Boredom busters for kids

Kaleidocycle {aka folding paper toy!}

By Kate on October 22, 2012

Have you ever made a kaleidocycle before? They are pretty fun. All you need is some glue, paper and 5 or 10 minutes!

There is an animated gif at the bottom on the post so that you can see what they do.

There are also instructions & a template below too ^_^

YOU WILL NEED:
- – – – – – – –

- Template
- Paper or thin card
- Glue
- Scissors
- Ruler and needle for scoring

HOW TO:
- – – – – – – –

1. Print your template and cut it out.
2. Using a ruler and sharp point (compass or needle) score all the lines on your template.
3. Fold along all vertical lines.
4. Fold along all diagonal lines.
5. Fold your template over so that the three tabs tuck under the stripy part of the template. Glue into position (a glue-stick works well) and leave your model to dry for a few minutes.
6. Bend the kaleidocycle round as shown.
7. Tuck the remaining tab into the other end of the kaleidocycle. I found it easier to put a little tape over this join (rather than glueing)…
8. Play!

The animated gif is a bit shaky. I was alone in the house so had to use my chin to press the button on the camera (whilst the camera was attached to tripod). High-tech indeed!

By the way, check out this free download (courtesy of my cousins band) which contains: trick or treat poster, DIY ‘creeps’ mask, high quality MP3 and exclusive video art.

And, Helen, from Curlybirds just put together a ‘vintage Halloween costume‘ post on her site. Do have a look….it’s pretty funny

22 comments

My book ^_^

By Kate on April 4, 2012

Yey! My book has finally been released. The whole process has taken over a year and, at times, I really didn’t think I would get there! It’s wonderful to finally be able to show you some pictures, and also to feel a bit more relaxed about the whole thing.

The book is called “eco-friendly crafting with kids” and contains 35 step-by-step projects for preschool kids and adults to create together. (Even though the book is aimed at preschoolers the projects would also be suitable for 5, 6 & 7 year olds).

I picked a fairly random set of images to show you…I was finding it hard to choose. The book really does look stunning, largely due to the efforts of photographer Carloyn Barber, stylist Liz Belton and Designer Sonya Nathoo.

The book is split into eight sections; homemade materials, music, nature, recycling bin, paper and card, sewing and threading, science and boredom busters.

I would love for you to buy a copy if you like the look of it *^_^*. You can purchase one at amazon.co.uk, amazon.com, amazon.ca, barnes & noble (and many other places). You can also order it from the book depository (which does free worldwide delivery) and lots of other websites! (btw my Australian pals and I use the book depository to send presents to one another and we’ve always been really happy with the service!)

61 comments

Eye-bombing (the new yarn-bombing)!

By Kate on March 23, 2012

I saw this great post at flutterflutter last week which was all about ‘eye-bombing’ and ever since reading it I have had an overwhelming desire to stick googly eyes to absolutely everything. It’s a great activity for the kids too!

Sugar-sprinkle monster - Sadly he is no longer with us.

Sugar-sprinkle monster. Sadly he is no longer with us.

Sheepish venus fly trap

Sheepish venus fly trap.

Sad string

Sad string.

Cute cactus

Hungry holepunch

Prudish door handle!

Do join in! It’s lots of fun. If you want more inspiration then there is a whole website dedicated to the art of eye-bombing here! Thanks flutterflutter.

Happy Friday all! x

19 comments

Teddy bear toast

By Kate on March 19, 2012

I‘m always on the lookout for really easy recipes that my sons can make (there’s not always enough time for baking). I saw this super-cute teddy bear toast idea here and had to try.

Teddy bear toast

All you need to make this sweet breakfast is toast, banana, raisins, butter/margarine, cinnamon and sugar*.

Teddy bear toast

Pretty lovely huh!

Teddy bear toast

Check out the full recipe at kidssoup.com. *For the sugar/cinnamon sprinkle we just mixed a teaspoon of caster sugar with a pinch of cinnamon. Yum!

Teddy bear toast

25 comments

Super quick paper toy {flying fish}

By Kate on January 27, 2012

We ♥ flying fish! They take about a minute to make and you can use any old scrap of paper. When you have made one simply throw it in the air and watch it spin as it comes down.

Flying Fish

They are ever more fun if you stand on a chair or table before launching them (be careful though!).

Flying Fish

How-to

1. Cut a strip of paper. My strip measured about 20cm x 2cm but there is no need for accuracy (hurray!).
2. Cut slits at either end, as shown.
3. Make lots….everyone will want a go!
4. Bend the strip of paper and slot ends together.
5. Throw in the air and watch them spin as they come down (they are impossible to photograph so no photo for this step!).

Kate ^_^

17 comments

Boredom busters

By Kate on March 3, 2011

I finally got our ‘boredom busters‘ post up. Hurray!! You can see the link on the top navigation. Many thanks for all your wonderful suggestions. You were ace.

If you want to suggest any more, leave a comment, and I’ll add them to the list. I’m going to do an additional recipe page – so all the cooking suggestions will be added to that page at a later date – I promise!

The picture is of my son playing with his fishing game – he was very taken with it!