By Noreen Doll. We've discovered that placemats are a great teaching tool. Kids love to use the colorful mats at mealtime, and they can't help seeing and learning what's on the mats. Our kids are voracious learners, and they've learned so much from place mats. We've had some really interesting ones, including a U.S.A. map with states and capitals, the solar … [Read more...] about Placemats Are a Great Teaching Tool
Keep Rings Safe When You’re Working in the Kitchen
By Noreen Doll. How do you keep rings safe when you're working in the kitchen? Lots of people keep a small dish on the window sill or counter to hold their rings. However, it can be very easy to bump this dish and knock the rings into the sink - and sometimes down the disposal or drain. Here's a clever idea for keeping your rings safe when you need to remove … [Read more...] about Keep Rings Safe When You’re Working in the Kitchen
PVC Pipe Rack
By Noreen Doll. This PVC pipe rack is very easy to put together and can have many uses. It can be used as an extra rod in the tub or shower to hang wet things on. It could also be used in a bedroom as a clothes rack. Put it in the laundry room to hang wet clothes to dry, or hang wet rain gear on it. You can make a rack almost any size you want, and if it's … [Read more...] about PVC Pipe Rack
Crafty Journal Featured on 2 Crochet Hooks
Today Crafty Journal is being featured on 2 Crochet Hooks. This creative site has lots of fun ideas for making crocheted items and other great crafts that can be used for gifts or just enjoyed yourself. Check out this clever idea for using fabric and duct tape to make doll clothes! Each week they have a fun link party, too, where you can find even more ideas for … [Read more...] about Crafty Journal Featured on 2 Crochet Hooks
Sumi Salad
By Noreen Doll. Sumi Salad is good anytime, but particularly in the summer when it is hot and you don't feel like fussing in the kitchen. It has protein, carbohydrates and vegetables, so it's a balanced dish. And it's easy to make. Ingredients. Dressing: 1/4 Cup White Sugar 1 Teaspoon Black Pepper 1 Teaspoon Salt 1/2 Cup Rice Vinegar 3/4 Cup … [Read more...] about Sumi Salad
Milk Jug Flower
By Noreen Doll. A milk jug flower can be used in lots of ways. You can use it as outside decor, because it's plastic and will weather well. It can be used as a decoration on a gift, or an embellishment on a card or craft project. Or just make a bunch and create a colorful bouquet. it would work well on a child's head band or barrette. A milk jug flower … [Read more...] about Milk Jug Flower
Easy Way to Clean Blinds
By Noreen Doll. A friend who had just moved into a new (to her) house asked me if there was any easy way to clean blinds that had accumulated grime over the years. I suggested we try hanging them outside on the clothesline to clean them. After they were hung, we hosed them down from side to side, starting at the top, with a hard stream of water from the … [Read more...] about Easy Way to Clean Blinds
Quick Eyeglasses Holder
By Noreen Doll. A quick eyeglasses holder is an easy gift to make for Mom or Grandma. You can find pretty pot holders inexpensively at the Dollar Store or Target. This would make an easy beginning sewing project for kids. Supplies. Pot Holder Needle and Thread or Sewing Machine How to Make a Quick Eyeglasses Holder. 1. Fold the pot holder in half, … [Read more...] about Quick Eyeglasses Holder
Candy Carrots
By Noreen Doll. You can make fun candy carrots for favors on your Easter table. They are perfect for using with marshmallow bunnies, or dinner rolls in the shape of bunnies. Making them is like using play dough, so kids can help craft them. They would make a fun April Fool food, too. Supplies. Circus Peanuts Green Gum Drops How to Make Candy … [Read more...] about Candy Carrots
DIY Easy Easter Basket Grass
By Noreen Doll. It's late the night before Easter and you just realized you have no grass for the Easter baskets. Here's a quick DIY Easter basket grass idea. Look through your stash of tissue paper and choose a color that coordinates with the basket you're filling. Tissue paper comes in such a rainbow of colors, you can find the perfect one for an Easter … [Read more...] about DIY Easy Easter Basket Grass
Peep Pops
By Noreen Doll. Peep Pops are a great treat for Easter. What could be better than Peeps and chocolate? You can put them on a stick or straw for no mess eating or just arrange them on a plate. It's a bit messy to do this with kids, but easy and great fun. Supplies. Peeps Chocolate Chips Colorful Sprinkles and Decorations Straws, Skewers, … [Read more...] about Peep Pops
Easter Egg Button Covers
By Noreen Doll. Easter egg button covers are a fun way to decorate a shirt or blouse. Kids can make them from felt or craft foam and decorate them with brightly colored markers. Supplies. Brightly Colored Craft Foam Pencil Scissors Craft Knife How to Make Easter Egg Button Covers. 1. Draw an Easter egg pattern. (Or find one here: Easter egg … [Read more...] about Easter Egg Button Covers
