Keiki Gifts, Crafts & Activities

I borrowed these Japanese bead books and created a few beaded charm project.

The directions for the flower charms are taken from the book and they were very easy to make.  I used recycled glass beads from a broken necklace and pearly charms for the center.  The hanging ball charms are also made with glass beads and the design “inspiration” is from the bead book. 

Designs for beaded bracelets, necklaces, charms, rings, hair accessories and more are found in these books.  The instructions are in Japanese but the diagrams are easy to follow. 

Technorati Tags: beads, Craft Books, japanese

Here is an easy recipe that turns crescent rolls into sweet yummy pastry ”puffs”.  My kids and I prepared these tasty rolls together on several occassions.  The final result is quite sticky but it is very very good.

Ingredients:

1/4 cup granulated sugar

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

2 can (8 oz) refrigerated crescent rolls (i.e. Pillsbury)

16 large marshmallows

1/4 cup butter or margarine, melted

Glaze & Nuts for topping (optional)

Directions:

Heat oven to 375 F.  Spray 16 medium muffin cups with non stick cooking spray**

In small bowl, mix sugar, flour and cinnamon

Separate dough into triangles.  For each roll, dip 1 marshmallow into melted butter; roll in sugar mixture.  Place marshmallow on shortest side of triangle and roll up to the opposite point.  Completely cover marshmallow with dough; firmly pinch edges to seal.

Dip 1 end in remaining butter; place butter side down in muffin cup.

Bake 12 to 15 minutes or until golden brown.  Place foil or cookie sheet on rack below muffin cups to guard against spills.  Cool in pan 1 minute.  Remove rolls from cups; place on cooling racks.

Optional:  Drizzle glaze over warm rolls and sprinkle with nuts.

Serve warm.

**While baking, the melting marshmallows may ooze out of the dough so remember to line your baking rack with foil.  I like to use paper cupcake liners to make clean up of my muffin pan a lot easier. 

Enjoy!

Technorati Tags: easy dessert recipe, pastry recipe, tutorials

I love the acrylic letter beads that I purchased from the Best Craft Supply on Etsy!

I purchased the beads on January 19 and received it today on January 23.  Now that is fast service!  I have already made a few bracelets/anklets to give away as fun little gifts. 

The bracelet will come along with a card explaining it’s “wishing powers”.  When the cord breaks, the wearer can make a wish.  If the bracelet is lost and  then returned, the person who returns it is able to make a wish.  Maybe the real reward from this bracelet will be friendship and honesty.
 

Technorati Tags: alphabet beads, friendship bracelets, wishes

I could not have asked for a more wonderful idea…Lego + Muji!  It sounds like this gadget-building-paper combination will definately satisfy my creative side as well as the child in me.  I am certain that it will be a hit with my kids too.  Using a paper punch type tool, holes are made into paper and mounted on to the lego pieces turning it into a dimensional creation.  You will be able to make toys, cards, ornaments and more!

I don’t think you are able to buy this paper Lego products in the U.S. just yet but you can find it here online. 

Technorati Tags: craft, Japan, kawaii, Lego, Muji, toy

I borrowed this book from the school library - I don’t know what the title is but it’s an instructional book on how to make cute Japanese charms. The school librarian took a trip to Japan and purchased some fun Japanese books for the children. She was gracious enough to lend me this craft book and I am so enamoured with it that I don’t want to return it!

This 56 page book has colorful images and instructions on how to make many different kinds of charms using ribbons, beads or both. The instructions are all in Japanese, of course, but I followed the photo directions and was able to make a few charms.

The projects are pretty simple and some require a little crochet knowledge. Many projects are similar to lei making so if you’re familiar with ribbon lei crafts, just miniature your lei and make it into a charm.

I haven’t been able to find this particular book online but you can find more Japanese craft books at http://www.boutique-sha.com.jp. I’ve been able to find a few beaded and origami crafts books such as these at Marukai’s 99 cents shop. I’ll post photos of my completed project later.

Technorati Tags: Craft Books, Japanese charms

Here is my “Crystal” choker necklace.  I like the clean look of the clear bead and the luster of the pearly beads.

To make this I used 3 strands of twine, rondelles crystals and acrylic pearl beads.

• I started with a pearl bead that went through the 3 strands of twine.
• Follow  up with a crystal on each one of the individual strands.
• Thread a crystal through all three strands.
• Add 3 more crystals - one on each strand again.
• Start the stringing pattern again until you reach the length you want.

Experiment with the beads you have and see what you can make.  It took me about 4 tries to come up with this choker necklace.

Here is craft tutorial with pictures to make a beaded necklace.  It is not the necklace I made but it demonstrates how to crimp and finish off your necklace.

Technorati Tags: beads, craft tutorial, necklace

A fun and timeless drink recipe that the kids will enjoy making and love drinking!

Homemade Lemonade

• 6 Lemons
• 1 Cup Sugar
• 6 Cups Cold Water

Squeeze the lemons to make 1 cup of juice. Hint: Firmly roll the lemons between your hand and counter top before cutting in half and juicing.

In a gallon pitcher combine 1 cup lemon juice, 1 cup sugar and 6 cups of cold water. Stir. Adjust water to taste. Chill and serve with ice.

Technorati Tags: homemade lemonade recipe, Keiki Activities, Tutorial

How To Brush Your Teeth

1. Rub 10 times on left hand teeth.

2. Rub 10 times on right hand teeth.

3. Rub 10 times front teeth.

4. Clamp your teeth then rub 10 times.

5. Do every one once more.

6. Do behind your teeth 10 times.

7. Brush your tongue.

8. Then brush 3 to 2 times.

9. Floss

Thada

Technorati Tags: Brush Teeth

Here are superhero note cards that I made from my child’s drawings. No need to spend a lot of time on making these. The images come from your child’s imagination and you can embellish it just a bit. These multi-purpose cards come in handy. It’s also a fun way to share your child’s work.

These are the materials I used: Superhero Drawing by KAT * Card Stock * Decorative Paper * Colored Pencils * Glue Stick * Glitter Glue * Fun and Imagination

Technorati Tags: handmade note cards, kids craft, paper crafts

Are you still looking for your child’s Halloween costume? I am! The kids have a costume parade at their school every year and it’s great to see the creative costume ideas. I especially like the handmade costumes. I like looking at blogs and web sites for pattern ideas. You Can Make This has costume patterns and accessory patterns to download. I have a witch to dress this year and a lion and while it would be easier to go to the store and pick up a costume, maybe this year I’ll put my sewing machine to work and come up with something a little more unique.

Technorati Tags: halloween costumes