Valentine's Day Craft Projects for Kids and Teens

Kid's can make their Valentine a salt-dough 

heart or create other personalized craft 

creations this week at several events 

throughout Ann Arbor.

Photo courtesy of Kaboose.

When I think of Valentine's Day, I am reminded of a Valentine's Day school party in fifth grade. I passed out the typical handcrafted Valentine's Day cards to classmates and even got crafty with salt-dough, shaping it into a Valentine heart that I gave to Hank, my fifth grade crush. Unfortunately for me, even though I didn't label who the heart was from, he knew, and proceeded to tell the entire class I didn't know how to cook. Explaining that it wasn't a cookie was a fruitless effort and quite embarrassing!

Creating Valentine's Day gifts, though, became a tradition of sorts and one that I have passed to my children — everyone loves a good treat, be it baked or crafted, and this week throughout Ann Arbor, there are many opportunities for your children and teens to craft their hearts out!

Michaels Crafts is always a good location for free or low-cost "Make-it Take-it" craft projects, and this week they are not failing to deliver. On Saturday, Feb. 3 from 10:00 a.m. - noon, kids ages 3 and up can drop in to create their own Valentine's Day Love Bugs for $2. Then on February 10, from 10:00-12:00 p.m. Kids can make a Valentine's Day Card for $5
Sign up in store or online, or just drop in. Parent or guardian must remain on premises.

The Ann Arbor Library has a couple events for children and teens to create sometime sweet for their sweethearts. On Saturday, Feb. 3 at 2:00 p.m. at the Traverwood branch, try creating your Valentine a felt flower. Then on February 10 at 2:00 p.m., stop by the Mallets Creek branch to make a Valentine card. Be sure to log into your Ann Arbor Library account to register!

Do you know of other Valentine's Day events to add to the calendar. Please share them in the comments below!

Mothers Day Crafts

Tomorrow will be beautiful in Ann Arbor, but as my daughter reminded me last night, Mother's Day is NEXT WEEKEND! She was actually pretty cute too, as she told me that she wanted to save money to buy me a big diamond. I didn't have the heart to tell her she didn't need to but instead told her that Daddy will be taking her to Home Depot to build a picture frame. I told her she could give it to Grandma, but I expect I will be receiving it now. With that being said, I wanted to share these three quick Mother's Day craft options that are happening tomorrow.

I already highlighted the Home Depot kids building project earlier this week, but as a reminder, starting at 9:00 a.m. at local Home Depot locations, kids can build a cute picket fence frame. It would be a perfect Mother's Day project.

Lucky kids (and parents) may also want to stop by a local Michael's craft store during their Kids Club® event 10:00 a.m. - noon. This is where they craft and you shop. This 30-minute drop-in event gives kids the opportunity to create and take home a completed project for just $2/child. The cost  includes supplies and none of the mess. It is for kids ages 3 and up. Tomorrow kids are making a Mother's Day frame.

Then later that day, stores are offering a family class for another kind of frame. This one is a cute canvas project that highlights your child's handprints so they can say "Owl always love you! The project runs 6:30-8:30 p.m. and costs $15 for the canvas and all supplies. Once again though, the mess stays at Michael's.

So Whoo loves you this Mother's Day? Be sure to take the kids. If you don't want the projects, I'm certain grandma would love to receive one this Mother's Day!

Snowy Owl Friends Craft

On Saturday January 17,  join other kids ages preschool through grade 5, to create a Snowy Owl friend. At 2:00 p.m. at the AADL Malletts Creek Branch learn how to turn a pinecone and assorted materials into a one of a kid owl friend! Sounds like a hoot.

Crafty Holiday Events for the Kids!

There are so many great craft events happening from now throughout the holiday season. That's why I thought to bring them together into a single crazy-for-crafts post for families! Below you will find craft events for every age - toddler, youth and even for your teen.

Events may be added as they are found though, so be sure to check back often!

Find free Thanksgiving craft events in Ann Arbor for the kids this year! 

November 4-11

Elections aren't the only thing keeping folks busy this week. Families can also find several craft events at Michael's as well as one that starts the season of Thanksgiving. I love that the kids can create two decorations at the one event - One to take home and one to leave for a Meals on Wheels recipient!

11/4 - Noon-1:00 p.m. | Michael's Crafts Passport to Imagination™ Stocking craft is a free event for children ages 3 and up. At 1:00-2:00 p.m.
11/4 - 1:00-2:00 p.m. | Michael's Crafts Passport to Imagination™ Advent Calendar craft is a free event for children ages 3 and up.
11/8 - 4:00-6:00 p.m. | Thanksgiving Crafts to help Meals On Wheels at the Ypsilanti District Library (5577 Whittaker Rd.,, Ypsilanti) and sponsored by the Fly Children's Art Center.
11/10 - 2:00-3:30 p.m. | Kids create Thanksgiving or winter holiday cards at the Ypsilanti District Library (8795 MacArthur Blvd., Ypsilanti 48198).
11/10 - 10:00 a.m. - Noon | Teen event | Teens can learn to make a Yarn Scarf Event with purchase of Craft Smart Yarn at Michael's Crafts. Ages 14 and up.
11/11 - 1:00-3:00 p.m. | Michael's Crafts Passport to Imagination. Kids ages 3 and up can make a Holiday Ornament at this free event. While supplies last.

November 12-18

This week kids can find a few more opportunities to create something for Thanksgiving as well as prepare for the coming year with a beautiful spiral bound calendar! If you have a teen, there is even a fun teen craft event.

11/13 - 4:15-5:15 p.m. | Youth in grades 1-5 can make a turkey pinata for Thanksgiving Day. This free event at the Saline District Library (555 N. Maple Road, Saline) does require registration!
11/14 - 4:15-5:15 p.m. | Youth in grades 1-5 can make a turkey pinata for Thanksgiving Day. This free event at the Saline District Library (555 N. Maple Road, Saline) does require registration!
11/17 - 2:00-3:30 p.m. | Free kids craft for the first 12 participants. Create a spiral-bound 2013 calendar with seasonal decorations. Would make a nice gift for the grandparents so bring your photos too! This free event is at the Ypsilanti District Library (8795 MacArthur Blvd., Ypsilanti 48198).
11/17 - 1:00-3:00 p.m. | Michael's Crafts Passport to Imagination. Kids ages 3 and older can create a cut mitten frame with the purchase of a frame.
11/18 - 1:00-3:00 p.m. | Kids can enjoy a free Thanksgiving Event with crafts to celebrate being thankful at Michael's Crafts.
11/18 - 2:00-3:30 p.m. | Teen event | This knitting event is for teens in grade 4 and higher. Knitters of all levels can share patterns and knit a winter scarf. Yarn will be supplied, just bring needles if you have them. Ann Arbor District Library (Traverwood).

There are plenty of freee craft events in Ann Arbor
to keep the kids occupied this season.

November 19-25

Many Ann Arbor families will be traveling around Thanksgiving, however if you are in town, there are still several afternoons that can be spent as "crafternoons". I love to spend time helping the kids create their own gifts for the season too. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

11/21 - 2:00-3:00 p.m. | Create a Thanksgiving craft that can be used to decorate your table for Thanksgiving dinner at the Ann Arbor District Library (Pittsfield). This free event is for kids in grades K-5.

November 26 - December 2

You might be stuffed after Thanksgiving, but there is plenty to do going into the end of the year. Your teen might really enjoy making their own gifts, so make sure to get them out for the fun, free events!

12/2 - 12:30-2:30 and 3:00-5:00 p.m. | Teen event | Teens in grades 6+ can learn to make beautiful mosiac jewelry suitable for gift-giving. All materials are provided. Ann Arbor District Library (Mallets Creek).

December 3-9:

Take the kids to a children's Christmas ornament workshop at the Belleville Area Museum on Saturday,  December 8, 10:00 or 11:00 a.m. followed by a visit from Santa at 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

December 10-16

This week is a popular one for holiday events. Many of the events fill-up early, so be sure to pre-register your child if you can. A favorite this week is decorating "gingerbread" houses made of graham crackers at the Ypsilanti District Library!

12/11 - 6:30-8:00 p.m. | Teen event |  Take your teen to make some Gifts in a Jar at the Ypsilanti District Library (5577 Whittaker Rd., Ypsilanti). 
12/12 - 7:00-8:00 p.m. | Grade 3+ | Kids can learn to make bows, ribbons and wrapping paper from green materials at the Ann Arbor District Library (Mallets Creek).
12/13 - 7:00-8:00 p.m. | Holiday Stained “Glass” Window Craft at the Ypsilanti District Library (5577 Whittaker Rd., Ypsilanti). Kids will learn to make a holiday stained glass window using tagboard and markers. This free event is limited to the first 18 participants.
12/15 - 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. | Kids can decorate a graham cracker house with candy and frosting. Registration is required (482-4110 ext. 1340) for this free event at the at the Ypsilanti District Library (5577 Whittaker Rd., Ypsilanti). Limited to first 20 participants.
12/15 - Children's Christmas ornament workshop 12:00 and 1:00 p.m. at the Belleville Area Museum

What to do when the kids are out of school? There
are many great crafternoons planned - even ones for teens!

December 17-23

There is still time to make a gingerbread house and your older children and teens will enjoy getting messy making their own no-bake cookies. These cookies might make great gifts for neighbors, teachers or even best friends!

12/22 - 10:30 a.m. and noon | Kids can decorate a graham cracker house with candy and frosting. Registration is required (482-4110 ext. 1340) for this free event at the at the Ypsilanti District Library (229 West Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti). Limited to first 20 participants.
12/22 - 2:00 p.m. | Your older child and teen can learn to make No-Bake Cookies at the Ypsilanti District Library (8795 MacArthur Blvd., Ypsilanti), they'll even get a box to decorate and gift their treats in! Free event for ages 8-18. Registration required 482-4110 x1391.

Finally, end the year with a bang on December 31 when your kids (PK-Grade 5) can have fun making New Years decorations including hats and noisemakers at the Ann Arbor District Library (Pittsfield). This free event takes place from 2:00-3:30, so make sure you leave enough time to get creative!

Be sure to check back often as new crafty-events are added to the blog. I sure hope you enjoy getting the kids into crafts as much as I do!

October Events at Michael's Crafts

Michael's Crafts always has a great line-up of low-cost or free events for the inner crafter ages 3 and up. During the month of October kids can participate in many Make-It Take-It events for a spooktacular good time!

The Crazy Pumpkin Event: Design an extreme craft pumpkin with purchase of pumpkin. Ages 3 and up. While supplies last. October 6, 10:00 a.m. - noon.

Halloween T-Shirt Event: Kids can make a fun scary spider T-shirt with purchase of shirt. Ages 3 and up. While supplies last. October 20, 10:00 a.m. - Noon

Halloween Visor Event: Create a crafty visor for loads of Halloween fun when you purchase of visor. Other supplies are provided free. Ages 3 and up. While supplies last. October 25, 6:00-8:00 p.m.

Halloween Clay Pot Event: Design your own adorable clay pot creations after mom or dad purchase the clay pot. Ages 3 and up. October 26, 6:00-8:00 p.m.


Halloween Extravaganza Event!: Join the Costume Parade, create trick-or-treat Duck Tape totes or pails and get kids faces painted. Schedule as follows: Duck Tape Pail or Tote 11 a.m. - Noon featuring Make-It Take-It with purchase of pail or tote while supplies last. October 27, 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Michael's Crafts Nearby Locations:

Michael's Crafts
3655 Washtenaw Ave.
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
734.975.6774

Michael's Crafts
41904 Ford Rd.
Canton, MI 48187734.981.6578

Crafty Christmas: Fun Craft Events for the Family

Michael's Crafts (3655 Washtenaw Ave., Ann Arbor) is helping families learn about traditions from around the world December 3-17 with the Passport to Imagination. Kids will have fun creating their own gifts or decorations for the family Christmas tree.

Let the kids get crafty during the Michael's Crafts Passport to
Imagination December 3-17!

December 3: Visit Australia 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. and create a Christmas Countdown Calendar, a Christmas Stocking or a Gingerbread House.

December 4: Visit Germany 1:00-4:00 p.m. to get creative in Rudolph's Kitchen, create Santa & Rudolph's Treat Bag or make "Cookies" for Santa!

December 10: Visit Iceland 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. to make a Reindeer Frame, create Santa's Letter or make a cute Spatula Reindeer.

December 11: Visit Japan 1:00-5:00 p.m. to make a Snowman Ornament, a Snowflake Frame or a S'more Ornament.

December 17: Visit Mexico 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. to make a Duct Tape Luggage Tag, Cravable Craft Cookbook, or a Pointsetta Card for gift giving.

Weekend Events for Families: $1 Movies, Dinosaurs, Crafts and More

Don't let the rain and heat get you down this weekend as there is plenty tyo do for the kids! Keep them busy with many crafting opportunities while keeping the mess out of your home, see a discouted movie, or pop in to see the Teen Graffitti at the Ann Arbor District Library or the events at Maker Fair at The Henry Ford. There are lots of great activities to see and do!

 

Friday:

• Create Paper Bag Gargoyles at the Ann Arbor District Library (3333 Traverwood Dr., Ann Arbor) from 2:00-3:00 p.m. For Grades K – 5.
•  Stop by Tree Town Toys (2611 Plymouth Rd., Ann Arbor) anytime until 6:00 p.m. to create sunflower paintings for only $2.  
•  As part of the Discount Summer Film Series, see Gnomeo & Juliet at Michigan Theatre (124 N. Mechanic St., Jackson) at 2:00 or 6:30 p.m. This is a $1 movie deal!
• Teens should check out the cool graffitti created by other teenagers at the AADL Teen Graffitti Art Exhibit!

Saturday:

• Maker Faire Detroit is at the Henry Ford (20900 Oakwood Blvd, Dearborn) this weekend (Saturday & Sunday). Kids of all ages will especially enjoy the Mentos guys, signing fish car, robots, and a lifesize Mousetrap!
• Your child can continue their Passport to Fun at Michael's (3655 Washtenaw Ave., Ann Arbor) cebrating Brazil 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
• Ever heard of tie dye flowers? Find out how to make your own with this free craft at Tree Town Toys (2611 Plymouth Rd., Ann Arbor) 1:30-5:30 p.m.
• Teens and older kids can get their hands dirty with a hands-on comics workshop at the Ann Arbor District Library (3090 E. Eisenhower Pky, Ann Arbor) 2:00-4:30 p.m. Grade 6 and up.
•  Find out "Who’s Been in My Backyard?" at Ypsilanti District Library (5577 Whittaker Rd., Ypsilanti) 2:00-3:00 p.m. Kids ages 7-12 can learn to identify common wildlife by their tracks and their scat (using fake scat).

Sunday:

• Don't forget about Maker Faire Detroit (20900 Oakwood Blvd, Dearborn), it's today too!
• Create a custom Tin Treasure Box at Tree Town Toys (2611 Plymouth Rd., Ann Arbor) 1:00-5:00 p.m. for only $2!

Kids Can Create a Free Memory Box for Mementos

Children tend to collect many "treasures" along the way. From small stones, pennies to stickers and silly bandz. To contain all these mementos and trinkets, a memory box may be just what the doctor ordered!

Next Thursday, at 6:00 p.m., kids ages 6-12 can create their very own memory boxes at the Ypsilanti District Library - Whittaker branch. Registration for this free event YDL cardholders can be done online, or call 734-482-4110.

Kid's Build a Free Ball Toss Game at Lowe's

Want to find something fun for the kid's? Next Saturday at Lowe's kid's can build their own ball toss game during the free Build and Grow seminar. The session begins at 10:00 a.m. at many area Lowe's stores, however it does require pre-registration at the Build and Grow website.

Recipe for Play-Doh

For frugal parents everywhere a friend of mine posted this recipe for homemade play-doh that would be fun to create, inexpensive and educational!

Create Your Own Ice Cream Bowl This Sunday!

After some very HOT, humid weather in the Ann Arbor area of late, I'm personally ready for a break. I've been cooped up inside with the A/C blaring coming out only after dark. I'm starting to feel like a vampire... Maybe that's an exageration, however I know of families everywhere who have been hiding from the heat, and that's where this fun (and cool) event comes in... How about having a "Sundae" @ the Ann Arbor Art Center?

On Sunday, August 1, 2010 from 1:00-4:00 p.m. Ann Arbor area families are invited to head over to the Art Center to paint their very own, one-of-a-kind, ceramic ice cream bowl. Your bowl will be fired and ready for pick up after the event, and while you wait, enjoy your very own ice cream sundae! Since the kids typically get finished much faster than the adults when doing craft projects, the folks at the Ann Arbor Art Center will also have face painting, balloon animals, and a building scavenger hunt for the day.

This would be a perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon, together with the people you love most. Tickets are only $10 and can be purchase online at the Ann Arbor Art Center or by calling, 734.994.8004 x 101.

Week of July 26, 2010: Kids' Craft Events

Hello readers...  Do you need more fun kids' craft ideas that are inexpensive and fun?  Here are a few more that are happening in AnnArbor next week!

Monday July 26, 2010:
Children can create works of art using their own hands as a stencil! Add googly eyes, pompoms and gemstones for a finishing touch. This is a free family event for ages 4+ at 10:00-11:00 a.m. and from 3:00-4:30 p.m. at Tree Town Toys, Ann Arbor.

Thursday, July 29, 2010:
"Rock-A-Doodle" is a fun way to create a critter - Think of creating a spider, bird, school bus or even a person - by simply painting and decorating a rock with cool colors and designs. This in-store craft at Tree Town Toys will use supplies from Creativity for Kids, a branch of the famous art supplier Faber-Castell, that specializes in fun, open-ended art projects for kids. Each child, aged 3+, will paint stones and use peel and stick shapes, wiggly eyes and fuzzy, fun embellishments to create a pebble friend to take home. This kids craft project costs $2 and is available from 2:00-4:00 p.m.

Upcoming Kids Craft Events

Check out the great upcoming craft projects that are happening throughout the month of July at Tree Town Toys (2611 Plymouth Rd., Ann Arbor).

Sunday, July 18, 2010:
Stop into the store between 11:30am and 5:30pm to get a free color-in tattoo. If your children are like mine, this event will be a "must do" family outing... Tree town Toys staff will help kids apply the temporary tattoos that they can color in!

Tuesday, July 20, 2010:
Pablo Picasso saw geometric shapes in the planes of the human body - He didn't worry if facial features were scattered on the canvas. Think of his artwork as the perfect kid friendly project! From 1:30-2:30 p.m. kids ages 6+ will learn how to use a variety of angles and shapes to capture energy and motion in a Picasso-inspired portrait with Faber-Castell watercolor pencils on a canvas. Cost for this kids’ project is $5. Please make sure to register in advance by calling 734-929-6545.

Thursday, 22, 2010:
Children ages 6+ may create a one-of-a-kind "designer puppy" from 10:00-11:30 a.m. - Each pup can be designed as a favorite dog breed or create a one-of-a-kind polka dotted pooch! All puppies get tired, so kids will also decorate a bed for their puppy. Cost for entire project is $6.

Saturday, July 24, 2010:
Sticky Mosaics are a fun way to create magnificent mosaic artwork. It's also an excellent summer learning activity since children follow the numbers and place the colorful sticky foam squares onto the patterns. From 3:00-4:00 p.m. kids can create one mosaic in the store and get a second, different pattern, to take home to occupy their time later. This activity is geared towards children ages 3+ and costs $3.00.

More events will posted next week, so stay tuned. To RSVP to any of their kids' events, check out the Tree Town Toys Facebook fan page, or the Tree Town Toys website or call the store at 734-929-6545.

Fun Golf Ball Projects for a Happy Father's Day!

I was looking for something fun for the kids to do for my husband this past week. The project had to incorporate cheap golf balls and had to be easy enough for the kids to do on their own. When I was a kid in Brownies, I remember making my dad a golf ball dog...

http://www.freewoodpuzzles.com/golfballdog.html

No that would require my assistance.  We made a golf ball snowman Christmas ornament sometime in my childhood too...

https://www.activityvillage.co.uk/golf-ball-snowman

But again that either required drilling holes or a lot of glue and dexterity...  Family Fun Magazine had a cute golf ball mobile...

But as timely as it was, it was only "golf ball themed" project and not made from reall balls - Although my mom once cut balls in half for a project, it would still require my assistance!

And then it hit me - I had many colorful Sharpie Markers, two boxes of gently used golf balls (the only type my husband will actually USE) and rubber gloves.  So why not allow the kids to create custom designed golf balls?  It wouldn't effect the way the balls performed, it would require very little of my assistance to create and better yet...

It took the kids more than two hours to create. I was able to get a few things done, they could create their own masterpieces and I only had to oversee and give suggestions for the designs! 

We very rarely get a real thumbs up from our custom created projects - Oh who am I kidding, it's like pulling teeth to generate excitement from my husband OR father - however my husband, father and father-in-law LOVED the idea of these custom designed golf balls! Actually I think they're afraid to use and loose their new balls now...

Kids Create Their Own Mother's Day Gifts

One Mother's Day not so long ago, my husband decided to take the kids shopping for my gift, allowing them to choose their own Mother's Day gifts to give. I thought that was ok, because after all he'd have to guide them in their purchase right? Instead though, they came home with the gaudiest, HUGE ring and earrings made of amber colored resin that must have been the only things remaining in the store. This was worse than any macarroni necklace... It is something I would never, ever wear. Thankfully my children weren't old enough to remember them, but just in case they are hidden at the bottom of a drawer!

Oddly enough it is the special "hand made" gifts for Mother's Day that I have treasured the most! The year my son was around 15 months, he created potted flowers from coffee filters he colored and pipe cleaners - To this day it is displayed in my kitchen! I'm not going to say he was brilliant in his creative endeavor, or even that he didn't have help assembling the project. It was just simple and sweet and just what I needed.

It is those types of creative home made gifts that I love the most and seek out. This week throughout Ann Arbor, there are several make-it take-it events where your child can make their own Mother's Day gift, and many of the events are FREE!

MONDAY May 3

From 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Michael's crafts (3655 Washtenaw Ave., Ann Arbor 48104) your child can create their own mother's Day corsage. Materials will be on-sight to use in creating it, parents only need to purchase the flower!

Kids can create their mom a special Mother’s Day Canvas Bag at the Whittaker Road branch of the Ypsilanti District Library at 6:30 p.m. in the story room. Registration required by calling 482-4110 ext. 1340.

TUESDAY May 4

Pamper mom by creating her a "Spa Clay Pot" at Michael's - Decorate a pot from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. with materials by DecoArt and Ceramo. Get there early though, this will only happen while supplies last!

THURSDAY May 6

Purchase a t-shirt at Michael's crafts and decorate it special for mom with materials by iLovetoCreate! This event is sponsored from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

FRIDAY May 7

Dad's and kids should sneak over to Tree Town Toys anytime from 10:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. to create a birdhouse masterpiece for Mom. Bring the kids in to decorate a birdhouse - Tree Town Toys will even make it easy on Dad by supplying an already assembled birdhouse, plus, all the paint and glitter your kids will need to make Mom's birdhouse special. This activity is best for ages 3+ and will cost $6/child. For more information call (877) YAY-TOYS.

Don't forget Mom's card! Create your own free card for Mom at Michael's crafts from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

SATURDAY May 8

Dad's have a second chance to help their children decorate a bird house at Tree Town Toys from 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Then after you can stop by Michael's crafts to decorate Mom her special cookie at the Wilton Cookie Event from noon - 1:00 p.m. - Just be sure to get there early, as this free event will only happen while supplies last!

This Weekend: Create an Egg Masterpiece at Tree Town Toys

Here's the Saturday morning scenario - And it's not a "yolk-ing matter" (Sorry for the April Fools Pun):

Your eggs are decorated, the Easter baskets are filled and you are ready for Easter Sunday brunch. The kids are getting antsy though, and want to DO something however you don't want your children's craft projects to make a mess in YOUR house. So what's a mom to do??? Why they load their children into the car and decorate Easter Eggs with Tree Town Toys!

On Saturday April 3, from 10:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. kids ages 4 and up can join Amber at Tree Town Toys (2611 Plymouth Rd., Ann Arbor) for a fun Easter "masterpiece" for just $3. To sign up for the project call 734.929.6545 or visit the Tree Town Toys website.

Free Kids Craft Projects Tomorrow at Michael's Crafts

Be sure to take your family to a local Michael's craft store tomorrow, March 27 from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. for a FREE family "Make It, take It" event. While supplies last, kids can create a fun spring craft project with new Crayola® Model Magic® Presto Dots™!

I'll admit, I've seen the Crayola® Model Magic® Presto Dots™ in the store while wandering aimlessly and have been intrigued - they sure look interesting, and fun, plus the opportunity to create a "messy project" in someone else's space tops my reasons for wanting to attend! Supplies may become quickly limited, so be sure to arrive early.

The nearest area Michael’s location is at 3655 Washtenaw Avenue in Ann Arbor with a second store nearby in Canton, a short 15-minute drive from the Ann Arbor area.

Free Alert: Science Fair Make-It Take-It

When I was a kid I LOVED participating at any event when I would get a ribbon - The art fair, the science fair, you name it. I suppose I am the classic over-achiever in many ways. That still did not diminish my love of participating! In many ways I am passing these ideals onto my children too. I was actually disappointed to find out that my son's school doesn't really include the Kindergarten students in their science fair. I had visions of helping him create a simplified volcano (like the one created by Peter on the Brady Bunch) or prehistoric diorama - Something age appropriate and fun for him! But alas, he'll have to wait a few more years.

His not being able to participate in the science fair this year won't stop me from introducing him to fun projects, cool science experiments and the beauty of the natural phenomenons around us though. I suppose that's why we'll likely be at the local Michaels next Saturday.

On Saturday, February 27 from 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. families can stop into the FREE family event at Michaels, the "Science Fair Make-It Take-it" where kids will use the periodic table to create 3D molecule models using Crayola Model Magic. How cool is that!? be sure to come early however, since the event will go on only as long as supplies last!

Children Make Wool Felted Critters at The Library

I heard on the radio the other day that the holidays are about a celebration of excess... Whoa, wait a minute here, they're a celebration of EXCESS?! I don't think so, and I certainly hope I'm not teaching my children that. In fact as an attempt to scale things back again I have asked family to cut back what they are sending to the kids in the way of toys and have suggested that bonds or college savings be employed again this year. Everyone is simply getting too carried away with the only grandchildren in either family! It is with that though, that I have begun to re-evaluate my own spending habits and what I am teaching the children. So this year I've begun thinking of more meaningful gifts for my children to give, or receive...

I found this free event and thought it might be a way for my son to "make" a gift for his younger sister. Of course the kids could keep the project themselves, but I was trying to think ahead to the holidays. This Sunday at the AADL Pittsfield Branch (2359 Oak Valley Dr. between Scio Church and Ann Arbor-Saline Roads) from 1-3:00 p.m., youth from Kindergarten through 5th grade are invited to make a small, hand-held, wool bunny or bear from wool rovings - The process of making "felt" is actually fun, educational and very appropriate for this age too!


For more information, please call 734-327-4200.

Canton Craftopia...

I was excited to hear about the new Hobby Lobby opening in Canton. I know, simple things for simple people, but I had heard good things about the store and had never been to one!
As a creative person, and mom of two young children, there are plenty of places I can shop for supplies like JoAnne Fabrics, Michael's, and on some occassions Crafts 2000 in Monroe. Living near Ann Arbor, there are MANY other various art/crfaft supply stores too! But It's always exciting though to be able to peruse new ideas and projects - So I headed to Hobby Lobby in Canton to take a peek...
Mostly the store had creative home decor ideas and products - Furniture, nic nacs, outdoor living pieces, etc. Items that would be perfect in any new home, gardening project or in a redecoration - But the store also had craft ideas and projects highlighted throughout. Some craft products I found there I haven't seen in any of the other local craft stores either!
The new Plymouth/Canton Hobby Lobby is located on the corner of Ford and Lilley Roads in Canton:
Hobby Lobby
42643 Ford Rd
Canton, MI 48187
(734) 983-9142