Rebecca Kanthor
Secret Agent Man
Ever since kids first started raiding wardrobes for dress-up costumes, there's been a market for fake mustaches. Whether your little ones are secret agents, cops or cowboys, a good set of whiskers will always come in handy.
Materials:
Newspaper
Scissors
Scotch tape
Plain heavy stock paper
Heavy black paper
Exacto knife
Glue
Chopstick
Colored scrubbers
Double-sided tape
Make a Snake
Wintertime can be chilly, especially if your doors and windows aren’t sealed well. To block off the drafts, make your own door snake. No need to feed this pet – its sole purpose is to guard against the harsh winter wind. Materials:
Measuring tape
Newspaper
Pencil
Scissors
Fabric
Pins
Needle
Thread
Rice or corn kernels
Heavier fabric or felt for tongue
Two buttons for eyes
Adorn an Orange
The scent of spices in the air makes wintertime cozy indoors. Tiny oranges and tangerines are in season, just the right size for little hands and small attention spans. These orange pomadors will keep kids of all ages busy and can be used as tree decorations, closet hangers, or even as mulled wine or apple cider spice balls.
Materials:
Ripe oranges or tangerines
Cloves 丁香 ding xiang (available at local markets at stores selling grains and spices)
Cheesecloth 轻薄棉布 (available at fabric stores)
Ribbon or string
Difficulty Level: Easy
Time: 20-30 minutes
Directions:
1. Beginning at the base of the orange or tangerine, pierce the peel with a clove.
Peel On, Peel Off
DIY Wall Decals
These wall decals are perfect home decorations for jet-setting expat
families who move around a lot – the design is sticky enough to stay on the wall, but can be easily removed. Peel on, and then peel off – they’re fun to make and leave no mess behind. Homemade Puffy Paint: Watch your painting come alive
Difficulty Level: Easy Time: 10 minutes
Concoct magical paint, create a masterpiece and then see it puff up in the microwave.
Knead Your Heart Out
Homemade dough is an easy way to pass the time when it’s cold and dreary outside – and making it is half the fun.
Difficulty Level:
Medium [adult supervision recommended]
Make Your Mark
Crafting your own Chinese chop
Whether it’s a birthday card or their latest crayon creation, all young artists should have their own distinctive seal, or chop, to make their mark. Instead of signing your name, stamp your own chop to give your works their own special look. Traditionally, Chinese chops were carved from stone with chisels, but pens and styrofoam are a lot easier for young hands.
Pavement Pastels
Color your sidewalk with homemade chalk Liberate young imaginations – parents will be pleased with an easy cleanup!
Materials:• Plastic containers such as recycled take-out containers or old bowls
• Mixing stick like popsicle sticks or one-time-use chopsticks
• Plaster of Paris or gypsum powder – 石膏粉 (shí gāo fěn) – available at any local craft or hardware shop
• Modeling clay
• Toilet paper roll or cardboard box
• Rolling pin or something cylindrical
• Tempera paint or food coloring
• Water
Put the analytical left side of your brain to the test while exploring right-brained creativity at the same time!
