Get To Know Your Shapes With Funny Faced Printables

What’s more fun than learning your shapes? Learning them with a group of funny faced friends, of course!

In Montessori classrooms, 3-part cards, or nomenclature cards as they are often called, are a common learning tool. They help children to become familiar with pictures of objects and to begin to associate words with those objects. They also help children to discern between words, even when they still aren’t able to read them. In the process, kids start to pick up some sight words, too!

While a Montessori school might call this “work,” it feels a lot like a matching game to me and my kids. Something tells me that your littles will have just as much fun. So take a whack at this easy, printable matching game and get your kids excited about shapes and words and learning of all kind!

What You Need

• Happy Shape 3-Part Cards (download here)
• Printer (with colored ink)
• Card Stock
• Scissors

How-To

Step 1
Download and print all game cards, then use scissors to cut the pieces apart along the solid lines.

For each shape, there are three parts. The base card has both a shape and a word for that shape. The second card is simply the shape, and the final card has only the word. That’s three total.

Step 2
Separate the shape cards from the word cards, then make two stacks: one for shapes and one for words.

To start the game, lay out all of the base cards, facing up. For each base card, have your child look through the stack of shape cards. They may want to spread them out, but it’s easier and more space efficient to flip through the deck. It also helps with memory!

Have them place the shapes in their hands on top of the corresponding shapes on the table.

Step 3
After all of the shapes have been matched, it’s time to add the associated word cards. Again, work from the stack or spread them out.

Once everything is said and done, you can check to see how your little geometrists did! Or you may want to have them check their own work. You can also use the printables as regular shape flashcards, as a guide for spelling different shape words, or simply as a way for learning the rainbow-order of colors (red, orange, yellow… etc.)

Happy crafting, happy playing, and happy learning!

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Decorate Your Day With DIY Pocket Planners

When I was a kid, I had a sky-high stack of notebooks that I used for just about anything and everything under the sun. I had one for stickers, one for sketches and doodles, a few for class notes, etc. Today I thought it would be fun to combine all the millions of things that kids carry around notebooks for and create one pocket-sized pad of awesomeness.

It’s really easy and much more organized than it may sound. With some help from the Brother P-touch PT-D200 Label Maker, you can whip up a multi-tab notebook perfect for tiny hands on-the-go. Create a section for notes, addresses, drawings, stickers, photos, movie ticket stubs – anything you can think of! Want to make your own? Here’s how!

What You Need

• Brother P-touch PT-D200 Label Maker
• Notebook
• Decorative Paper
• Scissors
• Glue Stick

How-To

Step 1
Cut the decorative paper so that it is slightly more than twice the size of your notebook. I found it helpful to wrap the paper around the notebook to test the size before making my final cuts. You’ll want about an inch of margin around the sides for wrapping the edges at the end.

Step 2
Apply glue to the front of the notebook and press the glued side onto the left half of the paper. Flip the notebook over and smooth out the paper. Then, apply glue to the spine and back of the notebook. Adhere the paper to these sides by smoothing the paper down at the spine first and then smoothing down the back.

Step 3
To finish your notebook, one option is to cut the paper around the edge. Another option is to wrap the edge, which will make the cover extra durable. To wrap the edge, cut vented slits in the decorative paper at the spine and at the corners. Then glue. If your notebook happens to have rounded corners like mine does, cut multiple vents at the corner to achieve a curved wrap.

Step 4
For the finishing touch, create personalized tabs with your Brother label maker. The great thing about this guy is that it comes with so many features (including up to 2 lines of text). There are also lots of colored ribbons to choose from, so you can personalize your tabs any way you’d like. A neat little trick for creating notebook tabs is to add a carriage return after your text. With the text sitting on the first line and the second line blank, your label is now a perfect little tab.

Once you’ve printed your labels, cut the excess off with scissors.

Step 5
Remove the backing and stick the label onto a page in your notebook. Then, take a blank label and stick it to the back of the first label. This will give you a nicely finished tab with smooth sides on both the front and back.

These little guys are so easy to make, you may find yourself making several at a time. Keep extras in the car to keep all passengers busy!

For more amazing Brother crafts, check out our boards on Pinterest here and here!

Photography by Heidi Geldhauser 
Craft production assisted by Linda Jednaszewski 
Art direction, styling, and concept by Brittni Mehlhoff

This post sponsored by Brother.

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Get To Know Your Shapes With Funny Faced Printables

What’s more fun than learning your shapes? Learning them with a group of funny faced friends, of course!

In Montessori classrooms, 3-part cards, or nomenclature cards as they are often called, are a common learning tool. They help children to become familiar with pictures of objects and to begin to associate words with those objects. They also help children to discern between words, even when they still aren’t able to read them. In the process, kids start to pick up some sight words, too!

While a Montessori school might call this “work,” it feels a lot like a matching game to me and my kids. Something tells me that your littles will have just as much fun. So take a whack at this easy, printable matching game and get your kids excited about shapes and words and learning of all kind!

What You Need

• Happy Shape 3-Part Cards (download here)
• Printer (with colored ink)
• Card Stock
• Scissors

How-To

Step 1
Download and print all game cards, then use scissors to cut the pieces apart along the solid lines.

For each shape, there are three parts. The base card has both a shape and a word for that shape. The second card is simply the shape, and the final card has only the word. That’s three total.

Step 2
Separate the shape cards from the word cards, then make two stacks: one for shapes and one for words.

To start the game, lay out all of the base cards, facing up. For each base card, have your child look through the stack of shape cards. They may want to spread them out, but it’s easier and more space efficient to flip through the deck. It also helps with memory!

Have them place the shapes in their hands on top of the corresponding shapes on the table.

Step 3
After all of the shapes have been matched, it’s time to add the associated word cards. Again, work from the stack or spread them out.

Once everything is said and done, you can check to see how your little geometrists did! Or you may want to have them check their own work. You can also use the printables as regular shape flashcards, as a guide for spelling different shape words, or simply as a way for learning the rainbow-order of colors (red, orange, yellow… etc.)

Happy crafting, happy playing, and happy learning!

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Natural Play, The Wooden Way

Once upon a time children had simple toys. They made up their own games, playing outside in all weather, and amused themselves with very little. Inventing, imagining, exploring… having fun.

I know it sounds idyllic and probably far-fetched but I have good memories of growing up in the UK during the 60’s and 70’s. Our playthings were pretty basic but they were made to last and I think that we appreciated what we had.

I’ve written about “slow play” before, and it’s no secret that I’m a fan of handmade wooden toys. Even if my own three children are growing up fast, I still enjoy scouring the web for new toymakers and designers – there’s so much wonderful creativity out there! I’d like to share some recent finds, all made from wood and all perfectly simple. Enjoy!

Wooden Chicken Family Toy
Approx $13 from Three Trees

Well, I know Easter is behind us but what a fun, original little play set this is! Made by Three Trees – rising star in the Czech toy world – these brightly illustrated fowl (hen, rooster, and three little chicks) come in a colorful bag and are ideal for traveling, inventing stories, and kids’ role play.

Toy Fishing Kit 
from Eperfa

Bird Egg Bowling Set
from Eperfa

Magnetic Fish Puzzles
from Eperfa

If your family appreciates responsibly-made wooden eco-toys, I am pretty certain that you will love the spring/summer catalogue of Hungarian brand Dombon-a-Tanya. Inspired by the hills around Budapest and the country’s largest lake, Lake Balaton, Anna Nóra Nagy & Emese Berán have designed one of the nicest wooden toy collections I have ever seen. Take your time to discover the magnetic fish puzzles, egg pétanque, and fishing set (all shown above). But also make sure to see the beautiful woodland animal and bird set, mountain door stopper, and spinning tops on their e-shop, Eperfa. For prices and more information contact Nóra via Facebook.

Woody Knitting Toy
Approx $26 from Les Jouets Libres

Last but by no means least, French company Les Jouets Libres have just released a new wooden sheep toy for children to decorate with wool. Little ones can choose from three colors of wool, originating from one of the very last wool mills in France. With a bit of patience and dexterity, they can then “knit” their sheep a new thick fleece. A nice crafty gift, perfect for play and display!

At top: Toy Wooden Boats via Sarmiento 

Sarmiento is one of my favorite finds this year! I came across this Argentinian brand in January and love every single item in their catalogue. Sarmiento’s toys are all made from recycled surplus offcuts and have a deliberately simple aesthetic. In addition to these beautiful wooden boats, the fledgling company makes wooden block sets, cars, building kits and tangrams. Check out their Facebook page and e-shop now!

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Around the World with DIY Globes

Spring brings out the travel bug in so many of us – why else would Spring Break always coincide with trips all over the world? Call it cabin fever, wanderlust, or family vacation, but this it the time of year we all crave a little bit of adventure.

Alas, not all of us are able to make those travel plans a reality. Hopefully someday we will, but in the meantime, grab an old globe and embark on your own around-the-world excursion without ever leaving the comfort of your craft table.

Bon voyage!

Butterfly Globe
Tutorial at I’m a Transplant from California

This instantly makes me think of the “chaos theory” – often explained by the famous example of a butterfly’s wings in one area of the world causing a storm in another. But even without that little scientific extra, this globe is absolutely gorgeous.

Easy Ombre Globe
Tutorial at The V Spot

It’s funny – when globes are covered in shades of blue, you almost don’t even miss the big green land masses. The subtle fade would be such a soothing touch to any space.

Disco Ball Globe
Via Eve Truffaut

There isn’t a tutorial for this one, but it’s so dang fabulous I just had to include it. Whether you glue sequins onto an actual globe or manage to find a disco ball that fits a globe stand, the result would be amazing!

Pictured at top: Globe Pendant Lamp, see tutorial video via Baby Digs

This would be brilliant in a kids’ room, but I’d love it in other areas too. What about over an eat-in kitchen table? Go ahead and add a little adventure to your breakfast nook!

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6 Fun Ways To Use Pressed Flowers

Spring flowers are popping up all over the place, and it seems like the perfect time to start thinking about ways to incorporate these new blooms into our favorite crafty pastimes. Plus, if we practice our flower pressing skills now, we’ll be pros when summer’s heavy hitters of the floral world make their debut.

We’ve always has our simple go-tos – like clear layers of contact paper or arranging them in picture frames — but these projects take it up a notch! I’d love to carry my favorite floral finds on my iPhone, for instance. Or something totally old-school like dried flowers on wood slabs. I love it all!

Pressed Flower iPhone Case
see tutorial on the Etsy Blog

What an amazing and original way to soften up your favorite piece of tech. I think I’d take flowers from my mother’s garden so that my favorite things and my favorite place would be with me at all times.

Exploded Flowers by Qi Wei Fung
see tutorial at Be A Fun Mum

Artist Qi Wei Fung makes fresh flowers into photographic works of art. But I love Be A Fun Mum’s take on it – making it into a fun exploration project to do with her kids. Take it one step further and use dried flowers, then frame them!

Dried Flower Pendant
see tutorial at Intimate Weddings

Make a pendant this summer and carry your little piece of sunshine with you all through the winter! I love the beautiful bright backgrounds on these — feels like the perfect blue sky.

Pressed Rose Petal Tray
see tutorial at Say Yes

First of all, what breathtaking photos. And the project is awesome, too! I love that it allows you to create something that you can use day in and day out, versus something that stays static on your wall. How wonderful would these be at an afternoon tea?

Microwave Pressing Flowers
see tutorial at Martha Stewart

Pressing flowers can be very straight forward – a thick book, some tissue paper or paper towels, and your favorite blooms. But did you know you can speed it up with a microwave? Learn some tips from this expert’s how-to.

Pictured at top: Dried Flower Coasters, see tutorial at The Crafted Life.

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One-of-a-Kind Bibs Delivered Straight to Your Crib

When Brooke Fish asked me to be her “Craft Lobster” at this year’s Maker’s Summit in Greenville, SC, I knew right away that she and I swam in similar, wonderfully wacky waters. I of course accepted her proposal (how could I refuse!) and decided that the two of us were destined to combine powers.

Brooke and her husband Adam are the Dallas duo behind the drool-worthy creations of Fresh BiB – a monthly subscription that delivers one-of-a-kind designer bibs straight to your crib. A designer turned stay-at-home wonder woman, Brooke has a knack for design and a deep understanding of the icky, sticky trials and tribulations that come with having tinies. She and Adam wanted to address life’s little messes with bibs that were fresh, fun, and “not stale and boring like day-old toast.”

One look at these eye (and crumb!) catching designs and it’s clear that Fresh BiBs share nothing in common with day-old toast. In fact, if bibs were breakfast, these would be a sky-high stack of chocolate chip pancakes, covered in layers of extra syrup and topped with fresh berries and homemade whipped cream. Served in bed! (And you won’t even get messy.)

Each BiB is reversible, meaning you get 2 one-of-a-kind creations in every box. To make things even more exciting, the prints you receive are a complete surprise! It’s like an itty bitty surprise party right on your doorstep! Whatever goodies you do get, one thing’s for certain – they’re going to be super cute, incredible quality, and made with care. (Ok ok, that’s three things.) From the reusable glass jars that each BiB is bundled up in, to special little notes of encouragement, there’s not one detail that won’t bring a smile to your face. They even include an extra little something for mom!

Get ready for my favorite part! Each darling design is stitched with vibrant green thread, serving as a sweet reminder that each day is a fresh start. What a wonderful thought! Also, what a wonderful gift, right? I know several littles who would love to drool all over these. And the great thing about them being so gosh darn cute? They double as bandanas!

Ok, remember the part where our powers were destined to combine? Here it is! For the entire month of May, all Fresh BiBs will be made using the Handmade Charlotte team’s favorite fabrics. We had so much fun pulling together bits and pieces of patterns from every nook and cranny of our studio, each a reminder of fun past projects. How special that our labors of love get to live on through little whoopsie daisies all over the world!

Sign up to receive your own Fresh BiB creations here.

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5 Dandelion Projects to Grant Every Wish

Bring on sunny days, fresh green grass, and fields and fields of brightly colored flowers! I know grown-ups love to hate dandelions (those pesky weeds that take over a grassy knoll if you let them) but kids have just the opposite reaction – and I kind of do too! Rubbing dandelion pollen on your nose, making dandelion chains, and blowing those white seeds into wish fulfillment are all iconic childhood activities. Let’s memoralize our love for these simple yellow blooms with a couple of DIY crafts dedicated just to them.

Dandelion Pom Pom Flowers
see tutorial at Canuck Crafts

Some of the credit goes out to Domestifluff, but Canuck Crafts’ flowers are the perfect (and more permanent) dandelion solution! I can see a huge bouquet on my summer dinner table.

Dandelion Chains
see how-to illustration at Oscar Ate My Muffin

I love dandelion chains! I’ve always made mine in a different way, but this tutorial is about to get tested at our house – it looks much sturdier than my traditional method.

It would also make a darling dog necklace! (I take every opportunity I can to incorporate a puppy picture. And this one is actually relevant!)

Dandelion Gift Wrap
see tutorial at The Chic Site

As wonderful as this gift wrap is, I honestly think the flower would be just as cute (maybe even cuter) all by itself! Forget the box underneath, just gather up some cotton swabs and grow your own garden!

Dandelion Pillow
see tutorial at Front + Main

Upgrade your pillow game with a cozy 3D garden! Following this super simple how-to from West Elm’s blog, I’m planning on making one for myself and already know I’ll be petting those little poms every night.

Dandelion Finger Print Art
see tutorial at Mom It Forward

Ok, finger print art is kind of everywhere, I know. But this one is actually pretty sweet – and by upscaling your usual paper background to raw burlap, it looks much more luxe, as well!

Pictured at top: Dandelion Paperweights, see the how-to video at Dandelion Paperweights.

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