"Special Things"

In a former life (aka before Lillian), I was going back to school to become a preschool teacher...very fun, I know.  One of the classes was Math and Science for young children.  One of the topics was water this craft was shared by another student.  This is what I learned...

Coffee Filter Suncatchers

Supplies:

Coffee Filters (preferably white)

Washable Markers

Water

Spray Bottle, Dropper, Paintbrush, etc. to spread water

Note: Best to do this project outside or on a surface that can be wiped off

• If the filter is not already folded in half, do so before coloring. 
• Draw...be creative

• Apply water to filter...as little or as much as desired...with any applicable tool ;)

• Allow to dry

• Tape to window for suncatcher effect (Picture to come)

Ideas for Extension Topics:

• Colors (What colors did you use? When the blue & yellow mixed what color was made?)
• Counting (How many colors did you use? Spray the paper 3 times.)
• Science (Science - Watch how the water spreads out on the paper.  Open the filter to see what happened when you added the water.  Do you see a mirror image on your filter?  The water evaporates in the sunlight.)

I did this activity with my nephews when they were 3 and 6 and they dubbed the craft "Special Things."  They would request them every time I went to their house :)  I'm sure with supervision Lillian will be a pro at these in no time. 



He'll grow into it...

I was so excited in May to find out that our good friends (Lillian's Godparents) were expecting their first baby.  Even better, his due date was Lillian's birthday...or thereabouts.  After getting through the summer, I started thinking about what we could get the little one for a baby gift.  I decided to break out my crochet materials and start on a blanket for him. 

I found a beautiful afghan in one of my books and decided it would be perfect.  Now, I had made another baby blanket from the same book and it was a great size...our niece is 3 and still uses it.  Turns out, I needed to pay a bit more attention to the final dimensions of a pattern, but more on that later. 

After buying the yarn, I got started.  This blanket was different from the others that I've made because you made the long strips and then pieced them all together at the end.  That's why it was hard to make it smaller when I realized how big it would end up.  I also had to buy a lot more yarn than the pattern specified...good thing Walmart is so close and had the right colors. 

As usual, it took me a few rounds to figure out what I was doing wrong, so there was definitely some pulling out and redoing of the strips.  It's still not perfect, but that's what makes it unique and special.  Oh and I think the final dimensions were something like 4.5' x 6'. 

I think the blanket is beautiful, although it's way too big and heavy for a newborn...sorry Miles, you'll have to grow into your blanket ;) 

Up close to the "ruffles"

Time to get Cookin'





Lillian's big Christmas gift this year was a new play kitchen.  I got the idea from my sister-in-law Michele when she posted a link to these DIY kitchens...

http://pinterest.com/search/?q=diy+play+kitchen

Then I brought the idea to my wonderful (and very ambitious husband) who in turn replied...I could make her one from scratch like that...ok :)



So after months of discussion, we finally had a sketch for this idea.

He got started a little late...you know how it is with a little kid running around...and Christmas Eve we were both trying very hard to finish this kitchen.  In the end, it was too cold for the paint to mix and dry, so Brent finished the project the day after Christmas.  Lillian didn't care that she got it a day late...great thing about 2 year olds...so all is good.

Her kitchen has a refrigerator, freezer, and oven with doors painted with magnetic paint...so her letters and numbers are easily accessible.  There are shelves behind the curtain that I made...she picked out the fabric.  Stainless steel sink and faucet where she likes to wash her hands and dishes.  A picture window that Brent painted for her...curtains may be added in the future.  A shelf with hooks above the sink.  We are planning to add a chalkboard to one of the sides and possible another hook for her apron.  Also, the fridge and oven need some shelves, but as you will see, better to leave those off for now :) 

Here's the final product...

Peeking out from the fridge

The oven with knob that turns

Sink, Range, Picture Window, and Shelf



Playing with the sink

So far, the kitchen has been a big success...her favorite toy.  It's sturdy enough that she can climb on it, which she definitely does, but we are trying to discourage further climbing.