A face can be transformed entirely into an animal or character,   or even a monster.   Or a portion of a child’s face can be painted – often with a simple design, such as a butterfly,  a star,  or whatever suits ones fancy.  Facepainting just adds more fun to a great day!

Stamps are interesting because they can be from different countries,  thus becoming a geography lesson.   They may be very old, or they may be new.    Stamps are available in all colors and numerous styles.   The variety of stamps to look at and collect seems to be unlimited.

Stamps  are readily available and have great historical significance.  Stamp collecting can  be very exciting,  and the fact that many may be acquired free or at minimum expense makes it great for kids and adults alike.

We may find that our children enjoy the same exact interests that we find pleasure in.   On the other hand,  we may find a child who is completely into something new and different from our taste.   It is important,  therefore,  to present a variety of choices for our kids to explore.

Most children enjoy sports,  so any athletic activity is a great hobby for kids.   Football,  soccer,  basketball and little league baseball are all popular sports,  along with track and field events.    My granddaughter also takes lessons in dancing,  cheerleading,  and baton twirling.

Opportunities to get your kids involved are everywhere.   Any hobby that kids actively participate in,  whether it is a sport or a handicraft, will help your children to stay in shape and learn new talents in the process.

Anyone can go to the store to find a card,  and I’ll admit you can find some really nice ones.  ( Sometimes you have to pay a ‘really nice’ price,  too.)

The card pictured here is very simple,  yet beautiful and different.   You’ll never find one like it in any store.   It won’t cost you an arm and a leg to make it,   and you can have it finished in no time.

(Click the underlined link above for more origami ideas.)

Consider yourself fortunate if you still have your mother.    I lost my mother to heart disease nearly 16 years ago.   My husband’s mother passed away just this week,  just a few days before Mother’s Day, and her funeral will be held this Saturday.     We can’t complain, though,  as she was around for a long time.   She would have been 99 years old on her birthday next month.

Enjoy your mother while you can and always be sure to show her your appreciation.

As a preschool teacher, it’s important to make sure that kids are not only learning basic skills, but they’re also interacting with each other socially. The process of learning friendships with other children is something that’s often overlooked among parents, yet it’s very important to establish that kind of rapport early on.

By utilizing preschool craft ideas and developmental toys and games, such as age appropriate puzzles and art projects, kids can learn how to cultivate friendships and take part in effective team-building at an early age and are able to carry on that kind of understanding about relationships throughout adolescence, their teen years and eventually adulthood.

How to Sell Your Crafts Locally, Globally, and On-Line

Nearly everyone who is involved to some extent in crafting,  I would imagine,  has considered the possibility of selling their handmade items for additional income  and to have an outlet for their many beautiful creations.    Sooner or later,  the supply of these items becomes too much to keep on hand.    Let’s consider what the marketplace has to offer for handmade items.

There is a remarkable new opportunity for crafters in these present times.   Handmade items are popular.   The market is ripe for creativity,   and there are numerous opportunities for sales -  opportunities that perhaps did not exist a few years back.

To be successful in selling your crafts,   you must first determine the right price for each item.   You want to be sure that the prices you set are not too expensive.   On the other hand,  you do not want to price you precious handmades too cheaply.   When the price is right,  customers will buy.

There are several venues for selling your crafts.   Craft fairs are continually being held across the country.   Online sales are another way to break into the market,  and consignment shops offer another outlet for your items.    It is necessary to consider every option to determine what is right for you.

To keep our children occupied,  a few basic materials come to mind:   paper,  crayons,  safe  scissors,  glitter,  and of course, glue.    Paper for kids’ projects may include plain copy paper,  construction paper,  and cardstock in a variety of colors.   Kids also have a knack for making interesting projects from old magazines and junk mail.   (I get some neat stuff in some of my junk mail!)

While crayons are always fun for kids,  there are a number of other options available.   Craft departments of stores are filled with washable markers,  watercolor pencils,  gel pens,  and paints of all kinds.

Although kids’ craft supplies can run into some expense,  with a little planning,  these ideas should keep your children happy with a minimum cost.