by Karen Beard

Keep’Em Busy

AN ADULTS GUIDE TO KEEPING KIDS BUSY

All rights reserved.No part of this book may be reproduced without

the express consent of the author.

This book is dedicated to my mother, who introduced me to Girl Scouts when I was nine years old.

This book is also dedicated to all the Leaders and Volunteers out there everywhere. May you find the courage to continue.

May 26, 1999Revised September, 2012

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION………………………………………………..….4

GET’EM OUT OF THE HOUSE............................................. 5

Take'em on a Field Trip.............................................. 5Do Something Outside................................................ 7Take a Tour................................................................. 10

TEACH’EM COMMUNITY AWARENESS.............................. 11

RESOURCES......................................................................... 13

Places to Get Craft Supplies and Other Stuff.............. 13

CRAFTS................................................................................. 15

Recipes For Craft Projects.......................................... 15

Pastes and Glues............................................. 17Bubbles............................................................ 23Paints............................................................... 25Play Dough’s..................................................... 31Slimy Stuff...................................................... 41Misc. .............................................................. 43

Crafts.......................................................................... 47

PLACES TO GET FREE CRAFT STUFF............................ 65

COOK'EM............................................................................ 69

KEEP'EM PLAYING............................................................ 84

JUST KEEP’EM BUSY........................................................ 96

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A LITTLE ABOUT MYSELF

I have raised two families. I raised my own kids. Then I remarried and raised my husbands’ kids. I have always been very active in the Girl Scouts, not only as a child but also as an adult. I have been a Troop Leader, Assistant Leader, Cookie Chairman, Troop Services Director, Day Camp Director, and just about anything else I was asked to do. It has taken me most of my adult life to learn the word NO and I wouldn’t trade a minute of it for anything. Most of the information in this book came from my Girl Scout experiences and resources. I only hope this information makes it easier for you to work with kids and turn them into well-rounded adults.

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GET’EM OUT OF THE HOUSE

Take’em on a Field Trip

Sound corny? It’s not! Even if you are in charge of just a few kids there are a lot of places that we take for granted, but kids find very interesting. These are just a few of the possibilities. Ask your kids what they want to see or know more about in their community and watch the ideas flow. Most are free but just be sure to call in advance to make arrangements. Most places will need to set up an appointment with you before you arrive.

A Large Farm Local factories such as a milk processing plant. A lot of them offer tours. Nature Center The Police or Fire department. Most will give a tour for children, even

allowing them to see inside of a cell and run the siren on the cruiser. Your local town hall or courthouse. The kids would probably love to know what goes on behind the scenes at

their local library. Look for local Historical Museums The stables and barns at a racetrack might be an option if a farm is not

available. A Bakery Cider Mill Public Safety Department State Police often offer tours and special programs for children If your close to a large city with Mounted Police, request to visit their facilities How about a visit to the Local Newspaper or Cable Company for a behind the

scenes look Post Offices Hospitals Chamber of Commerce Red Cross The Local Phone Company A University. Many of them have small museums on campus. Tour a Movie Theater Tour the back rooms of a fast food restaurant Military Bases Sit in on a local Square Dancing Group Check with High Schools in your area for plays or other productions being

given by the students.

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Veterinarian Hospitals Take a tour of your local grocery store. Find out how the food gets from the

truck to the shelves. Your local Gas, Electric, or Water Company Go on a supermarket safari. Have the kids make up a menu and then take

them to the store to find out what it will cost? If they can find all the ingredients? Total fat grams? What kinds of chemicals are in the food?

Fast Food restaurants sometimes offer tours of the kitchen area but calling ahead of time is a must.

Colleges offer a variety of things that would interest kids such as local television stations and radio stations. Some have things like planetariums, etc. Our local community college has all three.

These are just a few ideas. I bet your kids will come up with a million more. That is the message I’m really trying to get across with this whole book. Allow your kids abilities and ideas to come to the surface and then really listen to them. You will be amazed at what you learn.

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Do something outside, in your yard, in the park, or out in the country.

Set up camp in the back yard. Pitch a tent or sleep under the stars. There are no words in the world to describe what the sky looks like at 3:00 AM, especially if you are lucky enough to live in the country (or know someone who does). Do it all. Have a campfire, tell scary stories, have a snipe hunt (directions for the Snipe hunt can be found in the Keep’em Playing chapter). Make do with what you have. Use the stuff you can find in the house and if you don’t have sleeping bags, then two blankets and some safety pins will work just fine. Believe me, the kids won’t care.

The kids can become nature spies. Give them an old sheet and have them spread it out under a tree. The four corners must be staked down and then leave it alone for 24 hours. Give the kids magnifying glasses and have them investigate everything on the sheet, including any markings that might have been done by insects or animals.

What could be more fun in the summer than a water slide? It’s easy and fairly inexpensive to make your own. All you need is a long strip of heavy plastic, which you can buy in rolls (you will need a piece about 5 feet wide by 20 to 30 feet long). Lay it flat on a soft grassy area. Weight down the four corners with large round and smooth rocks or plastic milk jugs filled with water. Set the sprinkler so that it wets the plastic. Wait a few minutes and then turn the kids loose. To use the slide they run towards the plastic then slide in the water. This one is tons of fun and a whole lot cheaper than the fancy store bought slides.

Raining? Not a problem. Dress the kids up in their raincoats and boots and send them out in it. Tell them they can get as wet and muddy as they want to. Just have a lot of towels ready for them when they come back in. If it is warm enough, they could even go out in their bathing suits. I remember, as a child, the wonderful feeling of laying on my back on warm cement and enjoying the cool feeling of the rain falling on me. Remember, colds are viruses and can’t be caught because of a chill.

Encourage the kids to make a time capsule. They will need a plastic container that is airtight. Have them write a letter to who ever finds it in the future. Have them use their imagination as to what to put in it. Tell them to put stuff in that is really cool now but may not be around in 20 years. They can explain what the objects are and what they are used for, in the letter. Decide where it will be buried, dig a hole and bury it. The next step is the

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most important part. MAKE A MAP OF WHERE IT IS BURIED! There are a lot of time capsules buried right now that no one can find and you don’t want to loose track of yours.

Let the kids have a garage sale. They could sell stuff around the house or stuff gathered from grandma, but encourage them to sell their old stuff that they no longer use. This project should keep’em busy for some time. Let the kids do everything, including gathering and cleaning the items for sale, pricing them (with guidance), setting it up, and actually selling. The younger kids could have a lemonade stand during the sale. The money should go to something constructive but something that the kids will enjoy. They could even buy stuff for people in a nursing home and then have the kids take it to them.

Plant something! Anything! Start a small vegetable garden or flower box. Plant a fast growing tree. Plant some wild flowers. Kids and adults enjoy watching something grow that they are responsible for and they are doing something good for this old Earth. They can grow seeds in almost any type of container.

Start a neighborhood newspaper. Turn the kids into reporters. Have them go out and get the “news” like, who got married, who made the honor roll, who moved out or who moved in (but no bad gossip please). When they have their stories ready have them lay out the newspaper. This can be done by hand printing or using a computer. Using a computer will make them look a lot nicer and also make them easier to print. When the newspaper is all done make some copies and pass them out to your neighbors to enjoy.

Start a compost pile. Information can be obtained in any library or on the Internet.

Make a terrarium. This is best done outside and then brought in after it’s done and cleaned up. Start with any interesting large glass container. Goldfish bowls or aquariums are great but one-gallon pickle jars work well also. You will need some way to seal the top. If your container does not have a lid you can use saran wrap and some tape. Start with a layer of small rocks in the bottom and then add some sand for drainage. Next, you need a layer of potting soil at least 4 inches deep. Now let them go crazy! A few small plants (nothing that will grow straight up unless you have a very tall jar), shells, rocks, or whatever the kids want. Sprinkle enough water in so that it is moist and then seal the top. Set it in a place where it will get some sun each

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day and just watch and enjoy. If moisture stops forming on the lid it’s time to water again.

Set up an obstacle course with pop cans. Then have races to see who can get through the course fastest or slowest. Try it with bikes, skates, skateboards, or anything with wheels.

Okay, so this one shouldn’t be done outdoors, but it is still a really good idea. Do you have a thousand pictures laying in a box or a drawer somewhere? Been dreading the thought of going through them and putting them in albums? Did you ever think that maybe your kids would be thrilled to put them in order for you? Kids love going through old pictures and they are fairly good at sorting also. Stock up on photo albums and let the kids go to work. Maybe they won’t be in the order that you would have put them but at least they are no longer in that box getting ruined.

Take a hike. Whether you live in the country or the middle of a big city, kids love to go for walks with adults to spots they rarely visit. Have them point out things that catch their interest. They could also wear earplugs and just depend on sight or wear blindfolds and depend on sound. Caution, if you do a sensory hike, please take safety into consideration.

Make a colorful snowman. Take several spray bottles and fill with water. Then color the water with food coloring. Make a snowman or snow angel and spray with different colors to make each one of them unique.

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Stop and think, are there any of these places within driving distance? Take part in something they offer or take a tour of the facility.

Horseback riding stables Roller or Ice Rink Go for a bicycle ride Bowling Alley Swimming pool Botanical Gardens Trout Farm Nature preserve Train Station (ride an Amtrak train) Open Air Market in a large city Take part in a Parade Planetarium Greenhouse Airport Large Hotels Have the kids ever: rode on a bus? On an El train? In a people mover? On a

boat? In a cab? In a hot air balloon?

My kids have always lived in the country at least 3 hours from a major city. Imagine how shocked I was when we visited Detroit and all they wanted to do was ride in an elevator and go to a mall. This was something I had taken for granted after living in the Detroit area for most of my life.

These are just a few of the many things that are available. Don’t write something off just because it doesn’t sound interesting to YOU. Ask the kids. You will be surprised at what they find interesting. Many times adults feel that something is not interesting just because they know and understand what is there. This is not the case with kids. A lot of the time they don’t have the experience to know what goes on behind the scenes. Just ask them and really listen to the answer.

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TEACH’EM COMMUNITY AWARENESS

There are many ways to help out in the community. Children are never to young to understand the good feeling you get when you help someone. There are many opportunities located right in you own back yard. You just need to look for them. Call ahead and find out what is needed before showing up at someone’s door with a bunch of kids. These are just a few of the ways kids can help.

Adopt an animal at the Zoo Adopt a grandparent at a nursing home Local Senior Citizen groups can always use some help Red Cross always needs help. Call your local chapter and they can tell you

what is needed. Clean out your closets and give old clothes to clothing banks for churches Hospitals will usually accept tray favors, flash cards, treats, board games and

gifts for patients. Call first and ask what they will accept! Some local Animal Shelters need newspapers, pet food, or even help at the

shelter. Veterinarian Hospitals sometimes can use help. Most nursing homes would welcome any kind of homemade gifts. Just ask

them. (Toiletries, homemade snacks, or just bright cards for example) Psychiatric Hospitals often welcome such things as soft candy, books,

cookies, Christmas Decorations, games, and small wrapped gifts. Check with your local Salvation Army to find out what they can use. Not for profit junk shops can always use donations of just about anything. Do the kids have questions about the world we live in? The White House may have the answer. Encourage that kids to write a letter to the President or Vice President. They have staff that read the mail and reply to most of it. The addresses to use are:

The PresidentThe White House1600 Pennsylvania Ave.Washington, DC 20500

The Vice PresidentOld Executive Office BuildingCorrespondence OfficeWashington, DC 20501

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Your notes:

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Resources

Contact these companies and most of them will send you a catalog or visit their online store.

Need Craft Supplies? This company is really good. They offer lots of different supplies including bulk stuff and kits that are ready for kids to assemble. The kits even come with glue, brushes or whatever is needed to finish the project. They don’t leave you running around trying to find a lot of stuff. I used this company to keep a day camp of 500 kids busy for 4 summers running.

S & S WorldwidePO Box 51375 Mill St.Colchester, CT 064151-800-288-9941 or 1-860-537-3451www.ssww.com

Maybe you just want some simple keep’em busy stuff. This company has tons of items and everything is very reasonably priced. They have party favor items that you can purchase in quantities, great for birthday parties! They have stickers, balloons, chalks, masks, stuffed animals, small toys, and a million other items. This is also a good company if you are planning anything large that involves children because you can buy most everything in bulk.

Oriental Trading Company, Inc.4206 South 108th StreetOmaha, NE 681371-800-348-6483 Customer Service1-800-875-8480 Live Chatwww.orientaltrading.com

If you haven’t found it yet, you might try one of these:www.hobbylobby.comwww.joann.comwww.michaels.com

You can also find a lot of usable stuff at your local dollar stores or resale shops. It’s always a lot of fun to give the kids each a few dollars, then tell them to find things they can make stuff out of, and then turn them loose in a junk shop or garage sale.

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Your notes:

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Recipes for craft projects

Pastes and Glues17...Class Room Paste17...Glue18...Homemade Paste18...Homemade Sticker Solution18...Library Paste19...Paper Mache Paste19...Paper Paste 20...Seal and Envelope Mucilage 20...Stamp Gum 21...Thin Paste 21...Waterproof or Glass Glue

Helpful Hints for the Craft Recipes

The following are all preservatives and can be used in place of each other. They can be found at most drugstores.

Sodium BenzoatePowered Alum (Canker sore remedy)Pure Denatured AlcoholBoric Acid (Eye wash solution)Oil of ClovesOil of CinnamonOil of WintergreenOil of Peppermint

Zinc oxide is a paint pigment that is used in antiseptic lotions. This can be used to make white paint and can also be found at the drugstore. You might need to ask the pharmacist for some of these items.

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PASTES AND GLUES

Class Room Paste (makes 1 1/2 quarts)

1-cup non-rising wheat flour1-cup sugar1-cup cold water4-cups boiling water1 tbs. powered alum1/2 tsp. oil of wintergreen (optional)

Mix flour and sugar and slowly stir in cold water. Slowly add boiling water stirring fast to prevent lumps. Bring to a boil, stirring, until think and clear. Remove from heat and add alum. Stir until well mixed. Add oil of wintergreen if paste is not to be used immediately.

This is a good all-purpose paste and can even be used for paper mache. Store in closed jar for several weeks. It can be thinned with hot water is it gets too thick.

Glue

3/4-cup water 2 tbs. corn syrup 1 tsp. white vinegar 1/2-cup cornstarch 3/4-cup cold water

Mix water, syrup and vinegar in small saucepan. Bring to a rolling boil. In small bowl, mix cornstarch and cold water. Add this mixture slowly to first mixture. Stir constantly. Let stand overnight before using.

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Homemade Paste

1/2-cup flour Cold water

Add cold water to 1/2-cup flour until a thick cream forms. Simmer on stove for 5 minutes. Add food coloring or flavoring if desired. Wet messy paste that takes a while to dry.

Homemade Sticker Solution (Make your own lick and stick stickers)

With this solution, you can turn magazine pictures, wrapping paper motifs, or comic cutouts into customized stickers.

11 teaspoon flavored gelatin 2 teaspoons boiling water

Place gelatin & boiling water in a small bowl. Stir until the gelatin is dissolved. Let mixture cool 1 minute. While the sticker solution is warm, brush a thin coat on the back of each cut out. Use your finger or a small brush. When dry you can lick them & stick them on paper or glass just like a real stamp!

Library Paste

1-cup flour 1-cup sugar 1 tsp. alum 4 cups water Oil of cloves

Mix all ingredients in saucepan and cook until clear and thick. Add 30 drops of Oil of cloves and store covered.

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Paper Mache Paste

1-cup water 1/4-cup flour 5 cups lightly boiling water

Mix flour into one cup water until mixture is thin and runny, stir into boiling water. Gently boil and stir for 3 minutes. Cool before using. (Use with newspaper/newsprint strips for Paper mache).

Paper Paste (makes 1 cup)

1/3-cup non-rising wheat flour2 tbs. sugar1-cup water1/4 tsp. oil of peppermint or wintergreen

Mix flour and sugar. Gradually add water, stirring vigorously to stop lumps. Cook over low heat, while stirring, until clear. Remove from heat and add oil. Stir well.

Makes a smooth, soft, thick, white paste. Can be stored in covered jar for several weeks.

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Seal and Envelope Mucilage (makes 1/2 cup)

6 tbs. pure white vinegar4 packets (1 oz.) unflavored gelatin1 tbs. peppermint extract

Bring vinegar to a boil. Add gelatin and stir. Add peppermint and stir. Use a brush to apply thinly on envelope or back of label. Let dry or apply while wet. After it dries just moisten to apply.

This is heavier and thicker than Stamp Gum. Store in a small sealed container for several months. If it gels, heat in container in warm water.

Stamp Gum (makes 4 oz.)

1 packet (1/4 oz.) unflavored gelatin1 tbs. cold water3 tbs. boiling water1/2 tsp. white corn syrup1/2 tsp. lemon pr peppermint extract2 drops boric acid

Sprinkle gelatin into cold water in a small bowl and put aside until softened. When softened, pour into boiling water and stir until dissolved. Add corn syrup, lemon and boric acid and mix well.

Brush thinly onto the back of any picture. When dry, just moisten the back and stick. This gum will gel overnight. To return to liquid, warm in a pan of hot water. It will keep several months in a small sealed container. A pill bottle will work just fine.

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Thin Paste (makes 1 pint)

1/4-cup sugar1/4-cup non-rising wheat flour1/2 tsp. powered alum1 ¾ cups water1/4 tsp. oil of wintergreen

Mix sugar, flour, and alum together. Slowly add 1 cup of water stirring fast to prevent lumps. Boil until clear and smooth stirring constantly. Add the rest of the water and oil of wintergreen and stir until mixed well.

To use, spread with a brush or a tongue depressor. This is good for scrapbooks, collages, or paper mache. It can be stored in a jar for several months without refrigeration.

Waterproof or Glass Glue (makes 1/3 cup)

2 packets (1/2 oz) unflavored gelatin2 tbs. cold water3 tbs. skimmed milk2 drops of oil of wintergreen

Sprinkle gelatin over cold water and set aside to soften. When softened, heat milk to boiling point and pour into softened gelatin. Stir until dissolved. Add oil of wintergreen as a preservative if glue is to be kept for more than a day.

Apply a thin layer with a brush while glue is warm. For glass jars, glue is best in liquid state. For marbles, metal or wood, use glue after it gels. This glue is waterproof and can be used on china. Store in a sealed jar. The glue will gel as it cools. To make it liquid again set jar in hot water.

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Your notes:

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Bubble Fun

Bubbles23...Batch of Bubbles24...Bubble Fun24...Bubbles

Almost anything can be used as a bubble maker. Try out different things that you find around the house. For example, a beater from and electric mixer works really well. You can also use the plastic that holds together soda cans. Almost anything that forms a closed perimeter will work. So let the kids experiment.

Batch of Bubbles

1/4 c. Liquid dish detergent 1/2 c -Water

1 tsp. Sugar -OR3 TBS. Glycerin (recommended and can be purchased

in most pharmacies) Mix all ingredients in a flat container such as a dishpan or baking pan. You can make bubbles with purchased wands, but it's much more fun to make your own bubble blowers from items you find around the house. For example, poke the bottom out of a paper cup and dip the end in the mixture; also try a slotted spoon, a plastic berry basket, and drinking straws.

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More Bubble Fun

Dish detergent Water Bowl Eggbeater or wire whiskStraw (optional)

Put a few drops of liquid detergent into a bowl and fill part way with water. Use an eggbeater to whip up some big suds. Kids love to blow into the water with a straw to make really big bubbles. Food coloring can be added to the water for effect. Most kids will only suck up the water once - once they do they likely won't do it again.

Bubbles

1-cup water1/3-cup dish soap (Joy, Palmolive, etc.)2 Tablespoons light corn syrup

Combine ingredients and enjoy. If you don't have bubble blowers around the house, be creative and try using different objects from your utensil drawer, (e.g., apple corer, potato masher, handle of a basting brush, etc. They work.)

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Paints

Paints25...Bath Paint26...Condensed Milk Paint26...Cornstarch Finger Paint26...Egg Yolk Paint27...Face Paint27...Face Paint for Larger Areas27...Finger Paint 1 (cooked)28...Finger Paint 2 (cooked)28...Finger Paint (uncooked)28...Finger Paint 29...Flour Finger Paint29...Frosting Paint (non-edible)29...Homemade Watercolors30...Laundry Starch Finger Paint30...Poster Paint30...Soap Paint

Bath Paint

Shaving cream Food coloring Muffin tin Spoon Paintbrushes Sponges

Place shaving cream in each section of a muffin tin. Add food coloring to each one and stir. When the kids are in the bath allow them to use the "paint" to paint themselves, the tub and the walls. Clean up is easy. Check for allergies first. Supervision is recommended for younger children.

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Condensed Milk Paint

1-cup condensed milk Food coloring

Mix one-cup condensed milk with a few drops of food coloring. This makes a very bright, glossy colored paint.

Cornstarch Finger paint

3 TBS. sugar 1/2-cup cornstarch 2-cups cold water Food coloring Soap flakes or liquid dish washing soap

Mix sugar and cornstarch in medium saucepan over low heat. Add cold water and stir until mixture is thick. Remove from heat. Divide into four or five portions (in muffin tins or cups). Add a drop or two of food coloring to each portion and a pinch of soap flakes or soap. Stir and let cool. Store in airtight container.

Egg Yolk Paint

1 egg yolk 1/4 tsp. water Food coloring

Mix egg yolk with water and lots of food coloring. Use a paint brush topaint on baked cookies. Return cookies to oven until egg has solidified.

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Face Paint

1 tsp. cornstarch 1/2 tsp. water 1/2 tsp. cold cream Food coloring

Stir together starch and cold cream until well blended. Add water and stir. Add food coloring. Using a small brush paint designs on child's face. Remove with soap and water. Store in airtight container.

Face Paint for larger areas

1 TBS. solid shortening 2 TBS. cornstarch Food coloring

Mix shortening and starch together until smooth. Add food coloring. Use a sponge or your fingers to apply to face. Great for turning faces green on Halloween. Remove with soap and water. Store in airtight container.

Finger Paint 1 (cooked)

1/4-cup cornstarch2-cups waterfood coloring

Mix ingredients in saucepan. Boil until mixture thickens. Allow to cool, then pour into jars or other storage containers and color with food coloring. Best used on a glossy paper, such as butcher or shelf paper.

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Finger Paint 2 (cooked)

2-cups flour 4-cups cold water food coloring or dry tempera

1. Mix flour and water and cook over low heat until thick 2. Cool 3. Add a pinch of salt 4. Add dry tempera or food coloring, if desired 5. Store in covered jar in refrigerator

Finger Paint (uncooked)

1/2-cup liquid starch 1/2-cup soap powder 5/8-cup water

1. Beat together until the consistency of whipped potatoes add dry tempera or food coloring, if desired. Store in covered jar in refrigerator.

Finger Paint (makes 2 cups)

Thick white paper (shelf paper works great)1/2-cup non-rising wheat flour2-cups water1 tbs. glycerin (found in drug store or cake decorating shop)1 tsp. borax for preservativesmall screw-top jars (baby food jars are wonderful)food color or poster paints.

Mix flour with 1/2 cup of water to form a paste. Add rest of water and cook over low heat until thick and clear, stirring constantly. Cool and then add glycerin and borax. If it is too thick, thin with water. Divide and pour into small jars. Add color to each jar.This paint is flexible and does not crack or peel when paper is folded. Works as well on dry paper as wet. With dry paper it curls less. Stored in airtight containers, it will keep for a long time.

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Flour Finger Paint

1-cup flour 2 TBS. salt 1 ¼-cup hot water 1 ½-cup cold water Food coloring or tempera paint

Put flour and salt in a saucepan and add cold water. Beat with a whisk or rotary beater until smooth. Add hot water and boil until mixture is thick. Beat until smooth. Keep in refrigerator and add food coloring as needed.

Frosting Paint (non-edible)

1 cup powdered tempera paint 2 TBS. wallpaper paste 1/4 to 1/2 cup liquid laundry starch

Mix tempera paint with wallpaper paste. Add starch, mixing until thick enough to spread - like frosting. Place paint on a plastic lid and use Popsicle sticks to spread.

Homemade Water Colors

1-tablespoon white vinegar 1 ½-tablespoon baking soda 1-tablespoon cornstarch 1/2-teaspoon glycerin Food coloring

Mix vinegar & baking soda in small bowl & allow to foam. After foaming stops add cornstarch & glycerin and stir very well....up to a couple of minutes.Portion the mixture into a paint palette, muffin tin or similar container and add food coloring. Make the colors dark because drying and use will lighten them. Clean supermarket meat trays can be used for this, too. But make sure these are washed in an antibacterial solution first. Allow watercolors to dry in a warm place for several hours or overnight. Makes 1 set of Watercolors.

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Laundry Starch Finger Paint

1-cup laundry starch dissolved in cold water 1 qt boiling water 1-cup pure white soap flakes or powder Food coloring or poster paint

Add boiling water to starch and cold water mixture and boil until thick.Remove from heat and stir in soap. Divide into small containers and add food coloring as desired. Poster Paint

1/4-cup flour 1-cup water 3 TBS. powdered tempera paint 2 TBS. water 1/2 tsp. liquid starch or liquid detergent

Measure flour into saucepan. Slowly add 1-cup water until mixture is smooth. Heat, stirring constantly until mixture thickens. Cool. Add 1/4-cup flour paste into small jar or plastic container. Add tempera paint and water for each color. For opaque finish add liquid starch. For glossy finish had liquid detergent.

Soap Paint

Warm water 3 cups Ivory Snow Powder paint or food coloring

What to do: 1. Add water, a little at a time, to Ivory Snow 2. Mix to consistency of heavy cream 3. Color with small amount of powder paint or food coloring

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Clays and Play Dough’s

32...Bake-able "Salt Clay"32...Baker's Clay33...Bread Clay33...Cookie Clay34...Crepe Paper Clay 34...Edible Play Dough35...Kool-Aid Enhanced Play Dough35...No-Bake Craft Clay36...Oatmeal Play Dough36...Play Dough (uncooked)36...Play Dough 1 (cooked)37...Play Dough 2 (cooked)37...Play Dough 38...Potato Dough (edible)38...Salt Map Mixture38...Salt Play Dough39...Sand Clay

Nothing says keep’em busy like some old-fashioned clay or play dough. Give kids something they can mold with their hands and use their imaginations on and they will stay out of trouble for some time. Care should be taken with younger children. Make sure that you use a recipe that has nothing dangerous in it. Younger kids will probably find that tasting it will be irresistible. Some of these clays could also harm carpets, so be sure to have the kids use them in a safe area. One last warning, be prepared to have clay ashtrays and clay ornaments scattered all around your house. You WILL have to display every single piece of sculpture that is designed by your little artists.

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Bake-able "Salt Clay"

Stir together:2 cups plain flour1 cup salt1 to 1 1/2 cups cold water2 tablespoons cooking oil

Knead well until it forms a soft ball. Line a baking tray with aluminum foil, make the shapes you want, and bake in the oven at 300 degrees or until hard (about one hour). You can use food coloring to color dough before you bake it, or paint it afterwards. A finishing coat of shellac or clear acrylic will make your salt clay products last longer.

Use cookie cutters or mold Salt Clay by hand, for use in creating refrigerator magnets, jewelry, ornaments, key chains, necklaces, and more.

Baker's Clay

4 cups flour 1 cup salt 1 tsp. powdered alum 1 ½ cups water Food coloring

Mix all ingredients in bowl. If too dry, work in extra water with hands.Color by dividing and adding food coloring to each portion. Roll or mold as desired. Once molded or rolled bake on ungreased cookie sheet for 30 minutes in 250-degree oven. Turn and bake another 1 1/2 hours. Remove and cool. When done, sand lightly if desired and paint.

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Bread Clay

6 slices white bread 6 TBS. white glue ½ tsp. detergent or 2 tsp. glycerin Food coloring

Remove crusts from bread and knead with glue. Add either detergent or glycerin (can be purchased in pharmacy or cake decorating shop). Knead until no longer sticky. Separate into portions and add food coloring if desired. Shape and brush with equal parts of glue and water for a glossy coat. Allow to dry overnight to harden. Paint with acrylic paint. Seal with clear nail polish.

Cookie Clay

2 cups salt 2/3 cups water 1 cup cornstarch ½ cup cold water

Mix salt with water in saucepan. Stir and boil. Mix cornstarch and cold water in a bowl. Pour cornstarch and water into boiling water. Continue cooking until thick. Roll out dough on board floured with cornstarch. Cut with cookie cutters. Dry and decorate ornaments.

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Crepe Paper Clay (makes 1 1/2 cups)

1 cup crepe paper clippings (all of one color)1 cup warm water1/2 to 2/3 cup non-rising wheat flour

Cut paper into very fine clippings. Put them in bowl and cover with water. Set aside for several hours until soft and pliable. Pour off excess water. Add 1/2-cup flour and mix thoroughly. Pour out onto a floured board and knead. Add flour to make a piecrust like clay

Use for jewelry. Draw a design on paper and cover with waxed paper. Then shape the clay, on top of the waxed paper, to fit the design. Use a nail or toothpick for details.

This clay will stick to glass and can be used to turn jars into vases. It can also be used over wire armatures for mobiles and so forth. It dries to a hard finish and can even be sanded to a smooth surface.

Store in airtight container in refrigerator.

Edible Play Dough

½ cup peanut butter½ cup honey1 cup powdered milkCocoa for flavor

Mix all ingredients, adding enough dry milk to give make dough pliable.Shape, decorate with edible treats, and eat!

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Kool-Aid Enhanced Play Dough

2 cups flour4 teaspoons cream of tartar1 cup salt1 ½ cups boiling water3 - 4 Tablespoons vegetable oilKool Aid (no sugar kind)

Add one package of Kool Aid mix, oil and food coloring to boiling water. Combine remaining ingredients, and mix well. As you knead it, the dough will get smoother. Store in airtight container. Delightfully scented, very pliable and easy to roll or sculpt. Add a little alum to the dry ingredients to preserve the play dough for a longer time.

No-Bake Craft Clay

1 cup cornstarch 1 ¼ cups cold water 2 cups baking soda Food coloring Paint

Mix all ingredients except paint in saucepan over medium heat for 4 minutes until thick (like mashed potatoes). Add paint just before removing from the heat. Remove from heat, turn out onto a plate and cover with a damp cloth until cool. Knead like dough. Store in airtight container.

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Oatmeal Play Dough

1 part flour 1 part water 2 parts oatmeal

Mix all ingredients until smooth. Knead. Non-edible but not toxic if eaten by mistake.

Play Dough (uncooked)

4 cups flour 1 cup salt 2 Tbs. cooking oil 1 to 1 ½ cups cold water food coloring

1. Mix flour, salt, oil 2. Add food coloring to water 3. Gradually add water to flour mixture 4. Knead 5. Store in a plastic bag in the refrigerator

Play Dough 1 (cooked)

2 cups flour4 teaspoons cream of tartar1 cup salt1 ½ - 2 cups boiling water3 - 4 Tablespoons vegetable oilFood coloring

Add oil and food coloring to boiling water. Combine remaining ingredients, and mix well. Knead it until smooth. Store in airtight container. Very pliable and easy to roll or sculpt.

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Play Dough 2 (cooked)

4 cups water 4 cups flour 1 cup salt 2 Tbs. cooking oil 4 Tsp. cream of tartar food coloring

1. Combine ingredients 2. Cook in electric skillets, stirring constantly, until most of the moisture is absorbed 3. Store in a covered container (does not need to be refrigerated)

Play Dough (makes 3 cups)

2 ¼ cups non-rising wheat flour1 cup salt1 tbs. powered alum4 tbs. vegetable oil1 ½ cups boiling waterfood color or poster paints

Mix flour, salt and alum. Add oil. Stir in water. Stir fast with a large spoon until mixture holds together. Knead the dough until it is smooth. Divide the dough into several lumps. Add color to each lump and knead to mix.

Model like clay. Objects will dry to hard finish if left in open air. Paint with enamel, hyplar or tempera paints. Store dough in airtight container. It will keep for a long time.

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Potato Dough (edible)

4 or 5 potatoes 1 - 1 ½ cups flour

Bake 4 or 5 potatoes, in the skin, until soft inside. Peel, and discard peel.Mash potatoes. Combine 1 - 1 1/2 cups of flour to every 2 cups of mashed potato and form a dough. The color will gray after a while, but if you add food coloring, when you make it, you won't even notice. If you have extra, roll it is balls and press your thumb in one side, and roll it across the back side of a fork. Cook in boiling water for 1 min. and serve either with tomato sauce or butter or even brown gravy. They taste great.

Salt Map Mixture

1 part salt1 part non-rising wheat flour2/3 part waterfood color or poster paintsvery heavy cardboard or a piece of plywood

Mix salt and flour together. Add just enough water to make it the consistency of thick icing. The more water used, the longer it will take to dry. Stir thoroughly. Add color before molding or mold first and then paint.

Draw a map and spread mixture on cardboard or wood. Mold into hills and valleys. Takes 1 to 2 days to dry depending on how thickly it is spread. Warning: The longer it takes to dry the more the cardboard will warp.

Salt Play Dough

1 cup salt 1 cup water ½ cup flour

Mix ingredients and cook over medium heat. Remove from heat when thick and rubbery. As mixture cools, knead in enough flour to make a workable dough.

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Sand Clay

2 parts water1 part dry wall paper paste2 ½ parts sandTempera paint

Mix water and wall paper paste. Slowly add sand while stirring. Mix well. Add paint and mix until color is even. Use as any modeling clay.

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Your notes:

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SLIMY STUFF

41...Blubber42...Oobleck or "Play Slime"42...Silly Putty42...Slime

Blubber

½ cup water½ cup glue½ cup water2 tablespoons of Borax

Watch out for cheap glue that may have too much water in it.

Mix 1/2 cup water with 1/2 cup glue In a separate container, mix 1/2 cup water with 2 T Borax (You'll find this hidden away in a tiny recess of your detergent aisle) Now, while stirring the Borax mixture constantly, add the glue mixture. It should immediately clump up and look like blubber (Or at least what we imagine blubber to look like.) If it isn't really clumpy and tough, mix up more Borax mixture and add that to it. Use the same toys as with silly putty. This does not stick to things as much as silly putty.

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Oobleck or "Play Slime"

CornstarchWaterFood coloring (optional)

This one sounds dumb, but your kids will like it.

In a large pan with sides or on a tray with sides, pour in a bunch of cornstarch. Add a little bit of water. Let the kids mix it up with their fingers. If it's too stiff to mix, add more water until it's just a little bit stiff. Add toys like funnels, measuring cups, wooden spoons, spatulas, or be creative! To save this mixture, let it dry out completely, then put it in a plastic bag for another rainy day. This recipe (or green play dough) is especially fun to make after reading Bartholomew and the Oobleck by Dr. Seuss!

Silly Putty

1 part Sta-Flo Liquid Starch1 part Elmer's White Glue*Food coloring (optional)

Mix glue and starch together until it feels like putty. If desired, add food coloring and mix thoroughly. When not in use, Silly Putty may be stored in an airtight container.

* Important Note: Be sure to use Elmer's White Glue, NOT Elmer's "Washable" or "School Glue." Otherwise, you'll just get Gak! : )

Slime

1 cup Elmer's glue liquid starch

1 add starch to glue until mixture becomes a pliable ball 2. Store in refrigerator in a covered container

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MISC.

43...Colorful Sand43...Hectograph Ink 44...Hectograph Pad44...Rice or Pasta Dye45...Transfer Ink 45...Waterproof Ink 45...Whipped Snow

Colorful Sand

sanda jar with a lidfood coloring

Put sand in the jar, no more than half full. Add a few drops of food coloring. Shake until all sand is colored. Dry thoroughly in sun or oven.

Hectograph Ink (makes 2 tbs.) (for making reprints on a Hectograph pad, see below)

1 ½ tsp. water based pigment such as Prussian Blue, Iodine Green, or Methyl Violet (do not use oil paint pigment)

1 tsp. glycerin4 tsp. distilled water2/3 tsp. peppermint or lemon extract

Mix pigment and glycerin until smooth. Add water and extract. Stir or shake until well mixed. Store in tightly capped bottle. Shake well before using. Draw or write with a lettering pen or brush on typing paper. Make reprints on a Hectograph pad.

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Hectograph Pad

2 cups water4 packets (1 oz.) unflavored gelatin8 x 11 inch baking pan2 tsp. boric acid solution

Pour water over gelatin and let stand 3 hours. Pour softened gelatin into baking pan. Slowly bring to a boil. Reduce heat and let simmer for 20 minutes. Remove from heat and add boric acid. Set aside overnight.

Make a master copy on typing paper with Hectograph ink, hectograph pencils, or copy pencils. Gently sponge surface of pad. Pad should be wet but with no puddles. Place master copy face down on pad and rub out all wrinkles. Wait one minute, and then remove the master copy. Now lay clean sheets over pad. Smooth out wrinkles. Remove immediately. When finished wash pad with sponge and cold water. When dry, it will be ready for reuse.

If pad dries out, cover the top of the gelatin with warm water. Let stand for a few minutes or longer until it no longer feels dry when sponged.

Rice, Pasta, or Crumbled Egg Shell Dye

1 cup rice, pasta or crumbled egg shellsApproximately 1 teaspoon rubbing alcoholFood coloring

Add a few drops of food coloring to alcohol in a jar or Ziploc bag. Add rice, pasta or shells and shake. Let dry on waxed paper. (Caution: This makes a MESS! Wear an apron and cover work area with newspaper.)

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Transfer Ink (makes 3/4 cup)

2 tbs. soap powder (like Ivory snow, not detergent) or 2 tbs. scrapings from a bar of white soap¼ cup hot water1 tbs. turpentine

Dissolve soap powder in hot water. Add turpentine. When cool pour into a screw-top bottle. To use, dip paintbrush in liquid and brush over any picture to be transferred. Wait about 10 seconds. Then place a piece of paper over the picture and rub the back of it with a spoon. The picture is now transferred. Things like comics are easy but slick papers require a bit more ink. One picture can be used more than once. Absolutely anything can be transferred.

It can be stored forever, anywhere in a sealed jar. If it solidifies, set jar in a pan of hot water. Shake well before using.

Waterproof Ink (makes 3/4 cup)

1 tbs. powered clothes dye (or more if needed)2 tsp. peppermint extract1 tbs. glycerin¾ cup distilled water

Dissolve dye in extract. Mix in Glycerin. Add this mixture to the water. Store in a screw-top bottle.

CAUTION: This ink will not wash out!!!!

Whipped Snow

2 cups warm water 1 cup pure laundry soap or flakes Electric mixer

Put water and soap in large bowl and beat with mixer until very fluffy. Add food coloring if desired. This can be molded into shapes and left to dry. This looks like the real thing! It’s really great for decorating winter crafts.

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Crafts48...Barefoot Chick 61...Sandy Eggs48...Candles - Foil 61...Sandy Stationary48...Candles - Glow Lights 61...Sea Shell Chimes49...Candles - Ice 62...Spider Web (make believe)49...Candles - Sand 62...Spider Web (the real thing)50...Clove Scented Oranges 62...Splatter Shapes50...Colored Eggs 63...Straw hat Easter Bonnet50...Corn Garden 63...String Art51...Creatures 63...String Sculpture51...Crystal Garden 64...Yarn Flowers52...Egg Creatures52...Finger Tip Peanut Puppets52...Flower Preservative53...Growing Easter Baskets53...Hand/Foot Prints54...Hanging Napkin Holder54...Miniature Shadow Boxes55...Mock Jade55...Nature Net55...Ornamental Apples56...Paper Bag Dolls56...Paper Mache Objects57...Paper Plate Puppet57...Paper Weight57...Paper Weight of the Sea58...Pasta or Rice Collage58...Patriotic Celery59...Permanent Crayon Cloth Design60...Pinecone Bird Feeders60...Plaster Crafts

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Barefoot Chick

Yellow Paint Construction Paper Crayons Glue Cornmeal

Paint (giggling allowed!) the bottom of the child's foot with yellow washable liquid paint. Have him press his foot onto a sheet of construction paper. When the child's foot is clean and the paint is dry, have him use crayons to add an eye, beak, and legs to his chick. Finally have him spread glue along the bottom of the paper, then sprinkle the glue with cornmeal.

Candles - Foil Candles

tin foil6 inches of wick (string dipped in wax)waxbroken crayonsa small stick

Crumple tin foil and then shape it any way you want your candle to look to make a mold. Tie string to stick and lay over the top of the mold with the string hanging down into the center of the mold. Melt wax and add broken crayons for color. Slowly pour wax into the mold (have the mold on a cookie sheet or something just in case it leaks). Let cool completely and peel foil off.

Candles - Glow Light Candles

a small open mouth jar (some baby food jars work good)gluecolored sand, sugar or clear glitter (also called snow glitter)a small votive size candle

Spread glue all around the outside of the jar. Then roll jar in sand, sugar or glitter. Let dry. Place the candle in the jar and light. These are very pretty and can be used for a centerpiece.

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Candles - Ice Candles

empty milk carton any sizewax6 inches of wick (string dipped in wax)broken crayonsa small stickchunk of ice (enough to fill milk carton)

Tie the wick to the stick and lay over the top of the carton with the wick hanging down in the carton. Fill the carton with ice chunks and set into the freezer until you are ready for it. Melt the wax and add the broken crayons for color. Remove from the heat and allow to cool some. Don’t let it set! When it has cooled off some, slowly pour into the carton over the ice. When it is completely cool, peel the carton away.

Candles - Sand Candles

12 inches of wick (string dipped in wax)waxbroken crayonsa sandbox or a very sandy placewatera stickdecoration such as shells, pretty rocks, etc.

Dig a hole in the sand the size that you want your candle. Sprinkle water on the sand so that it will stay put. Place the decorations around the inside of the hole, stuck into the sand just enough to hold them in place. Tie the wick to the stick and lay the stick across the top of the hole with the wick hanging down into the hole. Melt the wax and color it with broken crayons. Pour wax slowly into the hole. Let it cool for 1 1/2 hours. Dig it up and brush the excess sand off.

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Clove Scented Oranges

Some Nice Large OrangesLong Thin RibbonA Jar Of Whole ClovesSome Straight Pins

Wrap the ribbon twice around the Orange so that you have divided it into four equal sections. Tie the ribbon at the top and secure with the pins where needed. Now cover the orange with the cloves by pushing the stem of the cloves into the orange and leaving just the top of the clove on the outside of the orange. Put the cloves into the orange in pretty patterns. Hang the oranges anywhere you want to have a nice scent. They will not rot but they will dry up and harden.

Colored Eggs

Colored Eggs Tissue Paper or Crepe Paper

Wet the egg and place pieces of colored tissue paper on it. Set it aside to dry. When the egg dries the tissue paper falls off and the colors stay behind.

Corn Garden

A spongeA glassKernels of popcorn

(or almost any kind of dried bean will work)

Wedge the sponge into the glass. Place kernels between the glass and the sponge so that you have a good view of them. Put one inch of water in the bottom of the glass. As it evaporated add more water but watch that the corn does not fall. Leave in indirect sunlight until it sprouts. Plant sprouts in soil with the sprouts sticking up out of the soil.

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Creatures

pebbles, marbles, or shellsanything laying around the housegluemarkers

Glue pebbles, marbles or shells together to make a creature. Decorate with household stuff like buttons, bag ties, bits of yarn, etc. Use the markers for eyes and mouths.

Crystal Garden

6 tbs. water6 tbs. salt6 tbs. bluing6 tbs. ammoniafood coloring3 briquettes of charcoala shallow glass pan (a glass pie plate works best)

(this also has an interesting effect if done in a gold fish bowl, it’s just a little harder to add more liquid.)

Mix together the water, salt, bluing, and ammonia. Place charcoal in the pan and put a few drops of food coloring on each piece. Make each one a different color. Slowly pour mixture over the charcoal. Let stand in open air (not in direct sunlight). Watch what happens. This grows very fast (within 12 hours there should be considerable growth) and more mixture can be made and added each day to keep it growing. When adding more mixture, be careful not to pour it on the crystals that are growing. Just pour it into the edge of the pan. The crystals are very fragile so it should be in a stationary spot from the start.

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Egg Creatures

Eggs (not hard-boiled) Sharp Nail Glue Misc. Supplies

Blow the contents from fresh eggs. Pierce each end of egg with sharp nail. Blow firmly into large end, over dish to catch egg liquid (which you can use for a recipe). Let shells dry. Decorate to resemble rabbits, chicks, or cartoon characters using markers, paint, glued on construction paper, etc. To make stand upright: Cut strip of sturdy paper 1/2 inch by 4-6 ins. Glue into circle, sit egg in it. This paper stand could also be incorporated into design as a collar.

Finger Tip Peanut Puppets

These are very simple and the kids love them!

One half of a peanut shell for each puppetblack felt tip markers

Draw faces on the shells with different facial features. Make some smiling, some frowning, some growling, etc. Place on the fingertips. Hold hand below the edge of the table and put on a show.

Flower Preservative

1 part powered borax2 parts cornmealcovered cardboard boxFresh flowers picked at peak of bloom

Mix borax and cornmeal thoroughly. Cover box bottom with 3/4” of mixture. Cut flower stems 1” long or remove completely and replace with florists wire (poke through the flower and twist the ends. Lay flowers face down in the mixture. Spread the petals and leaves so that they lie as flat as possible. Do not place flowers close together. Cover flowers with 3/4” of mixture. Place lid on box and keep at room temperature for 3 or 4 weeks.This works well with daisies, pansies, apple blossoms, asters, violets, and most any other flower including wild flowers. They will stay summer fresh forever.

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Growing Easter Baskets

Empty 1/2 gal. Milk Cartons Potting Soil Grass Seed (fast growing if you have it) Stuff to Decorate Carton

Take empty milk cartons, cut down to 4-5" high. Can cover with contact paper or construction paper and decorate. Fill 2/3 full with potting soil, the generously cover with grass seed. Have children water daily; grass should grow in about 4-7 days. With remaining carton, cut a handle to staple to the basket. Fill with decorated eggs.

Hand/Footprints

2 cups of flour ½ cup of salt ¾ cup of warm water

Mix ingredients together in a bowl. If the dough is a little dry add water a little at a time. Make a ball of dough then flatten it to about a one-inch thickness in the shape of a circle. Press the hand or the foot or a shell, a leaf or other object into the dough to make an imprint. Gently lift it off and bake this at 325 degrees in the oven until hard or let it air dry a couple days. After that you can decorate it. The dough can be colored by adding some food coloring. These make great gifts for parents or grandparents.

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Hanging Napkin Holder

2 Styrofoam plates(or plastic coated paper plates, the sturdy ones)

Paper PunchYarnA darning NeedleA picture of some kind gluenapkins

Cut one plate in half. Place the plates so that the top of the full plate and the top of the half plate are facing each other. Not punch holes about one inch apart all the way around the full plate, including the half plate when you get to it. Take the yarn and do a whip stitch all the way around the edge, stitching the half plate to the full plate when you come to it. Glue a picture to the back of the half plate, for everyone to see. Put the napkins in the pocket and hang up.

Miniature Shadow Boxes

One clean shallow can for each finished item(tuna or sardine cans are perfect)

Enamel PaintsOne picture hook for each finished item2 sided tapesaran wrapgluepaint brushAny or all of the following:

evergreen, shells, pebbles, sticks, pine cones etc.

Paint the cans all over, inside (could paint a background) and outside. Allow to dry completely. Make an arrangement inside of the can and glue everything in place. Put a piece of tape all the way around the outside of the can at the top. Now place a piece of saran wrap over the end of can and secure by pushing down on the tape. Trim the saran wrap. Attach a hook on the back of the can and it is ready to hang.

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Mock Jade (good for making jewelry)

green plastic berry basketsa cookie sheet

Cut basket into pieces and place them on the cookie sheet. Bake at 250 to 375 degrees for 10-15 minutes. Generally the higher the temperature the more gloss and less open work you will have when finished. If gloss is needed on both sides, turn over and bake again.

Nature Net (this will need a little adult help)

One ladies nylon stocking One wire clothes hanger

Shape the wire hanger into a net shape doubling the handle part. Using the leg part of the stocking, weave the top of it through the open top part of the stocking. When the stocking is on the hanger, bend the end of the wire loop around the handle to secure. The kids are now ready to catch anything in the air, on the land, or in the water. Please encourage them to put nature back where they found it when they are done.

Ornamental Apples

Large Red ApplesWire ornament hangersGround CinnamonGreen and red ribbonPaper towelsWire coat hangers

1. Cut the apples into slices that are about 3/8" thick.2. Blot the slices on both sides with the paper towel to absorb as much juice as possible.3. Sprinkle both sides with cinnamon.4. Attach the wire ornament hanger to the top of each slice.5. Hang the slices from the wire coat hangers in front of a sunny window until they dry (about two or three days). 6. Tie a green or red ribbon bow around the base of each hook and hang them from the tree!

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Paper Bag Dolls

brown paper lunch bagsyarnbuttonsconstruction papernewspaperstringmarkers

Turn the bag upside down so that the bottom of the bag becomes the top of the head. Glue yarn pieces to the top of the head for hair. Make a face on the bag with the buttons markers and yarn. Stuff the head part of the bag with crumpled newspapers. Tie a string around the outside of the bag to hold the newspapers in. Use the construction paper to make arms and legs and glue them on.

Paper Mache Objects

Glass bowl or other glass object with an interesting shapeOld newspapersGlue (watered down)VaselineRazor bladePaint (Enamel looks best)Shellac

Shred paper in strips 3 or 4 inches by 1 inch. Turn glass bowl upside down and cove with a thin layer of Vaseline. Glue strips all over the bowl, criss-crossing the strips one and top of another. Repeat for 12 layers. Let dry for at least 24 hours. An adult should carefully use the razor to cut all around the top edge of the bowl. Gently take it off of the bowl and wipe any Vaseline off of the inside. Paint it any way you want (use comic strips and you don’t even have to paint it). When it is completely dry give it a good coat of shellac both inside and outside for a permanent finish.

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Paper Plate Puppet

2 sturdy paper plates (glue won’t stick too well to Styrofoam)GlueStrip of cardboard about 6” longMarkers or crayonsDecorations such as buttons, felt, yarn, pipe cleaners, feathers etc.

Decorate the top side of one plate as your puppet any way your choose. Using the strip of cardboard, make a handle by gluing or stapling it to the bottom of the second paper plate. When everything is dry, glue the plates together. Now Slide your hand under the handle and play with your puppet.

Paper Weight

One large stonePaints (tempera or enamel)BrushOld newspapers

Let the kids go out and find a large stone that they really like. Spread the newspapers, give them the paint and a brush, and stand back and let them design. If you have some Craft eyes or pipe cleaners, the kids would love to add them to their creation.

Paper Weight of the Sea

a small clean empty jarpaint and a brush or glue and pictures of fishseveral different colors of sand (see Craft Recipes, Misc.)

Paint pictures of fish on the outside of the jar or glue pictures to it. Then fill the jar with different layers of colored sand.

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Pasta , Rice, or Crumbled Egg Shells

Colored Rice, Pasta or Shells (see recipe in Craft Recipes Misc.) Glue construction paper, cardboard, or plywood

Glue colored pasta on construction paper, cardboard, or wood in a variety of patterns and shapes. Construction paper can be cut into shapes as well. Allow to dry before moving. Could also use all different types of beans.

Patriotic Celery

This is more of a science experiment than a craft but it looks really cool and the kids love it.

large celery stalks with leaves still on it3 glasses of waterfood color

Slice the bottom half of the stalk twice so the stalk looks like it has three legs. Add lots of blue food coloring to one glass. Add lots of red food coloring to the second glass and leave the third glass clear. Place the celery so that each glass has one leg of celery in it. Let set over night. Look for the results the next morning.

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Permanent Crayon Cloth Design

Grandparents will love this one.

Light Colored Cloth (a sheet, hankie, or t-shirt works well)crayonsirondrawing board (or large piece of plywood)thumbtacksnewspapers½ cup vinegar1 cup watercloth for pressing3 tbs. salt1 qt water

Wash the cloth to remove the sizing. Let the kids draw something freehand onto the light colored cloth. If a transfer is desired, outline the picture you want to use with orange crayon and then iron on like a transfer.

Stretch the cloth tightly and tack to the drawing board. Color in the design with crayons using an even, regular stroke. The harder you press the darker the color. Remove the cloth from the board. Turn color design face down on several sheets of newspaper.

Mix vinegar and 1 cup water. Dip the pressing cloth into the mixture and squeeze out most of the fluid. Place the pressing cloth over the designed cloth and press with a hot iron.

Mix salt and 1 quart water. Soak designed cloth in this solution 3 to 4 hours. Gently wash in lukewarm water and mild soap. When it is dry, it becomes permanent. Can be laundered in warm water and mild soap.

This is a great way for the kids to make really nice gifts for the grandparents. Try doing it on a sheet or on a set of pillowcases to give as a gift. I still have a sheet that my girl scouts made for me 19 years ago. It has their handprints and their names all over it. It has been through the wash many times and the design still looks great.

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Pinecone Bird Feeders

Large pineconesPeanut butter (Birds prefer chunky over smooth!) ShorteningCornmeal Birdseed (optional)Fishing line, string or yarn

Wrap and tie string to top of pinecone. Mix peanut butter, shortening, (such as bacon fat or melted suet), and cornmeal. Then, spread the mixture onto a large pinecone. Hang your bird feeder in a spot where you can watch the birds eat. Note: If you use smooth instead of chunky peanut butter, you may want to mix in a little birdseed for added interest and enjoyment. Do not just use Peanut Butter alone as this is very difficult for the birds to digest.

Plaster Crafts

Plaster of Pariswatera strip of magnet tapeCandy or jello molds

Mix the plaster according to the directions on the container. Spoon the plaster into the molds. Do not fill completely. Leave it about 1/8 of an inch from the top. Let set. Turn over and tap the back of the mold to release the plaster. Let dry for 24 hours. After 24 hours, put it on a paper towel and put into the microwave. Heat at high for about one minute then let set for two minutes. Repeat 3 times. Make sure to use this cycle or they may explode. This dries the moisture out of the center of the mold so that the paint will stay on it when you paint it. Paint with acrylic paints. Using a hot glue gun, glue a piece of magnet on the back.

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Sandy Eggs

12 eggsElmer’s or Tacky Glue (watered down)colored sand or glitter

Poke a pin through the end of an egg and then through the other end making the hole in one end larger than the other. Hold the egg over a bowl and blow into the small hole. The yolk and the egg white should come out. After doing all twelve, put the bowl in the fridge so you can use the eggs later. Now turn the kids loose to spread the glue on the eggs in designs and sprinkle the sand into the glue. When it is all dry, glue a ribbon to the top and hang up.

Sandy Stationary

Nice sheets of paperEnvelopescolored sandglue

Make a design at the top of the paper and/or down the left side with glue and sprinkle with sand. The less glue the better. Put a matching design on the envelope. Let dry completely before using.

Sea Shell Chimes

Shells different shapes and colors but mostly the same size1/4 in dowel rod 12 inches long or a tree branch of same sizethin string

You will need a small hole in each shell. An adult should heat a small nail and then gently hammer it into the shell. Tie each shell to the stick with about 12 inches of string. The shells should be close enough to almost touch. Then tie one more piece of string to each end of the stick to make a hanger. Hang it somewhere outside where it can catch the breeze.

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Spider Web (make believe)

Black Construction Paper White Paint Scissors Round, Metal Cake Pan or Pie Pan Marble

Cut a piece of construction paper to fit into the bottom of the cake pan. Place about a half teaspoon of white paint in the middle of the paper. Drop the marble into the cake pan and tilt the pan back and forth. As the marble passes through the paint it leaves trails of white on the paper. Decorate with plastic spiders.

Spider Web (the real thing)

Black construction paperSilver spray paint (white could be used)An area outside with lots of bushes and trees

Your gonna need to be an early riser for this one. While the due is still on everything early in the morning, take the paint and the paper and go for a walk. You should be able to find spider webs in the bushes. Find one that is no longer occupied. Using the paint, spray a fine mist over the web. Carefully bring the paper up behind the web and actually pull the web off of the bushes with the paper. You should now have an actual web design on the paper. Get out a magnifying glass and study the web.

Splatter Shapes

This is an excellent outside activity. It is very, very messy!Old toothbrush for each kida toothpick for each kidwashable paintleafs for anything else with an interesting shapea sheet of construction paper for each kida paint smock for everyone

Lay the leaf on the paper. Dip the toothbrush into the paint. Hold the toothbrush over the leaf and pull the toothpick across the bristle toward you. This should leave a splattering of the paint on the paper. Continue doing this until the area all around the leaf is semi covered. Now, remove the leaf and let dry.

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Straw Hat Easter Bonnet

Straw Hat Artificial flowers, ribbons, bows and such Glue and Glue Gun Elastic thread or ribbon

Purchase a plain straw hat from craft or department store. Purchase artificial flowers, Easter decorations, ribbon, bows and other fun stuff. Using a glue gun, attach various items around the brim of your hat. Parental supervision with glue gun is advised. Attach ribbon to sides of hat for a tie.

String Art

Nails Wood Hammer String, yarn or elastic bands

Parents can hammer nails (older kids could hammer their own), into a piece of wood in a random design pattern, rows or circles. The more nails the more creative the child can be. The child can then take the elastics and/or string and hook them over the nails to create interesting patterns and designs.

String Sculpture

large balloonsglue, thinned down yarn, lots of colors and cut into 2 foot pieces

Blow up balloon. Take the yarn and dip into glue. While wet, wrap yarn around the balloon. Let dry completely (2 to 3 days). Pop balloon and remove. Hang ball up with another piece of yarn.

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Yarn Flowers

This is a great method for making flowers with yarn the easy way. Put a piece of yarn along the length of a pencil. Then wrap another piece of yarn around the pencil and the first piece of yarn. Continue to wrap until it looks like the flower will be think enough. Then take the first piece of yarn and tie the ends together very tightly over the loops. Slide the whole thing off of the pencil. Separate loops. Experiment with different sizes of round things for different sizes of flowers. These make great flowers for just about any craft that you are working on.

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Places To Get Free Craft Supplies

Where To Get Free Materials For Art

Alteration Shops Fabric scraps Spools

Appliance Stores Styrofoam packing material Cardboard boxes

Beaches Shells RocksSand

Building ContractorsFloor samples Tile samples Paneling samples Wood scraps Knobs

Photography Stores Empty film canisters Miss-cut mat board Centers from mat board frames

Carpet & Floor Stores Carpet samplesTile remnantsTile samples

Copy Shops Computer paper Colored and white scrap paper Misprinted paper Ends of paper rolls

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Department Stores Display material Discarded stationary Boxes Catalogs

Flower Shops Discarded cellophane Colored aluminum foil, etc. Dried plants and flowers

Libraries Old date cards Date stamps

Paint and Wallpaper Stores Wallpaper sample books Color folders

Public Schools Old textbooks and workbooks to cut up

Yarn Shops Samples of yarn and fabric Color samples Buttons Spools Catalogs Remnants Broken packages of yarn Cardboard tubes

Around the Home Egg cartons Tubes from paper towels and toilet paper Catalogs Fabric scraps Empty food boxes Shoe boxes (check shoe stores, too) Magazines and newspapers

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Supermarkets Egg Cartons Boxes Paper bags Containers Fruit boxes

In The WoodsONLY PICK UP THINGS ON THE GROUND!!!SticksPineconesLeavesBarkStones

This list is just a very small sample of where to find things. Look around your city or neighborhood. I found a really small factory near my home that makes those round wood plaques with pictures on them for gift shops. They were more than happy to give me a good supply of the wooden circles from their rejects. I was able to find giant rolls of plain white paper at a printing shop. Their machinery could not use the end of the rolls and they were just tossing them out. Each roll had tons of paper left on it that we used for crafts, and even tablecloths at some of our functions. The kids decorated them and they looked great! The trick is to think outside of the box.

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Your notes:

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COOK’EM (No, just kidding)70…Ants on a log71...Aquarium Jello71...Banana on a Stick71...Banana in a Blanket72...Banana Popsicles72...Banana Boats73...Bugs in the Sand73...Chocolate Cereal Candy74...Cinnamon Peaches74...Daisy Delights75...Easy Fruit Salad75...Fast Fudge75...Frozen Banana Goodies76...Gingerbread Men76...Golden Goodies77...Homemade Butter77...Little Pizza Treats78...Peanut Butter and Marshmallow Taffy78...Peppermint Ice Cream79...Pigs in a Blanket79...Potable Snack80...Pull Later Taffy80...Puppy Chow81...Rice Krispie Gumdrop Bars81...Soft Pretzels (easy way)82...Soft Pretzels (better way)82...Stained Glass Cookies83...Tortillas83...Toxic Aquarium Jello

With so many parents working today, kids are finding themselves in the kitchen more and more. Prepare them for it. It is much safer if they know what they are doing. Remember, cooking doesn’t just come naturally, you have to learn it. Your kids are capable of a lot more than you think they are. Kids can learn to prepare snacks, whole meals, or even learn to bake. My daughter has been baking alone since she was eight. Now she is a mother and teaching her daughter the same skills. There is no better feeling than watching a child take pride in something they have done that they didn’t think they could do.

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Ideally, the younger you start the better. Even preschoolers can make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. A three year old, if they have the interest, can scoop cookie dough with a spoon and plop it on the pan. They may not do it to your satisfaction but what difference does it make in the long run if one or two of those cookies do not turn out edible? A week from now is anyone going to care that the bread was ripped a little on the sandwich? The younger you get the kids involved with cooking the sooner you will have chefs that can prepare the family a whole meal once in a while. Believe me, when they are in their teens, you will be very thankful that they can cook.

With all of this in mind I would like to offer some advice, tips and recipes to get you and your kids started. First, you must get the kids used to the kitchen and everything in it. This may sound elementary but you would be surprised to find out how many kids are not even allowed in the kitchen. I remember one of my Girl Scouts from many years ago was absolutely amazed that she made French Toast and more importantly that everyone ate it and loved it. This girl was eight years old and had never been allowed to step foot in the kitchen. Teach the kids some of the basic cooking terms they will need to know. Remember, what comes easy and natural to you in the kitchen has to be learned by someone who has never cooked.

The next thing you should do is to take some time out for safety. Show the kids several times how to use different appliances such as the stove and oven, a mixer, the microwave, a blender, etc. Go over safety rules several times. Ask the kids to repeat or demonstrate what you have just told them. This is the boring part but it is also the most important part. Stop and think about any other dangers. Even using a sharp knife has to be taught for proper usage. If you are in doubt about what to tell them, here is a list that should get you started.

Never use electrical appliances in or by the kitchen sink. Always use them on a sturdy kitchen counter or table. Never touch anything electrical with wet hands. Keep electrical cords away from the sink. Always put beaters in the mixer before plugging it in. Make sure an appliance is turned off before plugging it in. Sharp knives should be held by the handle with the cutting edge

away from you. Keep handles of saucepans turned inward on stove. Always use oven mitts or potholders when handling hot dishes. Turn off burners and oven when not in use.

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Unplug appliances when not in use. Clean up as you go. Until you master things in the kitchen - follow cookbook

instructions precisely. Most importantly, encourage them to ask you for help!

I firmly believe in progressive cooking. Progressive cooking is the art of learning a little at a time. The kids should not start off trying to cook a full meal. Help them find a recipe for a snack or treat that would be simple and quick to make. This gives them time to get used to cooking and it gives you time to watch and make sure they are following the rules and doing everything safely. Most kids will surprise you and do just fine but there are a few that will be total disasters in the kitchen. If you see that your child is just not gonna make it, don’t push it, just try suggesting some type of craft or other activity that they may be better at.

OK, the kids are ready. So let’s get started. Have them tie back any loose hair or clothing, wash their hands and put on an apron. Help them find a simple recipe, ask if they have any questions, and then leave the room (unless they are preschoolers). Leaving the room is very important. The kids need to know that you have faith in them and that you trust them. Just make sure you are close by to answer all the questions that they will have. Your kids will be Chefs before you know it, and they will be very proud of it.

I just have one more comment before I tell you about some of the recipes that I have used with different groups of kids. I make it very clear to the kids before they get started that any mess they make they must clean up. This includes spilled stuff on the floor, dirty dishes, pots and pans, and counter tops. If they know this in advance and you follow through with it afterwards they will attempt to be a lot neater. You should not have to clean up after their mess. If they are old enough to cook, they are old enough to wipe up spills and wash a few dishes.

OK, let’s explore just a few of the recipes kids seem to love to make. There are also a lot of Kids Cook Books on the market that would be really helpful.

Here’s one to get you started:

Ants on a log (wonderful for the preschoolers)

Spread peanut butter on celery and then add raisins to make the ants. Enjoy!

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Aquarium Jello

You take blue jello, make it in a clean glass aquarium bowl. Float gummy fish and plastic people for swimmers and plastic plants and stuff.

Banana On A Stick

1 banana2 craft sticksvanilla yogurt (or any flavor of choice)cookie crumbs or graham cracker crumbs -- crushed

Break the banana in half or cut in half with a butter knife (excellent knife experience for the younger kid). Push a craft stick into the flat end of each banana half. Spread the banana halves with yogurt. Then roll them in crumbs. My kids are partial to chocolate yogurt and Oreo crumbs.

Banana in a Blanket

1 8-inch flour tortilla2 TBS. peanut butter2 TBS. grape jelly1 sm. Banana, peeled

Place the tortilla on a small plate. Microwave 10 to 20 seconds on LOW until the tortilla is warm. Spread the peanut butter and then spread the grape jelly over the peanut butter. Put the banana on the right side of the tortilla. Fold up the bottom of the tortilla. Bring right side over the banana and roll-up.

Flour Tortillas are wonderful for just about anything. I keep them on hand and the kids use them for everything. Fill with ham and cheese, scrambled eggs and salsa, chili, hot dogs, or pie filling. This is the only way I can get my daughter to eat eggs. Spread butter and then sprinkle with cinnamon and heat for a special treat. Tortillas are definitely a fun food!

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Banana Popsicles

2 lg. Bananas, Cut Up1/2 cup Instant Nonfat Dry Milk1 cup of Plain Yogurt1 tsp. of sugar6 oz Frozen Orange Juice-Concentrate (1 Can)1 cup of Water2 or 3 nice strawberries (optional)

6 small paper cups6 craft sticks

Combine all of the ingredients in a blender and whirl until foamy. Pour into paper cups, add the sticks and freeze. Pop one out of the cup and enjoy!

Banana BoatsAn old Girl Scout favorite:

One ripe but firm banana per personMini marshmallowsAluminum foil

These are all optional items:Chocolate Chips Butterscotch ChipsChopped Nuts RaisinsM & M’s Reese’s PiecesCoconut Use Your Imagination

Peel away one strip of skin on the banana and set aside for later. Then cut a strip out of the banana sort of like a canoe being careful not to cut away too much. Add marshmallows. Then add any number of extra toppings to taste. Replace to strip of skin on the banana and wrap in foil. Bake around campfire or in the oven for about 10 minutes at 350 degrees. Cool slightly and enjoy!

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This is a great one to get preschoolers started:

BUGS IN THE SAND

2 Graham crackers per childa Ziploc sandwich bag for each child

Chocolate sprinkles Place 2 graham crackers in a plastic sandwich bag and crush with a rolling pin. Add a few chocolate sprinkles to make ants, then seal the bag. This is a good snack that even preschoolers can make by themselves. They probably should eat them outside because they will be messy. Variations: Add raisins (call them beetles), red hots (ladybugs) or mini chocolate chips (spider eggs).

Chocolate Cereal Candy

6 oz. of chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk)2 cups of cereal (Rice Krispies, Cheerios, Corn Flakes, etc.)4 tbs. light corn syrup1 tbs. water

Mix chocolate, water and syrup in double boiler. Stir until melted. Stir in cereal. Drop by teaspoons onto wax paper. Chill for 2 hours in the refrigerator or other cools place. Remove from wax paper and enjoy!!!

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Cinnamon PeachesThis is my favorite

2 peach halves per person (use canned peaches)cinnamon red hotsnuts of your choiceFoil

Lay the 2 peach halves on the foil. Fill one with red hots and fill the other one with nuts. Quickly slap them together so that you don’t lose the filling and wrap the foil around it. Bake on campfire or in the oven at 350 degrees for about 15 to 20 minutes. Cool Slightly and enjoy!

Daisy Delights

1 tube of biscuits1 can of pineapple tidbits1/2-cup soft buttera small jar of maraschino cherries1/2-cup sugar1 tsp. cinnamon10 tsp. of light corn syrupcrushed nuts

Coat 10 cups in a muffin pan with butter. Melt the rest of the butter and set aside. Put 1 tsp. corn syrup in each cup. Place four or five pieces of pineapple in shape of flower petals in each cup with a cherry in the middle. Sprinkle nuts to cover the pineapple and cherry. Mix sugar and cinnamon in a bowl. Dip each biscuit in butter and then roll in sugar mixture. Place it on top of the nuts. Bake at 400 degrees for about 15 minutes. Cool slightly, then turn out onto a cookie sheet. These are supposed to come out looking like a daisy.

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Easy Fruit Salad

2 apples2 oranges2 bananas(other fruit as desired)4 oz. sour cream4 oz. cream cheese (room temp)cinnamon to taste

Peal and shop fruit into a bowl. Mix sour cream and cream cheese until smooth. Add enough to the fruit to coat it. Then sprinkle with cinnamon to taste.

Fast Fudge

1 can of sweetened condensed milk (not evaporated milk)6 oz chocolate chips6 oz butterscotch chips1-cup Rice Krispies

Heat milk in a double boiler until very warm. Add chips and stir until melted. Remove from heat. Stir in cereal. Drop by teaspoons onto waxed paper and put in fridge until firm. (about 1 1/2 hours)

Frozen Banana Goodies

One BananaTwo Craft SticksMilk chocolate chips or chocolate candy barscrushed nuts (optional)

Peel banana and slice in half. Insert a stick in the end of each banana piece. Melt the chocolate in a double boiler. When melted roll the bananas in the chocolate until covered. Then roll the bananas in the nuts. Lay them on a piece of waxed paper and stick them in the freezer. Eat them frozen for a cool summer treat!

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Gingerbread Men

1/2 cup shortening1 egg1/2-cup brown sugar1 1/2 cup flour1 pkg. instant butterscotch pudding mix1 1/2 teaspoon ginger1/2-teaspoon cinnamon1/2-teaspoon baking sodaFavorite frostingraisins & candiesCookie cutter

Mix together egg, shortening, and brown sugar. Add remaining ingredients. Roll out dough and cut into gingerbread men shapes with a cookie cutter. Bake for 10 minutes at 350 degrees. Decorate men using favorite frosting and candies. It's fun to make these after reading the classic tale of The Gingerbread Man.

Children like this recipe because the gingerbread is sweeter and chewier than the traditional molasses cookies.

Golden Goodies

1 Quart ice cream (must be really solid2 cups granola (use something like Grapenuts cereal)1 can chocolate or caramel syrupVanilla wafers

Form ice cream into 6 balls and roll in granola (at this point they can be stored n the freezer until ready to use). Drizzle syrup over each ball. Sprinkle granola over the balls. Stick vanilla wafers in the balls and serve.

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Homemade Butter

1 empty quart jar with tight-fitting lid 1-pint heavy whipping cream Pinch of salt (optional)

Pour cream into jar, leaving a space at the top to allow for shaking.Shake jar until chunks of butter start to form, about 15 minutes you'll feel and hear the "clumps." Pour chunks and liquid into a strainer positioned over a bowl.Sprinkle butter chunks with salt if desired.Candy molds can be filled with butter to create festive pats of butter for the tea party. Put the filled molds into refrigerator, pop out when hard. Set the table and enjoy a TEDDY BEAR TEA PARTY with juice, muffins and homemade butter! Important note: Adult supervision and participation is required for this activity.

Little Pizza Treats

1 English muffin slice per kid1 can of pizza sauceone package of pepperoni4 oz package of mozzarella cheeseany other pizza fix’ins you would like to use

Line a cookie sheet with tin foil. Slice English muffins as if you were going to put them into your toaster. Lay the slices on the pan. Cover each slice with the sauce. Then add the fix’ins. Then sprinkle with the cheese. Bake in oven at 400 degrees for 5 minutes. This is definitely a favorite because the kids can customize their own treat. These are even great for a meal or for a sleepover. Just let them have two slices instead of one and have a few extras for the hearty appetites.

I remember one camping trip. We thought it was a disaster. The mom that was supposed to bring the muffins forgot them. Someone mentioned that we had lots of saltine crackers, so we experimented. They were just as good if not better make on the crackers because of the fun we had making them.

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Peanut Butter and Marshmallow Taffy

Anyone can do this and it’s FUN! I did it when I was a kid. It was my grandma’s way of keeping me busy.

2 marshmallowsa 2-finger scoop of peanut butter

Now grind them and mash them together. Pull, twist, turn, and smush that little lump until it turns into taffy. The hardest part is trying not to eat it before it’s ready to eat.

Peppermint Ice Cream

3 lb. coffee can with plastic cover1 lb. coffee can with plastic coverRock saltCrushed ice2 cups whipping cream1/2-cup sugar1/2-teaspoon vanilla extract1/2-teaspoon peppermint extractRed food coloringCrushed peppermint stick (about 3 T.)

Place 1 lb. can in center of 3 LB can. Fill 1 lb. can with ice cream ingredients. Layer crushed ice and rock salt around the small 1 lb. can. Cover both with their plastic lids. Sit in a circle on the floor and roll the can back and forth for about 15 minutes.

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Pigs in a Blanket

8 hot-dogs 2 slices of American cheese 1 8-oz. can refrigerated crescent rolls

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. 2. Separate the crescent-roll dough into 8 wedges. 3. Slice the cheese into 8 strips. 4. Place 1 hot-dog and 1 slice of cheese on the wide end of each of the dough wedges and roll them up. 5. Place Cochons (pigs) on an ungreased cookie sheet about 6 inches apart. 6. Bake at 375°F. for about 12 minutes or until dough is golden brown.

(Be sure to use good potholders when handling the hot cookie sheet!)

Potable Snack

4 apples (left whole but with the core completely removed)2 bananas cut into small chunks3/4-cup raisins1/2-cup peanut butter

Mix together bananas, raisins, and peanut butter. Stuff the hole in the apple with the mixture. Wrap the apple in saran wrap until ready to eat.

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Pull Later Taffy

3/4-cup light corn syrup1/2-cup water1-cup sugar1/2 tsp. salt2 tbs. butter1 tsp. of extract (any flavor)food coloring

Rub butter around the inside top part of a 2-quart saucepan to prevent boil over. In pan, mix together corn syrup, water, sugar, and salt. Add butter. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture boils and sugar is dissolved. Cook candy without stirring until it is 248 degrees. Remove from heat and stir in extract and food coloring. Pour into a buttered pan and allow to cool. When it is completely cool wrap in saran wrap and store for up to 2 weeks at room temperature. When ready to pull, unwrap and place in a buttered 8x8 pan and bake at 300 degrees for 5 to 7 minutes until warm. Remove and let stand for 5 to 7 minutes until cool enough to handle. With buttered hands, pull taffy till light in color. Pull into long strips. Snip into 2 1/2” pieces and wrap in saran wrap. Makes about 3/4 of a pound.

Puppy Chow

one box Kellogg’s Crispix cereal1/2-cup peanut butter2 cups confectioners’ sugar1/2-cup butter1 cup chocolate chipsone large zip lock bag(for a large group of kids you can use 20 little zip lock bags adding 2 TBS. of sugar and 2 TBS. of mix to each bag)

Melt chocolate chips in double boiler. Stir in peanut butter and butter and mix well. Add cereal and stir until completely covered. Spoon cereal into the zip lock bag and shake until the cereal is completely covered with sugar. You may want to do this twice with half of the mixture each time. Pieces should not stick together. If they do, add a little more sugar to the bag. End result should look like puppy chow, but taste great!

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Rice Krispie Gumdrop Bars (a new twist on an old favorite)

6 cups Kellogg’s Rice Krispies1 bag of white marshmallows1 cup of gumdrops or other chewy candy (optional)3 tablespoons butter or margarineNo-stick cooking spray

Melt the margarine in a no-stick pan and add the entire bag of marshmallows. Stir over medium heat until the marshmallows have completely melted. Add candy and the add Rice Krispies and mix together well. Pour mixture into a 9" x 13" pan that has been greased or sprayed with no-stick cooking spray. Use a baggie that has been sprayed with no-stick spray to spread and flatten mixture. Cut into squares when cool. Kids love making and eating these easy treat!

Soft Pretzels (this is the easy way)

2 - 16 oz. loaves frozen bread dough1 egg white, slightly beaten1 teaspoon waterCoarse salt

Separate thawed bread into 24 - 1 1/2" balls. Roll each ball into a rope 14 1/2" long. Have children plan and design pretzel shapes (letters or numerals). Put pretzels one inch apart on greased cookie sheet. Let stand for 20 minutes and brush with combined egg white and water. Sprinkle with coarse salt. Place a shallow pan containing 1" of boiling water on bottom rack of oven; bake pretzels at 350 degrees on rack above water for 20 minutes or until golden brown.

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Soft Pretzels (but these taste better)

2 cups whole-wheat flour (you might want to go 1/2 & 1/2 with white)1 tbs. vegetable oil1 tbs. active dry yeast (one packet)3/4-cup lukewarm fruit juice (apple, cherry, orange)1 eggPretzel salt (kosher salt works well)

Mix flour, oil, yeast and juice in a large bowl. Knead until dough looks uniform. If it is sticky, add a little more flour. Pinch off pieces and shape into any shape you want (let the kids go crazy here). Place the shapes on a lightly oiled cookie sheet and allow the shapes to rise for 30 minutes in a warm place. Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Beat the egg and brush over the pretzels and then sprinkle with salt. Bake for 15 minutes or until they are golden brown. Let them cool for a few minutes before trying to eat them. My kids love to dip them in melted Velveeta cheese.

Stained Glass Cookies

1/3 cup solid vegetable shortening1/3 cup sugar1 egg2/3 cup honey3 cups flour1 tsp. soda1 tsp. salt1 bag of sour balls (crushed)

Mix shortening, sugar, egg and honey thoroughly. Sprinkle with soda and salt and mix again. Slowly add flour mixing as you go. Roll into 1/4-inch ropes and make designs on waxed paper on a cookie sheet. Fill in designs with the crushed candy. Bake 300 degrees for 10 minutes. Let cool 15 minutes before touching. Caution: The candy is very hot after cooking!!!

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Tortillas

5 cups of flour6 tsp. baking powder5 tsp. salt2 tbs. solid shortening1 1/2 cup warm water

Mix all ingredients except for the water. After mixing well add the water and mix again. Separate the dough into 16 balls. Work each ball until it is round and flat. The roll with rolling pin until it is very thin. Fry in a little oil in a skillet. When brown, turn and brown other side. Fill with anything such as chili, beans, peanut butter, beef, salad, chicken, etc. (They must be rolled very, very thin because they will puff up when cooked.)

Toxic Aquarium Jello

Mix orange and blue jello to get a sickly shade of green.Lifesavers make old tires and you can toss in other junky things for trash on the bottom of the sea. Something barrel-shaped for that illegally dumped toxic waste. Float your fish upside-down on top, and add a plastic skeleton or two.

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Keep’em Playing

87...Act It Out87...Always Tells Your Age88...Any Number becomes 588...Cootie89...Grandmas Trunk89...Drop The Stick90...Human Bingo91...Keep It In Motion91...Murder91...Numbers92...Pruie92...Slogans93…Snipe Hunt93...Squirt Bottle Tag94...Tangled Knots94...Test Your Tastes95...Weather Vane95...What’s missing?95...Who’s got the ring?

Hints for Beginning Game Leaders

If you have a birthday party coming up or you are going to be in charge of a lot of kids, chances are that you will be playing some games. There is more to leading games than just telling ten 6 year olds, “Okay, play duck, duck goose”. If you do that I can guarantee that you will have a very large argument on your hands with-in a matter of minutes.

Get prepared ahead of time:

Choose games that are appropriate for the age you are dealing with. Don’t try to play very aggressive games with a group of kids that are a wide range of ages. A 5 year old will get hurt playing Red Rover with 9 or 10 year olds.

Make sure you are familiar with the games before you try to teach them to the kids.

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Assemble everything you will need before you start. Nothing is more aggravating for kids than to have to wait for an adult to do something before they can play.

Check the area you will be using for dangers. If it is an active game, make sure there is nothing that the kids can get hurt on. If the kids will be up moving around during the game, stand in the area and imagine you are blindfolded. Is there anything that you could trip on? When kids are playing games, they are focused on the action and will not see the floor.

Match the game to the playing area. Don’t try to play tag in an 8 x 10 room and don’t expect the kids to play a quiet, sit down, whispering game in the great outdoors.

Be prepared to alternate between very active games and somewhat sedate games so the kids have a chance to catch their breath.

Now that you are ready, get the kids assembled and teach’em something new:

Get their attention and refuse to begin until everyone is quiet and listening. If they all see that everyone is waiting for one or two kids to quiet down, the rest will become your quiet down police.

Explain or show the game briefly, then let them try it. If it is a complicated game, show it in parts and let them try the parts before putting it all together.

Let them have some fun with the game before you try to fix the mistakes or clarify rules.

Step back and let the kids play by themselves without interrupting unless there is an argument or serious problem. They will generally take the reigns without any prompting. Remember, they have been playing games since they could walk.

Stop the game after a reasonable time even though the kids might want to continue. Don’t play it to death. Come back to it later if they want to.

If the kids want to recommend a game, make sure that you know the rules and have everything they need before starting to play. Usually if one of them recommends a game, they have all played it before, so in this case you’re okay. If they have not all played it before, have the kid that recommended it tell what the rules are.

The very first thing to over come when teaching a game is the age old question “WHO GOES FIRST!” This question can be a real problem. Your kid will expect to be chosen by you to go first. If you don’t choose your kid, your kid will have very hurt feelings. If you do choose your kid, all the other kids will accuse you of playing favorites. You now have the perfect solution.

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Get a small can with a plastic snap on lid. Cut yarn into pieces of different lengths, enough for one per kid. Next, poke a hole in the plastic lid for each piece of yarn. Take a piece of yarn and tie a knot in one end and poke the other end through the lid. Then tie a knot in the other end. When it comes time to start a game, have the kids each pull a piece of yarn up and the shortest one is it first. This can will probably be the most valuable piece of game equipment you own.

Okay! Let’s play some games:

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Act It Out

You will need:Any number of kids (ages under 10 is best)

Kids enjoy acting out stuff more than just about anything else. One of the things I have found that they like to act out is Nursery Rhymes. Some favorites are:

Little Miss MuffitJack & JillThree Little Kittens3 Blind MiceMary Had A Little LambHumpty Dumpty

Give them 5 to 8 minutes to prepare and maybe scrounge around for some props. Then get them going. If you let them they will take hours to prepare, so don’t let them. Let each group perform their skit for the rest of the group.

Always Tells Your Age

You will need:Any number of kids (old enough to divide by 3)A piece of paper and pencil for each kid

Give these directions:

1. Write down your age.2. Multiply your age by 3.3. Add 6 to your answer.4. Divide your answer by 3.5. Subtract 2 from your answer.

Your answer will always be your age. This will amaze and astound most kids.

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Any Number becomes 5

You will need:Any number of kids (old enough to divide by 2)A piece of paper and pencil for each kid

Give these directions:1. Write down any number.2. Add 7 to your number.3. Multiply your answer by 2.4. Subtract 4 from your answer.5. Divide your answer by 2.6. Subtract your original number from your answer.

Your answer will always be 5. This will amaze and astound most kids.

Cootie

You will need:Kids (any number any age)paper and pencil for each kid1 die (per group)

If you have lots of kids, split them into groups and have a tournament, winners playing winners, etc. The idea of this game is to be the first to draw a cootie:

Take turns rolling the die. Each time you get a number draw the part of the cootie indicated below.

1. torso2. eye and mouth3. feelers4. head5. legs6. tail

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Grandma’s Trunk

You will need:

Kids (any age, any amount)

Have everyone sit in a circle. Pick someone to start. The first person says “I packed Grandma’s trunk and in Grandma’s truck I packed”. Then they say the name of an object. For example they might say “I packed Grandma’s trunk and in Grandma’s trunk I packed an elephant”. The next person would say this whole sentence again and add something to the trunk. Example, “I packed Grandma’s trunk and in Grandma’s trunk I packed an elephant and a peanut butter and jelly sandwich”. Continue around the circle with each person adding something to the trunk. If someone gets it wrong they are out for the rest of the round and must move backwards out of the circle a couple of feet. The last person able to repeat everything correctly is the winner and gets to start the next round.

Drop the Stick

You will need:At least 5 kids (any age)A round stick the size of a broom handleA small clear area

Have everyone stand in a circle and choose someone to be it. “It stands in the center of the circle. Stand the stick on the floor and have “It” hold it with one finger on the top of the stick. Then “It” walks around the stick humming any tune they choose. At any point they choose, they lift their finger from the stick and let it drop. The person standing in the circle, in the direction of the way the stick falls must try to catch it before it hits the ground. If they catch it they become “It”. If they don’t catch the stick “It” gets to try again.

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Human Bingo

You will need:at least 8 kids (old enough to read a little)one copy of the bingo sheet for eachone pencil for each

Give each kid a pencil and bingo sheet. Have them all scatter around. They start asking each other questions. When they find someone that answers yes to a question in the chart they have that person sign that square in the sheet. Play until someone gets a bingo or until someone covers the whole sheet. If there are a lot of kids you can limit them to two signatures from the same person on any one sheet. This can be adapted to just about any group at any age by changing what is on the sheet. This is even good for adult games at showers and things.A person whose birthday is in the same month as

yours.

Someone who has a hole in their sock.

Someone whose bike is the same color as yours

Someone who has a hobby. What is the

hobby?

Some who wears the same size

shirt as you do.

Someone who has the same toy

as you do.

Someone who squeezes the

toothpaste tube in the middle.

A person whose eyes are a

different color than yours.

Someone who is getting a lot of A’s in school.

A person who could use a hug right now. Give

him/her one.

Someone whose bedroom is dirty

right now.

A person whose hand is about the

same size as yours.

Your name goes right here!!!!!

Someone who watched the

same TV show as you last night.

Someone who likes chocolate.

Someone who traveled to a

different state last year.

A person that has the same hair color as

yours.

Someone with more than 2 brothers and

sisters.

Someone who has read the

same book as you.

Someone that has the same

first 3 numbers in their phone

number as you.

Someone who takes lessons of

any kind.

Someone who likes the same food that you hate most.

Someone whose bedroom is clean

right now.

A person whose foot is the same size as yours.

Someone whose name is not yet on this sheet.

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Keep it in Motion

You will need:kids (any age, any amount)small clear area

Have the kids stand in a circle. Choose someone to go first. They make one motion like “clap hands together” or “stomp left foot once”. The next person in the circle must do the first motion and then add another one to it. The third person does the first two things and then adds something else to it. This continues around the circle until someone gets something wrong. The next person in the circle gets to start it all over again.

Murder

You will need:kids (any age, five or more)a spot to sit in a circle (inside or out)

Choose someone to be the Detective and send them out of the room. Then choose someone to be the Murderer. The Detective returns to the circle and begins to watch everyone. The Murderer kills people by carefully winking at them so that the Detective doesn’t know who did it. When someone is winked at they must pretend to die. If the Detective guesses who the Murderer is on the first try they get to be the Detective again, if not, then the Murderer becomes the Detective.

Numbers

You will need:At least 8 kids (any age but they must be able to count to 4)A medium large clear area

Have the kids scatter around the play area. Then call a number from 2 to 4 (for a very large group you can also use larger numbers). The group scurries into clusters of kids the same size as the number that you called. Anyone not in a group is out until the next round. Continue to call numbers until there are only two kids left. Declare the last two left as the winners.

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Pruie

You will need:a large safe area8 or more kids (any age)

Explain to the kids that they are on their honor and anyone caught cheating will sit out till the next round. Everyone scatters around the playing area and closes their eyes. Then you pick one child to be Pruie. Pruie always stands still and never speaks. The rest of the kids wander around with their eyes closed. When they touch someone they say “Pruie?” Then the person they are touching says “Pruie?” back. If they are Pruie they don’t say anything. Once a kid finds Pruie they feel around for Pruie’s hand and grab for it. Once they are holding Pruie’s hand they become part of Pruie and can no longer speak or move. When the whole group has become part of Pruie, the round is over. The first one that found Pruie becomes the next Pruie. This was always one of the favorites in my Girl Scout Troops.

Slogans

You will need:Kids (any age, any amount)

Choose one to be “It”. “It” calls out a product slogan that they know. Everyone tries to guess it. The one who guesses it first gets to be “It”. Slogan examples “Good to the Last Drop”, “Snap, Crackle, Pop”, etc.

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Snipe Hunt

You will need:Kids (any age, any amount)A flash light for each personTinfoil ornaments on strings (or anything flashy)

This one takes a little prep work but is well worth the fun. Decide on a path that would make a good hike at night. This could be anything from our own back yard, to your neighborhood, to a forest. Go out in the daytime alone and hang your tinfoil ornaments in bushes and trees along our selected path. You are now ready for some fun. Tell the kids that Snipes have been spotted in the area. Tell them that all you know is that they are shiny and only come out at night. Ask them if they want to try to find one. Give everyone a flashlight and lead them on the path you have laid out. Have them shine the light in the bushes and trees until they catch a glint of the tinfoil. If you have older kids you could act scared and move them on to the next ornament or if you have smaller kids you could act excited. Take your cue from the kids on how to act but try not to let them get a really good look at the tinfoil. Keep them moving on.

Squirt Bottle Tag

You will need:Kids (any age, any amount)One large squirt gun (a plastic dish detergent bottle will also work)A hot day

The person that it “it” runs around trying to squirt everyone. This game is just like tag except your “it” if you get squirted.

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Tangled Knots

You will need:Kids (any age, at least 8)

The more kids the better. The kids should all be about the same size. Smaller kids will get hurt if they try to do this with larger kids. One person is “it” and leaves the room. Everyone else forms a circle and joins hands. The circle then tangles itself as much as possible without letting go. This can be done by going over hands and under hands. Then “it” comes back into the room and has 30 seconds to untangle the mess without breaking the circle. If they succeed then they get to be “it” again. If they are not successful they choose someone to be “it” next. Depending on the kids, the time limit can be lengthened or shortened.

Test Your Tastes

You will need:a little salta little sugara little mustardcracker crumbsChips of an applechips of a potatowhat ever else you can find in the kitchen.

First make sure none of the kids have any allergies to any type of food. Blindfold everyone while sitting down in a circle. Have each person taste each item. Give them only a few grains or crumbs of each thing. Have them taste it and then guess what it is. Then discuss which part of their tongue they tasted it on.

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Weather Vane (similar to Simon Says)

You will need:Any number of kids (for the younger ages)

Choose someone to be it. “It” stands in front of the group and calls north, south, east, or west. Everyone in the group must turn in the direction called or they are out until the next round. “It” can turn in the wrong direction to confuse the group. The last one left playing is “It” next.

What’s missing?

You will need:kids (any age, any number)

Someone is chosen to be “it” and leaves the room. The group decides on something in the room and then removes the object from sight. “It” comes back into the room and has one minute to decide what is missing. If they guess right they are “it” again. If they don’t guess right, they get to pick the next “it”.

Who’s got the ring?

You will need:kids (any age, at least 5)a rope long enough to go around the circlesomeone’s ring

One person is “it” and stands in the center and everyone else sits in a circle around “it”. The ring is slipped onto the rope and the rope is placed around the inside of the circle with everyone holding onto it with both hands. Have “it” close their eyes and then hide the ring in someone’s hand. Everyone should start moving their hands back and forth on the rope and pass the ring around, hopefully unseen. “It” tries to guess where the ring is. If “it” guesses right then they are “it” again. If “it” doesn’t guess right, then the person with the ring at the time of the guess becomes “it”.

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Just keep’em busy

I hope you have found some things in this book that have come in handy. I have spent my entire life trying to keep kids busy and I have received many rewards in smiles and laughs. Please remember that you should never underestimate the power of a child. They can do so much more than you think they can. All they need is a little guidance.

I would like to remind you that safety should come first in any project. Whether it is crafts, cooking or just playing a game. Stop and think. Is the area safe? If the kids get a bit rowdy will they fall on something? Are the supplies safe and should you monitor this project closely or can the kids handle it alone? Have the kids been taught everything they need to know to accomplish the task safely?

I would like to leave you with one last caution. Kids can do a lot of things but they need to be taught. You cannot expect them to just pick up a knife or turn on the stove and do whatever without a little guidance. For safety’s sake, give that guidance when they are young and someday you may come home to a completely cooked meal or a household repair job that has been completed without asking. Kids can be very productive if you just Keep’Em Busy.

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