Fun Summer Patriotic paper craft decoration

Fun and simple craft to use for your 4th of July party or any fun patriotic celebration. Nice enough to show off to your guests - easy enough to make just for the family dinner!

Kids love to make them. Simple directions below:

Supplies:

• 2 pieces of 12 x 12 patterned paper 
• coordinating paper 
• hot glue gun 
• small hole punch or tape for hanging 
• scissors or paper cutter  

Instructions: 

• cut patterned paper in 1/2 = 4 strips of 6x12 
• tiny pencil marks every 1/2 inch (or score them) 
• fold accordion style (fan) back and forth 
• lay them face down and glue end pieces together forming long strip of accordion fan
• glue end to end in circle holding tight in middle 
• glue in middle to hold in circular pattern - hold til set 
• add top circle or small version to layer 
• glue to stick (kabob or lolly pop stick) or hang from ceiling 

Another 4th of July craft: Homemade napkin holders here

In case you are looking- we use these for crafts, decor, lapbooks & other homeschool projects. If you haven't invested in scrapbook paper for crafting and homeschool, let me tell you - it is one of my favorite things! I used to actually have time to scrapbook - but now I am happy to do these fun projects with the boys. . . and . . . it's educational!

linking with: creativebloghop mixitupmon tweakittues MonKidCorner inspiredSunday


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 Good deals on Scrapbook paper: 

$13.99 Echo Park - Hello Summer                                 $8.05 Echo Park - 4th of July 

                                  

$16.99 K& Americana Specialty                                          $18.86 BoBunny - Anthem 

   

                                    

Frugal Family: Homemade 4th of July craft - painted clay napkin rings, lessons, bible verse

In an effort to save money this year,  I'm joining my friend Marcy +Ben and Me  as well as Sam +Sam's Noggin  to bring you this weekly  link up full of tips for becoming a more Frugal Family. We will be sharing ideas to help you save money on groceries and meals, homeschool, crafts, and plenty of frugal DIY posts. We've made many sacrifices so that I can stay at home to teach the boys, and I've become pretty frugal in order to help make that possible and to keep it that way. It's become a challenge I truly enjoy, and one I enjoy sharing with you!

*affiliate links may be present in this post - see disclosure page

N is for . . . National Holiday:

The birth of our Nation 

One Nation Under God 

Patriotic clay napkin rings for 4th of July!  

This is a super easy craft project that can be customized to suite any decor, for any occasion. These were made for the 4th of July with the traditional red, white, and blue theme.

Using any craft clay that will harden when baked (Polyform Sculpey Original Polymer Clay 1-3/4 Lbs: White) just kneed the clay until it's workable and pliable in your hands. Then, roll out  each of  the rings by hand, measuring them against napkin rings you have, if possible. Otherwise, roll your napkin as you will be serving it and fit the clay band around it to measure for the appropriate length. 

Use that one as a guide to finish the rest. 

The important thing is that the napkins you plan to use will fit properly. You also will want to  try to make each ring as uniform as possible. 

We aren't shooting for perfection here folks- that might take all the fun out of it, especially when working with kids. They will be cute in their imperfection.  The kids will be proud to show off their handiwork and you will have a treasured keepsake to use for years to come. 

Use a pastry roller to roll out clay in about 1/4 inch thickness and use cookie cutters to cut out themed shape, such as stars for the 4th of July. 


Bake rings and shapes according to the clay directions before attaching them together. Wait until they are completely cooled 

Paint rings and pieces- then use hot glue gun to attach. 

tip 1: Have the kids paint one color at a time and let them dry in between to keep colors from running together. Consider letting them use a Q-tip to paint stripes or polka-dots.

tip 2: Once paint has dried completely, put a napkin in place so you can get a feel for where to place the star shapes before gluing.


No matter what the holiday . . . . . .
It's a frugal fun way to prepare for a special celebration with the family! 

Book to read for the 4th of July: 
The Adventures of Munford: The American Revolution

Free printable: Pray for our Nation
Bible Verse printable 2 Chronicles 7:14- print and cursive 

Link up your own tips for saving money on our Frugal Family link up for January

Please grab the button to use or link via text - Visit others to encourage each other and

share great information! The group Pinterest board is here - I'm pinning away!

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linking with some or all of these blogs:  Works for me Wed Blogging through the Alphabet   Welcome Home  From My Mountain View     Titus 2's Days  Raising Mighty Arrows - 1000Gifts   Thankful Thurs Kids in the Word  Thursday Quick Tip   What Works Wed   Works-4-Me  The Imagination Tree , Creative Family Fun Sun Scholars   Favorite Resources this Week, Homeschool Freebie Fridays, Weird Unsocialized Homeschoolers  ABC blogging, Mommy Teaches   homeschool fridays  friday faves Read.Explore.Learn

Summertime Fun - Bucket List - Day 2 - Homemade Play dough

Blog friends participating: 

       Kelli @ Adventurez In ChildRearing

Honey @ Sunflower Schoolhouse

Joy @  My Home In The Smokies

Tonya @ The Traveling Praters

Jeniffer & Melissa @ Sisters ‘N Cloth

Tara @ Feels Like Home Blog

Lisa @ Creativlei

Nancy @ Proverbs 31 Jewels

Jennifer @ Teaching Boys

Day 2 - Kids in the Kitchen - Craft Time - Homemade Play Dough  

Measure out the ingredients - found here 

Mix it and stir it and knead it all up! 

Add color and play play play! Store in air tight container and play some more!

Ideas of things to make with play dough: 

1. Animals - easy shapes like circles, ovals and squares make lots of animals 

2. Play Food- use different colors to make pizza's, fruits, and veggies and play restaurant 

3. Vehicles - cars, trucks, and boats make for hours of fun 

4. Architecture - basic shapes can become Eiffel towers, Empire State Buildings, or your house

5. Letters - what kind of homeschool teacher would I be if I left this out? 

5 days of (everyday) Exploring God's Creation - Day #5 - Exploring Step by Step

I've had such fun sharing these ideas with you this week! I hope you've been able to gather some inspiration and ideas for getting out with the kiddos to explore God's wonderful creation. 

Just in case you missed it: 

 Day #1 - I offered a free creation Bible verse printable for those who sign up for the monthly newsletter - (there isn't much danger of being overrun by emails from me - as I have yet to finish the first months newsletter) It's scheduled to go out by the end of June and will contain more ideas and freebies for your family adventures. You can still get that printable - just sign up on my side bar or click the link here

Day #2 - Was all about "why bother?" to get outdoors with your children - hint - (It's all about HIM) Intelligent Designer - intelligent kids who study His creation - healthy in mind, body, and soul 

Day #3 - Keeping it simple - the value of a family walk - more reasons why it matters and how to make it a bit more special (finding ways to bring glory to God by investigating His creation) 

Day #4- Loaded with links to information to help you teach on nature - tips for simple, local, daily exploration and crafts to reinforce the learning with your children. 

Which brings us to Day #5 - Exploring step by step - I want to finish the series by going over with you a step by step example of our process in studying nature and sharing some of our favorite resources. 

 I generally take what I like to think of as a "directed - interest led" approach in our homeschool. Some may see that as a misnomer - but it works for us. By finding the right materials along the way - I am directing our studies - but I pursue topics of interest to my boys to ensure their whole hearted participation. Tricky! I know - and it seems to be working. 

Step #1 - Round up curriculum materials that work well for explorers!

 Our favorites are Apologia's "Swimming Creatures" - "Flying Creatures" -

 "Exploring Creation with Botany", 

Trail Guide to Learning-Paths of Exploration - Paths of Settlement -

 or for older students Paths of Progress  by GeoMatters

 Unit Studies by Amanda Bennett,

 Free Notebooking pages from Notebooking Fairy

 (I highly recommend you get the Notebooking Success ebook for your studies)  

 Free or membership pages from  Notebooking Pages 

(check out the All about Birds pages and the Nature Study pages) 

 Make a plan - I study over the curriculum and browse the various Notebooking pages we have available and lay out a rough outline of what I want the boys to study based highly on their interests. 

Add Scripture - Our creation bible verses are a big part of our studies. 

Step #2 - Schedule field trips or nature walks -to coincide with your studies- putting it on the calendar means you are more likely to follow through - even if it's a simple walk in the woods or trip to the park.

See tips for finding local resources from Day #4 here.  We purchase an ASTC Science membership yearly - this year I got it for half price - because I asked for a homeschool discount!

 Don't be afraid to ask if there are any discounts available -

 Let them know you are a homeschool family. The worst thing they can say is No and you might save your family a bundle - in our case it was a savings of almost $50.

The ASTC Passport Program  gives us access to hundreds of Science Centers around the country. 

Step #3 - Plan crafts, art and experiments to go along with your studies - See Day #4 for ideas - with the internet and Pinterest readily available - it's easy to organize your ideas. You are welcome to follow my boards here - Link to Homeschool Art Projects here and Nature School board here -

 Gain more insight and ideas for making the outdoors a regular part of your homeschool through my 

31 day series here - which includes free camping list printables and much more! 

Free Downloads for you- 

     Get the Creation Bible Verses printable by joining our monthly newsletter

     Like our Facebook page and get a Wildflower Unit Study  

     And for visiting today and checking out the 5 day series  download this Clouds Unit Study 

It's been an honor to contribute to the 5 days of Mothering and Homemaking Series! I do hope you'll check out the posts from these lovely ladies - they've been a blessing to me! 

*hint you can also find them on my 5 days of Mothering and Homemaking Pinterest board 

And linking with Time Warp Wife 

Hearts for Home Thurs

Raising Arrows - Welcome Home

The Better Mom 

How to Gain a Fresh Perspective

           

To rest,

To sleep,

To dream.

My go to spot 

where my spirit

becomes renewed.    

This is the challenge for the 52 Photos Project this week -

My interpretation is about my process . . . . . . .

It's an amazing thing when you see the mighty hand of God move 

This past week has been an especially, um, stressful one for me. When things are 

looking dark and dreary - there is only one way for me to change my perspective. . . . .

My ray of light comes from laying it all at the feet of the One who gave His ALL for me. 

When there are situations I cannot change, life's difficulties that won't seem to budge, 

challenges which appear to be insurmountable . . . . . 

When the only thing I can change is my perspective -

The way I manage that is by looking up and laying it all down! 

I begin with prayer, thanking God that my children are healthy, and that my husband is kind.

I pray and breathe in and out, releasing some of the stress with each breath, each prayer. 

When at all possible, I get out for a walk to appreciate the natural beauty of God's creation. 

I slow down to examine some of the smaller details in the beauty around me. 

I open God's Word and soak it up! 

I intentionally look for things that make me happy. I get support by asking a friend or two to pray 

along with me. There is power in prayer. 

Philippians 4:6-7 

do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication

 with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 

And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts

 and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Instead of allowing stress to rush me, I slow to a relaxed pace and seek peace.

 I stop to thank God for the beauty in the clouds, a rainbow in the sky. 

I look and notice baby birds in a nest - and I know . . . . . .

Matthew 6:26 

Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns,

 and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?

So, again, I stop and give thanks. 

It helps to do something for someone else.

 If I can't solve my own problem, I can make soup and muffins for a sick friend or neighbor. 

Sharing God's love is good for the soul!!!

I can do something I enjoy - like crafting . . . . . .

(praying and crafting go well together) 

I take the time to pray for others - to remember that there are brothers and sisters who 

need God's love - need His mighty hand on their life too. 

I remember to keep my worries where they belong - at the feet of the King. 

I revel in His majesty - at the Works of His hand . . . . . . 

and I give thanks! 

Then, I hardly need be surprised at all, when by the end of the week . . . . . . 

my emergencies are solved - miraculously, one by one, each trouble 

- taken care of because He loves me! 

This past week I experienced real miracles as He directly answered prayers and solved 

problems beyond my control. He moved His mighty hand on our behalf

and I am so very grateful.

My so called problems are nothing difficult for the Creator of the Universe- 

the Maker of Heaven and Earth

Psalm 61: 4

I will abide in your tabernacle forever: I will trust in the shelter of your wings. Selah.

I am  immensely grateful 

click on the last picture to hear a song of thanks! 

Linking up with: 

                                     

#1000 Gifts:

141. afternoon walks in the fresh air

142. breeze across the water 

143. rays of light through fruit trees

144. vibrant children 

145. friends who will pray, love, and support

146. beautiful details of my pretty shells 

147. colors in the sky 

148. opportunities to see miracles, even when they come disguised  as problems

149. shelter of His wings 

   

   

1. Walk with the Lord: I'm walking :) I've been praying for the women in my

31 Days to Pray For Your Spouse (31 Days to Build a Better Spouse) Challenge 

I'm enjoying the How to Have a Heart For Your Kids online book club (stay tuned for

my input on chapter 4, coming soon, as an honored contributor) and Journey Through Ephesians 

study has kicked into full gear as well. Each of these things are "Enhancing" (my word for 2012) 

my walk with Christ in my personal quiet time and with others. I also teach Children's Church 

often at LifeChurch in Port Charlotte and daily Bible classes with my kiddos - so, all together

I'm staying in the Word a good bit. :) I'm in awe of the things God is doing in our life. 

2. Health improvement: I've been doing some walk/hiking and drinking my water- well, 

more water than usual anyways and that's an accomplishment for me! I've been using my 

essential oils Citrus Fresh from my friend Carrie at Young Living Oil Lady and it helps a lot! 

If you are suffering from any health issues, or just want to improve your overall health - I 

encourage you to get in touch with this sweet woman and tell her about it. She has prayed 

with me, helped me, guided and directed me, and continues to encourage me and pray for 

my complete healing from RA. She's a wise woman, that one. She loves people with God's love! 

3. Blogging and Writing: Gidget from HomeschoolingUnscripted  who edits for the HSBA- Post

has been kind enough to help me with edits on my new eBook Perfectly Perfect which I've written

for the new site for young women DIVAgirls  -  She's a sweet one that Gidget, and I love the new 

site by Katie to encourage girls to respect themselves. I'm happy to contribute to such a worthy cause!

I've also been narrowing down the Link-Ups to participate in weekly - Organizing and creating a new 

binder (I heart binders) to keep up with notes and ideas for writing, and preparing a few new 

guest posts - I'm excited to guest post for Jamie Worley at See Jamie Blog.  (It's coming Jamie!)

Need a Special Valentine Gift for Kiddos?

I wanted something unique for my cutie pie little nephews who are 3 year old twins.

So, this cute little "cigar box" is what I came up with! 

The outside is painted with chalk paint by  Martha Stewart crafts  bought at Michaels Craft Store

I included extra large crayon style chalk from the dollar store!

On the inside I painted a layer of magnetic paint on each side and then painted over it in acrylic

with bright coordinating colors and used a black sharpie pen to paint on a checker board and tic tac toe game

For the game pieces - I used Skulpey clay and shaped them into rounded disks for checkers

On one side of the disk I made an X indention on the other I made an O (dot) for the tic tac toe game!

ABC wooden pieces with magnets glued to the back completed this special project!

For decoration I added a painted wooden airplane on the front and a handle to make carrying easy.

The boys love carrying their "briefcases" around 

Older children will love the games and making words out of their alphabet magnets! 

If you don't want to make your own but want to give one of these for a special Valentine 

just leave your email address and I'll be happy to make you a customized version 

with the colors you specify for girls or boys. $30 plus shipping to desired location

(no extra charge for handmade valentine card)

Out Of The Mouths Of (My) Babes

Do your children ever teach you a lesson? Do they come up with something you know in your 

heart is something you SHOULD have been all over in the first place? 

Yeah, me too! 

It happened (again) tonight, and I figured I should share it with you. 

So - You know how people get grumpy sometimes around the holidays? 

They get rushed, they can be short, and even sometimes flat out rude. There are times, 

I think especially this time of year- when you are out running errands- minding your own 

business and taking care of life's little details - you can run into

 folks who are down right ornery. It can leave a bad taste in your mouth.

It can even mess with your Christmas mo-jo! 

Know what I mean? 

Well - tonight the boys and I ran to Sam's Club 

(one of my favorite places) 

to pick up things we need. I was feeling grateful that we were able to get them. 

And then we arrived at the exit door. 

The one where the guard  employee stands to check you out and make sure 

your cart matches your receipt. 

I don't know about everywhere else but- At OUR Sam's Club - 

they usually draw a smiley face on the receipt if the kids are there. 

For some reason - known only to them - this has become a BIG DEAL to my boys.

They discuss who's turn it is to hand over the receipt - and sometimes even ask

for an extra smiley face for their brother who had been the odd man out that particular time. 

(I think it's sweet and thoughtful) 

I have one child who is more "shy" (at first) than the others who are NOT at all. 

This son of mine has had a difficult time speaking to adults unless he is very very comfortable with them.

You know the kid who hides behind his mother's leg? That's him! 

Well, tonight  (after spending too much money at Sam's)  

this shy boy went excitedly up to the attendant at the door and proudly presented the receipt- 

upon doing so - he had the nerve to ask the man for a smiley face! 

-speaking directly to him was such a BIG DEAL that I almost didn't realize what the man said. 

And I quote-

"Don't bug me about that!" 

He wasn't joking. He was not smiling. He was dead serious as he towered over my first grader! 

Several things went through my head. 

What came out of my mouth was "Merry Christmas"! 

(maybe a tad sarcastic) 

Then the man said (to my son) 

"I always do the smiley face- but not if you bug me about it kid" 

Then I said, "He's just a child- one young enough to get excited over a smiley face"

And I left. 

As we were walking out - (and I'm getting madder and madder by the second.) 

THE NERVE of that RUDE HORRIBLE MEAN MAN to speak to my baby like that!!!

I'm thinking "Sam wouldn't like that at ALL" 

"I just spent good money in there- again" 

"I bet his manager would have something to say about his behavior!" 

and maybe even

"People like that shouldn't be allowed to work with the general public"

"Child Hater" 

Just about the time I was good and riled up - I asked my son if the man had hurt his feelings by being 

grumpy

Guess what he said?! 

"No ma'am"

" I think the man was really tired, because he was kind of old and he had to stand there all day" 

I replied with an "Oh"

He added, "I think they should get him a chair, then he'd be more comfortable while he has to

 work hard checking all those receipts"  

 We bowed our heads and prayed for the man at the door. 

We prayed that he would feel strong and well. We prayed that he would feel happy

and that the love of Christ would surround him and touch his heart and his life. 

We thanked God for being able to shop at all, and I thanked Him profusely for working 

in the hearts of my children then I thanked Him for the lessons He 

teaches me on a regular basis. . . . . . . . 

"Out of the mouths of my babes"

I learn about TRUE Christmas Spirit! 

At Life Church Port Charlotte 
they are learning to put others first - and the true meaning of Christmas!

In our homeschool - We've been studying 

"Truth In The Tinsel"  an ebook from Amanda from"Impress Your Kids" 

Counting down to Christmas - Advent - is wonderful to do with your children! 

But, it's not the cute crafts that we like so much

It's not the fact that it can be enjoyed by various ages 

or even the fact that the simple to do crafts are made from things you mostly already have on hand

or that they all relate to Christmas and tell the Christmas story in depth.

We love that not only is it good for them to enjoy working on together 

but the scripture reading that goes along with each craft and the devotions 

which go along with each day are really sinking in. 

They are learning more about the Savior and growing in grace and love!!!