I have a bit of a tree crush on Black Walnut (Juglans nigra). I mean, how many other trees provide you with shade, gorgeous timber, sap from which to make black walnut syrup, delicious nuts, a unique liqueur, and husks from which to make natural dye and black walnut ink? Making your own ink out of black walnut husks is the perfect activity to do with preschool and kindergarten age kids. Making black walnut ink weaves in nature studies, tree identification, measuring and pouring, and writing into one fun "lesson!" A warning: Black walnut ink can stain, so take care not to spill your ink and place newspaper on all surfaces before beginning this project. How to Make Black … [Read more...]
Super Simple Felt Balls
Today I'm bringing back one of my favorite how-to posts: making felt balls. For those with young children, this is a perfect craft. You can do it outdoors, the mess involves only soap and water, and kids are mesmerized by the tactile sensation of rolling fuzzy wool in soapy water. I hope you enjoy it! ***************** Felt balls are awesome! They are great for throwing practice (soft – nothing gets broken!) or for open ended play. (They’re round bales of hay! No wait, they’re freshly baked rolls!) And they are the kind of craft that is great to make outdoors on a warm sunny day. So here’s how to do it: 1. Get yourself a nice wad of carded, clean wool. 2. Loosely form the wool into a … [Read more...]