Homemade Marbles

Last Friday, our homeschool group made these fun homemade marbles using Sculpey clay. You can use Fimo or any other brand, just be sure to use the heavier clay, not the lightweight foam type. The clay is soft enough to be worked by little hands and it takes only a couple of minutes to make each marble. We tried different designs and mixed colors as you can see. Once finished, just smooth them as best you can with your fingers and bake them in the oven for fifteen minutes until hard. Our marbles are a modern version of old Civil War era marbles kids used to make from clay.

Sparkly Dragonflies from Nature

These sparkling dragonflies from Twig and Toadstool are the perfect nature activity. You don't need much to make these beautiful toys. I love the idea of making a mobile with them. I also love the idea one reader had about using mussel shells from the beach instead of maple seeds. Here in Hawaii, we have the shells, but not the seed pods.

Treasure Stones

These treasure stones found over at Sew Can Do are just TOO COOL! What a great gift activity. They would make excellent party favors for a dinosaur-themed party and the kids can help make them.

Easy Felt Shapes

Here are some really nice play shapes you can easily make at home from felt. These shape sets can be used for all kinds of games and math activities for younger and older kids alike. Head over to Origami Mommy for a tutorial on how to make them.

Clay Heart Necklaces

These beautiful and inexpensive heart necklaces are made from clay and would make great gifts for grandmothers or moms for any special occasion. We'll save this idea for Christmas this year. Check out Muffin Tin Mom for tips on how to make them.

Painted Doily Garland

This is such a pretty craft and great for kids of all ages! Check out Whatever to find out how you can make them with your kids.

How to Make Your Own Hourglass

I love this activity from Paris Bourke. All you need are a couple of bottles or jars, some twine, glue, sand or salt and you're set. What a great way to teach kids about passing time. You could also use it if you do time outs and need a timer or if you time things like hand washing. They are also pretty enough to set out as decorations, maybe in a nautical themed bathroom.

Homemade Ice Cream in a Baggie

We don't have money or space for an ice cream maker. That's why I think this ice cream in a baggie idea is fabulous. Head over to 2 Little Hooligans to learn how to make it.

Easy Paper Pinata

If you're looking for an easy pinata craft for parties, try this simple one with the kids by Scattered Thoughts of a Crafty Mom. All you need are treats, a paper bag, some ribbon, staples, hole punch, glue and some crepe paper.

Stone Dolls

I just adore these stone matryoshka dolls by maya*made! How pretty! I'd love to have a few around the house, just for decoration. I think my daughter would also enjoy playing with them, maybe even tucking them into little beds. So simple: all you need is a rock and a white paint pen.