A Piece of Paper Magic!

Paper Fans

Chances are that most of you have made a paper fan at some point in your life. 

Paper fans are quick, easy and fun! 

Try these unique materials for your next fan.

Computer Paper Stationary - Left over pieces from your last project

Travel magazines - When you get home from a trip, before you recycle the travel magazines, flip through and tear out the maps and full page pictures to use in the construction of your next fan.
Magazines - Before recylcing your magazines, tear out the pages with full color photos.  This will personalize your fan with your favorite hobby or interests. (trains, dogs, horses, flowers, fishing etc.)

Maps-Got an old map? Cut it into 8 1/2" x 11" pieces and use to construct a  a very unique fan.

Wrapping Paper- Use paper that is heavier, or foil,  cut into 8 1/2" x 11" pieces.

Photos printed on the computer - personalize and experiment with your favorite picture or group of pictures.  After you fold the fan, what does it look like?

Colored construction paper- decorate with markers or your favorite stickers.
White computer paper- Colored pencils, crayons, water colors, glue and glitter, stickers etc. can be used to decorate both sides of  the 11 x 8 1/2-inch paper, personalizing your fan.   

 No matter what source you use for your paper fan, the creation procedure is the same.

1.  Beginning at the short side, fold over and under, making  approximately 3/4 inch wide strips,

     down length of the paper.

2.  Hold one end of the folded paper firmly and staple together.

3.  If desired, you can punch a hole through the stapled end, then tie colored ribbon or yarn through

     the hole to make streamers for the end of your fan.

4. Hold the stapled end of your fan, flip your wrist rapidly so that the fan creates air movement...

relax and enjoy the breeze!

Story Telling Festival!

Miraculous, Magical Moments in Minutes has been invited

to the 7th annual STORY! Festival in Story City, Iowa.

 Saturday September 22, 2012 from 9-3 in the Story City Library located on Main Street.

There will be a showcase sampling of children's activiteis from the book that are quick, easy and made from items found around the house.

Books will be available for sale and can be signed by the author!

The book signing event will only be available on Saturday of this four day event.








STORY!  Festival - http://www.storyfestival.net/

Story City, Iowa contact information:
http://www.storycity.net
http://www.chamber@storycity.net

This would make a great family activity!

Hope to see you there!

Edible Creations!

What can you do with...

 a bag of marshmallows, a box of toothpicks and a huge supply of 

curious, vivid imagination?

Marshmallow towers, houses, skyscrapers, bridges, animals, people, etc.

Add diversity to your creation by using different colors and sizes of marshmallows.

Search the pantry for raisins, small candies, etc. to embellish your creation.

Start building on paper plates of different colors and patterns.

Add a paper flag to the top of a tower.

What else can you think of?

And remember, every great design requires a photo session before

you enjoy the gooey, "smushiness"of your marshmallow creation!

Surviving the Test of Time

Have you ever wondered why some toys end up in the bottom of the toy box after a few days or even hours of play?  And then, there are toys that your kids play with for years? They may even enjoy them after they become adults!

These activities are called open-ended...

they open themselves up to play,creativity and diversity at many ages. 

Example:  Blocks are a timeless toy that have enlighten children for years.

Think of the evolution of block playing:

  The infant holds it, mouths it and drops it.

The toddler may stack and knock down blocks.

The preschool child makes lines and towers.

The school-age child develops roads and cities and buildings.

Tweens may create giant forts and complicated structures.

Blocks are a great open-ended activity!

Open ended activities/toys are simple, uncomplicated and adaptable. 

 They allow children within a wide age range to play,

but play in a different way depending on the child's age.



Ages 3 to 83 (A span of four generations --Daddy is missing in the photo)
enjoying an afternoon of bubbles.



A few open-ended activities:

puzzles,

play dough

sand

water

bubbles,

blocks

reading

drawing/coloring/painting

empty cardboard boxes

"I just LOVE it when mom brings home a cardboard box!"



                                 

                                          It looked like Grandpa was having as much fun as his 2 year old grandson!

What other ideas come to mind?