Tuesday, February 5, 2013
How to you document those flitting moments of childhood?
Over the course of my daughter's life I took thousands of photos to try to capture every moment...always feeling like I was grasping at air while relishing those moments in real-time. Now, as a grandfather, I enjoy watching her do the same - although she combines video and photos to document young Ellis' development. Below is her most recent video (January 2013). I hope you enjoy! And please share how you capture those special moments.
Monday, February 4, 2013
Valentine's craft ideas that are fun and easy!
Valentine's Day is one of our favorite holidays at The Kids House. Candy, love, hugs, CANDY! :) Actually, the making of the valentine's to share with friends and family is just so much fun. Daily Candy Kids has some very creative ideas for DIY valentine's this year (hint hint, grandson Ellis!)
1. Use cupcake liners to make award winning Valentines. Click here for step by step directions.
2. Use clay to make faux rocks to immortalize your love. Check out how to here.
3. Use scraps of pretty fabric to whip up easy v-day cards.
4. Towel tube heart stamps might be the best idea yet for little hands eager to make some crafts. Check out how to make your own "stamper" here.
5. Don't want to give out candy? Check out these homemade crayons made with love!
Now get crafting! And have fun while you are at it.
1. Use cupcake liners to make award winning Valentines. Click here for step by step directions.
2. Use clay to make faux rocks to immortalize your love. Check out how to here.
3. Use scraps of pretty fabric to whip up easy v-day cards.
4. Towel tube heart stamps might be the best idea yet for little hands eager to make some crafts. Check out how to make your own "stamper" here.
5. Don't want to give out candy? Check out these homemade crayons made with love!
Now get crafting! And have fun while you are at it.
Saturday, February 2, 2013
Sleds away!
Looking to hit the hills for some sledding? Check out the below fabulous Madison Parks (hours: dawn 'til dusk)
If you are looking to go skating, our favorite spot is Vilas Park and lagoon. The warming house is wonderful and don't forget to bury your Charleston Chews in the snow for a post-skating frozen treat (at least that is what my daughter, Annie, did :) )
Have fun and be safe.
Check out our early-learning program at our website. Now go hit the snow!
- Park: Arbor Hills Park Warming House: No Concessions: No
- Park: Berkley Park Warming House: No Concessions: No
- Park: Elver Park
Warming House: Yes Concessions: Yes
Notes: Madison Parks has snow making equipment for the sledding hill. Snow can be made when temperatures are below freezing for several days. Sledding hill has lights for evening sledding. - Park: Garner Park Warming House: No Concessions: No
- Park: Hiestand Park Warming House: No Concessions: No
- Park: Olbrich Park Warming House: No Concessions: No
- Park: Warner Park Warming House: No
Concessions: No
 |
| My grandson, Ellis, enjoying some fresh powder. |
If you are looking to go skating, our favorite spot is Vilas Park and lagoon. The warming house is wonderful and don't forget to bury your Charleston Chews in the snow for a post-skating frozen treat (at least that is what my daughter, Annie, did :) )
Have fun and be safe.
Check out our early-learning program at our website. Now go hit the snow!
Friday, February 1, 2013
Turn your house, or at least a room, into a museum!
How do you display the zillions of pieces of artwork kids bring home? TimeOut Kids - Chicago has some great tips:
Over the years, your kids gift you with countless presents of precious paintings, pottery and crafts. But what are you supposed to do with umpteen custom-painted piggy banks, watercolor portraits and brownish ashtrays/candy bowls/jewelry holders? Candice Blansett-Cummins, owner of Wishcraft (2312 W Roscoe St, 773-348-9474), a workshop for wee artists, shared some tips for displaying mini masterpieces without having them take over your stylish abode:
1. Attach a ledge that’s a couple of inches wide to a wall for pottery and other 3-D art. “This is an awesome way to elevate the projects to ‘fine’ art,” Blansett-Cummins says. Another option: Smaller crafts can be displayed in glassware, like hurricane vases.
2. Make a frame shape on a wall with patterned duct tape and use ticky-tacky to affix art inside and swap in new art when it comes home. If there’s so much stuff that even regularly rotating in new pieces doesn’t put a dent in Junior’s inventory, it’s time to pare down. “Keep one piece from every developmental milestone ” Blansett-Cummins says. (The handprint stage, the stick figure stage, etc.)
3. Hang some twine, wire or fishing line between two hooks and clip on paintings, drawings and more with clothespins for a dangling art display. Showcasing kids’ art in a playroom or family room—a casual space that gets lots of foot traffic—tells them their work is important. (And won’t clash with your pricey art.)
5. Designate one wall in a playroom or bedroom for your child’s “gallery” and paint it a different color than the rest of the room. “Let them curate their art collection and display with no rules from you,” Blansett-Cummins says.
6. Use poster tubes to store additional art. Ask your kids to help you label each tube so they know how much you value their work (even when it’s out of sight). Write a note on the back to help you both remember their significance.
Our favorite is #5 - let them be proud and showcase their work. It's a win-win!
Check out the Kids' House for more information about our early childhood program.
Over the years, your kids gift you with countless presents of precious paintings, pottery and crafts. But what are you supposed to do with umpteen custom-painted piggy banks, watercolor portraits and brownish ashtrays/candy bowls/jewelry holders? Candice Blansett-Cummins, owner of Wishcraft (2312 W Roscoe St, 773-348-9474), a workshop for wee artists, shared some tips for displaying mini masterpieces without having them take over your stylish abode:
1. Attach a ledge that’s a couple of inches wide to a wall for pottery and other 3-D art. “This is an awesome way to elevate the projects to ‘fine’ art,” Blansett-Cummins says. Another option: Smaller crafts can be displayed in glassware, like hurricane vases.
2. Make a frame shape on a wall with patterned duct tape and use ticky-tacky to affix art inside and swap in new art when it comes home. If there’s so much stuff that even regularly rotating in new pieces doesn’t put a dent in Junior’s inventory, it’s time to pare down. “Keep one piece from every developmental milestone ” Blansett-Cummins says. (The handprint stage, the stick figure stage, etc.)
3. Hang some twine, wire or fishing line between two hooks and clip on paintings, drawings and more with clothespins for a dangling art display. Showcasing kids’ art in a playroom or family room—a casual space that gets lots of foot traffic—tells them their work is important. (And won’t clash with your pricey art.)
5. Designate one wall in a playroom or bedroom for your child’s “gallery” and paint it a different color than the rest of the room. “Let them curate their art collection and display with no rules from you,” Blansett-Cummins says.
6. Use poster tubes to store additional art. Ask your kids to help you label each tube so they know how much you value their work (even when it’s out of sight). Write a note on the back to help you both remember their significance.
Our favorite is #5 - let them be proud and showcase their work. It's a win-win!
Check out the Kids' House for more information about our early childhood program.
