Playroom August 20 2012

BonBon Break

HEARTFUL ART: PLAYFUL WAYS TO BUILD COMPASSION ::: Kidlutions


Can an old newspaper help your child develop social skills, kindness, compassion and more, even if he isn’t yet a reader? Yes, as a matter of fact! Our recycled “Heartful Art” fashioned out of old newspapers and a little ingenuity will help kids do just that. Better yet, they can be used at home or in the classroom. We’ll show you how to get started with our tutorial and ideas, but you can expand on this notion and use the hearts in an unlimited number of ways! Come along and find out how to do it all here!


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About Wendy: Wendy Young, LMSW, BCD, is the founder of Kidlutions and the Spin-Doctor Parenting {and Teaching}blog. She has been featured as a mental health and parenting expert in various media outlets. Her ideas have been shared in magazines, books and online. Connect with her on, Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter.

EDIBLE FINGERPAINT ::: Little Monster


My son eats everything he is not supposed to eat. He loves dirt, crayons, play dough, clay, rocks, sand and the list goes on. I definitely need arts and crafts solutions that are non-toxic and safe if eaten. Plus, I tend to feel better about the things we use when they are made from simple household ingredients that you can count on one hand.

I made a batch of play dough that is a mixture of basically flour, salt and food coloring. I was thrilled to discover a similar combination will get you some fun fingerpaint. On a cloudy Saturday morning, Rowan and I got literally got our hands dirty and made some art.

Making it was half the fun. After mixing up the base I added a few drops of food coloring to four jars and let Rowan help with the mixing. He literally put the spoon in his mouth on the first go. I will say this venture is a messy one, but isn’t that the point of fingerpaint? Have fun!

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About Lisa:

Lisa Fyfe is a mom, graphic designer, blogger and Etsy shop owner. When she was pregnant with their first child, life changed twenty-fold. After living in New York City for over 15 years, she left her job as Art Director of a book publishing company to move to a small town on the shoreline of Connecticut. Soon after, she had their baby and center of gravity, Rowan now 22 months old. Nothing about her life is recognizable. She is exhausted most of the time, and loving every minute of it.

You can find Lisa at her blog, Little Monster, and Etsy shop, Little Monster Shop. Also, find her on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.

CHALK SPRAY ::: Wine & Glue


Recently I entered myself into a competition for Aunt of the Year when I sent a care package to my niece and nephew. (I particularly enjoy competitions in which I am the only competitor.) I wanted to send them some chalk spray that would easily mix up in the bottle once they got the package. After coming up with the recipe, I felt like a super aunt, and a super mom! The chalk spray was really easy to make and entertained my own kiddo for hours! Better yet, it was made with just three simple kitchen ingredients. Could you ask for more?

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About Lisa:
Lisa, from Wine & Glue, prides herself on being a wannabe of every kind. Chief on her wannabe lists are chef, baker, seamstress, party planner, and photographer. Well, maybe not a wannabe of every kind. She is a very real mom to two crazy and wonderful little monkies. Check out her wild wannabe adventures at Wine & Glue or follow along on Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest.

BOK CHOY ROSE STAMPS ::: Party Craft Secrets


It’s no secret that crafty-inspiration can come at any time… including in the middle of preparing dinner. While chopping vegetables recently I sliced the end off the bok choy (some call it pak choi), and thought; it looks like a rose you could stamp with. Now, this thought has flashed through my head umpteenth times when I’ve been chopping this veg before, but this time, I actually set it aside with the intention of using it.

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My PhotoAbout Linda: Linda is the founder of the company www.PartycraftSecrets.com (which sells ebooks and printables), the proud mother of two preschool daughters, an Architect, and happily celebrates classy craft she makes in 15 minutes or less on her blog.

You can follow Linda on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.