Paper Candy Canes

I have to be honest, I am so glad this 25 day challenge is almost over. It is really hard to find time to prepare, make, and clean up a craft and edit the pictures and write the blog every single day! But I shall persevere. Today we are making Paper candy canes.

WHAT YOU NEED:
     - 1 sheet construction paper
     - red paint
     - tape
     - gold glitter glue (optional)

You will need to cut out as many candy cane shapes as you want and tape them to a paper bag or scrap paper. Use the tape to block off stripes on the candy canes, so they will stay white. The un-taped parts will be red.

Set your toddler up with the page of candy canes and some red paint. Let them paint a thin layer of red, making sure to cover all the exposed paper. Let him or her experiment with different styles and techniques of painting. Half way through, Roo discovered the "dab" technique :)

Let dry for a few minutes and remove the tape very carefully, so you don't rip the paper. If your toddler wants to add a little gold streak to the candy canes, be my guest!

Glitter Christmas Cards for Sandy Hook Elementary

DAY FOURTEEN:

After the devastation in Newtown, CT yesterday, we decided to send the staff and students at Sandy Hook Elementary a little Christmas Cheer. We wanted to do more then just "send prayers and love." We wanted to actually touch their hearts, to TRY to restore their faith in humanity. It isn't much and I'm sure we will be just one of millions, but it is the least we could do.

WHAT YOU NEED:
     - paper for templates (1 sheet, quartered)
     - paper for cards (4 sheets, folded in half)
     - glue
     - brush
     - glitter
     - 4 large cookie cutters

Before you begin, you will need to cut out templates by tracing the cookie cutters and cutting out the INSIDE paper without damaging the outline. Place the template on top of the card. Have your child paint the glue inside the template. Remove the template and let your kiddo go to GLITTER TOWN. Make sure he puts a good amount of glitter, so you can clearly see the shape. If you are making a candy cane, use tape to block off the white areas while you use the red glitter and vice-versa. Tap the cards over the sink to remove any loose glitter. Let dry.

If your child is old enough, allow him or her to decorate the cards further with stickers and markers. Make sure to put a personal touch on the inside of the card including a first name and age or your child (if you feel comfortable with that). This gives a much more personal connection for the recipient.

If you want to reach out and comfort the hurting, and I strongly urge you to do so, please send your cards to:

Sandy Hook Elementary School

12 Dickenson Drive

Sandy Hook, CT 06482