Big Girl Mobile

I love to make crafts for my adorable niece. When my sister started talking about her plans for a big girl room for my niece my mind started working. I thought of the perfect big girl mobile to hang in her room.

My inspiration come from two place. First, when Courtney and I were shopping at Pottery Barn Kids we saw this beautiful mobile.

Pottery Barn Kids

And second, I found this beautiful picture on Pinterest.

Style Me Pretty

These mobiles were both perfect because they are feminine and bright with natural elements. It was also important that the mobile wasn't babyish and could be with my niece as she grew up.

I started my going for a trip to a local thrift store. I found the perfect lamp shade. I was worried that it might be too tiny, but I think that it ended up working for my project.

After I removed the fabric from the lamp shade I saw that it had lovely fabric wrapped around the top and bottom circles. I decided to keep this on my mobile.

I found a perfect flower punch for the mobile and punched out yellow and cream flowers to hang from the lamp shade.

Mr. Firefly had the great idea to hang the mobile from the tripod. This helped me as I put the flowers on the mobile. I used a needle and thread to attach the flowers to the lamp shade. I also got some glue and glued on some fake flowers to the lamp shade.

This was so easy and looks very cute. The lampshade cost $2.99, the flowers were $5.99 and I only used half of them. I was lucky to find some scrap paper for the flowers. This project couldn't have turned out better. 

Happy Crafting,

PS: Here's where we link up.

Flower Napkin Ring

Finally! It's Friday! It's been a long week for me with a bunch of assignments and a busy time at placement. I'm so glad it's finally Friday and that I have a whole weekend to look forward to. That is, after my first test today.
It's been a while since I've posted a craft for you to do with your kids. Here's a great idea I got from one of my classmates. Her daughter had made this beautiful craft for her for Mother's Day. I thought this would be great for a spring or summer table setting.

Here's what you need:

• Three different colours of felt
• Scissors
• Marker

First, you need to cut out a long piece of felt that looks like a bone. The age of your child depends on what he or she may be able to do. 

Next, you need to cut out two flowers, one smaller and one larger. Then, cut a small hole along the centre of both flower and on one side of the bone.

The last step it to piece it together. Fold the bone in half. Thread the two flowers onto it. Then stick the one side of the bone into the side that has the hole. 

You have just made a very easy, yet beautiful, napkin ring.

They look beautiful in a place setting. 

Now that I'm in school I have to share some knowledge with you. This craft will help your child's fine motor skill (cutting with scissors) and problem solving skills (figuring out how to put the napkin ring together). So why not do something fun with your child that can also help their development.

Enjoy your weekend and the beautiful weather we're having.

Happy Crafting,

PS: Here's where we link up.

Child Adirondack Chair

Happy Victoria Day!

Here in Canada we're relaxing with a nice long weekend. I hope you are enjoying yourself. Today I have something great to show you today.

When I was at my parent's last week for Mother's Day, my Dad saw this cute little chair across the road. It was set on the curb, ready to be picked up by the garbage truck. I hurried over there and quickly saved it from destruction. My Mom has a few adirondack chairs by the pool and I thought my niece would love one that was just her size.

I grabbed some sand paper, Apple Red spray paint, a paintbrush, and some grey acrylic paint. I started by sanding down the chair, wiping it down with a damp cloth, and then spray painting it.

I wanted to add a little something to the chair to make it pop. I found some grey acrylic paint and added some vines.

I can't believe how great it turned out.

I will take some pictures of the chair by the pool when I go to my parents' next. I think my niece will love having her own chair to sit on.

Happy Crafting,

PS: Here's where we link up.

Magnets With a Message

Happy Wednesday! The week is halfway over! I'm am happy because I have completed two days of class and I now have two days of placement at a daycare. I didn't know how hard it was going to be to go back to school, but I'm very tired already. Hopefully I'll be able to get back into the swing of things by the end of the week. Today I have an easy, 5 minute craft for you. I found these cute magnets at the dollar store yesterday. They screamed at me because they had so much possibility.

I had so many ideas at once. I wasn't sure paint was going to stick, so that was out. But I thought they could use a message. I got out my letters (which I'm using for another craft on Monday) and hammer and set to work. These letters are 1/16".

First I measured the distance I wanted between my letters. 

Then I very carefully pounded each letter onto the magnet. My first try was not very straight, but they were pretty evenly spaced.

The last step was to take a Sharpie and rub it into the letters. This makes them stand out a little more.

I think that they turned out to look very cute. I do wish I had bigger letters because it is hard to read. that will be a craft for another day.


Happy Crafting,

PS: Here's where we link up.

Little Ones in the Big City

As I've mentioned before I used to be a nanny. While Toronto is a big place, it can be challenging to find fun things for young children. I thought I'd pass onto your some fun things to do with your children in the "Big City." Whether you live here or are just visiting, there are a lot of fun things to do. Here are my top 7 things to do.

1. Casa Loma $$$

This castle  was built in 1911 by Sir Henry Pellatt. The beautiful interior is perfect for a wonderful walk. You can look at the European while your child enjoys wandering around. If you are daring enough, you can climb all the way to the top tower. After looking around inside, you can head outside to wander around the 5 acres of gardens.

Beware that this castle is not very accessible and strollers are not welcome here. They do have a place where you can park them once you get inside. I have brought a 2 year old here and it worked well. We walked all around and she even managed to climb all the way up the stairs. It was a great place for her to get out her energy while I still enjoyed myself with the beautiful scenery.

Price: Children under 4 are free! Children 4-13 will cost $11.32, while children 14-17 and seniors are $14.63. Adults are $20.55. Parking is very reasonable at $3.00/hour or $9.00/day.



2. Ontario Science Centre $$$

This is an educational, fun place for both you and your children. They have a discovery area for younger children that is hands-on called Kidspark. This area is open to children 8 and under. There is a special place to park your stroller. The Science Centre offers different events throughout the year. My favourite was when they had a Harry Potter Exhibit. For an additional price you can watch an IMAX movie in the OMNIMAX theatre. This month they are showing "Rocky Mountain Express," "To the Artic," and "Under the Sea."

Price: Children under 4 are free! Adults are $20, Children are $13, and Youth and Seniors are $16.

3. A Splash Pad

If you haven't heard of a splash pad, it's a city park with water play equipment. The splash pad I like to visit is Oriole Park, a 5 minute walk from Davisville Subway Station. There they have a small wading pool as well as fountains and sprinklers to run through. These are great for those hot summer days. Make sure your park has a lot of benches or grassy areas for you to sit down and relax while your children have fun. Pack a picnic and stay for a while.

Price: FREE!

4. Mothercraft

Toronto offers this great program for children and their caregivers. They offer many different activities on different days. I love their summer program in the park. They have all sorts of toys and books that they bring and they engage the children in songs and rhymes. Caregivers are requested to turn off cell phones so that they can fully focus on a fun time with their little ones. Not only is this a great program, but it is also a great place to meet new families for future play dates. This organization also has other programs to offer families who want to learn more about their child's development and some parenting techniques.

Price: FREE!

5. Toronto Public Libraries

This is a great thing to do in any city. I love the Toronto Libraries because they offer a lot of programs. Look up your library and see what programs they offer. I have see book readings, infant and toddler singing times, and even magic shows. Of course it's a great place to find books for you quiet time. Take your time and you'll easily place the afternoon. Just don't forget to return your books on time or this free activity can start to add up.

Price: FREE!

6. Yorkdale Mall $
If you ever had a rainy day and just need to get out of the house the Yorkdale Mall is the perfect place to spend an hour or two. You can get in some shopping and then reward your little one by stopping by the Rainforest Cafe to throw some pennies at the crocodile. Children will love seeing the animals outside of the restaurant and it will be such a special treat.

Price: A few handfuls of pennies for the pond.

7. The Royal Ontario Museum $$

You might not think of the ROM right away when you are thinking about places to go with your children. Fortunately. the second floor of this museum is perfect for your children! They have a large exhibit full of dinosaur bones and other ancient creatures. Children love to wonder around and stare at these life size dinos. They also have many other animals to look at and learn about. There is a discovery gallery for hands-on exploration. Little ones will love the miniature castle with little dolls and the dinosaur dig. Strollers fit wonderfully around the wide halls and there are many elevators for your convenience. There is stroller parking for the discovery area where strollers don't fit. Beware of the little store right at the end of the bat cave. It is so easy to wonder in there and not notice that it's a store. Children will want to buy some cool toys and souvenirs.

Price: Children under 4 are free! Adults are $15, Children are $12, and Youth and Seniors are $13.50. Go on a Friday from 3pm-5:30pm for cheaper pricing.

There you have it; 7 great things to do in Toronto with your little ones. I haven't been to Centre Island, but I'm sure it's great too. One of the reasons I have stayed away is that it is hard to get to with public transportation. You have to take a street car or bus to the harbour front and then grab a ferry. Have you been there? What are you favourite things to do in the city?

Happy Crafting,
Kristin

PS: I linked up here.