Grocery Bag Wreath

DAY SEVEN:

This is a free craft, made from left over bits of other crafts we've done this week. There is always a way to reuse things from other projects, so never throw scraps away! I also have, like, 50 paper grocery bags stashed away, just waiting for a purpose. I adapted this craft to use paper bags instead of paper, and I love how it turned out.

WHAT YOU NEED:
     - 1 paper grocery bag
     - green construction paper cut into 1 inch squares (from Christmas Paper Chain)
     - red felt squares cut into 1/4 squares (from Felt Stocking)
     - 1 pipe cleaner (from Pipe Cleaner and Bead Candy Cane Ornaments)
     - tacky glue
     - paint brush

Before you begin, you need to make the bow for the wreath from the pipe cleaner. You also need to cut out the outline of the wreath from the grocery bag. To do this, trace a large dinner plate for the outer ring and a bowl inside for the middle ring. Cut out the area where the bowl was and the area outside where the plate was, so that you end up with an "O" shape. Also, keep one of the handles from the bag to use as the wreath hanger.

Now, set your child up with a bowl of green squares, a bowl of red squares, and a paint brush. I loosely taped the wreath outline to another grocery bag to prevent glue from ending up on the table. Apply the glue to the wreath and let your toddler spread it around with the paint brush. This was Roo's favorite part.

Then have her place the green squares around the wreath however she desires.

When the wreath is covered with green squares, dab a few dots of glue on top. Have your child place the red squares on the dots of glue.

To finish it off, glue on the bow and the handle (on the back side) and your craft is complete!

Pipe Cleaner & Bead Candy Cane Ornaments

DAY FIVE:

Today we are making Candy Cane ornaments using pipe cleaners and colored beads. Again, threading is great for developing fine motor skills. This is a great craft for all ages, just make sure to watch little ones so they don't decide to munch on the beads! This kept Roo busy for a good half an hour and it even branched off into a few different things as time went on ;) (See pictures)

WHAT YOU NEED:
     - Pipe cleaners
     - red and white beads

First, cut the pipe cleaners in half. This makes it easier for little hands to work. I separated the beads in a muffin tin, but bowls work too. Fold one end of the pipe cleaner over to prevent the beads from sliding off. Let your little one slide the beads on, hopefully alternating red and white. I decided to just let her do her own thing and not worry about getting the beads in the right order. Fold the other end of the pipe cleaner to keep the beads in place and then bend in the shape of a candy cane. There you have it! The perfect gift for Grandma or Grandpa :)

After the candy cane, Roo decided she wanted to make a bracelet, so Daddy helped! Another fun way to use the same supplies.

Anddddd, after she was done with the bracelet, she wanted to sort all the beads according to color. Such a little organizer :)

VERDICT: Totally fun project. It was right up Roo's alley (she really loves all things small and detailed. This kept her busy for a long time and she found several ways to have fun with it! Here is the final product- I think Nana and Grammy will love it!