Monday - makin' it baby - Rain sticks......

Rain sticks are a fantastic, easy, low mess craft project for little ones!

This is just how simple it is (and a great way to recycle those paper towel rolls too.

Materials you will need:

• long tubes from gift wrap/paper towel s/cling film etc
• cardboard or paper to decorate
• tape & scissors
• seeds, rice or split peas
• items to decorate, crayons, stickers, paints, pens...

Directions:

1. Measure the paper/card so that it sits slightly below each end of the tube (A4 or A5 sheets usually work well) trim excess so that it is just long enough to wrap around the tube, allowing a 2cm overlap down the length for taping.
2. Next you can get your little designer to start decorating the paper or card which will be wrapped around the tube at the end while you get it ready to fill.
3. Cut out two 4 inch circles out of the paper (trace a cereal bowl for the shape). Put one over the end of the tube, and fold the sides down, and tape around the tube. Make sure it is well taped on and use sturdy paper so that your Rain Stick won't leak!
4. Pour in 1/4 cup of rice and 2 tbsp of seeds (dried peas, popcorn, or lentils) into the tube. Depending on the age of your child - they may enjoy helping with this part too.
5. Tape the other circle over the open end of the tube and tape in place.
6. Now its time to add the decorated paper. Wrap the paper around the tube and tape in place.

There you have it - a fabulous musical instrument that your little angel has made themselves...and the best thing is the sound it creates is that of soothing falling rain!

Monday's makin' it baby!

We thought it might be nice to add a new feature to our blog by taking a moment each Monday to talk about fun things to make and do with your little ones. Everything from party ideas & craft projects to outings & entertainment!

So lets start out with an oldie but a goodie to help with those rainy winter days just around the corner!

POTATO STAMPS!

Many of you may remember many fun filled days involving the wonders of creating a stamp from scratch and painting up a storm! I know i do. Though in my case, the stamps were generally no more than a square, triangle or diamond, cut free hand by my mother. Here is a way to step it up a bit, by using all those mini cookie cutters to create an amazing array of shapes. Simply cut the potato in half and press the cutter into the flat edge. Then use a sharp knife to cut the excess potato away - leaving a raised stamp once the cutter is removed.
So the next time the rain is falling and the kids are in need of distraction - why not give this a go!

Touch of Punk...

Our latest winter outfit has a touch of punk and so we needed a suitably rebellious backdrop for the photos.

After searching round the local area we found the perfect location - a wall covered in graffiti at the end of a quiet street.

In a drive-by photo shoot session we managed to grab some funky shots fitting with the fun style of this set!

At one point the girls even did a 'your busted' hands against the wall pose without direction, which had us in stitches.

This is what it's all about! Having FUN!!!!!

Check out the new skirts http://www.littlekiwisnest.co.nz/product.php?VP=1496

Happy Easter!!!

Easter is here once again, and chocolate overloads are eminent! For those of us who are parents of little angels with allergies to such delights, this time of year can be hard.

Easter craft projects are often a great food free way to celebrate! Making cards, painting eggs, paper bunny ears and finger puppets are just the tip of the iceberg.

There are also a range of refillable plastic eggs available which you can fill with allergy friendly treats, toys, stickers and so on - this way you can still have the great egg hunt without anyone missing out on the fun.

Made it baby has these gorgeous applique t-shirts with an Easter theme as a longer lasting treat!

Happy Easter!

x x x made it baby