Grandma's Are The Best!

Grandma's Are The Best! Some of our fondest memories are with our Grandma's, or maybe a special Aunt, our Mom and Dad. We did lots of crafts with my Mom. She was an avid knitter and crocheter. She loved crafts and really had a knack with designing her own projects. She made all sorts of Barbie dresses and doll accessories. Some of her love for designing crafts wore off on my daughter and I. My favorite things to make is doll furniture and Barbie houses. Maybe you and your special someone have a special craft or project that you like to do too.

 

One of my favorite sites for any idea is PINTEREST.

Here are some ideas that you can do with your Grandma. Please also check through my previous blog posts as I have a ton of craft and food ideas.

 

STEPPING STONES 

 

JEWELERY

 

BOWLING PINS FROM CANS

 

Books related to our topic--

 

 

Baby Duck's New Grandma

 

Baby Duck loves her grandma very much. Her grandma is in heaven now and Baby Duck feels very alone and sad. Her grandpa has a surprise for her and she is bubbling with excitement.

What could it be? The big swimming pool he's been dreaming to buy? Maybe a vacation with the family? Baby Duck is about to discover the surprise and isn't going to be happy.

Available https://www.createspace.com/4795175 and AMAZON

 

How to Babysit a Grandma

When you babysit a grandma, if you're lucky . . . it's a sleepover at her house! And with the useful tips found in this book, you're guaranteed to become an expert grandma-sitter in no time. (Be sure to check out the sections on: How to keep a grandma busy; Things to do at the park; Possible places to sleep, and what to do once you're both snugly tucked in for the night.) From the author-illustrator team behind the bestselling How to Babysit a Grandpa comes a funny and heartwarming celebration of grandmas and grandchildren.

Available on Amazon

 



Guinea Pig Crafts

Piggie and Cuddles 

My daughter and I acquired our first guinea pig about 10 years ago. My daughter wanted a pet and after some research I thought a guinea pig would be the perfect pet. We named our guinea pig Ally but soon we changed her name affectionately to Piggie.

Piggie was a baby when we got her from a local pet store. She was very animated and quite vocal. We have allot of fun memories of Piggie and she made a great pet.

I ran across some really cool guinea pig crafts. How about making your sweet little furry friend a house? These houses are so adorable and I'm sure your furry friend would adore one.
 

I couldn't find any with directions but if you are crafty I don't think these will be very hard. You could use some very thick and sturdy corrugated cardboard. Guinea Pigs like to chew so they might try to eat it. Be careful to use non-toxic paint and materials that don't splinter.

Or maybe a soft bed?? Here are some really cute ideas to assure your guinea pig a super night's sleep.

Guinea Pig Bed

Here's a really nice guinea pig run too. Wish I had one of these years ago. You can find the directions here.

 



 

Here is a book I write about my guinea pig, Piggie. It's called---

 

Piggie Wiggie's Great Adventure

Written and Illustrated by: MJ Daley-Prado

Piggie Wiggie'sPiggie experiences life outside of her safe surroundings where everything seems so strange, loud, and unusual to her. She hears sounds and sees things that she has never seen before from her cage that was situated high on a shelf in Emmy's room. Piggie goes on a ride of a lifetime as she slides behind the wheel of a remote control Barbie car and accidentally presses the button and sets the wheels in motion. Piggie gets herself into some pretty funny, scary and unpredictable situations. Will Piggie Wiggie ever find her way home?

Available https://www.createspace.com/3394904  and Amazon

 

More guinea pig books--

Guinea Pig Tales

I love Guinea Pigs

 
Sammy, The Classroom Guinea Pig

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

are some interesting books related to Guinea Pigs.

 

 

DIY Ice Chalk

 

Summer Time is almost here and what a nice way to chill and cool off with some ice cube chalk! I bet the kids would love this craft. My daughter always used to love drawing on the sidewalk on out in the street. (We lived on a dead end so I usually sat outside and supervised the kids to make sure they were safe.)

You can the directions on Reading Confetti 

Found on Pinterest




Books related to our topic--

Chalk
A rainy day. Three kids in a park. A dinosaur spring rider. A bag of chalk. The kids begin to draw. . . and then . . . magic! The children draw the sun, butterflies, and a dinosaur that amazingly come to life. Children will never feel the same about the playground after they experience this astounding wordless picture book and the power of the imagination. Bill Thomson embraced traditional painting techniques and meticulously painted each illustration by hand, using acrylic paint and colored pencils.
Available on amazon

The Chalk Box Kid (A Stepping Stone Book(TM))

Random House is proud to present the tenth anniversary edition of a book Publishers Weekly called "a gem of a book...a story that goes straight to the heart." When nine-year-old Gregory experiences several upsets in his life, he responds by creating a fantastic chalk garden on the charred walls of a burned-out factory behind his house. As his garden grows and flourishes, Gregory finds a voice through his art and, for the first time, is able to find his own place in the world. The Chalk Box Kid is sure to delight a new generation of children and their parents.

Available on Amazon

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Painted Sneaker Craft

What a cool way to update some old sneakers or a pair of cheap ones.You could be very creative and draw polka dots,maybe some cartoon characters,or chevrons as you see here on the photo to the right.

Here is the link for directions on how to do this cool project.



Here are some other ideas to decorate your shoes. Make sure you spray your shoes with a Scotch guard water proof repellent after you paint them with the fabric paints or waterproof markers.

 



 

Books related to our project:

 There's a Spider in My Shoe!                           Ew! There's a spider in my shoe! There are many things I don't like, but spiders are the worst! Oh, it's not because of their many fuzzy legs or their creepy crawly smiles. No, no. The reason that spiders are the worst is because... Available on amazon

 

Tallulah's Toe Shoes

Tallulah is back in ballet class and now she wants to go en pointe—to dance up on the tips of her toes in pink satin toe shoes, like a real ballerina. But going en pointe is not good for growing feet, and her ballet teacher says her feet aren't ready yet. Oh, yes, they are, Tallulah thinks. And so am I. Not only is she ready, she's determined. And nothing stops Tallulah when her mind is made up! Available on amazon

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How To Make Moon Sand

Here's something that's unique and a fun alternative to playing in the sand box.

This is called "moon sand". It's very soft and silky. And the clean up is easy.

Here's what you will need to make it:

MOON SAND

• 8 cups of flour
• 1 cup of baby oil
• some containers and spoons to play with
• and a big container to put it in to play

Books related to this project:

Molly Moon & the Monster Music

Molly Moon can play any instrument. The harmonica! The guitar! The drums! The piano! You name it! Molly is back - and she's a rock star. In this fun-filled conclusion to the Molly Moon series, Molly faces the music - the hypnotic music - of a magical coin that has the power to enslave its listeners...and turn them into monsters! Available on amazon

 

 

How to Bicycle to the Moon to Plant Sunflowers: A Simple but Brilliant Plan in 24 Easy Steps

In this simple, step-by-step instructional picture book, learn how you too can visit the moon on your bicycle! All you need is a very long garden hose, a very large slingshot, a borrowed spacesuit, and a bicycle . . . and plenty of imagination. With tongue firmly in cheek, Caldecott Medal winner Mordicai Gersteinspacefaring adventure for daydreamers and a starter kit for the imagination.

Available on amazon

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Preserving Hand,Foot or Paw Prints

Time goes by so quickly and before you know it your little baby is all grown up. Well here is a recipe that you can make to help preserve those "little hands.feet or even paws prints" in time. This would make a great gift for Mother's Day or Father's Day or even for the Grandparents.

Here's what you will need:

• 1/2 cup salt
• 1/2 cup flour
• 1/4 cup water (approx--it may take less or more)

Mix together in a large bowl. Knead together thoroughly until it forms a dough ball. Roll it out flat.  Place the dough on an old baking sheet and shape it into a square or a circle. Make your impression and then bake at 200 degrees for 3 hours.

Credit: Pinterest

Books related to project:

Fancy Nancy: Nancy Clancy, Super Sleuth

Kids who grew up with Jane O’Connor’s Fancy Nancy picture books can spend some quality time with their BFF: Nancy Clancy is now starring in her own chapter books! Fancy Nancy: Nancy Clancy, Super Sleuth is the first in a series of delightful middle-grade mysteries. Sassy Fancy Nancy is now a detective. When one of her classmate’s most special possessions disappears from school, it’s up to Nancy to save the day. With the help of her friend Bree, she follows the clues to an unexpected source.Fans of Nancy Drew’s Clue Crew will be happy to see a new Nancy join the ranks of super sleuths. Robin Preiss Glasser illustrates Nancy’s story with liveliness, wit, and fanciness.

Available on amazon

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Make Your Own Rock Candy

***NEEDS ADULT SUPERVISION***

Here's another fun project from Pinterest. Rock candy is so delicious. My sister's and I used to have this little store around our way and we'd each get our favorite color on the way home from school. Now a days my daughter finds it every now and then at Mars Supermarket or at Wockenfus candy shop at the mall. Anyways here's a chance to make some of your own. Enjoy!

Here's what you will need:

A wooden skewer (you can also use a clean wooden chopstick)

A clothespin

1 cup of water

2-3 cups of sugar

A tall narrow glass or jar

Directions:

1. Clip the wooden skewer into the clothespin so that it hangs down inside the glass and is about 1 inch (2.5 cm) from the bottom of the glass. (as shown)
2. Remove the skewer and clothespin and put them aside for now.
3. Get a helpful adult!
4. Pour the water into a pan and bring it to boil.
5. Pour about 1/4 cup of sugar into the boiling water, stirring until it dissolves.
6. Keep adding more and more sugar, each time stirring it until it dissolves, until no more will dissolve. This will take time and patience and it will take longer for the sugar to dissolve each time.Be sure you don't give up too soon. Once no more sugar will dissolve, remove it from heat and allow it to cool for at least 20 minutes.
7. NOTE: While it is cooling, some people like to dip half of the skewer in the sugar solution and then roll it in some sugar to help jump start the crystal growth. If you do this, be sure to let the skewer cool completely so that sugar crystals do not fall off when you place it back in the glass.
8. Have your friendly ADULT carefully pour the sugar solution into the jar almost to the top. Then submerge the skewer back into the glass making sure that it is hanging straight down the middle without touching the sides.
9. Allow the jar to fully cool and put it someplace where it will not be disturbed.
10. Now just wait. The sugar crystals will grow over the next 3-7 days.

***Want colored rock candy? Add food coloring to your sugar water and make sure sure that it is pretty dark in color for the best result.

For further information visit sciencebob

Books related to our project:

Candy Experiments

Brilliant use of Valentine's, Easter, Halloween, and other holiday candy! Fun, colorful, and full of surprises, Candy Experiments will have kids happily pouring their candy down the drain and learning some basic science along the way.  Candy is more than a sugary snack. With candy, you can become a scientific detective. You can test candy for secret ingredients, peel the skin off candy corn, or float an “m” from M&M’s. You can spread candy dyes into rainbows, or pour rainbow layers of colored water. You'll learn how to turn candy into crystals, sink marshmallows, float taffy, or send soda spouting skyward. You can even make your own lightning. Candy Experiments teaches kids a new use for their candy. As children try eye-popping experiments, such as growing enormous gummy worms and turning cotton candy into slime, they’ll also be learning science. Best of all, they’ll willingly pour their candy down the drain. Candy Experiments contains 70 science experiments, 29 of which have never been previously published. Chapter themes include secret ingredients, blow it up, sink and float, squash it, and other fun experiments about color, density, and heat. The book is written for children between the ages of 7 and 10, though older and younger ages will enjoy it as well. Each experiment includes basic explanations of the relevant science, such as how cotton candy sucks up water because of capillary action, how Pixy Stix cool water because of an endothermic reaction, and how gummy worms grow enormous because of the water-entangling properties. Available on amazon

Candy Around the World

Candy is an important part of history, culture and traditions around the world. From the Plum Crack Seed candy in China to Dulce de Leche from Mexico, the candies from around the world are as diverse as their culture. Did you know that children in Italy receive chocolate eggs filled with toys on Easter? Or that in Mexico they celebrate El Dia de los Muertos instead of Halloween? Candy Around the World takes the reader on an exciting confectionery tour around the world. Each chapter focuses on a specific region and provides an exciting look into the history and origin of their sweet treat. Designed for children and parents to read, explore, cook and learn together, Candy Around the World is filled with recipes, games, activities and fun facts to make learning about history and cultures around the world fun. This book is sure to be a delight for the entire family. Visit www.candyaroundtheworldbook.com for more games, science experiments, activities, recipes and more! Available on Amazon

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Resin Art

I've been anxious to try this craft ever since I saw it on Pinterest. It's called RESIN ART.

You can make all sorts of neat things. Things like jewelry, coasters, art, bangles and other cool projects.

Here's a link with the tutorial and some additional links. I can't wait to try this soon.

Resin Tutorial

 

Jewelry Ideas

 

Resin Bendie Rings

 

 

Books related to our projects:

 

Resin Jewelery

Accessible and flexible, resin is an ideal material for creating jewelery. Kathie Murphy's book is an essential introductory guide to resin jewellery for newcomers and a highly useful reference tool and source of inspiration for established jewelers. It discusses resin, its history, how to store it, different types of resin and their uses and employs a step-by-step approach to demonstrate how to make a wide range of resin jewellery. It is illustrated throughout with examples of pieces made by an international group of artists. Available on Amazon

 

 

Sharon's NO-FAIL Guide to Pouring Resin Jewelry

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Sharon's book is detailed, organized, and easy-to-follow. She wrote her "How-To" book because she wanted to help others enjoy first time success with resin. In addition to her step-by-step presentation, she also provides her readers with a humorous look at her own personal ups and downs using resin. "It’s so important to take oneself lightly", she says, "I've enjoyed life more, I think, because I'm able to laugh at myself". Sharon is a life-long artist, but her journey with resin jewelry, has just begun. She shares how, and why she decided to explore this medium during the first chapter of her book. In the beginning, Sharon experimented with many different materials and techniques, taking photographs of her acrylic paintings, and then downsizing them to fit into various jewelry styles, shapes and sizes. Sharon’s husband writes "The Business Bonus Chapter". Lyle has over 40 years of successful business experience. He provides a brief overview into marketing your handcrafted jewelry. Available on Amazon

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Marshmallow Catapult

Here's another neat craft from Pinterest. This one can be for boys or girls but I think the boys are really going to be partial to this one. (smile!)
Here's what you are going to need:

• Family-size tissue box
• Scissors
• Hole punch
• Ballpoint pen
• Push pins
• 2 rubber bands
• 2 unsharpened pencils
• 4-inch length of pipe cleaner
• Tape
• Plastic cap
• Glue dots

Click HERE for directions on how to assemble.

Books related to subject:

 

 

Joe the Dreamer: The Castle and the Catapult

When Joe's parents disappear, he becomes the target of the radical militant group that enslaves them and his fate could be worse than death. Available on Amazon

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Art of the Catapult: Build Greek Ballistae, Roman Onagers, English Trebuchets, and More Ancient Artillery

Whether playing at defending their own castle or simply chucking pumpkins over a fence, wannabe marauders and tinkerers will become fast acquainted with Ludgar, the War Wolf, Ill Neighbor, Cabulus, and the Wild Donkey—ancient artillery devices known commonly as catapults. Building these simple yet sophisticated machines introduces fundamentals of math and physics using levers, force, torsion, tension, and traction. Instructions and diagrams illustrate how to build seven authentic working model catapults, including an early Greek ballista, a Roman onager, and the apex of catapult technology, the English trebuchet. Additional projects include learning how to lash and make rope and how to construct and use a hand sling and a staff sling. The colorful history of siege warfare is explored through the stories of Alexander the Great and his battle of Tyre; Saladin, Richard the Lionheart, and the Third Crusade; pirate-turned-soldier John Crabbe and his ship-mounted catapults; and Edward I of England and his battle against the Scots at Stirling Castle. Available on Amazon

Glue Sponge

I found this terrific idea on Pinterest from Lynsey Atkinson. This is called a glue sponge. What you do is cut a sponge and put it into a plastic container. Once inside the container fill it with Elmer's glue (or any kind of white glue).Children can rub their cut-up pieces of paper over the sponge. No more glue bottles or messes

Books related to topic---

Let's Sticker & Paste!

In this book, children first learn to place stickers onto colorful backgrounds to make lively scenes. As they make their way through the book, children develop fine motor control and spatial reasoning skills by pasting paper parts and objects on to designated spots in order to complete fun art projects. Ages 2 and up. Available on Amazon

 

 

 

I Can Cut and Stick

The projects in this book are very appealing , but involve very simple cutting and sticking. They include a glittering firework, bright paper sunflowers, a gold doily crown and a monster mobile. Available on Amazon

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Happy crafting and reading from Fran and Friends!

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Available On Amazon

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Melted Bead Barrettes

I found this idea on Pinterest and fell in love with it. Can't wait for my niece to come down so we can make some barrettes and jewelry,maybe a few headbands.

We already tried melting beads. We made beaded sun catchers. The smell was really strong so when I do this I plan to set my toaster oven on a table out back in my yard so the smell doesn't make me and my daughter sick (like it did with the sun catchers.)

**If you are sensitive to smells too you might want to take this into consideration.

Tutorial For Melted Bead Barrettes

Also visit Desiree's blog and see all her great ideas.

Books available about beads--

Paper Beads: Turn Simple Strips of Paper into Beautiful Beaded Jewelry (Klutz) [Spiral-bound]

No one will guess these posh beads are made of paper. Paper Beads comes with 200 precut strips of beautifully designed paper in 22 colors and patterns and a custom tool for winding them into beads. Super-clear how-to's make it easy to create straight beads, round beads, simple beads, and fancy beads. A bottle of durable glaze gives each bead a polished finish, and inside the book, we show how to bring it all together in style. Supplies also include elastic cord and a selection of pretty glass accent beads.

Available on Amazon

 

 

Emma And The African Wishing Bead

 

Emma and the African Wishing Bead is a story about two girls, separated by an ocean and united by their dreams. It is about the beauty we all have to offer the world when we follow our passions, believe in ourselves, and unleash our true potential.

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Available on Amazon

 

 

 

 

Happy Crafting and Happy Reading!!

DIY Chalk Board Paint

Chalkboard Paint is expensive. It seems to be quite the rage right now. Seems like every time I look in a magazine or on a website I'm seeing something about chalkboard paint. Even my 19 year old wanted one of her walls painted with chalk board paint. (Go figure!)



Well here's a super duper easy recipe that only has two ingredients.
Here's what you will need:

• Paint (Any color )
• Non-Sanded Tile Grout

Directions: Mix 1 cup of paint with 2 Tablespoons of grout. Stir really well to get all the lumps and bumps out.

Have fun and enjoy!!

Books related to chalk---

Chalk
A rainy day. Three kids in a park. A dinosaur spring rider. A bag of chalk. The kids begin to draw. . . and then . . . magic! The children draw the sun, butterflies, and a dinosaur that amazingly come to life. Children will never feel the same about the playground after they experience this astounding wordless picture book and the power of the imagination. Bill Thomson embraced traditional painting techniques and meticulously painted each illustration by hand, using acrylic paint and colored pencils. Available on Amazon





The Magic Chalk of Rita Elementary School An entertaining tale, in both Marshallese and English, of what happens to two students who happen upon a piece of magic chalk while cleaning up after school one day. Written and illustrated by students as part of The Unbound Bookmaker Project. Available on Amazon

 

 

 

 

 

 

Happy Crafting and Reading from Fran and Friends! 

 

 

 

 

 

 



January Craft

Everyone loves a snow globe. C'mon you know you can't resist shaking one if you see it on a table or mantle. Here is an adorable little snow globe I found on Kaboose. I like to use my own interpretations though and I change it up and make the craft suit my tastes. Crafting is fun and you should be able to put your own spin on things.

MATERIALS NEEDED:

A small jar with lid

Florist clay

Glitter (preferably white)

Waterproof glue (Aquarium sealing glue

Plastic figures, plastic greenery,houses etc...

Directions--

http://crafts.kaboose.com/snglobe.html

Books related to our topic:

The Snow Globe Family

Reviewed on Amazon---"A world within a snowglobe! Imaginative children will LOVE this book! Great illustrations, a simple but happy story, and a captivating concept will make this book a favorite--at Christmas and always. They'll never look at a snowglobe the same way again! Our four-year-old granddaughter was thrilled by it--and so was her grandmother."

For more information

Snow Flakes

You can buy these snowflakes at stores like Walmart or any craft shop. They are plain and we decorated them in glitter and some in rhinestones.


Materials needed:
Foam Snowflakes
Craft Glue
String or ribbon
hole puncher
Newspaper
Pan to put glitter in


Add glue to your snowflake and then plunk it down into the glitter and voila! It's that easy.
You can also purchase rhinestone or babbles and decorate your snowflake to the max. Be creative and just have fun...that's what it is all about.


Now punch a hole and add your string/ribbon and you are ready to hang up your masterpiece.


Holiday books:

Room for a Little One: A Christmas Tale

This book is beautifully illustrated. The simple story has enough repetition for little ones to quickly start reading aloud with you. The story of love, acceptance, and putting others first told in this book is heartwarming and delightful.
For more information

Fancy Nancy: Splendiferous Christmas

What an adorable book! I've been waiting for a Christmas related story of our favorite fancy girl, and this did not disappoint at all. Yet again, Nancy is perfectly fancy, perfectly eloquent, and and perfectly heartwarming. We are huge fans of both Fancy Nancy and Christmas in our house, and this book is a perfect addition to our holiday collection. A must for all Fancy girls out there!
For more information