ML Interest Tag: glitter-glue

Sweet Samba! How to Make a Brazilian Headdress

by Gabby Cullen

This summer, make the Olympics a cultural celebration; spend an afternoon working on a colorful and fun craft that puts the spotlight on one of Brazil’s most iconic events—Carnival. We’ve gathered the supplies to make a Brazilian headdress, which your budding Samba school tykes can wear during the opening ceremonies on August 5. Scroll down for the entire tutorial and remember—bigger and brighter is always better!

What You’ll Need

Costume Masks  – we used these

Feathers – we used these

Gemstones – we used these

Paint – any tempera or acrylic with work

Glitter Glue – we used this in red

Hot Glue Gun or Elmer’s Glue

Spray Glitter (optional)

Paint the Mask

Get your kids set up with the materials and let them paint away. If they want to add designs with paint, be sure to wait until each coat is dry before beginning another

Decorate the Mask

Step One
Using either a hot glue gun (parental supervision is required) or Elmer’s glue, let your crafters embellish their headdresses with colorful jewels. During Carnival, Samba schools try to outshine each other with dazzling displays, so encourage your kids to add as much as they want!

Step Two
If you have glitter glue, this is the time to use it, either around the gemstones or as the glue for the gemstones—it’s up to your kids and their imaginations!

Step Three
Adding feathers can be tricky. Parents should help (or supervise older kids) with the hot glue gun. If you don’t have one, use tape to fasten the feathers to the back of the mask. Go with one color or make a colorful display with as many different feathers as possible. Afterwards, spray the feathers with spray glitter if you have it on hand. 

Wear the Mask

After everything dries, it’s time to shake a tail feather.

Try it as a mask.

Then, try it as a headdress!

Have you ever made a Carnival-inspired craft? Share with us in a Comment below.

Images and copy by Gabby Cullen

Project inspired by Globescouts

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Fugly & Festive: 3 Ways to Uglify Your Sweater

by Amber Guetebier

Ugly Christmas Sweater Day is the modern solution to put to use those years and years (and years) worth of hideous sweaters that have been piling up in closets, drawers and donation bags across the country. And with Ugly Sweater Parties becoming more and more popular, even thrift stores are charging prices that might be more than you’re willing to pay for a once (or once-a-year) item. Don’t worry: we’ve got you. Here are three ways to be sure you score the Ugliest Sweater prize.

photo: Mrs. Claus via flickr 

1. Felt It Up

Get together any or all of the following supplies: felt, scissors, fabric glue, buttons, sequins, glitter glue pens, cotton balls, jingle balls, a plain sweater, sweatshirt or t-shirt. 

Your goal here is to use felt and enhancements to make a glitzy, silly mess. Make Christmas trees and fabric glue them on. You can cut out round ornaments out of contrasting felt, or use old buttons or charms to deck out your tree. You can even go crazy with battery powered lights like these. This is a great craft to do with the kids because you really can’t go wrong (unless you make it too pretty). No fabric glue? Unless you want this number to last for more than one night, just use Elmer’s glue or anything other kind you have on hand.

Bonus points: Wear it with a Christmas tree headband. 

photo: Amber Guetebier 

2. There’s an App for That

Try Yoshirt. They’ve got some pre-designed “ugly Xmas sweaters” but you can customize a sweatshirt just for the occasion. One-up the competition and make a sweatshirt of your whole crew wearing their scary-Xmas sweater best. Or just have fun making a cool shirt for Grandma or Grandpa for the holidays. They even have youth sized t-shirts. With the photos already on your phone, the whole process takes less than 5 minutes and your sweater will be en route to wow (ahem, shock?) your coworkers at the next office party. Check Yoshirt out here. 

Tip: Goes great with: an elf hat or elf ears.

photo: Krista Hennebury via flickr

3. Skirt the Issue

Okay, so what you thought was ugly someone else thinks is cool, or maybe it’s the other way around. Skip the sweater altogether and try on a tree-skirt for size. Inexpensive and often more gaudy than any puff-painted number you could pick up online, you can simply don the skirt as a cape (so on trend!). If you’ve found a tasteful, plain tree skirt sew some jingle bells along the edge and you’ll soon be gathering eye rolls from your children and friends alike.

Must have accessory: antlers.

Do you have an ugly sweater? Share your pics with us on Instagram or Facebook and tag them #redtricycle and #uglychristmassweater. 

—Amber Guetebier

 

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Playroom Supplies You Didn’t Know You Needed

by Gabby Cullen

Crayons. Paper. Glitter. Glue. You’ve got the basic supply list down pat. In fact, you probably have it on auto-order from Amazon. When it comes to the I-never-knew-I-needed-this list, however, we’re betting you might already have it somewhere else in the house—if not, we’ll show you where to grab everything on the list. From essential playdoh ingredients to hair conditioner (who knew?!) and even golf tees, flip through the slideshow below for everyday items we’ve caught moonlighting as must-have playtime supplies.

Spray Bottles

When you look at a spray bottle could be the only thing you see is piles of wrinkled button-downs and dusty windows. Look again and you’ll see---in the hands of your littles---it’s an art supply, (makes great watercolor patterns!) it’s a keep-me-cool-on-sunny-days, it's even be an insta-wash for any toy cars laying around needing a good soak.

Available on amazon.com$12.11 for a pack of 6.

Photo: Julie Jordan Scott via flickr creative commons

What is your go-to (but unusual) playtime supply? Share with us in the Comments!

—Gabby Cullen

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Get Crafty at These Kid-Friendly Art Supply Stores

by Marissa Mullen

We all know that craft making with kids is a great way to foster creativity. But instead of going out and getting all the materials by yourself, why not include the kids in the buying process? If you’re imagining a disaster scenario involving spilled paint and marked up walls at the store, fear not! We’ve got the scoop on which art and crafts stores provide kid-friendly experiences. These San Diego stores make selecting the supplies almost as much fun as the project itself!

Photo Credit: Anthony F. via Yelp

Paper Tales
This paper and craft boutique in the heart of Point Loma is packed with a huge assortment of the finest stamps, scrapbooking papers, paints, and other delightful supplies. Kids will love the shabby chic décor and sparkly trinkets sprinkled throughout the store. And the adorable play area is sure to occupy the rowdiest of toddlers. There are blocks, a play kitchen and a chalkboard table for kiddos to get creative with and gain inspiration for their next project. Keep an eye out for their fun events and classes, too!

3960 W. Point Loma Blvd.
San Diego, Ca
619-222-2610
Online: papertales.com

Photo Credit: Carmen V. via Yelp

Artist and Craftsman Supply
The selection at this friendly, Hillcrest arts and crafts store is vast. But before you get overwhelmed, just stick to the front of the store and you’ll find everything you need to have a fabulous craft day. This section has all kinds of items for making creative projects with kids. Kiddos can have their pick of paints, glitter glue, 3D sidewalk chalk, paper mache animals, and craft boxes. You’ll have a hard time pulling them away from all the stickers, temporary tattoos, rubber animals, and even a decent variety of toys and fun socks. Little ones will love the bright and colorful floor!

3804 4th Ave.
San Diego, Ca
619-688-1911
Online: artistcraftsman.com

Photo Credit: Beads and More Facebook Page

Beads and More
Got kids who love making jewelry? Take them to Beads and More, located half a block from the sand in Pacific Beach. If they’re beginners, the helpful staff can point them in the right direction with an impressive selection of beads, perfect for making necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and more. The relaxed atmosphere makes it a great place to come with your kids and hang out for a while. There are tables set up at the back of the store where they can make jewelry, and also toys for small children to keep them occupied. Ask about classes and birthday parties!

4150 Mission Blvd. Ste 111
San Diego, Ca
858-483-4190
Online: sandiegobeads.com

Photo Credit: Art FORM website

Art FORM
Art FORM is a non- profit organization that provides arts education to schools and the community for little or no cost. By making recycled materials accessible for projects, kids can learn ingenuity and creative problem solving. The Creative Reuse Store is open every Saturday from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. This is where kids can shop for clean, reusable scrap materials. Most items can be purchased for a low cost donation of $1, $2, $5 or $10. Expect to find materials such as fabric, paper, plastic, foam sheets and more. They also accept donations, so gather up those items your kiddos are no longer using and donate them to a good cause.

3316 Adams Ave. Suite B
San Diego, Ca
619-795-0013
Online: artformsandiego.org

Where do you like to take your kids for arts and crafts supplies? Let us know in the comments!

— Marissa Mullen

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New (Re)Opening: Books and Cookies is Back! 

by Shannon Guyton

Westsiders, rejoice! Your favorite children’s bookstore and cookie shop that closed back in May has found a new lease on life. Chudney Ross’ delightful shop that brings together kids two favorite treats has found an even better spot (right across the street from the old one) and the new space was worth the wait.  So belly up to the cookie bar to welcome back a joint that is also worth the drive, even if this isn’t your usual hood.

The Great Outdoors
In addition to the two hundred square feet of indoor play space, the biggest wow-factor in the new location is the new six hundred square feet outdoor area for kids to stretch their legs and enjoy the ocean breeze. The artificial grass and shade canopies make it feel like you’re in a decked out backyard, and kids love climbing on the new wooden structure, playing dress up, reading books in a teepee and building with blocks. Saturday morning concerts are held out here Woodstock-style. Admission to the area is $7, and you can stay for as long as you like.

 

Sit Down and Read Up
There are plenty of bright, cheerful spots to spend time with your budding reader. Books are displayed for easy shopping so you can take your tot’s faves home. You’ll also find unique puppets and educational toys around the store. The whole room, which features soft colors and whimsical animal decor, has a welcoming, peaceful, cozy vibe, making it a lovely escape from the busy city life outside.

 

Activities Galore
All the classes and activities you loved at the old Books and Cookies location are back! Classes are $10 each at the door and include all-ages story times (some include dance, scavenger hunts, and bubbles with reading – yes!), baby play times that encourage development and sensory skills, all-ages music classes, yoga for toddlers and craft classes that keep glitter glue off of your couch. With every class also you have the chance to meet and socialize with other nice parents in your community. Birthday parties can still be hosted here and start at $650.

A Bonus Dose of Happy
One downside – while cookies are (obviously) still a highlight, there’s no cafe in this location. But don’t worry, after you’ve enjoyed play time, story time, or concert time at Books and Cookies, hop across the street to Shoop’s Deli for a midday heap of to-die-for caramelized banana pancakes and coffee.

 “I loved the old location – it was so hard to close – but this place has a much better flow for what we need. I’m really excited to be open again to the community. And I’m happy to see parents and kids here having fun and learning!” said Chudney, just before she greeted all the kids at the grand re-opening party with a song. (And, in case you’re wondering, yes, the daughter of Diana Ross inherited her Mom’s gorgeous voice.)

In her new location, she has created a bright world filled with heart and imagination, literature, sweets and fun, and now you can visit that world any time.

Books and Cookies
2309 Main St.
Santa Monica
Phone: 310-452-1301
Online: booksandcookiesla.com

-Shannon Guyton

photo credit: booksandcookiesla.com, Shannon Guyton

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How to Make Your Super Bowl Party Super Fun

by lisana de la torre

We may have ditched our raucous Super Bowl parties and bar hopping for a more subdued Super Bowl Sunday at home, but this behemoth of an American holiday is still certainly filled with food, drinks (both adult and of the mocktail-variety) and screaming at the TV. And, just because your kid might not know what “third and ten” means, or think “time-outs” are for only when they are misbehaving, doesn’t mean they have to miss out on the game day festivities. Here are some ways your family can eat, drink, craft and play the day away.

Decorations

Football Place Mats
Your kiddo can help set the game day mood by creating these cute football-shaped place mats for every dog, dip or cookie that might be on your menu come Sunday. Chica And Jo provides easy-to-use directions that turn game day into an impromptu art project.

Homemade Pom-Poms
Even if your little guy is still upset about your team’s loss, how do we get everyone up and jumping with equal excitement? A pair of homemade pom-poms, of course. Our friends at Five J’s have the instructions to really make your celebration cheerful. You can even help your kids come up with rhyming cheers and get the whole party pumped up!

Football juice box
As parents and friends indulge in mom juice and the like, your little ones will be chuggin’ down some good ol’ juice during the game. Kids can add some team spirit to their beverages by creating paper koozies for their juice boxes, an idea perfectly illustrated at And Everything Sweet. It’s as easy as cut and glue!

Homemade Football Banner
Kids can set the stage for a victory this Super Bowl Sunday by creating a cloth and ribbon football banner. Older kids can help with the hand stitching and littler ones can help with the gluing. The detailed directions at Two Twenty One make it an easy crafts project that will occupy and amuse.

Food

Football Pizza
Add some “ready, set, hike!” to your finger foods on Super Bowl Sunday with this delicious American favorite. The easy directions at Damn! Recipes make this snack too easy to resist.

Ultimate Super Bowl Dip
It wouldn’t be a Super Bowl party without some seriously extreme chip dip. Cooking on the Side breaks it down into seven tasty layers to keep your kiddos and guests lining up to get another scoop. Don’t want to share? You can make individual sized servings by layering it on in 9 oz plastic cups.

Football Rice Crispy Treats
And what about dessert? Now that you’ve got your savory snacks all set, you need an over-the-top sweet to go with them. These little football-shaped treats are easy to make with the kids and look adorable on your table—check ‘em out at Family Ever After—your friends and family will be yelling “touchdown!”

Activities

Homemade Jerseys
Show some home team love with this fun and crafty project. The kids will be lookin’ sharp in their homemade jerseys and will feel like part of the team. Keep it simple with some sharpies and glitter glue, or step it up a notch with some iron-on numbers and puffy paint. Check out what the kids over at Late Enough did to spruce up their plain white Ts.

Pin the Football Between the Goal Post
Keep the kids from getting bored and antsy with this football-themed oldie but goodie courtesy of our friends at Spoonful. Tie on a blindfold, give ‘em a spin and watch the fun unfold. All you’ll need is:

  • Yellow, brow and white construction paper
  • Glue and tape
  • Scissors
  • Blindfold
  • Big, empty wall space

1. Cut the yellow construction paper into long strips, tape them in the shape of a goal post on the wall.

2. Cut the brown construction paper into little football shapes. Glue on strips of white paper to create the laces.

3. Slap on that blindfold and you are ready for some fun!

Football Bingo
So the kids will actually be watching them game? No kidding! They’ll be engaged and anticipating each call with this fun game. Studio DIY supplies you with printable bingo cards—all you need are the popcorn kernels or M&Ms to use as markers.

Hopefully some of these fun and easy football-inspired games and treats will become a tradition in your household for many a Super Bowl to come—grooming the next generation of die-hard fans isn’t easy. But really, who needs an excuse to eat football shaped pizza? Not us.

Let us know how and where your family will be enjoying Superbowl Sunday.

–Lisana De la Torre

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