Free Printable Activities for the Kids

There are three things I absolutely love about the internet:
(1) the wealth of knowledge available on the web,
(2) the countless resources within reach at the touch of your fingertips, and
(3) being able to stay connected with folks all over the world at the push of a button.

I don't know how my parents or previous generations ever managed without it.

I could go on and write so much more about the wonders of the internet.  But today's post is about this discovery I made last night:

{ fun monster alphabet cards made for my boys - printout available at Activity Village }



Super adorable, aren't they?

I was so excited to find the Activity Village site filled with free printable activities for the kids.  I downloaded a few pdf files last night, and in 10 minutes, had several adorable and fun learning tools ready for my son.  All you need is a color printer, some cardboard paper to glue the print on (any heavyweight paper will do), gluestick, and scissors.

I also printed out these fun transport matching cards (my boys love anything and everything that moves!).  CJ had fun matching these up during lunch time (yes, my children require activity during mealtimes - otherwise they won't sit still.  They do grow out of this phase eventually, right?).

{ a fun game of match }

There's a ton of other fun stuff for the kids, so check it out.

To print the monster alphabet card, click here for pdf.

To print the transport matching card, click here for pdf (you'll need to print two copies).

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Easy Breezy Gift Bags

{ gift bags that take less than a minute to make! }

I wanted to find a really simple way to make gift bags - no fuss, no mess.  So I did a search on google for "how to make gift bags out of cardstock paper" and found this at Homemade Gifts Made Easy!  This is truly the easiest craft project ever!  All you need is a square piece of cardstock paper (I personally like the double-sided paper - it gives the bag a nice color contrast). 

The instructions on the Homemade Gifts page are well done and easy to follow, but here's a quick summary:

1.  Start with a square sheet of cardstock paper.

2.  Fold the paper in half to form a triangle.

3.  Take the right corner and fold it so it touches the edge of the paper.

4.  Do the same thing with the left corner.

5. Take the inside of the top flap and tuck it into the outside bottom flap (this is a slight variation from the Homemade Gift site).

6.  And voila!  Gift bag complete.

I embellished the bags with floral fabric applique (available at craft stores) which added a nice decorative touch.  All in a matter of 5 minutes.  It doesn't get any easier than this!   These would be great for party favors.  My two-year-old enjoyed eating popcorn out of them.  :)

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Cupcake Flags

{ pumpkin cupcakes for a baby shower }

I am always on the lookout for ideas on how to decorate cupcakes beautifully.  I love the idea of cupcake flags and decided to try my hand at making my own.   It's actually quite simple and such an easy way to add a decorative touch to any festivity.

Here's a list of the supplies needed to make 20 flags (available at any craft store like Michael's or AC Moore):


* Cardstock paper - 3 sheets ($14.99 for a pad of 50 sheets - used 50% off Michaels coupon so got a great deal - or you can purchase sheets individually ranging from $.49-$.99/page)
* Decorative stickers - 2 packs ($1.99/each)
* 4" Lollipop sticks - 20 ($2.00 for 50 sticks)
* Decorative paper punch (retails at $14.99 but used coupon, so again, another great deal)
* Glue stick (.$49)

(1) To get started, use the paper punch to punch out shapes in the cardstock paper (I used a 2" scalloped circle paper punch to make flowers).  You'll need two pieces of paper punch for each flag so punch out 40 flowers.

(2) Now take the glue stick and glue the back sides of the flower shapes.

(3) Then take a lollipop stick and press it down onto one of the glued sides.  If you want taller flags, then just place the stick lower on the paper.

(4) Put the second flower shape on top and then press down on all the sides.  Make sure the stick is secure and in place.  There may be a slight opening on the top, but don't worry about that.  I intentionally left the top unsealed (believe me, no one's going to notice or make a big deal if they do).

(5) Finally, we come to the fun part!  Decorate the flags with stickers!   I only decorated one side, but if you really want to go all out, you can decorate both.

And voila!

Before you know it, you've got a whole set of adorable, unique cupcake flags!  This is a great project to do with the kids, so let them in on the fun!

In the next post, I'll share the recipe for the pumpkin cupcakes with maple cream cheese frosting featured at the top.

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