kids crafts Archives - now & gen

DIY Wrapping Paper

Heather Catania — Thu, 19 Dec 2019 22:40:31 +0000

There are always a million things to do during the holidays. No matter how prepped I think I am, it feels as though an entire year of to-dos get crammed into these two weeks. That’s why I love finding activities that can check off a few boxes at the same time. This year, the kids and I decided to channel our inner Van Gogh and make DIY wrapping paper. I got my gift wrapping done and spent quality time with the kids, and they got to make a big mess and release some creative energy. It was a win-win for everybody! The wrapping paper we made is far from Pinterest-perfect, but I love that it gives an added personal touch and detail to our gift giving. O and the boys had so much fun designing their own presents, and it’s an added bonus for the grandparents who love to receive these special works of art from the kids. Want to give it a try? Don’t worry, this super easy DIY is basically impossible to screw up. Here’s how we did it: What You’ll Need roll of recycled Kraft paper paints (we used Tempera paints and paint sticks) paintbrushes small bowls […]

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Creating a Tablecloth of Gratitude

Heather Catania — Tue, 26 Nov 2019 23:22:54 +0000

No matter how planned the day is, Thanksgiving always feels so frantic. This year, I wanted to create a personal touch that could be a conversation starter and sweet contribution to our Thanksgiving and allow our family some time to reflect on the year. Since I love home decor and tablescapes centered around fall and family, I had the idea to make a gratitude tablecloth. It’s easy to lose sight of our memories and what we are thankful for, so it was wonderful to all gather together to artistically illustrate our favorite moments from the year. I also love that the gratitude tablecloth is not too precious. I want it to live under our plates and trays and for every wine ring and gravy stain to add to the decor and the memories. It’s messy, just like we are! I have to admit, it didn’t come out exactly as I was envisioning—it’s not quite as bright and full as I thought it would be, though I realize that will take time and memories. But it did its job to get the kids thinking about all the wonderful things they have in their lives, from family and friends to toys and […]

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DIY: Feathered Halloween Masks

Heather Catania — Wed, 23 Oct 2019 16:25:03 +0000

Confession: I’m a huge stan of Martha Stewart. I used to hoard all her magazines growing up and could spend hours flipping through the pages. She has this inner toughness mixed with femininity that I admire. Not to mention all those amazing crafts! I’ve always found crafting fun and relaxing, especially when the items you make, like these Halloween masks, are pretty and usable. My friend Virginia Davidson saw these DIY feathered Halloween masks on Creative Bug and suggested them to me as an activity to do with the kids. They were a huge hit and a fun way for me to channel my inner Martha. When doing this craft with kids, you will need to be careful of burning little fingers (yours included) with hot glue. But the gorgeous end result is well worth it. Keep reading for a step-by-step guide to make your own DIY feathered Halloween masks. And let me know how you feel about crafting with your kids (crazy fun or crazy stressful?) in the comments! What You’ll Need store bought white or black masks hot glue gun scissors craft felt in a variety of colors loose feathers Step 1 Pick three or four felt colors. (For an owl, […]

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Homemade Salt Dough Ornaments

Heather Catania — Sat, 22 Dec 2018 18:52:00 +0000

Salt dough ornaments are one of those crafts that look easy and fun to make…and they actually ARE. They also keep my kids occupied for hours, which feels like a major parenting win during the chaos of Christmas. In between sports and school they plop down at the table and pick up a brush and paint the ornaments. I’ve been letting my OCD guard down and leaving the drop cloth on the kitchen table with all the supplies and just let them pick up where they left off with their creativity. My inner clean freak is losing it a little, but I know that I will be so happy we did all of these next year when I am hanging them on the tree and lamenting about another year passing by. They really do provide such nostalgia and let me know what the kids were into that particular year. (Dinosaurs were a common thread for Shep this year while Odette seems to be having a Jackson Pollock moment.) I can’t remember where I found the original recipe, but it’s morphed over the years and this is the version I’ve found to work best. Here’s what you’ll need to make the […]

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Scary-Easy Halloween Recipes

Heather Catania — Fri, 26 Oct 2018 06:00:39 +0000

I love the idea of a DIY Halloween party, of Martha Stewart-ing every last detail of my kids’ favorite holiday. But the sad truth is: I’m kinda terrible at it. I can admire a curated Pinterest board of perfectly decorated spider cupcakes and handmade costumes as much as the next mom, but “craftsy” is not a word I’d use to describe myself. Unfortunately for me, my kids are begging for all things Halloween-themed right now… I decided to try out a couple of seemingly easy DIY Halloween recipes that I thought even a craftily challenged mom like myself could pull off. Well, as you’ll see, my results wouldn’t exactly make anyone’s Pinterest board. The snacks still made my kids’ day though, which is really the most important thing. Shep and I had the best time playing in the kitchen together—and laughing my missteps. I love that these moments with my kids never fail to remind me what the holidays are really about. If you’d like to give them a go, the “recipes” don’t require a lot of tools. All you need are a couple of cookie cutters, and you’re ready to go. And I even added my own little “Not-So-Pro […]

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