OK…I just found this link on Family Fun.com and it spawned my latest creative decision. I think making seasonal designed shirts would be a cool idea to ring in the new season for your child and their friends.
Check out this simple, yet SUPER COOL T-shirt Craft
Another, no ‘creativity needed’ project for those of you who ask for them!!
You’re welcome!!
What family doesn’t LOVE spoiling the teachers in their lives? And wht better way to do that than with a handmade craft!
This Tote Bag is adorable and SIMPLE!
All you need is a tote bag from your local craft store or WalMart…some apples…and a few colors of acrylic paint.
This would be a great “beginning of the year” craft for a class to give to the teacher putting a child’s name on each apple. One tree on each side.
**HINT: Use acrylic paints as they are permanent and won’t wash out if Mrs. So-and-So has to throw her bag in the wash!
OK…so how sick are you of running around like a chicken with her head cut off each morning making sure one child has her instrument, the other has his inhaler and the third at least has pants on before you run out the door to the bus stop?!
This idea for a Creative Placemat solves your problem! Simply make your own placemat that highlights what needs to be done and what needs to be grabbed before heading out the door.
For little ones, I would suggest finding pictures/clip art of items instead of using words they can’t read.
For older ones, who think placemats are for babies, I would suggest a large chart near the coat rack or the shoe rack.
A little attention-getting goes a long way and makes mom more relaxed so the guilt doesn’t arrive as the bus pulls away!
OK…I am in a Family Fun Magazine kind of mood so far this week so I am going to throw some VERY cool, VERY easy crafts at you that I found while searching their site…gotta love naptime!
This first idea I just LOVE, LOVE, LOVE and know my kids would love using this Creative Carrying Tin for lunch money, notes to teachers, etc!
But above all, they will love MAKING it AND the interchangeable, magnetic lids!
Very cool idea - some commenters on the site had a few suggestions I thought were worth relaying to you:
**to be frugal - use magnets you pick up around town instead of buying the biz card ones!
**put the magnet on the back for older kids who can stick the tins to the inside of a locker!
**put photos of friends on the lid in place of artwork
LOVE THIS!!
OK…you don’t have to tell me twice to dive head-long into the cheesy goodness of pepperoni slathered with greasy, melted cheese!!
But organizing with pizza?? C’mon!
Well, here at the CAFE, anytime we get the chance to have a reason to EAT…we do it! And we do it well!!
A large pizza box is a great way to save the odd-shaped art projects, the spelling tests and math homework and all the other goodies that form gluttonous piles all around your house this time of year!
Although, I don’t have a picture for you yet…the steps are easy.
1-Line the bottom of the box with contact paper (sticky-side down, obviously) - this will keep the pizza grease that you didn’t lick up from harming her papers.
2-Start piling.
You could go farther if you wish, you know I would… 
Use the old duo-tang folders with the metal bendy tabs for whole punched paper ad organize WITHIN your box. Have a spelling folder, math, science, etc and punch holes in the papers you want to save. Odd-sized work can just be placed in the box without a folder.
While it is fresh in your mind, staple a comment card to some of the most poignant pieces. A 3 x 5 index card is perfect. Jot down a comment about the work - something you want to remember.
Clearly mark the exterior with child’s name, grade and year.
These should store nicely on a shelf in a closet or in the space between your fridge and the wall.
Start now, it will be easier!
Well, my theme of FAMILY this month will be beautifully emeshed with the “Back to School” season. If you remember the last time you looked through your child’s papers or artwork from last year, I am sure you can feel the prickly sensation of nostalgic goosebumps headed up your spine.
You save it all, right? Most moms do!
Have you ever thought, though, about the things your kids might be saving? When I went to pack my kids’ lunchboxes for the first time this year I found in a small zippered pouch FILLED with all the notes I had tucked inside during the last school year! They are saving them!! How precious!
Well, here is a precious idea from www.MomAdvice.com. Printable Lunchbox notes at your disposal every day. Make a couple copies, cut them up and tuck them inside with a well wish and imagine their smiles!!
Be creative…think about what they are studying in school and give them a giggle…i.e. if they are studying the life cycle of a frog write, “Hop to it and have a great day!”
Have fun with it!
September is when you dry your tears on the way back into your house from the bus stop each and every morning…right?
This is a tough time of year for me as I love that my kids LOVE school but I hate to see the summer over…I enjoy my children and love having them home with me! Some people have asked me why I don’t just homeschool them and I laugh and say, “I am sure that being a bit sad to see them grow up is not a reason to keep them home!” Call me crazy!
I want to focus on CELEBRATING FAMILY for September! Please send me your photos of how you have used your home as an easle for your family celebrations! I have a ton of ideas but would love to share yours as well!
See you in September!!
Creative Mom Cafe is the place to come and try your hand at something you thought you could never do or to get an idea you would never have had on your own. Most of the ideas I bring to 'the Cafe' are simple and for the creativity-challenged but every now and then I will throw in a doozie for those of you who are waiting for it.
Every month will have a theme and all ideas that month will tie in to that theme. It may be fun recipes for kids, a scrapbooking idea, an organizational tip or anything else that is in my head that month. I invite you to send your photos of projects you have done and at the end of the month I will highlight one or two "fan" projects!
Thanks, stop in the Cafe as often as you can!
Creative Mom Cafe Author(s)
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