Not-so-garden-variety crafts with kids
By BETH ENGELMAN Mommy on a Shoestring July 18, 2011 2:24PM
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Updated: August 12, 2011 4:26PM
Add color, pizzazz and some fairy magic to your garden with these family friendly activities.
Mosaic stepping stone
Even if you don’t live in Hollywood, you can create your very own walk of fame with these easy-to-make stepping stones.
You need:
Concrete mix (available at craft and hardware stores)
Water
Plastic mold
Disposable knife or wooden paint mixer
Bucket
Colorful pebbles or stones
Directions:
1. In an old bucket, mix concrete and water according to directions.
2. Carefully pour concrete into mold and use a plastic knife (or paint mixer) to even out the surface. Wait 30 minutes to give the concrete time to settle.
3. Add colorful stones in any pattern you desire.
4. Allow 48 hours to dry before removing from mold.
5. Use a toothbrush and water to clean concrete residue off stepping-stone before placing in garden.
Note: Be sure to clean your bucket outside with a garden hose! Never pour concrete down the drain as it will likely cause damage to your pipes!
Have a craft you’d like to share with Mommy on a Shoestring readers? Email us at Beth@Engelmanriggs.com. You might be featured in an upcoming article.
Mud pies for butterflies
This recipe comes courtesy of Sharon Lovejoy, author of Toad Cottages and Shooting Stars, which is published by Workman Press. In the book, Lovejoy explains how butterflies are attracted to mud pies, which provide much-needed water, minerals and salt. Be sure to check out Lovejoy’s other books at www.sharonlovejoy.com.
You need:
Mud
Sand
Water
A dash of salt
Shallow saucer
Flat rock
½ tsp. maple syrup
Directions:
1. Combine mud, sand and salt in a shallow saucer.
2. Add water until a puddle forms in the middle.
3. Place a flat rock in middle of puddle (perfect landing spot for butterflies)
4. Pour syrup onto rock for an extra sweet butterfly treat.
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