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Mama Smiles

Joyful Parenting

MaryAnne at Mama Smiles Welcome to my blog! I'm MaryAnne, and I write about building a rewarding family life through mindful parenting, hands-on learning, and creative family activities. Learn more.

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Polymer Clay Ideas for Beginners: DIY Earrings and Charms

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Looking for polymer clay ideas for beginners? These DIY earrings and tiny charms are easy and fun for kids to make. Sculpey polymer clay is one of my favorite crafting materials, one I've loved since I was a kid myself. It comes in vibrant colors that you can mix, amd it's easy to manipulate into detailed shapes. It also bakes to a lovely professional finish. Sculpey Clay … [Read more...] about Polymer Clay Ideas for Beginners: DIY Earrings and Charms

DIY Polymer Clay Yoda Tutorial

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Make this cute DIY polymer clay Yoda with the kids to celebrate May the Fourth Be With You Day! Happy May the Fourth Be With You Day! Star Wars day is always fun for nerds like me, and over the years we've had all sorts of Star Wars themed family fun. Today we're celebrating with a tutorial for a simple DIY polymer clay Yoda tutorial. Yoda featured prominently in bedtime … [Read more...] about DIY Polymer Clay Yoda Tutorial

Easy to Sew Doll Jacket and Skirt – DIY Doll Clothes Pattern and Tutorial

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Looking for free patterns to make doll clothes? This easy to sew doll jacket and skirt can be worn by 18-inch dolls like the American Girl dolls as well as the smaller Bitty Baby line. They are so easy to make that a child can sew them! Dressing and undressing dolls is one of the highlights of this kind of pretend play for many children. This summer, my eight-year-old … [Read more...] about Easy to Sew Doll Jacket and Skirt – DIY Doll Clothes Pattern and Tutorial

How to Make DIY Interlocking Building Blocks

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These DIY interlocking building bricks are incredibly versatile and surprisingly easy to make. Created by Bill Atkinson; instructions shared with permission. We discovered these DIY interlocking building blocks at Maker Faire this year, and my kids would have happily spent the entire afternoon playing with them. Created by Bill Atkinson, the blocks have a great feel, and you … [Read more...] about How to Make DIY Interlocking Building Blocks

How To Make A Simple Carnival Game For Kids

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Learn to make this simple carnival game for kids! This Feed Me Monster is such an easy DIY carnival game for kids that a child can make it! Johnny's cub scout troop threw a carnival for kids last month, and each scout was asked to make and run a carnival game. Johnny was able to make this simple Feed Me! Monster carnival bean bag toss game with very little help, and it was a … [Read more...] about How To Make A Simple Carnival Game For Kids