Arts and handicrafts Archives - pine cones and primers https://pineconesandprimers.com/category/arts-and-handicrafts/ Inspiration for busy Charlotte Mason Homeschoolers Mon, 13 Dec 2021 06:18:25 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.2.2 https://i0.wp.com/pineconesandprimers.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/cropped-pinecone-favicon.png?fit=32%2C32&ssl=1 Arts and handicrafts Archives - pine cones and primers https://pineconesandprimers.com/category/arts-and-handicrafts/ 32 32 Handicraft Gift Ideas Kids Can Make https://pineconesandprimers.com/handicraft-gift-ideas-kids/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=handicraft-gift-ideas-kids Mon, 13 Dec 2021 06:18:25 +0000 https://pineconesandprimers.com/?p=316 When I first heard the word handicraft I felt like I was eavesdropping on a Little House on the Prairie episode. I’ve since fallen in love with how beautiful, fun, and practical they really are. Here are some handicraft Christmas gift ideas that are easy enough for kids to make. What Are Handicrafts? It’s not the same as the typical craft tutorials you’ll find online. There aren’t any pom poms, glitter everywhere, or unknown objects made out of old popsicle sticks. Handicrafts are practical and useful items that take skill to make. Crochet blankets, knit socks, or a wood burned box are all examples of handicrafts. Mason listed four qualifications for a good handicraft (The children) should not be employed in making futilities such as pea and stick work, paper mats, and the like They should be taught slowly and carefully what they are to do Slipshod work should not be allowed The children’s work should be kept well within their compass (aka at their level). We’re encouraging our children to do their best work and teaching them step by step how to do it. In Mason’s day, handicrafts taught important life skills that would help students earn a living or provide necessary items for their future selves and families. I’ve crocheted since I was six and now I’m able to make hats and scarves for my little ones every year. DIY Christmas Gift Ideas Handicrafts are fun to make and useful, but you really only need so many of them. These projects make great gifts though for birthdays or Christmas time. Here are some handicraft gift ideas for your students to gift to friends and family this year. Preschool and Kindergarten Handicraft Gift Ideas These simple ideas are easy enough for the littlest hands. They will require some help and supervision though. Homemade crayons – melt old crayon scraps into a silicone mold like this Christmas themed one. Homemade candy cane playdough Cinnamon dough ornaments Salt dough ornaments Make a small bowl from air dry clay DIY Bookmarks Finger knitting Pressed flowers and leaves DIY beeswax candles Pine cone bird feeder Painted peg dolls or wooden crafts No-sew felt pillow  Cross stitch Make Christmas cards Simmering potpourri (put it in a nice gift bag or jar) Handicraft Gift Ideas for Older Kids There are a lot of options so you can easily choose what your child is interested in or what fits their skill level. Handicrafts not only make good presents for others, but gifting a child handicraft supplies is another good idea. I’ve included handicraft supply kits and ideas for kids (like felting, needlework, and leatherworking) in this Charlotte Mason gift guide. Leather Handicraft Gift Ideas Feather earrings from leather  Leather holiday ornaments Fabric and leather clutch purse  Leather journal cover Leather herb and plant labels Cross Stitch and Needlework Handicrafts These can be framed, turned into pillows and pincushions, or used as decorations on clothing or aprons. Free beginner cross stitch patterns from Love Craft Assisi rose pattern  Free embroidery patterns from DMC  Sewing Project Handicrafts Felt flower pincushion  DIY makeup remover or face cleansing wipes Drawstring bag from a tea-towel  Drawstring backpack Felt pencil art case  Reusable snack bags Hooded baby towel  Scrunchies T-shirt pillow  Reusable rice heat packs  Pottery You can use air dry clay (the easiest especially for younger kids), or regular kiln fired clay. If you don’t have a pottery wheel then pinch pottery or slab pottery are the easiest options. Ceramic coil bowl  Pinch pots with air dry clay  Pinch pot mugs (4 different ways)  How to make clay vases  Tile coasters Crochet and Knitting All of these projects are suitable for beginners or even more experienced crafters who are short on time. Love Craft is one of my favorite places to find free patterns for all experience levels. Most of the patterns below are from here. Crocheted snowflake ornament  Crochet granny square tote bag  Crocheted slouchy beanie  Crochet square tote  Beginner knit hats  Knit criss-cross baby blanket  Knitted dishcloth Paper Handicrafts 25 easy Origami ornaments DIY watercolor stationary  Handmade Christmas cards  Homemade envelopes  Hand letter cards and wall hangings with a calligraphy set  Beading and Jewelry Making Easy DIY jewelry projects  Holiday themed beaded jewelry Leather knot necklace tutorial Make your own ceramic beads  Macrame Handicrafts 5 plant hangar patterns  Reversible macrame market bag  Laptop mat  Table runner  Carving Handicrafts Beginners and little ones can do soap carving while older children can tackle wood carving. You can get carving materials and carving tools from my favorite art store here. Complete guide to soap carving book with kid friendly projects 10 woodcarving projects for beginners  Easy woodcarving tutorials Have your kids made handicrafts before? What are some of their favorites? Leave us a comment and be sure to share this post with a friend!

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]]> When I first heard the word handicraft I felt like I was eavesdropping on a Little House on the Prairie episode. I’ve since fallen in love with how beautiful, fun, and practical they really are. Here are some handicraft Christmas gift ideas that are easy enough for kids to make.

What Are Handicrafts?

It’s not the same as the typical craft tutorials you’ll find online. There aren’t any pom poms, glitter everywhere, or unknown objects made out of old popsicle sticks. Handicrafts are practical and useful items that take skill to make. Crochet blankets, knit socks, or a wood burned box are all examples of handicrafts.

Mason listed four qualifications for a good handicraft

  • (The children) should not be employed in making futilities such as pea and stick work, paper mats, and the like
  • They should be taught slowly and carefully what they are to do
  • Slipshod work should not be allowed
  • The children’s work should be kept well within their compass (aka at their level).

We’re encouraging our children to do their best work and teaching them step by step how to do it. In Mason’s day, handicrafts taught important life skills that would help students earn a living or provide necessary items for their future selves and families. I’ve crocheted since I was six and now I’m able to make hats and scarves for my little ones every year.

DIY Christmas Gift Ideas

Handicrafts are fun to make and useful, but you really only need so many of them. These projects make great gifts though for birthdays or Christmas time. Here are some handicraft gift ideas for your students to gift to friends and family this year.

Preschool and Kindergarten Handicraft Gift Ideas

These simple ideas are easy enough for the littlest hands. They will require some help and supervision though.

Handicraft Gift Ideas for Older Kids

There are a lot of options so you can easily choose what your child is interested in or what fits their skill level. Handicrafts not only make good presents for others, but gifting a child handicraft supplies is another good idea. I’ve included handicraft supply kits and ideas for kids (like felting, needlework, and leatherworking) in this Charlotte Mason gift guide.

Leather Handicraft Gift Ideas

Cross Stitch and Needlework Handicrafts

These can be framed, turned into pillows and pincushions, or used as decorations on clothing or aprons.

Sewing Project Handicrafts

Pottery

You can use air dry clay (the easiest especially for younger kids), or regular kiln fired clay. If you don’t have a pottery wheel then pinch pottery or slab pottery are the easiest options.

Knitting and crochet handicrafts

Crochet and Knitting

All of these projects are suitable for beginners or even more experienced crafters who are short on time. Love Craft is one of my favorite places to find free patterns for all experience levels. Most of the patterns below are from here.

Paper Handicrafts

Beading and Jewelry Making

Macrame Handicrafts

Carving Handicrafts

Beginners and little ones can do soap carving while older children can tackle wood carving. You can get carving materials and carving tools from my favorite art store here.

Have your kids made handicrafts before? What are some of their favorites? Leave us a comment and be sure to share this post with a friend!

DIY handicraft gift kids can make - Pine Cones and Primers

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]]> Easy Candy Cane Playdough Recipe https://pineconesandprimers.com/candy-cane-playdough/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=candy-cane-playdough Wed, 09 Dec 2020 02:40:46 +0000 https://pineconesandprimers.com/?p=185 Candy cane playdough is a simple and fun way to ring in the holiday season. Little ones benefit from the sensory play and kids of all ages can get creative with their playdough creations. Even better the crisp mint smell reminds me of sticky Christmas candy canes. Christmas Playdough My kids and I make a batch of playdough every so often. It’s a great way to practice measuring skills and fractions and the end result is a fun activity on the cheap. I wanted to do something a little special for the holidays though. This candy cane scented playdough recipe smells so delicious and is a great way to get in the Christmas mood. Why Scented Playdough? I’ll admit I hadn’t realized scented playdough was even a thing until later in life. Not only does scented playdough smell good, but it can have a positive effect on the emotions. Scents like lavender are calming, while orange and lemon uplift the mood. Squishing and molding clay is stress relieving and smelling the essential oils just makes us all happy. My oldest has issues focusing and we’ve found that keeping his hands busy during lessons really helps him pay attention. We’ve also molded play dough into different figures and objects to narrate a lesson. Acting the story out with playdough is a creative way to tell back what you’ve learned and helps mix things up. Candy Cane Scented Playdough This is a good activity to pull out in between lessons to boost mental awareness! Peppermint is cooling and supports a clear respiratory system. Mint is also known for its invigorating properties to help kids (and moms!) stay alert. How Do you Make Candy Cane Playdough? The candy cane playdough recipe is pretty simple actually. I added peppermint essential oil to our regular playdough recipe. To ensure the peppermint oil was evenly distributed, I combined it with the olive oil before adding it to the rest of the ingredients and cooking. Make Peppermint Playdough Some recipes add the essential oil after the playdough is already made, but this can pose some issues. Peppermint is a strong oil and I don’t want pockets of undiluted essential oil in the playdough. And although my kids help with candy cane playdough recipe, I add the peppermint myself. Accidentally getting peppermint in an eye is no fun! Soft Playdough Recipe Cream of tartar isn’t something I always keep on hand, but it’s worth having for playdough recipes. The cream of tartar is what makes the dough nice and soft. My first batch of scented playdough was perfect, but I ran out of cream of tartar on the second go round. You may notice that the candy cane playdough in the pictures looks a little dry because I didn’t have enough cream of tartar for the second batch. This recipe though yields beautifully soft and squishy playdough! Make Easy Peppermint Playdough This candy cane playdough is pretty simple and takes less than 10 minutes total to make. Some recipes nix the cream of tartar, but the consistency just isn’t the same without it so I left it in. If you want a no cook version then use 1/2 cup boiling water and stir to combine. Add a little extra water at a time if needed. Objects to Use with Playdough Almost anything will work when it comes to playdough tools. You don’t need fancy playdough playsets though. Here are a few ideas that my kids love! Miniature or regular size rolling pins Stamps Cookie cutters Chopsticks Nature items (pinecones, twigs, pretend berries, and flowers) A simple Christmas scented candy cane playdough recipe. Totally non-toxic and smells amazing! </center.

The post Easy Candy Cane Playdough Recipe appeared first on pine cones and primers.

]]> Candy cane playdough is a simple and fun way to ring in the holiday season. Little ones benefit from the sensory play and kids of all ages can get creative with their playdough creations. Even better the crisp mint smell reminds me of sticky Christmas candy canes.

Christmas Playdough

My kids and I make a batch of playdough every so often. It’s a great way to practice measuring skills and fractions and the end result is a fun activity on the cheap. I wanted to do something a little special for the holidays though.

This candy cane scented playdough recipe smells so delicious and is a great way to get in the Christmas mood.

Why Scented Playdough?

I’ll admit I hadn’t realized scented playdough was even a thing until later in life. Not only does scented playdough smell good, but it can have a positive effect on the emotions. Scents like lavender are calming, while orange and lemon uplift the mood. Squishing and molding clay is stress relieving and smelling the essential oils just makes us all happy.

My oldest has issues focusing and we’ve found that keeping his hands busy during lessons really helps him pay attention. We’ve also molded play dough into different figures and objects to narrate a lesson. Acting the story out with playdough is a creative way to tell back what you’ve learned and helps mix things up.

Candy Cane Scented Playdough

This is a good activity to pull out in between lessons to boost mental awareness! Peppermint is cooling and supports a clear respiratory system. Mint is also known for its invigorating properties to help kids (and moms!) stay alert.

How Do you Make Candy Cane Playdough?

The candy cane playdough recipe is pretty simple actually. I added peppermint essential oil to our regular playdough recipe. To ensure the peppermint oil was evenly distributed, I combined it with the olive oil before adding it to the rest of the ingredients and cooking.

Make Peppermint Playdough

Some recipes add the essential oil after the playdough is already made, but this can pose some issues. Peppermint is a strong oil and I don’t want pockets of undiluted essential oil in the playdough. And although my kids help with candy cane playdough recipe, I add the peppermint myself. Accidentally getting peppermint in an eye is no fun!

Soft Playdough Recipe

Cream of tartar isn’t something I always keep on hand, but it’s worth having for playdough recipes. The cream of tartar is what makes the dough nice and soft. My first batch of scented playdough was perfect, but I ran out of cream of tartar on the second go round.

You may notice that the candy cane playdough in the pictures looks a little dry because I didn’t have enough cream of tartar for the second batch. This recipe though yields beautifully soft and squishy playdough!

Make Easy Peppermint Playdough

This candy cane playdough is pretty simple and takes less than 10 minutes total to make. Some recipes nix the cream of tartar, but the consistency just isn’t the same without it so I left it in. If you want a no cook version then use 1/2 cup boiling water and stir to combine. Add a little extra water at a time if needed.

Objects to Use with Playdough

Almost anything will work when it comes to playdough tools. You don’t need fancy playdough playsets though. Here are a few ideas that my kids love!

  • Miniature or regular size rolling pins
  • Stamps
  • Cookie cutters
  • Chopsticks
  • Nature items (pinecones, twigs, pretend berries, and flowers)
Print

Candy Cane Playdough

A simple Christmas scented candy cane playdough recipe. Totally non-toxic and smells amazing!
Prep Time 5 minutes
cook time 4 minutes
Total Time 9 minutes
Servings 2 playdough balls
Author Jamie

Ingredients

  • 1 cup all purpose flour
  • 1/3 cup salt
  • 2 tsp cream of tartar
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 Tbsp vegetable oil olive or coconut both work
  • 6-8 drops peppermint essential oil

Instructions

  • Whisk together the flour, salt and cream of tartar in a pot.
  • Measure the oil into a measuring spoon and drip the essential oils in, stir gently to combine.
  • Add the oils and water to the pot and whisk until smooth.
  • Cook over medium heat for about 4 minutes or until thickened and the dough pulls away from the sides of the pan.
  • Remove from the pan and let the playdough cool in the fridge for 5-10 minutes.
  • Divide the balls and have and use red food coloring on one half. You can use white food coloring on the other ball, or leave it a natural white.

Notes

For a candy cane playdough no cook version, use 1/2 cup boiling water and stir to combine. Add more water if needed a little at a time. 

Candy cane scented playdough recipe</center.

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