Joyful Parenting
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.
These mini mailbox valentines have a delicious chocolate center and are easy and fun to make! Nine-year-old Emma spent this week making this adorable mini mailbox valentines. I am always looking for cute DIY valentines kids can make, and when I saw these mini chocolate mailbox valentines over at NoBIGGIE I knew we had a winner. Mini Mailbox Valentines Kids Can … [Read more...] about Mini Mailbox Valentines Kids Can Make
These DIY earrings are easy to make, and you'd never guess that they're made out of hot glue! You'll love this simple hot glue earrings tutorial. I first made hot glue earrings while I was at Creativation earlier this year. Surebonder generously sent me a high detail high heat glue gun and a bunch of their hot glue (colored and clear) to play with after the event. I've … [Read more...] about Easy DIY Hot Glue Earrings Tutorial
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 … [Read more...] about Polymer Clay Ideas for Beginners: DIY Earrings and Charms
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
Sisters make amazing friends for life. Add a little structure - like these fun sister bonding activities - and jump start these friendships. This summer, Tuttle Publishing sent us a cool Nail Art Kit to review. I've never embraced the fancy nail craze, but my daughters loved the idea. I love that trying out fancy nail art is an activity they can all enjoy. At 5, 8, and … [Read more...] about Fancy Nail Painting and Other Fun Sister Bonding Activities
