DIY Mandolins

An easy and colorful idea for a cute musical toy is to make mandolins out of embroidery hoops and pretty colored rubber bands.  Hello bee has an excellent tutorial and even paints the outside of the hoops to make them even cuter.

Good for ages 5 and up.

Get the instructions here:
http://www.hellobee.com/2013/07/29/diy-wood-instruments/

Paper Bag Jellies Craft

Paper brown bags take on new life as jellies with this cute craft from No time for flash cards.  Using a bag, a wavy scissors, paint and googly eyes (eyes could be drawn on too or stickers could be used.)

Good for ages 4 and up.

Get the instructions here:
http://www.notimeforflashcards.com/2013/07/paper-bag-jellyfish-craft.html

Mini Acorn Tea Set

Acorns change into an adorable tea set with curly birds.  She paints the tops of the inside with gold and glues on a handle and stem.

Good for ages 8 and up.

Get the instructions here:
http://curlybirds.typepad.com/curly-birds/2013/09/falling-down-20-autumn-crafts.html

Magic belles has a very similar set but decorates the insides with polka dot pastel paints.  Of note, the website chimes a loud noise when you visit.

Get the instructions here:
http://magicbelles.com/flutterbudclub/makes/fairy-tea-set

Felt Play Crowns

Pretend play is a lot of fun when there are props.  Hello bee shares this diy felt crown tutorial for aspiring prince and princess royalty.

Good for ages 4 and up.

Get the instructions here:
http://www.hellobee.com/2012/05/30/diy-felt-crown/

The country chic cottage makes a blue Elsa crown.

Get the instructions here:
http://www.thecountrychiccottage.net/2014/09/frozen-movie-make-elsa-crown.html

Pom Pom Rug

Pom poms cheer up any room as the berry turns them into a super cool and colorful rug.

Good for ages 8 and up.

Get the instructions here:
http://theberry.com/2011/09/23/morning-coffee-40-photos-16/mc-random-7-13/

Hello wonderful uses very vibrant and different size pompoms.

Get the instructions here:
http://www.hellowonderful.co/post/cute-and-easy-diy-pom-pom-rug

Golf Game in a Box

Take your target practice to a new level with this upcycled golf putting range found on Activity connection.

Good for ages 5 and up.

Get the instructions here:
http://www.activityconnection.com/uc/subscriber/Aug13/guythings.cfm

A great prescription for rocket science

Take two Alka Seltzers and call your local astronaut, Playful learning shares instructions and a template to make rockets from household material. 

Good for ages 4 and up

Get the instructions here:
http://playfullearning.net/summer-science-alka-seltzer-rockets/