DIY Rolling Wood Stump End Table

A long time ago my husband and I spotted a large stump-round on someone's curb.  I begged Josh to haul this 70 pound beast into our trunk and he did because he is awesome.  We got busy removing the outer layers of bark with a crow bar.  When the bark was gone we sanded the stump until it was very smooth.  Then my dad and FIL dropped by and requested a project to do for us so we had them add casters to the bottom.  I recommend using 4 of the locking casters- they will add balance and stability to the table in case there are children around who could knock it over onto themselves.  Then it turned bitter cold in Wisconsin and we left the beast on our porch to dry out/winterize.  And then I had baby Elsa and forgot about said stump.  Fast forward to a gorgeous fall day (yesterday) when both kids napped for a very long time (4 hours).  I was finally able to paint and finish the stump.  Hooray!! I used painters tape to block off triangles of different widths.  I just eyeballed it and didn't measure, but if you're a perfectionist, by all means measure.  I used some fun paint colors to jazz up our front porch and then I sealed the table with some spray varnish.  I am so happy to have this project done in time for my favorite time of the year when front porch sitting is at its finest! Happy DIY-ing, friends!

DIY Clay Pumpkin Patch

Most days lately, Eugene excitedly runs to the doors that open to the art/activity supply storage extravaganza and yells, "MAKE, MAKE!!" until I agree that it is indeed time for a creative activity.   He also happens to be obsessed with pumpkins currently.  Almost every day he insists that we make or draw something pumpkin-y.  Today we made these clay pumpkins.  Eugene helped by rolling the clay into pumpkin shapes and coloring a few of them orange with oil pastels.  Eugene helped me find a little stick from outside and then helped paint it white.  After the stick was dry, I simply broke it into a bunch of tiny pieces which became the stems for the pumpkins.  This is an easy, fun, fall activity to do with or without kids. Enjoy!

Autumn Fun: Leaf Art Project for Kids and Adults

It's that time of year again...YAHOOOO! The leaves are turning colors and are beginning to fall from the trees.  Why not grab a few of them next time you are outside for this fun sensory project?  You can go also on a nature hike to gather leaves/weeds which is what we did.  Leaf art can not be any easier to do with your wee ones.  Eugene dipped the leaves in paint and went crazy.  We leaf-stamped, used the weeds as a paint brush and got messy with the paint.  The point of this project is to use different textures to create a design and introduce your child to using nature as a tool.  The end results are always awesome.  I ended up framing Eugene's work and he is so proud of himself! Enjoy 

3-D Hanging Bird Project for Children

Hi friends! I have another fun and simple project that you can do with your kids. These will be sure to brighten your child's day and your house.  Enjoy!

To assemble birds start by cutting out various bird shapes using any cardboard type of material (we used a cereal box).  Paint both sides a fun color and let birds dry.  Poke a small hole in the middle of the bird and insert feathers on each side. We added sequins for the eyes and then hung them using lace and washi tape.  Eugene is loving pointing to them and saying "birdie".  Another fun project would be to make a bunch of trees that could house your birds.  The possibilities are endless!

Paper Bag Owl Craft Project for Children

This is a pretty self-explanatory activity to do with your littles.  It turned out really cute and was easy enough that Eugene, who is 22 months old, was able to help.  I started by tearing two holes where the eyes would go and tearing the wings out from some scrap paper.  Eugene and I used a glue stick to attach the wings.  I let him go crazy with the pink paint (acrylic...gasp! It's not washable but we were careful, sort of).  I let Eugene scribble all over the owl and I added the details using a black Sharpie.  Any number of materials can be used, including kid-friendly ones.  You could get über creative and add sparkle, sequins, feathers etc...