Thursday, July 17, 2014

Rainbow Bubble Snakes

A New and colorful way to blow bubbles ~ Rainbow Bubble Snakes

Summer is here and our family is SO excited!  The kids are planning and scheming about what we are going to do this summer.  Love it!  One of the fun activities that they  wanted to try was making bubble snakes that are all over.
Rainbow Bubble Snakes ~ outdoor fun
The best part is they are easy to make and use things that I had laying around my house.  Perfect! All you need is an empty water bottle from your recycling, duct tape, a sock that is missing its match (which we seem to have an abundance of), dish soap and some food coloring.
Rainbow Bubble Snakes
Start by cutting the bottom of the water bottle off.  Next slide the sock over the bottom of the bottle.  We used colorful duct tape to secure our sock, but you could use a rubber band as well.  
Bubble Snakes
Pour some dish soap into a shallow container with a little bit of water and gently mix.  Dip the sock covered bubble blower into the solution and gently blow.
We decided to add some color to the bubble snakes with food coloring.  The kids dropped the food coloring onto the sock covered end.  It was a bit messy, but the kids LOVED it!  Lots of fun giggles.

Please remind your kids to blow air out not suck air in!  If your child sucks in, they will be eating bubbles.  Please be careful when doing this with your kids. Our test kids had a blast playing with these bubble snakes.  We did not have any trouble with the kids inhaling, but I have had a few readers mention that their younger kids needed continual reminders.  The fun will quickly end if the bubbles are inhaled!

thanks to our friends at Housing a forest for the great pictures. you can find them on the web at www.housingaforest.com.   dont forget school will be here soon get those supplys ordered
at www.kidsklutter.com!


http://www.housingaforest.com/rainbow-bubble-snakes/

Monday, June 30, 2014


 

 

Kids 4th of July Crafts

4th of July is a holiday that all kids love to celebrate with all of the parades, parties and fireworks!  Our fun and easy Fourth of July crafts will help enhance the fun of the day.  Make some great decorations for a party and involve your child in the planning or make some great hats or wands to take with you to a parade or a fireworks celebration.    Have fun being patriotic and Happy 4th of July from  everyone at kids Klutter!

Kids Fourth of July Crafts

Patriotic Pinwheels patriotic pinwheels

These patriotic pinwheels are are a great craft for 4th of July. These red, white and blue pinwheels make a fun item to play with when complete and they also make a nice decoration for this special holiday.
 
 
 
 
What you'll need:
  • red and blue square origami paper (7”x7”)
  • ruler
  • pencil
  • 2 wooden dowels
  • Scissors
  • Tape
  • 2 miniature star-shaped brad
  • Toothpick
How to make your Patriotic Pinwheels:
  • Take one sheet of your origami paper and turn it over so that the white side is facing up. Using the pencil and ruler, draw two straight lines from diagonal to diagonal, forming an “X.” (see photo)
  • Draw a dot in the center, where the lines cross. From the center, draw one dot on each side, that is ½ inch from the center. Connect these dots, forming a circle. (see photo)
  • With adult supervision, use the scissors to cut along the diagonal lines to the ½ inch dots, making sure not to cut all the way to the center dot! (see photo)
  • Using the ruler and pencil, measure on inch up from each corner and place a dot in the center between the diagonal line and the edge of the paper. (see photo)
  • Ask an adult to poke the toothpick into the central dot and each of the four dots in the corner. (see photo)
  • Take one of the miniature star-shaped brads and push it through the hole of one of the corners of the pinwheel. Continue turning the pinwheel and placing each of the four corner dots on the brad in order. Finally, push the end of the brad through the central dot. Carefully, turn the paper over and secure the brad by pushing the two ends apart and flattening. (see photo)
  • Take the scotch tape and tear off one piece. Place on the pointed end of the dowel and secure to the inside of the pinwheel.
  • Repeat with the other piece of origami paper.
  • Your pinwheel is now ready to grace the table or a flower vase!



 
patriotic pinwheels craft patriotic pinwheels materials patriotic pinwheel 4th of july pinwheel craft red white blue pinwheel kids pinwheel craft kids patriotic pinwheels patriotic pinwheels craft for kids making patriotic pinwheel craft patriotic pinwheel craft
 
 

Patriotic Windsock Craft patriotic windsock craft

This patriotic craft is a unique take on the American flag. Your child will enjoy wrapping red, white, and blue yarn around a toilet paper roll. Stars cut like paper dolls hang down to complete the windsock effect.
What you'll need:
  • Toilet paper roll
  • One sheet of printer paper
  • Red, white, and blue yarn
  • Scissors & glue, tape
How to make your Patriotic Windsock:
  • Cover 1/3 of the roll in glue and wrap red yarn around it. Repeat for white and blue yarns.
  • Make rows of stars the same way you would make paper dolls:
    • Fold the white paper in half twice, lengthwise.
    • Accordion fold the paper into 4 equal sections.
    • Draw a star on top of accordion as shown, with the 2 side points extending off the page.
    • Adults cut out star shape, forming 4 rows of 4 stars each.
  • Tape the top star of each row into the bottom opening of the roll.
  • Tape a length of yarn into the top opening, to use as a hanger.

Fingerprint Flag Card fingerprint card craft

This American Flag card is a simple, but great craft especially for young children. Toddlers will be so proud of their American Flag and will be thrilled to give to mom or dad.


What you'll need:
  • red stamp pad
  • blue stamp pad
  • white card stock
  • envelope (optional)
  • black marker
  • wipes
How to make your Patriotic Fingerprint Flag Card:
  • Using the red stamp pad, press your index finger into the stamp pad. Place your fingerprint sideways, along the bottom of the card. Repeat along the entire bottom of the card to form a red stripe. (see photo)
  • Skip a 1/2 inch, and create another red stripe across the width of the card. Move your finger up another 1/2 inch and create a third red stripe across the card. (see photo)
  • Continue forming red stripes 1/2 inch apart, but indent 1/3 of the page, to leave room for the blue portion of the flag. Create two of these red, shorter stripes.
  • Using the wipes, clean red ink off your index finger. Place the top on the red stamp pad so that it does not dry out.
  • Once your finger is clean, place your index finger in the blue stamp pad. In the blank white space left, create a box outline with the blue ink on your finger. Then, randomly stamp spots with the blue ink, leaving enough white spaces as stars on the flag. (see photo)
  • Once the blue portion is completed, wipe the blue ink off your finger and return the top to the blue stamp pad.
  • Finally, take the black marker, and on the inside of the card, write "Happy Fourth of July!"

Thursday, June 12, 2014

Summer has arrived and although it might be a little damp from all the rain lately one of our favorite articles was released.
 
 50 Free Things To Do This Summer In Denver !
 
please take a moment and check out all the fun and "free" activity's
you can do with your family this summer!

www.kidsklutter.com
 
 
 
Free Daytrips

FREE AND FUN ATTRACTIONS AND TOURS

Free Days at Denver's Greatest Attractions!

Colorado residents can enjoy the following cultural attractions for free on select days throughout the summer: The Denver Art Museum (June 7, July 5, August 2, September 6 - free to all, not just Colorado residents); Denver Botanic Gardens at York Street (August 4); Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield (June 3, August 5); Denver Museum of Nature& Science (June 2, June 30, July 20, September 8); Clyfford Still Museum (June 20, August 7); Denver Firefighters Museum (August 2).

U.S. Mint Tour

320 W. Colfax Ave.
Learn how to make money! The U.S. Mint produces 50 million coins a day, each one stamped with a little "D" for Denver. Free tours show every step in the process of turning a dull, blank, metal slug into shiny pocket change.

Colorado State Capitol Tour

200 E. Colfax Ave.
Tour magnificent, gold-domed Colorado Capitol Building. Stand at exactly a mile high on the steps, see Allen True's beautiful murals, listen in on the Colorado General Assembly, and check out the gorgeous Rose Onyx wainscoting. Free tours are available 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Mondays through Fridays.

Children's Museum Free Target Tuesdays

2121 Children's Museum Dr.
A perfect after-school activity -- the extremely fun Children's Museum of Denver is FREE every first Tuesday of the month from 4-8 p.m.

Our Global Kitchen Family Days at the History Colorado Center 

1200 Broadway
Kids 12 and under get in for FREE during these events on May 31, June 21, July 3 and August 8. Join the History Colorado Center on Global Kitchen Family Days for cooking demonstrations, food-themed crafts, cultural performances, and more. Visit the Food: Our Global Kitchen exhibit and check out special activities in the taste kitchen. Explore kitchen tools, sample tasty treats, and savor food stories from around the world and in Colorado.

Denver Story Trek

Ever wonder about the stories of the places you pass? On Denver Story Trek you'll explore the stories behind Denver's historic landscapes and landmarks on an interactive, self-guided tour of the city. It's simple to use and free!

Denver SkatePark

19th and Little Raven Sts.
The expansive Denver SkatePark - one of the most renowned skate parks in the country - is filled with bowls for all levels of skating skill. Admission is free. Helmets are required.

Great Divide Brewery Tour

2201 Arapahoe St.
Get a behind-the-scenes look at Denver's craft beer world on a free tour at the Great Divide Brewery in downtown Denver. Tours take place at 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. Monday - Friday and each hour starting at 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday and 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

Colorado Sports Hall of Fame Museum

1701 Mile High Stadium Cir.
Housed in Sports Authority Field At Mile High Stadium (home of the Denver Broncos), the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame Museum honors the legacies of The Mile High City's greatest sports heroes, and features the Gallery of Legends, a "Great Moments in Colorado Sports" exhibit and a section celebrating the achievements of girls and women in Colorado Sports.

Rockmount Ranch Wear

1626 Wazee St.
Browse the racks and enjoy the free museum at Lower Downtown's historic Rockmount Ranch Wear, the originator of the western snap-button shirt. The walls are adorned with photos of the many celebs who have worn Rockmount shirts, including Eric Clapton, Robert Redford and Elvis Presley.

Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City-Denver Branch's Money Museum

1020 16th St.
The Money Museum offers an opportunity to learn about the Federal Reserve Bank. And, best of all, it's free! Walk-ins are welcome and groups can make advance reservations. Photo ID required for visitors 18 and older. On your way out, don't forget to get your bag of shredded money.

Tattered Cover Bookstore

1628 16th St.
The Tattered Cover is one of the nation's largest and most well-known independent bookstores and often hosts free signings by some of the literary world's most famous authors. They also offer free wi-fi if you want to surf the net while you're there.

National Center for Atmospheric Research

1850 Table Mesa Dr., Boulder
Learn about global warming, the 21st century's hottest topic, at the National Center for Atmospheric Research. See a hailstone the size of a softball, watch as a miniature tornado is whipped up in front of your eyes, and get an up close look at how lightning is created.

Red Rocks Amphitheatre & Park

18300 W. Alameda Pkwy., Morrison
Carved from towering red rock monuments, Red Rocks Amphitheatre & Park is one of the world's most renowned concert venues. When there's no concert, the free Visitor Center has a museum Performers' Hall of Fame, while the surrounding park has hiking trails that weave in, around and over the colorful red rocks.

Littleton Museum

6028 S. Gallup St., Littleton
Travel back in time at the Littleton Museum and get a glimpse into Colorado's pioneer past. Located on 39 acres, the museum consists of two living history farms (one from the 1860s and one from the 1890s), with a working farm, a blacksmith shop and more than 40,000 historically Colorado artifacts.

Coors Brewery Tour

13th and Ford, Golden
"Taste the Rockies!" Coors Brewery, the world's largest brewing site still uses the same Rocky Mountain spring water that Adolph Coors discovered in 1873. Free tours show every step in the brewing process, and end with free samples for those over 21.

Celestial Seasonings Tour

4600 Sleepytime Dr., Boulder
See how Celestial Seasonings, the largest specialty tea manufacturer in North America, blends, packages and ships its teas, then enjoy free samples of every variety they make, and discover a gallery of original artwork from their famous tea boxes.

Dinosaur Ridge

16831 W. Alameda Pkwy., Morrison
See some dinos - or what's left of them anyway. Dinosaur Ridge features famous Jurassic dinosaur bones, such as Stegosaurus and Apatosaurus, discovered in 1877, and Cretaceous dinosaur footprints. A guidebook is available for use on self-guided tours.

Garden of the Gods

1805 N. 30th St., Colorado Springs
Located 60 miles from Denver, the awe-inspiring Garden of the Gods features gigantic 500-foot high red sandstone rock monuments at the base of Pikes Peak.

FREE FESTIVALS & EVENTS

Capitol Hill People's Fair

WHEN: June 7-8
WHERE: Civic Center Park, Broadway and Colfax Ave.

The Capitol Hill People's Fair is a celebration of Denver's diverse urban community in Civic Center Park. The uniqueness and magic of Capitol Hill People's Fair is created by the careful blending of great family fun, carefully selected handmade arts & crafts, delicious culinary delights, fabulous entertainment and the commitment to raise funds for and promote the missions of non-profit organizations.

World Soccer Celebrations

WHEN: June 13-16
WHERE: Skyline Park, 16th and Arapahoe
Can't make it to Brazil this year for the World Cup? Here's the next best thing. Join fellow futbol fans in downtown Denver's Skyline Park for a series of World Soccer Celebrations, featuring live broadcasts of matches from Brazil on a 20-foot screen. The public is invited to this free event that includes four days of live soccer, food and drink vendors, games, giveaways and more. The event will culminate in the U.S. National Team's match against Ghana on Monday, June 16 at 3:30 p.m.

Juneteenth Music Festival

WHEN: June 14
WHERE: Five Points Neighborhood on Welton St.

Denver's Juneteenth Music Festival is one of the nation's largest celebrations, drawing in record numbers of festival-goers and participation. The two-day event features live performances, art and cultural exhibitions, and food and commercial vendors; with partners and sponsors ranging from community support networks and organizations, to local and international companies. 

Denver PrideFest

WHEN: June 21-22
WHERE: Civic Center Park, Broadway and Colfax Ave.
Denver's Lesbian, Gay Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community throws an enormous party every summer with Denver PrideFest in Civic Center Park. Recognized as one of the top ten pride events in the country, Denver PrideFest is a celebration of community and culture that is welcoming -- and fun! -- to all attendees, regardless of sexual orientation. Produced by the Gay Lesbian Bisexual & Transgender Community Center of Colorado, the two-day festival gets bigger. Last year attracted more than 200,000 people from Colorado and the surrounding areas. This year should draw even more revelers.

Cherry Creek Arts Festival

WHEN: July 4-6
WHERE: Cherry Creek North from 2nd to 3rd Aves., on the seven streets between Columbine and Steele Sts.

Cherry Creek Arts Festival (CCAF) is a world-class and award-winning celebration of the visual, culinary and performing arts, and enjoys an attendance of 350,000 visitors over the 3-day event. CCAF gives patrons the rare and special opportunity to meet and talk with international visual artists, sample fine cuisine, visit special exhibits and artist demonstrations, and entertain their families with interactive "Artivities" and exciting performing arts.

Colorado Black Arts Festival

WHEN: July 11-13
WHERE: City Park West, 17th Ave. and Colorado Blvd. 

The Colorado Black Arts Festival is a three-day festival that presents an array of exciting African-American arts and cultural delights. A wide array of art will adorn the grounds and live music (including jazz, hip hop, R&B, rock 'n' roll and more) from the people of African descent will give way to a memorable weekend. This is a family friendly event with programming and activities for the entire family. 

Colorado Dragon Boat Festival

WHEN: July 19-20
WHERE: Sloan's Lake Park, 1700 S. Sheridan Blvd.

Founded in 2001 to celebrate Colorado's rich Asian Pacific American (APA) culture, the Colorado Dragon Boat Festival has become the region's fastest growing fun, family-friendly summer festival. Named "Top Annual Festival" by the Rocky Mountain News and a "Best of Denver" event by Westword, it offers festival-goers the opportunity to explore APA customs through performances, arts and crafts, shopping, dining and the exciting athletic competition of dragon boat racing.

A Taste of Colorado

WHEN: Aug. 29 - Sept. 1 
WHERE: Civic Center Park, Broadway and Colfax Ave.

A Taste of Colorado stands proud as the end-of-summer celebration of community pride and spirit in the Denver region. Over 500,000 people make the four-day festival their Labor Day Weekend celebration, enjoying the offerings of more 50 area restaurants, 250 marketplace artisans and vendors, seven stages, and educational programs promoting the diverse cultural and western heritage of the region.

Southwest Movies at Skyline Park

WHEN: All summer long
WHERE: In Denver's city parks

Spread out a blanket in one of Denver's most gorgeous parks in the heart of downtown for FREE, family friendly Outdoor Movies in the Parks.
Southwest Movies at Skyline Park 2014 lineup:
June 21  - "Saving Mr. Banks"
June 28 - "Finding Nemo"
July 5 - "Frozen"
July 12 - "Monsters University"
July 19 - "Father of the Bride"
July 26 - "Fly Away Home"
August 2 - "Gravity"
August 9 - "Man of Steel"  

FREE LIVE MUSIC

City Park Jazz

WHEN: Sunday evenings in June and July
WHERE: City Park, 17th Ave. and Colorado Blvd.

Every Sunday night in June and July, the City Park Bandstand and Pavilion turns into a swinging, open-air jazz club as music lovers of all ages congregate for the free City Park Jazz.

South Platte RiverFest

WHEN: June 28-29
WHERE: Confluence Park, 2250 15th St.

The South Platte RiverFest is a two day festival includes free stand up paddle board lessons and demos, a variety of riverside recreational activities, live music, beer, food, and more.

Civic Center Park's Independence Eve

WHEN: July 3
WHERE: Civic Center Park, Broadway and Colfax Ave.
The annual Independence Eve Celebrationwww.kidsklutter.com will feature a free patriotic concert, an innovative light show on the Denver City and County Building and a stunning fireworks finale. 

FREE DAYTRIPS

Lariat Loop Byway

Retrace the motoring adventures of the early 1920s and experience the thrill of foothills exploration at the dawn of the Age of Motorcars on this 40-mile scenic circle in the foothills west of Denver. The Lariat Loop takes motorists to several popular attractions, including Buffalo Bill's Grave & Museum, the Colorado Railroad Museum and the Mother Cabrini Shrine.

Denver Parks & Lakes

Denver's city parks are beautiful. Confluence Park, located within walking distance of downtown, offers sandy shores for sunbathing, a kayak practice route, and bike paths. Up in the Highlands neighborhood, explore Sloan's Lake Park, an urban oasis with the enormous Sloan's Lake taking center stage.

Estes Park

At the entrance to the legendary Rocky Mountain National, the historic resort village of Estes Park offers shopping and dining - as well as the hotel that inspired Stephen King's The Shining!

Boulder

A recent study pegged Boulder as the "happiest" city in America. You'll find out why when you stroll past the shops, cafes and street performers on the Pearl Street Mall, or take a hike on the city's 200 miles of trails.

Peak To Peak Scenic & Historic Byway

Less than an hour from Denver, the 55-mile-long Peak To Peak Scenic & Historic Byway provides matchless views of the Continental Divide. From Black Hawk to Estes Park, the pleasantly winding road - the oldest scenic byway in Colorado - meanders through valleys and ridges, with shimmering aspens visible throughout the entire route.

Denver Bike Trails

Denver is home to a massive network of more than 850 miles of paved, off-road trails that crisscross throughout the seven county metro area, making it a two-wheeled paradise. Paved trails connect to hundreds of additional miles of dirt trails, offering mountain bike adventures.

Mount Evans Scenic Byway & Echo Lake

The highest paved road in North America climbs 9,000 feet from Denver, passing through five life zones en route to the 14,264-foot high summit. Mount Evans is one of Colorado's 54 fourteeners (peaks that climb to 14,000 feet and above), and one of only two in the nation that you can drive up. Note: Driving the Scenic Byway is $10 per vehicle, but hiking to Echo Lake is free - as is all that magnificent fresh mountain air. Generally open Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Georgetown

Nestled in a steep mountain valley, Georgetown is one of Colorado's most elegant mining towns with 200 Victorian buildings. Ride the Georgetown Loop Railroad over a 100-foot high trestle to neighboring Silver Plume.


for more information visit www.denver.org/thingstodo 

Tuesday, May 27, 2014

Make Your Own Sidewalk Chalk!
www.kidsklutter.com for more information on fundraising opportunity's for your group or school!
I love sidewalk chalk but I love the idea of creating new colors and something I've made right out of my own craft pantry. Kids love this project!   I used wrapping paper tubes as molds, as they have a smaller diameter than toilet paper or paper-towel tubes, better for small hands. However you can use toilet paper tubes, I'd recommend cutting them in half .
 
Here is how we did it
 
 
 
 
Gather your materials:
  • Tempera Paint (use primary, and mix secondary colors)
  • Plaster of Paris
  • Water
  • Wrapping Paper Tubes
  • Wax Paper
  • Masking Tape
  • Sandwich baggies (for piping bags)
  • Scissors
Instructions:
Cut the tube into 5 inch segments.  Line the interiors with wax paper, tape the base to seal one end, and set aside.



 
The following is the recipe proportions for one color:
Mix 2-3 tablespoons of tempera paint with 1/2 cup of water.  Stir in 3/4 cup of plaster of Paris.  Spoon the mixture into a sandwich baggy and snip the end.  Squeeze the contents into the tube. Prop straight up (I used the masking tape ring to support my 6 tubes).
 
 
 
 
 
 
Allow to dry at room temperature for at least 12 -24 hours. Once dried peal away and enjoy
 
 

Friday, April 4, 2014

Hi, everyone—Happy April!

Glow-in-the-dark eggs
glow in the dark eggs easy and fast craft/decoration
Are your crocuses peeping out of the ground? Are your daffodils blooming? Spring is HERE. It’s really here! And I’m thinking about gardening, spring parties, and Easter. The holiday is a little late this year, but I just think of that as more time to plan...which I really need. After all, we’ve got decorating to do, eggs to color, and the Easter dinner to think about.

But, here’s the most important question: do you still have Easter egg hunts at your house? I’m not sure how much longer my niece and nephew will want to do Easter egg hunts with our family celebration So the Easter Bunny is going all out for them this year. Ready. Set. Glow-in-the-dark eggs!




All you need are glow bracelets—and the eggs, of course. I was able to get bracelets in packages of 12 or 16 at my local craft store. Bend the bracelets to activate the light, roll them into shape, and they should fit nicely inside the eggs. I’m always surprised how long the bracelets glow, but that juice doesn’t last forever. So, tell the kids to play with their DS or iPod for 20 minutes while the Easter Bunny stuffs the eggs...surely he won't forget to also put candy and money in there! If it’s a nice night, perhaps he'll hide the eggs outside. Otherwise, he'll hide them inside and turn off all the lights.

I’ve got a few more spring craft ideas up my sleeve for the month of April…recipes, crafts and more. And remember, you can always look for ideas at www.kidsklutter.com or our blog site!
Happy spring to you all
 
Until Next time