Family DIY Summer Fun!
Weekly projects to make and share
Read, Make, & Share!
Each Monday we will post a new project idea to this newsletter for everyone to make at home. Then take pictures of your creations to share in the weekly Padlet.
All challenges are open, you can join previous weeks' challenges at any time. We'd love to see what you create!
We strive to choose projects using things you have around your home already or inexpensive items that could be added to a regular grocery shopping list.
August 17th through August 23rd
DIY Calendars
Maybe, it it transforming a wall into a chalkboard, using an old window, or even re-purposing an old picture frame into a calendar. We can't wait to see what creative tools you use to organize your days!
Be sure to share your creations on this week's Padlet, HERE.
Check out these inspirational DIY Calendar ideas:
August 10th through August 16th
DIY Wind Chimes
Create your chime, and post your creation on this week's Padlet. Click Here to share!
August 3rd through August 9th
DIY School Space Organization
Here is a blog to get started with some inspirations: https://cutediyprojects.com/organizing-ideas/25-practical-office-organization-ideas-and-tips-for-the-busy-modern-day-professional/
Post your families creations on this week's Padlet by clicking here
July 27th through August 2nd
Sun Catchers
This week’s activity is making sun catchers. Suncatchers, said to originate with Southwestern Native Americans, can be hung in a window to “catch the sun” and spread a colorful display of light across the room. Here are two ways to make them :
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Method 1: Make your suncatcher from a recycled container
What you will need:
Clean, dry, clear plastic food containers
Sharpie markers
Sharp scissors
How to make these:
1. Cut the plastic food container into flat pieces (adult supervision needed).
2. Create a design with a black Sharpie marker on one side of the plastic, then flip the plastic and color in the design with colorful Sharpie markers..
3. Tape the suncatchers onto the window and enjoy the colorful sun you catch!
Method 2: Make your suncatcher with clear glass beads or “gems.”
What you will need:
Empty lid from yogurt, butter, cream cheese, or frosting tub
Clear school glue
Translucent beads or flat-backed glass gems
Thread and needle to hang the suncatcher
How to make these:
1. Pour clear school glue into the lid to coat the bottom generously.
2. Place the beads or gems (flat side down) into the lid, covering the lid completely.
3. Add enough clear glue to cover the beads or gems and fill in any gaps.
4. Let dry for 2-4 days, then carefully remove the suncatcher from the lid, flip to the opposite side and let it continue drying.
5. Once the suncatcher is dry, use the needle and thread to make a loop to hang it.
6. Don’t let it get wet! School glue dissolves in water!
Post your DIY creations on this week's Padlet by clicking HERE
July 20th through July 26th
String Art Challenge
First gather your supplies. You will need a piece of wood, string, nails, a hammer, and a pencil.
Draw a design on the wood and hammer the nails around it.
Tie the string around one nail, wrap it around all the nails, and tie it off.
Now you will have an awesome piece of art to hang on your wall or to give as a gift.
Click Here to share your challenge creation!
Week of July 13 - July 19th
Sun Prints
This week’s activity is making sun prints, also known as cyanotype prints. Sun prints can be made on special light-sensitive paper often known as sunprint paper, on dark construction paper, or on fabric that has been treated with a sun-sensitive solution or paint. The basic idea is the same: place objects onto the surface to be printed while in a place with low light, then place the arrangement in the sun for a specified period of time, and then then remove the objects and complete your masterpiece. Here are instructions for each type of project:
Construction paper method: You will need dark-colored construction paper (dark blue or black work best) and interesting objects to print. Place the paper outside in the sunshine and arrange the objects on top of the paper. You may wish to place a clear plastic or glass flat object (a glass baking dish can work) or plastic wrap secured at the edges by tape or some kind of weight over the paper to keep the design and paper in place. Leave everything outside in the sun for 2 - 4 hours, then remove the clear cover and the objects and enjoy your creation! Here are some examples:
Sunprint paper method: You will need Sunprint paper, an acrylic sheet or something flat that is glass, cardboard or another base surface, a tub or water, and interesting objects to print. This process only takes a few minutes, and requires that the paper be rinsed in water. Here are complete instructions: https://www.sunprints.org/how-it-works/.
Making sunprints on fabric: You can paint dark acrylic paint mixed with water onto white cotton fabric, such as old sheets, a pillow case, kitchen towels, or t-shirts, and then print objects onto the material. Here are complete instructions: https://tinkerlab.com/how-to-make-sun-prints-fabric/.
Making your own sunprint paper and fabric: (Advanced – requires adult supervision required) If you love the beauty of cyanotype prints, you can make your own solution to convert watercolor paper to sunprint paper. You can use this solution to make cyanotype photos and even print on fabric. You can use a ready-made solution such as Lumi Inkodye kit or follow this link with detailed instructions to make your own solution: https://rosieresearch.com/diy-cyanotype-sunprint-paper/.
Post your challenge creations on this week's Padlet HERE
Week of July 6 - July 12
Super Bounce Ball
This week’s activity is to make a super bouncy ball. In addition to being fun to play with after you make it, this super ball can teach a little about polymers and the physics of bouncing. The instructions are from the NatGeo Kid’s book entitled Try This!
Here is what you need:
- · borax (check laundry section of grocery store)
- · cornstarch (in baking section of store)
- · white glue (to make an opaque ball) or blue or clear school glue (to make a translucent ball)
- · warm water
- · food coloring (optional)
- · spoon
- · small containers for mixing
- · measuring spoons
- · permanent markers to decorate the ball (optional)
- · resealable plastic bag to store the ball
Here is a link to step-by-step instructions: https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/explore/books/try-this-hub/super-ball/. You can decorate your ball with permanent markers. Be sure to use adult supervision when making super bouncy balls and store them in a resealable plastic bag so they don’t dry out!
Post about your challenge creation on this week's Padlet by clicking HERE
Week of June 29 - July 5 DIY Challenge
Pressed Flower Challenge
There are so many different ways to press flowers, from using a book, a microwave, or an iron. A quick internet search will give you many tips and tricks for pressing flowers. Now is the time to get creative! Make bookmarks, framed-art, cell phone covers, greeting cards and more! Check out Cool Crafts for inspiration to get started.
Share you creations on this week's Padlet!
Week of June 22 - 28 DIY Challenge
Kindness Rocks Challenge
Check out The Kindness Rocks Project for inspiration and step-by-step instructions.
We look forward to seeing your kindness creations in this week's Padlet by clicking here
Start With Smooth Rocks
Add Your Kindness Creativity
Snap Pics and Share!
WEEK OF JUNE 15TH THROUGH JUNE 21ST DIY CHALLENGE
CRAYON MELT ART CHALLENGE
You'll need:
- Crayons (Crayola brand wax gave the best results, other brands were oily.)
- Hair dryer
- Glue or glue gun
- Cardboard, canvas, foam core or posterboard
Watch the video for directions or do an internet search for "melted crayon art." There are so many fun ideas. Create art for your school space or for anywhere that needs a pop of color!
We'd love to see what you create -- post your challenge picture on this week's Padlet: https://padlet.com/showerton2/qi4w2y6kr8pdn4r6
Needed Materials
Glue crayons on surface with glue or glue gun.
Keep gluing! Get your hair dryer ready. See video for directions.
UP-CYCLE DIY CHALLENGE
This week's challenge is to up-cycle items around the house into useful projects. Find items that you would typically just throw out, and give them new life. Re-purpose an old bag from chips . . . re-use the box from your soda . . .
Find new use for those items, and share your projects and creations.
A quick internet search will give you more ideas and inspiration.
Post your challenge creations on this week's Padlet: https://padlet.com/showerton2/aohtoge1wenh757c
Try Interactive Sidewalk Chalk!
A quick internet search will provide plenty of ideas and inspiration!
Remember to share your pictures on Padlet!
Week of June 8th through June 14th Padlet: https://padlet.com/showerton2/aohtoge1wenh757c
Week of June 15th through June 23rd Padlet: https://padlet.com/showerton2/qi4w2y6kr8pdn4r6
Week of June 22nd through June 29th Padlet: