Dragon Fly Pin

I love dragonflies so much that I wrote a story about one by the name of Buzz. Nobody liked Buzz because he was so big, gawky and ugly. Buzz had a heart of gold and he loved to help others. One day he was taking his usual stroll around the countryside when something terrible happened. I can't give the story away but let me just tell you that out of this terrible tragedy came a beautiful friendship. More about Buzz at the end of this post.


I love this craft. You can use it as a pin or dangle it from a fishing wire string and hang it in a window or the car mirror and watch it sparkle,

DRAGON FLY PIN









Below are some books about dragonflies---

"BUZZ, by MJ Daley-Prado, is another wonderfully done children's story by this author. I continue to be in awe of her abilities to capture a child's mind in her continued efforts as a children's author. BUZZ is an inspirational story teaching the age old moral of "don't judge a book by its cover" so to speak as in this case it is a very friendly dragonfly not to be judged by his appearance. BUZZ is a lovely story to be read to help teach morals. The moral of this story never changes and is a valuable lesson to learn for tots and toddlers the same. Its value as a lesson is rich beyond words 5***** Mind Fog Reviews - Anastasia Cassella-Young" 
If you would like to find out more about BUZZ or purchase his story visit here.

"This is an excellent book for a new reader. The wording is simple and easy to understand describing the life cycle of a dragonfly and the illustrations are quite beautiful. I gave this book to my 7 year old grandson and he loves it! I plan to buy more books in this informative, interesting series. I highly recommend it!!" By:Marion@hotmail   

For purchasing information click here.  

"I read this book to my son's first grade class and became the most popular "mom reader" around. For a group of mostly city kids who don't generally think about squishing around in the muck on purpose, this sweet, smart story opened the children's minds to the wonder and beauty of nature, and gave us all some gross (and cool!) things to ponder. The author did a wonderful job of telling a simple yet poignant story about growing up, learning from the world around us, and sharing our love and knowledge with family and friends. The illustrations are equally amazing. And the kids and I loved learning all the names of the different types of dragonflies at the end. This book makes me want to be the kind of mom who isn't afraid of anything gross!" Reviewed by Adancy Austin,TX   

For purchasing information click HERE.        

Make Your Own Play-Dough

This is a fun project as well. My daughter and I made this for the first time 14 years ago when my daughter was in pre-school. I love this Play-Dough Recipe because it is super easy and quick to make. You can make different colors by making several batches and just change the food coloring.  The play dough can be stored in air tight bags or plastic airtight container.

Materials:

• 3 cups flour
• 1 1/2 cups salt
• 3 cups water
• 1 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon cream of tartar
• a few drops of food coloring (color of your choice)

Directions:

1.    Mix ALL of the ingredients in a large pot

2.    Cook over medium to low heat, keep stirring,until the dough comes away from the edges of the pan and becomes thick so it is difficult to move the spoon.

3.    Remove from heat.

4.    Let play-dough cool in the pan until it can be handled.

5.    Turn play-dough out on counter or on wax paper and knead 3 - 4 times.

Lastly, now play and enjoy!!!

Make Your Own Play-Dough

This is a fun project as well. My daughter and I made this for the first time 14 years ago when my daughter was in pre-school. I love this Play-Dough Recipe because it is super easy and quick to make. You can make different colors by making several batches and just change the food coloring.  The play dough can be stored in air tight bags or plastic airtight container.

Materials:

• 3 cups flour
• 1 1/2 cups salt
• 3 cups water
• 1 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon cream of tartar
• a few drops of food coloring (color of your choice)

Directions:

1.    Mix ALL of the ingredients in a large pot

2.    Cook over medium to low heat, keep stirring,until the dough comes away from the edges of the pan and becomes thick so it is difficult to move the spoon.

3.    Remove from heat.

4.    Let play-dough cool in the pan until it can be handled.

5.    Turn play-dough out on counter or on wax paper and knead 3 - 4 times.

Lastly, now play and enjoy!!!

Homemade Stress Ball

***Parents--- this project is NOT RECOMMENDED for children under the age of 5***                                                                                                                                                          

I found this online and I am mad as I can't recall the website but it seemed really fun and I know the older kids would enjoy it or maybe it could even be used for a science experiment. Did you ever see those stress balls or that squishy ball they offer to you when you go to get blood drawn. Well, this is similar but a homemade version
                                                                                                                                               

You’ll need :
Latex Balloon (strong helium type is best)

Cornstarch

Directions:

1.      Blow up the balloon to stretch it, but do not tie the end!

2.      Use a funnel inside the opening of the balloon to pour cornstarch.

3.      Do not stretch the balloon. When the balloon feels tight (without stretching the balloon) stop. (It should be just a little bit bigger than an egg)

4.      Now tie the balloon securely and you are done. 

The more the ball is squeezed, the softer it gets!