30 days of the inspired family, day 30: cross stitch family portraits

by Summer

Wa-hoo! Day 30 of 30 days of the inspired family: Cross stitch family portraits.

That was a fun month -- 30 projects to do as a family that will inspire imagination, creativity and tighten your family bond.

Now, this is a project that might be put on the "to-do" list as it's a bit involved. But really -- how fantastic it'd be to have your family portrait in cross stitch! With Martha's simple directions it's not as complicated at it seems though I know I would need to brush up on my cross stitching skills first!

For more images & complete directions, visit good 'ol Martha.

30 days of the inspired family, day 29: woodsy playland with pine scented dough

by Summer

30 days of the inspired family, day 29: woodsy playland with pine scented play dough

I love this open ended idea. It captivates imagination, familiarity, the sense of smell and a storyline. Kids will likely jump right in and be off in their own land. And? It can be stored in  basket to be played with all winter long.

For more lovely photos & project instructions visit Small Potatoes.

30 days of the inspired family, day 28: hama beads

by Summer

Day 28 of the inspired family: hama beads!

Hama beads are fun ... but those intricate patterns can be a bit tedious. For a quicker project I love this idea of making shapes. You can turn the shapes into a pendant decoration (like a bunting - i love it!) or use as a Christmas Tree ornament .. or even a necklace!

For more images & instructions visit Yumicha!

30 days of the inspired family, day 27: printable roadway

by Summer

Day 27 of 30 Days of the Inspired Family: Printable Roadway

You really could draw a roadway of your own on a piece of paper, certainly. But there is something compelling for a toddler to see pages just for them pop out of the printer... even if just a roadway.

While maybe not so exciting for big kids, toddlers will have endless fun driving cars over the roadway and drawing in buildings, trees... birds. That is, until it gets ripped up. A toddler after all !!

You can print out the roadway from Zlesa.

30 days of the inspired family, day 26: DIY kiddo tee

by Summer

Day 26 of 30 Days of the Inspired Family: DIY kiddo Tee

I love everything about this project -- the simplicity, the illustration & graphic qualities. And that bear is SO cute, don't you think?!

Simply download the template, sketch onto a white tee & paint. No printing or screens needed. A project that older kids could do on their own (or take this concept and come up with their own designs!)

For more fantastic images & complete directions visit Oana Befort.

30 days of the inspired family, day 25: diy sharpie dinnerware

by Summer

Day 25 of 30 Days of the Inspired Family: diy sharpie dinnerware

Gift giving season is... now! If you're looking for new homemade gifts idea, this is for you! With a pack of Sharpie pens & white dishes (inexpensive from Ikea or the Dollar Store) you can create a custom set of dishes (or coffee cups?) for anyone on your list.

I can only imagine the cool drawings kids would do!

For more images & complete directions visit The Sweetest Occasion.

30 days of the inspired family, day 24: how to be an explorer of the world

by Summer

Day 24 of 30 Days of the Inspired Family: How to be an Explorer of the World.

Have you read How to be an Explorer of the World: Portable Life Museum by Keri Smith? Such a fantastic concept --  a collection of 59 ideas for how to get creatively unstuck by engaging with everyday objects and your surroundings in novel ways.

And? I love the list above -- the inspiration for the book that was scribbled on a piece of paper by the author in the middle of the night.  Share it with your kids. Let them teach you  a thing or 2! ha!

More, here!

 

30 days of the inspired family, day 23: toothpick painting

by Summer

Day 23 of 30 days of the Inspired Family: Toothpick Painting

I love family art night. I love painting, drawing and spending creative time with the kids. Cover the dining room table & get to work!

I ran across this clever idea for a non-conventional "brush" using cardboard & toothpicks. I love the use of the black paint and the fantastic marks!

Project inspiration & image via.

30 days of the inspired family, day 22: happy thanksgiving!

by Summer

Happy Thanksgiving!

Today, celebrate each other. How blessed you are, grateful, thankful.

I love this simple jar filled with crayons, kraft paper for a table cloth... perfect for both adults and kids alike.

Lots of love to you & yours!

For more kid's table ideas, visit Fiskars.

30 days of the inspired family, day 21: modular dollhouse

by Summer

Day 21 of the Inspired Family: Modular Dollhouse

With a stack of boxes & a handful of decorating supplies the kiddos can create a modular (re-stackable, re-positionable) dollhouse to fit their imagination.

Really, such a great open ended idea!

For more visit Stubborn.