Nature Sun Catchers

Hands on as we grow turns paper plates and contact paper into sun catchers by adding pretty items from nature such as leaves, flower petals and twigs. 

Good for ages 4 and up.

Get the instructions here:
http://handsonaswegrow.com/craft-for-toddlers-nature-collage-suncatcher/

Twig and toadstools uses an embroidery hoop and arranges the flowers in a geometrical format.  

Get the instructions here:
http://twigandtoadstool.blogspot.com/2014/03/mandala-sun-catchers.html 

 Cbc makes what they call a stained glass version using melted crayon shavings to make the effect.

Get the instructions here:
http://www.cbc.ca/parents/2014/03/nature-craft-for-kids-rainbow-stained-glass-suncatchers.html

Japanese Paper Fans

The crafty classroom shows how to embellish origami paper into a beautiful Japanese fan using beads and string.

Good for ages 7 and up.

Get the instructions here:
http://www.thecraftyclassroom.com/CraftJapanFan.html

First Day of School Hand Writing Sample

Heart 2 home has a neat idea of a way to capture your child's development.  Simply print labels for each grade and have your child write his or her name. 

Get the instructions here:
http://heart-2-home.com/2012/11/26/keep-a-sample-of-childs-handwritten-name-every-school-year-cute/

Make Your Own Playdoh

4herras has a simple recipe for making playdoh using just foaming shaving cream and corn starch.  You could also add food coloring to make different colors.

Good for ages 3 and up.

Get the instructions here:
http://4herreras.blogspot.com/2012/03/fluffy-stuff.html

How to Grow Green Onions

Baked by rachel shows how to turn the stumps of green onions into more green onions by just placing them in fresh water.

Good for ages 5 and up.

Get the instructions here:
http://www.bakedbyrachel.com/2011/11/kitchen-tip-green-onions/

Newton's First Law Experiment

Ordinary life magic shares a fun science experiment using everyday household objects to showcase Newton's first law.  They even do one with 4 eggs instead of one.

Good for ages 4 and up.

Get the instructions here:
http://www.ordinarylifemagic.com/2010/01/newtons-first-with-raw-eggs.html

Map Envelopes

Map envelope has a really neat way to get kids interested in writing letters.  The site lets you custom print an envelope with a visual map from any address.  This would be fun to combine with a global random pen pal site.

Good for ages 6 and up.

Print the envelopes here:
http://www.mapenvelope.com/