already tell you that it will be on your must-buy list! The beautifully made products - including crayons in various shapes and sizes (the pyramid one was my favorite!), board book-making kits, gorgeous wooden blocks primed for painting, and learn-to-sew kits that feature Charley Harper's gorgeous images - are all artfully packaged in recyclable boxes (many of which double as display cases) and will all be priced under $20 (talk about great birthday presents!).

Stay tuned for more details in May (including my interview with Todd as he walked me through his favorite products). Until then, take a peek at a few of the highlights from the line!

Get Crafty: DIY Valentine's Day Cards For Tots

Natasha Dantzig — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 10:07:38 PST

Will you be my Valentine? Valentine's Day for tots doesn't have to be an expensive, complicated, time-consuming affair. Most parents and educators believe in an all-or-nothing approach when it comes to handing out Valentine's Day cards in school - meaning you make one for every kid, or for none at all, so no one's feelings get hurt. Keep reading for five easy DIY Valentine's Day cards that the kids will love making as much as they love handing them out to their lil friends.

Organize Your Life: 5 Tips For Organizing Your Kids' Artwork

Kate Stahl — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 11:00:31 PST

With the new year comes new resolutions, and for many mamas that means organizing our lives. From clearing the clutter off the kitchen counter to finding ways to get the kids out the door more efficiently each morning, we're dedicating the next few weeks to helping you achieve your goals. With just a few easy steps, this is one resolution you'll be able to cross off your list by the end of the month!

When your child is bringing home dozens of mini masterpieces each week, it can be hard not to feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of arts and crafts. You don't want to toss your lil one's hard work, but what to do with all that paper? Follow these five easy tips to organize and display your aspiring Picasso's work. You'll love the lack of clutter, and your lil one will know how much you value his creative skills.

Old-School Update: 5 Mod Paper Dolls

Kate Stahl — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 04:24:21 PST

Your little lady might not be as into paper dolls as you were at her age, but introduce her to one of these modern takes - from the hippest paper doll wall decals we've ever seen to Dwell Studio's graphic take on wallpaper featuring the classic doll (we love the whole paper doll collection from the brand) - and she'll be as doll crazy as you were . . . or are. Is a wall too much of a commitment?

Try a charitable calendar, some cute note cards, or my personal new favorite online game, where you can dress your virtual paper doll in hipster garb and even add accessories like a tattoo sleeve, retro kicks, and tribal leggings. Warning: these dolls are just as appealing to mamas as they are to kids!

A Thanksgiving Craftacular For Creative Kids

LilSugar — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 13:44:12 PST

It's turkey time, and not just the edible kind! Sandwiched in between the crafting bonanzas of Halloween in October and Christmas and Hanukkah in December, Thanksgiving crafts don't always get the respect they deserve, but it's a holiday rife with crafting possibilities.

Check out the following holiday crafts that are so cute, they just might earn a place at the adults' table.

Nothing Seedy: 5 Simple Pumpkin Seed Projects

LilSugar — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 04:45:00 PDT

Pumpkin fun doesn't have to end once the carving is complete. Instead of tossing the piles of seeds in the trash or compost, try repurposing them to use in art projects or as a delicious snack.

Check out the following selection of fun pumpkin seed activities and let us know - what do you do with your leftover pumpkin seeds?

Let's Go Fishing: A Fun and Educational Activity For Preschoolers

LilSugar — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 08:33:55 PDT

It's learning time! Mama knows that teaching her tot the ABCs, shapes, and colors is an important job, but, most of the time, it isn't easy. Getting your kiddo to pay attention can sometimes be challenging, so why not make it fun, too? The Learning Boat is a great way to get your tots motivated and teach them all about the alphabet, basic shapes, and colors. Even making the Learning Boat, is a fun and educational project!

Keep reading to find out how to build your own Learning Boat.