Around Easter time, I posted about how great the crafting materials over at Baker Ross are, and after receiving a big box of goodies last week, I delved straight in to test out some bits and bobs, and create some little craft ideas for you and your little ones to make during the holidays.
In my box I got:
- pearlised acrylic paints
- seaside card shapes
- wooden pirate swords
- keyring mirrors
- ceramic flowers
- self adhesive acrylic jewels
So, what did I get up to with them? Well, I decided that with the paints and the ceramic flowers, I would make a few little gifts for Isabelle's grannies and great-grannies, and a thank you gift for a family friend (who bought her a slide for the garden). I painted the ceramic flowers with the acrylic paint and...WHOA! It was so shiny and sparkly - it looks amazing! I never knew that you could get paint so shimmery, and I love it! Once they were dry, I used a gold or silver pen to outline them, and write on the back, and then some paint pens (actually for decorating candles, also from Baker Ross here) to decorate the front of them. They were so easy to paint and decorate - my only hang up (pun intended!) was the fact that the ribbon was already attached, and it meant that I got paint on it in the process. I think it'd be better for the ties to come separately, to be attached when the paint is dry. I guess I could have untied them...
The pictures really don't show the shimmer of the paint well enough! The ceramic flowers are quite delicate, so I would say this activity would be best suited for children 6/7 and upwards.
Next up, I decided to use my swords, paint and jewels to make a little play sword for Isabelle. I had a great time painting it (with my new favorite paint!) and sticking the jewels on. As the are self adhesive, they were really easy to use, and I was impressed that the protective backing came off without having to dig at it with my nails. A simple thing, but it made the whole process much easier. Isabelle gave her sword a good swish round, but overall she wasn't impressed with my handiwork!
This would be a great activity for kids around 4 and upwards. They get to decorate their own sword, and then indulge in some fabulous imaginary, swashbuckling play - what could be better? Add in some fancy dress, and they will be playing happily for hours!
The little sea side cards were great too, although I didn't get a chance to do too much with them. These would be fabulous to take on a plane with some felt tips, or on a caravan holiday for a rainy day - get the kids to decorate their own postcards! A really nice range of seaside shapes - including a crab and a lighthouse - for them to unleash their creative side.
There you have it - a few little crafts to keep kids of all ages busy during the summer holidays. Didn't see anything you like? Check out Baker Ross and I am sure you'll find something for your little ones! Definitely buy some of the pearlised acrylic paint - how I ever lived without it I'm not quite sure!