Snowman in a Jar

Looking for a fun winter activity for your kiddos , have a play dough party!

The night before make 2 batches of white play dough and put in lots of silver glitter. The next day,  set out the play dough and the rest of the supplies for your party.For the snowman’s face gather  ribbons, small sticks, googly eyes, beads, pipe cleaner,fabric .once collected  put them in a snack size zip lock for each of  your guests.Roll the white play dough into balls and stuffed them in the jar, you might need to flatten the sides a bit to make it into a cylinder.

If your giving as a gift do the following:

After the 2 balls are in the jar top it off with the zip lock bags of supplies and put the lid on.

No Cook Edible White Play dough Recipe

• 2 cups flour
• 1/2 cup salt
• 2 tablespoons cream of tartar
• 1 tablespoon silver glitter (Optional. If you don’t put in glitter, this recipe is edible and if you do, this is not edible)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1.5 cups boiling water

How To Make Playdough

1. In a bowl, mix the flour, salt, cream of tartar, glitter and oil.
2. Add the boiling water (be very careful…this is best done by an adult).
3. Stir until mixture becomes a sticky dough.
4. When it’s cool enough to handle, take it out of the bowl and knead for a few minutes until it is a good consistency.
5. It it’s too sticky, sprinkle a little bit of flour on the counter and knead it in.

Make these fun and affordable ornaments for packages,

gift exchanges or your own tree!

• 

 

Materials

• Narrow-tip and wide-tip squeeze bottles
• High-gloss craft paints
• Gloss finish
• Wooden skewers
• Foam board
• Clear glass ornaments
• Small paintbrush

Steps

1. Step 1

   Fill squeeze bottles with paints. Add gloss finish as desired to thin color and make it more translucent. Make a drying rack by inserting wooden skewers into foam board. Remove caps from ornaments.

2. Step 2

   For speckled ornaments: Use a narrow-tip bottle to squirt paint upward into an ornament so it spatters. Let dry upside down for 1 day on rack. Then add a second layer: Squeeze a small amount of new color into ornament so it runs down sides, then rotate ornament to spread the paint. Repeat as needed for desired effect.

3. Step 3

   For streaked ornaments: Repeat previous steps, but don't let the first color dry. Add second layer right away so colors swirl together.

4. Step 4

   For solid ornaments: Use a wide-tip bottle to squeeze paint into the ornament so it runs down the sides, then rotate ornament to spread paint. Repeat to achieve desired look.

5. Step 5

   Let all ornaments dry for 1 day on drying rack. Paint caps with paintbrush, and let dry.

Show off painted ornaments in see-through packaging. Tuck them into a box meant for cupcakes. Or make a tube of acetate, and wrap it in cellophane.

 

Is it Holiday Time already?

Happy Holiday from Kids Klutter!
Has anyone else sat down for a minute
to think about just how fast 2013 has
gone?  And now, we have only 30
more days to plan, host and process
the holiday season before we welcome
2014.  It does not seem possible.

As time appears to pass quicker each
year it is important to take the time to
be in the moment more than ever. Today,
that seems like an impossible task
However, it does not take that much
planning to be in the moment.

Of course some things need to be planned.
But, does everything?  Can we be more
spontaneous in our thinking for the simple
joys?  When was the last time you played
hide and seek with your family in the house?
Or pulled out a favorite game the family
enjoys?  What about a walk in the park
before dinner or a simple night walk to watch
the stars?  What about the most simplest
of things you can give another person and that
is your time.  Time to listen, time to laugh
and time to just be present in the moment?
We are always so busy....it is time to slow
down and live in today.  Smaller yet, live
in the moment.

When we get so busy with mundane or
repetitive things we can lose sight of those
things most important.  Certain things can
wait.  Figure out what is most important to
you and those around you and make that
your plan!  It does mean we have to think
a little smarter and perhaps be in places that
are unknown in what we are used to; however,
the rewards are far more greater.

So this holiday season, find and stay in the
moment.  And, by the new year you will have
that perfected and take it into 2014!  Be
thankful for each day, be grateful for those
around you and be gracious with one another
in the moment. Simple things add up to the
greatest in life.

Happy holidays from your kids klutter team.
If you are looking for easy fundraisers for your
school or church group check us out at
www.kidsklutter.com.

This is your moment - make it the best!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here are some FREE & Discounted events going on this weekend. Many may seem to have consistent national participation- but it is always wise to call your local location to be sure they are participating…

BARNES & NOBLE: Sunday, December 1st,... there will be a reading of Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas with Grinch themed activities, treats & more. Coming Soon! – On Friday December 6th at 7 pm there will be a reading of the Polar Express with Activities & holiday treats. Plus on select dates in November and December at 11 am – there will be fun activities and adopt an Elf/Name your elf at the The Elf on The Shelf Event

BASS PRO SHOPS: Santa’s Wonderland is thru Dec 24th! Bass Pro Shops is hosting FREE holiday Events daily including a FREE Photo with Santa, games, crafts & more

HOME DEPOT: Saturday, November 30th from 9 am to 12 pm. Kids can build a small toolbox for the holidays

MICHAEL’S: Check out Michael’s Kids Club for fun craft sessions for your child while you shop! For $2 per child, you can reserve 30 minutes of creative time. Sessions are held every Saturday and start every half hour from 10 am – 12 noon. Coming Soon! – Saturday, December 7th kids can make a fun Melted Snowman Ornament

Have a safe and fun week ahead from everyone at Kids Klutter!

kidsklutter.com

DIY Peppermint Gift Jar~

Gifts in a jar are perfect for giving homemade Christmas gifts. This Peppermint Pampering Jar is filled with items like body butter, foot soak and sugar scrub.

Giving homemade Christmas gifts is so affordable! This Christmas I will be giving out gifts in a jar with a Peppermint Pampering theme. It is filled with homemade peppermint spa products and peppermint treats.

If you want to make your own spa products, the recipes are below. If not, you can buy small sized bottles of similar spa products to put in the jars. Or buy large bottles and divide it into small containers.

I started with lots of these small containers from  Dollar tree and spray painted the lids red. Be sure to use spray paint that is specially formulated for plastics. I used Krylon Fusion brand that i found at lowes .   Be sure it can be used on plastic. I am using the color Pepper Red Gloss to paint these lids. 

To make the peppermint body butter, I used I used one Net Wt 7.5 oz jar of Vaseline Cocoa Butter petroleum jelly, three 8 fl. oz bottles of  Bath and Body Works Twisted Peppermint body lotion (bought them on sale) and two Net Wt. 4 oz jars of Studio 35 Vitamin E cream cream.

Put all of the ingredients into the mixer bowl and add 2 drops red food coloring, 5 teaspoons peppermint extract and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract. Whip everything together.

Fill up as many small containers as you need and put the rest into large containers. This recipe makes 48 oz of lotion. If you don’t need that much, cut the recipe in half.

Peppermint Body Butter

Ingredients

• (1) 7.5 oz (Net Wt) jar of Vaseline Cocoa Butter petroleum jelly
• (3) 8 fl. oz bottles of Twisted Peppermint body lotion
• (2) 4 oz (Net Wt) jars of Studio 35 Vitamin E cream
• 2 drops red food coloring
• 5 teaspoons peppermint extract
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Put all of the ingredients into a mixer and whipped them together.
2. Fill containers with the body butter. This recipe makes 48 oz of lotion.
3. Attach a label to the front.
4. Add a strip of  tape/ribbon across the top.

To make the peppermint sugar scrub, soften 1/2 cup of coconut oil in the microwave for 15 seconds. Add 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons peppermint extract and 2 drops of red food coloring.

Mix everything until the color is evenly distributed.

Fill containers with the sugar scrub.

Print

Peppermint Sugar Scrub

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup of coconut oil
• 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar
• 4 teaspoons peppermint extract
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 drops of red food coloring

Instructions

1. Put coconut oil into a bowl and soften in the microwave for 15 seconds.
2. Mix in sugar, peppermint extract, vanilla extract and red food coloring.
3. Fill containers with the sugar scrub. Recipe makes 16 oz of sugar scrub.
4. Attach a label to the front.
5. Add a strip of  tape across the top.

Next, I made some peppermint foot soak by mixing together 1 cup baking soda, 1/2 cup Epsom salt, 2 teaspoons peppermint extract and 2 drops red food coloring. Use a whisk to mix well. The extract made the mix a little wet so I poured it onto a piece of parchment paper and let it dry for 1/2 an hour.

Put 2 tablespoons of peppermint foot soak into each container. When ready to the foot soak, pour the entire contents of the small foot soak container into a basin of warm water.

Peppermint Foot Soak

Ingredients

• 1 cup baking soda
• 1/2 cup Epsom salt
• 2 teaspoons peppermint extract
• 2 drops red food coloring

Instructions

1. Mix together baking soda, Epsom salt, peppermint extract and red food coloring with a whisk.
2. Allow the mixture to dry out before adding to the containers. I poured it onto a piece of parchment paper and let it dry for 1/2 an hour.
3. Put 2 tablespoons of peppermint foot soak into each container. Recipe makes enough that you can put 2 tablespoons into 10 containers.
4. Add a strip of  tape across the top.
5. When ready to the foot soak, pour the entire contents of the small foot soak container into a basin of warm water.

Print, cut out and glue the labels onto the containers.  Avery has an assortment of ready made labels . Put a piece of candy cane stripped tape  or ribbon hot glued across the top of the containers.

Here is everything I put into my peppermint pampering mason jar: 1 Mint Chocolate, peppermint hot cocoa packet, a red manicure set, candy cane lip baum and peppermint candy. I used a  one quart (32 oz) wide mouth mason jar.

Carefully add everything to the jar so that it all fits.Put a piece of candy cane stripped  tape or ribbon around the lid and add a snowflake to the top. Great gift for teachers, baby sitters, or any gal in your life~!

 

Candy Corn Scarecrow

  Great idea for a table decoration at thanksgiving!

To make these adorable candy corn scarecrows you will need:

• An empty glass bottle.  I reused a Starbucks Frappuccino bottle.
• Plastic cup
• Yellow sharpie
• Buttons
• Candy Corn
• Brown and orange paper scraps

Color your plastic cup with a yellow sharpie.  You could also use a yellow paper cup.  However, I like how the plastic curls and it was what I had on hand.  Trim your cup to the correct size, and cut slits to mimic straw.  Gently curl the edges.  Add a paper band to the hat as a finishing touch.  You could also embellish with flowers if you were making a girl scarecrow.

Glue on button eyes and a paper stitched mouth.  Fill your jar with Candy Corn and your little candy corn Scarecrow is all finished.
These little Scarecrows would make a great teacher gift or favors for thanksgiving!
 

Thankful Tree with Paper Pulp

 

 Today we are sharing a fun Nature Play Recipe.  Our adorable Fall Centerpiece Craft for Kids is so simple to make and will look great as part of your Thanksgiving display.

Making Paper Pulp is really simple…

• Have the kids sort paper scraps by colors into separate bowls and tear them into little pieces (we actually cheated and used the paper shredder).  Since we were making fall leaves, we used yellow, orange and red paper.
• Pour boiling water over the shredded paper and let it sit for a few hours.  This will help loosen the paper fibers and make it easier to blend it into pulp.
• Scoop small batches of softened paper and water mixture into a blender and pulse into a smooth pulp.
• Super easy!

The kids collected tree branches and wood chips from our back yard and arranged them in a tin can (make sure your can does not have sharp edges).

Once the kids are ready to start creating, have them squish the wet paper pulp onto the branches.  This will create the look of brightly colored fall leaves.  How simple is that!  The paper will dry and have a wonderful texture.
Just to be clear, we are simply adding the wet paper directly onto the branch.  We did not adding anything to the pulp/water mixture.  I love how beautiful and textural the paper pulp looks when it is dry.

The less planned the leaves are, the better it looks.  Just sit back and let the kids create:) Our little branches supported thick leaves, small leaves, chunky leaves, skinny leaves and each one looked great!

Once the kids have deemed their branch finished, set it in the sun to dry.  Depending on how thick the pulp is, will depend on drying time.  Ours were completely dry by morning.

I can’t believe how beautiful our little Fall branches turned out!  They will make the perfect Thanksgiving centerpiece.

The dried paper pulp is stunning and the kids were so proud of their creations!  I think we may need to make a larger version for my front entry.

Just remember that we did not add anything to the paper, just water.  The dried pulp with turn back into a squishy pulp if it get wet.  You could coat your trees with a spray varnish if you are worried about them getting damaged with water.  This is an inside decoration for sure

• Paper ~ just save your scraps and you will find in little or no time you will have enough to do this with, or use a few pieces of your favorite colors.
• The branches and wood chips were found on a nature walk
• cans- these are from soup or other items used in a can, you can use a jar or any other object to house your tree,  no limit to what you can do.

big thanks to www.houseaforest.com for the pictures and great idea.

visit there website for more fun things!

Hello from your kids Klutter Team.  We hope you are enjoying your last bit of
summertime.
The beginning of
school is around the corner for many of us and not
sure if anyone else is feeling that this year summer
went way too fast! How do we hold onto it just a
little longer?

Vacations, pool time, camping, hiking, picnics, day
activities have all consumed our time these past two
months and now it is time to start thinking about the
prep for school.  But, do we have to?  Funny thing,
time has a way of moving on whether we do or not.
However, you can have the both of best worlds in
preparing for school and hanging on to summer!

Preparation for school can be easy!  Outsourcing your
school supply list is a great way to start.  Jump on
our webpage at www.kidsklutter.com and we will do all
the work for you!  Shopping for school clothes should
be done in moderation right before school.  What are
the essentials?  Most of the kids will go back wearing
some of the things they wore all summer so, don't
rush to stock up just yet.  Wait a few weeks, get through
the beginning on what you have and then make that an
early fall project.  Kids will always grow, so why not
save a little money at the beginning when everything else
seems to be due at the same time.

Keeping the summer spirit in your family will take some
planning once school starts; however, we will still have
a month or two of summer weather to enjoy.  Plan
for those evening picnics in the park or backyard, go
on that hike over the weekend or a quicker camping
trip and keep a healthy family exercise and eating plan
in place throughout the school year.

Remember to keep it simple all around.  Easy meals,
short trips and enjoy the beauty in each day. We challenge
everyone to find one amazing thing to ponder or to
watch each morning as your family gets ready for their
busy day.  It can be as simple as watching a bunny in
the front yard.

These owls can be a treat bag or a fun fall craft.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

These are Perfect for the beginning of the school year, or change the saying to "Owl wish you a happy fall"!  Any way  you decide will be fine as these cute treat bags will fly away fast! I used Reeces Pieces for the goodies inside but candy corn would be cute or other fall candies! 

 

 

email me at donna@kidsklutter.com for the owl template!

 

To make your own Beach Sand Cloud Dough, combine:

 

1 cup sand and 1 cup flour and mix thoroughly.  

 

 4 tablespoons of baby oil.  

 

 

Make sure you mix the baby oil in thoroughly .  If it's too wet, add more sand/flour; if it's too dry and not molding, add a touch more baby oil.  This dough will keep for a long while if stored in an airtight manner.

 

 

Home Made Bouncy Ball

Who knew you could make a homemade bouncy ball that *actually* bounces?! And that you could make it out of household items?

 

Experiments with Borax

A quick word of common sense caution before the details on making a DIY bouncy ball: Although experiments with Borax makes great DIY for kids projects, , Borax is not edible, so don’t let you toddler chew on the ball.

Materials to Make a Bouncy Ball

*Note:  The first time we did this experiment we followed a post from a fellow crafter and there  instructions   We were disappointed that the ball was not translucent the and wasn’t that bouncy.  So, we modified the experiment a few times until we got a Super Bouncy Ball. The ingredients listed below are from the original recipe, but we encourage you to try our version, which reduces the cornstarch to 1/2 tablespoon, adds the food coloring to the second cup instead of the first cup, and mixes the second cup’s ingredients first before adding the borax solution from the first cup.

• two cups
• measuring spoons
• a coffee stir stick (or something to stir the solutions)
• 2 tablespoons warm water
• 1/2 teaspoon borax (find it in the laundry detergent section of your local store)
• 1 tablespoon glue
• 1 tablespoon corn starch
• food coloring (optional)
• plastic bag (for storing your ball)

How To Make A Bouncy Ball

Step 1

Pour the water and borax into the first cup and stir the mixture until it is dissolved.  We used just boiled water from the kettle, so it was more hot than warm.

Step 2

Pour the glue, cornstarch, food coloring, and 1/2 teaspoon of the mixture from the first cup into the second cup.  We got the best results when we mixed the glue, cornstarch, and food coloring first, and then poured in the borax mixture.

Step 3

Let the ingredients in the second cup interact on their own for about 15 seconds, then stir.

Step 4

Once the mixture becomes difficult to stir, scoop it out of the cup, and roll it into a ball.  
Super easy. Super bouncy.
Great for Races, Estimating, and just plain fun!


.

4th of July Luminaries that are super easy and you might just have everything you need to make these in your craft supply cabinet!
Heres how we did it-

you will need;
1 mason jar or glass jar that is clean and dried
assorted sequins
liquid glue or modge podge
2 baking sheets (to do project on)


  

cover baking sheet with wax paper or foil.  place jar over baking sheet to catch any glue or spills.
Start painting  your jar with glue or modge podge, we used a paint brush that is disposable for ease.

You will want to  hold the jar upside down on a dowel or other long handled object . Remember not to paint the bottom .
Once your jar is covered begin pouring the sequins over the jar. Turn your jar slowly so it can
get coverage all over.  You might need to help your kiddos with this part.

Place jar on clean covered baking sheet to dry.
We put a batteries operated candle in ours but you can use wax..
To cute and pretty easy to make!

 

 

Then we let them dry, popped in a battery operated tea light and that was it! I absolutely love them, and so do the girls.

I envisioned placing them outside to decorate for Fourth of July

 

Celebrate 4th of July weekend in Denver this year! Here are ten ideas to get you started and be sure to double-check websites in the event of a fireworks ban.
1. Celebrate Independence Eve with a Free Concert and Fireworks
July 3, Civic Center Park
The fourth annual Independence Eve Celebration will feature a free patriotic concert by The Colorado Symphony, an innovative light show on the Denver City and County Building, and a stunning fireworks finale. Lawn seating will be available on a first-come, first-served basis; blankets or low-rise concert/beach chairs are encouraged.
2. Expand Your Mind at The Cherry Creek Arts Festival
July 5-7, Cherry Creek North
This free, outdoor extravaganza – the city’s signature cultural celebration of the visual, performing and culinary arts – gives more than 350,0000 annual visitors the chance to meet and talk with internationally-acclaimed visual artists, enjoy a wide range of family friendly fun and sample fine cuisine. Experience Artivity Avenue, a full block of interactive activities perfect for youngsters. Visit the Cultural Pavilion, where music, dance and theater from around the globe will be presented. Culinary Avenue features tasty treats and live cooking demonstrations from some of Denver’s most popular eateries.
3. Rock Out at Red Rocks
Catch a concert in one of the world’s greatest live music venues, Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre.

• Get things started on July 3 with the powerful grooves of Michael Franti and Spearhead. Franti is even hosting a special Yoga On The Rocks event earlier in the day, if you want to work up a sweat.
• On July 4, jam band favorite, Blues Traveler, returns to the Rocks for another amazing Independence Day show with moe.
• The Avett Brothers bring their winning Americana sound to the Rocks for a two-night stand on July 5 and 6.
• Pop-Classical vocalist Josh Groban joins forces with the Colorado Symphony for a special concert on July 7.

4. Experience Pro Sports Paradise – and Plenty of Post-Game Fireworks
There’s no shortage of pro sports thrills to be had in The Mile High City.

• At Coors Field, catch the Colorado Rockies taking on the Los Angeles Dodgers during a three-game homestand, July 2-4. There will be a spectacular fireworks show following the July 3 and 4 games!
• Denver’s hometown soccer heroes, the Colorado Rapids, are taking on the New York Red Bulls at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park on July Stick around for the fireworks display after the game! There’s another match on Sunday, July 7 against the D.C. United.
• Over at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on July 4, The Mile High City’s professional lacrosse team, the Denver Outlaws, are battling it out against the New York Lizards. After the game, enjoy fireworks within the bowl at Sports Authority Field – pyrotechnics paired with visuals on a 220-foot wide, hi-definition screen. You’ll never forget this kind of fireworks show!

5. Ride Roller Coasters and Water Slides and See Spectacular Fireworks
July 4, Elitch Gardens Theme and Water Park
Spend the day at Denver’s downtown amusement park and then watch a brilliant fireworks display light up the night sky, starting at dusk.
6. See – and Hear – Nick Cave’s Incredible Soundsuits
Through September 22, Denver Art Museum
Renowned contemporary artist Nick Cave has debuted a new body of work at the Denver Art Museum this summer. The incredible exhibition features a combination of multimedia elements and performances along with figurative sculptures called “Soundsuits” that have to be seen – and heard – to be believed.
Note: Admission to the Denver Art Museum is FREE on July 6, however the Nick Cave exhibition requires an additional ticket.
7. Run in a Red, White & Blue Race
July 4, Washington Park
Work off all the BBQ and cake by running in the Liberty 4-mile run in Washington Park. Wear your red, white and blue proud and enjoy the celebration. Families take note – the Liberty Run also includes a Firecracker Kids Fun Run.
8. Feel The Rhythm of Drums Along the Rockies
July 6, Sports Authority Field at Mile High
Featuring eight of the nation’s top drum and bugle corps, this event offers an evening of exciting sound in the awesome setting of Sports Authority Field at Mile High, home of the Denver Broncos.
9. See Some Oompa Loompas in Downtown Denver
July 6, Skyline Park
Head to downtown Denver’s Skyline Park for a FREE screening of the family-friendly classic, Willie Wonka & The Chocolate Factory. Showtime is at dusk.
10. Swing to the Sounds of City Park Jazz
July 7, City Park
The Sam Mayfield Blues Band will put a perfect cap on the weekend with a free outdoor concert in City Park.
Even more ideas to plan a 4th of July weekend excursion to The Mile High City are available at visitdenver.com/July4.

10 Ways to Celebrate the 4th of July Weekend in Denver

 

www.kidsklutter.com See more at: www.kidsklutter.com

303-641-3328

Summer Craft Fun

Ok summer has arrived! Most of us are out of school and were already scrambling to find activitys that are affordable. When looking for something to do dont forget a great recycled project!  We have taken 2 milk jugs, some tape and imagination and turned this into a afternoon game that any kid would love.

Kids will love playing with these  catcher made from recycled milk jugs!



You will need:

2 empty  milk jugs ,
 Scissors
Craft Tape
Markers
Newspaper

 Here's how we did it;

 Have an adult help you cut the bottoms off the bottles.

Once this is done, wash the bottles well and leave them out to air dry. This is important if there milk bottles!

 Decorate the outside of the bottles with craft tape and markers. Be sure to use tape to cover the edge! Remember you can decorate this any way you like!
Make a ball out of crumpled-up newspaper. Wrap the ball in craft tape.
Use the ball catchers to toss and catch the newspaper ball

 

for more tips and kid ideas visit our website!

www.kidsklutter.com