Make It Yourself & Save
There are some things in life that I would definitely buy, if it weren't for the price tag. Occasionally I've found ways around this by finding a way to make them myself, and I'll share the successful ones here, along with full directions (and pics when applicable), of course. As always, feel free to contact me with any questions.
Custom Colored Play Dough *Not Gluten-Free*
Okay, I know, homemade play dough recipes have been around forever, so I decided to spice things up and call this one "Custom Colored Play Dough". I think my son likes making play dough just as much as he does playing with it, so the name is fitting. I honestly don't remember the origin of this recipe, but I do know that it works. The consistency is so good, people have commented to me that they like it better than store-bought play dough. Also, it keeps indefinitely in an air-tight container. If your kids, like mine, don't put it away and it does dry out, the good thing is that it is CHEAP to replace. Also, if you have a little one that tends to put everything in his/her mouth, then you can rest assured that not only is this play dough non-toxic, it contains food-grade quality ingredients (unless you choose to add glitter), so you know it's safe!
In the photo, my son chose to do earth-tones, but we've done many varieties, and sometimes we only mix the coloring in partially & then they play with it and call it "camouflage" or "tie dye" colored play dough until it's played with so much that it evens out. Click here to go to the recipe page.
In the photo, my son chose to do earth-tones, but we've done many varieties, and sometimes we only mix the coloring in partially & then they play with it and call it "camouflage" or "tie dye" colored play dough until it's played with so much that it evens out. Click here to go to the recipe page.
Gluten Free Play Dough Recipe!!
Since having to change our household to being gluten-free, we no longer use the play dough recipe above, but we have invested in 2 buckets of Crayola Model Magic. I suggest you compare prices on Amazon to the price at your local craft store such as JoAnn's or Michaels. (Keep in mind both of those craft stores typically send out coupons for 40%-60% off one regular-priced item occasionally to email subscribers.) Crayola Model Magic does come in buckets of white if coloring is a concern for your children.
Here is a play dough recipe that is not only gluten free, but fairly inexpensive and doesn't require cooking: Softest Play Dough on Kids Activities Blog Simply mix 1 part conditioner (yep, as in shampoo-and-conditioner) and 2 parts corn starch. I am looking forward to trying this one out!
Here is a play dough recipe that is not only gluten free, but fairly inexpensive and doesn't require cooking: Softest Play Dough on Kids Activities Blog Simply mix 1 part conditioner (yep, as in shampoo-and-conditioner) and 2 parts corn starch. I am looking forward to trying this one out!
Mei Tai/Wrap Style Baby Carrier
Click here to go to a page that explains why and how I made my own baby carrier that I am VERY satisfied with. It was cheap & easy and it is comfortable & secure. This pic isn't the best, but there are pictures of completed carriers that others have made on the page with the instructions.
Easy, Cheaper Homemade Thieve's Oil
I'm not going to try explain in depth the origin of Thieves Oil, you can do that for yourselves. You may have heard of it from Young Living's Essential Oils or elsewhere. I will say that I first heard of it from a family friend, who claimed they used it (in a blend, meaning in a carrier oil) by rubbing it on the soles of their feet and putting on socks at bedtime the night before they were expecting to be exposed to germs (like the nursery at church in the winter with all those adorable faces with runny noses, or if a family member they were going to visit had recently been ill). I asked them how many times they'd used it, been exposed to something & then gotten sick. "Never," was her answer. C'mon now, you'd think if you had a family of 5 and you'd been using the stuff for 5 years or so, at least once it wouldn't have prevented illness? Her testimony was enough to convince us to try it, and our experience has been the same. Even when the stomach flu was going around within our family, I (being mom and caretaker) didn't get the virus until I forgot to put Thieves Oil on at bedtime one night; next morning I was sick. Could've been a coincidence, but I had made it almost 2 weeks around the stomach flu germs without getting it, and other experiences have proven that this stuff works for us. Click here to see the recipe I used, as well as the sites I purchased from after doing a lot of comparison shopping.
Puppets with Moveable Mouthpiece
Here are downloadable instructions (including color pictures) and printable patterns that will show you how to make large puppets with moveable mouthpieces- suitable for puppet shows/children's ministries. You only need basic sewing skills & a hot glue gun. A material list is included for ease, along with lots of tips. I was amazed when I made the puppets pictured here ALL by myself. Not too shabby! I made a total of 3 puppets for our church to use, so I added in tips & took lots of pictures as I went along.
If I recall, the total cost to make one puppet was around $20 or less depending on if you have any material (like glue sticks for your hot glue gun) on hand. They're made primarily out of felt, which is very inexpensive.
If I recall, the total cost to make one puppet was around $20 or less depending on if you have any material (like glue sticks for your hot glue gun) on hand. They're made primarily out of felt, which is very inexpensive.