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October

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Week 1: Poe-try - Write inspired by the works of Edgar Allen Poe

Week 2: Lovecraft a Monster/ Monster Mash - Create a monster tale inspired by the works of H.P. Lovecraft

Week 3: Grimm tales - dark fairy tales or fairy tales more like the originals

Week 4: Stephen King - Stanley Hotel - create your own ghost or a Christmas carol ghosts

Week 4: Dark Storytime for Adults (Already did)

Week 5: Shirley Jackson - Haunted House story or Creepy Traditions (The Lottery)

(use the Beyond Wonderland Font for promotions)

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IF POPULAR- ADD FAMILY FEST FOR EITHER SPRING (MARCH TOLKIEN READING DAY OR MAY FOR CORONATION) OR FALL (SEPT HOBBIT DAY) OR WINTER (MOVIE ANNIVERSARIES)

Journey to MORDOR instead of tri-wizard

General Ideas:

Activities based on the races: Elves, Dwarves, Hobbits, Humans, Ents, Wizards, Orcs, Eagles, Dragons, etc.

Possible activities/stations:

How to create a language worksheet - create a word in your new language

What's your Elf name?

Ent painting/drawing - have a tree template and they create a face (or roll an ent drawing - where if roll a 1 the leaves are oval, if roll a 2 there are three branches, etc.)

Obstacle course to destroy the ring:

First station/stop - get the ring - "ring' in frozen vinegar, have to pour baking soda over to dissolve - find it within the artifacts of bilbo on a desk decorated with crap

(optional)- team challenge (telephone)

Third stop - Misty Mountains - have them walk a narrow line without falling

Second stop - translate Elven - have a Merry's map/maze where the correct path gets you an Elven riddle word - translate to English to get to the next stop

Fourth stop - get pass Sauron -trivia

Fifth stop - Mount Doom - throw the ring into the volcano - ring toss

Sixth stop - return to the Shire - build and throw a paper airplane past a line (eagles flying Frodo back)

Cipher - # of rings given to races of man, dwarves, and elves

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A wiki that anyone can edit about The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, Middle-Earth, and J.R.R. Tolkien.

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No social media or phones/tech, board games, card games, coffee, tea, hot cocoa, fabric arts (knitting), etc.

Aimed toward new adults (college age-ish)

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Celebration of Krampus

Make a twig bundle

Make a Krampus mask

Capture Krampus game (or play the villain and capture kids)

Should this be adults only so can go more dark?

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History of Krampusnacht

Krampusnacht is celebrated every year on December 5, the night before the celebration of the Feast of St. Nicholas. This holiday is mostly celebrated in Germany, Austria, Croatia, and some other European countries. It is also popular in Australia, and over the years, Krampusnacht's popularity has grown in North America as well.

Krampusnacht is a celebration of the devil Krampus, who is believed to be a creature that is half-man, half-goat. He is depicted as being hairy with large horns, a goat's cloven hooves, red eyes, and fangs. However, the depictions of the Krampus vary from region to region. In some depictions, the Krampus is shown wearing chains, and the people wearing Krampus costumes often thrash around in the chains for maximum effect. The chains are to represent the binding of the Devil by Jesus Christ, in Christian mythology.

The Krampus carries bundles of 'ruten' or twigs he uses to swat misbehaving children. For the celebrations, these bundles are handed to families so children remember the threat of the Krampus throughout the year and behave themselves. In countries where Krampusnacht is celebrated, St. Nicholas gives gifts to the children, but if they misbehave, the Krampus arrives to take the gifts away and give the children coal and ruten instead. Throughout the night on December 5, men dress up as the Krampus, drink alcohol, and celebrate on the streets.

While the origins of the Krampus are unclear, the idea of a horned demonic entity is pre-Christian. Such a pagan entity may have been absorbed into the seasonal traditions to become part of the celebrations leading up to Christmas.

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Krampusnacht is celebrated every year on December 5, the night before the celebration of the Feast of St. Nicholas. This holiday is mostly celebrated in Germany, Austria, Croatia, and some other European countries. It is also popular in Australia, and over the years, Krampusnacht's popularity has grown in North America as well.

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Thursday mornings before lunch

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October

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October Fest

Dia De Los Muertos

Fall Equinox festival

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Family mid-level program during the week of Thanksgiving (like the Tuesday before?)

Have Stations based on different Native American nations where discuss their culture and have a craft that can be modified based on age. Also, have some more realistic info on the meeting of the pilgrims and Native Americans for teens and adults who are interested.

Think worldwide passport but for Native American Nations rather than counties.

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A fall festival or carnival type fair but with focus on pirates and nautical games and take home crafts.

International Talk Like a Pirate Day is Sept 19th.

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-Poseidon

-Demeter

-Ares

-Athena

-Apollo

-Aphrodite

-Hermes

-Hera

(Zues and Hades display)

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volcano eruptions with one big volcano in the middle for pictures that will erupt at the end after the crafts are done (maybe last 20 minutes)

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Dinosaur DIY Suncatchers For Kids (simpleeverydaymom.com)

Decorations:

Outside - dino cutouts spiked into the dirt in front of the library and some in the courtyard

Giant Egg for photo-ops

-Time machine for hallway/entrance

For toddlers - Make Stamped Dinosaur Art with Preschoolers and Toddlers

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Inside: Make these dinosaur DIY suncatchers for kids whenever they need a fun art activity to increase creativity. They're the newest addition to our dinosaur activities for kids .
My kids are currently dying over dinosaurs.

In the last few months, we've made , dinosaur color by number printables , dinosaur do a dot printables and even had a dinosaur birthday party !

Yeah, it's been a lot.

But I aim to please, so when the kids say they want more dinosaur activities, I give them more dinosaur activities.

Recently we made these cool dinosaur suncatchers and we all loved the way they turned out.

Read on or watch the video below to see just how easy they are for kids to make:
Related: 101+ Easy Kids Crafts
Dinosaur Suncatcher Craft

This post contains affiliate links for your convenience. You can read my full disclosure here.

What's great about this kids craft is that it's easy, fairly mess-free (if you do the glue tracing) and a great indoor activity for when it's too hot or too cold outside.

These homemade suncatchers only require a few supplies, which are listed below.

DIY Suncatcher Supplies:

Dinosaur template (free download at bottom of page)

Scissors

Double-sided tape

How To Make A Suncatcher:

1. Print out the dinosaur templates.

2. Warm up the laminator and one at a time put 4 empty laminating sheets through the laminator.

3. Place the dino templates underneath the empty (sealed) laminating sheets.

4. Using the black glitter glue, trace along the black lines.

5. Let dry completely.

6. Use the Sharpie markers to color in the suncatchers.

7. Use the scissors to cut out each dinosaur.

8. Place them on a window with double-sided tape.

It's that easy!

My kids loved making these and I bet yours will too. Don't forget to grab your free template by filling out the form at the bottom of the page.

More Cool Art Activities For Kids:

Fun Dinosaur Ideas:

Free Dinosaur Suncatcher Template

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Get rid of boredom this summertime in an instant with these dinosaur DIY suncatchers for kids. They're fun, easy and cheap, plus they're keep your kids busy!

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Make the sliding doors look like a tree opening up with vines on top

Gnomes (construction paper, some printed out circles, and templates to trace, markers)

Elf crowns (Staff-led) - pipe cleaners, paper crowns, flowers (stickers and plastic)

Mythical Creature eggs (using Styrofoam eggs) - not this time

Troll hair with yarn (pre-cut yarn, print out of trolls, wet glue, crayons/colored pencils)

Forest Creature Trading Cards (passive)

Graham Cracker Forest House or Forest creature Dwelling - cave - brown paper and pipe cleaner trees?

Dandelion sprite painting or coloring pages, troll coloring pages

Choose your own adventure (passive)

Pot of gold photo area with streamer rainbow

Wet wipes for cleaning up, for wiping hands

Decoration idea: Glass doors - decorate as trees on the side with overhanging branches, so looks like entering a dark forest when going through the doors and up the stairs

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Tuesday March 4th - so do event the Saturday before which is Saturday March 1st, 2025

Mix between New Orleans Mardi gras traditions and Carnival:

Staff-Led

Mardi gras masks

Carnival Headdress/Hats - Pin page (pinterest.co.uk)

Passive:

New Orleans and Rio games "Knuckle bones or Cinco Marias - like jacks - Knucklebones - Wikipedia or Traditional games of Brazil - Wikipedia

Corn hole

Chess/checkers

Dominoes

Bataille (War) - 19 Cajun Games We Would See if Squid Game was Based in Louisiana (973thedawg.com)

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Carnival has always been a festival of mysteries. Marked by a sense of finality, it celebrates the end of one season and the beginning of another, providing a release before a period of grief and solemnity-at least in the Christian tradition.

The celebration's name is likely derived from the medieval Latin phrases carnem levare and carnelevarium, which refer to the removal of meat. In Catholicism, Carnival precedes a 40-day period of fasting known as Lent. Shrove Tuesday, also known as Mardi Gras, marks not only the last day of Carnival but also the last day observants can eat meat and enjoy other indulgences before Lent.

Though Carnival is widely associated with Christianity, its origins may actually predate that religion.Some sources trace Carnival back to ancient Rome's Saturnalia festivals, celebrated around mid-December in honor of the god Saturn, father of Jupiter.Others suggest it started out in ancient Egypt. Either way, calling Carnival a tradition with exclusively Western or Christian roots is likely too limiting. Today, the winter festival is celebrated in more than 50 countries around the world, including Brazil, Italy, Switzerland, Trinidad and Tobago, and the United States.

Carnival during the medieval era

During the Middle Ages, the Church combined the pagan and Christian strains of Carnival into something altogether different.Beginning in the mid-12th century, the reigning pope traveled on horseback to Monte Testaccio, an incline in Rome built mainly out of discarded amphorae fragments, to preside over the ludus carnevalarii, a celebration that pitted noble families against each other in duels, jousting, bullfights and other competitions. In one game, carts of live pigs were thrown from the top of the hill, leaving the townspeople below clamoring to catch the meat.

Shortly after Pope Paul II assumed leadership of the Church in 1464, he created the Renaissance Carnival, which hearkened back to Rome's ancient traditions.Over eight days during Carnival season, the pope organized races between members of the same animal species, like buffaloes and donkeys, as well as assorted groups of people, such as children and the elderly. The Via Lata became the site of these games, eventually inspiring the street's current name, Via del Corso, which stems from the Italian word for "race."

On the final night of the Carnival season, Shrove Tuesday, locals stormed the Via del Corso, wearing masks and holding candles as part of a procession called the Festa dei Moccoletti. The raucous event was an excuse to truly let loose, often in a violent way. According to the Roman tourism department's website, participants screamed, "Death to anyone who is not carrying a candle!" They also attempted to snuff out others' lights while maintaining their own.

Rome is no longer the center of Carnival celebrations, but the festival has taken on additional layers of meaning the world over. Individual countries have tweaked the holiday to fit their customs and uses, sometimes socially, sometimes politically and sometimes purely for enjoyment. As the pre-Lenten season draws to a close in 2024, learn about five different Carnival traditions from around the globe that represent the festival's historical breadth.

Venice Carnival

Venice supplanted Rome as the main site of Italian Carnival festivities by the 18th century.Like many later Carnival celebrations, Venice's affairs were marked by the widespread use of masks, which created a temporary feeling of equality between the ruling class and the lower classes. The six-week festival served as a "placebo against the bad moods and tensions that were often generated within the poorer classes toward the [political] system," according to Venice's official tourist guide.

It was Giacomo Casanova, an adventurer and author born in Venice in 1725, who perhaps brought the most attention to the city's celebrations. His autobiography, History of My Life,chronicled not only his sexual conquests but also the character of his home state, where one's image carried social currency.

"Casanova's writings suggest that significant emphasis was placed solely on appearance and that being seen, as opposed to exchanging ideas, was often the primary objective of appearing in public,"wrote scholar Nicola Vinovrški in a 2019 paper. "Though dwindling in economic and political power, Venice was still a thriving city during his lifetime. Known throughout Europe for its Carnival, associated with gaiety and pleasure, it was a city with numerous public spaces where revelers could see and be seen."

The masked traditions of Carnival were a way of turning this emphasis on public image on its head. Participants were seen but not seen, effectively hiding in literal broad daylight. One of the most popular traditional costumes was the bauta, whichconsisted of a full mask, a cape that covered the head and shoulders, and a tricorn or cocked hat. The mask also concealed the mouth in such a way that it changed the speaker's voice. Another mask, the French moretta, was beloved by Venetian women. Covered in dark velvet, it was kept in place by a small button held between the teeth, leaving the wearer unable to speak.

In 1797, the Republic of Venice came under Austrian rule as part an agreement between Napoleon Bonaparte and the Habsburg dynasty. The Austrians banned both Carnival and mask-wearing, and the tradition only survived thanks to artists on the Venetian islands of Burano and Murano. Almost 150 years later, Benito Mussolini's Fascist regime upheld the prohibition, ensuring that Venice could not celebrate Carnival. But a resurgence in the 1970s led to the celebrations that continue today.

Rio Carnival

When Rio de Janeiro brought back its Carnival in 2023, after two years of cancellations prompted by Covid-19, the event made headlines around the world, testifying to just how much of a phenomenon it is.Widely acclaimed as the world's biggest Carnival,the five-day celebration draws some two million revelers each day. Celebrants take to the streets, and clubs known as samba schools parade through the city during performances.

The festival's roots lie in the Portuguese colonization of Brazil. Though the Portuguese likely imported a tradition with the same Christian and ancient roots as Rome's Carnival, it was the Indigenous culture of Brazil, as well as that of the enslaved African people brought to the colony by the Portuguese, that made the celebration what it is today. This influence is evident in Rio Carnival's samba music, feathered costumes and dance styles.

"By the beginning of the 20th century, ... Carnival found a strategic place in the delineation of culture and Brazilian national identity," wrote sociologist Edson Farias for magazine in 2014."Its ritual practices were bound up with the passionate features etched into the country and its people: its sensual tropical style and fondness for playful behavior and an irreverent joyousness."

Trinidad and Tobago Carnival

Much like Rio Carnival, Trinidad and Tobago's festival was initially brought over by European colonists, but it quickly took on a life of its own, particularly among the islands' African and Indigenous populations.

One of the hallmarks of Trinidad and Tobago's early Carnival celebrationswas Cannes Brûlées, the ceremonial act of burning sugar cane by enslaved Africans. The ritual served as a form of resistance against both the practice of slavery and, more generally, capitalism, writes Savita Maharaj, a literary scholar at Brandeis University, for the Early Caribbean Digital Archive. The celebration also involved traditional song and dance, like stick-fighting.But the practice of burning sugar cane became so controversial that a British royal commission attempted to outlaw it in 1881, sparking the Canboulay riots. Faced with new restrictions, the islands' free Black residents, who'd been emancipated from slavery in 1838, adapted their celebrations, replacing stick-fighting with improvised bamboo instruments and later steel pan drums.

"By banning Cannes Brûlées, [the British] were trying to silence [formerly] enslaved people," Maharaj tells Smithsonian magazine. "But in that silencing, they failed, because Carnival is both culture and resistance."

While much of the textual evidence for Trinidad and Tobago's historic Carnival celebrations comes from the records of colonizers, Maharaj notes that it is important to place the islands' festival in the context of Caribbean culture.

"Instead of referencing or comparing Carnival to European culture, the Caribbean should be seen as a cultural center that stands on its own,"the scholar writes for the archive. "We cannot trust the perspective Westerners ... write from because of their inclination to compare Carnival to the only thing they know-European culture. How would the perspective change if the Caribbean was viewed as the place of cultural origin?"

Maharaj, who is of Trinidadian heritage herself, says she sees Carnival's revolutionary effects as simply accumulating over the decades.

Trinidad All Stars Spectacular Performance at Taste of Carnival 2022

"Acts of resistance are always effective," she tells Smithsonian. "I'm thinking of my grandmother and her grandmother and her mother's mother. Resistance was inherited, and it builds over time. I don't think big acts of resistance can always happen. Small acts build up to bigger acts, and maintaining culture is a huge act of resistance."

Mardi Gras New Orleans

In the U.S., the most popular Carnival celebration is Mardi Gras, which is traditionally held in New Orleans. Whether the first Mardi Gras in the country was held in New Orleans or Mobile, Alabama, is up for debate,but the Louisiana State Museum suggests that French explorer Pierre Le Moyne d'Iberville introduced the tradition to America in 1699, when he celebrated Shrove Tuesday at a site some 60 miles away from what is now New Orleans. In the early 18th century, New Orleanians celebrated Mardi Gras with masked balls and parades, but the Spanish occupation of the city led to a multi-decade lull in the festivities. The Spanish regulated the celebrations, perhaps wanting to put an end to any disorderliness.

The first Mardi Gras " krewe" took to the streets in 1857, when the Mistick Krewe of Comus, "a group of New Orleans businessmen, ... decided to invent a more civilized celebration" after years of "rowdy street parties," according to . A few decades later, Black locals excluded from mainstream Carnival celebrations established a separate tradition of dressing up as Native Americans, perhaps in tribute to the Indigenous people who'd helped them escape from slavery. Today, New Orleans' festivities include friendly competitions between " tribes" of Mardi Gras Indians; balls presided over by kings, queens and royal courts; plenty of beads tossed to jubilant crowds; and a small plastic baby hidden in a slice of king cake.

Quebec Winter Carnival

Canada's oldest winter festival, first held in Quebec City in 1894, was developed by Quebec Daily Telegraph owner Frank Carrel as a way to "brighten up dark winter days and attract tourists," per the local government of Quebec. The celebration featured an ice palace, a masquerade, fireworks and sporting competitions.The Quebec Winter Carnival continued successfully for years, with events ranging from a canoe race across the St. Lawrence River to parade floats.But the tumultuous first half of the 20th century, including the Great Depression and two World Wars, stopped the festival from becoming a regular event.

In 1954, the festival was officially brought back to help the economy and bolster tourism. Since then, it has taken place every winter. The carnival is known in part for its mascot, Bonhomme,a snowman with a red hat, black buttons and the characteristic French Canadian ceinture fléchée, a type of sash.

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A Brief History of How Carnival Is Celebrated Around the World

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Here's how Venice, Rio de Janeiro, Trinidad and Tobago, New Orleans, and Quebec City mark the pre-Lenten season

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or some sort of sensory focused weekly program for children struggling with sensory processing

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Possible themes:

Winter Wonderful

Misfit Toys

Santa's Workshop

Worldwide Passport -stations - cultural holidays in December

Winter Solstice (might be folded into worldwide passport)

New Year's

Penguin Party

Snowman Social

Narwhal Fete

Arctic Animal Adventure (or just Artic Adventure) - polar bears, narwhals, penguins, arctic fox, make snow, ice fishing, narwhal ring toss, igloo for photos, Inuit cultural craft, 3D holiday cards (for adults/teens - have templates and some cardstock already cut up from last year)

White and blue streamers

Green and purple aurora borealis in center ceiling

Igloo (with foam bricks)

White paint and spray paint

butcher paper

cardboard

coffee cups and covers

fairy lights

snow flakes and a passive craft of making cut out snow flakes

Ice fishing using magnets (passive)

Narwhal ring toss (passive)

DIY Snow globes (staff-led)

Sun catcher

Aurora borealis

Igloo with marshmallow (staff-led) - food?

Paper snowflakes (passive)

Penguin or Polar Bear Puppets (passive)

Arctic Animal Hunt Scavenger Hunt (passive)

Snowman Pom Poms (Staff-led)

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Have kids put into teams based on the schools and have mini challenges.

-Find a color hiding in a pile of some sort

- stages in like an escape room ending with a maze

-step forward when right (yes or no or myth or fact)- dragons, harry potter, and basic

make a goblet of fire (with mini fan and tissue paper)

Tri-wizard Cup (mini ones for winners)

memoriam for Cedric (reason it was moved to February)

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Thursday afternoon after lunch/nap time

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do darker/more "real" picture books

Crocodile story- bayou

the fox vs duck story

pultery guise https://fwpl.polarislibrary.com/polaris/search/title.aspx?ctx=1.1033.0.0.1&pos=14&cn=2372524

girl who claimed fire

Heckedy Peg- https://fwpl.polarislibrary.com/polaris/search/title.aspx?ctx=1.1033.0.0.1&pos=1&cn=2124467

Grims Fairytales https://fwpl.polarislibrary.com/polaris/search/title.aspx?ctx=1.1033.0.0.1&pos=2&cn=2410544

have the option for stories from Scary Stories to tell in the dark (if they don't want picture books)

Oldschool dark nursey rhymes

Scary/spooky Craft

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Día de los Muertos - Monarch butterflies

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Día de los Muertos - Monarch butterflies

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On Saturday November 2nd?

Monarch butterflies play a role in Día de los Muertos because they are believed to hold the spirits of the departed. This belief stems from the fact that the first monarchs arrive in Mexico for the winter each fall on Nov. 1, which coincides with Día de los Muertos.

Perhaps have seeds to grow plants for pollinators that support the butterflies migration through Texas to Mexico?

OR the butterfly pendant?

OR butterfly and marigold candle holder? Candles for the ofrenda

OR pitcher/glass painting?

Water for the ofrenda

OR picture frame painting?

See about getting resin for butterfly charm - or check to see who has used DHJ?

Links:

Poster 2017 | Pollinator.org

DIY Window Clings: Make Stained Glass Inspired Butterflies! - Persia Lou

Butterfly Flower Candle Holders - A Piece Of Rainbow

DIY Paper Lanterns with Beautiful 3D Flowers Design - A Piece Of Rainbow

DIY Butterfly Magnets - Over the Rainbow and Back

Day of the Dead: What do the items on an ofrenda symbolize? - Los Angeles Times (latimes.com)

Five facts about Día de los Muertos (The Day of the Dead) | Smithsonian Institution (si.edu)

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Butterfly pendant made of paper and wires.

What have wings should fly away!

...and so the butterflies from the Tattared angels Wings mixed media origins paper need to leave the paper sheet and fly to become a charm in a necklace this time.

Color the butterfly with any other color combination and use other wires to match you style.

Materials used

Tools used

Pliers, glue, heat gun

Cut the butterfly with a craft knife using a sharp blade for clear cutting.

Color the butterfly with the Tattered angels paints. Mix the colors, add layers and make your own combination.

Stamp the butterfly with the clear embossing ink and then add the clear embossing powder. First do the back side and then the front. Repeat with a second layer to have a fine surface. It also helps make the paper durable.

Cut a piece of the flat wire and bend and twist with the round nose pliers.

Cut 3 pieces of the wire craft longer than the flat and using a small piece of wire, secure them on the flat one.

Add bronze chain cuttings and glue the buttefly. Bend the wires on both edges. Add rhinestones.

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Butterfly pendant made of paper and wires. What have wings should fly away! ...and so the butterflies from the Tattared angels Wings mixed media origins paper need to leave the paper sheet and fly to become a charm in a necklace this time.

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Día de los Muertos picture frame painting

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Día de los Muertos picture frame painting

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On Friday November 1st

Tell about the holiday and then paint a frame.

Can paint sugar skulls or marigolds or monarch butterflies or food, etc.

Links:

Day of the Dead: What do the items on an ofrenda symbolize? - Los Angeles Times (latimes.com)

Five facts about Día de los Muertos (The Day of the Dead) | Smithsonian Institution (si.edu)

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make your own persona and masks and arm bands

photo op with a ring corner

write their own backstory to be announced during their photo

play clips of wrestling videos and cartoons

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Sugar Skull  (do as part of Artist Afternoons in October)

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Sugar Skull  (do as part of Artist Afternoons in October)

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Links:

How-To: Sugar Skull Mask Garland - Paper Source Blog

How to Make An Origami Skull – Leyla Torres – Origami Spirit

Simple Day of the Dead Craft for Kids to Paint and Decorate (kidworldcitizen.org)

Homemade Necklace to Celebrate Day of the Dead | Alpha Mom

DIY Day of the Dead Bookmarks - Red Ted Art - Kids Crafts

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This colorful sugar skull black glue art project is great for all ages to celebrate Day of the Dead or Dia de los Muertos.

We have a few fun templates you can purchase that make prep time a breeze for this activity. We also have some blank templates for kids and adults who might love to get artistic by creating their own sugar skull design.

How to Make a Sugar Skull Black Glue Art Project

This post contains affiliate links to the products mentioned. I Heart Crafty Things is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.

Supplies Needed to Make this Sugar Skull Art Project:

Instructions for Making this Black Glue Craft

1. Start by mixing together your black glue. To do this, use a bottle of Elmer's School Glue that is about 75% full. Open the lid and squeeze in a generous amount of black acrylic paint.

Put the lid back onto the school glue and then shake the bottle of glue vigorously for several minutes to incorporate as much of the black paint as possible. Then remove the lid again and stir the mixture with a skewer or stick until the black paint is combined thoroughly with the glue.

2. Now draw a sugar skull on your mixed media paper with a pencil. You can also get our sugar skull black glue art template in our ( We appreciate the support!)

3. Before you begin tracing the sugar skull with your black glue, test out the glue first on a napkin or separate piece of paper. Create some lines to experiment with the flow and spread of glue.

4. Once you are happy with the way the glue flows, use a steady hand to trace the lines of your sugar skull with your black glue.

5. Leave the black glue to dry overnight. This step is important because if you paint your picture prior to the black glue drying your watercolors will mix with the black paint.

6. Once the black glue is completely dry, paint your sugar skull with your watercolors. We love using liquid watercolors to paint our black glue art projects with since the colors are so bright and vibrant.
Your Sugar Skull Art Project is complete!
For younger children who want to make this beautiful art project, they will love creating their own design with black glue on the sugar skull using our blank skull pattern. You can find one included with our sugar skull black glue art pattern in our Shop.
Do you love black glue art as much as I do? Check out this fun black glue galaxy craft or our black glue cactus craft. We also have a black glue pumpkin art project that is great for Halloween.

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Sugar Skull Black Glue Art Project - I Heart Crafty Things

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This colorful sugar skull black glue art project is great for all ages to celebrate Day of the Dead or Dia de los Muertos.

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Do Hiking Trail Adventures Again in the Spring (spring break) or Winter break

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Do Hiking Trail Adventures Again in the Spring (spring break) or Winter break

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Like have Christmas in July, could do in winter like dream of summer in winter - bright spot in our dark December plans?

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Mermaids vs. Pirates (Maybe keep for fall for talk-like-a-pirate day)

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Mermaids vs. Pirates (Maybe keep for fall for talk-like-a-pirate day)

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Have mermaid and pirate activities such as:

Pirate hats or mermaid seashell hats

jewelry making

Ocean photo opt area

Map-making

Slime (pirate treasure or mermaid glitter colors) or sensory bottles

Treasure scavenger hunt

Make a cutlass or mermaid wand

Write a song or sea shanty or siren's call karaoke

Other ideas: 20 Bubbly Mermaid Crafts And Activities - Teaching Expertise

Other ideas: 20+ Pirate Activities for Kids - Taming Little Monsters

Decorations:

Water/waves from the ceiling

Behind the pirate side: Red X and lines (look like a pirate's map to treasure)

Behind the mermaid side: Jelly fish (look underwater)

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Pirates Versus Mermaids School Musical | Out of the Ark

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Heave-ho and away we go on a fantastic, swashbuckling musical journey, where the seven seas just aren't big enough for both pirates and mermaids!

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Hansel and gretel - put on the gingerbread doors "hansel and gretel were here"

Baked goods with things like eye balls and fingers

an oven on the wall behind the couldron

Brick walls

Pictures of kids - pull down/pull up to reveal sinister scene like the Haunted Mansion at Disney

DIY Lenticular printing - pictures that look different depending on angle viewing them - 3D Lenticular Printing Using Photoshop and Inkjet Printer : 8 Steps - Instructables

Framed pictures of kids hanging on wall near oven

Candy making station- using styrofoam balls

Decorations: Tonic water design on watercolor paper, another painting on top or highlight creepy with glow?

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Defense Against the Dark Arts - Make a Patronus - chalk art (have a Dementor in the corner) - passive

Care of Magical Animals - make pom pom animal - staff-led

Divination - personality optical illusions - what you see first means.... - make look like in a teacup - passive

Potions - make slime - staff-led

Broomsticks - make craft stick and yarn broomstick - passive

Chess board - ask Angela/Systemwide

Sorting "Hat" Quiz - give something depending on which house in - perhaps create a sticker - design and print on stickable labels - passive

Spells/Charms - have Latin on "placements" where can "learn" spells - decoration

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"And then, once you had managed to find them, there were the classes themselves. There was a lot more to magic, as Harry quickly found out, than waving your wand and saying a few funny words."

- The challenging nature of academic classes at Hogwarts

There were a variety of subjects taught at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. These included both the core curriculum and the electives, available from third year forward. In the fifth year, students took the Ordinary Wizarding Level (O.W.L.) exams to determine whether they could achieve a score high enough to continue to N.E.W.T.-level (Nastily Exhausting Wizarding Test) for the class in the remaining two years.

Some classes, including the core classes, might be dropped in sixth year. Specialised classes such as Alchemy became available in sixth year provided there was sufficient demand.

All first-years at Hogwarts had to take seven core subjects: Transfiguration, Charms, Potions, History of Magic, Defence Against the Dark Arts, Astronomy and Herbology. Flying lessons (on broomsticks) were also compulsory. Flying was the only one of these that could be dropped upon entry into second year.

At the end of their second year at Hogwarts, students were required to choose a minimum of two additional subjects from the following list: Arithmancy, Muggle Studies, Divination, Study of Ancient Runes and Care of Magical Creatures. Students couldn't elect to drop any of the core subjects at this time, but they could choose to drop an elective if it became a burden.

During their fifth year, students had an appointment with their Head of House to discuss which job they wanted to go into. The professor would recommend any specific subjects for N.E.W.T. level required for this job, taking into account their predicted O.W.L. grades based on their current performance. The teacher could recommend subjects based on the student's current grades if the student was unsure of what job they would like. These students made provisional choices for N.E.W.T.s at this time and their choices were confirmed or rejected depending on their achieved O.W.L grades or the demand.

During sixth year, students advanced to N.E.W.T.-level classes, based on the individual's O.W.L. scores for a certain subject. The professor would decide the O.W.L. grade needed. Course work during this year was much more advanced than it had been previously. The majority of students' time was spent studying and trying to cope with the vast amounts of homework they were being given. Students in the sixth year could also elect to take part in Apparition lessons for a fee of twelve Galleons.

The seventh year was the final year of magical education. At the end of the year, students took the exam for their N.E.W.T. subjects that had been chosen in sixth year and carried through to the seventh.

Very specialised subjects such as Alchemy were offered in the final two years, but would only be provided if there was sufficient demand. It is unknown whether the student would need any grades from another subject to take the subjects, or whether it was open to anyone to try. There may have been a N.E.W.T. exam for these subjects too.

Certain subjects could be abolished for certain reasons. Albus Dumbledore was originally planning to scrap Divination altogether due to its inaccuracy to most, but he kept the subject as a pretence to protect Sybill Trelawney from the Death Eaters. During the conquered Ministry's regime, Defence Against the Dark Arts was cancelled and replaced with outright Dark Arts, conforming with Lord Voldemort's reign of darkness. Upon the defeat of Voldemort, the Dark Arts class was abolished and the regular Defence class was restored.

Core classes

Astronomy was the only field of study at Hogwarts that had a direct equivalent in the Muggle world. Astronomy classes took place in the Astronomy Tower, the tallest tower in Hogwarts, and were taught by Professor Aurora Sinistra. Lessons involved observations of the night skies with telescopes. Lessons were held every week at midnight, and first years had lessons on Wednesday.

Known student homework activities included learning the names of stars, constellations and planets, and their locations, movements, and environments.

Dark Arts (core in 1997-1998 only)

Dark Arts only became a subject and mandatory for all students during the 1997-1998 school year, when it was taught by Amycus Carrow. It replaced Defence Against the Dark Arts that school year.

Defence Against the Dark Arts

Defence Against the Dark Arts, commonly shortened to D.A.D.A., was the class that taught students defensive techniques to defend against the Dark Arts, and to be protected from dark creatures.

The subject had an extraordinarily high turnover of staff members - throughout Harry Potter's time at Hogwarts, no Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher remained at Hogwarts for more than one school year. These included Quirinus Quirrell, Gilderoy Lockhart, Remus Lupin, Bartemius Crouch Jnr impersonating Alastor "Mad-Eye" Moody, Dolores Umbridge, Severus Snape, and Amycus Carrow.

Hagrid suggested that "T hey're startin' ter think the job's jinxed. No one's lasted long for a while now." Dumbledore suggested that Voldemort jinxed the position because his application for it was rejected. The position had also been coveted by Snape, but he was denied the position as well. Snape was finally appointed D.A.D.A. professor in 1996. After the end of the Second Wizarding War, the jinx on the position was lifted. Harry Potter would occasionally come to the class to give lectures on the subject.

Herbology was the study of magical plants and how to take care of, utilise and combat them. There were at least three greenhouses, holding a variety of magical plants of varying degrees of lethality. Herbology was also the subject Neville Longbottom excelled in. He later replaced Professor Pomona Sprout as the Herbology teacher by 2019. The class was considered to be very exhausting.

History of Magic

History of Magic was the study of magical history, which was taught by Professor Cuthbert Binns. His lessons were depicted as some of the most boring at Hogwarts. They were only lectures, given without pause, about significant events in wizarding history. Topics had included Goblin Rebellions, Giant wars, and the origins of wizarding secrecy.

Potions was described as the art of creating mixtures with magical effects. It required the correct mixing and stirring of ingredients at the right times and temperatures. Snape's lessons were depicted as unhappy, oppressing times set in a gloomy dungeon in the basement of the castle, whilst Horace Slughorn's, who replaced Severus Snape as Potions Master, was shown as more cheerful and even fun at times.

Potions was also a difficult class to achieve an O.W.L. in, as only twelve students from Harry Potter's year managed it. The O.W.L written exam was described as "difficult".

Transfiguration

Transfiguration was the art of changing the form or appearance of an object, and hence this was what this class taught. Transfiguration was a theory-based subject, including topics such as " Switching Spells" (altering only a part of some object, such as giving a human rabbit's ears); Vanishing Spells (causing an object to completely disappear); and Conjuring Spells (creating objects out of thin air).

It was possible to change inanimate objects into animate ones and vice versa - Minerva McGonagall, the class's teacher, transfigured her desk into a pig. According to Minerva McGonagall, "Transfiguration is some of the most dangerous magic you will be taught at Hogwarts".

Third years and up

Arithmancy

Arithmancy was a branch of magic concerned with the magical properties of numbers. It was a favourite subject of Hermione Granger. Arithmancy was reportedly difficult, as it required memorising or working with many charts. It was also an elective course that could be taken by students third year and above. The subject was taught by Professor Septima Vector. It was separated into normal Arithmancy and Advanced Arithmancy Studies.

Care of Magical Creatures

Care of Magical Creatures was a class which instructed students on how to care for magical beasts. Classes were held outside the castle. In Harry's first two years, the class was taken by Professor Silvanus Kettleburn who then retired " in order to enjoy more time with his remaining limbs". Dumbledore then recruited the gamekeeper Rubeus Hagrid to accept a teaching position along with his gamekeeping duties.

Although Hagrid was obviously very experienced and knowledgeable, he consistently misjudged the risk that the animals he used in his lessons pose to his students, which sometimes resulted in chaos. When Hagrid was absent, his lessons were taken over by Professor Grubbly-Plank, an acquaintance of Dumbledore's.

Divination

Divination was the art of predicting the future. Various methods were described, including tea leaves, fire-omens, crystal balls, palmistry, cartomancy (including the reading of conventional playing cards and the tarot), astrology, and dream interpretations. Divination was described by Professor McGonagall as "one of the most imprecise branches of magic". Supporters of the subject claimed that it was an inexact science that required innate gifts like the " Inner Eye". Those opposed claimed that the subject was irrelevant and fraudulent.

Harry was first taught Divination by Professor Trelawney, and then later by Firenze after Trelawney was sacked by Dolores Umbridge in Harry's fifth year. In his sixth (and presumably seventh) year, Firenze and Professor Trelawney taught Divination. Divination was considered to be a very tiring class.

Muggle Studies (core in 1997-1998 only)

Muggle Studies was a class taught by Charity Burbage, which involved the study of the Muggle (non-magical) culture "from a wizarding point of view". It also included Muggle Art and Muggle Music. The only need for witches and wizards to learn about Muggle ways and means was to ensure they could blend in with Muggles while needing to do so (for example, at the 1994 Quidditch World Cup).

Voldemort murdered Professor Charity Burbage because she portrayed Muggles in a positive light and was opposed to limiting wizardry to only people of pure-blood origins. For the rest of that academic year, Alecto Carrow, a Death Eater, taught Muggle Studies. However, her lessons (which were made compulsory) mainly described Muggles and Muggle-borns as subhuman and worthy of persecution.

Study of Ancient Runes

Sixth and seventh year

Advanced Arithmancy Studies

Alchemy was a sort of composite subject between Transfiguration, Potions and Muggle Chemistry, focused roughly on the transmutation of substances into other forms. It was an elective, only offered to NEWT level students if the demand was sufficient.

Apparition

Apparition was the magical form of teleportation in the wizarding world. Lessons were optional to those in the sixth and seventh years. In the wizarding world, performing Apparition required a licence and could only be legally performed by people over seventeen years of age. The described reason for the restriction was that Apparition was dangerous if done improperly: insufficient concentration could have led to body parts being left behind in an unfortunate side-effect known as splinching.

Although magical enchantments on the Hogwarts Castle and its grounds prevented Apparition and Disapparition there, these protections were temporarily relaxed within the Great Hall for short periods to permit students to practise Apparition. Wilkie Twycross, a Ministry of Magic Apparition Instructor, offered lessons in Apparition to sixth-years.

Extra-curricular subjects

Ancient Studies

Apparition

Art was a class where students painted, drew, and otherwise depicted artistic things.

Flying was the class that taught the use of broomsticks made for the use of flying. It was only mandatory to Hogwarts first years and optional for second years and above. This class was taught by Rolanda Hooch. The subject was the only one that required physicality.

Ghoul Studies

It is assumed that students learned about ghouls in this class, and possibly other similar creatures.

Magical Theory

A subject taught to at least first years. It was taught in Class 67 on the fourth floor of Hogwarts Castle. It presumably covered magic from a purely theoretical view, and Magical Theory by Adalbert Waffling might be a required textbook.

Muggle Art was a class where students painted, drew, and otherwise depicted artistic things.

Muggle Music

Music was a class in which students were taught musical instruments and possibly sang in the Frog Choir. In the early 1990s, it was taught by a male professor.

Xylomancy was a class in which students learned about the 'often overlooked' way of divination which had something to do with twigs.

Appearances

Notes and references

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And then, once you had managed to find them, there were the classes themselves. There was a lot more to magic, as Harry quickly found out, than waving your wand and saying a few funny words.The challenging nature of academic classes at Hogwarts There were a variety of subjects taught at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

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In the programming catalog

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Opal Lee will come at 11am, will see about if going to have horses for this event

Possible ideas:

Leather Stamping - teen/adult

Horse Storytime - Pre-School

Horse Plate Craft - k-5th grade

Books for display:

https://fwpl.polarislibrary.com/polaris/search/title.aspx?ctx=1.1033.0.0.1&pos=3&cn=2329357

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Horses are one of kids' favorite animals! If your child loves horses, they're going to want to make this paper plate horse craft!

It's super simple to make and it combines painting and crafting. We've even included a free printable template to make it easier!

This craft is suitable for doing at home or in the classroom with preschoolers, kindergarten and elementary children.

Check out our step by step directions or watch our quick video tutorial to learn how to make this cute horse craft.

And be sure to look at all of our fun farm animal crafts for kids!

Horse Craft For Kids

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate and a participant in other affiliate programs, I earn a commission on qualifying purchases. Read our disclosure policy.

Supplies

Directions

Download the horse template, print and cut out the pieces.

Paint your paper plate in a thin coat of brown paint and let dry completely. In our example, we used dark brown paint, but you can try black, light brown, white or cream colored.

As a side note, we painted two paper plates brown instead of one. The second one we used to cut out the horse's ears from. If you don't want to paint 2 paper plates, you can choose to use the same colored card stock or construction paper instead.

Additionally, if you don't want to deal with the mess that comes with painting you can skip it and use brown paper plates instead.

Take the two large eyes and glue them towards the top of the paper plate. Use the brown marker to draw on the nostrils and mouth on the cream muzzle.

Glue this piece just beneath the eyes, in the middle of the paper plate.

Position the horse's mane at the top of the paper plate and glue or tape it down. We've found tape works the best on painted paper plates.

Cut out the horse's ears from the second paper plate or brown construction paper and tape them to the back of the paper plate.

Do you want to keep your kids entertained all year long with fun animal crafts? We've got you covered! Our animal craft book has 52 weeks of unique & adorable animal crafts for kids. Watch your child's creativity blossom as they improve fine motor skills!

Farm Animal Study Unit Ideas

That's all there is to it! This horse craft goes along great when learning about farm animals.

In fact, you can make a week-long study of farm animals with our easy activities! It's a great idea if you're doing homeschool preschool or to keep the younger kids entertained and learning during summer break.

Here are a few resources to get your planning started!

First, you can check out some of kids' favorite farm animal books from the library. Choose one, two, or all of them depending on how much your kids like storytime!

After that why not try these farm animal worksheets for kids? Inside this bundle, there's a matching game, handwriting practice, counting, and more.

Once you're done with those get hands-on with this farm-themed small world play. It's easy to grab your kids' farm animal toys and get started.

Another day, keep the kids entertained with these free printable farm animal coloring pages.

Finish it off with this paper plate horse craft and you're all set!

Share With Us

Did you make this craft with your kids or students? We'd love to feature them on our social media!

For a chance to have your child's craft featured, simply snap a picture of the completed project and post it to our Facebook page, email it to us directly by clicking here, or use #simpleeverydaymom on your social media!

More Farm Animal Crafts

More Farm Ideas For Kids

Free Horse Template

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Paper Plate Horse Craft For Kids [Free Template]

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Make this cute and easy paper plate horse craft with the kid! It's a simple craft idea that comes with a free printable template. It's great for doing with preshcool, kindergarten and elementary aged children.

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Should do a 4th of July event. Maybe bottle rockets? Put a STEAM twist to it? Can paint bottles before launching?

Will roll into Full STEAM ahead instead of its own thing

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Senior Tech Hour (Senior Planet coming - will wait to see what offerings are possible)

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Senior Tech Hour (Senior Planet coming - will wait to see what offerings are possible)

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Mini Northstar lessons? Develop own?

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The Senior Planet licensing program powerfully equips local organizations across the country with the tools to help older adults access technology and use it to enhance their lives. Through an adaptable program model, the Senior Planet licensing structure works with community-based organizations to develop local trainers to deliver Senior Planet's proprietary curriculum and bring world-class [...]

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End of school year "Graduation" party for moving to a new grade/ new phase

Could be for homeschoolers who don't have a graduation?

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The end of the school year is an exciting time, especially for preschoolers and kindergarteners who are graduating to the next grade. It's a moment of pride as they celebrate their achievements and look forward to new adventures.

This adorable gnome graduation day craft is a fun way to commemorate the end of the school year. Kids will love creating a gnome, complete with a cap and gown, all set to graduate, too!

It's a perfect activity to do in classrooms, at home, or even as a unique graduation party decoration. To make the craft even easier for you, we've created a free template you can download.

Once the gnome is done, don't stop there! We have plenty of other gnome crafts for kids that are just as fun and engaging. Happy crafting, and congratulations to all the graduates!

Easy Craft For Graduation Day

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate and a participant in other affiliate programs, I earn a commission on qualifying purchases. Read our disclosure policy.

Supplies

Colored cardstock or construction paper

Gnome template (click the "click here to get this freebie" image at the end to open the form)

Directions

Start by downloading the gnome template and printing it out. Once you have the template printed, gather the materials needed for this fun activity. Get those scissors ready, and let's help the kids bring this cute gnome to life!

First, encourage your child to glue the eyes below the eyebrows.

Next, guide your child to glue the beard below the eyes.

Position the nose at the bottom of the eyes and glue it in between them.

Place the academic gown below the beard and back of the gnome, then glue it in place.

Glue the feet to the bottom of the gnome's body.

Next, color in the diploma band and then glue it to the center of the body.

Now, help your child glue the hands to the center of the body so it looks like the gnome is holding the diploma.

Attach the cap above the head and glue it in place.

Finally, glue the graduation tassel to the cap so it's hanging off.

Be sure to check out our other summer crafts while you're here! Your kids will love creating more fun projects like this one!

More Summer Activities For Kids

Summer Themed Ideas

Summer is the perfect time for kids to get creative and enjoy the sunshine with some engaging crafts and activities. If you're looking for projects to keep little hands busy and keep boredom at bay, we've got you covered.

We've put together a list of summer themed ideas that capture the essence of warm weather and outdoor fun. There's something for every child to enjoy, so read on below for a collection of books, crafts, and activities that are perfect for summertime!

Summer Books For Kids

How To Catch A Mermaid is the summer version of the classic "How To Catch" series! It's perfect for mermaid fans and summer lovers alike!

Gorilla Loves Vanilla is all about, you guessed it - ice cream! This silly book will have kids laughing and asking for you to read it again and again.

Goodnight Pirate is a fun bedtime book to read to kids all summer long! They'll love the illustrations, story, and rhyming words.

Fun Summer Crafts

Beluga Whale Headband Craft - Create a splash with this adorable beluga whale headband! It's a fun and super easy project that kids will love. Grab some simple materials and let your little ones transform into playful belugas.

Paper Plate Ice Cream Craft - Make summer extra sweet with our ice cream craft made out of a paper plate! This fun project is perfect for kids who love ice cream (who doesn't?) and is a fun way to beat the heat indoors.

Paper Cup Octopus Craft - Transform a simple paper cup into a cute octopus with our free template! This playful craft is perfect for kids who are fascinated by ocean creatures. It's easy, fun, and requires just a few supplies.

Paper Plate Sun Craft - Bring a little sunshine to your day with this fun paper plate craft! It's a simple and cheerful project that kids will love. Grab some paper plates, paints, and let your kids' creativity shine!

Summer Printable Activities

Set sail on an educational adventure with these engaging pirate worksheets for kids! These printables cover a variety of topics, including handwriting practice, recognizing patterns, graphing, counting, and beginning sounds.

There are 24 pages included that are perfect for keeping kids engaged and learning during the summer or throughout the year. Your child can enjoy activities like connecting the dots, playing a pirate memory game, and using the counting mats with playdough or pom poms.

Don't miss this opportunity to combine learning with some swashbuckling fun!

Keep your kids engaged and learning with these summer worksheets! This fun filled set includes three different activities designed to boost handwriting, letter recognition, and pattern recognition. The first worksheet focuses on handwriting practice for the letter S.

Next, they can navigate their way through the S maze, which enhances their ability to recognize uppercase and lowercase Ss. And lastly, our "finish the pattern" sheet, features summery illustrations to help children sharpen their cognitive abilities while observing and completing patterns.

A good way to get kids engaged this summer is with these S is for Summer printables. These activities include tracing the letter S, coloring summer scenes, and interactive games that encourage counting, sequencing, matching, and problem-solving.

Kids will improve their fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and letter recognition while having a blast. It's a great way for young learners to make the most of summer while learning in a playful and creative way.

This nine page set of Mother's Day homeschooling printables is the perfect way to keep kids entertained while giving Mom a well-deserved break. They're designed for children aged 5-12 and include coloring sheets, word searches, and fill-in-the-blank pages where kids can describe what makes their mom special.

As a bonus, the set includes special Mother's Day coupons to bring an extra smile to Mom's face.

Did you make this craft with your kids or students? We'd love to feature them on our social media!

For a chance to have your child's craft featured, simply snap a picture of the completed project and post it to our Facebook page, email it to us directly by clicking here, or use #simpleeverydaymom on your social media!

Activities For Kids

Graduation Gnome Template

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Gnome Graduation Day Craft For Kids (Free Template)

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Gnome Graduation Day Craft | Easy idea for kids to make for preschool or kindergarten graduation! Use a free printable PDF template to cut out & make.

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Systemwide program

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Join us for this 6-week series that guides and prepares caretakers to send their child to Kindergarten.

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Summer 2024 theme: 2024: Adventure Begins at Your Library : La aventura comienza en tu biblioteca – Adventure (Juana Martinez-Neal)

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Summer 2024 theme: 2024: Adventure Begins at Your Library : La aventura comienza en tu biblioteca – Adventure (Juana Martinez-Neal)

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Maybe do a camping theme like event - perhaps a one-day summer camp where have a bunch of summer camp activities/games? Could see about inviting Parks and Rec to talk about hiking or camping safety as well?

Or perhaps 1 week of teen camping activities each day a new activity for 1 hour each?

Or survival bootcamp - how to do - make a lantern, pack a hiking bag, forage, etc.

27 Fun Teenage Camping Activities + Games (No More "I'm BORED!") – The Crazy Outdoor Mama

10 Camping Activities For Teenagers - TakeOutdoors

Camping Lantern DIY | How To Make An Improvised Camping Lantern (survivallife.com)

Learn - Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge (fwnaturecenter.org)

2nd-5th grade: Mix of games and crafts: Hiking Dangers Scavenger Hunt or Hike; Indoor "Kayaking" - sit on cardboard and have to paddle across room - could be a race or they just try for their personal bests or an egg toss; camp crafts - straw gods eye or paper plate dream catcher)

Teens: Mix of games and crafts: Foraging Scavenger Hunt - find mushrooms or other things hidden in the library, will have to judge if they are safe to eat or not; games like indoor kayaking or egg toss, and crafts.

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Teen Program – Collaborative Summer Library Program

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CSLP Getting Started With Teens
Teen Program Example 2023

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Learn about different animal footprints, how to identify editable herbs and plants, and different types of rocks.

2nd-5th grade: Mix of games and crafts: Hiking Dangers Scavenger Hunt or Hike; Indoor "Kayaking" - sit on cardboard and have to paddle across room - could be a race or they just try for their personal bests or an egg toss; camp crafts - straw gods eye or paper plate dream catcher)

Teens: Mix of games and crafts: Foraging Scavenger Hunt - find mushrooms or other things hidden in the library, will have to judge if they are safe to eat or not; games like indoor kayaking or egg toss, and crafts.

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For the most part, hiking is an extremely safe activity that will provide so many benefits to your physical and mental well being. There are some common hazards, though, that hikers may encounter on a typical hike.

If you plan to spend a significant amount of time walking through the wilderness, you should be wary of these common hazards and, more importantly, how to avoid them.

1. Getting Lost

Getting lost is a common hazard that befalls even the most seasoned hikers. I put this one at the top of the list because the rest of the list's hazards become more likely if you get lost while hiking.

You know that feeling you get when you walk back out to a large parking lot and cannot find your car? Multiply that feeling by about 100, and that is what it feels like to realize that you are lost in the woods on a hike. It is a feeling of fright, dread, and anxiety all rolled into a massive gut punch.

Getting lost while hiking is so dangerous not because of the fact that you are lost but because of the bad decisions you may make in this state of frenzied panic.

As a young boy, I separated from my father in the forest in Southwest Washington State. I was probably nine or ten years old, and I was surrounded by massive ferns and huge alder trees covered in wet moss that dampened by voice. I started banging a heavy branch against a tree. A trick someone had taught me earlier.

If you are hiking on a well-maintained trail, then getting lost should not be a problem. Hikers can get lost when they deviate from the path or hiking on remote paths that are not well maintained or well marked.
To avoid getting lost while hiking, there are some easy tips to remember.

One of the easiest things you can do to avoid getting lost while hiking is to stay on the trail.

Another antidote to temporarily losing your bearings is to bring a compass and a map of the area you plan to hike.

Drop pins in Google Maps on your phone to mark important locations on your hike, such as the trailhead or your parked car. This only works if you have service, obviously.

Blaze your hiking route. You can mark your trail using colored tape. This is only really necessary if you are hiking through the bush on game trails. A maintained hiking trail will be easy to follow, for the most part, unless there is deep snow.

2. Dehydration

Dehydration is number two on this list for common hazards that people face while hiking. Of everything else on this, dehydration may be the most insidious. It may also be the most dangerous.

Feeling thirsty while hiking is completely normal. For those who spend most of their days indoors staring at a computer screen, regulating hydration is as easy as getting up and finding a glass of water. We use less water on a typical workday, so we have grown accustomed to consuming a certain amount of water to stay properly hydrated.

When you are hiking, you breathe and sweat more than you normally would while typing away on a keyboard. Perspiration and respiration are two ways our bodies lose water, the third being using the toilet.

While hiking at a brisk pace under normal meteorological conditions I will use about 2.5 cups of water per hour. In about six or seven hours of fast hiking, I will lose a gallon of water. That is more than eight pounds of water!

For more on how much water you should bring on a hike and how to calculate your water consumption while hiking, check out my guide.

Dehydration is a serious condition that can quickly lead to death if not addressed.

All of this means that you will have to drink more water than you normally would on a typical office workday. Here are some tips for maintaining proper hydration while hiking.

Drink enough water before your hike so that your urine is a clear, yellow color.

Carry about a gallon of water or 3.7 liters for a day hike.

Drink water while hiking to replace the water you are losing.

Keep track of how often you are urinating. Adjust your water consumption accordingly.

Map out water sources along the hiking route ahead of time. Bring a purification or filtration method.

3. Slipping

At the third spot on my list of eight common hazards while hiking is slipping. Slipping is a common hazard for hikers because hikes normally occur on uneven ground, with trip hazards around every corner.

Unless you are walking on loose, uneven terrain all the time while hiking, you will have to adjust for foot placement, stride length, and lateral forces on your feet and lower legs.

While researching the Northern Goshawk in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest in Washington State as an undergraduate Biology student, I had to receive safety training from the Ranger Station in Randle, Washington.

A good portion of this safety training was dedicated to hiking safety, and I remember the ranger vividly stressing how dangerous it is to walk on fallen logs to move through the bush. The reason is that one of your biggest threats while hiking is losing the ability to walk, and slipping off of a log can easily lead to an injury that will make it painful or impossible to walk.

Of course, as a 21-year old, I walked along with fallen logs all the time! A fallen Douglas fir that is three-feet wide or more was not difficult for me to navigate, and it significantly increased my speed as we were often hiking off-trail in the underbrush searching for nesting pairs of Goshawks.

Taking a risk while hiking resulting in a sprained ankle or hyperextended knee can snowball into a real emergency. Avoid taking risks. Here are some ways to lower your chances of slipping and injuring yourself while hiking.

Wear proper footwear. I am currently hiking in Danner Mountain 600s and love them precisely for the super-grip soles. Check out my review here.

Maintain a steady pace.

Slow down under slippery conditions such as rain, mud, or snow.

Pay extra attention while crossing streams or rivers.

Step over obstacles and not on them.

Avoid hiking in the dark.

Use trekking poles

4. Falling

Another common hazard while hiking is the risk of falling. As the adage goes, it is not the fall that kills, but the landing. In any case, as city dwellers, we are not accustomed to environments that have dangers built into them. Cities are planned and built for humans; the wilderness is not.

It is no surprise the most popular hikes often include elevation gains along the sides of mountains. These routes provide majestic views and breathtaking panoramas that attract hikers. These routes are also places where hikers can potentially fall.

Hikes may include waterfalls or clifftop lookouts. Standing above a waterfall is an exhilarating experience. Looking out over a vast landscape from atop a cliff is awe-inspiring. Part of the allure of these experiences is the inherent risk.

Falling is a common hazard for hikers because it is not just the tops of waterfalls or high cliffs that pose a threat. Hikers can slip and fall down a slope, rolling and spinning out of control.
Here are some ways that you can avoid falling while hiking along a trail.

Be aware of your surroundings. Drop-offs can be hidden behind brush. Steep slopes may transition into a cliff.

Stay on the hiking trail.

Maintain a safe distance from cliff edges. A good rule of thumb is half your height or more.

Test the stability of paths or rocks above steep slopes or cliffs before stepping on to them.

Trekking poles or a walking stick provide more stability.

Trails along steep slopes are often unstable and can give way unexpectedly. Rocks placed to maintain or reinforce the path can dislodge under weight and send a hiker hurtling down.

5. Getting Caught Out in the Dark

Hiking in the dark requires extra planning and preparation. Getting caught out in the dark can happen to any hiker because of an injury, especially because they misjudged their pace and how long it would take to reach the end of the trail.

Knowing your hiking speed is an important part of planning. To learn more about how fast you hike and how to calculate it, check out my guide here.

When you are hiking in the dark, you are more likely to get lost - number one on this list of common hiking hazards. An unplanned hike in the dark also increases your chances of slipping and falling - two more common hiking hazards on this list.

Depending upon where you are hiking, the night can also bring frigid temperatures and a risk of hypothermia, which will be discussed shortly.
To avoid getting caught out in the dark while hiking consider these tips.

Bring a flashlight or headlamp even if you do not plan to hike at night.

Know your route and how many hours you need to hike to finish before nightfall.

Keep track of your pace and your progress along the hiking route. Speed up your hiking pace or minimize rest stops if you fall behind and are at risk of getting caught out in the dark.

Plan your hiking start time to provide a significant buffer of daylight hours.

Cancel your hike if you are unsure whether there are enough hours in the day left to complete the hike before sunset.

For all of these reasons, hiking in the dark is a common hazard for hikers. It can lead to more problems that can turn an outdoor adventure into a search and rescue scenario.

6. Hypothermia

"Hypo" is a prefix that means "below or beneath," as in hypodermic, or beneath the skin. In medical terminology, it also means "less than normal." Hypothermia is a less-than-normal temperature in organisms, which for humans is below 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit or 37 degrees Celsius.

One of the better outdoor survival books I have read is "98.6 Degrees: The Art of Keeping Your Ass Alive" by Cody Lundin. The entire book is about maintaining your body's optimum temperature. Lundin makes a compelling argument that if you are too cold or too hot, nothing else matters: food, water, or skills are all non-factors if your body's temperature is too far above or below 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit.

When you become too cold, it becomes more difficult to think properly. When your core temperature drops, it becomes difficult to do routine tasks like tieing your shoes or buttoning up your jacket.
Here are some tips and strategies to avoid becoming hypothermic while hiking.

Avoid sweating in cooler temperatures while hiking.

Wear hiking clothing that whisks away moisture from your skin.

If your clothes become wet in cooler temperatures, consider removing them and attempting to dry them out.

If you have no shelter in cold conditions, keep hiking since exercise generates heat and can maintain your core temperature.

Start a fire if you can.

Stay hydrated while hiking.

Eat high-calorie foods.

Hypothermia is a common hazard while hiking because it can happen in conditions that we do not normally associate with freezing to death. Temperate forests with mild temperatures or even deserts harbor the conditions to induce hypothermia in a hiker.

7. Hyperthermia

The evil twin of hypothermia is hyperthermia, where your body experiences an above-average temperature of more than 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit or 37 degrees Celsius.

Hyperthermia occurs when your body is no longer able to maintain its optimum temperature. Just as with hypothermia, the effects of hyperthermia are debilitating and can be deadly if not addressed.

Most likely, a hiker will risk becoming hyperthermic because of over-exertion in a hot, humid environment. A hiker may also become hyperthermic in a hot environment by not consuming enough water.

Perspiration is how our bodies lose heat as sweat evaporates from the skin. A hiker's sweat apparatus will be less efficient in a hot and humid environment and may not lose heat fast enough to avoid hyperthermia.
So what can you do to avoid becoming hyperthermic?

Bring plenty of water on your hike and drink it. As long as you have plenty of water, you should be able to maintain your core temperature under normal hiking conditions.

Hike at a comfortable pace in hot and humid conditions.

Avoid hiking at midday in hot environments. Hike in the morning or the evening.

Take more frequent breaks from hiking to allow your body's temperature to recover.

Wet some of your clothing in available water sources to help lower your core temperature.

Similarly, in a hot, arid environment, a hiker may consume water much more quickly than expected due to increased perspiration. Once the water is gone, the body will no longer be able to sweat to maintain its core temperature; hyperthermia is right around the corner.

8. Altitude Sickness

The ill-effects of being at higher elevations can strike anyone at any time. Your body's effects can range from nausea, headache, shortness of breath, and fatigue and become very serious. Basically, your body is not getting enough oxygen.

I put altitude sickness at the bottom of this list since not every hike occurs at high altitudes. Altitude sickness is still a common hazard for hiking, even though it can only strike a hiker at higher altitudes.

This post is not about the different types of altitude sickness nor how to identify them. Instead, as a hiker, you need to be aware that it is possible at higher altitudes even if you are in excellent physical shape.
Here are some strategies to prepare for high altitude hiking and avoid succumbing to high altitude sickness.

Prepare for having less oxygen available to breathe while hiking by improving your cardiovascular health through training.

Get a physical examination before going on your high altitude hike.

Improving your hiking efficiency through long training hikes before your trip.

Train with the gear you plan to bring on your high altitude hike. This will mitigate the effects of chafing or blisters.

Arrive early at the elevation you plan to hike and allow your body to adjust to the lower oxygen levels on some acclimatization hikes.

I hiked the Ausangate trek in Peru last year with my 10-year old son and some family friends who brought their 9-year and 11-year old children. No one on the trip suffered greatly from altitude sickness, though we did have to take Tylenol occasionally for headaches. We camped at around 14,000 feet and hiked passes over 17,000 feet over the five-day trip. You can check out my review of the Ausangate trek here.

Preparation for high altitude hiking is important, and there are some things that you can do before your hike to get your body ready. You can check out my guide for preparing for a high altitude hike here. This guide includes a training plan.

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8 Common Hazards While Hiking and How to Avoid Them | dustyhikers.com

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For the most part, hiking is an extremely safe activity that will provide so many benefits to your physical and mental well being. There are...

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Should do some sort of Juneteenth event

Ideas:

Mini Block Party - games area (some toss game), craft area (ex: create a Juneteenth flag, quilt squares, etc.) and a "food" area (use Play-Doh and Legos to make "food"). Should we have real food? like drinks and popcorn or chips or fruit snacks? May have some fruit snacks and water left over from May event could use.

"Block" party - theme: build a better city - use different types of "blocks" like Legos, wooden, etc. for individuals or groups to build a better house, business, neighborhood, or city. Could have judges and a prize? Maybe for teens (and/or adults) have them complete the building "blocks" for a business idea - entrepreneurship tips for creating their own business?

General craft like make your own Juneteenth Flag - could do collage using discarded magazines?

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Make your own nail polish

Learn to do nails

Try to get a professional in

Make up - DIY Color Analysis | Programming Librarian

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Byline Diamond Taranto, Adult Services Librarian I, Escondido (Calif.) Public Library

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DIY Color Analysis | Programming Librarian

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DIY Color Analysis is an interactive workshop where patrons are taught basic color theory and then use simple DIY techniques to find their personal color palette, or “color season”. Patrons can make a personal lookbook and grab some color swatches to take home.

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Hand out money monster books

Home | Venture Valley (discoverventurevalley.com)

Intuit for Education

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Venture Valley | Online Business Financial Strategy Card Game

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Your content goes here. Edit or remove this text inline or in the module Content settings. You can also style every aspect of this content in the module Design settings and even apply custom CSS to this text in the module Advanced settings.

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For college students - study time with some study tips and mediation, perhaps get therapy dog to come in for stress relief?

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2 hour program with some summer camp type crafts (like maybe rock painting or god's eye craft) and some games like axe throwing and archery

Amazon.com: Toysmith Warrior's Mark Indoor/Outdoor Foam Axe Throwing Game - Winner Creative Child Magazine 2019 Toy of The Year - for Girls & Boys Ages 6+ : Video Games

Amazon.com : OWNONE 1 Kids Bow and Arrow for Boys & Girls 3-12 Years, 2 in 1 Toy Archery Set with Target Stand and Suction Cup Arrows : Sports & Outdoors

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Adult summer camp is WAY more fun than being a kid and going to summer camp.

You get to do all sorts of fun activities and meet a bunch of other interesting adults.

In this post, you'll learn the best summer camp activities for adults.

Why you should listen to me: My name is Nick Gray. I wrote a book about hosting parties and building your network. I've been to more than a thousand events, and this adult summer camp was executed very well. I interviewed the organizers about everything they learned.

Adult Summer Camp Info

An adult summer camp is a recreational program that is designed for adults.

They usually offer activities such as sports, arts, crafts, hiking, swimming, and other outdoor activities that are typically associated with traditional summer camps for children.

Some adult summer camps may also include workshops or classes on topics such as wellness, cooking, or creative writing.

These camps may be overnight or during the day. They can vary in length from a weekend to a week long.

I went to an adult summer camp during the summer of 2022!

Right from the second I showed up, I knew it was going to be fun.

They assigned us our beds when we showed up.

Immediately after we got to play some games and socialize with all the attendees.

We spent the whole time dancing, playing games, shooting archery, kayaking, doing a ropes course, and much more.

List of Activities

Here's a list of things that you and your friends can do at an adult summer camp.

1. Human Pyramid

2. Ax Throwing

3. Bouncing Beach Balls

4. Power Pole

5. Pirate Ship

6. Screamer

7. Lake Kayaking

1. Pickleball

2. Disc Golf

3. Swimming

4. Self-Guided Hikes

5. Climbing

6. Zipline

7. Ropes Course

1. Charades

2. Cops and Robbers

3. Blind Taste Testing

4. Squirt Gun Fight

5. Silent Disco

6. Scavenger Hunt

7. Archery

1. Dodgeball

2. White Water Rafting

3. Dance Class

4. Ultimate Frisbee

5. Arts and Crafts

6. 2 Truths and a Lie

7. Outside Movie Theater

8. Relay Race

9. Color Wars

10. Survival Test

Photos from Adult Summer Camp

Conclusion

When will you go to an adult summer camp?

You should definitely commit the time to do this, there are adult summer camps everywhere. You'll have a blast!

Plus you'll have amazing memories and pictures to show your friends.

If you want to host great parties and meet people as you would at an adult summer camp, grab a copy of my book and learn more.

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Adult summer camp is WAY more fun than being a kid in summer camp. In this post, you'll learn the best summer camp activities for adults.

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balloon sword for fairytale/ folk tale day

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balloon sword for fairytale/ folk tale day

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should blow up and tie them before or have someone working to blow them up and tie them and someone else folding them?

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Introduction: How to Make a Pinhole Camera

Make your own camera out of materials around the house and take black and white photos with it.

Step 1: Gather Materials

You will need a box, photo paper, thin piece of metal like a can or brass shim, tape, xacto knife, needle, and sand paper.

Step 2: Make Pinhole

The pinhole is like the lens of the camera. Poke a tiny hole in the brass shim with a needle and sand it smooth. Trim the shim so there is a little space around the hole.

Step 3: Make Camera Box

You can use a shoe box, oat meal box or whatever. The box must be light proof. When the lid is on and the shutter is closed the inside is completely dark. The only light comes through the pinhole. Make sure there are no holes or openings in the box. Seal it and paint it flat black. Cut a small square opening in the box for the pinhole to go in.

Step 4: Put in Pinhole and Make Shutter

Tape the pinhole behind the square opening. I use electrical tape. Center the pinhole in the square. Then make the shutter which is just a flap that covers the pinhole from the outside. It can be made from some more tape.

Step 5: Load the Photo Paper

This must be done in complete darkness. You can make a darkroom in a bathroom or closet and use it for developing and changing paper. Tape a piece of photo paper to the inside of the box across from the hole. Put lid on and make sure the shutter is closed. Now you can go out in the light.

Step 6: Taking a Picture

Point the camera at what you want to shoot. It works best when it is bright and sunny. Depending on lighting and clouds hold shutter open for 30 seconds to 4 minutes then close. Everything has to stay perfectly still. Go back to the dark room and take paper out to develop.

Step 7: Developing

You will need developer, fixer, water, tongs, towels, and a safe light in you dark room. It must be pitch black when safe light is off. I found out you can use orange LED halloween lights as a safe light. It is cheaper and you get more light than a small red darkroom bulb. The paper from the box will be a negative to make the positive put another piece of photo paper under the developed negative face to face. The negative must be on top. Use a piece of glass to press them together and turn the lights on for a few seconds. Make sure your extra photo paper is safe and covered or it will all develop black. Now develop the positive. It goes in the developer then water then fixer then water then air dry.

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How to Make a Pinhole Camera: Make your own camera out of materials around the house and take black and white photos with it.

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How to Make a Pinhole Camera : 7 Steps (with Pictures) - Instructables

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Introduction: How to Make a Pinhole Camera

Make your own camera out of materials around the house and take black and white photos with it.

Step 1: Gather Materials

You will need a box, photo paper, thin piece of metal like a can or brass shim, tape, xacto knife, needle, and sand paper.

Step 2: Make Pinhole

The pinhole is like the lens of the camera. Poke a tiny hole in the brass shim with a needle and sand it smooth. Trim the shim so there is a little space around the hole.

Step 3: Make Camera Box

You can use a shoe box, oat meal box or whatever. The box must be light proof. When the lid is on and the shutter is closed the inside is completely dark. The only light comes through the pinhole. Make sure there are no holes or openings in the box. Seal it and paint it flat black. Cut a small square opening in the box for the pinhole to go in.

Step 4: Put in Pinhole and Make Shutter

Tape the pinhole behind the square opening. I use electrical tape. Center the pinhole in the square. Then make the shutter which is just a flap that covers the pinhole from the outside. It can be made from some more tape.

Step 5: Load the Photo Paper

This must be done in complete darkness. You can make a darkroom in a bathroom or closet and use it for developing and changing paper. Tape a piece of photo paper to the inside of the box across from the hole. Put lid on and make sure the shutter is closed. Now you can go out in the light.

Step 6: Taking a Picture

Point the camera at what you want to shoot. It works best when it is bright and sunny. Depending on lighting and clouds hold shutter open for 30 seconds to 4 minutes then close. Everything has to stay perfectly still. Go back to the dark room and take paper out to develop.

Step 7: Developing

You will need developer, fixer, water, tongs, towels, and a safe light in you dark room. It must be pitch black when safe light is off. I found out you can use orange LED halloween lights as a safe light. It is cheaper and you get more light than a small red darkroom bulb. The paper from the box will be a negative to make the positive put another piece of photo paper under the developed negative face to face. The negative must be on top. Use a piece of glass to press them together and turn the lights on for a few seconds. Make sure your extra photo paper is safe and covered or it will all develop black. Now develop the positive. It goes in the developer then water then fixer then water then air dry.

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How to Make a Pinhole Camera: Make your own camera out of materials around the house and take black and white photos with it.

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coloring/decorating light-switch covers. Cheap and easy.

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coloring/decorating light-switch covers. Cheap and easy.

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Possibly for the fairy-tale program

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spell books using discarded books, metal corners, filagree, and metal corner pieces.

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spell books using discarded books, metal corners, filagree, and metal corner pieces.

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use t-shirts from EMS ground breaking.

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So, the other day my husband stopped by Whole Foods after picking up produce, meat and cheese from our local farmers market. The cashier took one look at our reusable bags and, um, insisted on giving us new ones. Apparently, they don't like the look of them after they've been repeatedly dragged along the ground by children who "help" unload the groceries.

Anyway, I've been looking for an easy-to-carry, washable alternative for the kids to use, and over the weekend I came across the perfect solution. My local thrift shop was selling cute t-shirts for 99 cents apiece that were practically begging to be upcycled into a farmer's market tote. They're 100% washable, and when they're no longer useful as bags I can cut them into rags to clean with.

There was just one problem: I can't sew. At all.

Fortunately, I came across some no-sew ideas that Katie and I adapted to fit our style (which, if you're curious, generally favors the color red and anything Snoopy). The took no more than 10 minutes from start to finish, and I love how they turned out.

How To Make A No Sew T-Shirt Tote Bag

Supplies:

Old t-shirt - The thicker the fabric, the sturdier the bag

Sharp scissors, preferably fabric scissors

Washable marker (optional)

Directions
Step 1: Cut the sleeves off
If you'd like to fold the t-shirt in half you can cut both sleeves at once so that they are identical. Or, if your material is too thick to cut them both at once, you can cut one, then fold it in half and use the cut side as a guide for the next sleeve.
Step 2: Cut the neckline area
If you'd like, you can turn the shirt inside out and trace the outline of a bowl before cutting. I used both methods and personally, I like free-hand cutting better because I prefer a slightly oval shape to a perfectly round one. I ended up trimming this one a bit to make it more oval.
Step 3: Determine how deep you want the bag to be
If you haven't already turned your t-shirt inside out, do it now. Determine where you want the bottom of the bag to be and trace a line across. Keep in mind that depending on the fabric used, your tote is likely stretch and become longer when it's filled with stuff.
Step 4: Cut fringe
Now grab your scissors and cut slits from the bottom of the shirt up to the line marking the bottom of your bag. You'll want to cut both the front and back layers together because they need to match up for the next step.

I cut my slits about 3/4 to 1 inch apart.
Step 5: Tie Fringe
Okay, this is going to sound really complicated, but it's NOT, promise. Take your first pair of fringe and tie it into a knot, then tie two more pairs. Now if you lift your bag you'll see that although the pairs are pulling the bag together, there's a hole between each pair. This next step will close those holes.

In the photo above you see three sets of fringe that have been tied in knots. What I do next is grab one strand from the middle set (the one with the arrow pointing left) and tie it in a knot with one of the strands on the left set. Then I take the other strand from the middle set (the one with the arrow pointing right) and tie it in a knot with one of the strands on the right set.

Then I take the remaining strand on the right set and tie it to the next set of strands, and so on and so forth until all the strands are tied. Now turn your t-shirt right side out again and voila, you're done!
A Couple Of Fun Variations . . .
Turn the bag right side out when tying the fringe. This is one I made for Katiepotamus.

Tie the straps in knots, or tie bits of t-shirt scrap to the top as embellishments

Wondering what to do with your leftover scraps?

I usually use larger pieces as cleaning rags, or use them to make the recycled t-shirt potholders pictured below.

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How To Make A No Sew T-Shirt Tote Bag In 10 Minutes

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This no sew t-shirt tote bag made from old t-shirts can be whipped up in just ten minutes! It's perfect as a DIY tote or farmer's market bag...

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Can use the T-shirts from EMS groundbreaking or 10 year anniversary.

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So, the other day my husband stopped by Whole Foods after picking up produce, meat and cheese from our local farmers market. The cashier took one look at our reusable bags and, um, insisted on giving us new ones. Apparently, they don't like the look of them after they've been repeatedly dragged along the ground by children who "help" unload the groceries.

Anyway, I've been looking for an easy-to-carry, washable alternative for the kids to use, and over the weekend I came across the perfect solution. My local thrift shop was selling cute t-shirts for 99 cents apiece that were practically begging to be upcycled into a farmer's market tote. They're 100% washable, and when they're no longer useful as bags I can cut them into rags to clean with.

There was just one problem: I can't sew. At all.

Fortunately, I came across some no-sew ideas that Katie and I adapted to fit our style (which, if you're curious, generally favors the color red and anything Snoopy). The took no more than 10 minutes from start to finish, and I love how they turned out.

How To Make A No Sew T-Shirt Tote Bag

Supplies:

Old t-shirt - The thicker the fabric, the sturdier the bag

Sharp scissors, preferably fabric scissors

Washable marker (optional)

Directions
Step 1: Cut the sleeves off
If you'd like to fold the t-shirt in half you can cut both sleeves at once so that they are identical. Or, if your material is too thick to cut them both at once, you can cut one, then fold it in half and use the cut side as a guide for the next sleeve.
Step 2: Cut the neckline area
If you'd like, you can turn the shirt inside out and trace the outline of a bowl before cutting. I used both methods and personally, I like free-hand cutting better because I prefer a slightly oval shape to a perfectly round one. I ended up trimming this one a bit to make it more oval.
Step 3: Determine how deep you want the bag to be
If you haven't already turned your t-shirt inside out, do it now. Determine where you want the bottom of the bag to be and trace a line across. Keep in mind that depending on the fabric used, your tote is likely stretch and become longer when it's filled with stuff.
Step 4: Cut fringe
Now grab your scissors and cut slits from the bottom of the shirt up to the line marking the bottom of your bag. You'll want to cut both the front and back layers together because they need to match up for the next step.

I cut my slits about 3/4 to 1 inch apart.
Step 5: Tie Fringe
Okay, this is going to sound really complicated, but it's NOT, promise. Take your first pair of fringe and tie it into a knot, then tie two more pairs. Now if you lift your bag you'll see that although the pairs are pulling the bag together, there's a hole between each pair. This next step will close those holes.

In the photo above you see three sets of fringe that have been tied in knots. What I do next is grab one strand from the middle set (the one with the arrow pointing left) and tie it in a knot with one of the strands on the left set. Then I take the other strand from the middle set (the one with the arrow pointing right) and tie it in a knot with one of the strands on the right set.

Then I take the remaining strand on the right set and tie it to the next set of strands, and so on and so forth until all the strands are tied. Now turn your t-shirt right side out again and voila, you're done!
A Couple Of Fun Variations . . .
Turn the bag right side out when tying the fringe. This is one I made for Katiepotamus.

Tie the straps in knots, or tie bits of t-shirt scrap to the top as embellishments

Wondering what to do with your leftover scraps?

I usually use larger pieces as cleaning rags, or use them to make the recycled t-shirt potholders pictured below.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
How To Make A No Sew T-Shirt Tote Bag In 10 Minutes

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This no sew t-shirt tote bag made from old t-shirts can be whipped up in just ten minutes! It's perfect as a DIY tote or farmer's market bag...

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Ideally have garden in courtyard where will learn things like what grows best in the area, how to best plant, how to tend, how to harvest, etc.

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Toddler, Elementary, and Teen Summer Camps

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Toddler, Elementary, and Teen Summer Camps

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Partner with the Nature center and Refuge to develop/present age-appropriate class.

Examples: foraging for mushrooms, trail dangers,

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2nd & 3rd Grade - Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge

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Backyard Biologist: Spend the week searching for insects, plants, and other critters to collect and observe back in the classroom at our “Observation Station.” We will journal about their movements, adaptations, and habits. June 13 – 16, 2023 Budding Bird Nerds: Birds, birds, and more birds! Join us in creating a birding journal while discovering […]

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See if can partner to have them host one at EMS. Ideally a series: monthly?

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Events - 5th Street Cafe: A Dementia Friendly Social Club | Seniors Blue Book

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Dementia Friendly Fort Worth now offers in-person programming to meet the needs of caregivers and the individual with dementia at the same time and same location. Join us on the first and third Wednesday of each month for engaging activities for those with dementia and a support group to address caregiver concerns. Lunch provided at no cost. Please make a reservation online. more information or to join, contact Gail Snider at 817-332-6266 or gsnider@dementiafriendlyfw.org.

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Melting Beads

https://www.amazon.com/Pegboards-Tweezers-Compatible-Melting-Storage/dp/B09THLVFZK/ref=sr_1_4_sspa?crid=2FIHGGBZ7XVCZ&keywords=perler%2Bbeads%2Bset&qid=1704318678&sprefix=pearle%2Bbeads%2Bset%2Caps%2C85&sr=8-4-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&th=1

OR

https://www.staples.com/perler-beads-summer-mix-11-000-beads-per8017021/product_24491560

$29.98

$26.09

Painters tape

https://www.staples.com/scotch-blue-original-painter-s-tape-0-70-x-60-yds-2090-18e-g/product_614373

$5.09

Iron (see if youth library has it. If not, I have one)

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Library PALS (Practical, Art, Literacy, STEM)

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Library PALS (Practical, Art, Literacy, STEM)

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STEAM

Financial Literacy

Entrepeneur

Sewing

Navigation

Typing- nitrotyping or other games

coding

TinkerCad

codes

reading braille

Information Literacy - Camp Fact-Check — News Literacy Project

Something Urban (maybe urban gardening)

Give them buttons for each month with a different theme

BADGES

Life Skills

STEAM

Literacy

Trivia

Writing lessons

Story bites

Survival

Map making

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Animal show for Fall

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"I've always admired Eric for his dedication to and knowledge of the animal world. The world is smaller than people think - what we do here today affects people/animals/environment across the globe. The staff at Wildlife On The Move are masters at teaching people of all ages about important conservation issues in a way that is interesting and entertaining. Their work is vital to understanding the past and future of our planet's wildlife."
- Jack Hanna, Director Emeritus - Columbus Zoo and Host of Into the Wild and Wild Countdown

​ Supporting Animal Care Fund & STEAM Programming

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"I've always admired Eric for his dedication to and knowledge of the animal world. The world is smaller than people think - what we do here today affects people/animals/environment across the globe. The staff at Wildlife On The Move are masters at teaching people of all ages about important conservation issues in a way that is interesting and entertaining.

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Monthly Artists Series (do as part of Artist Afternoons)

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Monthly Artists Series (do as part of Artist Afternoons)

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Pick an artist, talk a bit about the artist and his/her style, show examples of their work, and then have the kids make something reminiscent of their work.

Examples:

Black History Month artists:

Lorna Simpson Art For Kids - Little Bins for Little Hands

Alma Thomas Circle Art Activity - Little Bins for Little Hands

Alma Thomas Circle Art Activity - Little Bins for Little Hands

Paint by number mural for the kids section

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Tips For Creating Your Collage Art

In this art project, kids will use simple shapes to tell a story inspired by Jacob Lawrence. Here are some steps and tips to create art in a style reminiscent of Jacob Lawrence:

Choose a Story or Theme

Discuss a simple theme or story they want to depict with the kids in their artwork. It could be a scene from everyday life, a favorite activity, or a small narrative. Lawrence often focused on the African American experience, so consider narratives that resonate with their experiences or cultural background.

Use Geometric Shapes

Lawrence often used simple geometric shapes to represent figures and elements in his compositions. Cut out shapes from colored paper or use fabric scraps to construct your images. Experiment with triangles, rectangles, circles, and other basic shapes to convey your story.

Use Vibrant Colors

Lawrence's paintings are known for their vibrant and bold color palette. Experiment with bright colors to evoke emotions and make your artwork visually striking. Consider how color can be used to show the mood and the story.

Experiment with Patterns

Lawrence often used patterns and repetition in his paintings. Introduce patterns in clothing, backgrounds, or other elements to add texture and interest to your artwork.

Consider Cultural Symbols

If your story involves cultural or historical elements, add in symbols that hold significance. These symbols can add layers of meaning to your artwork.

Tell a Personal Story

While inspired by Lawrence, infuse your own experiences and perspective into the artwork. Your personal touch will make the art unique and authentic.

Review and Refine

Step back and review your artwork. Make adjustments to shapes, colors, and composition as needed. Ensure that the visual narrative is clear and compelling.

Reflection

Conclude the project with a reflection session. Ask the kids to share their stories and discuss how Jacob Lawrence influenced their artwork's use of shapes and colors.

Shapes and Stories Art Project

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Celebrate Black History month with a colorful Jacob Lawrence art project for kids! Create narrative art with a few simple supplies.

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Have them come for a talk

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Series where will show all the steps involved in starting a small garden (or community garden), will set up garden in courtyard as demonstration?

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How to Start a Community Garden (with Pictures) - wikiHow

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If there’s a vacant lot in your neighborhood, you may be thinking that the perfect way to fill it up is with a community garden! Starting a community garden is a great way to bring your neighborhood together while also growing nutritious…

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Need: yarn, canvas, washable glue, paint, brushes

If paint first, will need to dry

This may take some time, should probably be 90 minutes long if do

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Mix glue with paper and paint

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Need: cardstock, paint or colored pencils, and black paint. Can use toothpicks to scratch off once dry.

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Did you know that you can make your own scratch art paper?! It's actually super easy! Why buy expensive art supplies when you can create your own DIY scratch art using crayons and paint?

We had so much fun with this scratch art! There's something so magical and cool about drawing on a black piece of paper to reveal a rainbow of colours! It's a great art project for kids, and tons of fun for summer camp and sleepovers.
This post contains affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something we may earn a small commission which helps us run this website.
Helpful Tips:

1. Add painter's tape to the bottom of your paper to keep it in place while you're adding the black paint.

2. Use a variety of crayon colours to cover your page. Bright colours show up the best!

3. Make sure you're pressing firmly with the crayon and covering the whole page. The paint will stick to any part of the paper that doesn't have crayon on it and won't scratch off.

4. Kids may have trouble colouring all the way to the edge of the page. If so, use a larger piece of paper and then cut out the coloured part after they're done colouring.

What paper should I use to make DIY scratch art?

We recommend using a heavier paper like cardstock. It needs to be a stronger paper that can handle heavy layers of crayon and paint.

And then it needs to hold up when you scratch on it! So regular printer paper is definitely not thick enough.

Can I make scratch art paper with only paint? Do I need to add dish soap?

Adding dish soap to the paint is definitely recommended. You can use just paint, but it makes it a lot harder to scratch without removing the crayon colour as well. Adding the soap to the paint makes the paint layer slide easily off the crayon!

Do I need to wait for the paint to dry on my scratch art paper?

We tried it both ways, and we recommend waiting for the paint to dry.

You can try scratching the paint while it's still wet. It makes the scratching process very easy to do, but it also makes it easy to smudge areas you don't want scratched off.

Is it better to make scratch art with crayons or oil pastels?

There are definitely advantages to both. Crayons are a lot less expensive and are easier to find in stores. We also found it easier to remove the black paint layer from the crayons, which is why we used them.

However, you can definitely use oil pastels instead. Colouring the whole sheet of paper goes a lot faster with oil pastels, and the paint has much better coverage over it (i.e. you can't see the colour through the paint). However, when it came to scratching this scratch art paper, it was a lot more difficult to scratch without removing the oil pastel colour as well.

What tools can I use to make scratch paper art?

All you need is something with a sharp (or at least sturdy) end. Here are a few examples of what works well:

What are some easy scratch art ideas to make?

The good thing about scratch art is that it's process art, and you can draw whatever you want! But if you're looking for inspiration, here are some fun ideas:

Shapes like hearts, stars, circles, etc

Flowers! They look great on scratch art paper and there's so many types to choose from

Animals like cats, dogs, or birds

Write out your name, or even try making bubble letters

Any random doodles you can think of, like spirals, wavy lines, lightning bolts, etc

Experiment with different ways of scratching. What does a single line look like, versus making a thicker line or filling in a shape?

Plus: any other type of drawing you'd like to make! Try drawing your family or friends, a house, an outdoor scene, or the night sky. The possibilities are endless!

Scratch art is so much fun to make and it has a real wow factor to it! It's so cool to start with a blank piece of paper and transform it into a colourful surprise.

Here's even more fun kids art ideas:

Our book Low-Mess Crafts for Kids is loaded with 72 fun and simple craft ideas for kids! The projects are fun, easy and most importantly low-mess, so the clean up is simple!
Watercolor Printing using Markers

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DIY Scratch Art | Make Your Own Scratch Art Ideas

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Did you know that you can make your own scratch art paper?! It's actually super easy! Why buy expensive art supplies when you can create your own DIY scratch art using crayons and paint? We had so much fun with this scratch art!

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Put hot glue on canvas, let dry, paint over it.

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Aerial Countryside - hot glue by Jean Batzell Fitzgerald

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Aerial Countryside - hot glue is a painting by Jean Batzell Fitzgerald which was uploaded on July 28th, 2017. The painting may be purchased as wall art, home decor, apparel, phone cases, greeting cards, and more. All products are produced on-demand and shipped worldwide within 2 - 3 business days.

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stem "stem projects" "stem activities" "steam challenges" "kids activities" "science experiments" "steam powered family" "steam activities" "stem crafts" "ed...

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Welcome to STEAM Powered Family! At SPF we are constantly looking for ways to foster curiosity and a love of learning in our children, regardless of ability or history. With a focus on STEM and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math), and positive children's mental health practices, our goal is to foster resilient, healthy minds, all while having fun learning and growing!

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Where the Wild Things Are event or Monster event

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Where the Wild Things Are event or Monster event

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Could do as a monthly series where pick a popular picture book and have crafts and games centered around that book.

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Get the naughty or nice list - add name to the list?

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Krampus under a net, need to get scissors that are in a locked box to cut the string to lower the net. Puzzles to get code to locked box

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jewelry making- wire rings and necklaces

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jewelry making- wire rings and necklaces

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Badges focus on the following:

Practical Skills (life skills and survival skills)

Art

Literacy

STEM

1.25 buttons as badges

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rework the bingo for a crossword puzzle

wordsearch for little

juneteenth flag making

different materials for age groups

poetry writing with prompts

Gets snacks and drinks

90 minutes

button making

plinko and wheel spinner and cornhole

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Tickets for the facepainter

Fairy jars - 23 Best DIY Fairy Jar Ideas and Designs to Inspire You in 2023 (homebnc.com)

Dress up/ make a sword or crown

dragon masks

"slay the dragon" game

cultural Storytime

Mad Gabs - staff act out?

Create a puppet show and puppets

Paper bag fairy lanterns/"jars" for k-5th grade

Unicorn or mermaid craft

Shield making (with cardboard shields. Older kids can learn about crests to put on their shields)

Balloon swords. See if lareka can help with this

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Inspired by Arlington's Spice Club, maybe have seeds for an easy to grow herb where they get the seeds and a planter and soil and learn more about the history of the herb, and get some recipes.

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Spice up your reading life. At Spice Club you will learn about a different spice each month. Attend to discover a new spice and receive a free spice kit featuring a variety of unique spices, herbs, or blends. Check out new cookbooks and recipes or bring a favorite recipe of yours to share! Free spice kits are available but supplies are limited. One kit per household. Spice kits include a sample packet of each month's spice, some recipes that feature that spice, and a little bit of history about it.

New particpants are always welcome! No registration is required. Monthly meetings on the 3rd Saturday of each month at noon at the Southeast Branch Library, located at 900 S.E. Green Oaks Blvd., Arlington, TX 76018.

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Spice up your reading life. At Spice Club you will learn about a different spice each month. Attend to discover a new spice and receive a free spice kit featuring a variety of unique spices, herbs, or blends. Check out new cookbooks and recipes or bring a favorite recipe of yours to share!

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Weekly morning/early afternoon time for older adults to meet up, socialize, and engage their minds:

put out games like chess and checkers

easy crafts - would rotate based on our supplies and requests

sewing patterns and embroidery hoops

adult coloring pages

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o   Week 1: do taptap tattooing with information

o   Week 2: Embroidery Tattoing and the history

o   Week 3: Henna tattooing and designs from all around

o   Week 4: American tattooing/Modern tattooing

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Through the decades month/Throwback Thursdays

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Through the decades month/Throwback Thursdays

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-70s- flower crowns or bedazzle

- 80s- https://www.bing.com/videos/riverview/relatedvideo?q=no+sew+scrunchies&mid=FA6108F65973C27DE8BDFA6108F65973C27DE8BD&FORM=VIRE

-90s- friendship braclets

-2000s- 2000s craft - Search Images (bing.com)

-2010s

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looking at greek, roman, egyptian, celtic, norse, etc.

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Maybe do as part of full STEAM ahead in Fall?

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Were you one of those kids who tried to add food coloring to ordinary bubble solution to make colored bubbles? Food coloring won't give you bright bubbles, and even if it did, they would cause stains. Here's a recipe for pink or blue colored bubbles, based on disappearing ink, so the bubbles won't stain surfaces when they land.

Safety First

Please don't drink the bubble solution! Unused bubble solution may be stored for later in a sealed container or disposed of by pouring it down the drain.

These are bubbles intended for 'blowing bubbles', not for bathing.

Sodium hydroxide is a strong base. Avoid direct contact with this ingredient. If you do get some on your hands, rinse them immediately with water.

Ingredients

Liquid dishwashing detergent (or another detergent)

Water or commercial bubble solution

Sodium hydroxide

Phenolphthalein

Thymolphthalein

Club soda (optional)

1. If you are making your own bubble solution, mix the detergent and water.

2. Add the sodium hydroxide and indicator to the bubble solution. You want enough indicator so that the bubbles will be deeply colored. For each liter of bubble solution (4 cups), this is about 1-1/2 to 2 teaspoons of phenolphthalein (red) or thymolphthalein (blue).

3. Add sodium hydroxide until you get the indicator to change from colorless to colored (about half a teaspoon should do the trick). A little more sodium hydroxide will result in a bubble that keeps its color longer. If you add too much, the color of the bubble won't disappear when exposed to air or rubbed, though you can still react it with club soda.

4. You may find it necessary to dissolve the indicator in a small amount of alcohol before mixing it with the bubble solution. You can use pre-made indicator solution, adding the sodium hydroxide to the indicator rather than diluting with water.

5. You've essentially made disappearing ink bubbles. When the bubble lands, you can make the color vanish by either rubbing the spot (reacting the liquid with air) or by adding a little club soda. Fun!

6. If you have disappearing ink, you could mix it with bubble solution to make disappearing ink bubbles.

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Make Colored Soap Bubbles with This Fun Chemistry Demo

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Here's a recipe for pink or blue colored bubbles, based on disappearing ink, so the bubbles won't stain surfaces when they land.

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Summer event- possibly the big event
-Painting mini surfboards
- learn hula dancing movies
-make ribbon or paper lei

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get therapy dog, snacks, low-fi music, 4 hour passive program, tea/hot drinks, snacks, etc.

Week before finals

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Week 1: Baby thing - example: motor skills

Week 2: Guardian Talk - example: Q&A, conversation prompts

Weekly program -but alternate with Cheyenne

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Part of writing club where pitch their ideas

Something for teens

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Part of series? Other fabric/sewing activities?

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bobbin lace basics beginner series, video 1

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Weekly Month-long program, first 3 weeks, go over how to pick a project, write a hypothesis, research, observation, etc. and final week they showcase their experiment?

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romance/steamy book club. books that are one offs, or no series. If possible, shorter stories

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New book in December and new movie in January

Have a Dog Man Day with activities/crafts

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Daily science experiment during Spring break, could do something where they have to check on the growth of something each day like dissolving candy or growing gummy bear (Gummy Bear Osmosis Experiment - Little Bins for Little Hands)

DNA Coloring Worksheet - Little Bins for Little Hands

Each day:

Check with previous day experience - final thoughts

Introduce new experiment and do it

Last 10 minutes - do new experiment that has to sit overnight

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In a world filled with curiosity and wonder, there's no better way to nurture young minds than by immersing them in the exhilarating realm of citizen science. Imagine your students or kids donning their scientist hats, exploring the mysteries of nature, and contributing to real scientific discoveries. With citizen science projects, this vision becomes a thrilling reality. Grab the free guide and start with a Citizen Science Project to add your science experiments and lessons.

What is Citizen Science?

At its core, citizen science embodies the collaborative spirit of scientific exploration, inviting individuals of all ages and backgrounds to participate in scientific research actively. From counting birds in local parks to monitoring water quality in nearby streams, citizen science projects offer hands-on opportunities for kids to make meaningful contributions to the scientific community.

Why Citizen Science?

Engaging in citizen science sparks a sense of wonder and curiosity and cultivates important skills such as observation, critical thinking, and environmental stewardship. Through these experiences, kids develop a deeper understanding of scientific concepts and a newfound appreciation for the natural world around them.

Getting Started:

Embarking on a citizen science journey with elementary-age kids is easier than you might think. Begin by exploring a variety of projects that align with your student's interests and curriculum goals. Whether it's tracking butterflies, observing weather patterns, or documenting local wildlife, there's a citizen science project for everyone.

Next, introduce students to the project objectives, methodologies, and the significance of their contributions. Provide guidance and resources to support their participation, including tutorials, field guides, and data collection tools.

Encourage kids to ask questions, make observations, and analyze their findings. Foster collaboration among students as they work together to collect and interpret data, sharing their insights and discoveries.

Celebrating Success:

As students immerse themselves in citizen science projects, celebrate their achievements and discoveries. Recognize their contributions in the classroom, school newsletters, or local media, inspiring others to join in the adventure.

What is a Citizen Scientist?

A citizen scientist lends their time, curiosity, and observations to scientific projects without needing a Ph.D. or a lab coat. These individuals roll up their sleeves and dive into the world of science right from their backyard, schoolyard, or local park.

The beauty of citizen science is that anyone can join in, regardless of age or background.

Participating in citizen science projects can be a fun and educational adventure for elementary-age kids. From counting birds to tracking weather patterns, young scientists have countless opportunities to get involved.

Incorporating Citizen Science in the Classroom or Homeschool:

Integrating citizen science into homeschooling or classroom settings offers a dynamic way to engage students in scientific exploration and discovery. By participating in real-world research projects, students deepen their understanding of scientific concepts and develop essential skills such as critical thinking, data analysis, and collaboration.

Educators or caregivers can select projects aligned with curriculum objectives and students' interests to integrate citizen science, providing clear instructions and resources for participation. Depending on the project's complexity, students can then embark on data collection, observation, or analysis activities, either independently or in groups. Facilitate discussions, guide reflection, and encourage students to communicate their findings to friends, family, peers, or the broader community throughout the process.

By immersing themselves in authentic scientific inquiry, students gain a sense of ownership over their learning while making meaningful contributions to scientific knowledge.

Citizen Science Examples

Citizen science projects suitable for elementary-age kids typically involve simple and engaging activities that allow them to make meaningful contributions to scientific research. Here are some examples:

Bird Watching and Counting: Projects like the Great Backyard Bird Count or eBird Junior encourage kids to observe and count birds in their local environment. They can learn about bird identification, behavior, and habitats while contributing data to scientific databases.

Butterfly Monitoring: Programs such as the Monarch Larva Monitoring Project involve tracking and reporting sightings of monarch butterfly eggs, larvae, and adults. Kids can learn about butterfly life cycles, migration patterns, and the importance of pollinators.

Weather and Climate Monitoring: Projects like GLOBE Observer invite kids to collect and submit data on weather conditions, clouds, and land cover. They can learn about climate science, weather patterns, and the impact of climate change on their communities.

Pollinator Gardens: Initiatives like the Great Sunflower Project involve planting sunflowers and monitoring pollinator activity. Kids can observe bees, butterflies, and other pollinators while learning about the importance of native plants and biodiversity.

Water Quality Testing: Programs such as EarthEcho Water Challenge empower kids to test the quality of local water bodies using simple kits. They can measure parameters like pH, temperature, and turbidity to assess water health and identify potential pollution sources.

Nature Mapping: Projects like iNaturalist or Project Noah allow kids to document and share observations of plants, animals, and fungi in their surroundings. They can contribute to species identification efforts and biodiversity research while exploring nature.

Citizen Archaeology: Initiatives like the Archaeological Legacy Institute's 'Ask an Archaeologist' program engage kids in archaeology by encouraging them to ask questions, share discoveries, and learn about cultural heritage.

Air Quality Monitoring: Programs such as AirVisual Earth School provide educational resources and activities for kids to learn about air pollution and monitor air quality in their communities using sensors or DIY devices.

Free Printable Citizen Science Guide

Get started today with this free, quick, and easy-to-use citizen science guide. Pick your first citizen science project and get started!

Helpful Science Resources To Get You Started

Here are a few resources that will help you introduce science more effectively to your kiddos or students and feel confident yourself when presenting materials. You'll find helpful free printables throughout.

Printable Science Projects For Kids

If you're looking to grab all of our printable science projects in one convenient place plus exclusive worksheets and bonuses like a STEAM Project pack, our Science Project Pack is what you need! Over 300+ Pages!

90+ classic science activities with journal pages, supply lists, set up and process, and science information. NEW! Activity-specific observation pages!

Best science practices posters and our original science method process folders for extra alternatives!

Be a Collector activities pack introduces kids to the world of making collections through the eyes of a scientist. What will they collect first?

Know the Words Science vocabulary pack includes flashcards, crosswords, and word searches that illuminate keywords in the experiments!

My science journal writing prompts explore what it means to be a scientist!!

Bonus STEAM Project Pack: Art meets science with doable projects!

Bonus Quick Grab Packs for Biology, Earth Science, Chemistry, and Physics

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Do you want to learn more about what citizen science is and find good citizen science projects to get involved with? Grab our free guide!

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Sand STEAM - could be for toddlers - more play

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Sand STEAM - could be for toddlers - more play

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Make kinetic sand, sensory sand bin,

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Weekly, hourly, program for adults seeking to start or grow their small business.

Will have a "lecture" component like developing a business plan, how to find funders, focus on excel or software needed to grow business, how to set up a LLC, etc.

Socialization part too

Should alternate weeks? Like week 1 new business, week 2 for growth, week 3 socialization, week 4 guest lecturer?

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marble art (using marbles)

pool noodle arts - "Luge" art

Hydro-Dipping

Paint with String

Pour art - looks like marble

Squeegee art

Jackson Pollack art

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Participants use a balloon and paint to create abstract designs on canvas.

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Have a theme (example: Princess Party or Mermaid Mixer or Monster Mash Up) and each day of the week (Mon-Fri maybe Sat) have a craft or game. Would be at the same time each day, like 1pm for example

FWISD Spring Break is March 17th thru 21st

Could have tie in with Fantasy Fest?

Like Wednesday the activity is Fantasy Fest

Possible Theme:

Forest Fun

Furry Critters

Everyday Enchantments - could do potions (slime), spells (poetry or coding), costume (crafts - hat and wand), elemental magic (forest terrariums - could use candle holders instead of mason jars?), divination (make fortune tellers? or science experiment with water - water refraction?)

Systems of Magic in Fantasy & Science Fiction (campfirewriting.com)

Science Projects Using Dawn Dishwashing Liquid (sciencing.com)

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Hello friends! I'm super excited to share with you a springy little craft that is easy to do and makes an adorable impact - Easy Mason Jar Terrariums!

To me, mason jars are like universal craft supplies that can be used to create countless DIY projects. It can be DIY vases, pencil holders, or even cookie gifts in jars!

You see, there can be a lot more you can do with a mason jar. You just have to expand your creative imagination.

Looking for an easy way to add some life to your home décor? Why not try creating an easy Mason jar terrarium? This project is simple, inexpensive, and can be completed in just a few short steps. I will show you how to create your very own Mason jar terrarium.

So gather up your supplies and let's get started!

I decided to go the faux route to make sure my my terrarium in a mason jar would stay green all year round. If you're a green thumb, feel free to do this with real plants (just remember to add some dirt).

Let's get started!

This post contains affiliate links. Read my full disclosure.
Easy Mason Jar Terrarium Supplies:

To start, these supplies are some of what you might need.

- Mason jar in any size - the size may vary according to your style.

- Small rocks and pebbles - this acts as a base for your garden. to help water drain so your plants don't get too wet.

- Moss (faux or real) - you can use real moss for a natural look, or fake moss if you want it to last longer.

- Assorted greenery and succulents (faux or real) - you can use real ones if you like, or fake ones that look real.

- Wire cutters (not pictured) - to cut supplies that need to be trimmed.

- Little figurines - to add that extra cuteness!

How to Make a Terrarium in a Jar

These little mason jar terrariums are super quick to put together and a great activity for kids! They look great on desks and end tables or anywhere you need a little bit of greenery!

Let's get started with these step by step instructions:

Step 1

Layer some small stones and pebbles on the bottom of your mason jar, filling it up about 1/3 of the way. If you are doing real plants instead of fake ones, reduce the amount of pebbles to 1/4 or 1/5 of the jar and put a layer of dirt on top of the rocks.

Step 2

Next, take a little bit of moss and press it down on top of your pebbles. Only use a little as it's really springy and takes up a lot of space!

Just a little bit to completely cover your rocks will do!

Step 3

Start adding in little bits of greenery and succulents, using your wire cutters to separate smaller pieces from the larger sprigs that you got from the craft store.

Experiment with different sizes and arrangements and once you're happy with where they're at, press the stems gently through the moss and into the rocks.

If this terrarium is something that a kid will be handling often, consider using a bit of hot glue to really adhere to your greenery pieces so they don't come loose!

Step 4

If desired, take any little mini figurines you have and place them (or hot glue them) to the inside of your little scene. I chose a fun red moped for a cute and quirky addition! It would be totally fun to use mini-characters from your kids' favorite movies or shows and stick 'em in there 🙂

Since these are so quick to whip up and I had extra materials, I decided to make another, smaller mason jar terrarium, and one using an old candle jar. I'm really happy with how they turned out!

My favorite might be the little garden gnome and the two lawn flamingos! Too cute.

How to make a non-living mason jar terrarium with supplies from the yard and common household items.

This is a fun and easy project that can be done with kids. It's also a great way to recycle old mason jars and other glass containers.

You can use any type of container, but mason jars are my personal favorite. They're readily available and come in a variety of sizes.

A clean, dry glass container with a lid

Rocks or pebbles

Dried branches and twigs.

Dried flowers or herbs. (should be done a week before)

Painted stones (great for the kids to paint their own designs)

Small toys or figures you have in the home

The possibilities are endless with a little creativity. A fun project for the whole family and many ages!

More Crafty Ideas:

What would you put in your mason jar terrarium? Come drop by Dwell Beautiful sometime and say hello!

Enjoy this fun family craft!

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Easy tutorial for fun mason jar terrariums! Customize yours with different plants and figures for a fun look!

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make fake cake

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Rug tufting (one big expensive event for adults that focuses on an experience)

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Rug tufting (one big expensive event for adults that focuses on an experience)

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This tutorial was originally created for the May 2022 Craft in Style Subscription Box. The Punch Needle Rug Making Kit includes everything in this diy and can now be purchased here.
Punch needle embroidery is so much fun and such a versatile skill set to learn! You can make artwork, coasters, or even pillows. And you can make punch needle items in a million different styles, colors or with completely different images.

It's the type of craft that you could keep using to create for a lifetime and never make the same thing twice.

The drawback is that it's a slow moving craft. It takes hours and hours to complete a project - especially a rug like this. Although it's slow moving, it's the type of craft that you can work on while you are watching movies or just hanging out with friends. It's super relaxing and soothing.

So let's make it!

Supplies to Make a Punch Needle Rug
Pop Shop America Punch Needle Rug Making Kit
-or-
Any of theseFree Punch Needle Rug Templates
Monk's Cloth
A 11 x 14 Inch Frame or Bigger
Yarn in a Variety of Colors (I used cream, gold, green, and pink)
Punch Needle Embroidery Tool
Washable Marker or Fabric Marker
Yarn Needle
Scrap of Cardboard (to make tassels) The rug templates linked above can be printed for an 11×14 inch rug - you can also print them bigger or smaller. However, I would not recommend using a smaller frame and making a smaller rug. You will want something that covers enough space to feel like a cool finished project. Bigger is better!
Before You Begin

If you are working with the kit I linked above, then your monk's cloth will already be attached to the wooden frame. If you are working with your own supplies you will either need to purchase a wooden canvas stretcher like this or build one yourself.

Then use a staple gun to attach the monk's cloth to the frame. Pull the fabric taught as you add more staples. As you punch through the fabric, you will create a lot of movement so the tighter the fabric is, the easier it will be to make your rug.

Start by Drawing the Template

To get started, decide which template you want to use - we have 4 different ones linked in this blog here, above and below.

I chose the monstera leaf because I love a pop of green and this one is just so much fun. Place the printed template underneath the monk's cloth and use a washable marker or fabric marker to draw the lines.

Draw the image on the inside of the frame. Your larger, flat side will face down and your smaller part will face up.

How to Prep the Templates

To use these templates, download them using one of the links above and print them on 11×17 inch paper for the same size project that I am making. You can also print them larger if you have a larger frame. Or you can print them smaller too. Just use your printer settings to make them the size you need, or for oversized prints, take them to a local printer.

How to Thread a Punch Needle Embroidery Tool

Punch needle embroidery tools always come with a long wire that will help you thread it. Start by placing the wire through the front of the punch needle tool until the other end of the wire pops out through the back. Then take your yarn and place it in between the wires so the wire holds it in place.

Next pull the wire out back through the front. Once your yarn has been pulled all the way through and is poking out of the front of the tool, tuck it into the small hole that's at the bottom of the metal punch. Viola!

Begin to Punch

You can start anywhere you like, but I would recommend starting with your subject. Remember that you are working on the inside of your frame. So the larger flat side should face away from you and the smaller interior part of the frame will face up.

Poke your threaded tool through the monk's cloth making small even stitches. When I see people stitching on Youtube, they never have to hold the back with one hand, but I always do!

I don't know how there is a disconnect on that, but I would recommend punching with one hand and gently holding the punch with the opposite hand underneath the frame. Then as you continue to punch hold each new loop until a new one is made.

Hold the Project in Your Lap

The easiest way to work is to place the frame in your lap and continue to punch. It's a perfect project to work on while watching movies or listening to records. It's a lot like knitting or crochet in that way.

Try to Keep Each Loop the Same Length

As you punch and you are holding the loops on the back of the frame with your opposite hand, try to keep each of the loops on the back even in size.

See how mine are long, short and everything in between? Don't be like me! Keep your loops even in length because this side will become the top of your rug.

Punch an Outline First

The easiest way to make a shape with punch needle embroidery is to create an outline first. Make the shape and then fill it in. That way you won't have to define your lines later which will be much harder as more of the rug gets blocked off with threads and loops.

Fill in the Center

Once you have an outline continue to punch and fill in the center. I like to continue punching along the exterior perimeter and keep going around and around. The space to punch will continue to get smaller and you will eventually end up with just a small space in the center.

Remember to keep your stitches even. And be sure to fill every space with a stitch so that no part of the punch needle rug is blank.

What to Do When You've Finished Filling in a Section

Once you finish a section, and it's completely full of stitches with no empty spaces at all, simply trim the yarn so that the trimming falls on the side you are stitching from.

This will be the back of the piece and you will want your ends to fall on the back and remain hidden from view.

You do not need to tie the end or knot it at all. Because you have so many stitches and everything is so tightly stitched together, the stitch will hold in place.

If you are concerned, once you have completed your entire rug coat the bottom with a seal or find any loose ends and coat them with a seal. But it's not necessary.

What to Do If You Reach the End of a Yarn Spool

As you are working you may finish a yarn spool and need to start a new spool to continue. If that happens, use the same technique described above when you've finished filling a section. Let the end of the yarn fall on the side that you are stitching on. That will be the backside.

There is no need to tie the end or make a knot. Just let the end fall loose and load your punch needle tool with a new spool of yarn. Here's a refresher on how to load your tool.

How to Load Your Punch Needle Tool with More Yarn

As you finish a spool or start a new color you will need to load your punch needle tool again and again. And it gets easier every time!

Just remember that your wire tool goes through the front to the back. Once it pokes through the back place your yarn in between the wires.

Then pull the wire loading tool back out which will pull the yarn from the back to the front. Unhook the loading tool and weave your yarn through the hole at the bottom of the punch part - the front of the tool.

What to Do When You Reach an Edge

Remember that you are stitching on the inside of the frame. That's because you would not be able to make stitches on the other side where the monk's cloth is blocked by the frame.

When you reach the edge of the frame, make sure to punch along the frame carefully to make a strong, seamless border. This will help your rug have a more defined shape.

When Everything Is Filled In

Once your entire monk's cloth is completely filled in you can remove it from the frame. I used a flathead screwdriver to remove the staples and viola - the monk's cloth fell right off.

Depending on how many staples or how perfectly adhered the staples are this could take some work. A staple remover might be helpful as well.

And if you don't have a flathead screwdriver, a butter knife may work.

Whatever you choose, just be careful, because wedging something underneath a staple is a recipe for accidentally jamming your screwdriver into your hand.

Be careful about where you place your hands to prevent hurting yourself.

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Trim Any Excess Threads

Once your rug is off of the frame, trim any of these long threads on the back of your embroidery. Just take a pair of scissors and trim them to be around 1 inch. You don't need to trim them tightly against the rug. In fact, I recommend that you still leave a bit of the end attached. It will prevent those loops from coming undone.

Now if you want, you can

Let's Stay Friends!

Looking for something similar?

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This tutorial was originally created for the May 2022 Craft in Style Subscription Box. The Punch Needle Rug Making Kit includes everything in this diy and can now be purchased here. Punch needle embroidery is so much fun and such a versatile skill set to learn! You can make artwork, coasters, or even pillows.

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Help people complete their application and give some tips?

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see about after hour lock-in for graduation (like 6:30-7:30)

Movie style sleepover/hangout

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-Food deign

maybe sushi or donuts or cookies or pizza (maybe playdoh and cookie cutters)

Paige's pizza, Dewy's Desserts, Sari's Sushi

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Cake decorating with puffy paint

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Black and glow painting