It's Time To Get Crafty!

Looking for a great way to pass the time and also tap into your creative side? 

Don’t underestimate the positive impact of getting crafty. There are so many creative at-home projects you can try, and now is the perfect time! 

Ever wonder what to do with all those pictures on your phone?

Since we've all been feeling distanced from our family and friends, a nice way to feel closer to them is by sorting through all the photos that live on your phone and computer. You can design personalized photo books online to record your memories. While you’re at it, have a go at tracing your family tree. There are many genealogy websites available for research and you can virtually interview family members near and far for help. Once you gather the information, you will have your own beautiful family keepsake. They make great gifts too! 

Easy ways to keep the kids entertained!

By now many of us have been cooking and baking up a storm. While feeding the family healthy nutritious meals is a priority, there are many fun non-food related uses for items we all have in the kitchen. When the kids are clamoring for an activity, head to the pantry for the ingredients to make homemade play dough and paint. These non-toxic chemical free favorites are a great way to keep the children occupied. They are especially good for very young children who still cannot help but put things in their mouths. 

Pour flour and water into a pot and stir ingredients over medium heat until it comes together like smooth, thick paste. Remove from heat when it starts to pull away from the pot. Add a pinch of salt to help keep the paint from spoiling if you don’t plan to use it right away. Slowly add cold water to the mixture to reach the desired consistency . Divide the paint into bowls and add food coloring to create the desired colors. Store in a covered container in the fridge.

As you make your way through your stash of paper towels and toilet paper, save the tubes for imaginative projects that can be created by kids of all ages. Depending on their interests, kids can build their own marble runs, race cars, cities and castles or even design pencil holders and rocket ships. Older children may be able to follow directions on their own and create a colorful kaleidoscope. Let their imagination run wild!

Most of us are also doing a lot of laundry these days, which is inexplicably resulting in many more single socks than normal (a mystery that has yet to be solved)! Collect all the strays and have the family create sock puppets. For inspiration, think about favorite characters from books, TV shows or movies. How about creating puppets that look like animals or even members of the family? Search the house for items such as yarn for hair, buttons for eyes, scraps of fabric for clothes and pipe cleaners for ears, antennas or glasses. The possibilities are endless!

Sharing messages of hope with others.
In the spirit of community, consider leaving hand painted rocks with inspiring messages hidden along local walking trails or along neighborhood sidewalks. The word ‘smile’ or ‘hello’ or perhaps a butterfly or flower is a simple way to unexpectedly brighten someone's day. It can even become a fun activity in your neighborhood as people find the hidden surprises. 

You are only limited by your imagination. Get crafty and let the creativity begin!