About: Toni Kelley
Author's Posts
Very Special Reindeer Food
November 26, 2006 | Leave a Comment
Santa Handprint Tree Ornament
November 26, 2006 | Leave a Comment
Santa Handprint Tree Ornament
The holidays are here and what better way to greet Santa than with his very own ornament on the tree.
Spiderlicious Treat
October 19, 2006 | Leave a Comment
Spiderlicious Treat
By
Toni Kelley
Spooky creatures and things that go bump in the night are all signs that Halloween will soon be here. Shrieks of delight ring through the night as children of all ages enjoy Haunted Houses, hayrides and trick or treating. Mountains of sugary treats are creeping ever closer as moms everywhere tremble with fear. Well here is a great way to have a healthy snack for all those ghoulish gatherings that is sure to be a spooktacular hit.
Ingredients
Peanut Butter
Ritz Crackers
Raisins
Pretzel Styx
Directions
The first step is to gather all the ghosts, witches, goblins and vampires. Next, place all your spooky ingredients on a clean dry surface. Spread some peanut butter on one side of a cracker and then place 3 or 4 pretzel styx in the peanut butter on opposite sides so that they are pointing slightly outward. These are the legs for our edible spider. Next, spread more peanut butter on another cracker and place it on top of the other cracker making sure it is slightly off center. The last step is to give your spider some eyes. Place two raisins in the peanut butter you left open between the two crackers.
There you have it, a fun, healthy, creepy snack perfect for any ghoulish affair.
Happy Halloween!
How to Make a Hawaiian Lei
July 20, 2006 | Leave a Comment
How to Make a Hawaiian Lei
A great idea to beat the summer heat is to throw a tropical Hawaiian themed party. Every guest at your summer time fun fest will need one of these beautiful flowered lei’s. A fun and creative project for everyone young and old.
Supplies
Thick multi-colored construction paper or cardstock
Drinking straws
Yarn
Scissors
Paint, markers, glitter
Directions
The first step in this creative project is to draw out several different size flowers on your choice of paper. With a parents help, cut out each flower making sure to punch a small hole in the center of each one as this is where you will thread the yarn. The next step calls for imagination. Color and decorate your flowers with paint, markers, crayons, glitter, or even glue on some shiny beads. After your flowers are completely decorated put them aside and use the scissors to cut your drinking straws into one and a half inch lengths. One great thing about this craft is each straw section does not have to be perfect. When all your straw pieces are cut and ready, tie a thick knot at the end of a two foot long section of yarn. Thread a small flower onto the yarn pushing it all the way to the knot. Next, thread a section of straw. It’s that easy. Continue threading each flower and straw section until your lei is complete. Finally, tie each end of the yarn together with a nice strong knot.
There you have it an easy, creative and beautiful flowered lei. The perfect colorful addition to bring funky fun and whimsy to any festive summer party in the backyard or at the pool.
Patio Paver Art
July 3, 2006 | Leave a Comment
Patio Paver Art
Summer is here and for most of us the cry of boredom has become an everyday song. How many of you out there have a garage, basement, or shed full of leftover paint? Well, here is a fun, inexpensive way to let our children become involved in making a colorful addition to any garden.
Supplies
Patio Pavers
Paint
Paintbrush
Spray Sealer
Directions
The first step is to find the size, shape, and color of the patio paver you wish to use. Leftover ones work great or you can purchase them for less than a dollar a piece at any home improvement or garden center. With a parents help, gather all the paint colors you have to choose from. Next, clean the blocks with water making sure to get all the dirt off before painting and makes sure to dry them as well. Now comes the fun part, decorate your patio paver with whatever the imagination creates. One idea is to use handprints; using your child’s handprint for this project gives us a lasting memory to cherish and share with them as they get older. Another great idea would be to paint flowers, bugs, stars, sun or moon, or a beautiful and memorable scene. After the paint has dried, preferably over night, have an adult spray the blocks with the sealer. When that has dried over night as well, it is now time to place them for display in a flower or rock garden. Another great idea is to use them for drink coasters depending on the size of the blocks you have chosen. Walkways, patios, or even hang them on the wall. This project also makes a great gift idea.
This project is great for outdoor fun and gives children a chance to let their creativity shine. Everyone will be amazed at all the pretty colors and mom will be happy for a chance to get rid of those extra cans of paint.
Make Your Own Doggie Treats
June 13, 2006 | Leave a Comment
Make Your Own Doggie Treats
A dog is not only man’s best friend, but is also a child’s. They lick their faces, give hugs, and cuddle up with lots of fluffy love. What better way to show your dog how much you love them than with some homemade doggie treats.
Ingredients
2C. Whole Wheat Flour
1C. Oatmeal
1C. Peanut Butter
1 Egg
¼ C. Vegetable Oil
1C. Water
Directions
With a parents help, preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Mix all ingredients together, making sure they are well blended. The dough may be heavy, but that is okay. Sprinkle flour on a flat service, and then roll the dough to about ¾ of an inch thick. Using doggie cookie cutters, or any cookie cutters, cut out shapes and place them on a cookie sheet. Bake the biscuits for 20 minutes, then turn them over and bake for another 20 minutes. After the biscuits are done, turn off the oven but, leave the biscuits in the oven to dry out for about one to two hours.
Another great addition to your homemade dog treats is to personalize your very own dog treat jar. A mason jar, powdered lemonade or tea container, or any plastic or glass container with a lid works great. The imagination can run free. Construction paper, gems, glitter, photos, the possibilities are endless.
This project is also a wonderful idea for holiday gift giving. Children will enjoy the fun, creative way they can express their love for their faithful family friend.
A Rustic Picture Frame for Dad
June 6, 2006 | Leave a Comment
A Rustic Picture Frame for Dad
Father’s Day is June 18th and here is a wonderful idea to show your Dad just how much you love him.
Supplies
12-16 twigs
Twine or string
Glue
Photo
Embellishments
Directions
The first step in this fun project is to pick your favorite photo. It can be of you and dad or even a favorite vacation photograph. After you have collected your twigs, make sure half of them are about 2inches longer than your photo and the other half are about 2 inches wider than your photo. Next, arrange your twigs in the shape of a square frame around your photo making sure they extend outward about an inch in each direction. Now, using your twine or string, tie the twigs together making an “X” shape at each corner to create the frame. The next step is to glue your photo to the frame. After you are finished, remember to glue a piece of twine or string at the top in the shape of a loop so the picture can be hung.
Other ways to personalize your frame are to use embellishments such as foam shapes, buttons, pennies, gems, or even glitter. Whatever you choose, your gift will be extra special. This project is easy to do and doesn’t cost a thing. Imagination is the sole key and Dad will love the fact that it was made with your own two hands.
A Patriotic Necklace
May 19, 2006 | Leave a Comment
A Patriotic Necklace
Memorial Day will soon be here, and what better way to show your patriotism than a star necklace with a penny in the middle.
Supplies
Red, White, and Blue construction paper
Penny
Glue
Scissors
Hole punch
Yarn
Directions
Start by cutting out three stars. Making sure to make one big, then the next smaller, and the last one even smaller so they can stack on top of each other while still displaying the patriotic colors. Using your glue, secure the stars together. Allow a little time to dry. After your star is completely dry, glue your penny, Lincoln head up in the middle of your stars. Using your hole punch, make a hole at the top of one point, making sure not to make it so close to the edge that the stars rip or tear. String your yarn or ribbon through the hole and tie at the end.
There you have it, a fun, creative way to display our flags colors and show our patriotism.
A Necklace for Mom
April 29, 2006 | Leave a Comment
A Necklace for Mom
Mother’s Day is fast approaching, and what a wonderful way to let her know how much you love and appreciate her then with a beautiful handmade necklace created by you.
Supplies
Yarn or Ribbon
Tubular shaped uncooked macaroni
Scissors
Optional (for colored macaroni, use rubbing alcohol, food coloring, plastic baggies, and paper towel)
Beads or Gems (optional)
Directions
If you wish to color your macaroni, first get a parent to help you. Then, mix 2-3 tablespoons of the rubbing alcohol with a few drops of the food coloring in a plastic baggie. Use separate baggies for each color. Drop your macaroni inside; making sure the color mixture fully saturates the macaroni. After coloring is complete, place macaroni on paper towel, and allow it to dry.
The next step is to cut a piece of yarn or ribbon into enough length to make a necklace. Next, wrap some clear tape around the end to make it easier to string the macaroni or beads. Use your imagination to create different color, bead, or sizing patterns. After you have strung your macaroni or beads, make sure to leave enough room to tie it together at the end. Voila! There you have a beautiful necklace made by you just for mom.
This project has many creative possibilities. You can even color a picture, or use your photo and glue it to a piece of construction paper to personalize your necklace. Another great idea is to decorate and create a nice gift bag out of a paper lunch sack or a gift box out of a shoe box, cereal box etc. The possibilities are endless, and the memories will last a lifetime.
The Scent of Serenity
April 10, 2006 | Leave a Comment
The Scent of Serenity
Do you remember the old saying “An apple a day keeps the doctor away?” In keeping with that same idea, I believe “A candle a day keeps stress at bay.”
Have you ever noticed that certain smells make you feel a certain way? The smell of roses makes you smile, the smell of popcorn makes you hungry, and cookies baking in the oven make us think of home.
In our busy daily lives, there doesn’t seem to be enough time for us to stop and smell the roses. However, aromatherapy is one of the quickest, most popular, and inexpensive ways to give ourselves a well needed boost, or break.
Certain smells or scents help us to store and recall memories, as well as process our emotions and reactions. Stress, is one of the most harmful strains on the body, and one of the most ignored. Using this simple and quick method can help in our fight to live a long and healthy life. The negative effects of stress on our bodies can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease (which is the number one disease in women), and osteoporosis.
Here is a list of popular scents, and what they are used for.
Relaxation: chamomile, lavender, and jasmine
Energy: peppermint, juniper, and lemon
Focus: basil, and rosemary
The research into aromatherapy has greatly increased with its growing popularity. There are many books and websites filled with information to help get you on the proper path according to your specific needs.
So, just remember, as mother’s we tend to carry the weight of the world on our shoulders, and that can take its toll on our minds and our bodies. Light a candle, or use essential oils to calm your mood and restore your focus for another busy day. You may find it’s just what you need to melt the stress away.