Hayden and I made this for Heath for Father’s Day last year, but I think it would be a great gift anytime of year!

It’s a super cute “Daddy Cam” which was originally posted on the blog AlphaMom.

Here’s what you need.

-Wood Blocks

-Nails

-Hammer

-Black Spray Paint or Black Acrylic Paint

-Sand Paper

-Paintbrush

-Small and Big Lids

I actually had a hard time finding the right size wood blocks. I went to Home Depot and when I gave them the measurements that AlphaMom emailed to me (4 inches tall, 6 inches wide and 3 inches thick) they weren’t able to give them to me. AlphaMom suggested asking to look in their scraps bin.  I used 4×4 blocks.

I bought sandpaper and black spray paint from Michael’s and used a peanut butter jar lid for the “lens” and a lid to a 20 oz. soda bottle for the “shutter button”.

I spray painted the wood block and lids outside. After drying overnight, nail the peanut butter lid to the  front of the block and the soda bottle cap to the top.

Then I just put the picture of Hayden in the “lens” and it was finished! Super cute on our bookshelf and Heath loves it!

Candy Cane Crafts

Candy canes are a staple at Christmas time. We see them as decorations on trees, in yards, as window cling decorations and any other place you can think of. Now you can find candy canes in just about any color and even flavor. My favorite is the classic red and white candy cane.

I make two simple candy cane crafts with my students every year. The kids have so much fun making the candy canes and they are great practice for cutting skills, following directions, patterning, sorting and motor skills.

Painted Candy Cane

PAINTED CANDY CANE

I like to use 12×18 white construction paper but you can also use 9×12. The 12×18 white construction paper allows more room for painting. I draw my own template for the candy cane using as much of the construction paper as possible. Using the template, trace enough candy canes for each child. Draw the lines for the kids to use as a guideline for the red and white stripes. Have paint brushes and red paint ready to use. (I put the paint on a a small paper plate)

1. Cut out the candy cane.
2. Discuss the red and white pattern.
3. Paint the candy cane using the AB pattern. (the children will paint every other stripe red)
4. Set aside to dry.
5. Hang on the wall as a decoration or on the refrigerator.

 

Beaded Candy Cane

BEADED CANDY CANE

For this craft I use tri-cornered beads because they fit together better than regular beads. You will also need white chenille stems.

1. Cut the chenille stems in half.
2. Count out 20 of each color bead for a total of 40 beads.

I put the chenille stem and beads in a zip lock bag. Before I give out the bags I give directions to first sort the bead, red and white. When the beads are sorted, I give directions for the red and white pattern. When the kids have put on all the beads fold the ends of the chenille stem over both ends to secure the beads.

This candy cane craft is a really cute craft for the Christmas tree.

Robin Greene is a Kindergarten teacher and wants to encourage you to have fun making these simple yet fun crafts with your kids. Robin is a mom of 2 teenagers and enjoys participating in church activities as well as writing for mybabyclothes.com. The winter chill is in the air. Keep your little ones bundled in the most stylish baby clothes and baby hats you can find. Don’t forget to take along a baby headband as well.